SHELL HUNTER'S Best of 2011

It wasn't easy whittling down my extensive list of favourites to five but here they are. 2011 has been a real musical extravaganza! I'm not saying that this year has better music than any other year but for me, it saw me going to a record breaking 12 live concerts and of course becoming a contributor to Tune Doctor. I hear things differently, I don't write them off as quickly as I used to and I love to discover new genres and styles. Basically if it floats my boat, I'm happy! Bring on 2012!

'Blind Faith ft. Liam Bailey' - Chase and Status

My very first favourite song of the year and it still does it for me. My dubstep education began here and Blind Faith showed me it doesn't have to be angry and fast all the time. It can be cool, slow and dreamy. Seeing them at this year's iTunes festival was an experience to say the least. I don't think my heart beat has been the same since.

'Lesson No.7' - Clock Opera
This builds layer upon layer of sound until it reaches a chaotic and claustrophobic climax. Clock Opera are definitely a group to keep a very close eye on. Their eclectic style means they can't be categorised but in a good way and each song I've heard has the makings of an epic.

'Beautiful People' - Chris Brown ft. Benny Benassi
Symbolic of good times with good friends this year. Gives me goosebumps every time I hear it without fail and it makes me want to dust off my dancing shoes.

'Sail' - Awolnation
Proof that re-releasing is worth it. I missed this first time around and am so glad I got that second chance. The base came out of nowhere and smacked me in the face. Great backing that sounds like an eerie sea-shanty and I love the cool hectic drumming with a sprinkling of the ivories to top it all off.

'Before The Bridge' - Future Islands
My band of the year. If a song can inspire me enough to get the band's whole back catalogue, they must be that good. Think 80's synth, Joy Division/New Order style guitar, fantastically unique voice and steel drums. Done and dusted.

A special thanks goes to SFW, Flycasual, Old Pa and our Guest Spot contributors for getting me into music that I may never have otherwise heard. Cheers!