Stuart Peskett

Albums of the Year

10: Spiritualized – Songs in A&E
No 18-minute flanger-fests here, just a spectacularly world-weary Jason Pierce soothing us, Sufjan Stevens-style, with Americana-tinged ballads.

9: Santogold – Santogold
Wonderful stuff, taking in most dance styles, particularly house, soul and reggae.

8: Sia – Some People Have Real Problems
The downtempo tracks from Zero 7’s Aussie singer are more successful than the attempts at pop, but Sia’s fascinating, jazzy voice is unlike any other.

7: Goldfrapp – Seventh Tree
Unfairly criticised as dinner-party chillout fodder, Goldfrapp continue to knock out tunes that appear superficial, but have staying power. 'Happiness' is a cracking, jaunty pop tune that Saint Etienne would be proud of.

6: Glasvegas – Glasvegas
They may look a bit daft adopting the Jesus and Mary Chain shades indoors look, and Alan McGee’s toe-curling Guardian blog hardly helped, but there is no disputing the power of Glasvegas. Altogether now: “Here we, here we, here we fucking go!”

5: Portishead – Third
Thank God they didn’t do another 'Dummy'. There is an argument that the bigger the gap between albums, the worse the comeback (Stone Roses, Stereo MCs take note...), but while Portishead haven’t lost the John Barry spookiness, the songs are more experimental, less obvious. Beth still impresses with that marvellously cracked voice.

4: TV on the Radio – Dear Science
Great mix of Gary Numan eerieness, a touch of hip-hop, even a bit of po-faced balladry, but the funk is never far away. More bands like this, please!

3: Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes
So uncool that it actually is cool, this Seattle band’s folk ballads and singalongs are as innocent as they are comforting. Robin Pecknold’s room-filling and pure vocals are a treat, and the harmonies so effortless they warm you up like a campfire. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

2: Sasha – Involver 2
The follow-up to the 2004 original by the real Lord Coe is subtler, classier and more coherent. The concept is simple: Sasha picks a load of tunes he likes, messes with them, strips the guts out of them and works them into a single piece of music. The first 'Involver' featured the stunning 'Talk Amongst Yourselves' by Grand National – one of the greatest openers of any dance album – but the sequel’s 'You Are The Worst Thing In The World' tops it. The Sasha trademarks are all there: complex arrangements; rich textures; emotional vocals. As good as slow-burn deep trance gets.

1: Elbow – The Seldom Seen Kid
Doesn't everyone love Elbow? Despite (irritatingly) being adopted far too often by those who plaster incidental music all over interior design shows and sporting highlights, The Seldom Seen Kid is a delight. The album hangs together wonderfully, despite Guy Garvey’s habit of veering between serious subject matter and whimsical oddities, such as 'The Fix’s horse-racing scam (“Too many times we’ve been post-ily pipped, We’ve loaded the saddles, the mickeys are slipped”). But songs like 'Mirrorball' and 'The Loneliness of a Tower Crane Driver' are two of the best you’ll hear all year: emotional, measured, beautiful.

Tracks of the Year

10: The Verve – Love is Noise
9: Dizzie Rascal – Dance Wiv Me
8: Madonna ft Justin Timberlake – Four Minutes
7: The Futureheads – The Beginning of the Twist
6: Santogold – Say Aha
5: Ladyhawke – Paris is Burning
4: Goldfrapp – Happiness
3: The Shortwave Set – The Downer Song
2: Elbow – Mirrorball
1: Fleet Foxes – Tiger Mountain Peasant Song

Emperor’s New Clothes 2008

I’ve ignored the brief, but this is the one spot where I can tell it like it is. Only one possible contender: Scouting for Girls. Shit name, shit music, incredibly irritating vocals. And the fact that Watford fan Tim Lovejoy has championed them makes them even more loathsome. Now, do us all a favour, and fuck off, eh?

It’s Good, But Not That Good 2008

Coldplay – Viva La Vida
Always been a fan, but for God’s sake, take a few risks for once...

Guilty Pleasure 2008

Keane – Perfect Symmetry
Featured purely as a straightforward two fingers to the luddites who insist that a band must have a guitarist – which, as we all know, is patently bollocks.

Innocent Pain 2008

The Killers. Just what is the fuss about?