The year may only be halfway through, but NPR’s All Songs Considered has already begun picking out the best songs from 2009. On yesterday’s program, critic and All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen made an appearance on All Things Considered to discuss his favorite songs from the past six months. First on his list was The Low Anthem’s “Charlie Darwin,” from their recent Nonesuch release, Oh My God, Charlie Darwin. “I get chills the moment I hear this guy’s voice,” said Boilen, referring to band member Ben Knox Miller.  Listeners can suggest their own favorite songs and albums of 2009; the most popular nominations will be culled into a poll for fans to vote on. To hear the entire story and listen to Boilen’s picks, visit npr.org

Also on NPR this week, music critic Tom Moon presented his list of “Summer Road Trip Songs” on Monday’s All Things Considered, highlighting Nonesuch artists for four of his twelve picks. He described Sara Watkins’ “Bygones,” from her recent self-titled solo album, as “wonderfully desolate” and “music that can chill you out and renew your spirit in the evening, when you still have hours more to go.” He also praised “You Never Know,” the single from Wilco’s new release Wilco (the album), saying that “its lighthearted melodies, ambling over tight Morse code guitar blasts, seem to blossom when you're moving.” Also iincluded on Moon’s road trip playlist were Oumou Sangare’s “Donso,” from her latest album Seya, and The Low Anthem’s “To Ohio” from Oh My God, Charlie Darwin. To hear the story and featured selections, as well as view the entire playlist, visit npr.org