A sci fi informed slice of exotic electronica painting images of a dark dystopia. Saying all that - not a runaway winner this year. Key Tracks - Like a Pen, We Share Our Mother's Health, Silent Shout

A Talk Talk informed set of gentle rock - now rerecorded for added impact. Key Tracks - Hail Mary, White Waves, Palo Santo

The new metal champions go further into prog territory on this release. Key Tracks - Sleeping giant, Circle of Cysquatch, Capillarian Crest

A hushed and decidedly minimal collection of songs that grow on you like an appetising moss. Key Tracks - Paperback Bible, Fear, Decline of County & Western Civilzation

The Hold Steady wear their hearts on their sleeves on this good time party rock album. Key Tracks - You Can Make Him Like You, Chips Ahoy, Same Kooks

The kids have finally taken over the asylum... Key Tracks - Adventure, Bunk Skunk Trunk, We Will Vacation

A clever and diverse mix of purposefully 'aged' sounding americana and folk. Key Tracks - Spider's House, Orchids, Chinese Actor

Perhaps a bit too cutesy for some - this is fun and experimental. Key Tracks - Look After Me, The Warning, Over and Over

Despite the amazing production and wealth of creativity this remains a bit of a cold fish. Key Tracks - I Was a Lover, Province, Tonight

A sweet farewell from a band who only the mean spirited could fail to warm to. Key Tracks - Campershell Dreams, Animal World, Where I'm Anymore

Not up to their own high standards but still possesses a certain magic quality. Key Tracks - The Sound of Failure, Pompeii am Götterdämmerung, Vein of Stars

I got this delivered by mistake! Still, it has some good moments. Key Tracks - Moon Angel, Swamp, Seasick (Hang Ten)