We asked voters to choose their top 10 local albums, then weighted those picks through a point system. Voters could rank their choices (from 20 points for No. 1 to two points for No. 10), or leave them unranked for 10 points apiece. Best songs and live-act categories are from top 5 lists, with 10 to two points for ranked lists, or five apiece for unranked.
Chris Riemenschneider has been covering the Twin Cities music scene since 2001, long enough for Prince to shout him out during "Play That Funky Music (White Boy)." The St. Paul native authored the book "First Avenue: Minnesota's Mainroom" and previously worked as a music critic at the Austin American-Statesman in Texas.
chrisr@startribune.com612-673-4658