Who the fuck cares what you're listening to? Right?

Well, possibly. Quite probably.

I've heard it said that providing the latest in your listening, reading, viewing pleasures is akin to blog suicide...

If you feel this way, then best toddle off. Right. Now.

Because this is one of those posts.

To those who have stayed, let me begin by saying that 2004 was, for music lovers everywhere, a big steaming pile of shite. (When I say for music lovers everywhere, I mean specifically for me, 2004 was a big pile of steaming shite).

With a few rare and notable exceptions (oh - who? The Arcade Fire, The Junior Boys, Sufjan Stevens), the past year has been a decidely flaccid affair in terms of sumptuous and scintillating musical specimens. Sadly.

Lacking.

The good news - the fantastically heartening and exciting news - is that 2005 is already shaping up to be a killer. Releases in the last month alone are almost enough to assuage the ennui brought on by the boredom of the past 12 months.

Let me get a bit more specific for you. Here are some discs that deserve your attention:

Doves - Some Cities. Beautiful, soaring arrangements. Think The Verve crossed with Coldplay. Then think: much, much better.

Thievery Corporation - The Cosmic Game. Mr Harza and Mr Hilton have done it again. Another album of delectable beats. Dub meets jazz meets lounge meets pop. Sophisticated and schnazzy in all the right places.