I couldn't even get to 20:

These are the albums that I listened to most, and tend to think of as the best of the year. Dawes is kind of in the middle of the two groups, but like Chris said, it has harmonies, I like the sound, and it has something that makes up for it's relative lack of merit

Lucero
Ike Reilly
Avett
DBT
John Doe
Monsters of Folk
Dawes

These are definitely top 20 worthy. I listened to them enough to like them, and have a complete opinion on each. Good rekkids, but none are great.
Chuck Prophet
Deadstring
YYY
Casablancas
Deer Tick
Obligatory Rap Choice: Raekwon Cuban Linx 2
Reigning Sound
Thomas Function
Willie Nile

I can't say many nice things about the Thomas Function or Willie Nile records and never heard Raekwon but everything else is solid.

Weird, I really liked that Thomas Function, and the Willie Nile was just solid enough. That Monsters of Folk came on STRONG on my trip to TX. Good album for many moods. The Bright Eyes songs are the weak points, and that first song is a clunker, imo, but other than that, solid.

If I were ranking in order, I think the top 5 would be:

Lucero
Ike Reilly
DBT
Avett
Monsters

I think I can't get over the singer in the Thomas Function. I admittedly haven't given that Willie many listens but nothing really grabs me so far. Could change with time though and based on my love of Streets of New York I'll give it a chance.

Monsters of Folk didn't make my list but I do think its a pretty good record. (and I even like the Bright Eyes songs)

did you listen to that gucci mane yet?

You know I don't know if I've ever heard Avett Brothers. I just saw that Rubin produced. Probably should grab that.

Also, you should have To Terrapin on there.

Maybe you're tired and broken
Your tongue is twisted with words half spoken and thoughts unclear

Yeah, you need to get out of that Box of Rain Senator and see a bit of the world...

crap. i forgot about willie nile.

I haven't heard it either, DJ but then I thought Emotianalism was one of the most boring records ever recorded so what do I know?

Thomas Function would make my Top 20.

As you both know, I'm a sucker for most things Rubin is involved in.

Really?

ive meant to hear that Thomas Function

I think Thomas functions debut made my top 20 last year. I didn't hear the new one but considered buying it in the record store the other day.

I can send you a link if you want it Tanner.

I just came to the Avetts this year, so I had my fill to catch up. The new record is pretty damn good though, and I think definitely one of my favorites of theirs. They seemed to have successfully flowed from one album to EP to album without changing the foundation, but rather tweaking bits here and there.

Bloor--I've heard more than one person say Emotionalism was boring, but really liked the new one. Check it out. Also, if you haven't checked out the Gleam EPs, or The Robbinsville Sessions I definitely rec those.

As for yr list Senator--I hemmed and hawed about adding that DBT rarities record. It definitely would've made the Top 25. In the end, I treated it much like I treat most live, b-sides, and rereleases--subjected to a lost list.

Did that Willie And The Wheel come out in 09? And did you hear it Gar?

Willie and the Wheel hit on 2/3/2009

This is going to be in my Top 20.

Yeah it's good shit, dispite the faint smell of Paul Shaffer's scalp wax at the end of it.

Haha. It could've used a little different production style as well. Sounds too digital.

Yeah but it didn't bug me enough to knock the greatness off of "Jellyroll." Willie sounds like my dad on that track and I fucking love it. That other singer dude needs to lay off the whole talking to himself thing though. "Sounds like me... it IS me... AWWWW...."etc

That's Ray Benson from Asleep at the Wheel. He was the lead on the project / spearheaded it to get it done before Jerry Wexler passed away. Kind of his artistic license I guess?

"...Jellyroll" is the tune from the album that goes on my Top 20 mix.

I have another of their albums (Asleep's "Western Standard Time" I mean) and he does it all over that one too. Not a huge thing but it started to bug me, and once it starts, you always notice it afterwards.