My Top Albums of 2011

So, I am cheating a bit by creating a list of musical discoveries and then a list of other top albums. So, take these lists and make one huge one for yourself. There was too much really good music for me to make a list of 10-20 albums that stood out, especially since no 1 or 2 albums were head and shoulders above the rest. In fact, it was a sub par year for extraordinary albums. However, it was a great year for really good music.

You will notice many bands that made year end lists not on this one. Iron and Wine reminded me too much of the Dan Fogelberg Yacht Rock of the 70s. I felt the same regarding the over-hyped Bon Iver. His album was very solid, but his new Christopher Cross direction did not excite me. I am hoping that we stop encouraging these bearded guys before they become Kenny Loggins. That said, Holocene by Bon Iver is a great song.

You will also notice that Fleet Foxes is not on this list. They do not write good songs. There, I said it. It is pretentious, overly serious and on par with poetry that stays under a mattress. Civil Wars is nice, but ultimately makes me wish I was listening to Over the Rhine.

Enough ranting. Here is the list.

* Not ranked because it may be the best thing of the year, but I will not realize it until later because it was so out of left field award goes to King of Limbs by Radiohead. Listen on Spotify.

Honorable Mentions:

by Elbow, Strange Negotiations by David Bazan, Within and Without by Washed Out, Portamento by The Drums, Wounded Rhymes by Lykke Li, Cults by Cults and Only in Dreams by Dum Dum Girls.

25. The Black Keys- El Camino

Not their best, but still a blast to listen to.

24. Devotchka- 100 Lovers

This album got no love this year, which saddens me. If you have never heard their World pop, do yourself a favor and check them out. Listen on Spotify.

23. Deep Dark Woods-The Place I Left Behind

The kind of alternative country that fans of Fleet Foxes think they play. Listen to what they would sound like if they actually had the songs. Listen on Spotify.

22. Blind Pilot- Half Moon

Nobody writes prettier songs and if you are going to attempt to rewrite the soft rock of the 70s, it is better to focus on the actual song writing than the atmospherics (are you listening Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver?). Listen on Spotify.

21. Raphael Saadiq- Stone Rollin'

He's come a long way since his Prince wannabe days, and this exemplifies why he is the keeper of the mantle for a long gone Motown sound. He is a national treasure. Listen on Spotify.

20.Elbow- build a rocket boys!

There is the exact point in between Radiohead and Coldplay. Elbow lives and plays there. Listen on Spotify.

19. Demdike Stare- Tryptych

The deejay and composer practicing the dark arts as Demdike Stare are mis-classified as ambient. It is entirely too challenging and hard work to listen to for this classification. An album that makes you want to groove at times and sit contemplatively at others, it is the least predictable and third most interesting album I heard this year. Listen here.

18. The Roots- Undun

Not as accessible as the last few albums due to its difficult subject matter, the musicianship is still unparalleled. It would have been higher had it come out sooner and I had more time to digest it. Listen on Spotify.

17. Destroyer- Kaputt

Sexier and more soulful than his old stuff. But, just as eccentric. Thankfully. Listen on Spotify.

16. Gillian Welch- The Harrow and the Harvest

It took forever, but the wait is worth it. Listen on Spotify.

15. TV on the Radio- Nine Types of Light

A little mellower than previous releases, this is a surprisingly pretty album, especially Second Song, the lead single. Less Bowie and Talking Heads fixated, they are truly original now.

listen on Spotify

14. Frank Turner- England Keep my Bones

A praise and worship album to the saving power of rock 'n roll, personal responsibility and a life without God, this is an easy to enjoy album with lyrics that will confront those that claim Christianity as their lens. An exceptionally simple album along the lines of those by Ted Leo.

listen on Spotify

13. We Are Augustines- Rise Ye Sunken Ships

From the ashes of the great underground band Pela and the darkness of family tragedy comes this redemptive song cycle dedicated to the singer's dead brother. Beauty can come from ashes and that redemption is born of pain. If you do not believe it, I recommend a listen to this album while reading its back story. For fans of The National (like me).

listen on Spotify

12. St. Vincent- Strange Mercy

If you have never experienced the wonder to behold that is St. Vincent, today is a good time to start. She is Kate Bush for a new generation, with a bit of Fiona Apple's quirk. I could go on and on, but just enjoy the eccentric loveliness.

listen on Spotify

11. Kurt Vile- Smoke Ring for my Halo

Perfect companion piece for my #6 album, Vile's music is heavily influenced by the low-fi movement led by Pavement, Dinosaur Jr and Elliot Smith. While the Vile's singing and playing are so laid back and unaffected that they border laconic, it works in this context, especially on Jesus Fever. If I ever get sick, I hope it is from the Jesus Fever that Vile is spreading.

listen on Spotify

10. PJ Harvey- Let England Shake

I should tell you that when I saw her open for U2 in 2001, I was not happy. I acknowledge the talent, but she has never worked for me. Until now. Infinitely more focused and interesting than any of her so called "Angry Girl" albums, she has matured into a deeply political songwriter. No protest music out of America last year reached these heights. This is early-sixties protest movement for a disaffected England.

listen on Spotify

9. The Joy Formidable- The Big Roar

If you like thunderous music, full of swirling guitars and swagger, coupled with girl power, this perfectly named band is what you need. The Foo Fighters asked this band to open for them and will probably be embarrassed by how much better the crowd responds to these British dynamos. If you don't like this, you need to check your pulse and stop listening to so much sensitive guitar music before you die of musical boredom.

listen on Spotify

8. F---ed Up- David Comes to Life

Apparently a punk band will come out with an epic concept album each year that blows away people not predisposed to love their music. Last year, Titus Andronicus gave us the best album of the year, while this year, the Canadian post-punk/ post-hardcore with a name I cannot print due to the fact some people read this blog at church gives us an album that hearkens back to the classic hardcore of Black Flag, Husker Du and Fugazi, but with intricate instrumentation and melody coupled with the aggression. If you want to get your blood pumping, play this... LOUD.

listen on Spotify

7. Tom Waits- Bad as Me

While most artists in their 60s are playing the Oldies' circuits, making Boomers happy while reliving their old glories and reminding people how irrelevant they are, Tom Waits is making some of the best music of his long and storied career. While not his strangest album, this is not safe music. I dream of being this cool one day.

listen on Spotify

6. The War on Drugs- Slave Ambient

Sting once said that all artists steal. He just happens to steal from the best sources. Well, these guys steal from the best sources in rock history, Springsteen, U2, Neil Young and Dylan, yet sound like none of them individually. At once a mellow listen, yet driving and intense, I can think of very few bands that can pull off that combination. You can tell Kurt Vile was once in this band. If you like one, you will like both.

listen on Spotify

5. M83- Hurry Up, We're Dreaming

The soundtrack to a John Hughes movie that sadly never existed, this album will transport its listeners back to 1986 and OMD or Echo and the Bunnymen with the most joyous album of the year. Midnight City is by far the best song of the year and makes me want to break out the International News jacket and put on some Polo cologne. They've changed direction more than most bands during the past decade, but stayed interesting.

listen on Spotify

4. The Antlers- Burst Apart

I guess this album is a disappointment since it does not top my list like their album Hospice did in 2009. Not really though. A natural baritone that dances on the edge with one of the best falsettos in rock music, lead singer Peter Silberman learned a lot from the Jeff Buckleys and Thom Yorkes of the world before venturing into his own direction, releasing an album of dramatic heights without the depressive elements of their last album. After their last 2 releases, I am declaring these guys one of the best bands in America.

listen on Spotify

3. King Creosote and Jon Hopkins- Diamond Mine

I am never sure what people mean when they say something is "mood music." All music is mood music in my estimation. If I'm in the mood to dance, I won't listen to Metallica. However, I think this album is what people mean when they use the term. Unfathomably moody and simply beautiful, retaining classical form, but infused with electronica. Sad. But in a very good way.

listen to Spotify

2. Wye Oak- Civilian

Ambiguously spiritual lyrics of Biblical imagery with ethereal female pop vocals and the most feedback and distortion of the year. Sounds like a recipe for an A+ in the Rick Bennett music class. This is a special album full of worshipful music, the kind I wish churches played. Like many of the top albums on this list, it transports the listener to another place (and sounds particularly good with earphones on).

listen on Spotify

1. Colin Stetson- New History of Warfare, Volume 2

That is correct. The best album of the year for my highly personal list is by a bass saxophonist (and no one else). Stetson has played with Arcade Fire, the National and Bon Iver, among others. It is truly like nothing else I have ever heard and pretty much incapable of explaining. That said, I return to the album all the time. It is not jazz, ambient or rock. However, it is all of the above and not as challenging as my words imply.

listen on Spotify

My Favorite Musical Discoveries of 2011

While 2011 was not the banner year for music that 2010 was (Arcade Fire, The National, Kanye West, LCD Soundsystem, Titus Andronicus, Deerhunter, Janelle Monae, Black Keys, Mumford, Frightened Rabbit, Sleigh Bells, The Walkmen and Anais Mitchell would each top this year's list), it was a better year for new artists and discoveries of unknown artists that have been around a while.

I will release my list of top albums Sunday. However, here is my list of the top musical discovery albums of the year. The numbers and rankings are somewhat arbitrary and could change tomorrow.

Worth mentioning, but not on the list officially because they did not release full albums, only EPs:

Alabama Shakes- Alabama Shakes (spend $4 now)

Imagine Janis Joplin's multi-ethnic granddaughter fronting early Kings of Leon, but influenced by soul, gospel and the dirt around Muscle Shoals, Alabama. The 4 songs they have given us so far are more exciting than anything I have heard this year (and pretty uplifting).

Typhoon- A New Kind of House

4 songs that tell me they are the best young cacophonous Indie- Folk band coming out with a CD in 2012. Imagine a young Arcade Fire with even more complex orchestration.

Listen on Spotify

Just missing the cut:

The Ghost of Tom Joad, Saigon, Megafaun, Bahamas, East River Pipe, Sin Fang, Childish Gambino, Shafer James, David Wax Museum

15. Foster the People- Torches

Yes, there is a lot of hype and they could travel down the road of Maroon 5 and Coldplay. But, as of yet, this is a great young band. Pumped Up Kicks is merely the 3rd or 4th best song on the album. Houdini is one of the best songs of the year.

14. Shabazz Palaces- Black Up

For once, a Pitchfork review is spot on. Read it. Innovative, highly complex hip hop from a masterful rapper. If you've heard of math rock, think of this as Math Rap.

listen on Spotify

13. Caveman- Coco Beware

You have probably heard similar bands before, but very nice, complex, Indie Rock that is pretty to listen to while transporting you to a very pleasant field someplace is something you need. They remind me of buzz bands like Local Natives from last year.

listen on Spotify

12. The Poison tree- The Poison Tree

My friend Steve thinks this is the best album of the year. He may be right, but I haven't sat with this album as much as he has. Still, this is great music, hearkening back to eras that are long past, yet modern. I think my parents would love the tin pan alley feel while I'm interested in the moodiness.

listen on Spotify

11. The Mountaineering Club Orchestra- A Start on Such a Night is Full of Promise

The soundtrack for a movie I wish existed. This classically infused beaut is my favorite ambient album of the year (followed closely by Demdike Stare). If you are looking for something to play while working or in the background, buy it (I think it would be great for church also).

You can listen and buy it at Bandcamp and name your price.

10. Frank Ocean- Nostalgia, Ultra

Another free album, Frank is bringing back 70's soul stylings for a hip-hop generation. the lyrics are a little beyond my comfort level at times, but the music is what I imagine Al Green or Marvin Gaye would be playing if they were coming out after Jay-Z and Kanye West changed the landscape so radically.

listen here

9. Wu Lyf- Go Tell Fire on the Mountain

Hard to describe band from England that classifies itself as Heavy Pop. Messy music consisting of passionate vocals, smart lyrics, swirling guitars. Not for everyone, but I like it.

listen on Spotify

8. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.- It's a Corporate World

Goofy, but great named project from Detroit that Paste magazine coins "indie-alt-digital-folk-garage-rock-pop." There is a kitchen sink vibe to their music which reminds me of the smoothness of Earlimart or Granddaddy.

listen on Spotify

7. Youth Lagoon- The Year of Hibernation

One kid from Idaho making the kind of music I would make if I was alone in Idaho: melancholy. This is the best of the new bands making music straddling the fence between Sigur Ros and Arcade Fire (although the mellowest example). If you like this kind of music, but want a little more oomph, I recommend Of Monsters and Men, which is not on the list because their album is not officially available in the US (or they would be in the top 3).

listen to Spotify

6. EMA- Past Life Martyred Saints

She calls it Noise Folk and I am grateful to find someone that has the edge of mid-career Hole. It is angry, raw, emotional and definitely noisy. I thought the supergroup Wild Flag would make this list, but listening to this album I realized that, while there are a couple of great songs on the Wild Flag album, I was including it on the list because I wanted to like it as much as I liked this album.

listen on Spotify

5. Diego Garcia- Laura

The most painfully gorgeous album of the year, my wife thinks I listen to it when I want to get depressed. Garcia was the lead singer of the band Elephant before deciding he would embrace his Argentinian heritage and create a masterful paean to his ex-wife full of sad flamenco touches over the kind of crooning the guys on American idol wish they were capable of. If you love Iron and Wine or Bon Iver, check him out. He is more interesting and reminds me of a young, Spanish Leonard Cohen.

listen on Spotify

4. tUnE-yArDs- WHOKILL

People are justifiably nuts over this album. Imagine the spot where Sleigh Bells meets St. Vincent... especially if the Dirty Projectors were behind it and you will see why every hipster and Indie critic thinks they have heard the musical equivalent of the Second Coming. OK, the hype is out of hand, but its a band with serious potential. If these songs were on Just Dance 3, I would be there with a Wii remote in my hand.

listen on Spotify

3. The Vaccines- What Do You Expect from the Vaccines?

My favorite album of the year when I want to rock and roll. If bands like The Hives, The Strokes and the Arctic Monkeys bore you, then stay away from this band of snotty fans of U2 and The Ramones. In a world in which people know what rock and roll is supposed to sound like, these guys would be HUGE.

listen on Spotify

2. The Head and the Heart- The Head and the Heart

For fans of Mumford and Sons, Civil Wars, The Avett Brothers and other neo-folk bands, these guys have the songwriting down. While none of their songs will blow you away with their originality, you will find yourself returning to this album continually. I expected this album to blow up like Coldplay and Mumford, and it will if people find out about them. Pitchfork hates them, which is always a good sign.

Trust me and listen on Spotify

1. The Weeknd- Echos of Silence

Echos is the 3rd of 3 free mix tapes released by this Canadian soul singer in 2011. All 3 are wonderful and free on his website. While lyrically, as a 40 year white guy dad, I can get a bit prudish when all a guy seems to talk about is sex; I have to admit he does it well. He channels Michael Jackson and Marvin Gaye simultaneously, so I recommend any youth ministers that believe in the True Love Waits program should keep their kids very far away from this album. I call his music Indie Soul, so check it out. He is gonna be huge.

Listen and download

Top Faith Based Albums of 2011

I don't listen to a lot of so called "Christian" music. I could go into my typical rant, but it is old hat and bores even me. That said, I found a few albums that come from a Christian worldview that are marketing specifically to Christian audiences (one is more mainstream) that I liked quite a lot.

While they are not making my list of top albums, coming out in the next couple of days, I want to emphasize their inherent quality, especially for those that listen to such music.

5) Damion Suomi and the Minor Prophets- Go and Sell All of Your Things

A beer soaked folk rock album full of praise songs for drunken revelry and open questioning of faith. You have heard it all before, but that doesn't make it any less fun... or thought provoking. Suomi stands in a long line of deeply afflicted, yet strongly Christian musicians, including Larry Norman, The 77's and Bill Mallonee. Here is a good review from Paste Magazine.

listen on Spotify

4) Gungor- Ghosts Upon the Earth

The opposite of beer soaked, this honest and quite beautiful endeavor is Michael Gungor's best set yet. Mis-classified as a worship artist, most of Gungor's songs are too complex for the average church setting desiring Chris Tomlin's last copy of every Coldplay trope in the book. Gungor's lyrics are refreshingly honest and the music is definitely in the Sufjan Stevens meets Sigur Ros at an Arcade Fire concert hymnal presently employed by most "Indie-Rock." I love his voice, mostly because it reminds me of one of my best friends, Michael Johnston of the criminally underrated Smalltown Poets.

listen on Spotify

3) John Mark McMillan- Economy

Hopefully, this is what worship music will sound like in the coming years in churches, as people grow tired of the same old sanitized lyrics and melodies of Tomlin, Redmon and Crowder. In fact, this is what Crowder should sound like (even if he changes the lyrics of McMillan songs to refine and popularize them, robbing them of their power in the process). McMillan obviously genuflects before Bruce Springsteen, like some of the best young bands in America, owing as much to Gaslight Anthem and Brit Rock as to the Boss. While the melodies stand out, it is the lyrics that I would love to hear in church, deeply embracing grace while flirting with darkness and depression. It is rock and roll and it is refreshing, to say the least.

listen on Spotify

2) Josh Garrels- Love and War and the Sea in Between

First of all, just click the link above and get this album for free. While the previous albums are best appreciated by those that share some faith interest with the musicians, this stands out as an albums I recommend to anyone that likes soulful indie-folk. While in the ultra-serious vein of Ray Lamontagne and Iron and Wine, Garrels stands out from the crowd with his arrangements. He is the best mainstream artist operating in the Christian marketplace at this time. I could go on, but since it is a free album, I see no reason. Just get the darn thing.

1) Aaron Strumpel- Birds

As I said when it was initially released, if there is anyone more compelling and original in the so called "Christian" market, I have yet to hear it. Wondrously off-kilter, Birds reminds me of the best Indie films, at once oft-putting and impossible to resist without the obvious narrative we expect from Hollywood (or Nashville). While this album and Garrels' are equally good, Birds gets the nod due to its originality.

Song of the Year, 2010- Why We Build The Wall

I am not sure I will start blogging again. However, a few (very few) people want to know my music selections for 2010. Since I am not employed by a newspaper with a deadline, I know I can take my time (plus I wanted to wait to hear everything I could in 2010).

Over the next few days I will offer my Top Albums (yes, I still listen to fully developed albums, not just mp3s of a single song), my playlist of the best songs/ my favorites of the year (I will put a mix tape on drop box for anyone interested) and today's entry:

Song of the Year

By declaring song of the year, I am not saying this is the best song in 2010. In fact, it was not. However, this song fully captures the spirit of 2010. It is a haunting track off Anais Mitchell's powerful Folk Opera based upon the myth of Orpheus, Hadestown (an easy top 10 album). This albums has guests like Ani DiFranco and Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), but the highlight of the album is this song which captures that 2010 spirit, espeically in light of Tea Parties, Immigration reform, mosque battles, recession and people in need and the response many of us have to those we consider "other", "different," or "outsider."

There is no real video, but here it is on youtube coupled with another song. Listen to Why We Build the Wall by Anais Mitchell and Greg Brown:

Here are the lyrics:

HADES
Why do we build the wall?
My children, my children
Why do we build the wall?

CERBERUS
Why do we build the wall?
We build the wall to keep us free
That’s why we build the wall
We build the wall to keep us free

HADES
How does the wall keep us free?
My children, my children
How does the wall keep us free?

CERBERUS
How does the wall keep us free?
The wall keeps out the enemy
And we build the wall to keep us free
That’s why we build the wall
We build the wall to keep us free

HADES
Who do we call the enemy?
My children, my children
Who do we call the enemy?

CERBERUS
Who do we call the enemy?
The enemy is poverty
And the wall keeps out the enemy
And we build the wall to keep us free
That’s why we build the wall
We build the wall to keep us free

HADES
Because we have and they have not!
My children, my children
Because they want what we have got!

CERBERUS
Because we have and they have not!
Because they want what we have got!
The enemy is poverty
And the wall keeps out the enemy
And we build the wall to keep us free
That’s why we build the wall
We build the wall to keep us free

HADES
What do we have that they should want?
My children, my children
What do we have that they should want?

CERBERUS
What do we have that they should want?
We have a wall to work upon!
We have work and they have none
And our work is never done
My children, my children
And the war is never won
The enemy is poverty
And the wall keeps out the enemy
And we build the wall to keep us free
That’s why we build the wall
We build the wall to keep us free
We build the wall to keep us free

feel free to share your thoughts

Favorite Spiritual/ Religion Books of 2009

This year has not been a big year of reading books on Christian subjects written from the inside. No self-help and very little on theology or Emerging Church issues. As my spiritual journey has taken some very Bazan-like twists and turns (some of which I will be writing about soon), I have felt myself drawn to books that are more sociological, journalistic, outsider observer or detached. I am interested in Christianity, my faith, as it is seen from the outside and as it is seen sociologically or economically. I am interested in how the other religions, especially those with common ancestry are seen, what we have in common and how we act in the world.

That said, I must say most I read that is straight Christian theologically or on the Christian life is boring me right now. It seems like it has all been written before. That said, there are some Christian books from preachers and theologians I really want to read. I just didn't do it in 09.

I would have read Danielle Shroyer's latest and Tony Jone's Didache book, along with others by Soon-Chan Rah and Jim Belcher (if anyone would like to send a copy of any of these books, I can give you my address). But, for some reason they did not arrive for free on my doorstep and aren't available at my library. As always, these are not necessarily books that came out in this calendar year. I just happened to read them in 2009.

I read the Rapture Exposed by Barbara Rossing once again. It is still one of the best religion books of the decade to me.

10. What God Has Joined Together: The Christian Case For Gay Marriage by David Myers and Letha Dawson Scanzoni -It is a few years old, but I found this book in which they clearly create a compelling, and wholly Christian case for gay marriage, taking the Bible as seriously as anyone on the other side of the argument, the best thing I have read on the subject since John Stott took the other side a few years ago. While I am no expert and personally don't care loads about the issue (sorry to those on both sides), I enjoy reading the differing ideas on this contentious subject, especially when written passionately, but thoughtfully and lacking polemic fireworks or overstatements.

9. Good Book: The Bizarre, Hilarious, Disturbing, Marvelous, and Inspiring Things I Learned When I Read Every Single Word of the Bible by David Plotz- I listen to Plotz weekly on the Slate Political Gabfest so I am predisposed to love his work. If I preached, I would use this resource from a Secular Jew to bring undiscovered (by me at least) insights into Scripture, some obvious, some counter intuitive. To read the OT with fresh eyes would be a wonderful thing. I envy Plotz.

8. Flickering Pixels: How Technology Shapes Your Faith by Shane Hipps -As I type this on my blog, I agree with what he says.

7. The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by Timothy Keller - Keller makes the most convincing argument for orthodox understandings of God and faith I have seen in a while.

6. My Jesus Year: A Rabbi's Son Wanders in the Bible Belt in Search of His Own Faith by Benyamin Cohen- My Christianity is very Jewish, not in the liturgical sense, but in the way I look at the world around me. Because of this, I find connection with most Jewish writers, especially those coming to the Bible and religion. I found this an insightful look at Christianity by a skeptical, but fascinated friend.

5. The Unlikely Disciple: A Sinner's Semester at America's Holiest University by Kevin Roose - I could point out all the flaws of this book, but one thing stands out to shoo those critiques away. It is not a religious manifesto, but a memoire by a really young writer. Plus, it is infinitely readable. It is hard to put down once you pick it up.

4. The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective by Richard Rohr - I should have read it a long time ago, but I am finally digging deeper into this. An excellent resource for those wanting to see who they are, why they act the way they do and how to make changes based upon their own personality and inner workings to be better people.

3. How To Win a Cosmic War: god, Globalization and The End of the War on Terror by Reza Aslan- This could be a politics or religion book by the author of the excellent primer on Islam No god but God. Aslan is a great writer and thinker. In some ways I think of him as one of the first postmodern Islamic thinkers, their own Brian McLaren. Aslan's contention is that we should not fight a cosmic war with Islam because it is impossible to win such a war, especially with a belief system not based upon traditional Islam. It gives great insight into the strains of Islam and how awry things have gone ( and how the West has caused much of it). He gives his vision for Islam and religious interaction that is hopeful.

2. The Evolution Of God by Robert Wright- One may not believe, but one can still find religion and belief in God a wholeheartedly good thing, especially when one believes that the concept of God (whether manmade or coming from on high- he is fine with either) is evolving to a kinder more modern expression. Controversial to those that write religion off and to those that would consider themselves foundationalists, it is compelling and provocative, especially his contention that Paul was a 1^st Century Bill Gates building a belief statement out of the needs of people, as opposed to the traditional view.

1. The Case for God: What Religion Really Means by Karen Armstrong- Many find this overreaching and wishy-washy, but I found it refreshing, a historical sweet spirited polemic- if there is such a thing- against the extremes of religion, namely Fundamentalism's ying and its yang, The New Atheism. It is refreshing to read an open minded book that takes God very seriously and makes a case for another way of interpreting religion, modern, yet more rooted in the past than many traditional views.

Best Albums of 2009 (1-5)

I am sure the masses are dying to see my Top 5 of 2009, detailing what one 40ish white boy from a mid-major city that listens to too much NPR has to say about music. I will say that 09 is a slightly better all around year than 08, which was terribly weak musically. The best albums of 2008 were a bit better than 2009, but all around there was better music 1-50 (last year I struggled for a top 50, this year I had 75 albums competing).

Of course, 2008 and 2009 are still no match for 2004-2007 with 07 as the high water mark of the decade. I am hoping, as I did with 2009 that the streak will begin again. With new albums by Frightened Rabbit, Spoon, The National, Arcade Fire, The New Pornographers, Vampire Weekend, Charlotte Gainsbourg (and Beck), Blitzen Trapper, D’Angelo, Amy Winehouse, The Magnetic Fields and BRMC expected in the coming year, things are looking up.

5. American Saturday Night by Brad Paisley- Throw your unused compact discs at me right now all you music snobs. One of your own has gone to the hack infested light, like a moth unaware of his impending doom. Here’s the thing. I fully acknowledge that there are some mainstream albums that should be on this list. I just don’t listen to a lot of that music since I would have to sit through the inanity of most auto-tune infested radio friendly pop, country or rock songs as well as commercials, huckster deejays and American Idol-like shrillness. That said, every once in a while a hugely successful genre artist transcends their boundaries and creates art for the masses and the time capsule, be it Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce or Brad Paisley (yes, even Coldplay and John Mayer are capable). It cannot be dismissed as Walmart Rock (my vernacular- I should share my criteria sometime) by the supposed snobs that listen to another type of corporate rock (Starbucks Rock- looks indie, but really isn’t). Brad Paisley is such an artist. His guitar work is sublime. His lyrics, while hokey at times, are quite smart, his voice is solid and his songwriting is on par with the masters of the genre. He hits his mark on this album, which may be the best of the year (I just can’t fully admit it- not there yet). As a solid Blue Stater, I love the tweaks to the country music clichés he sneaks in, especially his love of diversity and uncompromising optimism about the future (Emerging Christians can learn a lot about him if they say they have a theology of hope). Welcome to the Future (song and video) brought me to the verge of tears on my first listen, reminding me of a U2 anthem of the 80s and Then reminds me that power ballads can be pretty good sometimes (if I like a power ballad, it must be genre busting). As George Michael told us once, “listen without prejudice.”

4. Bitte Orca by Dirty Projectors- How does one classify this album? Is it Indie Rock? Is it Indie Soul? Is it something wholly other? I guess it does not matter. It sounds great. Stillness is the Move is the best song of the year, the moment in time Talking Heads meets Mariah Carey, unlike any song I have ever heard. The shifts and dime turns on this album, sometimes it is instrumentation while at other times it is time signature or tempo changes remind me of Toxicity by System of a Down, although 2 albums could not sound any more different. I highly recommend this album for anyone trying to stretch their boundaries while still liking accessibility.

What is interesting about the Top 3, and what separates them in some ways is the emotional resonance I have with the lyrics and music. Each conveys an emotional truth in a way that connected with me greatly, much like Frightened Rabbit did last year and Arcade Fire did in 2007. I am not sure what that means, but I find it interesting.

3. Curse Your Branches by David Bazan- A soundtrack for my life in 2009, I connected deeply with the lyrical content on this excellent album by the former Pedro the Lion leader. Never a huge Pedro fan, I always appreciated and respected their work more than liking it. I found Bazan’s lack of emotion and wry observations brilliant, but cold. Even if I think he is one of the artists best exemplifying an Emerging Christianity, I don’t have too like his voice, do I? And then, unconstrained by the Pedro label and organized Christianity, Bazan finds his voice and releases the best thing he has done. Bazan actually sings on this album. Bazan actually uses interesting instrumentation on this album. Bazan actually creates melodies on this album. In other words, he focuses on the entire songcraft, not just the lyrics. Guess what? The lyrics don’t suffer. In fact, when sung over great melodies the lyrics come alive. And what lyrics they are. Curse Your Branches and Hard to Be speak a poetic truth to the inner working of the soul most of us would dare not speak in public, even to our closest friends. Thank you David for sharing your hurt, disappointment and lack of faith with us, so our similar feelings have words.

2. Hospice by The Antlers- I struggled greatly with #1 and #2, moving between them 3 times while making this list. So, today The Antlers’ Hospice is the second best album of the year, one that reminds us that youth and the creation of great art can be simultaneous. Maybe I get this concept album in which a man loses a loved one to cancer since I work in hospice. Maybe I like the deep emotion over Sigur Ros and Radiohead-like music (2 bands no one will accuse of emotion). For once I agree with Pitchfork in its declaration that this album has the ability to emotionally devastate listeners. Power like that must be weld properly and it is. You can listen to it without letting it overtake you, but if you give this album a bit of your heart, it will move you. This is beautifully harsh music unlike anything I have heard, yet strikingly familiar.

1. Elvis Perkins in Dearland by Elvis Perkins in Dearland- How does one follow up a stunning debut of overwhelming emotion and the best folk album of the past few years? By finding a band and turning up the volume on this at times raucous and wholly unexpected album. Elvis, still reeling from the death of his mother on Sept. 11 finds the hope missing on Ash Wednesday, especially on the escapist Shampoo and the dancing at the end of the world rave up Doomsday (imagine Prince’s 1999 as a folk rock tune). He still knows how to rip you to shreds with a line like “I love you more in death than I ever could in life” on 123 Goodbye, reminding me that in a just world, he would be heralded as the new Dylan, because he shares Dylan’s diversity of musical stylings, proper use of harmonica, ability to stretch his voice beyond its norm and lyrical prowess (yes, I think he is in Dylan’s class as a lyricist)- plus he has a very nice voice (imagine, if you will, Dylan and Jeff Buckley). If Brown University creates Ira Glass and Elvis Perkins, I am pushing my kids there now. And, Anthony Perkins, I want to thank you for more than playing Norman Bates in Psycho. I want to thank you for your son, already on his way to being one of the greats, even if no one is paying attention.

Add his EP Doomsday to the mix for a perfect year.

Best Albums of 2009 (25-6)

I hope you are enjoying my Top 50 albums, or pre-fabricated music experiences of the year (as opposed to live music). Here is 25-6:

25. Manners by Passion Pit- More white Indie Rock kids try their hand at dance music. What’s so special about that? I mean MGMT did it last year and we have all listened to LCD Sound System, Daft Punk and others. Right? True, but this is ridiculously infectious music that will make your body move if you allow it to infiltrate your corridors of coolness and detachment (if it worked on me, it can work on you). The highlights are Little Secret, Sleepyhead and To the Kingdom Come, all of which will be heard on soundtracks, commercials pretty much everywhere pretty soon.

24. Merriweather Post Pavilion by Animal Collective- I suppose my credibility card will be revoked for having this album outside the Top 10. It is a good album trying to walk the line between dance rock like the aforementioned Passion Pit and MGMT on one side and the forward thinking rock of Radiohead on the other. Sometime is works wonderfully, while at times it still leaves me cold (like Vampire Weekend). Technically it is probably a perfect album, but I miss the heart. I still think Panda Bear’s solo stuff is better.

23. Wilco (the album) by Wilco- At times I think this return to Wilco-ness should be higher. While it does not reach the heights of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot or A Ghost is Born, it is light years ahead of Sky Blue Sky. Instead of denying its journey while calling it a return, as Wilco did on Sky Blue Sky, Wilco (the album) ventures through the experimentalism of YHF and AGIB in its return to the simplicity of previous incarnations. Plus, the lightness of touch is a pleasant surprise. Kudos for the best self referential lyric of the year, and the best ever by a non-rap artist, “Wilco- a sonic shoulder to cry On, Wilco.” Thanks for being a sonic shoulder, Mr. Tweedy.

22. Far by Regina Spektor- Paste magazine missed the boat on this album. It gets a lot of airplay in my household, even if it does not hold up to the perfection of Begin to Hope. It is sweet, strange and you can dance to it, plus she is one of the best lyricists/ pianists/ songwriters working today, like Tori Amos or Fiona Apple with a happy home life. While some dismiss the album due to the inclusion of the song Machine, I will not disparage an album for an unfortunate chorus that should have been edited out of the final product.

21. Welcome to Mali by Amadou and Miriam- African music is becoming more musically and practically accessible for Americans. Therefore, any list of great albums of the year that does not include African artists is incomplete. If you want authentically African music you can groove to in a club, music that is at once traditional and modern, check into this album with the Damon Albarn produced gem Sabali. I guarantee you will love that song.

20. The Ecstatic by Mos Def- After his last disappointing turn behind the mic, Mos Def is back reminding us why he was a premier hip hop artist before turning his attention to acting (he is a wonderfully appealing screen presence). This is a smooth, funny, deep album full of lightening fast rhymes and music slightly less ordinary.

19. Troubadour by K'naan- I know, I know. I talk too much about K’naan (I am working on a piece for a magazine just to increase the obnoxious obsession). But, besides the guys at NPR’s All Songs Considered, I don’t hear anyone giving him the love he deserves. First of all, this album is not in the league of his debut. Of course, I think The Dusty Foot Philosopher is the best album of the decade bar none, so this was bound to be a disappointment after hearing a man turn such pain into art, like a rapping African Van Gogh. Aside from the unfortunate remake of Rap Gets Jealous (buy his first album and listen to the power of that song and ignore the crass commercialism of the new version), this is a great album giving us pop hits (Bang Bang), stories of Africa we never hear in the popular media (Somolia, T.I.A.) and the emotionally charged and bring you to tears Bob Marley-esque anthems like Waving Flag, a reminder of his 1^st album.

18. A Brief History of the Big Pink by The Big Pink- I have a belief that music perfection must include inordinate amounts feedback, distortion and reverb. In fact, if there is such thing as “too much feedback” I am not aware of this phenomenon. That said, I love BRMC, Spiritualized, Jesus and the Mary Chain and The Verve. Add to the mix a bit of pop song structure and the formula completes itself for a guy like me. Solid album that was my soundtrack for an overcast day walking around NYC.

17. Fantasies by Metric- An album I think got lost in the shuffle when it came to making lists of the best albums of the year, this is apparently an under-heard and underappreciated jewel that is at once aggressive female-voiced led rock and roll and modern pop that is wonderfully open. My entire family loves this album, with smart lyrics dealing with gender issues, power and inner struggles, but in a very singable manner. As you may have noticed I love it when the music is sugar, while the lyrics are bitter. If I can pick one album on this list I can guarantee everyone (besides the snobbish wimpy folkies) will like, this is it.

16. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix by Phoenix- The dance pop album of the year, I dare you to dislike this infectious musical equivalent of Crème Brulee, another irresistible French dessert.

15. Get Guilty by A.C. Newman- The undisputed leader of one of the great power pop bands, the New Pornographers releases his best album and it gets forgotten by everyone. What is wrong with everyone? A.C. Newman is one of the smartest pop songwriters around, like Ben Folds with a guitar and more lyrical discipline.

14. Middle Cyclone by Neko Case- A.C. Newman’s muse released another superb collection of 70s era country songs that my parents would love if country music stations played the good stuff anymore. While not my favorite Case album (it may be #3), even an average work by Neko is going to make everyone’s list.

13. Veckatimist by Grizzly Bear- I acknowledge the greatness of this work, even if it is not my 13^th favorite of the year. I am beginning to like it beyond the “hits” and considering the Brian Wilson worship Grizzly Bear live out, I eventually will love this album on a daily basis, as opposed to the present love of it sonically but not personally. It may be the best sounding album of 2009.

12. I and Love and You by The Avett Brothers- Produced by the incomparable Rick Rubin, The Brothers head away from the rave ups of the past towards a soulful sweetness. It is not the direction I had expected or wanted. In fact, I was disappointed they left much of the bluegrass on steroids and/or acid approach of previous incarnations. But, I need to acknowledge its subtle beauty. It is a gorgeous work, even if I was hoping for something different (not better, though).

11. It’s Blitz by The Yeah Yeah Yeahs- Given a choice, I would choose Metric’s latest, a similar album by a similar band. However, this effort is a little “more” than Metric’s. It is louder, rowdier, better produced, cooler and showier. But in this case, this is all a good thing. Also, check out leader Karen O’s soundtrack to Where the Wild Things Are. It is much more acceptable music for kids to parents that have discerning ears.

10. Elephants by Aaron Strumpell- One of 3 overtly spiritual albums in my Top 10, this is the only one that is expressly “Christian.” A thoroughly original work holding little in common with any other Christian artist (closest thing is Strumple’s work on Enter the Worship Circle projects, Waterdeep, mellow mewithoutyou, Sufjan’s weirdest flourishes and Rich Mullins’ more esoteric stuff), this rumination on the Psalms takes a few dedicated listens and a good set of speakers to allow to grab hold of you. Some say this album wails, which I would agree with and think is good company for Aaron to keep, considering the history of the Psalms and Israel.

9. Reservoir by Fanfarlo- “Belle and Sebastian, I would like to introduce you to The Arcade Fire.” Fanfarlo fits into the sub-genre of literary chamber pop, but with a bit of the cacophonous leaning of Devotchka and Beirut. This is another album I dare you to not like. The moment I heard the opening melodies on their myspace page, I stopped, went directly to song #2, listened for a few seconds and bought the album. Less than 30 seconds in, I knew I would love this album. That happens very seldom.

8. Actor by St. Vincent-Annie Erin Clark used to be part of Sufjan Stevens’ band and the Polyphonic Spree. She has moved beyond their conventions to create something wholly earthy and other, while still reminding most listeners of past musical heroines like Kate Bush and Bjork. While still mellow, there is a focused drive to this album built around tasteful, but intense guitar work (and dark lyrics- imagine that).

7. XX by The XX- Descriptions of this band and album tend to make people run screaming before giving it a listen. I know I ignored it for a while, even though the reviews were great. I gave it a quick listen and found it uninspiring. Then I gave it another chance and noticed that this quiet, 70s inspired male/ female duo was everything I wish Mates of State were. If you like simple, interesting music with little flourish, you may like The XX.

6. The Life of The World to Come by The Mountain Goats- Like Bill Mallonee or Bob Dylan, John Darnielle has a voice for those that like unvarnished, Auto-Tune free, slightly nasally singers that try to stay out of the way, so you can focus on the ridiculously poetic stories in which highly flawed people try to attain their salvation through whatever means they can find, sacred or secular. Unlike many Christian musicians that would take a passage of Scripture and regurgitate whatever their pastor or John Piper told them, Danielle takes a different approach on this album, in which he meditates on specific passages, using them as jumping off points for hard lessons, seekers of salvation and agnostic observations. It is compelling stuff with great lyrics like the prayer ‘send me a mechanic if I’m not beyond repair.” Amen to that. With albums like this I question the need for anything considered “Christian music (of course, I have questioned that for a decade or so).”