Patrick Watson

One of Bob Boilen's favorite discoveries of the year, Watson makes imaginative pop with a cinematic bent. So NPR Music jumped at the opportunity to record his concert at The Mercury Lounge in New York City Thursday, performed as part of the CMJ Music Festival.

Montreal-based singer-songwriter Patrick Watson has a stunning, romantic voice that soars above precise piano work and clattering percussion played on marimbas and household pots turned upside-down. Watson and his brilliant band recently performed songs from their new album Wooden Arms at the studios of WNYC in New York.

One of Bob Boilen's favorite discoveries of the year, Watson makes imaginative pop with a cinematic bent. So NPR Music jumped at the opportunity to record his concert at The Mercury Lounge in New York City Thursday, performed as part of the CMJ Music Festival.

Just past the halfway point of 2009, we're already thinking about the best music of the year. All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen wants your picks, but in the meantime, he's selected his three favorite songs from The Low Anthem, Fanfarlo and Patrick Watson.

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen returns from a two-week break with new musical discoveries. Hear the cinematic songs of Patrick Watson, an artist who mashes together everything from bicycle sounds to cartoon samples. Also on the program: The gorgeous, contemplative songs of Christopher Tignor, MGMT's musical soulmate Suckers, the irrepressible energy of The Akron/Family, music from a lonely Casiotone, and the London-based, sharp-witted rock group Art Brut.

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen returns from a two-week break with new musical discoveries. Hear the cinematic songs of Patrick Watson, an artist who mashes together everything from bicycle sounds to cartoon samples. Also on the program: The gorgeous, contemplative songs of Christopher Tignor, MGMT's musical soulmate Suckers, the irrepressible energy of The Akron/Family, music from a lonely Casiotone, and the London-based, sharp-witted rock group Art Brut.