The Consensus Top 10

Eminem runs away with the trophy in the 20th annual best-album poll of The Times’ pop-music contributors, but “The Marshall Mathers LP” isn’t the only controversial album to make a strong showing. Radiohead’s ambient “Kid A” divided the English band’s audience between those who applauded its daring and those who saw it as a retreat from the group’s potential as a front-line rock presence. Sales have been slow, but the critics have lined up behind Radiohead’s experiment. The top 10 also includes reliable regulars (PJ Harvey and U2), veterans making their first appearances (Emmylou Harris and Shelby Lynne), a neo-soul rookie (Jill Scott) and an entry from alt-rock’s left field (Portland, Ore.’s Dandy Warhols). Albums receive 10 points for a first-place vote, nine for second, etc.

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Artist, Title (Label) Points Ballots (Firsts)

1. Eminem, “The Marshall Mathers LP” (Aftermath/Interscope). 60 8 (2)

2. Radiohead “Kid A,” (Capitol) 53 8 (1)

3. Shelby Lynne, “I Am Shelby Lynne” (Island). 49 7 (1)

4. PJ Harvey, “Stories From the City, Stories From the Sea” (Island) 44 6 (1)

5. U2, “All That You Can’t Leave Behind” (Interscope). 39 7

6. OutKast, “Stankonia” (LaFace/AristaCK). 30 5

7. D’Angelo, “Voodoo” (Virgin) 29 6

8. Emmylou Harris, “Red Dirt Girl” (Nonesuch). 26 4

9. Dandy Warhols, “Thirteen Tales From Urban Bohemia” (Capitol) 22 4

10. Jill Scott, “Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1” (Hidden Beach/Epic) 21 3 (1)

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Here are the individual best album choices of the 17 voters: Eminem: Robert Hilburn, Soren Baker; Radiohead: Isaac Guzman; Shelby Lynne: Geoff Boucher; PJ Harvey: Natalie Nichols; Jill Scott: Connie Johnson; the 6ths, “Hyacinths and Thistles” (Merge): Richard Cromelin; Badly Drawn Boy, “The Hour of Bewilderbeast” (XL/Beggars Banquet): Steve Hochman; Kasey Chambers, “The Captain” (Asylum): Randy Lewis; Saint Etienne, “Sound of Water” (Sub Pop): Ernesto Lechner; Sleater-Kinney, “All Hands on the Bad One” (Kill Rock Stars): Steve Appleford; Deftones, “White Pony” (Maverick): Lina Lecaro; the Glands, “The Glands” (Capricorn): Marc Weingarten; Marah, “Kids in Philly” (Artemis): Michael McCall; the Johnny Staats Project, “Wires & Wood” (Giant): Deborah Barnes; A3, “La Peste” (Columbia): Phil Sutcliffe; Dead Prez, “Let’s Get Free” (Loud): Kris Ex.