As usual we at ADM Towers like to think we have a litle more
information to hand than the bookies when it comes to picking the
winner, namely our tried and trusted sources. Adele and PJ Harvey
are currently leading the betting but we'll be putting our pocket
money on Polly Jean who's Let England Shake not only has the
highest ADM rating, but also sits proudly at No. 3 in the ADM
all-time chart.
And who lost out this year? Probably the biggest surprise was
Wild Beasts who were exciting the critics back in May when Smother
was released. But there might a few others feeling a little
disappointed. The Phantom Band, Wire, Rumer, Edwyn Collins, Dels,
Roots Manuva Meets Wrongtom, Robert Plant, Bill Wells & Aidan
Moffat and Mogwai all scored better than our sixth placed album by
Metronomy.
Of the 12 albums shortlisted 10 have featured in the ADM chart
over the last 12 months. The only exceptions being Ghostpoet and
Gwilym Simcock who were not reviewed by the majority of our
sources.
The winner will be announced on Tuesday, 6 September 2011.
So here is our top 10...
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- -
8.7
PJ Harvey
Let England Shake
A richly inventive album that's unlike anything else in Harvey's
back catalogue
The Guardian
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- -
8.0
James Blake
James Blake
Gorgeous, indelible tunes that are as generous in content as they
are restrained in delivery.
Pitchfork
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- -
7.9
King Creosote & Jon Hopkins
Diamond Mine
The final results are of such subtle beauty they take the breath
clean away.
music OMH
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- -
7.8
Elbow
Build A Rocket Boys!
If anything, 'satisfyingly weathered' may fit the bill best - its
imperfections only serve to hold the interest further.
This Is Fake DIY
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- -
7.6
Anna Calvi
Anna Calvi
Pop has its place and all that, but for serious lovers of serious
music, Calvi is the one to watch.
Independent On Sunday
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- -
7.6
Metronomy
The English Riviera
An album that has been thought about, craftsmanship that has been
contemplated and carefully created, this is a pure joy.
State
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- -
7.4
Katy B
On A Mission
She scrupulously avoids the kind of melismatic over-singing that
is the female pop star's usual lot in a post-TV talent show
world.
The Guardian
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- -
7.3
Everything Everything
Man Alive
A captivating, thrilling listen from start to finish - 'Man Alive'
is the best British guitar debut of 2010.
The Fly
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- -
7.1
Adele
21
Watch out here for the majestic closing track, Someone Like You -
a torch song exquisitely delivered. Brilliant.
The Irish Times
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- -
6.2
Tinie Tempah
Disc-Overy
Genre-hopping at the pace of a particle in the Hadron Collider.
NME