matmusic ministries

At long last, I present for you my top album of the year.

#1

The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead

After a forced four year hiatus, The Helio Sequence returns with a great American rock album that should make us all wonder why we didn’t miss them more while they were gone. Relentless touring in support of their last album Love and Distance put too much strain on the voice of front man Brandon Summers and he had to stop singing altogether. Good thing his incredibly talented drummer and band mate Benjamin Weikel waited for him to heal because the duo is, indeed, dynamic. They return with force in 2008 with the mature yet easy-on-the-ears Keep Your Eyes Ahead, an album that must not be missed.

How such a large amount of quality sound can come from a group of just two is hard to fathom. Layers of electric guitar sounds, acoustic guitar strums, keyboard lines, blips and bleeps mix together with the solid and steady drumming to create a sound that is more indicative of a full band. These excellent musical constructions are coupled with well-thought-out and well delivered lyrics that make up songs that are familiar but never boring.

It’s the most solid album in the group’s discography, haunting with moments of near perfection.
Alternative Press
[Mar 2008, p.140]

I pulled the above quote from Metacritic.com and it’s hard for me not to agree with the “near perfection” sentiment. This is an album that I could listen to from start to finish just about any time or anywhere. And if you have not heard it yet, you need to see if you agree as soon as you have a free 40 minutes.

Finally, after my blast of a trip to Portland, Oregon this past summer, I feel a stronger draw to people from the great Pacific Northwest. The members of Helio Sequence happen to hail from that great town and I can’t say that that fact had nothing to do with this selection.

The ironically named Lately is the album’s first song and the lyrics almost echo what must be the thought in Summer’s mind. While he is talking about a former lover, the lyrics could also refer to a music public that most likely wrote the band off as a flash in the pan. “Lately I don’t think of you at all.”

While the first four songs of the album are solid and steady rock tunes, the album rests a bit with Shed Your Love. This thought provoking song about a person who is trying to get over a lost love borders on sad. But the excellent guitar work by Summers makes the song entirely listenable.

“Drank the dark wine of the New York night
My shattered mind across the borderline
Spent the night in someone else’s arms
Shed your love, shed your love
Shed your love, shed your love
On a subway train before the dawn
The ride was short but my thoughts were long
Couldn’t figure what got in to me
Shed your love, shed your love
Shed your love, shed your love”

But just when you think that Shed Your Love’s gentle finger-picked guitar and equally gentle vocals might induce nap time, the album gives way to the hard hitting and creatively composed title track Keep Your Eyes Ahead. When the double cymbal crash at :21 kicks the song into high gear, it is obvious that no sleep is needed. Be sure to check the drumming closely in each verse (verse one starts at 1:19 elapsed.) The tom roll followed by the tripping snare is to be admired.

Even the video for Keep Your Eyes Ahead is engaging with a travelling box of a stage housing both members and surrounding them with lights, magnifying glasses, and colored liquid. All this is done outside where the falling snow indicates just how cold the filming must have been. If you are interested, see the link below (just be sure to hit the back button after the video to finish the review.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIicqULYhGw

Hallelujah calls us to “move around with ease” and to this steadily marching track, it’s easy to do. The solo which begins at 2:11 won’t blow you away with technical guitar excellence but it’s building layers and sounds enchant and add to an already excellent song.

The album is complete with the lo-fi romp of No Regrets. What sounds like a song recorded at a party of friends is actually a song with a challenging message and folk sensibility. The harmonica and vocal delivery are quite obviously Dylan-influenced and done to near perfection. How fitting that a singer with vocal problems would want to send the album off with a Dylan feel.

“Well, I lived my whole life
When I saw your face, sayin’
“Please don’t leave me now.”

Well, I cry a lot
When I see your face, sayin’
“Please now leave me down.”

And when that sun sets
I’ll have no regrets
I’ll walk out that door
I’ll shed all my faith
And I wont shed a tear”

Any 37-minute, 10-song album that boasts more than one or two memorable tunes seems increasingly rare in our current download-ready singles era, but this is such an album.
By Mason Jones
http://www.dustedmagazine.com/reviews/4066

Check the band on the web at:
http://www.subpop.com/artists/the_helio_sequence
http://www.myspace.com/theheliosequence

So tell me what you think by posting a comment, I do enjoy reading your thoughts. And if you have posted a comment already, check the replies, I may have replied to you with a comment of my own.

#4

TV on the Radio - Dear Science

This band usually annoys me. There I said it. I know that my indie cred may be damaged with the statement but there are reasons. Often, indie acts feature vocals that are not quite pretty, smooth, or even always in tune. Falsetto is also a big player. Usually TV on the Radio takes this notion to the extreme. A falsetto harmony line is mixed to be as loud or louder than the normal melody line so I, being a fan of easy on the ears and sing along vocal delivery, have a problem with their sound.

Dear Science is different. Instead of setting themselves apart with strange lyrics delivered in a strange style, they let their excellent and creative musical arrangements do the work. Only then is the unique, but thankfully, toned down vocal delivery added as a complement. Additionally, the lyrics have meaning. Even though they are more politically charged than most, at least they are not just incoherent rambles.

Bluesy guitar riffs, steady and creative drumming (electric loops and acoustic drums), and great bass guitar lines fill the album with sounds that cannot be absorbed in one sitting. This album deserves good speakers or headphones and your dedicated time over several listens.

The blues feel is ever apparent in Crying. The syncopated and muted guitar strum is a great sound and not unique to this song. The tune builds to the end where horns are added at just the right time. Even the ending is fitting with an electronic tinkering to take you to the fade.

The lyrical rap-delivery of Dancing Choose is frenetic and fun. A mixture of drums, guitar, and horns combines to give the song a foundation that is a great listen. The depth of the lyrics also add to the songs appeal.

The best example of a matured and complete sound is Golden Age. All of the above could be said again but this song is as approachable as any song ever recorded by TV on the Radio. Even though lead singer Tunde Adebimpe’s trademark falsetto permeates the song, it does not distract in this case.

Even if you are not a fan of the band, one listen to Dear Science may change your mind.

“He’s a WHAT? He’s a WHAT? He’s a newspaper man
And he gets his best ideas from a newspaper stand;
From his boots to his pants to his comments and his rants
He knows that any little article will do!

Though he expresses some confusion ’bout his part in the plan,
and he can’t understand that he’s not in command;
The decisions underwritten by the cash in his hand
Bought a sweater for His weimariner too

Now I’m no madman, but that’s insanity
Feast before famine, and more before family
Goes and shows up with more bowls and more
Cups and the riot for the last hot meal erupts
Corrupts his hard drive through the leanest months
Shells out the hard cash for the sickest stunts;
on aftershave, on gasoline
he flips the page and turns the scene”

#3

Foals - Antidotes

New to the music scene for 2008 is a London band called Foals. Their arrival is a force to be reckoned with. If you are surprised by the inclusion of this record on my list, or it’s placement so high, please waste no time affiliating yourself with this band and this album to see if you agree. I know some of you may not have this album (don’t tell the RIAA but) I will send it to you…listen to it then come back and read my comments.

The sound of the Foals is a runaway train. Machine gun guitars are ever present. High-on-the-neck guitar melody tags create hooks that are simple but creative. Repeating vocal lines are evident throughout the songs which will find you singing along with the nonsensical phrases. Finally, the creative drumming is the best of any album on my list.

Yannis Philippakis is the lead vocalist and the brains behind the band, the one who masterminded the line up and the sound. The excellent and creative drummer is Jack Bevan. Jimmy Smith on guitar, Edwin Congreave on keyboard, and Walter Gervers on bass round out the band.

Antidotes was produced by David Andrew Sitek who happens to be the producer of the aforementioned Dear Science and member of TV on the Radio. This fact, I am sure, lends greatly to the album’s appeal.

The opener is The French Open. It fades in with an eerie horn sound that abruptly yields to a backbeat of guitar strums and drums. Oh, the drums. Listen closely to the high-hat work and snare hits and I dare you to emulate it even with your fingers on your steering wheel. The lyrics in this one are just another part of the musical sound and they make no apologies for this because none is needed.

Red Socks Pugie is an odly named song that odly and symbolically references blossoming love. The song complements the theme by starting low but with a tripping backbeat, dropping to a quiet guitar pick, then exploding musically with a locomotive chug along with the lyric, “these heart swells up which makes us explode.”

Just when you have enjoyed the fresh new sound for five songs, the catchiest song on the album comes along. Balloons starts with a picked guitar followed by a build of drums and horns. The catchy chorus of “…fuel called love…” is sure to get stuck in your brain for days. Did I mention that the drumming on this album is great? This song is no exception. Bevan is a force on the skins.

Finally, the first minute of Two Steps Twice layers echoing guitars to perfection…a must listen.

If you are looking for a sugary new musical snack, Antidotes may be just what the doctor ordered.

“In context
She said these terminals once again
Wasp’s nest, these terminals once again
These heart swells these contacts in your hand

Oh, hell no these vessels
Our heart swells up, these vessels
Our heart swells up, which make us explode”

#2

My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges

In 2008, indie mainstay, My Morning Jacket, released their best album to date. With a bit of a rounder and less ethereal sound, Evil Urges transforms the band from a strange but interesting musical sideshow into a main event. Southern American rock is excellent when played by the hands of lead singer/guitarist Jim James, bassist “Two Tone” Tommy, J. Glenn on drums, and Johnny Quaid on second guitar.

An expanded and rounded southern rock sound found its way to Evil Urges after the Kentucky band decided to try to record an album that more closely emulated its live sound. I was afraid, though, that the bands affinity for drawn out musical solos in their live act would mean that the songs had no definite starts and ends. This fear proved unfounded as each track on the record is clear, concise and, dare say, radio friendly. James’ fondness for falsetto, though, makes sure the indie sound remains strongly rooted.

This album fought hard for my music listening time this year and I gave in regularly. Never did I feel that my time was wasted. In fact, if not for my number one album, this would have found the top spot.

The title track Evil Urges starts with an excellent kick and snare beat that is played masterfully by Glenn. The bass line anchors the feel. Even though the song loses a bit of steam when the verse begins, the chorus picks it back up. Where the song really takes off is at 3:00 elapsed. If you have this album, you could do worse than to listen again to the harmonized, fast-paced lead guitars echoing each other during this great break down.

The most unique song is Highly Suspicious. An almost hip-hop beat, complete with thumping bass somehow works with James’ upper-range singing. A growling, “highly suspicious, highly suspicious of you” line sung as the chorus is a smile inducer. James ends the song with a comical and very shrill scream.

I’m Amazed is my favorite song of the entire year. Not only is it simple and strong musically, but the deep meaning can be applied on many levels. I even think it would be cool to write Christian lyrics and turn this into a worship song. The song begins with a straight rock beat and then guitars echo each other in stereo. When the lyric “I’m amazed” starts in full throat, I am amazed.

I heard Smokin’ from Shootin’ as I drove back from my family lake house trip to Arkansas this summer. I had forgotten that I had the new MMJ album on my iPod. When I heard this slow, quiet song build to 16th note snare hits that echo the line, “do you see my smokin’ gun,” I knew I had to hear the rest of the album in full. Obviously, I was not disappointed.

Finally, Touch Me I’m Going To Scream Part 2 is a strong enough song to lead most band’s album but this band saves the song for last. A staccato synthesizer begins the song in an easy way but at 1:30, a four-on-the-floor kick drum and disco high-hat starts the song rolling. When James sings as the chorus, “Oh, this feeling is wonderful, don’t you ever turn it off,” you must agree with the sentiment.

“i’m amazed at the quiet ocean
i’m amazed at your warm devotion
i’m amazed at what the people sayin’
i’m amazed by a divided nation

like the rhythm of the earth i get disrupted

i’m amazed at all that has been
i’m amazed at all that will be
i’m amazed at the tv stations
i’m amazed what they want me to believe

after all is said and done - where is the justice?

i’m amazed at lack of evolution
i’m amazed at the lack of faith
i’m amazed at the love we rejecting
i’m amazed what we accept in its place

like the rhythm of the earth
and the rhythm of the ages
like the rhythm - i get disrupted”

So there you have it: three really strong albums as my 4, 3, and 2. Next, I am excited to bring you my favorite album of the year. Please stay tuned and keep the comments coming, I like to hear what you think.

Day three of my review of the top albums of 2008 has arrived. Now, in earnest, we begin the countdown. These are the albums that I really liked last year…the ones that I will be listening to for a few years to come…the ones that will become their own playlist on my iPod.

Without further gum flapping, here they are.

#8

MGMT - Oracular Spectacular

NOTE: I reviewed this album previously as one of my albums of the month. Here was my write up.

Falling in close step with artists like the Klaxons and Of Montreal, MGMT (pronounced ‘Management’) deliver a satisfying and trippy blend of music to move to. Much like the more popular artists in this genre, as you listen, you cannot help but sing along. This, to me, is the appeal. It’s not simply about sounds and synths and computers, there are actual words to engage the listener. Often meaningless, they still work to draw you in. The mind bending, ethereal sounds, though, should not be over looked. They, combined with the singing, lend to a feel that wraps the listener is a blanket of good-ole-days memories.

The band has an entirely complete sound for only having two main members: Ben Goldwasser and Andrew Van Wyngarden. Van Wyngarden’s falsetto vocals remind of early 70’s while Goldwasser’s synth sounds complete the decades old feel.

The album kicks off with Time To Pretend which is also the title of their first EP. The high pitched and warbled electric piano hook is hard to forget.

YouTube video here

I am usually not the biggest fan of slower tempo songs. I want something to get me going, not put me to sleep. Track number three, The Youth, while sitting at a slower tempo is actually both infinitely singable and addictive. The country guitar intro kicks off the unique tune by throwing the listener a bit off kilter. Then, when the band modulates down a step at the 2:35 mark, it somehow works to actually take the song up a notch.

Electric Feel is one of the heart songs of the album. The guitar line moves the song along and gives it the real punch. “Ooh girl, shock me like an electric eel” is a perfectly cheesy throwaway line that is nothing but fun.

Finally, the breakdown starting at 3:00 of Kids should be sought out and listened to at a very high volume.

I would add today that the album remains a great listen. A recent discussion with one of my friends about this album pointed out the depth of the lyrics in Time To Pretend and as I listened again, I agree. The song is a commentary on American life and celebrity today that is hard to argue. I mentioned to him that this is what I love about music, just when you think you know a song inside and out, another layer reveals itself and keeps you interested.

“I’m feeling rough, I’m feeling raw, I’m in the prime of my life.
Let’s make some music, make some money, find some models for wives.
I’ll move to Paris, shoot some heroin, and f*** with the stars.
You man the island and the cocaine and the elegant cars.

This is our decision, to live fast and die young.
We’ve got the vision, now let’s have some fun.
Yeah, it’s overwhelming, but what else can we do.
Get jobs in offices, and wake up for the morning commute?”

#7

Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend

NOTE: I reviewed this album previously as one of my albums of the month. Here was my write up.

The matmusic Album of the Month for February 2008 is the debut, self-titled Vampire Weekend.

[audio:06Campus.mp3]
Click the above to listen to the music as you read the write up.

The unique and fun mix of sounds started when this group formed as a college band at Oxford Columbia University (Thanks Davey). And the college sound is definitely in full effect. These sounds include a furiously high necked strummed reggae-like guitar, an off kilter pared down drum kit, and a lazy but appropriate vocal delivery. All of this works together to give Vampire Weekend a sound that is familiar but fresh.

Mansard Roof begins the album and brings an imagery of some easy going, fake ray ban wearing kids lounging on a sailboat…o, wait…that’s actually the video for this song. But it fits perfectly and is a choice way to set the tone for the record.

The next tune, Oxford Comma, despite it’s profanity is catchy, funny, and modern (notice my use of the aforementioned punctuation?…you like that?) Thirdly is A-Punk, the strongest song on the album with its adept bass line…it is one that will drive itself like a pleasing spike into your head. Also check the video for this one; it’s great stop-motion fun. Finally, I would be remiss to not mention Campus with it’s climbing guitar plucks and syncopated keyboard hits…the reminder of college days is hard to miss.

The one drawback is the sometimes lackadaisical musicianship. This is especially evident in the drumming which is at times simplistic. This trait however, is somehow endearing at the same time.

I would say not being able to pick out just a few songs on which to focus is a good problem for an album to have. If you do not own Vampire Weekend, fire up your iTunes now and make the purchase.

The appeal for this album has cooled for me just a bit from when I first wrote the review. But while the music does not feel quite as fresh, it still gets lodged in the folds of my brain and has me humming the melodies for days after listening. Infectious melodies and music is a sign of solid and well-thought-out music which does define Vampire Weekend. The question now will be, “how long can they remain relevant on the music scene.”

Regardless, the album is deserving of inclusion on my list of favorites of 2008.

“Who gives a f*** about an Oxford comma?
I’ve seen those English dramas too
They’re cruel
So if there’s any other way
To spell the word
It’s fine with me, with me

Why would you speak to me that way
Especially when I always said that I
Haven’t got the words for you
All your diction dripping with disdain
Through the pain
I always tell the truth”

#6

Kings of Leon - Only By The Night

It’s hard to hide my affinity for this band. The band combines a gravely voice, tight guitar hooks, great bass lines, and solid drumming in ways that constantly make me smile. And, album after album, all of this takes place without the band falling prey to cliched or monotonous humdrum. The songs sound fresh and fun with each listen.

Only By The Night is no exception. Lead singer Caleb Followill is joined by two brothers, Nathan and Jared and a first cousin, Matthew. Their familial bonds translate into tight and complementary musicianship that is especially evident on this album.

The one thing that holds Only By The Night back is the way the album begins. Closer is a brooding song that builds throughout which is why it was chosen to lead the album. But a dark song like this should come later in the progression of songs. Song two, Crawl, also stands on it’s own as a good song and would be a better opener but it’s hard to argue with the strength of the third song, Sex on Fire. This song, as opposed to the other two, would have been a punch-to-the-nose start to the album.

In Sex on Fire the bass line offsets the electric lead to start the song. Then, as the vocals begin, the music simplifies to the bass line with only electric guitar highlights. All then crescendos to a chorus in which the screaming, “Yeah” is belted with authority.

The best song on the album is Use Somebody. It starts with a wall of sound then drops to longing lyrics. When the four-on-the-floor kick drum starts at one minute in, you know that good stuff is in store. Haunting and ghostly background vocals lend to and complete the sound.

Finally, I would be remiss if I did not mention the bass guitar work on Manhattan. Please tweak the tone on your stereo and check this out.

All put together, this album is one that could be played loud and several times over…it’s great southern American rock n’ roll and number six on my list.

“I’ve been roaming around always looking down at all i see
Painted faces fill the places i cant reach

You know that i could use somebody
You know that i could use somebody

Someone like you and all you know and how you speak
Countless lovers under cover of the street

you know that i could use somebody
You know that i could use somebody
Someone like you

Off in the night
While you live it up I’m off to sleep
Waging war to shake the poet and the beat
i hope it’s gonna make you notice
i hope it’s gonna make you notice

Someone like me”

#5

Cut/Copy - In Ghost Colors

Next on the list is an album that is weaved together in a way that makes it hard to turn off…ever. This coupled with the fact that the tunes are entirely easy on the ears makes the album worthy of inclusion on this year’s list.

The down under Aussie trio takes its roots from club and DJ music but the bands’ ability to craft songs with clear starts and ends is what sets it apart from most techno. Despite the clear cut songs, the album is constructed in a way that one song flows into another. As the tune is nearing its completion, an instrumental vamp will sometimes modulate smoothly into the key and feel of the next song in line. This type of transition is not often heard in today’s music when singles sell best of all. So if your iPod is not set to “Gapless Playback” you are doing yourself a disservice on this one.

All this said, the lyrics are pretty sophomoric. Love is the main theme but some phrases seem forced and simplistic. In fact, finding thoughtful lyrics for the quote at the bottom of the review was somewhat of a challenge.

The albums opening tune is Feel The Love and it sets the tone with it’s ethereal vocals and breathy background sounds. Throw in a tinkering high synth and an electric drum kit and you have “the sound.”

Lights and Music is the most polished and driving song. The disco sound relents when the repeating bass line starts. But when the electric guitar line begins and is followed by the full complement at 2:00, the song really settles in. All sounds are anchored by a driving drum beat that keeps your head bobbing along.

The band goes for a straighter rock feel on So Haunted but the departure is not too far fetched and works well.

The completeness and listenability of In Ghost Colors helps Cut/Copy land the number five spot on my year-end list.

“all the girls of note are crying
but all the clouds have silver linings
i know the days are counting backwards
i know that you will have the right words

ring you
over something to do
could this be true
it all comes down to you”

Stay tuned, spots four, three, and two will follow in the next post.

So the question was asked by my friend Jeremy about how I choose my albums. While it is true that how the album strikes me and how much I enjoy listening to it is the main factor, there are other considerations that go into the selections.

I do think about whether the album is a good long term investment, that is, not just a sugary, good-listen for the first couple of spins. I feel that there is so much music that comes out in a given year that the best ten or so should be ones that would be worthy of an “Anytime Listen” playlist on your iPod.

Of course my tastes are unique as everyone is different. I get that. But, good music is, for the most part, good music. I don’t listen to jazz or classical but as far as good music, those genres are hard to beat.

This leads me to my next point of consideration: appeal. Would, or more importantly, should this music appeal to more people than myself. If I think it needs to be heard I want to point it out and tell you why I want you to hear it. I love it when people hear music in new ways, notice a voice inflection, a guitar lick, a drum beat that they may never have noticed before. We may not always think about it but these nuances, all put together, are what make a good song.

Also, is the album complete and good all the way through or is the artist just pumping out another collection of songs? An album could have one or two really good songs but if it nose dives after that, it won’t make my list.

Finally, I do consider what “professional” reviewers say about an album. If several recommend an album, I will get it and listen closely to see why they think its worthy of praise.

But then it boils down to me. These are albums I like and still listen to and will listen to and will make a playlist of. So, enjoy reading about my picks.

———————————–

Top Christian Album

Phil Wickham - Cannons

In October of 2007, my wife bought me tickets to a David Crowder Band concert at the House of Blues in Dallas. One of the opening acts was Phil Wickham…just Phil Wickham. Him and a guitar. He was adept and even skilled on the instrument but his voice and lyrics are what caught my attention. The lack of a band really, I thought, sold his music short.

Based on the impression, I bought his second album, Cannons , early in 2008. I was pleased to find my intuition about a band filling out the sound was right on target. Cannons packs and emotional and aural punch that would stand up to any act on today’s music scene.

Must I Wait begins the album with a solid wall of sound and a refrain that matches. The use of electronic sounds and bleeps in addition to breathy female harmonies complements and does not detract from that excellent sound.

Another favorite is the title track on which the sound begins big then drops to just Wickham’s clear and excellent vocals and a steady back beat. The song picks up with, “You are holy, great and mighty, the moon and the stars declare who you are” which is a chorus that is hard not to sing along with.

Finally, one of the most beautiful songs is aptly named, Beautiful. It’s simple reflections on nature, the beauty of the King’s creation, and Jesus is touching with every listen.

“You are holy great and mighty
The moon and the stars declare who You are
I’m so unworthy, but still You love me
Forever my heart will sing of how great You are”

————

Noted Albums
There were a few albums that made an impact this year but were not quite well-rounded enough to make the list of my absolute favorite albums of the year. They are as follows.

Does It Offend You, Yeah? - You Have No Idea What You Are Getting Yourself Into
This hard hitting offering from the four piece band from across the pond is loud and in your face. I took interest in the band when I saw a video of one of their live shows in which the audience is completely surrounding and on top of them as they thrash on their instruments. I like a good dose of screaming and anarchy in my music from time to time.

Favorite Tracks:
Battle Royal - opening instrumental track that must be played on 11. Also makes a good ringtone.
We Are Rockstars - dirty bass guitar kicks into a synth voice followed by more cowbell
Attack of the 60 Ft. Lesbian Octopus - do I need a comment?

The Kills - Midnight Boom
The album starts sultry and brooding. But the combination of electronic sounds and hand claps make this one worth several listens. The two piece had one member in the U.S. and one in England. They collaborated via mail until getting together in London made more sense for creating music. The results are fun and catchy if a bit shallow.

Favorite Tracks:
U.R.A. Fever - back and forth vocals and machine gun guitars
Tape Song - what sounds like a Casio beat gives way to much more mature lyrics

The Ting Tings - We Started Nothing
Another British two piece. (I thought about naming this section “British Music I Like.”) Again, one female and one male. Each song here is simple, catchy and fun. The drumming is superb and the liberal use of loops makes the songs tick. I had to include this album because of my kids’ affinity for a few tracks.

Favorite Tracks:
Great DJ - four on the floor drum beat that gives way to trite lyrics including my young son’s favorite, “The Drums, the drums, the drums…”
That’s Not My Name - I dare you not to sing along
Shut Up and Let Me Go - as heard in an iPod commercial. Just be careful because the kids will repeat, “Shut Up.”

So there you have it…day two. The best Christian album and a few albums that didn’t make the official list but worthy of a mention.

Tomorrow: numbers eight through five of my favorite albums of the year.

The time has come for me to share my favorite albums of last year. I enjoy listening back to the albums that made an impact on me over the last year. Some will be no surprise but I hope I help a few of you discover new music…that seems to be a great reward for me and a major motivation for me writing about the tunes. I look forward to your comments and hearing your list of favorites.

Before we get too far into 2008, I thought it would be fun to review previous years and see how they stack up today.

In 2006, here were my top five favorite albums.

5. We Are Scientists – With Love and Squalor
4. Hot Chip – The Warning
3. Phoenix – It’s Never Been Like That
2. Decemberists – The Crane Wife

1. Gnarls Barkley – St. Elsewhere

As a whole, I am still proud of the list. St. Elsewhere is a great album but I would not put it at number one today. The best album from the list is the Decemberists’ Crane Wife. I still give it a listen today and look forward to their next offering.
The Phoenix album sounds really poppy by today’s standards. The Warning still stands up and Hot Chip’s album from 2008 is also good (but not on my list.) I still listen to With Love And Squalor at a high volume from time to time.

This time last year, in 2007, here were my favorites:
Top Worship Album:
Robbie Seay Band - Give Yourself Away
Read the review here.

Top Rap Album:
Kanye West – Graduation
Read the review here.

Top Albums of the Year:
6. Pela - Anytown Graffiti
5. The Shins - Wincing the Night Away
4. Radiohead - In Rainbows
3. Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
2. Rilo Kiley - Under the Blacklight
Read the review here.

1. Menomena - Friend and Foe
Read the review here.

I still love the Menomena album and like the pick…admittedly partly because of the novelty of a new and mostly unheralded band. The Rilo Kiley album is solid but tired now. Can’t go wrong with any Spoon album in my book. The same could be said for Radiohead and The Shins. I heard a Pela song on the radio the other day and still really enjoyed the sound.

So there is a look back. Tomorrow, we begin a look forward starting with the Christian Album of the Year and some notable albums that did not make the list…stay tuned.

At Christmas this year, the Parker family decided to head west to the Rocky Mountains and Denver Colorado to celebrate Christmas. Kara’s sister, Danna, and her husband Trey have a home in Denver and the entire clan descended on their residence for a week long ski and fun trip.

As usual, I took a LOT of pictures so I will post several below and comment on many. (You can click the picture to view a larger version.)

We headed out from The Colony on Saturday. The 12 hour trip in the car is long for the kids (and adults.) Somehow, I convinced them to smile outside of this DQ in Raton, New Mexico…the promise of candy laden soft-serve may have had something to do with it.

Sunday, we performed the arduous task of renting all the gear for five people. The kids were excited to get their hands on snow whenever they could.

Monday, most of the group headed up to Keystone for a day of skiing.

OK, here is my diatribe on skiing:

I will readily admit that skiing is a lot of frustration and build up for a small amount of pay off. You have to get really bundled up so that you look like Ralphie’s brother from Christmas Story and barely have the use of your arms. Then you rent equipment that is not yours, not comfortable, and is really hard to lug around. Then you slog through the snow and sippery ice with stiff boots that go up to your knees for what seems like miles from the parking lot. You wait in line for a long time at the ticket window just to drop almost $100 on a ONE DAY lift ticket. Finally, you wait in line again to get on the lift to take you to the top. Fight the crowds to pole your way over to a run and FINALLY the fun begins only to end seven minutes later when you arrive back at the bottom of the mountain.

But oh, that seven minutes. To me, it’s all worth it. To someone for which the seven minutes is a struggle against your body, the mountain, and the elements…maybe not so much. But the Guerrys love it!

Back to the story:

From left, Ashton, Soren, Kara and Wyatt before heading down a Blue/Green for the very first run. They did great!

This is what a sock cap does to already crazy hair. I spend a lot of time trying to get my hair to do that.

Wyatt and Pops at lunch.

On the first day, Kara’s brother Zach and brother-in-law, Pete taught their daughters to ski: Avery and Reese respectively. (Pete and Reese not pictured.) The guys spent most of the day running up the bunny hill and letting the little girls learn to ski…they are good dads.

Tuesday was a day on the town to play in the snow. This is Reese making a snow angel.

Kara and I took the kids to the park for some real sledding.

Parker loved was in hog heaven.

Five cute kids. (Our three and Soren and Reese.)

After sledding, we cleaned up and headed toward the Denver Mint, one of only two mints in the country. This picture is just about as close as they would allow a camera to the building. Our coin collecting kids were fascinated by the process that was shown during our tour.

On Christmas Eve, we headed back up to Keystone for a day of mountain fun. In the Keystone village, there was a sleigh made of ice that the kids could play on.

We ice skated on the largest Zamboni maintained ice rink in North America. (Although the Zamboni was out of service at the time.)

Wyatt took to the skates very well, as he did to the skis.

Parker tired of skating very quickly and instead climbed the snow hill along the edge.

That night, thanks to free passes from the Underwoods, Wyatt, Pete and I got to go night skiing. Cold? not too much. Icy? Not too bad…night skiing is really unique and such a blast.

We stayed at a hotel in Keystone on Christmas Eve instead of driving all the way back to Denver. Parker mosied up to the bar for a water on the rocks.

We had our first hotel Christmas and Santa found us somehow.

Our Christmas present was to ski on Christmas day. Nana (second from right) was great to help Ashton have a blast on the bunny hill.

Zach and Jodi

My Ski Bunny

Kara’s uncle Dan skied with us that day too.

Kara and Mat

Parker got his first experience with skiing and took to it like a fish to water. (Or like a Guerry to the slopes.)

Little cutie

They could not keep him off the “Magic Carpet.” He wanted to go again and again. In fact, when I was there, his class was going indoors for lunch and his teacher had all the kids collected except Parker. He shuffled his way over to the carpet and got right on to go back to the top of the little learning slope to take another run. She had to chase him down to make sure he didn’t take another lap.

Avery had fun learning to ski also.

Both of my ski bunnies.

We had SO much fun on our trip that we are already starting to plan for next year.

In all, there were twenty people in Trey and Danna’s house. THANK YOU guys SO much for hosting that huge crowd.

Every single one of us had a great time skiing, laughing, playing games, eating and enjoying a white Christmas in Denver. Will we do it again? Who knows. But this one was one to remember.