Alrighty then, let's see:
No Line on the Horizon - U2: Best album of the year so far and best album of my favorite band since
Achtung Baby. You all probably know what I mean by saying this, but I'll explain:
Achtung Baby is my favorite album of all time, and therefore, my favorite U2 album. Ergo,
No Line is a masterpiece. Also, best album of the decade so far.
Sun Gangs - The Veils: This list is not in order, but this happens to be the second best album released this year so far. I can't explain. Just listen to it. Atemporal feeling, beautiful vocals, great lyrics. Just listen.
Together Through Life - Bob Dylan: Another great work from Bob; better than
Modern Times, andthat's saying a lot already. Simple, fresh and beautiful, it seems to get better with time.
Kingdom of Rust - Doves: "Jetstream", "Kingdom of Rust", "House of Mirrors"... full of good songs and it flows really well. It needs a few listens to be fully appreciated, but it's a good, well-crafted album. The feeling of one big song comes to mind.
21st Century Breakdown - Green Day: Not better than
American Idiot. But then, that's far from being a bad thing on its own. It actually comes close to
Idiot and damn, that's one hell of a compliment. "Know Your Enemy" is a rocker as catchy as "American Idiot" and again, the album flows well and is packed with a lot of good tunes. And while
Breakdown doesn't have another "Boulevard",
Idiot doesn't have a "21 Guns" either.
West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum -
Kasabian: Get their first effort, the self-titled
Kasabian and mix it with their follow-up
Empire, some psychadelic sounds and a spaghetti western felling and you get this. I admit I hated it at first - and second - listen, but now I'm tempted to say it's their best along with
Empire. Maybe it's even better than their second.
Hands - Little Boots: Best pure-pop album in this decade along with
The Fame and
Confessions on a Dance Floor. That's all I'll say and I think it should be more than enough.
Working on a Dream - Bruce Springsteen: Not as good as his last efforts with The E Street Band, but then again
Magic and
The Rising are among the best things in his entire career. This one is not quite there (yet) but The Boss still can make an album good enough to be among the best of the year at least. The fact that one of his best songs is here also helps.
LeftRightLeftRightLeft - Coldplay: They're great live. Sue me.
Maybe Yeah Yeah Yeah's
It's Blitz! and Jarvis Cocker's
Further Complications should also be here, but let's see what happens til the end of the year. Those listed I'm almost sure that'll make the end-year list with reservations for Coldplay, Bruce and Doves.
I expect
Horehound by The Dead Weather to be a strong contender for top 10, maybe 5. And Muse, if they're still releasing something this year.