I think right now I’d have to go with Swans’ “The Seer”, which is a shambling stomping across the landscape post-gothic punk whatever other meaningless adjectives I can apply ramble through someone’s psyche. Occasionally it becomes work, but mostly not.
And curses to Bo for not letting me mention my second choice, Kathleen Edwards’ “Voyageur.”
Another vote for Babel. Some people might dislike Mumford and Sons, but I love them and their second album is almost as great as their first.
Close runner-up is Spark Seeker by Matisyahu, which was released a few months ago.
That’s okay, I’ll mention it for you as it’s my first choice.
Kathleen Edwards’ “Voyageur”.
And this saves me having to mention my second choice.
I was thinking maybe the new albums by Bob Mould, Ty Segall, Kendrick Lamar, Moon Duo, The Coup, Toy or Tame Impala, but I probably listened to the Chromatics album the most, so I’ll go with that.
Until last week, I would’ve told you Some Nights, by fun. (it’s such great pump-your-fist-in-the-air-while-singing-at-the-top-of-your-lungs music), but now it’s probably Night Visions by Imagine Dragons.
Welcome 2 My Nightmare, Alice Cooper.
Runners up: Book of Mormon soundtrack
Bruise, Assemblage 23
Clockwork Angels, Rush
I’ve been so out-of-touch this year. I didn’t buy a single album that was released this year. The only thing I’ve heard that really interested me was Tame Imapala’s Lonerism, but I haven’t exactly dug very deep. I do have M83’s Hurry Up We’re Dreaming from late last year that I got this year, so that could be my vote. I don’t think I’ve heard any of the albums mentioned in this thread, except for the ubiquitous Mumford & Sons and, well, let’s just say they’re not my cup of tea.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet Live at Carnegie Hall.
Oops, sorry, didn’t see the qualifier that it had to be a new release.
Then, nothing.
She has a crush on me, ya know. 
The only CD I can remember buying in years was the new one by The Jawhawks. Got it at their show.
Kendrick Lamar - good kid, m.A.A.d city
This is my favorite rap album of the past five years, at least.
Other favorites of 2012 include Cloud Nothings, Heartless Bastards, Father John Misty, the Walkmen, and Japandroids.
There are many ways to listen to new albums and support artists without buying their music. Spotify + live shows is my preferred method.
As to the OP, the best album I listened to was Fiona Apple’s The Idler Wheel….
Fair enough. I will probably use Spotify to check out many of the albums listed in this thread, now that you mention it.
Doomtree’s No Kings was very good, I thought.
fun. - Some Nights.
Hmm, nothing really compares to any music released and purchased in '11 and '10. Kind of a dry year, musically for me.
I suppose the top three in my library are
Some Nights by FUN.
Neck of the Woods by Silversun Pickups.
And so far, I’m digging the Deftone’s latest disc, Koi No Yokan.
Me and PlainJain are on a wavelength ~~~~~~
ETA: And MilTan too, apparently. Although, I liked FUN better when they were The Format.
Andrew Bird, Break It Yourself. It came out in March and has been in constant rotation here ever since.
My favorite song from it is “Orpheo Looks Back.”
Bahamut, a six-year old album by a group I’d never heard of: Hazmat Modine.
Hard to describe, but sounds at times like a mix of Captain Beefheart, Tom Waits, and Squirrel Nut Zippers, with a troupe of Tuvan throat singers guesting on two tracks.
The wikipedia entry sums them up pretty well.
Funny, I thought '12 was better than '11 or '10 musically overall. I’m currently listening to my favorite album from '11 as I post this, David Comes to Life by Fucked Up, which I think is better than 151a, however I think '12 was deeper than '11. There was a plethora of great music this year for me.
Yep best album I have got for a long time, it is on high rotation and seems to suit just about any mood. And I love me some banjos!
I don’t listen to the radio and only came across this when I walked into a store and asked [well OK tried to chat up] the sales assistant what band was this?