The Hibernation List.

This is hibernation season, otherwise known as Winter. The time when you realise the importance of tog ratings, and/or a secure weave. Yes, it's cold out there. Your lips are probably flaking, and mother nature is unrelenting in her quest to force your entire body into submission with those powerful gusts. When you're up against the wind, shedding uncontrollable tears on the way to an optional outing, thoughts are - is it worth it? I promise you, it's not. Better to stay home. The only turn up you should be worrying about is the dial on your electric blanket. Perhaps the volume on these tracks too:

People dig The Temperance Movement. They are just too damn funky, and I guarantee you someone somewhere wearing pleather pants has ridden a mechanical bull to this track, "Battle Lines". It's blues rock, it's sure to get you internally lit.

Kid Cudi ("Alive" Ft. Ratatat) J. Cole ("A Tale Of 2 Citiez") and T.I. "What You Know" maintain these ~feels~, conveniently the title of Kiiara's inclusion that carries an airy Trap element to it. "In Your Clouds" by MNEK is a smooth addition. It's good to hear variation from him, as we know the guy can destroy if he chooses to opt for a high-pitch. Onwards, aural breezes are better than literal ones this time of year, so enjoy the floaty, peaceful sounds of Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson in "Winter Song", along with KING's "Supernatural". The latter are mainly self-produced (respect), and seem to have a roster of tracks that are ideal with soup. Yep.

Sounds like: Soup for the soul
Skanks like: You have no central heating
For: Winter

The Skit List.

I love a good skit. Conceptual skits that add to the flavour of what the artist is trying to deliver in the totality of an album. Even if that is just catching a few lolz from voicemail recordings ("Just A Rascal", Dizzee Rascal). Nevertheless, skits have multiple functions. Some are transition pieces, like the fictional fraternity Broke Phi Broke in "Skit #4" (Kanye West). Others are integral to the album's whole, like Tyler The Creator's "Goblin", and The Streets' "Get Out Of My House".

Folks consider Eminem the G.O.A.T. on the skit front, but these are up there, all with funny undertones. You'll catch Kanye (again), but this time enlisting the help of Chris Rock in "Blame Game". You know the one...yeezy taught you well :D. 

I dare you not to crack up at Azealia Banks dismantling girls that like to act brand new ("Van Vogue"), or perhaps Juicy J's ridiculous outro on The Weeknd's "Same Old Song". Enjoy, listeners. First is Robyn's first track on her eponymous album, equipped with assertions to make anyone feel gassed.

The Apocalypse List.

Happy Anticlimax!!!! As is standard for New Years celebrations, I present the best of 2013 ideal for celebratory skanktivities. To go clubbing would be an insult to my bank account, so you'll find me living it up at home, committing to some very subpar twerking. For those trying to relive something similar to Jools Holland's Hootenanny and Channel 4's House Party - proceed.

Janelle Monae's self-explanatory "Dance Apocalyptic" drops first, followed by Benga, Kano and Azealia Banks; all of which roused me to cardiovascular problems. Scrufizzer is a total hype machine, reminiscent to the alarming vocalisations of Flirta D, and gained more recognition this year with "Kick It". The man is simply a Lord over any Preditah production. To hear him in his prime, keyword 'Logan Sama 2Face Teeza' on YouTube.

For further vibes I've included a rip from James Arthur's album. The guy undoubtedly has soul, and this is actually one of the top tracks - "Lie Down." Similarly with the Kanye addition which is my most played song this year. That TNGHT sample is tough. Too tough, and clapped my speakers as soon as the first trumpet sounded.

The list is topped off with Citizen's "So Submissive" - straight mucky.

Sounds like: Pure pandemonium
Skanks like: Trigger fingers & the likelihood of saying "CHOOOOOON!"
For: Good vibes and power skanking