Cracking my knuckles and readying myself for the frantic season that is end-of-the-year list making. Surprisingly, there are less albums this year than last. Am I listening less or am I more jaded? Pshaw! I’m listening just as much and prefer to say that I am more sophisticated.

Anyways, in no particular order are my tops so far:

• Luomo - Paper Tigers
• Quantic - An Announcement to Answer
• The Contingencies - Viva Ole
• Wale Oyejide - Africa Hot!
• Ratatat - Classics
• The Format - Dog Problems
• DJ Cheb I Sabbah - La Ghriba: La Kahena Remixed
• Hallelujah Chicken Run Band - Take One
• Nino Moschella - The Fix
• The Coup - Pick a Bigger Weapon
• Loka - Fire Shepherds
• Bibio - Hand Cranked
• Sayag Jazz Machine - Anachro’mix Experiences
• Natacha Atlas - Mish Maoul
• John Coltrane - Fearless Leader

I’m sure a couple more might find their way on before the year is out and likely several after I have set my final ten in stone.