Top Ten Albums of the Year

It's been a while since I posted, so I thought I'd share some of my music choices of the past year. So without further ado, I give you:

Paul's Top Ten Albums that Were Not Necessarily Released in the Past Calendar Year, but That's When I Purchased Them So Deal With It. (or PTTAWNNRPCYTWIPTSDWI.)

Let's start with the best:

1. The Song Inside the Sound of Breaking Down, John Mark McMillan

An amazing worship album that also sounds like Pete Yorn or Bruce Springsteen. I am completely obsessed with this album right now. I have no idea why this guy isn't better known. (Best songs: How He Loves, Kiss Your Feet)

2. In Rainbows, Radiohead

Kind of a trendy pick, but I'm pretty sure that I will never, ever get sick of listening to this album. The weird rhythms get stuck in your head for the rest of the day and you like it. Also, it's not as dark as some of their music in the past. (Best songs: 15 Step, Jigsaw Falling Into Place)

3. One Zero [Acoustic], Derek Webb

Derek Webb is a Christian artist that some Christians like and some Christians don't because his music critiques how Evangelicals have gotten so tied into politics and into love of money and power. Beautiful songs and lyrics that really make you think. (Best Songs: Wedding Dress, Rich Young Ruler)

4. Ongiara - Great Lake Swimmers

A tremendous and haunting folk album from a group of Canadians with great beards. You may recognize this name from a video I posted "recently." Jess ordered it for me and it came without the cd in the case, but the Canadians sent another right away. (Best Songs: Your Rocky Spine, Backstage)

5. The Shepherd's Dog - Iron and Wine

This album is hard to describe because it is really diverse musically--anything from acoustic guitar, to slide guitar, jazz piano, accordions and handclaps. I guess it's classified as indie/folk rock. All I know is that it plays a lot in my car when I deliver pizza. (Best Songs: Boy With a Coin, Carousel)

6. Give Yourself Away - Robbie Seay Band

A very upbeat pop/rock album that puts me in a good mood. A friend of mine here at school was Robbie's roommate in college. So in a way, I think I am partially responsible for the success of this album.
(Best songs: New Day, Beautiful Scandalous Night)

7. Mr. Lemons - Glen Phillips

Glen is the lead singer of Toad the Wet Sprocket so, of course, every one of his albums is worth having. Good, old-fashioned, acoustic rock with one of the coolest voices in music. Includes a cover of "I Want a New Drug" for my brother Joel. (Best songs: Everything But You, Waiting)

8. Please Come Home - Dustin Kensrue

Dustin is the lead singer of Thrice, a hardcore rock band, but this album seems like (really good) alternative country. That says a lot because I hate all country music except for "Queen of My Double-Wide Trailer." (Best Songs: I Knew You Before, Please Come Home)

9. Turn Around - Jonny Lang

Jonny Lang, who has one of the greatest blues voices in the world, recently became a Christian and this album is all about the changes in his life that took place. It's a really cool mixture of blues, rock, and gospel. I love the tracks with the gospel choirs. (Best songs: Turn Around, Anything's Possible)

10. Tell Me What You Know - Sara Groves

While not as good as her last album, this one has some great songs. And, as always, her lyrics are really inspiring and thought-provoking. Also, she is from Burnsville, Minnesota and she has a son named Kirby (for real! I'm trying to get Jess to agree to do that, too!) (Best songs: When the Saints, In the Girl There's a Room)

Another Marathon -or- My Annual Lapse in Good Judgment

It's happening again, and this time with far less oxygen! This October 19th I will be running the Denver Marathon.

But not by myself. It started off as me and my friends Benjer and Carson, but now includes my older brother, Joel, and (I NEVER would have guessed this) my little brother, Phil (who said he would NEVER run another marathon ever again), and his girlfriend, Jena (who will beat us all). A couple friends from high school might join us too, but they need to REGISTER!

I am (for some reason) really looking forward to this race. Maybe it's because I'll have an advantage over my brothers who are used to more oxygen. Maybe it's because I am just not that bright. Either way, I'll post training updates once in a while so y'all can leave encouraging comments on my blog.

The Art of Non-Violence

This past Sunday, our pastor at DCC preached a really enlightening sermon from Matthew 5 on Jesus' take on the whole Pacifism / Non-Violence / Aggression issue. When Jesus said to "turn the other cheek" what did he mean? You might be surprised!

Either go to www.denverchurch.org and click on "The Art of Non-Violence" or click here.

Trust me. This sermon is really worth your while!