U2 to release new album in 2009

U2 have revealed that their upcoming studio album is expected to hit shop shelves early in 2009.

The band have been working on new material in the south of France and bandmembers have suggested that the sound of the album will hark back to their 1987 classic The Joshua Tree.

The band originally planned to have the new material completed in time for a 2008 release but they have apparently hit such a rich vein of creativity that they wish to continue writing.  "Why come up above ground now if there's more priceless stuff to be found?" said Bono.