Best Rock Albums in 2009, so far

Marillion "Less is More." Stripped & mostly unplugged rearrangements and rerecordings of songs from late '80s through early '00s Marillion albums. Mature, sauve, unexpectedly jazz-inflected reunion of a band that never got the recognition it deserved. Audiophile SQ.

Another terrific release:

"My Old Familiar Friend" by Brandon Benson.

I've always loved Benson's solo stuff and I also like White Stripes quite a bit. Therefore, it was a surprise that I found myself disappointed by The Raconteurs material. I figured that maybe Benson's best work was behind him. However, this is a first rate record with very sharp songwriting. Probably goes to the top of the 2009 heap for me.

Marty

For me the best Rock album of 2009 is DEAD WEATHER HOREHOUND great rock with some light Krautrock, psych acid influences. And especially the first couple of tracks will get the dynamics out of your equipment
Highly Recommended for late 60s, early 70s rock fans

I'm on a bit of roll with recent purchases. Just picked up the new cd from the Bottle Rockets, "Lean Forward". This band was basically an Uncle Tupelo spinoff and their first 2 cds were rockin' singer/songwriter stuff with C&W overtones. They steadily added more rock/blues to the mix and the songs become grittier, but IMHO, less finely crafted. This release appears to marry the best of both worlds. I've only been though it once, but on that basis it seems to be a keeper.

Marty

"Them Crooked Vultures". Fascinating cross-currents of Cream, Zep, Foo, & QOTSA. Homme's tendency toward head-banging is kept in check and surprising flights of lyricism abound. Excellent uncompressed vinyl from Bernie Grundman Mastering.