I don't know, 'Transcendental Blues' was pretty spot on for me, and the followup, 'Jerusalem' was equally as good. I liked druggie Earle, but to me, those two albums were more poignant and well-written than any of his pre-conviction stuff. 'Jerusalem' is/and always will be linked with 9/11 as a document of an artist's feelings and then also the emotions it stirred up in me. I would say his subsequent material has fallen a little flat, but the early '00s was a strong time for him to come in and forge a new identity.

devendra banhart.cripple crow

it's been a while since i've listenend to this one. not sure why, cuz it's pretty good.

I agree. I bought it late in the game so it didn't make my list, but it was up there at the end of the year. This was my first foray into Devendra and completely more impressed with him and this album than I was previously led to believe.