Sleeve notes: Guardian critics' tips for 2012

The new year is here and, according to Guardian and Observer critics, 2012 will be a fine time for the Staves , Ren Harvieu and Spector , who are among the artists featured on our critics' picks . Only time will tell if these predictions come true, so in the meantime, follow the links, watch the interviews, and make up your own mind. In the news this week • If Cee Lo Green was expecting 2012 to greet him with a warm hug in the shape of an appreciative New Year's Eve audience, he was wrong. After changing the words to John Lennon's Imagine , he received a deluge of complaints and was forced to apologise to fans. • We don't know if Vaneta Becker, Indiana state senator, heard Cee Lo Green's rendition of Imagine, but it seems she isn't a fan of covers either and has started her own battle against reinterpretations of The Star-Spangled Banner , proposing fining anyone who changes the lyrics. • Our readers met the news that hundreds of 'lost' Thin Lizzy songs are to be released in June , with words of caution. llamalpaca wrote : "Be careful what you wish for - there are plenty of Lizzy demos leaked over the years which Lynott cannibalised..." However, Pam Reynolds and Julian Able who read the article on our Music Facebook page , were more upbeat and wrote: "That's a huge stash!" and "hope there's some gems there." The soundtrack to your yuletide • jasonaparkes My yuletide soundtrack was lots of stuff from 20-11...The highlights included: *9 1/2 Psychedelic Meditations....by Luke Haines *Diversions : songs of Robert Wyatt & Antony & the Johnstons by The Unthanks *The Smile Sessions by The Beach Boys... • Stephenobentos The Velvet Underground & Nico on vinyl. I couldn't believe I'd never owned it. • HoshinoSakura I have been listening to lots of Taiwanese pop music on the radio this winter break and I have really got into it!!! Tell us what had you dancing around your Christmas tree Things to listen to • Interview : Al Spx of Cold Specks talks to Rebecca Nicholson • New music : Listen to Goldfrapp's latest – could this be the end of a chapter for them? • Old music : Game Theory, Throwing the Election – Scott Miller's towering talent is near forgotten • New band of the day : Simian Ghost – an early contender for album of the year • For all the latest news, interviews, reviews and discussions, follow us on Twitter and Facebook .