Before we get stuck into TELLING you what THE BEST record of the year is (that's coming next week), we thought we might find out what some of our favourite acts' favourite records of the year were. Over the coming days, in the lead up to the end of the year, we've asked some of our acts of the year and some of our the acts who have records due in 2010, to tell us what excited and inspired them in 2009.

Rolo Tomassi are currently finishing up their second album with renowned producer Diplo but James Tomassi took some time out to tell us about their favourite five albums from this year...

James from Rolo Tomassi

The Shitty Limits Beware The Limits

The best UK punk record of the year from what I've listened to. Fast, to the point and in your face. Anyone that's seen them live can attest to how good the Limits are and although the record doesn't quite do their show justice, it comes as close as possible.

The Maccabees Wall Of Arms

The Maccabees are undoubtedly my favorite UK indie band and I've followed them closely since Colour It In. This album for me is the perfect follow up to their debut. Full of catchy, intricate, intelligent pop songs that have stayed in my head since the first time I heard them live.

CFCF Continent

My favorite discovery this year in terms of new artists. For me, the album didn't quite match the excellent Panesian Nights EP that came out in January but I'm including this purely on how much I've enjoyed CFCF's music this year. Minimal disco with awesome pop sensibilities. The album is more sprawling progressive soundscapes compared to his other material which is more of a modern synth-pop Goblin. Still well worth checking out. A notable mention goes to his Explorers EP too.

Trash Talk Shame

It's not a new release but a compilation of a couple of 7"s, their S/T album and most recent single. Around 30 songs in less than 30 minutes. Super fast, totally vital hardcore. I rate them as one of the best live bands I've seen this year and one of the most imposing bands I've ever seen.

Grammatics Grammatics

Having been watching this band for the last few years I was really pleased that they got their debut out this year and it was exactly what I was hoping for. Huge sounding, wonderfully composed songs. It was refreshing to hear multi-instrumentation come into the full-length with songs like 'Inkjet Lakes' featuring a lot more keyboards. Touring with Grammatics this year was an absolute pleasure!

Rolo Tomassi tour the UK in January before heading down under for some shows in Oz. For dates and more visit myspace.com/rolotomassi, Twitter or gaze at James' tumblr