I defended Austra’s Feel It Break, Dirty Beaches’ Badlands, Smith Westerns’ Dye It Blonde and Yuck’s self-titled debut album in National Post’s album of the year readers’ poll. I think the top ten albums will be announced early next week, but in the meantime, feel free to read my comments and the picks from the rest of the Arts & Life staff. I’d also like to let it be known that I do not support the inclusion of Adele and Lady Gaga in this long list.