For a year that is not giving us many joys, musical or otherwise, the summer season did bring its share of surprises. From dazzling debuts (Frank Ocean; Jessie Ware) to unexpected returns to form (Swans; Nas); long-awaited follow-ups (The xx; How To Dress Well) to brand new works by some of yoday’s movers and shakers in alternative music (Grizzly Bear; Dirty Projectors; Animal Collective; Ariel Pink). Altogether, they formed an eclectic soundtrack to the estival season that’s just finished. To wrap it up in style, here’s our selection of the best albums released over the last three months.