I’m not as comprehensive as I used to be when it comes to new music, but I still try to get my hands on anything I hear buzz about or that people whose tastes I respect are recommending. And in the first half of this year, I’ve heard quite a few good albums. Here is my list of the best albums from the first half of 2009. Feel free to suggest your favorites or recommend those that you think I’ve missed.

10) Bibio, Ambivalence Avenue
9) St. Vincent, Actor
8) Passion Pit, Manners
7) Akron/Family, Set ‘Em Wild, Set ‘Em Free
6) Neko Case, Middle Cyclone
5) M. Ward, Hold Time
4) Wilco, Wilco (The Album)
3) Dirty Projectors, Bitte Orca
2) Grizzly Bear, Veckatimest
1) Animal Collective, Merriweather Post Pavilion

Other albums I liked: Camera Obscura, My Maudlin Career; Andrew Bird, Noble Beast; Dan Deacon, Bromst; Aaron Strumpel, Elephants; U2, No Line on the Horizon; Coldplay, LeftRightLeftRightLeft; Various artists, Dark Was the Night [compilation].

EPs I liked: Bon Iver, Blood Bank; Julie Lee, Will There Really Be a Morning; Death Cab for Cutie, The Open Door; Future of Forestry, Travel.