IN reverse alphabetical order my year's top ten were:

Warren Zevon - The Wind (Artemis/Rykodisc): Written and recorded in the sure and certain knowledge of his own impending death from inoperable cancer, this is a brave, funny and wise record from the late, great songwriter.

Lucinda Williams - World Without Tears (Lost Highway): A sweaty, sultry and soulful set on which real-life bleeding fingers and broken guitar strings are just part of the picture.

Dar Williams - The Beauty Of The Rain (Evangeline): Another example of supremely confident songcraft from the bountifully-talented Dar .

The White Stripes - Elephant (XL), pictured right: Who could resist the sheer verve of Jack 'n' Meg?

Gillian Welch - Soul Journey (Acony): Not as austere as some of her previous efforts with partner David Rawlings - which may not be a bad thing, anyway - but still a work of breathtaking precision and acuity.

Rosie Thomas - Only With Laughter Can You Win (SubPop): Stand-up comedian and singer of sad songs sung with the voice of an angel.

Emmylou Harris - Stumble Into Grace (Nonesuch): Continuing the self-written path Emmylou embarked upon with Red Dirt Girl but with even more assurance.

Thea Gilmore - Avalanche (Hungry Dog): Is Thea Britain's best young songwriter and performer? Probably, and her devil-may-care talent is more than obvious on this collection.

Rosanne Cash - Rules Of Travel (Capitol): Worth it even if just for the heartbreakingly poignant duet with her dad Johnny Cash on September When It Comes, but packed full of other gems.

Calexico - Feast Of Wire (Quarterstick): Swinging apparently effortlessly from desert-rock to mariachi magic to spaghetti Western soundscape, Joey Burns and Jon Convertino's fourth full-length effort is an intoxicating piece of work. Tweet