Usual disclaimer: This list is fluid and will change a great deal going forward.
Also, these are just Trailer's favorites. The year-end list will be staff voted.
11. Nikki Lane - Highway Queen
12. Sunny Sweeney - Trophy
13. Japandroids - Near to the Wild Heart of Life
14. Natalie Hemby - Puxico
15. Rhiannon Giddens - Freedom Highway
16. Dead Man Winter - Furnace
17. Dale Watson & Ray Benson - Dale & Ray
18. The Band of Heathens - Duende
19. Power Trip - Nightmare Logic
20. Ryan Adams - Prisoner
*New albums from Rodney Crowell and Mastodon would likely be in the top 20;
I just haven't digested those albums quite enough yet.