For anyone who dug into this year's music scene as profoundly and rigorously as we have, it is obvious to say that it was a year filled with glee, surprise, and deception. Gathering these artists and completing this list was a hell of a task, but here it is, and I believe I have rendered justice to those who deserve it, and a slap in the face to those who need one. Regardless, if any of these artists have made it on here it is because they have at least once offered us something worth a listen, so check out any foreign names. 

Artist of the year: Flying Lotus 

Now I understand how this may seem like a questionable pick seeing as how Fly Lo released Lovers Melt 2 under his own name and that's about it, but many fans fail to see the amount of fine work he has created behind the scenes. This year, he helped spawn Thundercat who is listed as my breakthrough of the year, giving us an explosive record, as well as produce Blu's DOINNOTHIN' which is my song of the year. 

Album of the year: Mr. Oizo - Stade 2

I absolutely adored Oizo's Stade 2. As eagerly promised, Oizo grew and expanded while keeping his personal sound, making for an eclectic and spontaneous record. 

Song of the year: BLU - DOINNOTHIN' FT. UGOD 

Although only released this past October, this track has been on everyone's tongue. The production, the texts and its look are what make for Song of the Year. Definitely check out Blu if you enjoy this track, as well as his album featuring Exile, "Give me Flowers while I can smell them."

Breakthrough artist of the year: Thundercat

It isn't a secret - I'm a huuuge fan of Thundercat's, and with reason. Signed to Brainfeeder records, this album explores everything from jazz, bass roots, high-pitched vocals, as well as the Crème de la Crème beats courtesy of Flying Lotus.

Music video of the year: Tyler the Creator - Yonkers

There is very little to explain here: The video looks amazing and everyone talked and still is talking about it. Tyler has made a hell of a name for himself, as well as an image. 

Comeback of the year: Bjork - Biophilia

Any fan of Bjork's can agree that they were overjoyed upon hearing the newly released "Biophilia". Bjork explores sounds and textures far more strange than anything heard before, whilst being as angelic as ever. 

Performance of the year: Portishead

YES! YES! YES! After a 10 year+ wait, Portishead fans jubiliated as they watched their Gods play for them this past October, being one of the greatest live performances I have ever seen. Ever.

Letdown of the year: The Streets - Computers and Blues & Justice - Audio, Video, Disco

Sadly I've got two picks for this category, both meritting it as much as the other. First off, The Streets - Ugggh. Shit rhymes, plastic beats, and a lack of originality really does create an animosity towards an artist and their work, which is what happened with Computers and Blues. Next up is Justice. If you're seeking over-produced, arena rock, you'll absolutely enjoy this record, but if your one of those fans that have been with Justice since Cross, you'll want to pull your hair out. So sad, so, so sad.

Remix of the year: Radiohead - TKOL REMIXES

The features. The features are what make this remix record so amazing. Touching base with so many artists from so many genres, such as Caribou, Jaques Greene, and Nathan Fake create a record that is ideal for a lengthy bus ride, or any party, keeping it versatile and pure to all Radiohead fans. 

Memorable moment of the year: Arcade Fire's Homecoming

This past September, Arcade Fire ended their World Tour by coming home to Montreal and wow-ing the +75,000 fans bombarding the Cartier-des-spectacles. Being one of the best outdoor shows I've ever seen, it was fully emotional, touching, while keeping it musical and entertaining.