Sure, you've seen Rolling Stone's picks and Pitchfork weighed in and even the Village Voice Pazz & Jop poll has published its results.

But it's never too late to get a recommendation for great music. So here are my picks for the best albums of 2009. Happily, with artist web sites and MySpace, you don't have to take my word for it. Whenever possible, I've linked the artist's name to a site playing some of their music; if something intrigues you, go check it out. Chances are, if you're a fan of the artist or the genre, you'll enjoy it.

The Best CDs of 2009
16. Bassekou Kouyate I Speak Fula/ Vieux Farka Toure Fondo (world class world music) -- Kouyate is a master of the banjo-like precursor the ngoni while Vieux follows in the footsteps of his legendary father. Both produce world class world music, rooted in tradition without either closing themselves off to modern influences or feeling the need (like Bebel Gilberto) to stay current at the sake of quality.