ALBUMS OF 2012

So, whilst I've spent the past two weeks or more blogging about a different artists I think you should listen to and support, I thought I ought to mention the albums I have had on repeat all year.

Without further ado...

1. Lianne La Havas - Is Your Love Big Enough

2. The XX - Coexist

3. Alabama Shakes - Boys & Girls

4. Alt J - An Awesome Wave

5. Lucy Rose - Like I Used To

6. Bat For Lashes - The Haunted Man

7. The Civil Wars - Barton Hollow

8. Ellie Goulding - Halcyon

9. Ben Howard - Every Kingdom

10. The Staves - Dead & Born & Grown

11. Of Monsters & Men - My Head Is An Animal

12. Michael Kiwanuka - Home Again

And the reasons... apart from being my earworms of the year and possibly, going into next year too, all of the above have assisted me in laughter, joy, happiness and sometimes sorrow. It's been an amazing year none the less and without music, I'd be hollow.

Without the above, this year may not have been so ruddy good either. So for that, here's my special thanks... To the above whom I've been so lucky to have met along the way.

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Lianne oh Lianne. The lovely Lianne. Having supported her for more than a year now, it's safe to say this album couldn't come quick enough for me. La Havas' live sets are something of a must. Displaying beauty, confidence and talents way beyond her years. Simply sublime, she was a clear one to watch towards the back of last year and it's been every delight watching Lianne in 2012.

In the past year, Lianne has released her debut album, graced many stages with her soulful, jazzy vibes and exceptional vocal ability and been nominated for a Q Award.

Along with Rizzle Kicks, donning wildlife attire I stood side of stage for her packed out Bestival set. As if that wasn't enough, I got to chat with Lianne, a few hugs and kisses later and I was walking off with a grin from ear to ear and a signed vinyl in tow.

Since, Lianne has gone on to receive a Barclaycard Mercury Prize, MOBO nomination, landed her US TV Debut on the Late Late Show and played alongside Alicia Keys at The Roundhouse for the iTunes Festival.

Thanks to Lianne, for allowing me to review her show back in May, sort of the reason this thing is where it is today.

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Lucy Rose. The humble red head who likes tea and Harley Davidsons but doesn't like Tango.
The exceptionally talented singer/songwriter from Warwickshire who previously lent her vocal talents to Bombay Bicyle Club and toured with the likes of Noah and The Whale.

2012 has been quite the year for the young artist, I feel I know, having seen her captivate Green Man, Bestival and Rough Trade for her debut album launch of 'Like I Used To'. Lucy's headline tour last month proved a sell out and she's just returned from a trip to Hong Kong & China. Not bad for a girl who recorded her debut record in the comfort of her parents house.

She loves milk, judging by her video, is part of the Hells Angels and told me recently, she's pretty addicted to steaming and hot drinks including a weird chinese medicine I don't know how to say.
Nin-Jiom-Pei-Pa-Koa. A DaisyDigital exclusive for you there.

Special thanks to Lucy for being so lovely and for the beer at Bestival, not to mention, the signed album and exclusive interview back in September.

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And finally, I guess the biggest thanks go to the lovely trio and Daisy Digital favourites, The Staves.
For putting up with me reviewing so many shows in the past year, playing a song for me at Green Man, sharing a whisky or two and lastly, for always being so god damn lovely and friendly.

Again, a talent I've watched grow for the past year. It seems I've been banging on about them for way too long before the album however, it's definitely worth the wait. Ending the year at their sold out show for their sold out headline tour was pretty damn special but tipped to the post by their sensational rendition of Re:Stacks at Wembley Arena, supporting Bon Iver. That small place they played. Did I mention it!

It's amazing reflecting back on the year they've had and I've written it too many times before so I won't elaborate but from 3 shy girls stood in a tiny lounge like venue in Liverpool way back in April to Wembley. Freaking Wembley and then ending the year with a sell out tour.
Ridiculous.

I'll drink some Balvenie to that.

And before I forget, a special mention to the wonderful Joy Williams & John Paul White who I had the extreme pleasure of reviewing and attending two live gigs this year. It was one of the biggest shocks to hear of their split but I have no doubt they'll be back and for that, I can't wait. Keep making the music.

So that seems all for now. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Here's to 2013 and the follow up albums. Merry Christmas you lovely lot.

x