2008 seemed to get off to a slow start in terms of album releases, but now they're coming thick and fast. March has produced a pile of great albums. I've always fancied myself as a bit of a music reviewer, but I ramble too much and generally hate music reviewing members of the press, so I'd never lower myself to do actual 'reviews'. Below you'll find a list of what's currently floating my boat and a bit about why. Just don't call them reviews whatever you do.

MGMT - Oracular Spectacular

Yes, yes, I know! Everyone is raving about this band. I happened to hear MGMT just before the hype got to me and put me off. Musically the album is a real mish-mash, it's pretty poppy in places with tons of synths, and at times wanders off into prog-rock territory - overall it's a really interesting sounding album which covers a lot of ground - I can't get enough of it! Sounds like: Beck meets Secret Machines meets Prince. Fave Tracks: 'Time To Pretend' (the first single), 'Kids'.

REM - Accelerate

Only just out, but wow - REM are rocking once again! I don't own many REM albums, but I do love them - some of their albums seem to have passed me by over the years, this one certainly hasn't. It's a real rocker, and it's great to see a veteran band who can still give it some despite having entered that dangerous 'mid 40's' stage of their careers. Sounds like: REM kicking ass.

Guillemots - Red

Guillemots are a strange band. People seem to love them or hate them, and they seem determined to mess with you. Just as you start getting into a song they throw in completely crazy middle eight that leaves you wondering what just happened. I really liked their debut album 'Through The Window Pane' and 'Red' doesn't disappoint. It took a few listens to get my head around as there's some interesting instrumentation and production, but essentially the majority of the songs are great -albeit with their weird freak outs. I think Guillemots are the closest the UK has to an Arcade Fire, and I don't mean that they sound like Arcade Fire, there's just something about them which is reminiscent - maybe it's the madman/genius thing and the vast instrumentation? Sounds like: An instrument factory, with great choruses, and strange middle eights. Fave Tracks: 'Get Over It' and 'Cockateels'.

Supergrass - Diamond Hoo Ha

Great album title! In a similar move to REM, Supergrass return to their rockier roots after the relatively mellow last album 'Road To Rouen' (I could never get into it). This reminds me of my favourite Supergrass album 'In It For The Money' - chocked full of bluesy glam power-pop, with Gaz Coombes' warbling voice backed by fuzzy guitars, booming bass, crazy-ass drums and even crazier keyboards and organs. There's even a few Jellyfish-esque moments in there - gotta love it! Sitting here listening to it has made me realise I was a fool for thinking I wouldn't bother going to see them live this time around - fingers crossed there's still tickets left! Sounds like: Supergrass at their best. Fave Tracks: 'When I Needed You', 'Ghost Of A Friend', 'Diamond Hoo Ha Man'

Elbow - The Seldom Seen Kid

My favourite Elbow album is their second 'Cast Of Thousands'. I liked 'Leaders Of The Free World' (their third) but not as much as 'Cast Of Thousands', so I was looking forward to 'The Seldom Seen Kid'. The first single 'Grounds For Divorce' has a great line; 'I've been working on a cocktail, it's called grounds for divorce' and Guy Garvery's gravelly voice certainly sounds like he means it. I've not given this album enough listens yet to really get into it, but I'm sure there'll be plenty of gems - a return to form...not that they ever lost their form. Sounds like: Only Elbow can, dark, brooding, moody...

Also...

I've also been listening to The Gutter Twins - 'Saturnalia' and The Raconteurs - 'Consolers Of The Lonely' both of which I'm really enjoying, more about them soon.

Care to share?

Maybe you've got your own tips on what's hot in 2008? Post them in the comments!