Partly because I don't want to distract from my "Best local albums of the year (so far)" list, I've always resisted the temptation to do a second tally of my favorite non-local albums at the mid-year. But there are so many of these June lists out there nowadays, why not? Here's what I came up with, in alphabetical order (although the Black Keys would probably still be at the top if ranked; that one, or Willie's beautiful T-Bone collaboration).
The Black Keys, "Brothers" The Dead Weather, "Sea of Cowards" Delta Spirit, "History From Below" Patty Griffin (with Buddy Miller), "Downtown Church" Rhymefest, "El Che"
Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, "I Learned the Hard Way" Trombone Shorty, "Backatown" Vampire Weekend, "Contra" (almost forgot this one, since it came out early January) Willie Nelson, "Country Music"
White Stripes, "Under Great White Northern Lights"
