When I left home for college, my mother cautioned me that time only moves faster the older you get. That’s an axiom I often quote, and it comes to mind again as we approach the mid-way point of 2009.

It’s already been a great year for music, at least from my vantage point. Personally, I’ve attended way too many shows (and have already passed my own record for the most shows attended in a year). And so much great music has been released that I have a hard time keeping up with it.

Here are the albums that have stuck with me in 2009, so far. I’m interested to look back at this list and see how much has changed (or stayed the same) come Dec. 31. In the meantime, tell us what your favorite albums are in the comments.

1. Sea Sew by Lisa Hannigan
   The solo debut from folk singer Damien Rice’s former bandmate was worth the wait.
2. Dear John by Loney Dear
   Multi-instrumentalist Emil Svanangen layers ethereal instrumentation with compelling vocals to create a remarkable album.
3. Around the Well by Iron and Wine
   This two-disc collection of rarities and B-sides is a must-have for any Iron and Wine fan.
4. The Hazards of Love by The Decemberists
   Because I review them for the magazine, I often receive copies of albums far in advance of their release date. This is one that I was still buzzing about after months of listening, and every time I revisit it I am again bowled over.
5. Ladyluck by Maria Taylor
   Birmingham native Maria Taylor combines her eloquent songwriting with indie pop, reminding us that change often results in the creation of something new and worthwhile.

Other contenders: Lost Channels by Great Lake Swimmers, Noble Beast by Andrew Bird, O+S by O+S, Fiction Family by Fiction Family. And this fall already looks promising, with albums coming from the Avett Brothers, The Duke and the King (a collaboration between Simone Felice and Robert “Chicken” Burke), A.A. Bondy, A Fine Frenzy and The Beatles remasters.