This was a very interesting and funny episode!
Some great albums has come out this year and my current favourites are (in no particular order):
The National - Trouble will find me
Jason Isbell - Southeastern
Gregory Alan Isakov - The Weatherman
Local Natives - Hummingbird
Keaton Henson - Birthdays
My favourite find this year is the american singer-songwriter John Fullbright
The fantastic Jason Molina (Songs Ohia, Magnolia Electric Co.) died in march and tribute album was released (featuring Mark Kozelek, Damien Jurado, Will Oldham and many others)
http://thesongsofjasonmolina.bandcamp.com/album/weary-engine-blues