I've got a dark horse or two who might just sneak into a top spot, among the best I have heard so far this year:

The National- Alligator
Editors - The Back Room
Stars - Set Yourself On Fire
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (better make that L Yeah!)
The Shout Out Louds - Howl Howl Gaff Gaff
Wolf Parade - Apologies To Queen Mary

The real dark horse has to be Erasure's Nightbird. I wasn't all that impressed when I got it then about a week ago I pulled it out again to listen to some synthpop on the new gear. Mind blowing in that it may very well be their best album. I don't think I need to mention that having their best album after 20 years isn't something just every band can lay claim to. I don't know, it just hits me. I haven't grabbed Andy Bell's solo album yet but I don't see how it can top this. Of course synthpop detractors will see all of this differently.

jc