With everything that’s going on in the world, it just feels like people need a little cheer-up. After all, we mustn’t forget that 2009 has been a pretty damn good year for music so far. So, with that in mind, I’ve lovingly put together a playlist of two tracks from each month so far. Think of it as a chronological ramble through the first half of the year. Enjoy!
Track listing
1. The Phantom Band – “Folk Song Oblivion” (from Checkmate Savage)
“Gnarly, foot-stomping verses and a delightful melodic breakdown”
2. Andrew Bird – “Not A Robot But A Ghost” (from Noble Beast)
“Oddball indie-folk from a multi-instrumentalist who just might be a genius…”
3. Emmy the Great – “First Love” (from First Love)
“Sweet and sarcastic, scathing and soothing all at the same time.”
4. Bon Iver – “Woods” (from Blood Bank)
“A vocoder-heavy a cappella piece, Vernon’s voice so beautifully layered that it feels like the lyrics are coming straight from his stream of consciousness.”
5. Future Of The Left – “Arming Eritrea” (from Travels With Myself and Another)
“Scuzzy noise-rock with uniquely guttural vocals and a soaring guitar melody.”
6. The Xcerts – “Do You Feel Safe?” (from In the Cold Wind We Smile)
“Full of harmonious vocals, epic build-ups and sing-along choruses…”
7. Bat For Lashes – “Moon and Moon” (from Two Suns)
“… reminiscent in the best possible way of PJ Harvey.”
8. Orphans & Vandals – “Incognito” (from I Am Alive and You Are Dead)
“A haunting, wailing ode to the city they love and the time they spent.”
9. Gallows – “London Is The Reason” (from Grey Britain)
“…not so much a breath of fresh air as the first gasp of oxygen as your head finally leaves the water you’ve been held under.”
10. Telefon Tel Aviv – “Helen Of Troy” (from Immolate Yourself)
“Brooding, sweeping electronica from the masters of the art.”
11. Alexisonfire – “Sons of Privilege” (from Old Crows, Young Cardinals)
“An unexpected rebel anthem from the undisputed lords of Canadian post-hardcore.”
12. God Help The Girl – “God Help The Girl” (from God Help The Girl)
“Charmingly twee indie-pop from the new side-project by Stuart Murdoch (Belle & Sebastian), with the stunning voice of Catherine Ireton.”
What have been your favourite releases of 2009 so far? Let us know in this forum thread!
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Marcus Kernohan is the founder and editor-in-chief of Stereokill.net. Email him at 
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