Issue 84 PDF

This is our final issue of 2021 and we've picked out the best releases of the last 12 months for your delectation and delight. Our cover star is LoneLady, the first artist to ever have two records in our Top Five Albums Of The Year. 

We have reviewed 900 albums over the course of this year and deciding on our favourites has involved endless days of list scribbling, head scratching and pencil chewing. There have been some outstanding releases in 2021 and it will be interesting to see if you agree with our final choices. As well as speaking to LoneLady about her remarkable 'Former Things' album and her collaboration with Stephen Mallinder and Benge, our Review Of The Year also includes interviews with Chris Carter, Kevin Richard Martin and Ian Boddy, three of our other 2021 winners.

Alongside our annual round-up, we talk with Jon Hopkins, Nightmares On Wax, Coldcut and Mira Calix about their latest releases and take a peek behind the scenes of Delia Derbyshire Day. Killing Joker turned killer producer Youth remembers the making of Blue Pearl's 'Naked In The Rain', his first hit, while Global Communication's Tom Middleton discloses his influences. We have a very special Time Machine piece this month too, with our back page columnist Fat Roland revving up the engine for a festive trip. And this certainly is a trip!