Arcade Fire album tops 'poll of polls' critics' list

It is the second time they have topped the survey, having triumphed with their acclaimed debut 'Funeral' back in 2005.

HMV music manager John Hirst said: "The first time I listened to 'The Suburbs' I knew there would be few better releases this year, and that many critics would most likely consider it their album of 2010. Few acts are able to match critical acclaim with global commercial success whilst also retaining their credibility in the eyes of fans, but Arcade Fire are able to achieve this, and are rightly regarded by many as the best Rock band on the planet right now."

The poll is based on album of the year verdicts from magazines including Q, Mojo, NME, Kerrang!, Uncut, and Mixmag as well as national newspapers and websites.

In a statement, the Montreal-based band said: "It's great to top HMV's Poll of Polls for the second time this decade. We're extremely flattered. Thank you."

US band The National were second in the poll with their fifth studio album 'High Violet' and dance act LCD Soundsystem were third with 'This Is Happening'.

Fourth spot went to American duo Beach House and fifth was R'n'B singer Janelle Monae.

The Grammy-nominated singer is from Kansas - confirming the North American domination of the top spots in this year's poll.

Her debut 'The ArchAndroid' garnered album of the year accolades from both The Guardian and Sunday Times.

There was also some critical acclaim for reformed manband Take That whose album, 'Progress', just squeezed into the top 50 at number 49.

Now in its 10th year, the HMV Poll of Polls was topped in 2009 by Animal Collective's 'Merriweather Post Pavilion'.

Previous years have seen records from Kanye West and Daft Punk named as the critics' choice.

Here is the 2010 HMV Poll of Polls top 50:

1. Arcade Fire - 'The Suburbs'

2. The National - 'High Violet'

3. LCD Soundsystem - 'This Is Happening'

4. Beach House - 'Teen Dream'

5. Janelle Monae - 'The ArchAndroid'

6. Vampire Weekend - 'Contra'

7. Yeasayer - 'Odd Blood'

8. Gorillaz - 'Plastic Beach'

9. Caribou - 'Swim'

10.Ariel Pink - 'Before Today'

11.Kanye West - 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy'

12.Joanna Newsom - 'Have One On Me'

13.Gil Scott Heron - 'I'm New Here'

14.Sleigh Bells - 'Treats'

15.Foals - 'Total Life Forever'

16.Villagers - 'Becoming A Jackal'

17.Laura Marling - 'I Speak Because I Can'

18.These New Puritans - 'Hidden'

19.The Black Keys - 'Brothers'

20.Deerhunter - 'Halcyon Digest'

21.Hot Chip - 'One Life Stand'

22.Robyn - 'Body Talk'

23.John Grant - 'Queen Of Denmark'

24.Paul Weller - 'Wake Up The Nation'

25.MGMT - 'Congratulations'

26.Avi Buffalo - 'Avi Buffalo'

27.Manic Street Preachers - 'Postcards From A Young Man'

28.Four Tet - 'There Is Love In You'

29.Grinderman - 'Grinderman 2'

30.Robert Plant - 'Band Of Joy'

31.Warpaint - 'The Fool'

32.Big Boi - 'Sir Luscious Left Foot...The Son Of Chico Dusty'

33.Flying Lotus - 'Cosmogramma'

34.Ali Farka Toure and Toumani Diabate - 'Ali And Toumani'

35.Broken Bells - 'Broken Bells'

36.Best Coast - 'Crazy For You'

37.Marina and the Diamonds - 'The Family Jewels'

38.Oneohtrix Point Never - 'Returnal'

39.Edwyn Collins - 'Losing Sleep'

40.Glasser - 'Ring'

41.Swans - 'My Father Will Guide Me Up A Rope To The Sky'

42.Field Music - 'Field Music'

43.Zola Jesus - 'Stridulum II'

44.Steve Mason - 'Boys Outside'

45.Deftones - 'Diamond Eyes'

46.Plan B - 'The Defamation Of Strickland Banks'

47.Neil Young - 'Le Noise'

48.MIA - 'Maya'

49.Take That - 'Progress'

50.The Drums - 'The Drums'