In the hallowed tradition of compiling year end music lists, the Helicopter Seeds staff has been headphone clad and studiously winnowing out what have emerged as the Ten Best Songs of 2009. It would seem this past year has been all about the resurgence of the pop song; be it in structure, in convention, or in format. The tracks that have risen above the rest are the ones that sought not to change that conventionality, but to blend it with creative nuance. Musically it has been a year in which new trends have been reinforced; digital recording and electronic music have changed the creative process and provide limitless compositional freedom.It is also a year in which time honored truths are reaffirmed; melody, harmony, and honest, evocative songwriting are often what seperates a standout track from a lackluster one. To that end, here are the Helicopter Seeds 10 Best Songs of 2009…
10. Here We Go Magic – ‘Only Pieces’
9. Neon Indian – ‘Deadbeat Summer’
7. Dirty Projectors – ‘Stillness is the Move’
6. Volcano Choir – ‘Island, IS’
5. Neko Case – ‘Magpie to the Morning’
4. Sunset Rubdown – ‘You Go On Ahead’
3. Fever Ray – ‘Dry and Dusty’
