Top 5 Rock Album Releases for Fall 09

The upcoming fall music slate, at least in terms of classic, "meat and potatoes" rock, is decidedly grim. That being said, indie and alternative rock proves to be alive and well, as the following five acts can attest:

The Gossip - "Music for Men"

Release Date: 10/6/09

Why? Because the soul-punkers are one of the few remaining bands with the ability to rock out, and to rock out hard. Beth Ditto & Co. have reached amazing heights with previous albums like "Standing in the Way of Control" and "Movement", and their ability to combine soulful blues and Riot Grrl affectations (coupled with Ditto's stellar vocals) make them an increasingly exciting band to follow. Plus, lead single "Heavy Cross" does not disappoint.

Miles Kurosky - "Rad"

Release Date: Autumn 09

Why? Because Kurosky, as frontman of the critically-acclaimed (and now defunct) Beulah, has shown a knack for genre-bending and hyper-literate lyricism. With Beulah unlikely to rejoin anytime soon, fans of this brand of stately indie rock should thank their lucky stars that Kurosky has decided to forge ahead with a solo career.

Yo La Tengo - "Popular Songs"

Release Date: 9/8/09

Why? Because these indie rockers have been making albums since Reagan occupied the Oval Office, yet they still manage to put out surprising and inventive records; see 2006's critically-acclaimed "I'm Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass", in which the band combines elements of French pop, rockabilly, and shoegaze, for evidence.

Sondre Lerche - "Heartbeat Radio"

Release Date: 9/8/09

Why? Because the 26 year-old Norwegian-born singer/songwriter, who most recently found mainstream success with the "Dan in Real Life" soundtrack, is one of the most exciting solo artists out there. Lerche's records combine a wide range of instrumentation with radio-friendly pop hooks to produce effortlessly listenable, yet entirely smart tracks.

The Swell Season - "Strict Joy"

Release Date: 9/29/09

Why? Because the duo (which consists of The Frames' Glen Hansard and co-star Marketa Irglova) hit it big with their surprise film sensation, the Academy Award-winning Once, and are looking to top that success with their sophomore album. The record should feature more of the emotionally-charged folk-rock that fans have come to expect from Hansard, though the inclusion of horn player Steven Bernstein and avant-jazz percussionist Chad Taylor signals an exciting sonic shift.