I think there's been some great stuff released this year, but it's often a question of getting lucky and happening across something on the less chart-slavish stations (oddly, BBC NI has one show where a lot of unusual stuff gets played, and for which I have to thank my discovery of I Am Kloot). Here are my favourites: I Am Kloot, by I Am Kloot (Am I alone in wishing bands wouldn't self-title albums?) Faded Seaside Glamour, by Delays Up All Night, by Razorlight Final Straw, by Snow Patrol The Libertines, by... er... The Libertines Absent Friends, by The Divine Comedy (this one in particular seems like it would appeal to Sting fans; it's so-called "baroque pop" with interesting arrangements and strong melodies.) How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb, by U2 Also, I've been loving what I've heard from The Killers, and their album would be here if I could honestly claim to have been able to buy it and listen to the whole thing. Must go to the sales... Angeline