Björk - Vulnicura

It was going to take something special to get me to review an entire album, but Vulnicura is the best thing I’ve heard all year. Created in the midst of her breakup with long-term partner Matthew Barney, the result is at times harrowing to hear; but as a result, this Björk’s most personal work for ages, in addition to the usual sonic brilliance.

Bloc Party - "Banquet"/"Staying Fat" (2004)

A true anthem of the previous decade, “Banquet” could be described as the Bloc Party tune. While their other songs from this era might stand out for lyrical quirks and emotional insight, this song has the band’s most recognisable guitar riff. The gripping drum intro and Paul Epworth’s electronica-tinged production are really distinctive features on Silent Alarm, while Kele resembles a young Robert Smith as he laments girl problems. Here's the original video (there was a glitzier one for the 2005 re-release).

Blur - "Lonesome Street"

Yes, I’m reviewing a single without any B-sides, but this is 2015. Even stranger is that Liam Gallagher, in between verbally barracking his brother, names a Blur tune as ‘song of the year’, though you suspect some proper Britpop might be right up his alley.

Joy Division - "Transmission" (1979)

Now this is some proper dreariness. It’s been said that the atmosphere of Joy Division gave rise to early goth rock and on “Transmission”, as you’re drawn in by Ian Curtis’ unsettling baritone delivery and a devilish bassline from Peter Hook, you can’t help but feel that this song is nothing if not dark and desolate.

The Chameleons - "In Shreds" (1982)

While not dealing in gloom and despair to the same extent as some of their peers in the early ‘80s, there’s a fair bit of anguish to be found on this early single from The Chameleons. While the trademark dreamy guitars have a part to play, “In Shreds” is won over by some raw punk energy and angsty lyrics from the brilliant Mark Burgess.

2Pac - "So Many Tears" (1995)

As I suspected when I decided to start focusing on B-sides, the blog was becoming a bit “indie”-orientated. But what better way to break that up than with a bit of ‘Pac?