Almost that time again...

The concept of an album of the year is difficult. Do you do it retrospectively? Looking back on 1998 for example, it is clear that Moon Safari was the standout release. However, if someone had asked the 12 year old version of me what my favourite album of that year was, it most likely would've been Space's Tin Planet.

I'm not completely sure why I'd have chosen that album. Probably because it had the lyric "kick ass angels" in it and that was about as raunchy as I'd heard at 12. Though you could argue the quality of the songs, they were undeniably catchy, Female of the Species and The Ballad of Tom Jones possessing a jaunty melody, devoid of any real musical depth.

I think a lot of it also comes from what the

purpose of the list is. For example, if the list is taking place years later and questioning the truly great, long-lasting albums from that year, then it's fair to treat the year with a touch of retrospect. If the list is being done in the last days of December however, I think it's ok to choose an album that you wouldn't necessarily choose 5 years later. Some albums are slow burners, some are influenced by emotional situations, some are simply not where you're at musically at that time. That doesn't mean they should be discounted entirely.

I'd like to think that my already shortening list of album's for 2010 would be the same if in 2015, I looked back at this year. I'd like to think that the records that have truly stood out to me this year are ones that will always bring joy to my musical heart.

If they don't, then that's not necessarily a bad thing. Everybody likes to think they have a great taste in music, but one of the greatest things is to be able to look back and say "I had that one wrong".

Hell, if DiS can give Kid A a 4/10, then anyone can get it wrong.