1. Arcade Fire - Funeral

Well for me there was really no contest. A truly astonishing album in both style and sound. A band with the rare ability to balance edgy innovative ideas with accessible melody, without compromising a thing. Their lo-fo orchestration, melancholic lyrics and undeniable charismatic live presence helped shape them into a cult phenomena. They evoke, drama, excitement and crushingly beautiful heartache at every turn. Funeral is as near to perfect as you can get.

2. Ladytron - The Witching Hour

Ladytron’s third and most stunning offering to date. A dramatic shift from stylised 80’s inspired minimalist synth, to semi industrial gothic shoegazeing. Sighting The likes of Kevin Shields of My Bloody Valentine as a prime influence, they fused electronica with fuzzy early 90’s indie rock, whilst maintaining a devastatingly icy vocal delivery.

3. The Cardigans - Super Extra Gravity

Most critics can’t handle the fact that the Cardigans have moved on from their jaunty pop routes. This was a criminally underrated album.It’s the follow up to ‘Long Gone Before Daylight’ and travels into similar territory, broodingly reflective, with heavy emphasis on the frailty of the human emotion and the pain we put our selves through. Devastatingly powerful stuff.

4. Editors - The Back Room

Angular guitar riffs never sounded so good. With more than a hint of Joy Division, Birmingham’s Editors were this years Interpol. The songs Munich and Blood, were enough to buy this album alone. Razor sharp guitars and brilliantly detached vocals, saw the music industry force Franz Ferdinand to make room for them.

5. Bloc Party - Silent Alarm

Undeniably the year for The guitar band and Bloc Party, like Arcade Fire, showed how it was possible to marry the unconventional with chart friendly sentiments. Never ashamed to boast a strong melody but equally not afraid to explore less charted waters. Silent Alarm, was 45 minutes of pure excitement and still has that effect a year on. Both brave and inspired, an album that thankfully benefited from more liberated musical times.

6. Saint Etienne - Tales From Turnpike House

The only British band since The Smiths to set the glamour of 60’s kitchen sink cinema so effectively to music. They’ve moved away slightly from Billy Liar territory in recent years, but still hanker for the old London and it’s watering holes, whilst embracing modern life with a graceful appreciation. They still make wonderful relevant pop, set to a story board of disposable every day life. The hit singles are a long way behind them now, but Songs from Turnpike House prove that they haven’t lost any of their charm.

7. Goldfrapp - Supernature

The third album from arguably the most powerful electronica act on the scene. Alison’s self styled image has seen her propelled to unattainable cult status. Her ice queen reputation, combined with full on gritty synth, saw Goldfrapp strike the perfect cross-over balance. They maintain the electronic menace of Black Cherry but with enough commercial thrills to ensure guaranteed chart success. Supernature is simply stunning.

8. The Magic Numbers - The Magic Numbers

Debut album from a band who built up a strong live following before they had even released their first single. They shoot from the heart and have produced a beautifully emotive pop record. The Magic Numbers debut album is complete with dynamic harmonies and unpredictable arrangements. They have indulged a hippie ideology that harks back to late 60’s Mama’s and The Papas and have brought this genre of music to a whole new generation. An album I’m sure will be viewed as a classic in years to come.

9. Maximo Park - A Certain Trigger

One of the years most pleasant surprise’s was this debut from Maximo Park. Sharp Disjointed guitars$ with explosive melodic outbursts, set to a diary of life in Industrial Newcastle and years of plotting an escape. A Certain Trigger, is an inspiration for all kids struggling to find their way in life. A sensitive account of love, heartache and a desperation to become something.

10. The National - Alligator

Another surprise from a relatively unheard of band in this country, who’s third album has grown and grown in reputation over the past months. Combining the underground New York sounds of The Walkman with the full on Collage rock of The Pixies. A lyrical feast of heightened emotion and dry humor, carried by gravely vocals reminiscent of The Tindersticks. An all round treat.

James Heward