by Albert Rodriguez - SGN A&E Writer

In order, these are my choices for the best albums from the past 12 months.

1) Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix - Phoenix
The perfect pop record from France's über-hipsters. This is the album we knew they were capable of making, and the one that finally made them international breakthroughs. Standout track: '1901'

2) Rated R - Rihanna
No sympathy was given to the Barbadian beauty with this runner-up prize - she earns it with a dazzling album of dramatic ballads and tightly wound club numbers. Standout track: "Rude Boy"

3) Veckatimist - Grizzly Bear
Awkward, complicated, quirky and brilliant are a few words to describe Grizzly Bear's latest offering. Standout track: "Two Weeks"

4) Middle Cyclone - Neko Case
What we've known for a decade was finally realized by a wider audience last summer when Neko Case whipped up this storm of an album: that she's one of the best female musicians out there. Standout track: "This Tornado Loves You"

5) Merriweather Post Pavilion - Animal Collective
Electro-pop foursome Animal Collective hit the jackpot in 2009 with this album full of delightful, fuzzy surprises. Standout track: "My Girls"

6) Blood of Man - Mason Jennings
Singer-songwriter Mason Jennings surged into Bob Dylan territory with his eighth full-length release, a folk-rock masterpiece and undoubtedly his best work ever. Standout track: "Lonely Road"

7) Welcome Joy - The Cave Singers
Sounding a bit like Fleetwood Mac circa '72, this Seattle trio is knocking on the door of global acclaim. Standout track: "Summer Light"

8) Tarot Sport - Fuck Buttons
Prepare to be transported to another universe when you listen to this very ambitious recording by British experimental duo Fuck Buttons. Standout track: "Surf Solar"

9) Revolution - Miranda Lambert
Country music's gun-toting sweetheart continues her string of marvelous albums with this Southern jewel. Standout track: "White Liar"

10) xx - The xx
London newcomers The xx provided chills everywhere on their impressive, at times haunting, debut. Standout track: "Crystalised"

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