Top albums released this year, according to my ear and brain:

• Ratatat Classics – That tiger sample not only rocks, but had an influence in fashion.
• Knife, The Silent Shout – Simply the best.
• Be Your Own Pet Be Your Own Pet – YYYs for the kids!
• Sounds, The Dying To Say This To You – Finally, a non-idiotic balance of ’80s glam and rock.
• Yeah Yeah Yeahs Show Your Bones – An album so good only one rag managed to understand it.
• Aquarium, The Aquarium, The – The best DC band right NOW. Product is weak, so if you listen, max the bass and turn down the high ends a tad.
• Strokes, The First Impressions Of Earth – Great album that made me also realize how good the second album is.