2009 is a tough year to judge. I’ve checked out more albums this year than any year in the past. Well over 1,000. And there have been quite a few great ones as well. When this list began, it had 110 albums. I abandoned my top 33 and 1/3 for 45, and then said “screw it” and upped the number to an even 50. These are the top notch albums of the year, all worthy of praise.

There’s a growing obsession taking place here, and it’s with Tempo No Tempo’s new release Waking Heat. Now, I’ve only heard two tracks — “The Rat (Part One)” and “Medicines” — but I can tell you that both are pretty damn great. And if they’re telling of the rest of Waking Heat, we’re all in store for a sizable treat. A blend of dub and post-punk, Tempo No Tempo’s wild songs are sure to have any true indie fan yearning for more.