ALBUMS OF 2013 Beyoncé

We’ve entered the last leg of the sprint to Christmas just as we’ve exited the bail-out. Hurrah and good on us. But just as we were about to go flaithiúlach with the money, Minister Mickey Noonan reminded us ‘we can’t go mad again’. Sure we’re still taking the tablets, Mickser, we’ll be grand – and any way, a gift of music won’t break anybody’s bank. What better present than one of the best albums released this year? Here are the best 20 and then some, and they would make excellent last-minute gifts. 1. Biffy Clyro OPPOSITES This double album marks the pinnacle of their career – there isn’t a bad song on it. As well as hard rock, there are flourishes of mariachi brass – the band now operates without regard to the confines of genre. (Key tracks: Opposite, Black Chandelier, Biblical).

2. My Bloody Valentine MBV The follow-up to 1991’s Loveless disappointed only those with unrealistic expectations. This may not be Loveless mark 2 – but the sonic roar, the layered vocals, the distortion, the hidden pitch shifts are all present. If Loveless had never existed this would be lauded even more. (Key tracks: She Found Now, If I Am, In Another Way).

3. Arctic Monkeys

AM This is the first album that matches the excitement they elicited with their debut, and there is also a dance undertow to it that has helped make it a worldwide success. (Key tracks: Do I Wanna Know, R U Mine)

4. David Bowie

THE NEXT DAY The release of Where Are We Now? in January – didn’t fully prepare anyone for the best Bowie album in 30 years. (Key tracks: The Next Day, Where Are We Now?)

5. Arcade Fire

REFLEKTOR The farmhand look and folkie anthems are a distant memory. This year the Montreal group became an electronic musical animal. (Key tracks: Reflektor, Here Comes The Time, Awful Sound)

6. Villagers AWAYLAND If their debut was a solo effort by Conor O’Brien, Awayland marks the integration of his touring band as members of a fully fledged group. (Key tracks: Earthly Pleasure, Nothing Arrived). 7. Kanye West YEEZUS Kanye West is in the best form of his career with this towering achievement. I thought it was visceral and aggressive when I first heard it – to that I would add thrilling. (Key tracks: Black Skinhead, New Slaves).

8. Little Green Cars

ABSOLUTE ZERO Of all the debut albums by Irish bands that also made an impact overseas, this one is the best. Compared to Fleet Foxes and Arcade Fire, they really could spin off in any direction they choose.

9. The Duckworth Lewis Method

STICKY WICKETS In their second cricket-themed album, Neil Hannon and Thomas Walsh broaden their horizons into funk and prog-rock. (Key tracks: Laughing Cavaliers, Line And Length).

10. O Emperor VITREOUS They have transformed themselves into Hibernia’s answer to British Sea Power. (Key tracks: Soft In The Head, Contact).

Joint 10. And So I Watch You From Afar ALL HAIL BRIGHT FUTURES And So I Watch You From Afar refined their postrock sound to embrace more vocals and a danceable attitude, making them a more welcoming prospect than previously. (Key tracks: Eunoia, The Stay Golden).

12. Lisa O’Neill

SAME CLOTH OR NOT She is a brilliant songwriter, has a unique voice and this is a great collection.

13. Foals HOLY FIRE The third album from the Oxford boys gets a 2:1. 14. Cat Dowling

THE BELIEVER The Irish songstress fulfils longbelieved-in promise.

15. Daft Punk

RANDOM ACCESS MEMORIES

As ubiquitous in the summer as

HHHHH wasps and cold pints of cider – Get Lucky was almost inescapable.

16. Kodaline

IN A PERFECT WORLD This was a smart debut album from a Dublin band that turned out to be Ireland’s most successful new musical export. 17. Bell X1

CHOP CHOP A quieter but no less potent offering from the ever-reliable Kildare-men.

18. Suede

BLOODSPORTS This would be the comeback of the year if not for My Bloody Valentine and David Bowie.