Founded 11 years ago by Cocteau Twins, Bella Union has become one of Britain’s most important independent labels, run with energy and vision by Simon Raymonde. As this alphabetical 10 demonstrates, BU’s roster is formidable and never less than intriguing. The label hosts its own stage at next month’s Wireless festival in Hyde Park, London (July 3-6).

1 Childhood From Baltimore, Beach House set magical private worlds to spectral, threadbare music.
2 I Knew It Would Come to This The Australian instrumentalists Dirty Three’s soundtrack to self-pity and despair.
3 Oliver James The Seattle alt-folk newcomers Fleet Foxes’ hymnal, close-harmonised heaven.
4 Roscoe The lead track from the Texan alt-rockers Midlake’s superb The Trials of Van Occupanther album.
5 The Underwood Typewriter Fionn Regan weaves spells with words, voice and music; here’s how.
6 There Goes My Outfit Passion, longing and polemic from Montreal’s brilliant the Dears.
7 This Joy Spine-tingling, Kate Bush-like whimsy from Wisconsin-born Stephanie Dosen.
8 Through December Introspection and intensity from Seattle’s Laura Veirs (pictured above).
9 Val Denver’s the Czars at their most impassioned and disturbing, to a brutal dream-pop/blues.
10 With Crippled Wing An extraordinary 10-minute world history lesson from the apocalyptic-indie Texans Lift to Experience.

To listen to and buy as an exclusive Culture iMix, visit timesonline.co.uk/music

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