PJ Harvey scoops Hot Press Album Of The Year

Now something of an annual Irish tradition, the Hot Press critics have cast their votes once again and chosen the album they feel was the finest released in 2011. There was some fantastic competition but in the end, one name cropped up time after time. Let England Shake, Polly Jean Harvey's eight studio effort, has been chosen as the Hot Press Album Of The Year. A stunning state-of-the-nation address that ruminates on Harvey's homeland and the horrors of war, it already picked up the Mercury Prize in September. The rest of the Top 30 were similarly impressive, each exemplifying what a great 12 months it has been for music as a whole.

Year on year, we hear that the album as a format is dead as a dodo. As with last year, the Hot Press Albums Of The Year 2011 completely undermines that argument through sheer strength of quality.

And it is a varied list. Veterans of the business and accomplished artists sit alongside first timers. Of the more seasoned, Tom Waits' Bad As Me deservedly comes in second, Radiohead and Bjork make the top ten, and impressive returns from Kate Bush and The Waterboys also feature. First time entries from Anna Calvi, James Blake and The Weeknd point towards a bright future.

It was also a strong year for Irish music. Hot Press has always led the way in terms of identifying and championing homegrown artists and there is a bunch of them making up the Top 30. Lisa Hannigan's gorgeous sophomore effort came in at No. 3, Cashier No 9's To The Death Of Fun made the top ten, and the stellar likes of Pugwash, The Coronas, Snow Patrol and We Cut Corners' debut all made the grade with ease.

If 2012 is half as fruitful musically, we should be ringing in the New Year with great cheer.

For the full list, pick up a copy of The Hot Press Annual '12, in stores now, or click here.