At the moment it seems definitely more consistent than the debut, but lacking any true standout songs.

In theory that is an improvement, but really I had considered them mostly a singles band (Oh wow Wetsuit... Wrecking Bar). Maybe a few listens and it'll grow into something more, but I'm not expecting huge things

Yeah, its not my genre at all, but I found it pleasant. Not particularly engaging, but I guess it wasn't going for that. Worth the listen (well, 3) definitely, dunno how often i'll play it again though.

Cheeky move by them to make the album exactly 1 hour long

I was a bit disapointed with Sigúr Rós' new album, it kind of bored me, I already know they're not the most upbeat band in the world but I really love (), Takk and Agaetis byrjun. Same with Beach House's Bloom, I like it but I don't think it's better than Teen Dream, that album is just a pop music masterpiece, every track has its own hook.
I think the most underrated album of the year is Sees the light by La Sera, just fun, straight, pop music, in the same league as Japandroids' Celebration Rock which is also a wonderful album.
And if you like Dinosaur Jr., be sure you check on Screaming Females.

The levation Hex's debut sounds like Alchemist combined with Aeon of Horus, with Alarumish vocal. That's good for that band (but I still don't like Alarum)

I understand where you're coming from - it's probably Sigur Ros's most unconventional album but something about ambient music really gets to me. The whole atmospheric nature of it opens my mind up and makes me think of barren, desolated, bleak but beautiful landscapes, the wind and open spaces, most probably leading to thoughts about the beauty of loneliness and independence. That whole aspect makes me love bands and artists like The Verve's early work, Brian Eno, and U2 for example. It's completely different for everyone else, but for me, that is my own personal take on albums like Valtari.

As mimmi mentioned, The Magnetic North album is beautiful. Watch the videos mimmi, that's really where I live!

stream of Band of Horses new album
stereogum.com/1146952/stream-band-of-horses-mirage-rock/album-stream/

I've listened to Wild Nothing new album cos I read that they supported Beach House.
They're playing at London Calling in November. Looking forward to see them.

Could Asia have found a better name than XXX? Googling Asia and XXX leads me to, um, undesirable results

I've totally forgotten The Moon's new album! I did listen to their new single and it's pretty good.

I'm adding a few more to my favourite 2012 albums:

Alt J - An Awesome Wave (looking forward to see him next year)
Sun - Cat Power
Jake Bugg - Jake Bugg (seeing him next year too)

and my very favourite new band at the moment is an Irish band called Kodaline.
I've seen them at London Calling twice 2 weeks ago - at Paradiso and at their acoustic session (invited only) in a church. They've only released one EP so far, but their first album will be released early next year.

I haven't listend to the new Wild Nothing album, but saw them at London Calling 2 weeks ago and I really liked them. Probably gonna see them next year again.

I stumbled upon a great compilation that was released this year called Balearic Soft Rock. Lots of good tunes, some bigger names are Roxy Music and Julian Lennon, but they have a lot of really good, forgotten bands. Definitely worth checking out.

Jessie Ware's new album is pretty great too!

I'm not surprised, she has only just started to tour! This actually makes me feel better about missing her upcoming performance near me in January. ;D

Just gave the new Crystal Castles a listen, didn't think much of it at all. I prefer their first two albums way more! New School of Seven Bells EP is pretty good and I'm not sure if it has been mentioned before but Bat For Lashes' latest album is wonderful.