2 discs of experimental misery and bliss that will unravel itself only to the most patient listeners. 9/10

A bed of musical distortion and experimentation aid a lyrical tenderness and honesty. “The Rip” will never leave me. 9/10

Weird and wounderful songs from California's treasured indie folk nasal based hip hop songster 8/10

This almost feels like Foals’ second album. The choice to discard their most popular singles and instead create a more ambient and collective sound is an admirable one. 8/10

The most insanely happy album of 2008. Vampire Weekend always manage to make every song a great tribute to life 8/10

Proof that shameless bandwagoning can be put to good use in the right hands – i.e. James Ford and Alex Turner. 7/10

No-nonsense Brit guitar rock, as simple as it is gratifying. 7/10

This band manage to pull off the commendable feat of making 80's pop influences not just a gimmick in mainstream music. 7/10

There's no harm in indulging in a good bit of no-nonsense indie pop every now and again. 7/10

Short and sweet,. This band know what they are and aren't capable of, and with this knowledge they produce some very satisfying music. 7/10

Another album that hides in the shadows of the artists former glories, though there's still some magic here, you're just going to have to share it round this time. 7/10

REM finally decide to take a break from their slightly pretentious, slightly self deprecating pop ballads and instead brought us an old school rock album. Forgettable but refreshing all at once 7/10