The Consensus Top 10, Plus One

Like its predecessor, 1997’s “Time Out of Mind,” Bob Dylan’s “Love and Theft” was an easy winner in the voting by The Times’ pop music contributors for the best albums of the year.

Consensus regulars Radiohead, PJ Harvey and Lucinda Williams were also selected by the 14 writers, but that doesn’t mean it’s a free ride for veteran acts. In fact, a squad of new artists took advantage of the year’s generally lackluster output to crash the party. Debut albums from B.R.M.C., India.Arie, Gorillaz and Alicia Keys all made the list (which numbers 11 because of ties).

Records receive 10 points for a first-place vote, nine points for second and so forth.

--Richard Cromelin

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Artist -- Title (Label) -- Total Points -- No. of Ballots (Firsts)

1. Bob Dylan -- “Love and Theft” -- (Columbia) - 58 -- 7 (4)

2. Bjork -- “Vespertine” (Elektra) -- 37 -- 5 (2)

(tie) B.R.M.C. -- “Black Rebel Motorcycle Club” -- (Virgin) -- 37 6

4. White Stripes -- “White Blood Cells” (Sympathy for the Record Industry) -- 36 -- 5 (1)

5. Radiohead -- “Amnesiac” (Capitol) -- 31 -- 6

6. Joe Henry -- “Scar” (Mammoth) -- 26 -- 3 (1)

7. India.Arie -- “Acoustic Soul” (Motown) -- 21 -- 3

8. Gorillaz -- “Gorillaz” (Virgin) -- 18 -- 4 (1)

(tie) System of a Down -- “Toxicity” -- (American Recordings -- 18 -- 2

10. Alicia Keys -- “Songs in A Minor” (J) -- 1 -- 3

(tie) Lucinda Williams -- “Essence” (Lost Highway)14 -- 3

The first-place votes: Bjork, Steve Appleford, Steve Hochman; Bob Dylan, Geoff Boucher, Richard Cromelin, Robert Hilburn, Connie Johnson; Gorillaz, Lina Lecaro; Pedro Guerra, “Ofrenda” (BMG Music Spain), Agustin Gurza; John Hammond, “Wicked Grin” (Pointblank/Virgin), Randy Lewis; Joe Henry, Natalie Nichols; Prayer Boat, “Polichinelle” (Atlantic), Steve Baltin; Starflyer 59, “Leave Here a Stranger” (Tooth & Nail), Kevin Bronson; Tortoise, “Standards” (Thrill Jockey), Marc Weingarten; White Stripes, Susan Carpenter.