Think About Such Things

All this week I am taking a moment to dwell upon the good of 2010. On Christmas night I looked back a few books that impacted me and tonight I want to examine another art form that is rather inspiring, music. Here are a handful of albums, artists and songs that made an impact on me in 2010.

All Day by Girl Talk
More than anything this album reminded how much fun it is to dance. Cliff and I listened to the whole album on a trip back from Colorado Springs and I lost my mind about Monument and never got it back. Speaking of Cliff...

Clifford Hutchison
My dear friend has always spoken to my heart through his music but his latest writing and live performances in my living room have been like medicine for my soul. He is a joyful sound.

"O Come, O Come Emmanuel" by Sufjan Stevens
Stevens' entire Christmas album was a wonderful soundtrack to this Advent season, but his reworking of this classic hymn most resonated with my longing to rejoice at Emmanuel's coming.

Abigail Washburn and the Sparrow Quartet
I feel inept trying to capture what it is about these songs that open up my spirit and make it howl. Words just seem so inadequate when trying to describe a melody. Do yourself a favor and simply listen.

JJ Heller
A wonderful artist that has ministered to my whole family through both haunting and hopeful lyrics. Michala still sings "Keep You Safe" to Mary Grace when shes having a tough night, I think it means more to me than anyone. (The whole album is great but skip ahead to track 10 for Keep You Safe).