Here's a look at the albums we're most excited to hear in 2009:

The Crying Light by Antony & The Johnsons (January 20) ***Leaked***
Merriweather Post Pavilion by Animal Collective (January 20) ***Leaked****
Grand by Matt & Kim (January 20)
Tonight: Franz Ferdinand by Franz Ferdinand (January 27) Franz seem to acknowledge that You Could Have It So Much Better was not the hit they wanted and have spent lots of the last year out promoting Tonight. The songs they've previewed are catchy as hell.
Working On A Dream by Bruce Springsteen (January 27) Bruce has released four songs in advance of the release, including "Life Itself", "Working on A Dream," "My Lucky Day" and "The Wrestler." The songs sound on par with the Magic material. You can decide if that's a good or bad thing.
The Ecstatic by Mos Def (February 10)
March of The Zapotec by Beirut (February 17)
Hold Time by M. Ward (February 17) I've always thought M Ward is at his best when he's working with other people (see She & Him). Hold Time has lots of potential considering it features guests like Grandaddy's Jason Lytle, Lucinda Williams, DeVotchka's Tom Hagerman, among others.
Years of Refusal by Morrissey (February 17) ***Leaked**** A return to form for the Mozzers. Stronger than You Are The Quarry, but still no Your Arsenal.
Blueprint 3 by Jay-Z (March 3) I doubt this can compare to the original Blueprint or it's sequel, but here's hoping it's his big comeback.
Middle Cyclone by Neko Case (March 3)
No Line on the Horizon by U2 (March 3)
Invaders Must Die by The Prodigy (March 4)
Face Control by Handsome Furs (March 10)
Beware by Bonnie "Prince" Billy (March 17)
Crack the Skye by Mastodon (March)
Untitled by Depeche Mode (April 21)
Untitled by Rancid (Date tk) For their first album since 2003, the punks seem poised to deliver a strong album. In the last couple of years, Tim has loosened up at live shows by playing acoustic versions of Operation Ivy tunes. Fan speculation is that the new record may lean towards a ska/pop-punk direction.
Untitled by Beastie Boys (Date tk) The Beasties first vocal album since the dissapointing To the 5 Boroughs.
Untitled by Yeah Yeah Yeahs (Date tk)
Untitled by Green Day (Date tk) Big expectations as the punk trio attempts to follow-up their awesome American Idiot. Not an easy task.
Untitled by Blikk Fang(Date tk) MGMT's Andrew VanWyngarden and Of Montreal's Kevin Barnes join forces for what could be either psychedelic brilliance or total stoner crap. With working song titles like "Hypnotic Agents" and "Pleasure Cunt," we're kind of unsure which way this will go.
Untitled by Elton John (Date tk) I wouldn't have cared about a new Elton John record, except that Mark Ronson has signed on as producer, which seems like a great pairing.
Untitled by Built to Spill (Date tk)
Untitled by Wilco (Date tk)
Untitled by Radiohead (Date tk) The Oxford Five have hinted that they have started recording their follow-up to In Rainbows. With Spring tour dates already lined up and a notoriously slow recording process, it's unlikely that a proper full-length will be complete by years end, but you never know.
Untitled by Black Crowes(Date tk) The Crowes will be recording their new album (working title is Cabin Fever) over the course of four days at Levon Helms' Woodstock, New York, studio. As a bit of an experiment, the Crowes invited fans to attend the record sessions. So a new studio album recorded in front of a live audience.

And lot's not forget about the rumored Jack White & Bob Dylan album of Hank William covers or Oasis' Noel Gallagher solo debut. Also, here's hoping 2009 see''s new releases from She & Him, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!, Modest Mouse, Arctic Monkeys, Flaming Lips, The Strokes, Peter Bjorn & John and the potential for a new Arcade Fire release.