Someone Wake Me Up – Joe McElderry

Upbeat but bland pop. It’s on the new Narnia movie soundtrack and so was never going to be too innovative though this is so by-numbers it’s untrue.

Niton – Eric Prydz

Less Balearic than previous offering Pjanoo, this slab of house is meh. Though it would no doubt improve the Narnia soundtrack no end.

Revolver – Warehouse Republic

Reminiscent of Stereophonics. Not quite catchy enough to be a hit but this debut should attract yet more buzz to them.

No Tinsel On The Town Hall – Last Night’s TV

Indie-folk featuring glockenspiel and stunning harmonies. It’s the best Christmas single for many a year and proceeds go to the Samaritans. If you remotely like Belle And Sebastian and/or helping people, then go buy it on them there iTunes.

Better Than Today – Kylie Minogue

Sounds in parts like a forgotten Seventies classic. In other parts, she does some sub-Vogue talking. To be honest, it doesn’t really work.

Time of My Life– Patrick Wolf

80s indietronica interspersed with a string section. It has hints of Tears For Fears and James. This is a good thing.

Me– Katalina Kicks

Angular angry guitar-based rock. Like The Strokes? Just emerging from a relationship with an ego-maniac? This is for you….

Punching In A Dream – The Naked And Famous

The Kiwi answer to Arcade Fire but with a female vocalist. Stupendous.

Some Kind Of Nothingness – Manic Street Preachers ft. Ian McCullouch

Bit of a Britpop wet dream, combining the Manics with the lead singer of Echo and the Bunnymen. Maybe not as mind-numbingly brilliant as expected but solid.

Night is Young – Nelly Furtado

So, funky house is in at casa Furtado. It’s hardly distinctive and, when she does dance, she needs a far more interesting beat behind her than this.

P