Best of 2009: Most Anticipated Albums of 2010

Once again, another list that's not necessarily the best of 2009, but in this case, we're looking at the most anticipated of 2010's releases. Obviously, none of these are completely guaranteed to come out next year. However, they've been at least hinted at, if not confirmed by the artists or labels, so I'd say that's about as reliable a source as we can get at this point. Enjoy the list below.

10. TBA, Interpol (Early 2010)

9. Congratulations, MGMT (Spring 2010)

8. Transference, Spoon (January 26, 2010)

7. TBA, The Strokes (Late 2010)

6. TBA, Arcade Fire (May 2010)

5. TBA, Bright Eyes (Fall 2010)

4. TBA, OutKast (Late 2010)

3. TBA, The Walkmen (Spring 2010)

2. Contra, Vampire Weekend (January 12, 2010)

1. Thank Me Later, Drake (March 2010)

[Previously on Animal Noises: Best of 2009: Biggest Disappointments]

Most Prolific Artists of the Decade: #41-50

Our latest list-- the Most Prolific Artists of the Decade-- looks to chronicle the most important (for better or for worse) artists of the decade. For one reason or another, be it their positive (or negative) cultural significance, landmark moments for music, staying power or otherwise, these artists mattered a great deal this decade.

In no way is this a list of our favorites of the decade. On the contrary, many of our favorites are not present, while others whom we're actually not fans of, have made the list. So without further ado, check out our the first part of our Most Prolific Artists list below. Next to each artist's name, you'll see a basic numeric list of all primary recordings this decade. For many of these, their impact should probably be self-explanatory. Enjoy, and if you haven't yet read our list of the Best Songs of 2009, or Best Albums of the Decade, read up on those too.

50. Nick Thorburn -- The Unicorns (1 LP/1 EP), Islands (3 LPs), Th' Corn Gangg (live band), Reefer (1 LP), Human Highway (1 LP)

49. of Montreal -- 6 LPs (most recent: 2008's Skeletal Lamping)/2 EPs

48. The Strokes -- 3 LPs (most recent: 2006's First Impressions of Earth)/1 EP

47. Sigur Rós -- 3 LPs (most recent: 2008's Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust)/2 EPs

46. The Killers -- 3 LPs (most recent: 2008's Day & Age)

45. Arctic Monkeys -- 3 LPs (most recent: 2009's Humbug)/2 EPs

44. Lady Gaga -- 2 LPs (most recent: 2009's The Fame Monster)/1 EP

43. The Black Eyed Peas -- 4 LPs (most recent: 2009's The E.N.D.)/4 EPs

42. Chris Brown -- 3 LPs (most recent: 2009's Graffiti)

41. Rihanna -- 4 LPs (most recent: 2009's Rated R)

Best Albums of the Decade: #41-50

As mentioned earlier, we're going to be running different features throughout the month, in conjunction with our day-by-day countdown to the 30 best albums of 2009. This week's list is dedicated to the decade in music, specifically the top 50 albums of the past ten years. So for those who missed our top 50 tracks of 2009, read about it all here. And for everyone that's been paying attention to music this decade, read below. All album streams courtesy of Lala.

50. Parachutes, Coldplay (2000)

49. Welcome to the Night Sky, Wintersleep (2008)

48. Chutes Too Narrow, The Shins (2003)

47. Transatlanticism, Death Cab for Cutie (2003)

46. The Mouse and the Mask, Danger Doom (2006)

45. Antics, Interpol (2004)

44. Give Up, The Postal Service (2004)

43. Is This It, The Strokes (2001)

42. Elephant, The White Stripes (2003)

41. Discovery, Daft Punk (2002)

[Previously on Animal Noises: Best Songs of 2009: #1-10]