In 2011 we've discovered The Only Way Is Essex, we've torn up our own high streets in the name of something or other, and we've planted the seeds for divorce from Europe. Yet out of hard times comes good music - so while 2011 can hardly claim to have been a great year for the UK, it's been a pretty storming affair for electronic music. So how about something cheery for once? How about 10 albums and 10 compilations that made 2011 a better place? Choosing them wasn't easy - but from a shortlist of several hundred covered by DMC over the year - and a couple that slipped through the reviewing net - we have the following for your listening pleasure:

Both Dixon and the Robert Johnson label have hinted this might be their last mix compilation, as they feel the format is unable to develop any more. A shame, for sure – but a great way to go out. Dixon has always been able to craft out an atmosphere early on in his sets, but this one is especially daring in the way it completely takes its time to start moving, hanging suspended in the air to start with. Then, almost imperceptibly, it starts to move - with Hauschka and Barnt avoiding a bass dru...