I'm not normally one for 'best of' lists but this year have, at last succumbed to the pressure -thanks to you, dear readers!

Last January we received an abundance of mail asking for The Cud's take on some of the music, film and lit highlights of the previous year, so for 2014 we decided to finally give it a go. As ever with all such lists, this is WHOLLY subjective so feel free to drop us a line with any glaring omissions that we forgot or didn't have the opportunity to enjoy over the past twelve months.

Last of all, from me to you: best wishes for a happy and healthy 2015!

5 of The Best Albums of 2014

White Lung- Deep Fantasy

St Vincent- St. Vincent

The War On Drugs- Lost In The Dream

J Mascis- Tied To A Star

Wild Beasts- Present Tense

5 of The Best Novels of 2014

The Interestings- Meg Wolitzer

Euphoria- Lily King

The Paying Guests- Sarah Winters

A Brief History of Seven Killings- Marlon James

The Book of Strange New Things- Michel Faber

5 of The Best Films of 2014

Boyhood

The Babadook

Under The Skin

Two Days, One Night

The Grand Budapest Hotel