As I sat down to write Sound this week, I came to a disturbing realization... we’ve already burned through one-fourth of 2009. If you find yourself behind on this year’s best music releases thus far, allow me to help with the first installment of a four-part series. If you take my recommendations, by the end of the year you will have a stellar 24-song “Best of ’09” comp to give as a holiday gift. Without further ado, here are the first six essential songs of 2009:
• U2 – “No Line on the Horizon”
The title track from the biggest release of the year. I guarantee this will be the opening number when you pay $1500 to see them at Gillette in September.
• T.I. featuring Justin Timberlake – “Dead and Gone”
A collaboration of quite possibly the coolest blokes on the planet. Plus, T.I. gave up illegal firearms — we should celebrate that.
• Passion Pit – “Sleepyhead”
Boston’s own Passion Pit are receiving tons of well-deserved hype. They’ll be an indie staple by the time you give this compilation to Mom.
• Franz Ferdinand – “No You Girls”
A third album about all-night debauchery on a sweaty dance floor? Perfect.
• Lily Allen – “Fuck You”
The paparazzi darling actually has talent. Plus, swearing has never sounded so adorable.
• Ben Harper / Relentless7 – “Shimmer and Shine”
At nearly age 40, Ben has formed Relentless7 and traded his hacky-sack melodies for Pearl Jam-esque guitar rock. All of the above are now available on iTunes for 99 cents.
Hear more of Fletcher’s picks and rants on 101.7 WFNX’s The Sandbox every morning from 6 to 10.
