Parquet courts

Around this time in 2012, I came up with 40 records, released between January and June, that I liked enough to include in a six-month Best-Of list. Either I’m being more diligent, or less discerning, or else 2013 is shaping up to be a better year: as you can see, I’ve managed 67 here.

The new issue of Uncut, out today (May 23), features Bruce Springsteen, John Fogerty, Rodriguez and George Clinton.

Plenty to listen to here again this week, and less dubious content than there was in the 11th playlist. One off-the-scale stinker, though…

The Men have unveiled their first ever music video for the track 'I Saw Her Face' – watch it below.

Five more acts have been confirmed for the Uncut Stage at this year's Great Escape festival. Lord Huron, Mikal Cronin, Woods [pictured], The Strypes, White Fence will be playing the Uncut Stage - along with the Allah-las and Phosphorescent, who have already been confirmed.

Happy new year, everybody. Bit of a tentative start to 2013, though the new issue with Gram Parsons on the cover has just arrived in UK shops. A plug, too, for the next Uncut Ultimate Music Guide, dedicated to The Beatles, which I think is out January 17.

As a knock-on effect of posting my Best Albums Of 2012 list every day this week, the office playlist is about double its normal length, as you’ll see.