Essential Listening: The best new releases as chosen by Skiddle

Our ears have been inundated with some outstanding new records as of late. Brand spankers courtesy of pop futurist Charli XCX, soulful singer-songwriter Nilufer Yanya, Canadian seven-piece Arcade Fire, issuing the lead single from their forthcoming new album, 'WE', produced by Radiohead's sixth member Nigel Godrich, and The Smile's latest offering - another Nigel Godrich masterpiece - 'Pana-Vision', which made its debut in the closing scenes of last night's epic grand finale of BBC series, Peaky Blinders. 

The standard of music that's recently found its way onto digital platforms as well as physical formats has been staggeringly high, as per usual. Whittling down just ten tracks to include in this week's Essential Listening playlist has been no easy feat, let us tell you, but the trusty Skiddle tastemakers have done just that.

Without further delay, here it is. Get stuck into our top ten essential record releases of the past two weeks and whilst you're listening, check out our previous selections from last month.

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.