Essential 2011

Essential viewing this year:
1. The Tree of Life
Only the fifth movie in a career stretching across four decades, this picture by director Terrence Malick was perhaps bound to be an event no matter the outcome. But the result is without question the most powerful and emotional piece of filmmaking you will see this year. It is certainly an acquired taste, but patience goes a long way and in the end the reward is heartbreakingly satisfying. The art of cinema does not get more true than this.

2. Biutiful
Another powerful picture with one of the years best on-camera performances. Javier Bardem delivers what will stand as another milestone in his already overwhelming career, in Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu's fascinating and disturbing voyage into the human soul.

3. Drive
The critics favourite picture of the year. Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn has created one of the years most original and memorable films, with a superbly played down performance from Ryan Gosling. This movie also features one of the finest soundtracks of 2011. In a word: cool.

4. The Trip
Overlooked by far too many according to this writer. Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon play themselves brilliantly in this wonderful and hilarious road trip gem. A change of pace for director Michael Winterbottom, with a surprisingly strong emotional punch at the end. A guaranteed cult classic.

5. Midnight in Paris
Perhaps not quite worthy a top five position, but for a Woody Allen fan this was one of the most pleasant surprises of the year. The 76 year old director is on great form and delivers his best picture in ages. A subtle turn from Owen Wilson fits Allen's formula perfectly and the result is funny, curious and simply magical.

Top three runners up: 127 Hours - Win Win - Buck

Essential listening this year:
1. Beirut - The Rip Tide
The fourth album from Zach Condon's band is perhaps their most accesible yet, but who says that's a bad thing when it is as beautiful as this. With a modest nine tracks this album is an absolute joy from start to finish. Stylish, poetic, quiet and simply magnificent.

2. The Vaccines - What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?
A delightful kick in the teeth with the necessary tounge-in-cheek attitude that has been missing from every other British band the past five years. Short, sweet and fun as hell.

3. Bon Iver – Bon Iver
The self titled second album from Justin Vernon's company is such a rarity as a superior follow-up. An album that was born to stir the heart and seems relentless in doing so despite the endless number of plays it is exposed to.

4. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart – Belong
The band that knocked this writer to his knees with their 2009 debut returned with another impressive record this year. It does not have the same initial impact as its predecessor, but this is as refreshing and harmonic as any good indie album can be expected to be.

5. The Horrible Crowes – Elsie
A side project from The Gaslight Anthem frontman Brian Fallon and guitar tech Ian Perkins that turned out to be a fully fledged rock album. It does not stray too far away from their original sound, but the Crowes seem to be in possession of a touch more blues and soul than the Gaslight. A genuine American rock record with a clear tip of the hat to the likes of Springsteen and Petty.

Top three runners up: The Decemberists: The King is Dead - Kitchie Kitchie Ki Me O - Explosions in the Sky: Take Care, Take Care, Take Care

Things to die for in the new year?
Viewing: The Dark Knight Rises, The Master, Trance
Listening: The new Springsteen album. That's it.
Roll on 2012!