Rough Trade Shops Counter Culture 10 Co-Op****

The music retail sector may be in the horrors, but some record-selling outposts are still standing and thriving. In January, London’s two Rough Trade shops reported a five per cent bump in sales for Christmas 2010. As its annual double-CD compilation of shop favourites shows, Rough Trade’s staff know what customers want when it comes to interesting, fresh sounds. What you’ll find on this latest instalment are a bunch of new and old names hitting the high notes – proven talents (John Grant, Brian Eno, Ariel Pink, Edwyn Collins) rubbing shoulders with new indie and electronic talents (Darkstar, Gold Panda, Toro y Moi, Untold). Best of all are the future tips, with acts such as Balam Acab, Actress and Fantastic Mr Fox making their case with audacious verve. See roughtrade.com

Download tracks:Balam Acab , Dream Out;Actress , Casanova;Edwyn Collins , It Dawns on Me