Kanye West

Rating 4/5
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy / Roc-A-Fella
Never mind what you think of the man’s behavior; Kanye’s bad boys antics are played to the hilt here, his fourth and probably catchiest release yet. With beats and samples so infectious, who needs the likes of Jay-Z and Usher anymore? Check out the album’s signature nine-minute “Runaway,” a tribute to the douchebags and assholes in the world with samples from Rick James and Backyard Heavies fused with unforgettable piano tinkling—acting like a bad-ass has never sounded this good. TO

Twin Sister

Rating 4/5
Vampires with Dreaming Kids / Color Your Life / Domino
Looking for something upbeat and kooky enough to add some bounce to your weekday? This double EP by Brooklyn newbies Twin Sister (comprising of young hipsters Andrea, Dev, Gabe, Eric and Bryan) should do the trick. Equal parts The Knife and Velvet Underground with a sprinkling of Isobel Campbell, the latter whose voice can be heard in a few tracks, the album may be fun, but its hodgepodge of ideas and influences get a little lost in translation along the way. But for the most part, the album remains fantastically intriguing and gratifyingly unconventional all the same. TO

Chromeo

Rating 4/5
Business Casual / !K7
P-Thugg and Dave 1 of Chromeo almost single (or perhaps double)-handedly lay to rest the myth that music from the 1980s is nothing to celebrate. Bass slapping, robotic vocals and banging synths are the foundations of the band’s tracks. Business Casual is their third studio album featuring electro-funk jams like “Hot Mess” and “Night By Night” and other tracks inspired by cheesiness from the likes of Rockwell, Lionel Ritchie and Oran Juice (nice). Check out offbeat director Keith Schofield’s (who worked on Charlotte Gainsbourg and Beck’s “Heaven Can Wait” and the infamous XXX video for Diesel) work on the music video for “Don’t Turn The Lights On” for some serious WTF moments. ZA

Asa

Rating 4/5
Beautiful Imperfection / Naive
Exciting times for the souland-pop genre with the emergence of talented Nigerian singer Asa. Her organically raw and husky vocal prowess seals the gap between what Amy Winehouse offered when she first burst onto the scene and the lyrical maturity of Erykah Badu. From the uplifting opening track “Why Can’t We,” to the melodiously upbeat “Maybe,” and the African-inspired “Ore,” Asa works her lyrical magic in beautiful, serene fashion. ZA

John Adams

Rating 4/5
I Am Love / Nonesuch
This is probably one of the year’s most hypnotic soundtracks; not surprising since it’s basically reworked materials based on acclaimed composer John Adams’ earlier brilliant work—from 1978’s Shaker Loops to 1996’s Century Rolls. Film director Luca Guadagnino conceived his arthouse film I Am Love with Adams’ music in mind, and the result is music that is at once bravura and stirring—especially the 13-minute opener “The Chairman Dances,” which shimmers, bubbles and boils with its playful orchestral tones. TO

1. Best for Secret Agents

Aptly named 20,000 Feet, this watch holds the world record for the deepest dive. It was also blown up with dynamite, shot three times with a Winchester shotgun, thrown from an airplane and hosed down by a high powered fire hose and still kept the time with barely a scratch. (What’s the big deal? We put ourselves through the same routine just to wake up in the morning.) $5,175.94 from CX Swiss Military Watch.

2. Best for Adrenaline Junkies

A brand already known for their uncompromising
toughness, G Shock went a step further with their recent Ultimate Tough GX56 collection. Spreading across a 55mm frame (double the size of a typical G Shock), the watch features advanced self-charging and solar power technology for unwavering reliability.
$206 from G Factory.

3. Best for Nightowls

The Swiss Military Honowa Navigator Pro is made from stainless steel PVD and scratch resistant sapphire crystal, featuring luminous index and hands—perfect for anyone crawling home from a club. Price upon application from Watches of Switzerland.

CX Swiss Military Watch, www.swiss-military.biz.
G Factory, #B3-47 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6509-8582.
Watches of Switzerland, #01-22 Centrepoint, 176 Orchard Rd., 6734-0928.

The buzz: Looking to hit the great outdoors this coming holiday? Then The North Face’s line of high quality, technically innovative products should be on the top of your list, here at its largest store in South East Asia.

The goods: Always fancied yourself a bit of a Bear Grylls? Then you’ll need some proper gear. Suit yourself up with their collection of Soft Shell Jackets (from $296), which incorporate patented Hyvent Technology that waterproofs the jacket while retaining breathability and durability. The brand’s range of trekking shoes (from $186) are well-renowned for their all-weather suitability; while the SnakePlate provides grip on almost any surface. Pack all your equipment in the Base Camp Duffel bag ($206 upwards), a classic bomber expedition bag that’s as functional as it is stylish.

Why you’ll be back: It’s a great place to stock up on just about all of your outdoor equipment. Plus, the Marina Square outlet has an integrated mock trail-bridge to simulate actual trekking conditions for hardcore adventurers who want to try everything on for size.

#03-140 Marina Square, 6 Raffles Blvd, 6338-0736. Open daily 10am-10pm.

My favourite line to introduce myself is… what is a nice person like you doing in a terrible place like this?

House music is… Dead? A feeling? A spiritual thing? Not everyone understands house music.

No one would ever believe that I… I'm a very good cook.
My worst gig this year… has yet to come.

My best… was at Tokyo's AIR club.

My idea of a perfect set is… when everybody gets their groove and smile on.

If I wasn’t a DJ I would be… a chef.

I would give anything to… be a chef.

2010 has been… pretty good.

2011 will be… quite better.

My experience of Singapore is… always very tasty.

On my upcoming gig at Zouk I will… go eat cereal prawns so I'm in the best of moods for the rest of the night. 

Groove to the sound of the French maestro on Dec 25, 10pm at Velvet Underground, Zouk 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. $30-35 includes two drinks

New Year’s

If You Can't Beat 'Em
Join the crowds and let loose at these countdown parties.
The whole of Clarke Quay will be filled with merrymakers from all walks of life, partying the night away as host Daniel Ong takes charge at Poplicious—Clarke Quay's New Year’s Eve Countdown Party (10pm. Central, Clarke Quay, 3 River Valley Rd., 6337-3292. Free). Featuring an array of top international and local talents, celebrate the New Year with music from local hard rock band Energy, the quirky Flash Mob dancers, B-Boyz and Fly Girls breaking to the tunes of beat-boxers, cheerleaders, DJs and YouTube sensation, impersonator Derrick Barry, who will be channeling his inner Lady Gaga and Britney Spears.
With television personalities Michelle Chia and Gurmit Singh taking on mic duties,

Celebrate 2011 (8pm. The Float @ Marina Bay, Marina Bay Floating Platform, 20 Raffles Ave. $38) features not only a star-studded line up but will also be beamed live onto our TV screens. Performances by Taiwanese songwriter David Tao and Singapore Idol winner Sezairi Sezali and runner-up Sylvia Ratonel will have you partying the night away.

Siloso Beach Party (6pm. Siloso Beach, Sentosa, 1800-736-8672. $29-29 includes one drink) is also back. Take off your shoes, hit the beach and bar hop to five different beach parties at Sentosa this New Year’s Eve with thousands of revelers. Catch local and international DJs and video DJs performing mash up pop, R&B, trance and electro-house at the main arena for a night of mayhem!

Spinning Around
Music lovers are spoilt for choice with an array of top local and international acts in town for the biggest night of the year.
Start your New Year off right with a dose of trance at Zouk’s New Year’s Eve party with Marco V (10pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. $$40 includes two drinks) The Dutchman, whose sets never failed to please, will be spinning a special four-hour set for the first time ever in Singapore.

Party on to the wee hours of the morning as Daniel Wang takes you on a winding trip through music at The Crystal Ball—The New Year’s Eve Special (10pm. The Rabbit Hole, White Rabbit, 39C Harding Rd., 6473-9965. Free).

Or head on down to the beach and dance the night away with some quality dance tunes at DOOMPH! & Beyond 2010 (9pm. Tanjong Beach Club, 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, 6270-1355. Free). Led by ex-Zouk resident Brendon P and Matty Wainwright from the UK, together with a fire twirler performance by Starlight Alchemy; this party is an ideal alternative for anyone who wants something a little different.

Fire in the Sky
What’s a New Year party without fireworks?
Head up to Ku Dé Ta and come face to face with the dazzling display of light and colors and welcome 2011 at the Spectacular Fireworks Countdown New Year’s Eve Party (6pm. Ku Dé Ta, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-7688. $188 includes two glasses of champagne).
Celebrate your New Year with the best view in town at New Year’s Eve White Party (9pm. 1-Altitude, 61-63/F OUB Centre, 1 Raffles Place, 6438-0410. $68 includes three drinks) and pop champagne as the fireworks spectacle sets up the year ahead.
Dine under the stars and the impending firework display at Star Light & Star Bright New Year's Eve Dinner (IndoChine Waterfront, 1 Empress Place, Asian Civilizations Museum, 6339-1720. $198 includes six-course meal and free flow of wine and beer). Then be wowed by the performance of local rock band Cats in the Cradle as they close 2010 with a bang.

Christmas

Live It Up 
"Champagne wishes and caviar dreams,” was the signature phrase spoken by host Robin Leach after every episode of Lifestyle of the Rich and Famous. He'd be right at home here. 
Come Christmas Eve, make a beeline for the Diamond White Christmas at Ku Dé Ta (Dec 24-25, 7pm. Marina Bay Sands 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-7688) with its dinner package (from $288) boasting an expansive menu which includes crispy-sticky long island oysters, four-month aged baeri caviar on wagyu beef tartare and various cheeses, cakes and sweets of the season from pastry chef Bastien Jarry. Subsequently, get in your party mode with a glass of Louis Roederer Champagne as the night gets under way at the club lounge ($98 includes a glass of Chamapagne).
Looking to rub shoulders with the city's who’s who this Christmas? Then head 71 floors up to New Asia Bar (Dec 24-25, 9pm. 71/F, Swissotel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Rd., 6837-3322) for a swanky good time at their City Space Extravagance event ($200-250 per table for two, including a bottle of Moet & Chandon Rose champagne). Sip that Champagne and make a toast to the festivities amid a lavish setting and stunning views of the city skyline.

Join the Club
Christmas is a time for giving—and look out what our big clubs are giving you! 
On Christmas Eve, superstar Dutch DJ and producer Sander Kleinenberg will be dishing some hot fire festive tunes at Zouk (Dec 24, 10pm. 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. $30-35 includes two drinks). And on Christmas Day, French deck maestro Dimitri from Paris will lead the charge at Velvet Underground (Dec 25, 10pm. 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. $30-35 includes two drinks) with a myriad of funky and disco-influenced house music while trance legend Ferry Corsten looks set to jingle your bells to a euphoric high in the main room ($30-35 includes two drinks).
An insane Christmas party awaits at Zirca (Dec 24-25, 10pm. #01-02/05 Blk. C The Cannery, Clarke Quay, River Valley Rd., 6333-4168) with two days of dance music mayhem. Rocking the decks on the eve of Christmas are local stalwart Inquisitive and Taiwanese DJ Mykal for their “X’mas Vendetta” night ($25-28 includes two drinks), ensuring they’ll bring the roof down with their brand of dirty electro and pulsating techno. On Christmas day, check out “Music Sounds Better With You: X'mas Party” ($25-28 includes two drinks) featuring the Round Table Knights hailing all the way from Switzerland. The idea of riotous merrymaking is hard to argue with.
Thought about heading up to Korea for Christmas but didn't get around to booking? Then let Stereolab (Dec 24,10pm. G/F 7 Raffles Blvd. 6337-0800. $28 includes two drinks) sort it out for you with not one but two DJs. Aptly titled “A Seoulful Christmas,” DJs Jung and Min-Gi will be dropping some seminal dance tunes while counting down towards Christmas.

Pig Out and Party
If you're going to drink, you'd better eat first. 
What’s Christmas without a feast? And what better place to have that feast than somewhere you can party immediately afterward? Head over to St James Wine Bar & Bistro for A Yuletide Special (Dec 24-25, 6pm. St. James Power Station, 3 Sentosa Gateway, 6270-7676), featuring a 3-course dinner for $58 per person. If you want to be closer to the river, a similar deal is on offer at Shanghai Dolly. Their Christmas Dinner 2010 (Dec 24-25, 6pm. #01-01 The Foundry, Clarke Quay, 3B River Valley Rd., 6336-7676) also goes for $58 a head.

Mt. Desolation

Rating 4/5
Mt. Desolation / Cooperative Music
Keane’s pianist and second vocalist Tim Rice Oxley and bassist Jesse Quinn take center stage with their new band Mt. Desolation; and they are not alone. The self-titled debut album features a star-studded cast of some of the best names in alternative rock including Ronnie Vannucci from The Killers and Country Winston from Mumford & Sons. Oxley’s raspy vocals and songs endowed with warm spirited play and atmospheric quivers are the finer details that set the band apart from their contemporaries. More than a worthwhile listen if you can detach yourself from the Keane sound and enjoy this for what it is. ZA

Jerry Lee Lewis

Rating 4/5
Mean Old Man / Verve Forecast
Rock ‘n’ roll music legend Jerry Lee Lewis shows he’s still a mean musical force to be reckoned with in his latest collaboration effort Mean Old Man. There’s still a hint of the rockabilly goodness that Lewis was known for during his Sun Records days. The opening title track with Ronnie Wood certainly get things going with its catchy guitar hooks, while other frolicking numbers are with the likes of Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, John Mayer and Sheryl Crow; Lewis proves that he pretty much still has his groove on. TO

Esperanza Spalding

Rating 4/5
Chamber Music Society / Head Up
One of the latest toasts on the fusion jazz and chamber music scene, Portland native Esperanza Spalding’s debut album is an intoxicating mix of tinkling piano chords, precise bass lines and groovy trumpets, topped with Spalding’s soaring soprano voice. The result: Something that you’d play over and over again at cocktail parties where you can still have a decent conversation along the way. Spalding quotes William Blake’s poems in tracks such as “Little Fly” (go figure), so it’s not just all bubbly here. TO

My favorite line to introduce myself is… Hi, I'm Roger Sanchez, and I’m here to make you dance.

House music is… taking over the world.

No one would ever believe that I… used to sell women's shoes.

My worst gig this year was… cancelled.

My best was… Release Yourself at Mansion during the Winter Music Conference this year.

My idea of the perfect set is… one where no one wants to go home at the end of the night!

If I wasn’t a DJ I would… still love music with all my heart.

I would give anything to… spend more time with my family and still get everything done.

2010 has been… a year of transition and sowing seeds.

2011 will be… the harvest.

My experience of Singapore is… a beautiful one. I love the vibe, food and people here.

On my upcoming gig at Zouk I will… BRING IT!

Catch the evolving sounds of the legendary DJ on Dec 17, 10pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. $28-33 includes two drinks.

“I came across the wordplay ‘strong work ethic’ on a T-shirt at the Chatuchak Market in Bangkok a while ago,” says 27-year-old Mark Teo. “It was one of those moments when you recognize something and it makes sense to you.” His self-reflecting statement might not immediately strike a chord, with the audience but the work that resulted surely will.

Thirty of Mark’s photographic favorites have been selected and each image speaks volumes about his subject’s expressive nature. Featuring some of the most prominent local and international athletes and artistes in the action sports and street scene, Mark’s attraction towards the raw energy of these activities is evident in his works. “I don’t think there have been many photographic exhibitions featuring this genre here,” he says.

From the flawless turntable play of hip hop DJ Koflow, to the seamless dance moves of iconic local B-Boy crew, Radikal Forze, and the gravity defying aerial stunts of top local wake boarder, Sasha Christian, Mark somehow articulates each individual’s expressiveness through still photography. His images seem to create a sensation within his viewers, an indescribable emotion that his images are “moving.”

All proceeds from the sale of his works will go towards the Straits Times School Pocket Fund (SPMF). Mark hopes to raise at least $10,000 for the SPMF, which caters to youths from under privileged families. “It is apt that through this exhibition of works featuring youth culture and action sports, we also try to raise some money for charity as a form of giving back to society. Hopefully people will be in a giving mood, seeing that it is Christmas.“ It's hard to argue with that.

Strong Play Ethic is on from Dec 18-31 at #01/02-05, 36 Armenian St., 6337-7535. Free.