http://rockandrollazine.blogspot.com/2009/12/my-best-of-2009-list.html
My Best Of 2009 List!
This was hard to draft because four very good albums were edged out when it came down to trimming down the list to just 10 albums. Here's my top 10 albums of 2009 in no particular order along with my commentary after each record. In addition I have added the honorable mention list with live albums, compilations, DVD's and the albums that were edged out.
W.A.S.P. - Babylon
Commenatry: Blackie Lawless has been on a roll as of late first with Dominator and now with Babylon; both of which bring back the classic W.A.S.P. sound. Babylon is rock solid even though it features two covers. No matter, the original material is worth it's weight in gold.
The Last Vegas – Whatever Gets You Off
Commentary: Right out of the blocks these guys delivered one of the most impressive debut albums that I have heard in a longtime. Each track is solid making this one incredible album.
UFO –The Visitor
Commentary: Since recruiting Vinnie Moore, Phil Mogg and Co. haven’t looked back. The Visitor is their best effort in years and certainly their best to date with Vinnie Moore.
Chickenfoot –s/t
Commentary: Most super groups these days don’t measure up, this one does. Chickenfoot brought in two exiled Van Halen members, a primarily funk rock drummer and a solo shredder, the end result is magical.
Angus Khan – Black Leather Rebel Soul
Commentary: This biker rock band called Angus Khan might have gone virtually unnoticed in the United States but these guys have a loyal following in So Cal. They might be a cult band but if there’s a GOD these guys will get their due and blow the lid off a venue near you in the future.
Foreigner – Can’t Slow Down
Commentary: What Mick Jones has done with Foreigner is nothing short of miraculous. Who would have believed that Jones’ current effort at resuscitating Foreigner would have worked as exceedingly well as this? I sure didn't think so.
Nashville Pussy-From Hell To Texas
Commentary: If you like straight up, no frills, no gimmicky rock 'n' roll music then you picked up Nashville Pussy's most consistent effort to date. They won over fans this fall while opening for Motorhead.
Megadeth – Endgame
Commentary: Dave Mustaine began to right the Megadeth ship on The System Has Failed and had a slight misstep on United Abominations but with Endgame he’s put together an album that I feel rivals Rust In Peace, Countdown To Extinction and The System Has Failed. That to me is a very good thing.
Duff McKagan’s Loaded – Sick
Commentary: No Guns n' Roses reunion? No new Velvet Revolver album? No problem! Duff McKagan wasn’t laying low doing nothing, he issued a solo effort with his band Loaded. It’s punk, it’s rock, it's got attitude, but more importantly it's outstanding.
Slayer – World Painted Blood
Commentary: This album is bloody, violent, horrifying fucking mess…if it were any other band you’d think it was an awful album. It’s Slayer and it’s a return to form.
Honerable mention the albums edged out:
Doro - Fear No Evil
Commentary:The undisputed QUEEN of metal issues another consistent record that will surely wind up in the top five of her career.
Jorn – Spirit In Black
Commentary: Can't Jorn do any wrong? This guy can release an album that's mediocre and it's still better than the average band's best. If you're a fan of classic rock and metal bands like Whitesnake, Deep Purple, Rainbow, Dio and Heaven & Hell then you'll absolutely love Jorn Lande's Spirit In Black.
Voodoo Circle – s/t
Commentary: If you’re a fan of Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force then you’ll fall in love with the neo-classical/ power metal album.
Heaven & Hell – The Devil You Know
Commentary: Ronnie James Dio and Tony Iommi showcase their writing skills haven't wavered one bit despite the hiatus.
Honerable mention compilations, live albums and DVD's:
Iron Maiden- Flight 666 (CD & DVD)
Thin Lizzy-Still Dangerous (CD)
Thin Lizzy - Are You Ready? (DVD)
The Donnas - Greatest Hits Vol.16 (CD)
AC/DC - Backtracks (CD & DVD)
Billy Idol - In Super Overdrive Live (DVD)
ZZ Top- Double Down Live (DVD)
Buckcherry - Live & Loud (CD)
Age Of Evil - Get Dead (E.P.)
White Wizzard - High Speed GTO (E.P.)
My Best Of 2009 List!
This was hard to draft because four very good albums were edged out when it came down to trimming down the list to just 10 albums. Here's my top 10 albums of 2009 in no particular order along with my commentary after each record. In addition I have added the honorable mention list with live albums, compilations, DVD's and the albums that were edged out.
W.A.S.P. - Babylon
Commenatry: Blackie Lawless has been on a roll as of late first with Dominator and now with Babylon; both of which bring back the classic W.A.S.P. sound. Babylon is rock solid even though it features two covers. No matter, the original material is worth it's weight in gold.
The Last Vegas – Whatever Gets You Off
Commentary: Right out of the blocks these guys delivered one of the most impressive debut albums that I have heard in a longtime. Each track is solid making this one incredible album.
UFO –The Visitor
Commentary: Since recruiting Vinnie Moore, Phil Mogg and Co. haven’t looked back. The Visitor is their best effort in years and certainly their best to date with Vinnie Moore.
Chickenfoot –s/t
Commentary: Most super groups these days don’t measure up, this one does. Chickenfoot brought in two exiled Van Halen members, a primarily funk rock drummer and a solo shredder, the end result is magical.
Angus Khan – Black Leather Rebel Soul
Commentary: This biker rock band called Angus Khan might have gone virtually unnoticed in the United States but these guys have a loyal following in So Cal. They might be a cult band but if there’s a GOD these guys will get their due and blow the lid off a venue near you in the future.
Foreigner – Can’t Slow Down
Commentary: What Mick Jones has done with Foreigner is nothing short of miraculous. Who would have believed that Jones’ current effort at resuscitating Foreigner would have worked as exceedingly well as this? I sure didn't think so.
Nashville Pussy-From Hell To Texas
Commentary: If you like straight up, no frills, no gimmicky rock 'n' roll music then you picked up Nashville Pussy's most consistent effort to date. They won over fans this fall while opening for Motorhead.
Megadeth – Endgame
Commentary: Dave Mustaine began to right the Megadeth ship on The System Has Failed and had a slight misstep on United Abominations but with Endgame he’s put together an album that I feel rivals Rust In Peace, Countdown To Extinction and The System Has Failed. That to me is a very good thing.
Duff McKagan’s Loaded – Sick
Commentary: No Guns n' Roses reunion? No new Velvet Revolver album? No problem! Duff McKagan wasn’t laying low doing nothing, he issued a solo effort with his band Loaded. It’s punk, it’s rock, it's got attitude, but more importantly it's outstanding.
Slayer – World Painted Blood
Commentary: This album is bloody, violent, horrifying fucking mess…if it were any other band you’d think it was an awful album. It’s Slayer and it’s a return to form.
Honerable mention the albums edged out:
Doro - Fear No Evil
Commentary:The undisputed QUEEN of metal issues another consistent record that will surely wind up in the top five of her career.
Jorn – Spirit In Black
Commentary: Can't Jorn do any wrong? This guy can release an album that's mediocre and it's still better than the average band's best. If you're a fan of classic rock and metal bands like Whitesnake, Deep Purple, Rainbow, Dio and Heaven & Hell then you'll absolutely love Jorn Lande's Spirit In Black.
Voodoo Circle – s/t
Commentary: If you’re a fan of Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force then you’ll fall in love with the neo-classical/ power metal album.
Heaven & Hell – The Devil You Know
Commentary: Ronnie James Dio and Tony Iommi showcase their writing skills haven't wavered one bit despite the hiatus.
Honerable mention compilations, live albums and DVD's:
Iron Maiden- Flight 666 (CD & DVD)
Thin Lizzy-Still Dangerous (CD)
Thin Lizzy - Are You Ready? (DVD)
The Donnas - Greatest Hits Vol.16 (CD)
AC/DC - Backtracks (CD & DVD)
Billy Idol - In Super Overdrive Live (DVD)
ZZ Top- Double Down Live (DVD)
Buckcherry - Live & Loud (CD)
Age Of Evil - Get Dead (E.P.)
White Wizzard - High Speed GTO (E.P.)
