From what I've listened to this year, here is my favorite Top 10 from 2009

1) The Beatles Box- Remastered

The most influential artists to ever record and sounding better than ever.

2) Pat Dinizio -Buddy Holly

On the 50th anniversary of Holly's death, this was the only tribute and a satisfying one as well.

3) Bob Dylan -Christmas in the Heart

What other artist well into their fifth decade of recording makes his best music as this one has over the last decade?

4) Cheap Trick -The Latest

Harking back to their 70's best (including a Slade cover from then) this group still rocks!

5) Levon Helm- Electric Dirt

No one has more heart soul & dirt than the drummer from the Band.

6) Neil Young - Archives Vol 1

Long anticipated and worth the weight, especially on Blu-ray.

7) Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers- Live Anthology

A definitive live collection of hits and rarities from this American Institution.

8) Steve Forbert- The Place and the Time

My favorite Forbert recording of all time.

9) Steve Allen- Thinline

20/20 Guitarist and Nashville resident records a personal and strong rock & pop album.

10) Black Crowes - Before The Frost...Until the Freeze

The Crowes go to Woodstock and make their best record ever.

Other listening requirements....

Dennis Diken & Bell Sound -Late Music

Brian Wilson influenced pop from the drummer of the Smithereens.

The Smithereens Play Tommy

Following their superb Beatles tributes comes The Who.

Robyn Hitchcock & the Venus Three - Goodnight Oslo

Hitchcock improves with every release.

Derek trucks band -Already Free

Great jam band feel.

Kiss - Sonic Boom

Superior to most of their other releases since the 70's.

Elvis Costello - Secret Profane & Sugarcane

Elvis meet Nashville bluegrass pickers, pickers meet Elvis.

Spinal Tap - Back from the Dead

Fun reworking of Tap classics.

Most disappointing releases this year....

Chickenfoot

Supergroup trying too hard and coming up short.

Ace Frehley - Anomoly

Decent Sweet cover but seems to be phoning it in.

Wolfmother- Cosmic Egg

Kind of like their debut but not quite there.