As the world’s big sleep entered its second year, Lana Del Rey turned away from social media and gave us not just one, but two albums: Chemtrails Over the Country Club and Blue Banisters.

The latter blends her most candid song-writing to date with unreleased fan favourites, some co-written with old flame Barrie-James. Lana also joined him on ‘Riverside,’ the closing track from his latest album, Strange Desire.

The storytellers who preceded Barrie and Lana – from Lee Hazelwood to Bobbie Gentry – can be heard on Choctaw Ridge – New Fables of The American South 1968-1973, compiled for Ace Records by St. Etienne’s Bob Stanley.

Covers albums are in vogue, and with Instead of Dreaming, Marissa Nadler offered gorgeous takes on popular classics like Santos & Johnny’s ‘Sleep Walk‘ and Metallica’s ‘Nothing Else Matters.’

In October, Madonna’s long-awaited Madame X concert film rocked the small screen …

This year’s music books included biographies of Maria Callas and Nico; a memoir by Rickie Lee Jones; and ten years after she left us, a slew of tributes to Amy Winehouse.

Legendary drummer Charlie Watts – arguably the coolest Rolling Stone – passed away in July.

And so for now, I’ll leave you on a rousing note with Brixton’s finest – Alabama 3 – and the barnstorming ‘Yolanda,’ from Step 13…