I really shouldn't like this ridiculous, deriviative, 80s, cheesy, retro goth pop/disco album, but it's genuinely brilliant, and kept me sane through two sleep deprived, alcohol infused weeks careening around the UK and long periods of airport boredom.
Favourite track - 'Lose It' (the video is atrocious, mind).
When you fall in love with a band early on there's always a fear that they're not going to deliver what you hoped they would. Conquering Animal Sound delivered a stunning and incredibly beautiful album, and I love it.
Favourite track - 'Ira'
To be honest, this is a mixed album with a few particularly weak tracks... but it also has a handful of absolutely genius ones that have been on repeat pretty much constantly since I first heard him/saw him live in October.
Favourite track - 'Peace on the Rise'
I've been waiting for this album for many, many years, and it's a brilliant document of why I love the band: simple, restrained and gorgeous, yet hugely fun. Hopefully I don't have to wait as long for the follow up.
Favourite track - 'Ideas of Fun'
Simply the most evocatively beautiful thing I heard all year, bar none.
Favourite track - 'Sleeping Land (Part I)'
Honorable mentions
Jasper TX - The Black Sun Transmissions
Secret Pyramid - The Silent March
A Winged Victory for the Sullen - s/t
Top five gigs of the year
Mogwai @ The Phoenix Concert Centre, Toronto
Secret Pyramid @ Blim, Vancouver
Chad VanGaalen @ The Rio, Vancouver
The Appleseed Cast @ The Horseshoe Tavern, Toronto
Austra @ The Electric Owl, Vancouver