Albums Of 2010 - No. 30 to No. 21

30. The Courteeners 'Falcon' -
What went down I don't know, but there's way more to these than first signalled. Superb.



29. Jónsi 'Go' -
Sigur Rós' leading light turns out a stripped-down (for Sigur) endeavour. And it's all just as empowering.



28. The Drums 'The Drums' -
The year's most-hyped sign over the goods. Who said guitar pop was dead?




27. Kele 'The Boxer' -
Not as reformist as he perhaps intended and highly Bloc in parts. Still, main thing is it's out his system.



26. Foals 'Total Life Forever' -
Oxford's finest since you-know-who prove they really are one of the special ones. Emotional, man.



25. Manic Street Preachers 'Postcards From A Young Man' -
It's okay to still be angry at 40. Especially with the umpteen indie anthems on here.



24. Marina And The Diamonds 'The Family Jewels' -
It's hard to shine in today's gal pop town, but she's got the choons to do so brightly.



23. The Kissaway Trail 'Sleep Mountain' -
Denmark's soft rockers continue to give it their all - and by this shot there's no need to halt it.


22. Crystal Castles 'Crystal Castles II' -
They've found a way to make the same immense 'lectro-noise but with a reasoned MO. Yes indeed!


21. Sufjan Stevens 'The Age Of Adz' -
Mr Stevens, finally you fathomed the merits of less = more. His best record yet.