Have you tried North Road bars?
The stock bars on my 2009 Uptown 8 are "all-rounder" bars.North Road bars have more rise and about 60 degrees of sweep, which would make the ride a little more upright.The Albaross bars have even more sweep, and are wider, so perhaps that's why you did not like them.
Do you have the stem up all the way up, already? That will help get a more upright position and long stems (or long headtubes) are common on European upright bikes.
I've been pretty happy with my Uptown 8, so far, though I might prefer North Road bars; I think that hand position is more comfortable, and the stock bars seem a little narrow. I wouldn't mind being more upright most of the time, but I haven't raised the stem much because it is nice to be able to get a little under the wind at times.
How has your bike been holding up? Any problems so far?