Clash Issue 91 Earl Sweatshirt

The final gasps of another eventful year and the birth of a brand new one. Time to look back, forward and sideways, to appreciate the highs and lows of the last twelve months, and wonder what tricks and treats are set to come. It’s our last issue of the year, which can mean only one thing: charts. We’ve got two definitive lists stuffed into this month’s double Christmas special, with each getting its own cover too.

Our list of the Top 40 Albums of 2013 is represented by Earl Sweatshirt, whose album features quite prominently in the countdown, and is shot for the occasion by his Odd Future friend and collaborator, Tyler, The Creator. It’s a winning combination, and a revealing interview.

We also present our selection of Next Wave artists set to dominate 2014. These are spearheaded by BANKS: a sultry soul star in the making, and someone we look forward to hearing a lot more of.

Elsewhere, we meet Daughter, enter Breton’s historical Berlin bunker and there’s a stunning visual insight into the rap scene of Houston. Meanwhile, New York photographer Ricky Powell recalls the stories behind his iconic Beastie Boys portraits.

Plus:  Beck, Midlake, Rufus Wainwright, Peace, John Goodman, Spike Jonze, Television and more.