From his current post in Antarctica, British glaciologist Matt (Kieran O'Brien), recalls how he met Lisa (Margo Stilley), a 21-year-old American student. They were at a rock concert at London's Brixton Academy, and he took her back to his apartment for sex. This began a brief relationship, which is revealed as Matt remembers and comments on its milestones--mainly the other concerts they attended and their significant sexual experiences--before their initial sexual attraction waned and they were forced to part.

The titular nine songs are comprised of concert performances by 1) Primal Scream, 2) Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, 3) Elbow, 4) Michael Nyman, 5) Super Furry Animals, 6) The Dandy Warhols, 7) Von Bondies, 8) Black Rebel Motorcycle Club again, and 9) Franz Ferdinand. Shot on often-blurry, handheld digital video from an audience perspective, these scenes have a you-are-there effect. The sequences involving Matt and Lisa are intimate and realistic (be warned--the sex in the film is real and graphic), conveying everything one needs to know about their relationship with only the most rudimentary dialogue. With this brief, dreamlike work, director Michael Winterbottom (24 HOUR PARTY PEOPLE) has theoretically created the ultimate music movie--one that is purely sex, drugs, and rock & roll. The result is akin to the feeling of listening to a great mix tape made by a former lover.