Nick Cave is the closest thing I know to Jesus or whatever religious figure anyone fancies. Everything Nick Cave touches turns to gold. When he announced a few weeks ago that he will play all alone at Alexandra Place I knew this will be special; very special. This is an audio outtake of this memorable performance that made me forget everything else and appreciate life all over again

Yes, this is the singer of Franz Ferdinand and his name is Alex Kapranos. His partner in crime is French songstress Carla Luciani. You heard this song before? Yes, correct. This is a slighly altered version of Nancy Sinatras hit single Summer Wine. Just delightful. Two great voices make this a worthwhile attempt.

There is only one Donny Benét. This is the reason why you shouldn’t be afraid of going bold…THe man from down under is coolness on legs and one of the best song writers and bass players I know. Mr. Experience is pure gold. Listen to it at least 20 times and I guarantee you that you will listen to it for the rest of your life.

Never heard of MUZZ? Well you should. This is what people call a super group. There is Paul Banks from Interpol, Matt Barrick from The Walkmen and Josh Kaufman from Bonny Light Horseman. They just released their first album and it’s a winner. How Many Days is only one of many gems on the record.

This is for all the people that loved The Office and like went against the grain and not telling everybody that the original British version was so much better. The American “The Office” was one of the best sitcoms of all times and Jim and Dwight one of the most complex relationships ever on TV – so thank you Tom Rosenthal for this incredible moving song. Just perfect.

Khruangbin is always in danger of going to the dark side; meaning being just easy listening. So far they have managed to be much more than easy listening. “So we won’t forget” is the perfect example for this perfect balance. Wnat’s not to love. The sweetest guitar ever.

Slow Pulp is one of these bands…not very original but still pretty damn good. A lot of 90s vibe, indie pop meets guitar noise with a hook. This is exactly what I want right now. Simple song writing, 3 chords, a bit distortion and harmonies.

Michael Stipe is of course the master mind behind one of the greatest bands of all time, R.E.M. He is still “The Man” hand his latest offering “No Time To Love Like Now” couldn’t be more special. It’s the perfect sog for a weird time. Aaron Dessner from The National is helping out. This heavenly combination results in one of the most beautiful songs of the year.

Idles are one of these rare instances where Rock is still Rock and the UK still dark and real. Hymn is one of their quieter offerings. What a song:

There are lots of new synths bands around at the moment. Human League meets OMD meets New Order. Nation of Language from good old Brooklyn (where else?) are one of the best. They do it with ease. September again is one a great und, don’t you think? And by the way. The vocals remind me al lot of Mat Berninger of The National.