by Kelly Dearmore in Acoustic, Alt-Country, Alternative, Americana, Bluegrass, Country, Features, Folk, Indie, Pop, Rock, Roots

OK, here's the deal. 2010 was an interesting year for music, and in turn, my Top 20 list reflects that, I think. There are some of the albums that aren't from your typical "Twangy" acts mixed in with bands that are absolute Twangville favorites. Some albums are higher up than you may see on other lists, and some albums that one might expect to be near the top aren't so high up afterall. Tell you what: Let's just get to it, shall we? 1. Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy Say what you want about West, or about Hip-Hop, but this record transcends all boundaries and expectations. Truly captivating. 2. Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More As is the case with West's album, this is a disc that is worth the hype. Their live show transforms this record's material into pure greatness. If there is such a thing as "Arena-Folk", Mumford & Sons are its Bill Monroe. 3. Jamey Johnson - The Guitar Song Nobody on Music Row is doing what Johnson is doing. Period. 4. Phosphorescent - Here's To Taking it Easy Want to really build a name for yourself as an artist? Take songs from a living legend and create an amazing album that is completely yours, and also one of that year's best. In the next year, craft a record that is almost impossible to truly categorize and display depth and delicacy with a collection that has no skip-worthy tracks to be found. That's what Matthew Houck of Phosphorescent has done. 5. Joe Pug - Messenger 6. .357 String Band - Lightning From the North 7. The National - High Violet 8. Local Natives - Gorilla Manor 9. Justin Townes Earle - Harlem River Blues 10. The Sword - Warp Riders 11. Drive by Truckers - The Big To Do 12. Thrift Store Cowboys - Light Fighter 13. Delta Spirit - History From Below 14. Old 97's - The Grand Theatre Vol 1. 15. Frightened Rabbit - Winter of Mixed Drinks 16. Kasey Anderson - Nowhere Nights 17. Amy Cook - Let the Light In 18. Doug Burr - O Ye Devastator 19. Band of Horses - Infinite Arms 20. Tallest Man on Earth - The Wild Hunt