Favourite songs of 2009 (so far)...

The following are what we at Album of the week think are the top tracks of 2009 so far. There are so many more out there we could have added / remembered, what are your favourites?

‘My Girls’ – Animal Collective
Possibly the closest thing the Brooklyn trio has ever been to making a song with any semblance of a traditional song-structure. With their trademarked layered repeated vocal parts, DIY tribal-sounding percussion, and a fantastic hook-driven chorus, ‘My Girls’ was the first song we fell for this year.

‘Bruises’ – Chairlift
Cute and quirky indie version of Elton and Kiki’s ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’, this instantly catchy pop song’s greatness lies in its simplicity. A constant unchanging drum machine beat, a classic three-chord melody, and cheesy but adorable verses delivered with inoffensive plainness by Caroline Polachek and Aaron Pfenning. Throw in a few handclaps, a singalong chorus, and you’ve got the recipe for a song that’ll have you skipping down the street.

‘Blood’ – The Middle East
An unashamedly beautiful and sad folk number about terminal cancer by enigmatic Australian band, The Middle East. The devastating honesty of the verse lyrics are contrasted with the enormously uplifting chorus – complete with soaring group vocals, bursts of brass and a happily tinkling xylophone.

‘Daylight’ – Matt & Kim
Awesome keyboard riff meets goofball enthusiasm and skittering drumbeats. It’s far from genius but it’s peppy as hell, and you can really hear the Brooklyn-esque “geek” quality that has endeared Matt & Kim to so many.

‘Halo’ – Beyonce
If there’s one thing Beyonce knows how to do, it’s dominate the hell out of a pop ballad. This is another one that gets stuck in the head and triggers an impassioned hand-clenched solo whenever it comes on through my car radio.

‘Oh No’ – Andrew Bird
Whistling virtuoso, lyrical academic and super-handsome psych-folk impresario Andrew Bird floated back into our lives with this, the first single, from latest album Noble Beast. With an elegant violin taking the main melody, delicate guitars, and gorgeous harmonies, ‘Oh No’ is the perfect representation of all that Andrew Bird’s music is – intimate, beautiful, and strange.

‘Knotty Pine’ – David Byrne / Dirty Projectors
What do you get when you cross this year’s ‘It’ band Dirty Projectors with David Byrne? You get a sweet slice of pop genius, people. (Actually, you generally get that when you put anything with David Byrne - the silver fox multi-faceted pop god that he is. Call us.)

‘Girl & The Robot’ – Royksopp
Upon first listen we thought “Jesus, this is the best track Kylie Minogue has produced in years!” Then we realised it was Royksopp featuring Swedish poptress Robin busting out the most outrageously catchy, danceable track of the year made up of a highly theatrical chorus, great lead vocals, a techno beat, and a futuristic narrative of love between a girl and a robot.

‘Daniel’ – Bat For Lashes remixed by Death Metal Disco Scene
This beautiful gorgeous psych-folk ballad has been tweeked to ad some great beats and repetitive strings but keeping the beautiful vocals of Natasha Khan to make one of the best remixes of 2009 so far.

‘Black Wax’ – Dananananakyroyd
From out of nowhere this Glaswegian band has emerged in a explosion of flailing arms, violently energetic live shows, the occasional cuddle and a few excellent singles made from their own unique brand of “fight-pop”, of which ‘Black Wax’ is our favourite. Join the party.

‘Something Good Can Work’ – Two Door Cinema Club
From the instant the first riff hits your ears it’s difficult not to become swept up in this infectious pop melody, pulsing beat and pacey lyrical delivery.

‘Velvet’ – The Big Pink
The London based duo 'the big pink' uses a catchy electro beat, super fuzzy guitars and atmospheric vocals to create this slow build epic.

‘Tonights Today’ - Jack Peñate
This African influenced dance track will get you dancing (with maybe a dash of glitter) in no time.

‘Hot Kisses, Cold Tiles’ – Fergus Brown
Another talented Australian singer songwriter with a super catchy and quirky tune, Check out his fantastically titled debut LP ‘Burgers Frown’ too. listen

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