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So yeah, musical moments always stand out for me. I rarely get as excited about anything else (even books, I'll admit). Music has that spark that induces euphoria and imbues me with this unique feeling that is almost indescribable. It just... wows me. I know its laconic, but fuck it; I love music and now I'm going to tell you all about three of my favourite tracks this year.

Why three?

Because I can.

1. Lana Del Rey - Blue Velvet

After releasing Born To Die I was really hoping that Lana had more up her sleeve. She released an album of pretty solid material but somewhat... diluted. I guess her melancholic and dramatic style had been pushed to the boundaries. If there was anything I was wondering it was 'What next?'. The answer was Paradise - the follow up EP, which I've had on repeat since its release. This release doesn't sound like Video Games peetered out to 15 tracks or so; it actually really sums up her style. The strings, the voice, the pouty moments. Even better was Blue Velvet, a cover originally recorded by The Clovers and inspired by David Lynch's 80's film of the same name. If there was any song she was going to cover, I never expected this. Its a homage to her tastes but also showcases her dazzling range. She can actually sing; she has a vibratto, she has this way of saying things in such a world-weary style that it doesn't feel nihilistic or stupid; it just sounds like one woman lamenting on beauty.

2. Crystal Castles - Insulin

So yeah, this track gets sort of... violent? Crystal Castles are one of my favourite bands because they've evolved with each record. With III though they scrapped all the computers and went completely analogue. Recording everything in one take because "the first take is the rawest expression of an idea", they managed to spew a frightening sonic delivery that triumphs, for once, due to Alice's transgressive and political lyrics. In Insulin its the chorus of 'Bruise my embryo / lay them down lay them down in rows' that really gets me. Alice's vocals, hidden behind the manic backing track, sound like a girlish whimper whilst bombs are plummeting down from the sky like rain surrounded by screaming and explosions. Fucking amazing.

3. TRUST - Candy Walls

The first guy and last guyy on the list is one of my favourite music artists who also happens to be a fucking gorgeous bloke. Robert Alfons formed TRUST with Maya Postepski (Austra) and released their debut album TRST on Arts & Crafts this year. I really understand what they said by "Trust is not just a side project" (and I'm thankful for that) because whilst Austra use those icy synths under Stelmanis' angelic opera vocals, TRUST has this grimy feel. That club sleaze that isn't tacky but tangible, that you want to be part of and don't feel disgusted by. Also, Alfons' vocal delivery with THAT baritone is just orgasmic. PREPARE YOUR BODIES.