I listened to Jamey Johnson’s album, and I liked what I heard. I’m just not too blown away by his voice, and when he released that one single a while back (it was very “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk”-ish, but really really bad), from his last album, it turned me off Jamey. So maybe this is his redemption for me.

My other favorite albums not listed would be Ashton Shepherd’s Sounds So Good, Crystal Shawanda’s Dawn of a New Day, and George Strait’s Troubadour.

I’d say Call Me Crazy is definitely my most favorite of this year.

I first heard of him on BBC Radio a couple of months ago where they brought him on, as a journalist, to preview and review the CMA’s.

A couple of weeks ago the same BBC show had a live session from him with Eric Brace, which I enjoyed.

After finding Mission Door in your top ten it nudged me into buying the album from Itunes today and I think it might leap into my top… wel if not top 10 mighty high up, soon. “Wine” is the song that stands out for me most immediately.

It’s great to see Patty’s work placed so high up, where it belongs. And intentional or not, this recognition that Country Universe (and the Grammys and others as well) have given her acts as a rebuke to “country” radio and tv and even the marketplace which has shamefully neglected her and some other high quality artists. If not a rebuke, a correction and a counterbalance at the very least.

I’m looking forward to seeing all your individual lists as well..

Regarding Brad’s latest…I just think it was a gutsy move that he went ahead with this project in the first place. I think he was advised against it, and even caught some flak from some of his own fans. But it’s good he’s at a place in his career where he can afford to follow his Muse wherever she leads him.

Kinda natural that this kind of album gets overlooked when folks compile their lists, but your reasons make sense. Also, there is a huge danger that such an album (being mostly instrumental and all) can all too easily fall into “novelty” territory. But Mr. Paisley has more than enough skill and God given talent to keep it in the realm of art, even as he has a blast doing so!

And on a side note…can you imagine an episode of “Crossroads” where Brad would team up with Lynyrd Skynrd, or some other Southern guitar army? I can just picture Brad and Gary Rossington dueling it out with their blistering six-strings …THAT would be amazing!

Nice catch! Don’t know how I managed to flub that one – I probably should have noticed I had two drummers written down! :/

I’m glad Patty got a good placement on this collective list of ours. I think you’ll like where you’ll find it on some of our individual lists as well.

As for the Paisley album, I didn’t even consider it because instrumental albums really aren’t my thing, not even bluegrass instrumentals (and I love me some bluegrass). I know there is some singing on the Paisley album as well, but none of the songs really stood out to me except the one with Buck Owens–that was pretty cool. So, over all, nothing really interested me too much on the album, but I didn’t think it was horrible for what it was.

On this nearly all-instrumental album, Paisley mostly lets his fingers-on-the-fretboard do talking, and mixes his eloquent six-string voice with other masters in the field. The result is often breathtaking, and makes for an inspired and very unique album from a mainstream artist.

I think for it’s brilliance and it’s boldness, Paisley’s “Play” deserved a place on your list as well.

It would be REALLY interesting to see if any of the instrumental tracks gets released as a single, and actually gets PLAY-ed on country radio!

But once again, great list with great commentary everybody!

Garry Tallent plays bass.
Springsteen’s drummer is Max Weinberg.
(I’m a drummer… not so much a B.S. fan.)

#10 Sugarland – Love on the Inside
#09 Lady Antebellum – Lady Antebellum
#8 Patty Loveless – Sleepless Nights
#7 Ashton Shepherd – Sounds So Good
#6 Katie Perry – One of the Boys
#5 Rebecca Lynn Howard – No Rules
#4 Lee Ann Womack – Call Me Crazy
#3 Kasey Chambers – Rattlin Bones
#2 Jenny Lewis – Acid Tongue
#1 Los Campesinos! – Hold On Now Youngster… (US release ’08)

Props also to:
Dido – Safe Trip Home
Chairlift – Does You Inspire You
Gnarls Barkley – The Odd Couple
Girl Talk – Feed the Animals
Carter’s Chord – Carter’s Chord (Showing Promise)
Marié Digby – Unfold