Halfway through the decade, and we’re at a nice vantage point between past and present, letting us see how far we’ve come, and how far we have yet to go. Of course, there are always reference points from decades past, and in that spirit we give you the best albums that you heard – and didn’t hear – during 2015, and where you might find similar landmarks from years gone by.

Time rushes on…

Tame Impala – Currents

Our decade’s equivalent of: 1999’s The Soft Bulletin by The Flaming Lips

Or the equivalent of: Heartbreak and angst through the most technicolor photo filters known to man.

Lyrics that lodge in your mind: “I fell in love with the sound of my heels on the wooden floor”

Standout track: The Moment

Get it on iTunes

Towa Tei – Cute

Our decade’s equivalent of: 2008’s Lambs Anger by Mr Oizo

Or the equivalent of: Walking in a cool art gallery where in one corner repeats a video by Nam June Paik, over and over again.

Lyrics that lodge in your mind: “Take me down your cul de sac”

Standout track: Luv Pandemic

Get it on iTunes

Grimes – Art Angels

Our decade’s equivalent of: 1995’s Post by Björk

Or the equivalent of: Visiting a giant magical factory of mutant moreish pop, and having your memory wiped after each and every visit.

Lyrics that lodge in your mind: “Oh no, it came, higher than an aero-plane”

Standout track: Venus Fly (featuring Janelle Monáe)

Get it on iTunes, Google Play, or Amazon