Another of my recent favorites is The Arcade Fire's debut album, Funeral.
I actually stumbled on this group a few weeks back, after noticing a number of sites had absolutely glowing reviews. It seemed to be a perennial favorite on Best of 2004 lists, and reviews that declare it “one of the best album of the year, hands down” certainly piqued my curiousity.
Somehow, I managed to miss all the hype, but the album really lived up to my inflated expecations. It's an immensely enjoyable listening experience that only gets better the more you listen to it.
This album comes highly recommended.