en http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/uk/ Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 60 http://www.audioscrobbler.net/data/webservices http://www.last.fm/user/captainkirk76/journal The Last.fm journal for captainkirk76. Last.fm journals are a place to talk about all things music. http://www.last.fm/user/captainkirk76/journal/2012/04/18/5fh273_pictures_of_silver_-_moves_me_to_sing_(review) Wed, 18 Apr 2012 22:11:19 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/captainkirk76/journal/2012/04/18/5fh273_pictures_of_silver_-_moves_me_to_sing_(review) Pictures of Silver is an Indi worship band that is bringing an edge back to worship music. Their debut album, Moves Me to Sing, brings the power of rock to worship music. With grinding guitars and punchy drums the band makes you want to get up and move, while blending this sound with the smooth vocals of lead singer Krystal Manning. Their debut album is a blend of original songs and modern worship classics rearranged to match the band’s sound and breathe new life into some well warn tracks. The bands arrangement of “Rescue” is a stand out track on the album bringing a rocking sound to a song that is generally performed with a very mellow feel. Pictures of Silver also crank it up for “Hold Nothing Back” bringing a new energy and power to the song.

Though the cover songs on the album will probably be the first thing to grab people’s attention the band’s originals are nothing to over look. The first single “For Your Glory” is a power ballad track that is a call out to be used by the Holy Spirit while maintaining the energy of some of the band heavier tracks. With 11 total tracks Moves Me to Sing will catch your attention with it unique arrangements of worship classics but also bring some fresh new worship songs to your attention and possibly to your church. Check them out on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/picturesofsilver. If you are concerned about worship with a kick don’t worry. It’s a kick just not to the teeth.]]> http://www.last.fm/user/captainkirk76/journal/2011/12/27/59h4au_best_that_i_got_in_2011 Tue, 27 Dec 2011 22:04:07 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/captainkirk76/journal/2011/12/27/59h4au_best_that_i_got_in_2011 Well what can I say. 2011 ended up being a good year in music. For the first time in a long time I has a hard time narrowing the list down to just 20 albums. Plus this year saw the release of same really awesome EP's so I had to put them on their own list. So lets get this started. This review will be in groups of ten but besides that no real order.

Josh Garrels - Love & War & The Sea In Between. There is not enough good I can say about this album. It will not show up on many best of charts this year as Josh is still indi but he gave this one away though you can leave a tip for him at noisetrade.com. Just an amazing album with great beats, smooth melodies and sweet hooks. Do yourself a favor and go download his album and you will not stop listening to it. It's acoustic rock with a beat but so much more.

The Civil Wars - Barton Hollow Probably the first really great album of 2011. The perfect blending of Joy and John Mark's voices is amazing as is the simplicity of their music. This is folk music at it's finest. Now some of you may be thinking they are a country act but at this point they are defiantly not. The two or so songs on the album that do lean old school country really are my least favorite but over all this album is near perfect in it's simplicity. The parts I don't care for as much are more a matter of taste than in their quality.

Switchfoot- Vice Verces. Ok enough with the acoustic stuff for a minute. This album will rock your face off. It is nothing short of well amazing. If you want to good rock album this is the album for you. It will get the blood flowing and the adrenaline pumping in no time flat. The song writing is top notch and the production is just right. It is all good. Also if you get the special edition you get the entire Hello Hurricane album recorded live. It's just awesome. Possibly the best Switchfoot album since The Beautiful Letdown.

MUTEMATH - OddSoul. Keeping with the rock MuteMath is back with it's strange flavor the introduces their fans to a newer sounds and the same crazy licks. Taking notes from the Black Keys, MuteMath brings in a bit of a lowfi and sometimes bluesy sound among the crazy drum beat, and synth sounds. I dig this album but I must admit it may not be fore everyone. Still it is one of the more original and creative albums of the year.

Daniel Bashta - The Sounds Of Daniel Bashta. I have been a fan of Daniel since I picked up his My Worship in Motion album of noisetrade.com. Most of those songs have been refined and rerecorded for this new album along with new material. If you like John Mark McMillan and the raw sounds coming from indi worship leaders this album is for you. It also helps that the hit songLike a Lion which Daniel wrote is also on this album.

NEEDTOBREATHE - The Reckoning Needtobreathe is back with a new album during a whirlwind year opening up for Taylor Swift. I was a bit concerned that they may have picked up a bit of a country sound after that tour. Happily I was wrong, they brought the rock. This is their most rocking album full of stadium anthems and great rift. Thankfully Needtobreathe's brand of southern rock is all their own. They are by no means a derivative of other bands or a copy of Third Day. This album really brings them forward as a talented group that should be around for years to come. For those fans of their softer stuff don't worry it's still there.

Daft Punk - Tron Legacy Reconfigured
Now for something completely left field. That's right a remix album of a soundtrack. The soundtrack to Tron Legacy was pretty good but many of the tracks just felt incomplete. This album fixes all that and adds large quantities of awesomeness. The list of artist remixing on this album include The Crystal Method, Moby, and Paul Oakenfold among several artist I had never heard of but did killer jobs on their remixes. This is by far on of my favorite remix albums of all time. Looking for some killer technoish stuff then this is for you.

Mat Kearney - Young Love This album is just fun. Mat Kearney is back with a new album and to the sound that got him noticed in the first place, his brand of acoustic hip/hop. The difference this time is he is happy and in a good mood. Not to say that some of the songs aren't serious but they have a bounce, a feel to them that makes you smile. Kearney who is newly married wrote many of the songs on this album about falling in love with his wife as well as stories of people he met while being a cab driver in Nashville, TN.

Gungor - Ghosts Upon The Earth Micheal Gungor and crew return with a new album that may redefine worship music as we know it. This experimental album not only has lyrics that worship God but music that brings you on a unique worship experience. This is also a concept album from Genesis to Revelation as well. This album just has to be heard to really be described. Needless to say if you like Gungor's previous work and enjoy ethereal, experimental music you need to listen to this.

The Black Keys - El Camino Over the last year I have become a big fan of The Black Keys. After hearing Brothers I eventually purchased all of their albums and they have been my go to group for music this year. So I was excited to hear they where putting out a new album so soon. They did not disappoint and yet they did. The album is good, don't get me wrong. It's got a great groove and should have several hits and more songs that you will hear in commercial over the next year. So how did they disappoint? It's just a small thing but the blues have really taken a back seat on this album where it sat prominently on their previous albums. Still this is a really good album and should be listened to.

So there are my top 10 albums for 2011 in no particular order. So now on to the next 10.

Amos Lee - Mission Bell So you may ask why I do a top 20 and not just a top 10. Because of album like this that are still amazing even if they didn't make the top 10. I was introduced to Amos Lee a little over a year ago by a friend and really enjoy is style of music which is a relaxing folkish smooth music. Lee delved into country music a bit on this album which is what probably kept it out of the top 10 and some of the country elements he chose to include are the ones I don't like. Still looking for something to chill our and relax to then this is for you.

Hillsong United- Aftermath Hillsong United is back with a rare studio album, and to be honest it is good but the energy felt on their live albums is missing. Still they try some new things and the fact you have several vocalist and song writers on the album being a freshness and creativity not heard much today. You will probably be singing some of these songs in church in the coming years.

Eisley - The Valley Eisley has had a ruff few years but they return with a new independent album and a more mature sound. The trials and errors of the past few years come through in their songs and while the music is cool and sometimes fun the lyrics can be dark but their is a light at the end.

Burlap To Cashmere - Burlap to Cashmere It's been close to 10 years since we last heard from these guys, but they are back. This album though sounds more like the lead singers solo work than their last album. Not that is a bad thing it is just not as energetic and more introspective. Still these guys are amazing musicians and taught Jar of Clay how to tour. It's still the B2C just a bit more relaxed.

Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi -Rome Ok first of all there is no move called Rome that this is the soundtrack to, now that we have that cleared up this is a really cool album. It reminds me of some of the old Ennio Morricone soundtracks with a modern flair. Norah Jones and Jack White show up as well to provide vocals on a few tracks. If you want a great soundtrack you can makeup your own movie to this is it.

Viva Voce- The Future Will Destroy You Husband and wife duo might bring to mind the White Stripes but with more structure. These guys can be just as crazy as those they get compared to but with a sound that is their own. This is just good rock nuff said.

Some Guy Named Rob - Up Seems So Down Rob is not a big national act touring all over the US. He is a family man in Arkansas writing and recording music and playing the local scene heavily. His newest album sees Rob explore various styles and continue to tell his stories. If you want something that is truly unlike anything on the radio check him out.

Leigh Nash - Hymns and Sacred Songs Leigh Nash who? You know the lead singer for Sixpence None the Richer. She has released her second full length solo album as the world waits for Sixpence to solve their label troubles again to release a new album. This album is hymns uses some unique arrangements and Leigh's unique and amazing voice to bring some classics back to life.

John Mark McMillan - Economy The guy that wrote How He Loves is back with a new album and more songs about faith and life. There is not a stand out single to drive the sails of this album just solid song writing and good musicianship.

Coldplay- Mylo Xyloto To be honest this album wasn't even going to make the list. I had another album picked out but less listened to than this one. I guess I was leaving it off because it was going to make so many lists but then last night I saw them perform on Austin City Limits live for New Years Eve. Needless to say I have a new respect for the band and the songs from this album came to life. So I re-listened to this album and put it on the list. It really is good.

There you go the 20 best album I got in 2011. But wait there is more. 2011 really was the year of the awesome EP. Several good ones came out so here you go.

The Getaway Car - Ready - Set The Getaway Car is a outfit out of Boise ID that is making great pop rock. They are releasing a series of 3 ep's call Ready, Set, Go. Ready and Set both have released this year with Go, due early in 2012. These guys are making great music and will get you going on any day.

Sleeping At Last - Yearbook Ep's This year saw the completion of a very ambitious EP project by Sleeping at Last. Their goal was to release a 3 song ep every month over a years time. So this year we saw the release of January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, and September. They are all good eps in their own right. Sure some songs are better than others but there is a consistency to the quality of the songs that had to be hard to maintain. If you are looking for some mellow ambient music check these ep's out.

All Sons And Daughters - Brokenness Aside EP No. 1 What if The Civil Wars made worship music? That is what you get with All Sons and Daughters. Now don't think this is just some group riding on coat tails. Both groups started about the same time. Beautiful harmonies and simple song writing make this worship group stand out above the rest. Look for more eps and maybe a full length LP this new year.

The Hawk in Paris - His + Hers Most people rushed out and bought this EP because Jars of Clay's lead singer Dan Haseltine is in the group. They where surprised by solid modern/80's synth pop and lyrics about love and love lost. No spiritual value here just a good clean outlet of creativity for members and former members of Jars of Clay.

Alright now I have told you all what is good take those gift cards you got for Christmas and go get it. Most of the above is available at iTunes and Amazon.com/mp3. Enjoy the music while we wait for the good music of 2012 to arrive. First up David Crowder Band's final ablum. Drool..... Happy New Year everyone.]]> http://www.last.fm/user/captainkirk76/journal/2011/07/13/4heums_some_guy_named_robb_-_up_seems_so_down_(album_review) Wed, 13 Jul 2011 03:24:54 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/captainkirk76/journal/2011/07/13/4heums_some_guy_named_robb_-_up_seems_so_down_(album_review) So if you didn't know there is this guy named Robb and he makes really good music. His latest release titled Up Seems So Down displays why he is still making music and people enjoy it so much. He explores several musical genera's on this lasted album, everything from Rock and Gospel Blues, to Folk and even some Reggae. I must admit that I have not heard a Some Guy Named Robb album in quite a long time and the quality of this album is top notch. Besides the wonderful and playful song crafting the recording quality sounds like he took his time paying attention not to over produce the songs, and giving them an open sound that is refreshing in today's overproduced sounds. Highlights on the album for me are the bluesy Faith is Proof, the down right cool Pavlov's Bride and the rocking Crush. If you have never heard Robb's music, all I can say is Some Guy's need a chance.]]> http://www.last.fm/user/captainkirk76/journal/2011/06/20/4g3at0_good_so_far_in_2011 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 20:35:37 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/captainkirk76/journal/2011/06/20/4g3at0_good_so_far_in_2011 So we are half way through 2011. Any good music come out yet? Well yes. Here are few albums you might want to check out.

1. Josh Garrels - Love & War & The Sea in Between. I just got this album a few days ago and can't seem to stop listening to it. Probably my favorite album of the year so far. This folk artist with a beat and a feel for hip/hop never ceases to amaze me. The album is available for now for free at noisetrade.com

2. Hillsong United - Aftermath. The United boys head to the studio for this their latest release. It is a really good and experimental journey. These guys know how to take the music of worship to a whole new level while bringing solid lyrics.

3. Eisley - The Valley. Eisley is back after a few years of going through life's trials. They bring a new maturity and a bit of anger into their lyrics and music that shows growth. Still they bring all of their style and quirkiness back with them.

4. The Civil Wars - Barton Hollow. If you have not heard of The Civil Wars you have been living in a cave. These guys are great bringing two voices together so perfectly while keeping the instrumentation to a minimum. They being a new yet very tried and true sound back to Americana. My other favorite album so far this year.

5. Various/Daft Punk - Tron: Legacy Reconfigured. Last year Daft Punk put out a great soundtrack to Tron: Legacy. Now a large group of fellow techno artists come back and remix the album to great effect. This is one of the absolute best remix albums I have ever heard. If you like electronic music you must get this if you don't check it out anyway it might surprise you.

6. Aaron Gillespie - Anthem Song. The Drummer/Singer for Underoath and Lead for The Almost brings out his first solo project. This is a unique and rocking alternative worship project. If you like any of this other band you will love this project and if you want some original worship music with a bit more edge to it this is for you.

7. Burlap to Cashmere - Burlap to Cashmere. While it has been 13 years since we last heard from B2C they have never really gone away. Their first album is still one I go back to often and listen to and lead singer Steven Delopoulos has release a couple of good solo albums. B2C is back and this album while lacking the energy of their first is still a very good and solid album. The music reminds me more of Steve's solo albums but the flair and musicianship of B2C's past shine through at just the right times.

8. Amos Lee - Mission Bell. I only discovered Amos Lee recently and was happy to see him release a new album. Over all this shows his mellow and cool style but this time he throws in some country flair. Now I am not a country fan at all so I don't care of the steel guitar wine included here and there in the album but it is still a very good album.

9. Black Country Communion - 2. This super group is possibly the best of the recent infusion of super groups. This rocking album spanning style of classic rock, blues and hard rock shows the talent of all the members and lets you know why they are good at what they do.

10. The Getaway Car - 3EPs, Sleeping at Last - Yearbook. Last are to EP collections that are not completely released yet. The Getaway Car is an excellent rock outfit that has released 3EPs to its fans and will have the albums available to the public soon. Keep you eye out for these great pop rock EPs that will keep you in the groove. On the other end of the spectrum in Sleeping at Last - Yearbook EPs. They are releasing one, three song EP every month. They started last October so only 3 months left. The relaxing and ambient EPs are excellent well crafted EPS that bring you the music and style of Sleeping at Last every month.

There are some highly anticipated albums coming out still later this year including, Matt Redman, Mat Kearney, Ginny Owens, Daniel Bashta, DecemberRadio, 12 Stones, Needtobreathe, Switchfoot, David Crowder Band, and oh yeah that new Coldplay album.]]> http://www.last.fm/user/captainkirk76/journal/2011/02/18/486526_the_best_of_2010 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 16:34:38 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/captainkirk76/journal/2011/02/18/486526_the_best_of_2010 It's that time of year again when everyone put out their list of the best of the year. So here is my list. These are all albums that I own so I may have missed a few good ones as usual. Also I do not put live albums or greatest hits collections in here. If you don't have these albums check them out you may like what you hear.

The Black Keys - Brothers
Ok usually I do this in no particular order but this is my absolute favorite album of the year. The only thing I don't like about the album is the cover art. Sorry but it is lame. The music on the other hand is an amazing blues/rock blend with some R&B thrown in. Hard to believe this group is only a two piece. If you watch TV at all you have heard their music in dozens of commercials and they where also played on several TV shows. I cannot say enough good about this album. Everlasting Light and Next Girl open up the album and it just keeps rolling on from there.

Future of Forestry - Travel III
This is a great EP. The whole travel series from Future of Forestry is great. Great progressive rock in the vein of Coldplay and Radiohead. The final album of the series is the best in my opinion. The most upbeat of the EPs and has a lot of diveristy in the 6 tracks. Check it out.

Andrew Peterson - Counting Stars
I have always likes Andrew's music. So cool and relaxing with great lyrics and talent. This album does not let down on any of these points. What more is there to say if you like modern folk rock then this album is for you. So pick it up and start counting the stars.

John Mark McMillan - The Medicine
McMillan wrote the worship song How He Love which has become extremely popular and widely covered. This is a very interesting album had has been hailed as the new direction of modern worship music. We could go into long debates about the effects of modern worship and the Tomlin effect but we will skip that. This album is for those who want a bit more of a raw worship experience with lyrics that are a bit more personal and at times challenging that the standard pop being put out today.

The Dead Weather - Sea of Cowards
I just picked up The Dead Weather's first album earlier this year and soon after this album came up much to my joy. featuring Jack White of the White Stripes fame this group of grungy rock blues with a female lead vocalist is really something different. Think acid blues with a heavy dose of experimental hard rock. You do have to be in the mood for some of the noise involved with the music of this album but it is still a top notch recording. Looking for something different or a companion to The Black Keys this is the album for you.

Robert Randolph and The Family Band - We Walk This Road
I just got this album even though it has been around for a while. All I can say is wow. Randolph blend of blues, rock, r&b, gospel, and pop is amazing. He is the true master of the lap steel guitar. He covers Dylans Shot of Love with great effect. Once the new year hit this album will be in very heavy rotation on my iPod. A great playlist idea The Black Keys, The Dead Weather and Robert Randolph.

Disciple - Horseshoes and handgrenades
Ahhh Welcome back Disciple. After an album that was to many fans a let down they return to melt your face off. As usual the music is in full force with straight forward lyrics. The band in many was is rebuilding it self after the lead guitar player had to leave the band due to serious back problems. If you have ever been a fan of Disciple or just want some hard rock this album is for you.

Third Day - Move
Ok I know what you are thinking. Third Day are they washed up? Well they where. They dried off and rediscovered their rock with there last album Revelation. They return to try to keep the momentum built up on their last album. Do they succeed? Well for the most part yes. This is a good album just not quite as good as Revelation. At time they return to the formula of their previous works. Still they take the momentum they have and build upon it brining in new sounds. If you ever liked Third Day check this one out.

Derek Webb - Democracy Vol. 1 and Feedback.
OK, Yes there are two albums here. The first one is a unique project of Derek Webb doing covers of other artist like U2, RadioHead, Gnarls Barkly, Simon and Garfunkel, and Coldplay. His take on these songs is different and you will either love them or hate them. Feedback is a new "worship" project. I use the term loosely as this is actually an instrumental project of abstract music. It's really good if you like that kind of music. Check them both out.

Steve Miller Band - Bingo
Do What? Steve Miller band Really. Well yes. This is a great little album of blues covers Steve Miller style. If you like Miller's classic tunes and you like the blues well this is a match made in heaven. Check it out and it may just surprise you.

Lacrae - Rehab
I know I know the question marks are flying again. A rap album? Really? Yes, Yes and Yes. This guys is amazing. Top quality production and lyrics that make you think, full of the truth, and absent of cheese. This release will keep you bump'n in your car and showing those ghetto thug blasting fools that their life is not all that.

Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
Ok I must admit. This is a really good record. It probably should be higher up on this list not that there is much order to this list but..... It has not held my attention. It is a great record that is very cool and many of you already have or should be getting. Check them out.

Keenan Hunter - Welcome to My World
Every year it seems one of my friends or a friend of a friend releases a record and it just blows my mind and this year is now different. Keenan's album is just rocking, hip hoping, bluesy goodness. This album and something for everyone and is a well made indie album. Look him up on Facebook or myspace and then contact him for his album.

Jars of Clay - The Shelter
This is an unusual album for the Jars boys. Why you ask? Because, all but one song on the album has a guest vocalist. It's kind of like City on the Hill with Jars as the band and writers. So now that you know this, it is a really good album. The music has a worship feel and the lyrics bring a since of worship. I will admit it took me a couple of listens to get this album but now I love it. Take a listen.

Caedmon's Call - Raising Up the Dead
Their still around? Yes and getting back to basics and good music. Going indie fits well on Caedmon's Call as the band makes all the decisions. This album shows what they have learned in the past 15 or so years as a band and brings back the feel and sound fans fell in love with.

John Legend with Roots - Wake Up!
This is a great album of 60's segregation and freedom songs, done in a retro style with a modern flair. We just don't write songs like this any more. If you like the old school stuff this is for you, if you like these artist this album is for you, if you need/want a music education this album is for you. I have really enjoyed it.

Alter Bridge - ABIII
It's Creed for people who hate Scott Stapp. Ok it's Creed without Scott Stapp. Either way you look at it the band is still rocking. Thought dead by many with the return of Creed to the rock world Alter Bridge brings the rock and shreds through the album with gusto. If you want to bang your head this is for you.

Daniel Bashta - My Worship in Motion
This is one of those rare free downloads that really made me sit up and go Oh this is good. This is not your standard worship album it has much more of a rock feel but I am telling you to go to noisetrade.com and download this for free or even drop a few dollars in his bucket. Listen and enjoy.

Newworldson - Newworldson
Funk, Jazz, R&B, Rock fusion. These guys are good. I have enjoyed this gospel filled and infused record. I love it when a band bring into my ears genera's that I don't normally listen to. It really does have a little bit of everything and it as all done well. Try it out.

Charlie Hall - The Rising
Modern worship has become a tired and worn out genre with every artist/worship leader and band trying to sound like Chris Tomlin. There are the break aways, David Crowder and Charlie Hall are two of them. They both got their start at the same time as Chris and continue to blaze their own trail instead of following Tomlin's. Charlie once again bring his style of pop/rock music fused with worship and some experimentation. He doesn't get as out there as Crowder but he does take his own risks and it all really come together well on this record. Looking for a solid worship album then this is for you.

All right that is the 20 albums that really caught my attention that came out this year and to be honest I did get many more albums that what is on this list which is probably a first in a very long time. I have skipped Toby Macs new album and Chris Tomlin's new album as the songs I have heard didn't cat my attention or inspire me at all. No doubt there are probably tons of other really great albums out there and I would love to hear what you have to say. As a side not of sorts I am also a bit Soundtrack junkie and two really shined this year and both where made by masters of Electronic music. First is the Social Network soundtrack done by Trent Reznor and the second is the Tron: Legacy soundtrack by Daftpunk. Both a read instramental collections of great blends of Electronic music and Orchestration. Check them out. I guess that's all have a Happy Music New Year.

After posting this at first a I noticed an album was missing. Mumford & Sons - Sigh no more is an excellent album. Get it as well.]]> http://www.last.fm/user/captainkirk76/journal/2011/02/16/480030_the_best_of_2010_that_i_got. Wed, 16 Feb 2011 02:55:01 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/captainkirk76/journal/2011/02/16/480030_the_best_of_2010_that_i_got. It's that time of year again when everyone put out their list of the best of the year. So here is my list. These are all albums that I own so I may have missed a few good ones as usual. Also I do not put live albums or greatest hits collections in here. If you don't have these albums check them out you may like what you hear.

The Black Keys - Brothers
Ok usually I do this in no particular order but this is my absolute favorite album of the year. The only thing I don't like about the album is the cover art. Sorry but it is lame. The music on the other hand is an amazing blues/rock blend with some R&B thrown in. Hard to believe this group is only a two piece. If you watch TV at all you have heard their music in dozens of commercials and they where also played on several TV shows. I cannot say enough good about this album. Everlasting Light and Next Girl open up the album and it just keeps rolling on from there.

Future of Forestry - Travel III
This is a great EP. The whole travel series from Future of Forestry is great. Great progressive rock in the vein of Coldplay and Radiohead. The final album of the series is the best in my opinion. The most upbeat of the EPs and has a lot of diveristy in the 6 tracks. Check it out.

Andrew Peterson - Counting Stars
I have always likes Andrew's music. So cool and relaxing with great lyrics and talent. This album does not let down on any of these points. What more is there to say if you like modern folk rock then this album is for you. So pick it up and start counting the stars.

John Mark McMillan - The Medicine
McMillan wrote the worship song How He Love which has become extremely popular and widely covered. This is a very interesting album had has been hailed as the new direction of modern worship music. We could go into long debates about the effects of modern worship and the Tomlin effect but we will skip that. This album is for those who want a bit more of a raw worship experience with lyrics that are a bit more personal and at times challenging that the standard pop being put out today.

The Dead Weather - Sea of Cowards
I just picked up The Dead Weather's first album earlier this year and soon after this album came up much to my joy. featuring Jack White of the White Stripes fame this group of grungy rock blues with a female lead vocalist is really something different. Think acid blues with a heavy dose of experimental hard rock. You do have to be in the mood for some of the noise involved with the music of this album but it is still a top notch recording. Looking for something different or a companion to The Black Keys this is the album for you.

Robert Randolph and The Family Band - We Walk This Road
I just got this album even though it has been around for a while. All I can say is wow. Randolph blend of blues, rock, r&b, gospel, and pop is amazing. He is the true master of the lap steel guitar. He covers Dylans Shot of Love with great effect. Once the new year hit this album will be in very heavy rotation on my iPod. A great playlist idea The Black Keys, The Dead Weather and Robert Randolph.

Disciple - Horseshoes and handgrenades
Ahhh Welcome back Disciple. After an album that was to many fans a let down they return to melt your face off. As usual the music is in full force with straight forward lyrics. The band in many was is rebuilding it self after the lead guitar player had to leave the band due to serious back problems. If you have ever been a fan of Disciple or just want some hard rock this album is for you.

Third Day - Move
Ok I know what you are thinking. Third Day are they washed up? Well they where. They dried off and rediscovered their rock with there last album Revelation. They return to try to keep the momentum built up on their last album. Do they succeed? Well for the most part yes. This is a good album just not quite as good as Revelation. At time they return to the formula of their previous works. Still they take the momentum they have and build upon it brining in new sounds. If you ever liked Third Day check this one out.

Derek Webb - Democracy Vol. 1 and Feedback.
OK, Yes there are two albums here. The first one is a unique project of Derek Webb doing covers of other artist like U2, RadioHead, Gnarls Barkly, Simon and Garfunkel, and Coldplay. His take on these songs is different and you will either love them or hate them. Feedback is a new "worship" project. I use the term loosely as this is actually an instrumental project of abstract music. It's really good if you like that kind of music. Check them both out.

Steve Miller Band - Bingo
Do What? Steve Miller band Really. Well yes. This is a great little album of blues covers Steve Miller style. If you like Miller's classic tunes and you like the blues well this is a match made in heaven. Check it out and it may just surprise you.

Lacrae - Rehab
I know I know the question marks are flying again. A rap album? Really? Yes, Yes and Yes. This guys is amazing. Top quality production and lyrics that make you think, full of the truth, and absent of cheese. This release will keep you bump'n in your car and showing those ghetto thug blasting fools that their life is not all that.

Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
Ok I must admit. This is a really good record. It probably should be higher up on this list not that there is much order to this list but..... It has not held my attention. It is a great record that is very cool and many of you already have or should be getting. Check them out.

Keenan Hunter - Welcome to My World
Every year it seems one of my friends or a friend of a friend releases a record and it just blows my mind and this year is now different. Keenan's album is just rocking, hip hoping, bluesy goodness. This album and something for everyone and is a well made indie album. Look him up on Facebook or myspace and then contact him for his album.

Jars of Clay - The Shelter
This is an unusual album for the Jars boys. Why you ask? Because, all but one song on the album has a guest vocalist. It's kind of like City on the Hill with Jars as the band and writers. So now that you know this, it is a really good album. The music has a worship feel and the lyrics bring a since of worship. I will admit it took me a couple of listens to get this album but now I love it. Take a listen.

Caedmon's Call - Raising Up the Dead
Their still around? Yes and getting back to basics and good music. Going indie fits well on Caedmon's Call as the band makes all the decisions. This album shows what they have learned in the past 15 or so years as a band and brings back the feel and sound fans fell in love with.

John Legend with Roots - Wake Up!
This is a great album of 60's segregation and freedom songs, done in a retro style with a modern flair. We just don't write songs like this any more. If you like the old school stuff this is for you, if you like these artist this album is for you, if you need/want a music education this album is for you. I have really enjoyed it.

Alter Bridge - ABIII
It's Creed for people who hate Scott Stapp. Ok it's Creed without Scott Stapp. Either way you look at it the band is still rocking. Thought dead by many with the return of Creed to the rock world Alter Bridge brings the rock and shreds through the album with gusto. If you want to bang your head this is for you.

Daniel Bashta - My Worship in Motion
This is one of those rare free downloads that really made me sit up and go Oh this is good. This is not your standard worship album it has much more of a rock feel but I am telling you to go to noisetrade.com and download this for free or even drop a few dollars in his bucket. Listen and enjoy.

Newworldson - Newworldson
Funk, Jazz, R&B, Rock fusion. These guys are good. I have enjoyed this gospel filled and infused record. I love it when a band bring into my ears genera's that I don't normally listen to. It really does have a little bit of everything and it as all done well. Try it out.

Charlie Hall - The Rising
Modern worship has become a tired and worn out genre with every artist/worship leader and band trying to sound like Chris Tomlin. There are the break aways, David Crowder and Charlie Hall are two of them. They both got their start at the same time as Chris and continue to blaze their own trail instead of following Tomlin's. Charlie once again bring his style of pop/rock music fused with worship and some experimentation. He doesn't get as out there as Crowder but he does take his own risks and it all really come together well on this record. Looking for a solid worship album then this is for you.

All right that is the 20 albums that really caught my attention that came out this year and to be honest I did get many more albums that what is on this list which is probably a first in a very long time. I have skipped Toby Macs new album and Chris Tomlin's new album as the songs I have heard didn't cat my attention or inspire me at all. No doubt there are probably tons of other really great albums out there and I would love to hear what you have to say. As a side not of sorts I am also a bit Soundtrack junkie and two really shined this year and both where made by masters of Electronic music. First is the Social Network soundtrack done by Trent Reznor and the second is the Tron: Legacy soundtrack by Daftpunk. Both a read instramental collections of great blends of Electronic music and Orchestration. Check them out. I guess that's all have a Happy Music New Year.

After posting this at first a I noticed an album was missing. Mumford & Sons - Sigh no more is an excellent album. Get it as well.]]>