TOP 40 of 2009: The Definitive List

[100%Glam]

Everyone’s tastes are different, but I spent a lot of time on this and listened to dozens of albums this year in order to be fair. This isn’t meant to stir controversy; I just want to open some people’s eyes to some great music out there that deserves to be heard.

1. HARDCORE SUPERSTAR – “Beg For It”

At first I thought maybe I was just ranking this #1 because they’re my favorite band. But I listened to it again, and in the words of HHH, it’s that damn good. No, it’s not as good as their self titled 2005 classic, but few albums in history are that good. But it’s better than their stellar “Dreamin’ in a Casket” album, and overall it earns top marks in what has been a banner year for music. Tremendous riffs, blazing solos, excellent production, and still the best voice in rock: Jocke Berg. This album takes a few listens to really appreciate, but once you do, you’re in for a phenomenal piece of work. These guys deserve to be so much bigger, but they’re still quite big worldwide, so at least they’re getting some recognition. The only question is, can they ever top an album like this again?

2. BAI BANG – “Are You Ready”

Most of you are probably saying “Who?” But I promise that after just one listen, you’ll quickly shut up. Produced by genius Chris Laney, this album is a pop metal masterpiece. Clocking in at under 40 minutes, it’s extremely easy to listen to and will grab you upon the first listen. Catchy, hooky, and very well produced, this album is chock full of short, engaging songs that would light up any arena if people actually got a chance to hear it. I turned on one fellow metalhead to this disc, and he couldn’t stop raving about it. Well done, my Swedes!

3. CHRIS LANEY – “Pure”

The master steps from behind the producer’s window and delivers one of the best albums of the year. The man responsible for much of this decade’s best sleaze rock gives it a try all by himself, and outshines his own clients. This album has so many little tricks and treats, a ready made heaping of pop metal that would top the charts in any other era. All the songs are excellent and radio ready, just like the bands he produces. Laney is the MVP of 2009, and this solo disc should not get overlooked by anyone. Can’t wait to hear what he has in store for next year.

4. BABYLON BOMBS – “Babylon’s Burning”

These guys were always good, but not great. That all changed with this album, because now they’re far beyond great. Whether it’s a change in attitude or having Chris Laney (there’s that name again) leading things in the studio, “Babylon’s Burning” is an almost perfect serving of shout-along sleaze metal, just like I like it. Every song is great, and the production is the usual Laney fare (ie, awesome). I can’t say enough about this disc and it could easily top this list without much argument from me.

5. STEEL PANTHER – “Feel the Steel”

Parodies almost always end up flat in rock music, and that’s what I was expecting with Steel Panther. Instead, they churned out such a fine collection of well written tunes that they’ve eclipsed most of the bands they spoofed. Great riffs and cool Roth-like vocals, along with songwriting maturity and superior musicianship make this record nothing to laugh at, though it’s definitely funny in parts. Steel Panther is like Big C*ck with more expensive production, and that’s a good thing. This CD is shockingly good, and that’s no joke.

6. THE LAST VEGAS – “Whatever Gets You Off”

When I first heard this early in the year, I figured this list was over and these guys would take the top spot for 2009. And they almost did, and probably will for some people. This album is that good, it’s just that 2009 was such a strong year that the ante was upped as the year went by. None of that takes away anything from the Vegas, because the Cruefest contest winners delivered a timeless album that is pretty much as good as anything else this year. But it was a great year, so don’t let their #6 ranking fool you. This is top-notch party rock, and Nikki really picked a winner here. The Last Vegas totally kick ass, and I see a bright future for them in this country. Crank this one up loud and enjoy.

7. STEEVI JAIMZ – “My Private Hell”

I first popped this in the car a month ago and couldn’t see what the hype was all about. Skid called it, “flawless from start to finish,” and I couldn’t fathom why. Then I listened to it again, paying close attention, and came to the conclusion that Skid was right on the money. This IS flawless, and in my opinion, goes down in the record book as the single greatest production job in music history. I mean, Jaimz has the vocal range of a dial tone, but with Laney’s magic, this CD is somehow a classic. This is the equivalent of a 1980s Ric Flair working with a total stiff and carrying him to a 4-star wrestling match. Not that Jaimz is a stiff, but it’s clearly Laney who made this disc so utterly awesome, throwing in memorable melodies and backing vocals. There is such a thing as magic, and this is it.

8. JOHNNY LIMA – “Living Out Loud”

Lima is the USA’s version of Chris Laney, having worked near miracles with Dirty Penny. As good as Dirty Penny is, Lima is twice as good, and this album is his best work. Imagine Jon Bon Jovi’s vocals over Def Leppard harmonies and 1980s Bon Jovi guitars, and you have an idea of what this album sounds like. “Wildflower” is my favorite track, but they’re all good. Some are better than others, which is why this doesn’t make top 5, but you can’t go wrong with this album at all. I listen to it all the time, and will be doing so for many years to come. For brownie points, Lima lives in my hometown of San Jose, CA, and he’s ultra cool if you ever correspond with him personally via email. Rock needs more guys like this.

9. GUNFIRE 76 – “Casualties and Tragedies”

I put this on my iPod just a few weeks ago, listening to it blindly without any idea of who they were. Immediately I was grabbed, and kept listening to it over and over again, stunned by just how good it is. Glam mixed with punk, the melodies are just how I like them, and this was a surprising late-year addition to my collection that made an immediate impression. Definitely give this one a try.

10. HOUSE OF LORDS – “Cartesian Dreams”

Rounding out the top 10 is a band who I thought would never make my top 100, let alone the top 10. I never, ever paid attention to House of Lords before, but this record came out of nowhere and became the sleeper disc of the year. There ain’t a bad song in this bunch… not one. This is hard AOR done correctly, with irresistible vocals, melodies, and production. What the Hell… where do these guys get off making a record this good? My jaw is still open, as will yours when you get a load of this music. F*CK! House of who?? Hot damn, this is awesome.

11. KISS – “Sonic Boom”

Some KISS fans will hang me out to dry for ranking them this low, but believe me, this CD is yet another flawless piece of work that was released in 2009. This roars from start to finish and did the impossible task of pleasing longtime KISS fans AND snooty rock critics. This sounds like 70s KISS, yet it sounds fresh and current. So many winners here, and it never gets old. Kudos to these guys for making such a wonderful album after all these years.

12. S.E.X. DEPARTMENT – “Rock N Roll Suicide”

These guys improved 1,000% from their debut, and their debut was good too. But on their debut, they sounded like a Sunset Strip copycat band like the Guttersluts; good for glam hardcores like us, but would never cross over. Well they made the giant leap with this album, and these Italians just keep getting better and better. I’m Italian too and that plays a part in this, but any glam fan will dig the sh*t out of this record. “Wasted in Texas” is a killer song, and this is just a fun collection of songs to listen to.

13. BONAFIDE – “Something’s Dripping”

The requisite AC/DC clone of the year, Bonafide has as much potential as anyone on the list to make it big. The boogies on their songs are undeniable, and the singer has a voice that can make a lot of money for whoever figures out how to market these guys correctly. “Swan Song” is a hit waiting to happen, as are several other cuts. Just a fantastic CD from the moment you plug it in.

14. FREAKSHOW – “Freakshow”

Perhaps no other great band gets as little love from Sleaze Roxx than Miss Crazy, who every year go criminally neglected. Not to be overlooked, Miss Crazy singer Markus Christopher (another San Jose boy, like Johnny Lima) formed a band with Quiet Riot and Cinderella members to crank out an absolute winner of an album. Like Miss Crazy, Freakshow sound like Cinderella on steroids, and one of these days someone will recognize Christopher’s talent because that guy can’t seem to write a bad song.

15. WINGER – “Karma”

Kip and Reb are back and tearing it up more than ever; this CD will rock your balls off. A shame that it’s only #15, because it’s much better than the ranking would lead you to believe. “Karma” does not have the commercial appeal of the first two Winger CDs, but it seriously rocks and most fans will prefer this album over any other Winger music they’ve heard. Fantastic effort.

16. VAINS OF JENNA – “The Art of Telling Lies”

When I wrote earlier that this album was a disappointment for me, that just means it’s “only” great instead of extremely great like “Lit Up/Let Down” was. “The Art of Telling Lies” is still something worth going out of your way to get, because most of the songs are right up there with anything the band has done before. It’s just that a few of the songs are a tad too slow for me, but the ones that do rock more than make up for it.

17. ACE FREHLEY – “Anomaly”

A very good effort from one of the best. Ace rarely lets me down, and this album is no exception. I’d rank this higher except there were a few too many instrumentals on here. But songs like “Outer Space” prove that Ace is just as good as ever.

18. THE POODLES – “Clash of the Elements”

The Poodles are a little different and won’t appeal to everyone, but they sure as Hell appeal to me. This is a glorious album full of pop-metal melodies and ballads, with 14 songs to suit your needs. By the third listen, you’ll realize just how good this is.

19. GRAND DESIGN – “Time Elevation”

Def Leppard may have changed their sound, but Grand Design picked up right where the Leps left off in the 80s. This CD is classic 80s Def Leppard with exquisite production and brilliant song structure. “The Sad Sound of Goodbye” should be a #1 hit, and everyone I’ve turned on to these guys has remarked how good they are. If you’re a fan of 80s Def Leppard, you need to buy this right now.

20. XXX – “Heaven, Hell, or Hollywood”

When I first posted how much I liked this album, some of you responded and thought I was nuts. XXX is definitely an acquired taste, but I really like their attitude and sound. To me, “We’re Gonna Rock” belongs up there with any 80s metal teen anthem like “Talk Dirty to Me” and “I Wanna Rock.” That song alone makes this album great, but others like “Suicide” more than carry this disc to further greatness.

21. LITTLE CAESAR – “Redemption”

These guys still have it, as this album contains some gems that blow “Chain of Fools” out of the water. If that’s all you know this band for, then buy this and enjoy what you hear.

22. FARCRY – “High Gear”

I heard of these guys, of course, via Sleaze Roxx. Checked them out and was blown away by their musicianship and ability. This is one incredible album, especially the track, “Talk to Me,” which I had on Repeat for awhile there during several drives home from work.

23. OUTLOUD – “We’ll Rock You to Hell and Back Again”

Straight ahead rock n roll, Tyketto style, only better. Nothing fancy or too sleazy, just gimmick-free guitar rock with songs you’ll be humming after you hear them.

24. DANGER DANGER – “Revolve”

A fine return to form for the reunited Jersey boys. In any other year this would’ve ranked higher, but like I said, it was a crowded year for great music. This should have rocked a little harder, but still, there are several songs here that meet the high standard of quality this band set back in 1989. Danger Danger fans definitely won’t be disappointed in this.

25. AMERICAN SIXGUN – “The Devil In Your Bones”

A late-year discovery for me, these guys show a remarkable ability to write hit songs that could get airplay today. They’re not a sleaze band, but still a hard rocking guitar band with the kind of sound that could strike a chord with today’s rock fan. I like this CD a lot.

26. DYNAZTY – “Bring the Thunder”

Another Chris Laney production, this band and album are very similar to Outloud. I’m listening to it as I write this, actually, and it might even deserve a higher ranking than this. No duds on this opus at all, and I’ve got nothing bad to say about it. Straight ahead, hard rocking, and yet another bright spot for metal’s future. This has been such a f*cking great year, thanks to bands like this.

27. BAD SIGN – “Bad Sign”

Without a doubt the most underrated band of the year. I mean, at least some of you have heard of the bands on this list, but I doubt anyone here has heard of these guys. What a shame… this Italian band seriously kicks ass! They’re better than fellow Italians Hungryheart, and I love Hungryheart. Good luck finding any info on the ‘net about Bad Sign, but trust me when I tell you that it’s melodic rock perfection. If you like some of the songs from bands like Foreigner and Bad Company, but wish they had a harder 80s metal sound, then Bad Sign is for you because they combine those elements. Can’t say enough good about them, but I need to because no one knows who they are. And that’s what makes them 2009’s most underrated band.

28. STRYPER – “Murder by Pride”

Stryper are in top form, because this is another pleasant surprise by an 80s act that overdelivered this year. This rocks very hard, has you singing along, and won’t disappoint any longtime fan of the band. It’s too bad this album will get overlooked due to all the competition for the top spots, because this is a very admirable effort and deserves to be appreciated. This is a tremendous outing.

29. LYNCH MOB – “Smoke & Mirrors”

Anyone who liked “Wicked Sensation” should be satisfied by this album. Lots of good songs on here and many people will put this album in their top 10. The big budget production isn’t there like it was on “Wicked Sensation,” but this is still a very good CD and highly recommended.

30. HEAVEN & HELL – “The Devil You Know”

For those who like their music on the heavier side, this is definitely for you. I love heavy metal and love this album, but it’s simply a matter of taste. There’s nothing bad at all about this, and people like Eddie Trunk who have heard this have been singing its virtues all year. But my tastes run sleazier, hence the lower ranking.

31. MISSING TIDE – “Follow the Dreamer”

First rate melodic metal, heavy yet catchy. It’s the kind of album for this genre where even if you don’t like the style, you’ll like this disc anyway because of its broader appeal. The ballad “Broken Wings” is beautiful, and this disc is jam packed with great guitar songs.

32. NASTY IDOLS – “Boys Town”

The sleaze veterans are back and still sound like a very young, brash LA band from the Strip. This is as sleazy as it gets, with good results. A tad too much filler here for me to rank higher, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get your hands on it.

33. W.A.S.P. – “Babylon”

A good effort from Blackie Lawless. This is nowhere close to their 80s epics, but it’s still very good in some spots. It did get some rave reviews, but most reviews have been more realistic. It’s very good, but not great. But very good is still worth my while, hence, it makes the list.

34. SAXON – “Into the Labyrinth”

Solid production and blistering guitar work carry this album and differentiate it from the pack. This is nothing to be ashamed of, and I gave this several listens because there are some real good ones on here.

35. SHAKRA – “Everest”

I don’t know much about this band, but they’re not new, and I can’t understand why we don’t hear more about them. They clearly know how to play and perform, it’s just that their style may not jive with Sleaze Roxx readers. But for what it is, it’s excellent.

36. CHICKENFOOT – “Chickenfoot”

I can already hear many of you screaming at me for the low ranking. Please, it’s not that I don’t like this, because I do. Some killer songs on here and fans ate it up, and again, it’s a matter of tastes. I just can’t see ranking them in the top 10 in a crowded year like this. This album was actually much better than I thought it would be. No complaints, it’s good stuff.

37. WILDSTREET – “Wildstreet”

This NYC band looks totally glam, but the music doesn’t match the image. This is soft rocking Def Leppard, with very impressive tunes, just lacking a little in the guitar department. Still, the songs are so well written that they rise above the pack. Really good stuff here.

38. MEGADETH – “Endgame”

Very good showing by Dave Mustaine, with longtime Megadeth fans similarly pleased. Not a bad album, but it’s hardly “Countdown to Extinction.” Still, you can’t fault a band for a good record that doesn’t meet prior standards, and this album deserves the praise it has gotten.

39. GASOLINE QUEEN – “Fuel for Rock N Roll”

Solid sleaze rock, but nowhere close to the other stuff put out this year. This band has potential, it just needs to hardness their talents and bring in a producer who can take them to the next level.

40. HEAVEN’S BASEMENT – “Heaven’s Basement”

Not bad, and I’d like to hear more from them if they can get a little heavier. They have songwriting talent, but they need to make the guitar front and center in order for them to be as good as they’re capable of being.

Honorable Mention: DIRTY PENNY – “Young & Reckless”

I’m in the minority, but this CD was a big disappointment to me. Their first CD showed flashes of brilliance, but still had an immaturity and cheap-production feel to it. On this album, the production has stepped up, but the brilliance is gone. What happened? It’s not bad, and lots of you liked this album, but these guys can do so much better. They’re local boys, which means I should be more lenient, but this disc lacked anything memorable except the last song. Maybe 3rd time will be the charm.

The following albums didn’t make the list, but deserve mention, in no particular order:

COLDSPELL – “Infinite Stargaze” (too prog for my tastes, but still solid)
COVERED CALL – “Money Never Sleeps” (good stuff, just too generic)
BULLETRAIN – “Turn It Up” (promising, but just an EP)
BULLETBOYS – “10c Billionaire” (some parts were good, others not so)
’77 – “21st Century Rock” (sounds EXACTLY like Bon Scott AC/DC, so if you like that, this album will make your top 10)
INNOCENT ROSIE – “Bad Habit Romance” (nothing bad, just didn’t make the top 40)
KORITNI – “Game of Fools” (great stuff, but nothing really moved me)

I either haven’t heard these yet, or didn’t like them enough to rank them:

SLAYER – “World Painted Blood” (haven’t heard)
DELANY – “Blaze & Ashes” (how could Davy Vain associate himself with this??)
EUROPE – “Last Look at Eden” (didn’t like at all)
GOTTHARD – Need to Believe” (average)
GRANIT – “Granit” (average)
GREAT WHITE – “Rising” (horrible, not my style at all; where’s the rock?)
HARDLINE – “Leaving the End Open” (what happened to these guys, this isn’t good at all)
HOT LEG – “Red Light Fever” (can’t get into that voice, this is the singer from the Darkness)
LILLIAN AXE – “Sad Day on Planet Earth” (zzzzzzzz, didn’t these guys use to be good)
LITA FORD – “Wicked Wonderland” (awful, industrial crap)
MAMA KIN – “In the City” (disappointing, can’t get into the vocals)
MIKE TRAMP – “Rock N Roll Circuz” (some good, some decent, overall average)
MOB RULES – “Radical Peace” (not my style)
NAUGHTY BOYS – “Destiny Calls” (so-so)
NEXT OF KIN – “Next of Kin” (an EP)
PRETTY WILD – “All the Way” (an EP, very good)
QUEENSRYCHE – “American Soldier” (heard a couple tracks and gave up)
SPINAL TAP – “Back from the Dead” (haven’t heard yet)
45 DEGREE WOMAN – “Revival” (too modern for me)
ANCARA – “Chasing Shadows” (haven’t heard yet)
BUCKCHERRY – “Live and Loud” (live albums ineligible for the list)
CHARLEMAGNE – “Charlemagne” (re-releases are ineligible, but still, this is too light for me)
DR. GRIND – “Speechless” (re-releases are ineligible, the title track is awe-inspiring)
GYNGER LYNN – “Gynger Lynn” (re-releases ineligible, but this is good)
HEARTLYNE – “No Retreat but No Surrender” (far too AOR)
SLAM ALLEY – “21 Fire” (haven’t heard yet, but isn’t this a re-release?)
SHAKE CITY – “Shake City” (re-releases ineligible, but this is freaking awesome)
UZI – “Madhouse” (re-releases ineligible, one great ballad and the rest is ok)
YNGWIE MALMSTEEN – “Angles of Love” (haven’t heard yet)

[Easy]

Nice list thanks for all that.

Did you do all that yourself or did you copy & paste. It looks as if it is all your work. Well done.

Nice to See FarCry in there too!

I havent heard a few of those so I have some catchin up to do...

You know what to get me for Christmas now!!

[100%Glam]

Did you do all that yourself or did you copy & paste. It looks as if it is all your work. Well done.

Thank you, yes I wrote it myself last week during some down time at work. If it opens some people's eyes to some of these great bands out there, then mission accomplished. I hope 2010 is even half as good as 2009 was.

[ResedaCountryClub]

Thanks for comprehensive list. I haven't heard a lot these, but of the ones that I have I'll rate them.

SUPERIOR!

WINGER – “Karma”
HARDCORE SUPERSTAR – “Beg For It”
KISS – “Sonic Boom”
THE LAST VEGAS – “Whatever Gets You Off”
W.A.S.P. – “Babylon”
EUROPE – “Last Look at Eden”

GOOD!

HOUSE OF LORDS – “Cartesian Dreams”
DANGER DANGER – “Revolve”
LYNCH MOB – “Smoke & Mirrors”
BULLETBOYS – “10c Billionaire”
FREAKSHOW – “Freakshow”
LITTLE CAESAR – “Redemption”
STRYPER – “Murder by Pride”

AVERAGE, BUT WITH SOME GOOD MOMENTS!

STEEL PANTHER – “Feel the Steel”
ACE FREHLEY – “Anomaly”
THE POODLES – “Clash of the Elements”
HEAVEN & HELL – “The Devil You Know”
SAXON – “Into the Labyrinth”
CHICKENFOOT – “Chickenfoot”
MEGADETH – “Endgame”
GOTTHARD – Need to Believe”
QUEENSRYCHE – “American Soldier”

AVOID!

GREAT WHITE – “Rising” (Truely awful!)
HOT LEG – “Red Light Fever” (The best part of the Darkness is in the Stone Gods)
LILLIAN AXE – “Sad Day on Planet Earth” (Sad to say that I found it boring as well.)

[Easy]

Did you do all that yourself or did you copy & paste. It looks as if it is all your work. Well done.

Thank you, yes I wrote it myself last week during some down time at work. If it opens some people's eyes to some of these great bands out there, then mission accomplished. I hope 2010 is even half as good as 2009 was.

No probs man. Thanks go to you for putting the effort in. Appreciated.

[NY Oilers]

I give you a lot of credit for doing this.I don't know how you found time to listen to all this music but more power to ya ! I only have Chickenfoot and Steel Panther.

[skidrow77]

Great thread!

And I agree with your #1

[100%Glam]

I don't know how you found time to listen to all this music but more power to ya !

An iPod, headphones, and an office job that allows me to plug it in and listen in peace.

[roxyroller]

interesting read thanks

[sleazy]

I give you a lot of credit for doing this.I don't know how you found time to listen to all this music but more power to ya

time???.....more like how you find MONEY! to buy all those albums...

the guy has good taste in music.

by the way, I have these albums out of that list:

hardcore superstar
chris laney
sex department
vains of jenna
xxx
dynazty
heaven and hell
nasty idols
megadeth
dirty penny
bulletboys
queensryche
buckcherry

(to the original poster: im surprise you dont have the new faster pussycat-live album or the chelsea smiles cd, after all you seem to like gunfire 77)