Andrew Leighton

Albums of the Year

10: The Charlatans - You Cross My Path
I'm an unashamed "Madchester" fan - I grew up with the scene for crying out loud. I've always hoped The Charlies would get their mojo back again - and they've almost got it here. Their best release since their eponymous album. Much of the album is a blatant rip-off of New Order, by the way, and they admit to it in the sleeve notes, but that's a good thing in my book.

9: Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
An addendum to The Great American Songbook? Maybe, or maybe Mojo-hyped. Either way, it's got a great sound.

8: Elbow - The Seldom Seen Kid
It's good, but it's not up there with Asleep In The Back. Still, one of my faves of the year.

7: Coldplay - Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends
Well, it's another Coldplay album. I haven't got much more to add than that. And I like Coldplay albums.

6: Goldfrapp - Seventh Tree
I must confess to this being my only Goldfrapp album, but it's the only one that appeals to me. She's a nutter but the melodies in this album are sublime, at times.

5: Paul Weller - 22 Dreams
He should have made this after Wild Wood, then packed it in. Pastoral, jazz, folk, blue-eyed soul. It's all here.

4: The Raconteurs - Consolers Of The Lonely
Better than anything I've heard by The White Stripes. Makes you wonder why Meg doesn't just join this band, or at least help out around the studio for the lads. You know, making tea 'n stuff...

3: The Aliens - Luna
Listen to some of The Beach Boys, Syd Barrett and of course, The Beta Band. Then listen to this album in full and you'll be hooked.

2: Young Knives - Superabundance
Modern indie with a hint of Blur's Leisure for good measure. Gang Of Four-style pop with plenty of tunes.

1: MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
Two NY freaks laying down the sounds of the beach, the city and the kids. Not quirky, annoying synths at all.

Tracks of the Year

10: Coldplay - Violet Hill
9: MGMT - Electric Feel
8: Paul Weller - Echoes Round The Sun
7: Elbow - One Day Like This
6: Goldfrapp - A&E
5: Young Knives - Rue The Days
4: The Raconteurs - Consoler Of The Lonely
3: The Aliens - Theremin
2: MGMT - Of Moons, Birds & Monsters
1: Fleet Foxes - White Winter Hymnal

Guilty Pleasure 2008

Duffy - Rockferry
I bought it for my wife - honestly, I did. But it's very good. Bernard Butler helps. So does Steve Cropper. It's got some kudos then.