Lack Of Updates

Sorry for those of you who check this blog. My external hard drive died and with it all my music. I've begun the process of rebuilding as I now have a new one. Hopefully before the week is out I'll post an album! Thanks for checking this music out!

Japandroids - Post-Nothing

This Canadian duo show incredible passion on their debut album. While it's at heart a lo-fi garage rock record, the ever present thick guitars and catchy drumbeats persist in making it a very pleasant listen. While the vocals and production certainly aren't everyone's thing, it's safe to say that any lover of music will find a lot to enjoy about this release. Picture a two dudes singing at the top of the lungs while playing drums and guitar with a huge smile on their face, and you have this record in a nutshell. Check it out!

http://www.mediafire.com/?3woly2nymzo

Bon Iver - Blood Bank EP

I think the main reason I'm writing about this album is for the very last song. The rest of the EP is definitely sweet, but the closing track "Woods" is simply sublime. Based on a very simple set of lyrics, the song quickly transforms from a simple melody into an entire chorus of voices, each part adding a whole new element to the new song. Do yourself a favor and check out this EP, but I won't blame if you just listen to "Woods" on repeat for the rest of the day.

http://www.mediafire.com/?wjx1q3iijzn

And Then There Were None - Who Speaks For Planet Earth?

The metalcore turned electro-pop outfit And Then There Were None has really crafted a gem here. Passionate dual vocalists, intricate instrumentation, great melodies and some solid lyrics all make for what was probably my favorite electronic release of last year. Sure, it's probably a little too sugary for some people, but if you have a sweet tooth for pop hooks and enjoy electronic music, don't miss out on this.

http://www.mediafire.com/?v3hmynurqnl

fun. - Aim and Ignite

First off, if you haven't heard The Format you need to do so now. The lead singer Nate quit that outfit in order to start this new project with members of Anathallo and Steel Train. If you've heard the soon to become indie/pop classic album Dog Problems by The Format, you're in for a treat. Nate's absolutely fantastic sense of melody translates perfectly into the new trio's sound. Luscious harmonies, fantastic orchestration and catchy lyrics all make for one of the best indie and pop related releases to come out last year. You'd be missing out if you didn't take the chance to snag this album and indulge yourself in an album full of the catchiest tunes I've heard in a while.

http://www.mediafire.com/?3yohyqmzcdm

Jake Armerding - Walking On The World

Most of you have probably never heard this guy, so let me give a little introduction. He played a free concert at a resort my family attends in New Hampshire two years ago and ever since then, I have been absolutely hooked on Jake's music. While Jake's music is most certainly folk, don't let the genre moniker scare you. With a voice that is both talented and pleasing, he sings effortlessly over many topics, from failed relationships to traveling the world, to finding the meaning in life through Jesus Christ. Once again, don't be turned off this; Armerding's music isn't preachy at all. My favorite track would have to be "The Fleece." I will leave you with the lyrics to this song. Give a listen a tell me what you think!

Hold me close, October
Let me dance, you gracious May
I will love you both the same
Thinking about my lovelies
A pair of petals, on my knees
My timing always is to blame

Help me now
I never, never need the one I want
Teach me now
I never, never want the one I need

You left your fleece at my place
I drape that fleece across my face
On lonely nights when you're not there
And we're riding on the prairie
When I die, just bury me
Deep within your ocean hair

I was sold
When I saw you pull your ponytail through your hat
I've been told
Don't you ever, ever lose a girl like that

So hold me close, October
Let me dance, you gracious May
I will love you both the same


http://www.mediafire.com/?fjmtzmvzql2

Dustin Kensrue - Please Come Home

Lead singer of Thrice Dustin Kensrue's debut solo album may not be what you expect if you've heard the the former band's music. Here, we find Dustin with nary any screams, crunching guitar riffs or aerobatic musicianship; most of the time its simply him and his acoustic guitar, backed up by a bare bones rhythm section. We also see Dustin blatantly delve into Christianity here, with lyrics that are almost hymn-like in some tracks. That being said, this album is a fantastic collection of songs. From the driving rhythm of the starting track "I Knew You Before," to the re-telling of the prodigal son story in the title track, to the triumphant closer "Blanket of Ghosts," this album is short, but ever so sweet. Give me a listen and tell me what you think!

http://www.sendspace.com/file/1c4i1w

The Pope, A Calvinist, and some Baptist dude.

I turned away what some would call a soul-saver at work tonight. After greeting me with a friendly smile the youthful gentleman proudly showed me a lovely pamphlet bearing a cross and the name of the pastor. After briefly scanning the pamphlet and noticing it was from a Baptist denomination, I quickly told the young man that I wasn't interested. After flashing me that radiant smile once more he thanked me and wished me well. I quickly got back to work.

Did I just commit a sin?

This guy would probably just splash me with water.

Nevermind the fact that right now I'm pretty torn between Catholicism and Calvinism, never mind the fact that I would probably just have grilled this pour soul with my theological ramblings, and never mind the fact that I probably could have had a nice conversation with a fellow follower of Christ. My own mind has become such a tangled mess of theology and scripture that I can't even bring myself to talk to somebody I hardly know that may very well be going through the same struggles I am.

Now wait, you say. Catholic or Calvinist? Well good lord thats like choosing between Pope John Paul II or John Piper.

The choice is clear.

In all seriousness, I'm quite glad God is sending me on this little theological journey. After all, C.S. Lewis himself said that one cannot simply exist a mere Christian. There is a hallway of Christianity, but one cannot reside there. Here he explains his hallway metaphor in greater detail.

It is more like a hall out of which doors open into several rooms. If I can bring anyone into that hall I shall have done what I attempted. But it is in the rooms, not in the hall, that there are fires and chairs and meals. The hall is a place to wait in, a place from which to try the various doors, not a place to live in.

What was he smoking?

Lewis, much to Tolkien's dismay, chose Anglicanism over Roman Catholicism. Am I to follow in the great apologetic's path? Or will I write an epic fantasy series with little kids as heroes?

Wait a second...

I'll spare you anymore lame pictures and jokes by letting you all know that I plan to start reviewing music for this blog. And as a good Christian, I believe in sharing, so don't just read the review and forget about the album. Listen to it!