On a Different Note...

Despite my frustration over the overplayed Mariah Carey Christmas jam this year, I've snagged a new track to my Christmas favorites. It's Dan Fogelberg's "Same Auld Lang Syne." Have you heard this? What a wonderfully written song! And poignant to the point of being painful. Here're the lyrics:

"Same Auld Lang Syne"

Met my old lover in the grocery store
The snow was falling christmas eve
I stole behind her in the frozen foods
And I touched her on the sleeve

She didnt recognize the face at first
But then her eyes flew open wide
She went to hug me and she spilled her purse
And we laughed until we cried.

We took her groceries to the checkout stand
The food was totalled up and bagged
We stood there lost in our embarrassment
As the conversation dragged.

We went to have ourselves a drink or two
But couldnt find an open bar
We bought a six-pack at the liquor store
And we drank it in her car.

We drank a toast to innocence
We drank a toast to now
And tried to reach beyond the emptiness
But neither one knew how.

She said she'd married her an architect
Who kept her warm and safe and dry
She would have liked to say she loved the man
But she didnt like to lie.

I said the years had been a friend to her
And that her eyes were still as blue
But in those eyes I wasnt sure if I saw
Doubt or gratitude.

She said she saw me in the record stores
And that I must be doing well
I said the audience was heavenly
But the traveling was hell.

We drank a toast to innocence
We drank a toast to now
And tried to reach beyond the emptiness
But neither one knew how.

We drank a toast to innocence
We drank a toast to time
Reliving in our eloquence
Another auld lang syne..

.The beer was empty and our tongues were tired
And running out of things to say
She gave a kiss to me as I got out
And I watched her drive away.

Just for a moment I was back at school
And felt that old familiar pain
And as I turned to make my way back home
The snow turned into rain --

Simply beautiful.

All I Want for Christmas...

...is for them to stop playing that "All I Want For Christmas Is You!"

It's a good song but, come on! Every three songs? I can't take that much Mariah!

Don't Judge Me...

...because I just picked up the new David Cook album and am three songs in and still like it....

Just don't judge me!

Recent Writing...

It's been some time since I've really posted any links to anything that I've been working on so I thought maybe we could work our way back and let me reestablish that, yes, I have been writing some. Actually, I'm looking forward to unveiling something that I'm really excited about in the next couple of days but, in the meantime, allow me to share some of what I've been at work on most recently.

Let's begin with my recent work for Stereo Subversion.

First up is a review for longtime party jammers, The B-52's new album, Funplex. It's just what you'd expect from the group: quirky, progressive, and fun.

Next is a review of Paul Thorn and band's latest effort, A Long Way From Tupelo. For my money, Thorn is one of the most underrated artists working in the industry today. Let's hope new management and this album help him to overcome that monkey on his back.

And last but not least, for the moment, is my review of alt-country chanteusse Tift Merritt's most recent work, Another Country. It's soulful, light, and refreshing. It's a wonderful sonic retreat for those in need of some respite from the day-to-day grind.

More to come...

Thanks for the Memories, Porter...

Grand Ole Opry institution and country music legend Porter Wagoner passed away Sunday evening, succombing to lung cancer. Porter will be missed, as his music and heart have touched millions, but all we know is that heaven's choir just got a little bit sweeter. Thanks for the memories, Porter.

Am I Getting Sappy?

Okay, so I might be getting sappy but this is just a powerful video. To me, it speaks to the pain of the human experience and especially much of that pain that we bring on ourselves as we struggle to navigate the waters of life. I don't know, it's just, well, powerful. Decide for yourself.

Review: Under the Influence of Buck - The Derailers

The Derailers were a new name to me but the name of Buck Owens wasn't. The country legend had taken this group under his wing, appreciating their appreciation of his music and their heart for performing. It's this relationship that pours through this album, offering up covers of the late Owens' music that speak of love and care. This is good stuff. Here's the Infuze review:

Under the Influence of Buck - The Derailers

Interview: Soular

I had the opportunity a month or so ago to sit down with Marsh from Alberquerque-based Brit rock outfit, Soular, and talk about music and art. You'll find the Stereo Subversion interview here:
Interview - Soular

Review: Tension - Dizmas

I've become a wee bit hardened the past couple of years against much of what the contemporary Christian music community has put out. So much of it is derivative, unimaginative, and just ends up sounding like the band before them. So, here's what I can say about the new album from Dizmas: Its a good listen in that it does sound good, with solid production and able performances, but, well, it sounds like everybody else. Check out the Infuze review here:

Tension - Dizmas

Review: The Kid EP - Identity Relief

I tend to shy away from Christian indie artists because, at least in the experiences I've had, they tend to be less than listenable. Weak production and even lesser lyricism and musicianship tend to be the norm. It's not a good thing for the Christian community. Yet, as of late, I've found myself pleasantly surprised at the good to come out of that very same niche. One such artist is Identity Relief, based out of Birmingham and bringing an eclectic and encouraging voice to the musical community. Check out the Infuze review here:

The Kid EP - Identity Relief

Review: Determined - CO3

Country music has always had a decent standing within the Christian community until there is an attempt to make a "Christian country" album. At that point, things tend to get a little weird and the community as a whole has not really embraced many new artists to the genre. CO3 isn't going to break that mold. Talented fellas but just not enough wow factor to break through in my opinion. Here's the Infuze review:

Determined - CO3

Review: Goin' Home - A Tribute to Fats Domino

Most folks from my generation only know Fats Domino from the occasional snippet of his that gets played in a few films or from watching re-runs of Happy Days. Yet, Fats was one of the early innovators of rock 'n roll and lent a great voice to the town of New Orleans as well. This collection is a mixed bag but brings a nice sense of reminiscence along with monies that go to a good cause. Check out the Stereo Subversion review here:

Goin' Home: A Tribute to Fats Domino - Various Artists

The Shuffle Resurfaces...

Okay, for those regular readers...Alright, so I'm probably the most regular reader of this thing but, just in case there is one more of you out there, I know you're probably getting sick of this somewhat pointless exercise of tracking my itunes shuffle. Yet, this is my blog and not yours. So suck it up. I'm still in the process of uploading music and just recently surpassed 9118 songs. Holy crap! That's spooky! But, I digress. So, without further ado, here's the new shuffle:

1.) "Battling Kings" - VeggieTales, from the album, The Incredible Singing Christmas Tree

2.) "Something's Got a Hold on Me" - Etta James, from the album, Etta James: Her Best

3.) "O Holy Night" - Celene Dion, from the album, Now That's What I Call Christmas Vol. 2

4.) "There is Healing in His Hands" - Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, from the album, Live...With Friends

5.) "You Thought Wrong" - Kelly Clarkson, from the album, Thankful

6.) "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks" - Andrew Peterson, from the album, Behold the Lamb of God

7.) "The Christmas Spirit" - Johnny Cash, from the album, Christmas With Johnny Cash

8.) "Boy Tell the World" - Apologetix, from the album, Adam Up

9.) "Wonderful Christmastime" - Jars of Clay, from the album, Christmas Songs

10.) "Maranatha" - Lisa Gerrard & Patrick Cassidy, from the album, Immortal Memory

11.) "Will You Marry Me?" - Lauren Talley, from the album, Lauren Talley

12.) "Love Moves in Mysterious Ways" - Michael English, from the album, Hope

13.) "My Christmas" - Brett Williams and In Reach, from the album, Christmas on the Rock

14.) "If God Didn't Care" - Jake Hess, from the album, Jus' Jake

15.) "Summertime is Past and Gone" - Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, from the album, The Complete Million Dollar Quartet Recordings

Weird how the Christmas stuff keeps popping up even though it's clearly the minority in there...

Review: The Needles The Space - Straylight Run

Excellent. Solid. Great. Just a few simple words to describe this release by indie darlings Straylight Run. This one is well worth a few spins on your ipod. Here's the Stereo Subversion review:

The Needles The Space - Straylight Run

Review: Manifesto - Pocket Full of Rocks

A couple years ago I found my ears tuned into the worship from this new group Pocket Full of Rocks. There main claim to fame was having penned a song that CCM hero Michael W. Smith had covered but their debut had some soaring vocals and compelling tunes. So, I was interested to see what would happen the second time around. Unfortunately, PFOR hit the sophomore slump this time around and created an album that is a little too CCM friendly for this boy. Here's the INFUZE review:

Manifesto - Pocket Full of Rocks

Review: The Storm - Travis Tritt

I've been a Travis Tritt fan for a long time. I don't have a big collection of his records but I've always been a fan of that blues-infused country twang that the country star always put to good use. His last album, while holding a few gems, left a little to be desired, especially with topical yet bad call tracks like "The Girl's Gone Wild". Apparently, his record company felt the same way and Tritt found himself now an indie artist. The result is The Storm, a mixed bag of results, some solidly good, others not so. Here's the INFUZE review:

The Storm - Travis Tritt

Review: It's Not Big It's Large - Lyle Lovett and His Large Band

I've been a fan of Lyle Lovett's "Aw shucks" brand of country for some time now and was excited to see a new release come. Fairly gospel in nature, this release continues the artist's great flow of minimalist songwriting and compelling instrumentation, coupled with a keen sense of humor that is always aided by Lovett's simple humility. Good stuff. Here's the INFUZE review:

It's Not Big It's Large - Lyle Lovett and His Large Band

Review: DoorWay - Ron Block

I've been a longtime fan of Alison Krauss and Union Station and was pleasantly surprised a few years ago when member Ron Block released a faith-infused solo effort. Block turned out to be more than a stellar instrumentalist and showcased some solid songwriting in addition to offering his musical skills. DoorWay is his latest effort and it is no less compelling, with a very intelligent and yet accessible set of themes. It's good stuff. Here's the INFUZE review:

DoorWay - Ron Block

Review: Under the Blacklight - Rilo Kiley

I first became aware, and this shows how naive I was, of Rilo Kiley via Jenny Lewis' solo album with the Watson Twins. That lead me to checking out RK and I was hooked. Yet, this newest release is a little too pop, a little too mainstream feeling for me. Lewis and Co. are far too talented to bow to the sentiments of mainstream radio in this young man's opinion. Here's the Stereo Subversion review:

Under the Blacklight - Rilo Kiley

Desert Island Diamond

Not long ago, I questioned what others might have as their desert island discs, essentially those albums that one would desire to have if you were stranded. At the time, I found it difficult to share my own thoughts on what album or albums I would want to have with me but, inspired by my "guilty pleasures" segment of my blogging fun, I thought I might share some desert island diamonds from my collection as well. So, if my faithful four readers will indulge me, here's today's desert island diamond:

Yes, none other than U2's magnum opus, The Joshua Tree. Featuring a set of songs that range from the deeply spiritual to the compellingly political, Bono and Co. crafted an album that has musically and lyrically stood the test of time. Who could ask for more?