As well as being the lynchpin of suited rock howlers Gallon Drunk, James Johnston has played with Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds and PJ Harvey - but we're not going to hold the fact that he's picked both of them for his Baker's Dozen against him. Portrait by Steve Gullick.
The albums that have kept us happy, strong, comforted and ALIVE in the past 12 months. A few notes: this chart was compiled by John Doran out of polls from Patrick Clarke, Christian Eede, Luke Turner, Anna Wood & himself based on the new albums they have listened to most since January 1. Introduction written by tree master Turner.