1. Wilco, "Wilco (The Album)" (Nonesuch)

Talk about a modest winner: Wilco's seventh album downplays in its very title and a companion opening track sparked by self-effacing humor and relaxed craftsmanship. It's just a set of new Jeff Tweedy songs that stroll amiably from sturdy shuffles to buoyant folk valentines to concise bursts of edgy, ominous rock. That those songs are consistently strong and the band's interplay rich and nuanced explain why we're so grateful that "Wilco will love you, baby." Unpretentious and brilliant.