#1. To Be Loved - Thad Cockrell

What makes the number one album of the year? 1. Well it has to be liked enough for me to continue to play it years after this one. 2. It can't have any weak songs or songs I just don't liked. 3. Finally, it has to be from the current year which you're talking about. Unfortunately, Thad Cockrell's album "To Be Loved" can't fit into this list because it's from late 2009.

I had the choice of leaving the number one spot for this year blank since I couldn't find a replacement, or showcasing a truly great album. So, I picked the later. All the qualities that make up a number one album in my mind are there for Cockrell's album. He has beautiful music, very well written lyrics, and perfect vocals. Each one of his songs are equally good, making it impossible to choose a favorite. That is precisely how an album of the year should be! If there is one album you should have purchased in 2010 or should buy in 2011 it should be "To Be Loved." It's sure to be a favorite of mine, and maybe yours, for many years to come.


If I have to choose..
Best tracks: "Sarah", "I Cry."

#2. Rain on the City - Freedy Johnston

I've been waiting for Freedy Johnston to come out with an album that was as good as This Perfect World (1997) since I was 15 and in Haiti and he just might have delivered through Rain on the City.
One of biggest differences lyrically I find between this album and This Perfect World is that Freedy Johnston no longer seems to writing in the first person. It seems he is no longer writing about his experiences but instead giving advice to his son ("What you cannot see, you cannot fight") and to his friend ("Devil Raises His Own").
I started listening to this album shortly after the earthquake in Haiti so every time I hear the album it's bittersweet. Every time Johnston says "what you cannot see, you cannot fight" it reminds me of the tragic year that Haiti has had and how true that simple statement is.

Favorite Tracks: "Lonely Penny", "What You Cannot See, You Cannot Fight", "Devil Raises His Own", "Rain On the City", and "Don't Fall in Love with a Lonely Girl."

#3. Jonsi - Go

Is there anyone more unique and eccentric when it comes to music than Sigur Ros frontman Jonsi? Probably not; though Sufjan Stevens might come pretty close. They both do wear a lot of bird feathers... hmm? Sometimes I think that when you push the envelope away from what people consider to beautiful in music, one makes an album that really is just horrible. In my opinion, an artist can over simplify an album as well as clog it up with "creativity." Jonsi isn't one of those artists. His eclectic stylings, soft vocals, and uplifting lyrics that seem to talk about life's endless possibilities ("Go Do") come together beautifully on his album. Every aspect blends so well with each other to create a fantastic album.

Favorite Tracks: "Go Do," and "Tornado."

#4. How I Got Over - The Roots.

I was a little disappointed to see such a talented band like The Roots being the show band for Jimmy Fallon. This year, however, they showed they weren't ready to settle or disappear by releasing on of the catchiest albums of the year. Not only is the music catchy but the writing on this album is incredible.

Favorite Tracks: "Dear God 2.0" and "How I Got Over."

#5. All Delighted People EP - Sufjan Stevens

With all the fuss about Sufjan Steven's release of Age of Adz I feel like All Delighted People was severally overlooked. I wish that I enjoyed Age of Adz and could put his LP as my number five spot, but I didn't really enjoy but a few songs. I think the real masterpiece from him this year is his EP. The title track infectiously lingers in your mind while I think every song is unique and unforgettable in its own way. My only issue with this album is the 17 minute long jam for single mothers "Dejohariah." It was a nice thought, but I don't think most single mothers have the time to listen to squawking guitars for 17 minutes. Besides, I prefer songs to be under 10 minutes, but that might be only me and my short attention span.

Favorite Tracks: "Heirloom", "All Delighted People (Classic Rock Version)", and "Enchanting Ghost."

#6. David Gray - Foundling

This has been the year of David Gray for me. If artists of the year was picked by my play count alone, "Foundling" would come in number one by miles ahead of any other album. I love everything about this album, except the song "Forgetting." I wish I could forget that he ever wrote that. I love David Gray's voice, and how everything he sings seems to spill out of the most genuine place of his heart. His lyrics aren't as strong, and his songs are a little too slow at times. I would have liked to see him shake things up a bit more. Those are the reasons I couldn't justify putting him any closer to the top than number six. I know I've tortured my friends with the constant replaying of this album this year. I'm sorry, but also you're welcome.

Favorite Tracks: "We Could Fall in Love Again Tonight", "In God's Name", and "Davey Jones' Locker."

#7. The Tallest Man on Earth - The Wild Hunt

If you haven't noticed I really like listening to artist with unique voices. I never gave The Tallest Man on Earth (who actually isn't that tall) much attention because I thought all the indie bloggers and magazine writers only praised his last album because of the similarities between his voice and Bob Dylan's voice. To my surprise, he's a very talented writer, and I feel like his record is approachable in the way that I feel it could have been just as easily be listening to one of my friends sing in the living room. If you can get past his voice, or strange voices appealing give his album "The Wild Hunt" a listen.

Favorite Tracks: "The Wild Hunt", and "The Drying of the Lawns."

#8. The Innocence Mission - My Room in the Trees.

My Room in the Trees is an album (in my mind) that is meant to represent winter even though it came out in the summer. The beautiful, soft, piano styling paired with the acoustic guitar creates this sound that seems completely unique the Innocence Mission. I can imagine people in winter coats walking or playing in the snow covered ground; snow falling softly on their eyelashes and happy faces. Okay, that's corny. But I'm saying the beauty of this album is meant for winter not gross, sticky, summer.

I've been a fan of the Innocence Mission for a while and always enjoy their albums but particularly enjoy this one because they seem to be experimenting with putting new instruments in their music such as the violins accompanying them on Rain (Setting Out in a Leafy Boat.) I do have a few disappointments with this album. I wish they would mix up some of their styles a little bit because sometimes many of their songs sound like previous works. Over all I think the album is great, and the piano parts are ever evolving to be more beautiful.

If you enjoy peaceful music, well-crafted lyrics, and beautiful voices give this album a try. My favorite tracks are Rain (Setting out in a Leafy Boat), North American Field Song, and Spring.

#9. Jeff Beck - Emotion & Commotion

If I was a guitar savvy person I might be able to explain to you in great detail why this album rocks. I could explain to you that Jeff Beck is the master of the chord progression, and he had excellent pedal choices, but I don't really know what I'd be talking about. I'll explain to you in the best way possible why I love this album. I enjoy the performers which Jeff Beck has chosen to sing covers such as Joss Stone in "I Put a Spell On You." Her voice blended with his guitar work is as close to perfection as you're going to get on that song. I mostly enjoy just listening to Jeff Beck play his guitar without lyrics, such as in "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." This song used to be one of my favorites as a kid, and still really enjoy listening to it. It was great to hear such a new twist to and old favorite. It is both refreshingly new and conformably familiar. Over the years many have covered that song, but this is by far the best musical version I have heard.

Side Note: Have you seen the cover? There is a freaking eagle carrying a guitar! If you didn't think this album was cool before you have to admit it now!

# 10. K'naan - Troubadour

Surprised? Well you shouldn't be. Not only is this album good on it's own, it catapulted itself into the pop limelight by releasing this year's (in my opinion) best single. When "Wavin' Flag" was chosen as the anthem for the 2010 World Cup it instantly became a summer anthem in my mind as well. I think K'naan will prove he is not just a one hit wonder, because his beats and lyrics on the rest of the album are just as infectious and rememberable as "Wavin' Flag."

Be sure to check out this album, and keep an eye out for his sure to be promising projects. "Fatima", "Somalia", and "15 Minutes Away" are some of my favorites from the album.

Wavin' Flag (Video)

Top Albums of 2009

I told you I`d only return at the end of the year.



I haven`t been very impressed with the music of 2009. It was so hard for me to find albums that I could consider worthy of being on any list, but these six stood tall above the rest.



6. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amedeus Phoenix.

This album is fun to listen to but would replace it in a second if I had something else to replace it with. None of the lyrics make sense but they still manage to have everyone singing along. ``Lasso`` is my prefered song. I feel like a hipster just having this on my list. Man i`m embarrassed.



5. John Mayer - Battle Studies.



I never thought I would live to see the day that John Mayer made it on any of my list, (besides most cocky human being) but here he sits. Maybe it`s the lack of talent this year, or maybe it the fact that some of these songs really impressed me, whatever the case this is my number 5 for the year.



4. GlasVegas - A Snowflake Fell (and it Felt Like a Kiss)



I found this album on December 30th (talk about last minute.) I heard the title track because of my brother Gabe and instintly fell in love with this album. I downloaded it, and conclude that this is indeed one of the best albums of this year! I adore his thick Scottish accent, and think he could be saying absolutely nothing and it sound poetic.



3. Joshua James - Build Me This


Joshua James makes a reappearance on my list for the second straight year. He`s the only artist to make it into my top three twice. When I bought his first album I didn`t expect a successful followup album, and not so soon. So, I was surprised to see his album come out in 2009. I think he`s still struggling to find his voice in music, but he`s only been writing since 2007 so I can cut him some slack. ``Daniel`` and ``Benediction`` are the best song off this album.



2. Bell X1 - Blue Lights On the Runway.

When Damien Rice left Bell X1 and was extremely successful with his first albums he must have thought he was had come out on the good side of the breakup. Bell X1 proves in this album that they don`t need their old frontman and can do just fine on their own. The album opens to the upbeat ``Ribs of a Broken Umbrella`` but slows down the pace down a bit in ``Blow Ins.`` My favorite song off of this album is ``Light Catches Your Face.``



1. Bob Dylan - Together Through Life.



When I bought this album in May I decided it was going to be number one. This album is fantastic. It has this strange, mistical sound. It has french influences, old jazz influences, and all the while still remaining uniquelly Bob Dylan. He had a co-writer from The Greatful Dead so the lyrics seemed to be a little weaker but he still struck chords in my heart and imagination with songs like ``My Wifes Hometown`` and ``Forgetful Heart.`` My favorite tune on the album is ``Beyond Here Lies Nothing.``

That`s my list. Just because 2009 is over doesn`t mean these albums won`t remain fantastic. Go out and get yourself a copy of any of these. Here`s to a good 2010!

Freewilling It

I wrote this about my Philosophy subject.

----

I hope to find there is no freewill.

It's just something made up in movie reels.

I never had a choice in breaking your heart.

It was predestined right from the start.

I hope to find we have no choices.

No guiding lights, no help voices.

I broke all engagements, and as you've probably guessed,

I just couldn't help it.

Wouldn't it be a love to have freewill?

To know I chose you right from the start.

Yeah, wouldn't it be a life to have freewill?

To know I was the one to forget you, and break your heart.

Dear Frank

I think my blog is a graduated diary. I never liked diaries, though I had a neon-colored one with a unicorn on it in my youth. Every journal I own is blank, or filled with scribbles of good intentioned thoughts that disappear by the stroke of my marker after a few minutes.

If I did own a diary it would probably sound more grown up. I would discuss the economy and the rising gas prices. I would have to name it of course, that way instead of saying "Dear Diary" I could write "Dear Frank".

Dear Frank,

My co-worker's party invitation for me must have gotten lost in the mail again.

xoxo,

Deb

------

I've returned to Kroger. I like it so much more this time around. I still work in Seafood but I have a new happiness this time. Perhaps I'm just a gluten for steamed-shrimp punishment. It's not likely that all my co-workers feel the same way, but I love each one of them.

I find that I even like the customers a little more now. A few weeks ago I was stocking the shelves with crab meat when a lady came up to me asking for advice on cocktail sauce. After I gave her my opinion on the best buy, she looked up at me and asked if I was a Christian. When I answered her that I am, she tearfully looked up at me and asked if I would please pray for her daughter who was dying of cancer. Her daughters name is Mary. Please pray too.

Grocery stores seem to be breeding grounds for the lonesome. They're often the only stores open past ten. I remember when I would walk around the local Food Lion or Wal-Mart because I was too lonely stop my racing mind and sleep. I wonder at times how many others are there because they have no other place to go.

------------

I'm pulling an Alex Skidmore blogging style with all these lines between my random thoughts.

------------

Upcoming Events: July 13th Bob Dylan in concert. July 16-21 NC (Bojangles here I come.)

xoxo,

Deb

Ch-ch-ch-changes.

New "favorite" things coming soon! Full with new photos and explanations. And by soon I mean later tonight if I feel up to it.

Albums That Changed My Life (A Little Late)

Bob Dylan - "Bringing it All Back Home" My last year in Haiti I discovered this little gem and "Never Looked Back" (Dylan fans will get that.) This album made me fall in love with the art of songwriting, and it was the first time I picked up the guitar. It's my favorite album, and it changed my life the most.

Death Cab for Cutie - "Photo Album" It seems like I listened to this album on every drive back from the beach. Whenever I hear beach sounds, or have a sunburn I also hear songs from Photo Album playing in my head.

Bob Dylan - "Modern Times" My Bob Dylan obsession suddenly stopped with this album. Not that this album wasn't good, it was great. I just finally saw him as a normal artist again. I remember cruising in Wilmington, N.C. with this blasting in my Saab. Right before it would die.

Hopefully a new artist will impress me soon, but for now I'm happy with the "life changing" albums I have.

Justice in New Life

Fresh eyes, and a new life.

I know I would choose you again.

New souls, and new bodies.

Please let me be apart of your plans.

I was born to love of you.

New friends, and new families.

New loves, and new heartaches.

You are my best friend,

You'll love me no matter what it takes.

I was born to run to you.

I swam across lake Geneva.

Cold wind on my back.

If I should grow weary

I think of you on the shoreline.

One look, in your eyes

And I know you're same in death as in life.

I was born to die with you.

Just Like I Said

Lord let me die in my tracks.

Slay me where I stand.

Do not give me the time to look back.

And reflect on what a waste this life has been.

You can put me any where you want to.

I cannot move.

Lord, let me die in my tracks.

A weary son, who was once a man.

Update

Yesss. I finally have an excuse to update .. oh never? So, Christmas day or so my loving cat Franklin, dumped a glass of water all over my computer. I can't use it anymore. That being said, I'm at the library. I could update from my iphone, but a that's just rediculas.

Here is what's new in my life.

New Job! Woo. I work for Tolle Lege Press (reformationbookstore.com) & Pack and Ship. .. Actually I don't know the name. That's sad. They have like 20 million different names though. I just know I do a lot of paper work. Also, I help spread Good Republican Cheer all around the Nation (partiotdepot.com) So, go ahead, order a few hundred "Palin 2012/Keep the Change" stickers and I'll pack them right up for you. Well, I'll probably just do the paperwork.

School! Yeah, I'm finally in school at Fairmont University. I love my World History II teacher. He has to have some sort of voice disorder, because he talks very loudly. (And a little bit softer now, and a little bit softer now.) He's a Vietnam veteran and has already told us he expects 15 papers out of us by the end of this term in addition the the other papers, quizzes, test, exams, and volunteer work he has planned for us.

Well, I think that's about all that's changed in my life. See you next year, when I determine the best albums of 2009!

Top Albums of 2008

10. Ray LaMontagne - Gossip in the Grain: I really don't think this album is that great. I just needed a number 10. Don't get my wrong, I love RaycharlesLamontagne but I wasn't super impressed with this album. 

9. Bob Dylan - Tell Tale Signs: At first I told myself that I wouldn’t put this album on my list. I thought if I added it to my top 10 list, I would be doing it because I’m biased and love Bob Dylan. I’ve grown to love this album more and more over the months, and now and can add it to my list because I believe it truly is one of the best albums of this year. You have to know you’re gold when you can put an album together full of your “old thrown out songs” and it still be a classic. Best song of the album is “Dreamin’ of You” 

8. Coldplay - Viva La Vida (Death & All His Friends): I enjoyed this album, but I would love to beg Coldplay to never make another music video for this album, or at least fire their current video producer. I mean have you seen Viva la Vida’s video ... it leaves me a bad speechless. My favorite song is “Violet Hill” because of the beautiful piano part at the end. 

7. Jon Foreman - Spring: I feel like a fake Foreman fan, because I never liked Switchfoot but really enjoy his solo works. My favorite song off the album is “In My Arms.” 

6. The Weepies - Hideaway: I’ve grown to love the Weepies more and more as 2008 comes to a close. I think their lyrics and melodies are beautiful. By far, they are the best husband and wife duo that I’ve heard. My favorite songs are “Antarctica” and “How You Survived the War.” 

5. Radiohead - In Rainbows: Technically this album came out January 1st. Also, I didn’t get it until February so it counts. “Weird Fishes/Arpeggi” tops my favorites list. I can’t listen to this album without thinking of being in Haiti last Christmas. 

4. RuRu - Elizabeth: This is RuRu’s debut album, and it sounds like he’s been writing for 30 years. His cd is constantly in my car’s cd player. I adore the songs “West Virginia,” “Excuse,” and “House of Cards.” 

3. Ryan Adams & the Cardinals - Cardinology: This is by far the most played album of this year. I sadly know how to do all the guitar parts (with my mouth - I can’t play the guitar that well.) My Cardinology addictions are "Fix It" and "Sink Ships." 

2. Joshua James - The Sun is Always Brighter: I might be jumping the gun a little with these last two picks. I’ve only been listening to them for maybe 2 weeks. I think this album is absolutely beautiful and is perfect to listen to in this chilly winter weather. My favorite picks are “Dangerous” and “Winter Storm.”

1. Josh Garrels - Jacaranda: My brother John introduced me to this guy a couple of weeks ago and I’m so glad he did! Josh Garrels comes from Waxhaw, NC and has produced the most beautiful cd I’ve heard all year. His words make sense and hold great conviction, which is not a common thing among musicians these days. It's hard to pick a favorite song, but I love "Don't Wait for Me." 

Check out these people for some different opinions: Gabe and Luis.  

That’s my 2008 best albums list. Now, I encourage you to leave your list on my comments.... oh come on. Merry Christmas. 

I Can Dream.

I'd like to meet the following people. 

Alive & Kicking:

Bob Dylan - was my first real influence into music and writing. I was obsessed with him! I would buy polka dot shirts and striped paints and eat up his every word like cotton candy. I was probably the exact kind of fan that he hated, but if we ever get to chit chat I'll act cool and leave out that part of my fascination with him. 

Frank McCourt - is the author of Angela's Ashes, and Tis. Both of which I've read. His stories draw me in and I find that I have a lot in common with him, besides growing up in Ireland during the depression, having most of your family members die, having a drunken father, having scabby eyes, and almost getting molested by priest of course. 

Steve Nash - As my brother Gabe mentioned in his blog - I'm a diehard fan of the Phoenix Suns. I flew through Phoenix last March but it just left me saying "I'm here Mr. Nash, and where are you?" 

Beyond the Grave: 

Jesus - Obviously. If I'm not meeting Him when I die, I'm in a big lump of trouble. 

John F. Kennedy - "Alright, who killed you?" "What do you mean you don't know?!" (Too soon?)

Honorable Mentions: 

Ryan Adams

C.S. Lewis

Oprah (don't ask..) 

Fionn Regan

David Schimmer (Yes, from Friends.)

Jude Law (He's in my favorite movie!)

Paul McCartney (The last Beatle I actually care about.)

Joan Baez 

Leo Tolstoy 

I'd love to know who you (readers) would like to meet!