Guardian Music — If they ever did a dubstep week on The X Factor, Youngman could be a guest mentorHometown: Derby.The lineup: Simon Smith (vocals).The background: Simon "Youngman" Smith has the melismatic vocals and politely charismatic presence of a future star, and... more info

Guardian Music — Our music writers are currently picking their albums of the year. What would yours be?December is nearly upon us, bringing the inevitable blizzard of best-album-of-the-year lists. The Guardian will of course be participating; as you read this, an arm... more info

Altsounds — Having enjoyed a rollercoaster year since the release of his highly acclaimed debut album in February, James Blake has been ceaselessly touring the globe picking up waves of new fans as he goes. This Friday he's bringing the show back to the UK wit... more info

411 Mania — This week's MBML has news on Busdriver, Radiohead, and James Blake. Also, I've got an exclusive interview with Los Campesinos!, discussing their new album. And of course, I've got new recommended listening picks. All this and more! more info

Stereogum — James Blake has a new EP called Love What Happened Here arriving next month. Last week, we posted his track “Curbside.” And below, we’ve got another one, a relatively restrained beat-driven instrumental called “At Birth.” Listen to a radio ... more info

Totally Fuzzy — Oliver Tank. Twenty-one years old, Australian, mop-headed. Musician. The adjectives can keep coming, but all of them lead Oliver Tank to be unassuming of so much talent. He's been compared to Bon Iver, James Blake, Boards of Canada and Mount Kim... more info

Nialler9 — I've been letting this minimal song crawl around my dome, soundtrack my calm moments and seep into my general existence in the last few days. It's got a organic tributary quality that keeps me coming back, like a handful of experimental ideas elega... more info

Stereogum — James Blake has already released one album and one EP this year, and now he’s planning to squeeze in one more EP before 2011 ends. The new three-track offering Love What Happened Here is expected to arrive in late December. Below, check out “Curb... more info

Brooklyn Vegan — The New Yorker's Alex Ross asked Bjork what her favorite albums are. Her choices include Nico's 1970 album "Desertshore", Aphex Twin's 2005 album "Drukqs", Kate Bush's 1982 album "The Dreaming", and James Blake's 2011 album "James Blake". On her... more info

Guardian Music — The Big Pink Stay Gold (4AD) Like most of The Big Pink's output, this sounds like it was written at the end of a two-day bender as a desperate plea for a duvet, a cuppa and someone to cuddle. Yet there's something infinitely hopeful about this stadiu... more info