What drew Howardena Pindell to painting circles? Is the album Sleaford Mods pressed just 50 copies of any good? And which TV spoof sent Kiell Smith-Bynoe viral? Writers, musicians, artists and actors recall their earliest works – warts and all

Taking cues from Detroit techno and showcasing Autechre and Aphex Twin, the famed compilation found hedonism in the wind-down. As it is reissued, famous fans from then and now explain why they love it

At once introspective and deeply theatrical, Murphy’s tough, savvy dance music proves irresistible – not least to the singer herself

Writers and artists including Róisín Murphy, Tiffany Calver and Sigala on the art that transports them to the dancefloor during lockdown

Our countdown is complete, topped by a mercurial work of sprawling invention by a woman who has dug deep to survive. Taken as a whole, these choices contain drama, solace, poetry and fire, a fitting selection for a turbulent year

Pop outsider and lockdown living-room star Murphy distils her disco expertise and musical idiosyncrasies in songs pulsing with dancefloor power