(how about reviews instead of youtubes for something different?)
The Weeknd - House of Balloons.
pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/15264-house-of-balloons/
Bit hard panda as they stopped making good music last century!
here's my review...Anything post 95 - Shxt
This first one that comes to mind is Gotye, Making Mirrors. This could be because my memory is bad, or it could be because it is the only one I can remember after Friday night at Belvoir.
www.abc.net.au/triplej/
Cave - neverendless
www.dragcity.com/products/neverendless
pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/15921-cave-neverendless/
Youtube... (for something the same) 
Coincidentally just came across this.
www.residentadvisor.net/features/1423
..and compilations
www.residentadvisor.net/feature.aspx?1424
I recognise only four albums. Hurrah, new music!
either Adele's "21"
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Evl, you have pretty good taste in music generally.. that is to say something like my taste. 
Can't really get into weeknd tho, I did give it 5 listens but it didn't quite grab me...
Best album is hard for me, I don't generally do albums these days...
How about DJ tomcat's Easy E vs Johnny cash album. Something a bit different.
Elbow- "Build a Rocket Boys"
Easy listening. Great album to unwind to on a cruisy Sunday morning.
Their earlier acoustic works on Youtube are also worth a look.
I don't think I would call it my album of the year because I think I will get sick of it fairly quickly but it's my latest purchase and I am enjoying it ATM
The Black Keys "El Camino"
blogs.crikey.com.au/earworm/2011/12/15/the-black-keys-el-camino-review/
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard.
Any band that has a therimin player in it has got my vote
2 worth a listen are
Tom Waits.... ........bad as me
Ry Cooder ............www.nonesuch.com/journal/hear-ry-cooder-new-album-entirety-slate-exclusive-5-stars-uncut-one-his-best-albums-ever-2011-08-24
rolling stone has a list also
www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/50-best-albums-of-2011-20111207
