It's that time of year again... by Alan Moore [evil:cat]

...When we all compile our best of lists. Here's mine, but with a difference.

Here's mine:

INTRO SECTION

Break of Dawn by Mojib
A great opener from this UNKLE-obsessed producer. Like waking up to a sunny day.

Deep In Mist by Susumu Yokota & Rothko
Fractured beat, amazing vocals and thunderous yet smooth bass work. A great collaboration, which also features (an uncredited) Caroline Ross.

THE HIP HOP SECTION

The Love Song by k-os
Let's start off with what has to be the best song of the year, full stop. Never mind genres. Hip Hop beats, lush strings, a catchy lead line and some stellar rapping/singing from the man. Altogether now: 'This is not a love song, it's a sonnet'... All joined with some conscious lyrics that don't feel like a lecture, and a great chorus.

The Bay by Lyrics Born
His new album might have just been an EP and a bunch of remixes shoved together, but that doesn't stop LB from turning it on. The intro alone is genius.

Everything Changes by Z-Trip
A great mid-90s sounding piece of downbeat HipHop. If you liked the female tracks on Aim's debut, or the track with Roisin and J-Live on the first Handsome Boy album, this is for you.

The Falling by Roots Manuva
When was the last time you heard a church organ on a rap song? Along with Rodney's flow, it's good to hear him doing some music of his own (he's like the British Busta Rhymes for guest spots these days). Here he takes on the whole culture of Bling and Gangsta. And it's a good tune, too.

Vats Of Urine by Dangerdoom
Time for some comedy. MF Doom and Dangermouse make the best concept album since Dr Octagon, but without the 15 mins of filler at the end. The title of the songs says it all, really.

THE 'PROPER SONGS' SECTION

For Lenny's Own Pleasure by Joy Zipper
They've been doing this thing for six years - mixing Lou Reed lyrics with Beach Boys delivery. This one's bitter and beautiful.

Dare by Gorillaz
Like you don't know this one. A superbly arseholed sounding Shaun Ryder on a track which is throroughly evil. It just worms it's way into your head and won't leave. Hence it being in this list. Good to hear the Gorillaz finally fulfilling the promise of their (pre-album) early EPs.

The Road Leads Where It's Lead by the Secret Machines
Motorik beats. Great chorus ("Blowing all the other kids away'). And trimmed for the new EP so there's no flab.

Spitfire by The Prodigy
Didn't rate their last album, but this remixed version of one of it's tracks rocks heavily, and feels like they made some progression since '98. And it fite here perfectly.

Time Is My Everything (Them Lads Remix) by Ian Brown
King Monkey proves he's still got it. A good one to slow the pace down with.

THE INSTRUMENTAL SECTION

Rissetsu by Toshinori Kondo
You probably know him from his collaboration with DJ Krush a few years back. Or maybe his stuff with Bill Laswell. Regardless, Kondo is a highly-regarded trumpeter who specialises in doing interesting electronic things with them. This latest album consists of solo performances, with no overdubs. This is probably the most friendly to your ears and creates a real mood.

There Is Some X Such That X Loves by Del Ray
Coming on like Godspeed You Black Emperor when they were good, or something off Mogwai's second LP. An orchestra of guitars and drums that could go on for 45 minutes and not get tired.

I, Partisan by Broadway Project
Bringing it down. Dan Berridge has made it from sampling Alice Coltrane records like a jazz-friendly DJ Shadow to having his music played by a hot young jazz band, all the time keeping the beats prominent. This is no swing record. Moddy, elegant and exciting.

Lucas Smile by As One
Kirk Degiorgio keeps churning them out. And they are so often this beautiful and touching. Light as a summer breeze, warm as an Aga on fire and great to chill to.

OUTRO

In A State / God Moving Over The Face Of The Waters by UNKLE vs Moby
Take the vox from Lavelle's favourite song and the end theme from Heat, slap in some movie samples, and out comes this genius mashup. A great way to end the mix....

CODA

The Ballad Of Day Kitty by Lou Barlow
.. but I had to add something! My cat loves this song. It's folk music at it's most pure, even if it doesn't sound like it.