In compiling this list, I came to two realizations. One, there was a hell of a lot of good music this year. Two, I appear to have a serious affinity for the guy-with-a-guitar combo. Upon further reflection, I've decided that it's more a love for indie rock that gets back to basics - be it elementally (guy and guitar), stylistically (albums that sound like a throwback), or even the musicians themselves (people who have proved their musical merit time and time again).
In that vein, these are my 10 favorite "tried and true" indie albums of 2010, ones that I think follow the mantra "if it ain't broke, just do it better than anyone else."