Like every year, I have a really hard time with compiling a top ten.

Surely a top ten should be sorted long after the year has passed? I could arrange a decent one for 2008 now. In fact, I reckon I could compile a very confident top lot. But for 2009...

I suppose I must keep up with everyone else, and jot down my 2009 best. Even though I am pretty much 100% certain that, a year from now, perhaps even 3 months from now, it will change.

So, here is my pressured, super tough, difficult FAVE RECORDS OF 2009.

(Not a top 10.)

THE PAINS OF BEING PURE AT HEART - s/t

Their influences are evident, but since when has an influenced band been a bad band? The way they put their inspiration to use is flawless- what a debut! A real feel-good indie-pop gem.

KURT VILE - Childish Prodigy

A surprise in the top, considering I only gave the record a proper listen a week ago. When I played the album to a friend of mine, his only reaction was: "This guy sounds like a psychedelic Dylan."

HEALTH - Get Color

My favourite of the year. Best noise. Best pace. I just love it. See "We Are Water".

MAJOR LAZER - Guns Don't Kill People... Lazers Do

Funny AND it makes you dance- what's not to like? I've been criticised for loving "Keep It Goin' Louder", featuring Nina Sky. Why? 'Cos it's mainstream. Best track on the album though. The fact that it sounds like Akon may have something to do with it...

ANIMAL COLLECTIVE - Merriweather Post Pavillion

On its release, this record became a contender for album of the year. Although it didn't quite make number 1, it still held a place in my top however many of 2009 and for many reasons. Mainly because of its incredible sound. That and "Summertime Clothes".

WILD BEASTS - Two Dancers

This album makes my colleague, Cherish, bawl.

PISCES - A Lovely Sight

Off the Numero Group label, favourite label of the year. This is a fascinating archive discovery; 60s psyche miracle!!

STRANGE BOYS - The Strange Boys & Girls Club

"You'll like them, they're like Black Lips." Like Black Lips? Screw you! They're wayyyy blues-ier.

GHOSTFACE KILLAH - Ghostdini Wizard Of Poetry In Emerald City

Killah's lurrrrrve album. Mine too.

TINARIWEN - Imidiwan - Companions

This outfit are so friggin' rock'n'roll they put the Stones to shame.

NITE JEWEL - Good Evening

Off the ever growing No Pain In Pop label, Nite Jewel's debut is a true disco diamond.

THE XX - xx

Undeniably one of the most talked about releases of the year. And rightly so.