#1. NEKO CASE -
MIDDLE CYCLONE

We still don't like "Never Turn Your Back on Mother Earth," but this is a beautiful disc.

#2. RICHMOND FONTAINE -
WE USED TO THINK THE FREEWAY...

Vlautin and company just keep making great records. Standout tracks include "You Can Move Back Here," "The Boyfriends" and "Maybe We Were Both Born Blue."

#3. CALIFONE -
ALL MY FRIENDS ARE FUNERAL SINGERS

Perfectly deconstructed Americana. Highlights include "Polish Girls," "Funeral Singers" and "Buñuel."

#4. CONOR OBERST -
OUTER SOUTH

Conor's collaborative approach to this record left some critics grousing. Not us. Check out "To the Lights in All the Windows," "Big Black Nothing" and "Roosevelt Room."

#5. THE GOURDS -
HAYMAKER!

This stellar set shambles all over the alt.country map--from off-kilter comedy to zydeco-infused swamp rock. We challenge you to find three consecutive tracks on a 2009 release better than #8 "Country Gal," #9 "Bridgett" and #10 "Shreveport."

#6. JAY FARRAR + BEN GIBBARD -
ONE FAST MOVE OR I'M GONE

This one was a sleeper. And a bit sleepy, but pleasantly so. Farrar teamed up w/ the Death Cab for Cutie frontman to remind us all why the Farrar / Tweedy thing worked so well. Check out "All in One" and the title track.

#7. VIC CHESNUTT -
AT THE CUT

If you haven't heard this one, check out "Chinaberry Tree," "We Hovered with Short Wings" or "Flirted with You All My Life." Rest in peace, Vic.

#8. A.A. BONDY -
WHEN THE DEVIL'S LOOSE

The former Verbena frontman returns with his second solid solo set. We dig the title track and "I Can See the Pines Are Dancing."

#9. THE FELICE BROTHERS -
YONDER IS THE CLOCK

All hail the chickenmen! Try "Run Chicken Run" or "Chicken Wire."

#10. THE MINUS 5 -
KILLINGSWORTH

Maybe this isn't the tenth best album of the year. Maybe we just miss the Mendoza Line. Check out Bracy's "Dark Hand of Contagion," and you might too.