At the risk of sounding like an elitist jerk, let me make this statement: I know a little about music. I won't expand on that. Anyone who knows my background can vouch for me on this one.
That being said, I had an idea for a posting. So, here it is: "10 Songs You Should Listen To. Today." These are presented in no particular order. I hope you take my advice and go check these out. All of these songs have touched my life in one way or another, because they contain truth and/or beauty in them. Although only one of them has any particular reference to God in it, they are sacred to me.
A Comet Appears by The Shins
I can't listen to this song enough. From the birds singing, to the slide electric guitar, it has everything good about minimalism within. Not Minimalism like music historians think of it, but a simple almost austere quality that compliments the struggle of man trying to be rid of his masks. Haunting and holy.
Gold Dust Woman by Fleetwood Mac
This song is widely recognized as a masterpiece. If you have the opportunity to listen to this song with the vocal minimized, you should. Stevie Nicks held nothing back in this song. Her relationship with Lindsey Buckingham was ending and the background track to this song sounds like a heart breaking.
Erin Gra Mo Chroi (Ireland of My Heart) by Cathy Jordan w/ Dervish
If there is anyone that was born to sing Celtic Music, it has to be Cathy Jordan. Her voice has the flexibility to do ornamentations and turns that normally you hear with the tin whistle. Otherworldly. Truly amazing.
A Change Is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke
I am ashamed to say that I only recently became acquainted with this song. Before you listen to it, you need to educate yourself about the civil rights movement of the 1960's. It hearkens back to slave hollers with elements of gospel added here and there. It is an anthem for anyone looking for a better way to live in this world.
You Can Close Your Eyes by James Taylor
This is J.T. at his love-songy best. That, and the fact that it is a gorgeous song should be enough.
I'm Gone by Alison Krauss & Union Station
This is quite possibly the perfect song. Everything about this song makes me glad to have ears. If listen to only one song on this list, you could do worse than this one. Definitely not your grandpa's bluegrass. This is sexy.
Long & Winding Road by The Beatles
If you've never heard a song "breathe" before, take another listen to this one. There is a poignant, sad beauty to this song. Like, when you know the fight is lost, but you know you have to keep fighting? This song captures that moment.
Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd
Another classic. I love this song but I can't listen to it very often. It makes me think of my friend David. He is a brother to me, and one of the truest friends I have ever known. I love you Dave.
Hold On by Nichole Nordeman
Nichole Nordeman is a "Contemporary Christian" musician. Emphasis on musician. She is diametrically opposite of all of the bad stuff that floods the C.C. scene. Far from sunshine, flowers, and Precious Moments tableaus, Nordeman writes beautiful, meaningful songs from the questioning places in all of us. This song reminds us that life hurts like hell sometimes and sometimes we make really bad choices, but even in the thick of our deepest dark hearts, God's there, waiting for you to turn around to see Him.
Nothing Else Matters by Metallica
This song is my generation's "Invictus." Whenever I lose my sense of self or feel uncertain about my path in life, this song rights the ship.
There are so many other great songs out there. If anyone happens across this and wants to add their own favorites, please do so. One of the joys of life is sharing truth and beauty with one another.
That being said, I had an idea for a posting. So, here it is: "10 Songs You Should Listen To. Today." These are presented in no particular order. I hope you take my advice and go check these out. All of these songs have touched my life in one way or another, because they contain truth and/or beauty in them. Although only one of them has any particular reference to God in it, they are sacred to me.
A Comet Appears by The Shins
I can't listen to this song enough. From the birds singing, to the slide electric guitar, it has everything good about minimalism within. Not Minimalism like music historians think of it, but a simple almost austere quality that compliments the struggle of man trying to be rid of his masks. Haunting and holy.
Gold Dust Woman by Fleetwood Mac
This song is widely recognized as a masterpiece. If you have the opportunity to listen to this song with the vocal minimized, you should. Stevie Nicks held nothing back in this song. Her relationship with Lindsey Buckingham was ending and the background track to this song sounds like a heart breaking.
Erin Gra Mo Chroi (Ireland of My Heart) by Cathy Jordan w/ Dervish
If there is anyone that was born to sing Celtic Music, it has to be Cathy Jordan. Her voice has the flexibility to do ornamentations and turns that normally you hear with the tin whistle. Otherworldly. Truly amazing.
A Change Is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke
I am ashamed to say that I only recently became acquainted with this song. Before you listen to it, you need to educate yourself about the civil rights movement of the 1960's. It hearkens back to slave hollers with elements of gospel added here and there. It is an anthem for anyone looking for a better way to live in this world.
You Can Close Your Eyes by James Taylor
This is J.T. at his love-songy best. That, and the fact that it is a gorgeous song should be enough.
I'm Gone by Alison Krauss & Union Station
This is quite possibly the perfect song. Everything about this song makes me glad to have ears. If listen to only one song on this list, you could do worse than this one. Definitely not your grandpa's bluegrass. This is sexy.
Long & Winding Road by The Beatles
If you've never heard a song "breathe" before, take another listen to this one. There is a poignant, sad beauty to this song. Like, when you know the fight is lost, but you know you have to keep fighting? This song captures that moment.
Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd
Another classic. I love this song but I can't listen to it very often. It makes me think of my friend David. He is a brother to me, and one of the truest friends I have ever known. I love you Dave.
Hold On by Nichole Nordeman
Nichole Nordeman is a "Contemporary Christian" musician. Emphasis on musician. She is diametrically opposite of all of the bad stuff that floods the C.C. scene. Far from sunshine, flowers, and Precious Moments tableaus, Nordeman writes beautiful, meaningful songs from the questioning places in all of us. This song reminds us that life hurts like hell sometimes and sometimes we make really bad choices, but even in the thick of our deepest dark hearts, God's there, waiting for you to turn around to see Him.
Nothing Else Matters by Metallica
This song is my generation's "Invictus." Whenever I lose my sense of self or feel uncertain about my path in life, this song rights the ship.
There are so many other great songs out there. If anyone happens across this and wants to add their own favorites, please do so. One of the joys of life is sharing truth and beauty with one another.
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