I heard some serious stone classics this year, frankly, as I have every year -- this was no more or less a "good year" for music than any other! Ok my top ten:
1. Sufjan Stevens, "Illinoise." If there was a better record released this year, I didn't hear it. Scratch that: there is no possibly universe where a better record could have been released this year. SO. GOOD.
2. The Go! Team, "Thunder, Lightning, Strike." My 2nd fav record this year (even though it came out last year overseas.)
3. Paul McCartney, "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard." Because wow, what a buncha songs. Period.
4. Teenage Fanclub, "Man-Made." TFC never make a bad album. And this is choc full of classic Fanclub tunes.
5. My Morning Jacket, "Z." Wow, what a buncha songs. Period.
5. Spoon, "Gimme Fiction." Required many listens, but I've recently struck oil.
6. Architecture in Helsinki, "In Case We Die."
7. Saint Etienne, "Tales From The Turnpike House."
8. Mercury Rev, "Secret Migration."
9. Girls Aloud, "Chemistry." Surprisingly good.
10. Doves, "Some Cities."