10. Turn Heads by Tobias Froberg
This Swedish Singer-Songwriter delivers on his third album with a series of expertly crafted music that is somewhat reminiscent of vintage Simon and Garfunkel. This is “Just Behind a Brick Wall”

9. Another Country by Tift Merritt
Tift is this generation’s Emmylou Harris complete with the beautiful vocals and the country-folk sensibilities. This is “Broken.”

8. Hope For The Hopeless by Brett Dennen
Dennen’s follow-up to the masterful 2006 release So Much More was more of a slow boil for me but when it clicked it found itself on my frequent play list. Dennen is a consummate song-writer who uses his ability to point out injustice and bring awareness to social issues. This is “Make You Crazy.”

7. The Gabe Dixon Band by the Gabe Dixon Band
There has been a tremendous absence in the genre of piano driven rock ever since Billy Joel completed “River of Dreams” in 1993. No one has come close to the legacy of the Piano Man. Until now. Dixon is Joel’s heir apparent and is fully evidenced in the full length debut.
This is most likely my favorite song of the last 5 years “All Will Be Well.”

6. Ghost Notes by Matthew Barber
Barber is a highly popular singer-songwriter in Canada. His fourth full-length release is what brought him to my attention and is full of catchy folk-styled songs. This is “And You Give”

5. The ’59 Sound by The Gaslight Anthem
This is the definitive Springsteen inspired release of the year. The ’59 Sound is a tremendous blend of Bruce level story-telling and a punk backbeat that will stick with you long after the album ends. These guys are going to be huge. This is the title track.

4. Gossip in the Grain by Ray Lamontagne
This former shoe salesman in one of the finest musicians plying his trade today. His sweet, soulful voice breathes a richness and urgency to his songs. Gossip in the Grain should be his breakout album. This is “You Are the Best Thing.”

3. Chinese Democracy by Guns N’ Roses
I know that people are sharply divided over this release. Most of the negativity that I have heard has been along the lines of having waited so long for something that doesn’t approach the brilliance of Appetite for Destruction. That Axl was unable to recreate the greatness that they possessed for so brief a time 20 years ago. Well, it’s not 1988 any longer nor do I want it to be. Comparisons to Appetite will always come up short. That was a moment in time that can not and should not be recreated. Late 80s Guns were an anomaly even then. A last ditch rebellion against the Reagan-era and the feelings of vulnerability we had in the waning days of the Cold War and the insurgence of AIDS. For Appetite to be recreated would be to go back to an era that none of us should go back to. We can’t because we are older, wiser and have seen too much.
With that said when Chinese Democracy is judged on its own merits it is an excellent rock album in an era where quality rock and roll is hard to come by. There are a number of reasons that I have gravitated toward more contemplative, singer-songwriter style music. Sure, a large part of that is growing older and feeling my tastes change precipitously. Another reason is that the rock and roll that I love is hard to find these days. Chinese Democracy is a breath of fresh air to me.
If there is one quibble I have it is that every song strives to be anthemic. Axl swings for the fences on every song and runs the risk of trying to do too much. There is no understatement or minimalism at work here. But that is a minor issue. For the trademark voice is still there and results in great music.
It’s no Appetite. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. However, it is a great thing that it is no Use Your Illusion.
This is my favorite cut on the album “Better.”

2. Day After Tomorrow by Joan Baez
There was no stronger voice of protest during the 60s than Joan Baez. She has long been an activist voice. Her latest release, however, focuses more on issues of faith than anything else. This is the voice of a well-traveled troubadour who has seen so much now longer for that which is unseen. As a result it is one of the definitive albums of her career. Produced by Steve Earle, this album is beatiful, touching and a glimpse of the Divine. This is “God is God.”

1. Everything that Happens Will Happen Today by David Byrne and Brian Eno
This album hit me out of the blue. I have never been a Talking Heads fan but this album has made me realize that I need to go back and listen again. It also hit me because, although this is not a style of music that I typically gravitate to, I couldn’t get it out of my head. And the colossal influence they have on music cannot be underscored.
What results from this collaboration is a sonic tour de force of music, concepts and intellect. This, to me, is the definitive album of the year for making me look at music anew and shake me out of the doldrums of what is worth listening to. This is the title track followed by “Strange Overtones.”

20. David Cook by David Cook
The newest American Idol winner is my guilty pleasure of the year. It is power pop at its finest and proof positive that American Idol can select the right winner every six years or so. I could see him fronting an 80s hair band. This is the lead single “Light On”

19. The Promised Land by Dar Williams
Dar Williams churns out yet another album that beautifully chronicles the human spirit with ethos and passion. She is consistently one of the finest song-writers around. This is the lead single “That’s Alright.”

18. Feed the Animals by Girl Talk
This is very atypical for me. I don’t usually like stuff like this and resisted downloading it for a long time. However, once I did I couldn’t deny its insistence on repeat playing. This is one long extended series of mashups. It’s a kick being able to hear a song that so expertly blends Phil Collins and the Beastie Boys. Part of the fun in listening to this is trying to identify all the songs you hear. Is that Argent? Why, yes it is. This is “What It’s All About.”

17. Vampire Weekend by Vampire Weekend
These Columbia grads released a stellar debut album earlier this year. They are able to wed a myriad of influences to produce a raucous and fun album. This is “A-Punk”

16. Be OK by Ingrid Michaelson
I love Ingrid Michaelson’s work. Her 2007 release “Girls and Boys” is stellar and her 2005 debut “Slow the Rain” is an absolute masterpiece. This release, however, is a collection of covers, live tunes and previously unreleased material. It’s still great, though. This is the title track.

15. Fortune’s Favour by Great Big Sea
I’ve long been a Great Big Sea fan. Their latest release is more commercial than previous outings but it is still a great collection of Newfoundland inspired ditties. This is “Love Me Tonight.”

14. Stay Positive by The Hold Steady
This is not the best Springsteen inspired album of the year but it’s close. This album just plain rocks. This is the title track.

13. Mockingbird by Alison Moorer
Man, this woman can sing. Some of the finest pipes you will encounter anywhere. This collection of songs written by other female composers is some of Moorer’s finest work. This is the title track.

12. Backwoods Barbie by Dolly Parton
For all the times she has been the punchline of a joke there should be mention that Dolly Parton is one of the greatest country music songwriters of all time. Her latest effort does not disappoint. This is “Jesus and Gravity.”

11. Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog by Various Artists
The internet event of the year was a tremendous blend of humor and musicianship. And that’s not just because Neil Patrick Harris is the coolest man on the planet. This is “My Freeze Ray.”

The Geography of Light by Carrie Newcomer–The fact that one of my perennial favorites like Newcomer did not make my top 20 is testament to how competitive this year was. Although not a Christian artist she writes the most profound lyrics of faith of anyone out there.
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Exit Strategy of the Soul by Ron Sexsmith
You are not a Singer-Songwriter fan if you don’t love Sexsmith. This clip, Brandy Alexander, is one of my favorite tunes of the year;
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Changing Things (EP) by Meaghan Blanchard
If I considered EPs for my year end list this would be in my top 10. Blanchard is a 19 year old singer-songwriter from Prince Edward Island. I was blessed to find this on eMusic.

Some other Albums of note:

Mountain Goats–Heretic Pride

The Nadas–There Are Ghosts Inside These Halls

Laura Cantrell–Trains and Boats and Planes

Flogging Molly–Float

Idina Menzel–Brave

Kimya Dawson–Alphabutt

The Killers–Day & Age

Keane–Perfect Symmetry

She & Him–Volume One

Jackson Browne–Time The Conqueror

James McMurtry–Just Us Kids

John Mellencamp–Life, Death, Love and Freedom

Jesse Malin–On Your Sleeve

10. The Keeper by Sarah Langan
Nominated for best first novel in the 2006 Bram Stoker awards. An auspicious debut that speaks of great ghost stories to come.

9. The Policy by Bentley Little
I am a big fan of Little’s work as he always comes up with intriguing story lines. This one is about an insurance policy that cannot be canceled.

8. The Conqueror Worms/Deluge by Brian Keene
Keene is the pre-eminent horror writer of this generation. He is prolific, imaginative and able to churn out top-rate scares. This two part-er is no exception. The skies mysteriously start raining and don’t stop. 40+ days later the world has changed precipitously. I’m not finished with Deluge yet as he releases a chapter each week on his website.

7. The Ruins by Scott Smith
The movie came out earlier this year but if you want the true fright pick up the book instead. Smith does not release novels fast enough for my taste. But when he does he does not disappoint.

6. World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks
This book would be higher on my list if not for the style. I am not a big fan of oral histories and would have like a more linear tell. That quibble aside this is a fantastic Zombie story of life after the uprising.

5. Heart Shaped Box by Joe Hill
Hill is a consummate story teller. Although he has great bloodlines as the son of Stephen King, he is a novelist to be respected in his own right. If you ever receive a heart shaped box in the mail do not open it.

4. Ghost Story by Peter Straub
This is an absolute classic in the genre. It is the work that put Straub on the map and put him in the same conversation with Stephen King of great horror writers. As I am often a critic of length it is important to note that this tremendous ghost tale would be number one on my list if it has been a hundred pages shorter. At any rate it is top notch. Skip the movie, however.

3. Rosemary’s Baby by Ira Levin
You have probably already seen the classic movie and the book is every bit as riveting. Levin was a great story teller and this is his finest work. However, do not pick up the sequel: Son of Rosemary.

2. The Rising/City of the Dead/Dead Sea by Brian Keene
Honestly, my top 10 could consist of Keene books. He is that good. This is Zombie writing at its finest.

1. I Am Legend by Richard Matheson
This novel, which has now been made into a movie three times, is a gripping piece of fiction that focuses primarily on one individual’s coming to terms with his role as the last human on earth. What emerges is a compelling portrait of a man striving to survive in a world that has radically changed and transformed into an archaic mess. The reader is sucked in to a battle that is best defined as a struggle between human and post-human.

10. Angela and the Baby Jesus by Frank McCourt
I know that this is not officially marketed as a Christian book. But this children’s book about the title character of Angela’s Ashes and her concern for the baby Jesus is a beautiful reflection on the hope of the Christ child. Beautifully illustrated and touching.

9. Spiritual Formation as if the Church Mattered: Growing in Christ through Community by James C. Wilhoit
I used this book as a basis for an adult class on spiritual formation earlier in the year and it proved to be a reliable resource. Wilhoit lines out four “pillars” of spiritual formation: receiving God’s grace, remembering our purpose, responding in service, and building relationships. It is an important entry in the discussion of discipleship.

8. Jesus for President: Politics for Ordinary Radicals by Shane Claiborne
I’m a huge fan of Claiborne as he is one of the foremost gadflies in the Christian world today. He consistently, logically, and passionately pushes the church to be a better reflection of Christ. That is powerfully captured in his latest work. My one constant quibble with both of Claiborne’s releases is a lack of tightness and conciseness.

7. Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy by Kraybill, et al.
A moving account of the staggering depiction of forgiveness that the Amish community displayed in the aftermath of the Nickle Mines School shooting. What we must all aspire to emulate.

6. What about Hitler?: Wrestling with Jesus’s Call to Nonviolence in an Evil World by Robert W. Brimlow
This is an intelligent and scholarly response to the red herring that often surfaces whenever nonviolence is discussed. In this work he points out the elasticity of the Just War theory and repudiates notions of “success” in reference to the validity of nonviolence. A great addition to any nonviolent library.

5. The Shack by William P. Young
I am most appreciative of this book for the way it brought some serious and potentially divisive topics into the public consciousness. I know that many read it and never picked up on some of the more controversial themes but any step toward a more indepth and honest assessment of God’s love, theodicy and soteriology is a welcome step.

4. Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church by N.T. Wright
My commonly held perception of the “Afterlife” was first challenged when I took a grad course at Lipscomb back in 1993. It was then that I realized that there was more to the story than just “over yonder.” Wright has an uncanny knack of bringing these important subjects into the mainstream of religious thought. Hopefully, this will be seen as an integral work in forcing us to challenge our understandings of eschatology.

3. The Heart of Christianity: Rediscovering a Life of Faith by Marcus Borg
Borg is not for everyone, so exercise caution. However, he is one of my favorite Christian authors who never fails to challenge my thinking at the same time he pushes me into a more nuanced and refined relationship with God. Here he gets at the heart of what this is all supposed to be about.

2. Matthew And The Margins: A Socio-Political and Religious Reading by Warren Carter
I spent most of this year preaching from Matthew. This work by Carter was absolutely essential during that process. Carter does a tremendous job of laying out the important themes of shame/honor and the relationship of the empire with the message of Christ.

1. Saving Paradise: How Christianity Traded Love of This World for Crucifixion and Empire by Rita Nakashima Brock and Rebecca Ann Parker
Provocative and meticulously researched, this work is an in-depth look at the images, art and thinking of the early church and the absence of death as prime motivator. In the early church Jesus was depicted as alive and vibrant. Over the years that shifted. The reasons why are intriguing.

10. Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength by Laurie A. Helgoe
I am an introvert and that is often seen by people to be a bad character trait. However, as Helgoe points out, that is a tragic misconception of the great contributions that introverts bring to society. The point of this book is that introverts should embrace their given personality and not try to take on the personality of an extrovert. There is room for both. Nor is this a book that says the solution is isolation but is instead finding proper alone time and to embrace solitude.

9. The Year of Living Biblically: One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible/The Know-It-All: One Man’s Humble Quest to Become the Smartest Person in the World by A.J. Jacobs
I include both of Jacob’s books together as they are indicative of the novel and creative approaches he takes to his writing. Both books were the results of experiments that he carried out: one to follow the Bible literally for one year, the other to read the entire Encyclopedia Brittanica. Both books are fun to read and filled with hilarious anecdotes of his experiences. My only quibble is the length of both. I repeat my refrain: editing is a good thing.

8. Storm Warning: The Story of a Killer Tornado by Nancy Mathis
My town of Ponca City has not endured a major tornado in over 50 years. Some say that the refinery weakens the tornado winds as they come closer to town. Some claim that the Indian burial grounds exude some mystical force. I think we are just lucky. Oklahoma is the home to some of our nations most unpredictable weather. On May 3rd, 1999 that was witnessed in its full fury as 71 tornadoes hit the state. “The biggest of them all spanned a mile—making it the largest in recorded history—and delivered ground-level winds of over 300 mph.” This is a compelling account of that day.

7. Sway: The Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behavior by Ori and Rom Brafman
This is an intriguing look at why we tend to make irrational decisions despite evidence that making other decisions would be more productive. The inanity of most job interviews, ignoring fatigue and the over diagnosis of bi-polar disorder are all looked at.

6. Mudslingers: The Twenty-Five Dirtiest Political Campaigns of All Time by Kerwin Swint
Man, politicians are slimy people! This is an in-depth look at the dirtiest of political campaigns. It is often eye-opening and intriguing. It came out earlier this year so it did not include the latest campaign.

5. The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls
I am not a fan of memoirs but this is a book not to be missed. It is at times heartbreaking, at turns hilarious and consistently poignant.

4. Watch You Bleed: The Saga of Guns N’ Roses by Stephen Davis
A book that only true fans would likely find interesting, I was hooked with the depraved tale of musical geniuses and what could have been.

3. The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court by Jeffrey Toobin
For the second year in a row I have a behind the scenes look at the Supreme Court in my top 10. Toobin’s work focuses on the last twenty years of the Supreme Court and the difficult cases that have defined them. A highly entertaining read.

2. You’re Only as Good as Your Next One: 100 Great Films, 100 Good Films, and 100 for Which I Should Be Shot by Mike Medavoy and Josh Young
This is an entertaining, candid and informative look at one individual’s life in the movie business. Medavoy had a great run in the early 70s as a produced and has parlayed that into a length, successful run in the movie business. His recollections of the infamous Cotton Club shooting alone is worth the time spent reading.

1. Sundays in America: A Yearlong Road Trip in Search of Christian Faith by Suzanne Strempek Shea
Shea set out to attend a different church each week for a year in attempts to reconnect with her faith. In the process she visits a wide variety of churches from all stripes and records her impressions, some good, some bad, some ugly. If I wasn’t spoken for on Sunday mornings this is exactly the kind of thing I would love to do.

I really wish he would get to the meat of it. And no, Justin, he has not mentioned Ron Paul.

How do you think we apply the 8th Century prophets to the presidential race?

–Does anybody besides me find it interesting that Mitt Romney’s favorite book is Battlefield Earth? Now, I love Scientology as much as the next guy (see, I wrote that. Please don’t sue me. In the name of Xenu, please don’t sue me.) but doesn’t it seem odd that it would be the book of choice of a practicing Latter-Day Saint?

–I like the completely insignificant questions that the AP often asks like the one above. The most recent one was on what they would take to a Desert Island. Here were there responses:

DEMOCRATS:

Delaware Sen. Joe Biden: “Jill, my wife.” (Jill was not available for comment.)

New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton: “A good book.” (Apparently, this is her book of choice.)

Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd: “Coffee with cream and sugar.” (Dodd doesn’t really think big thoughts, now does he?)

Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards: “A book.” (This one)

Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich: His wife, Elizabeth. (Kucinich would not elaborate if he was talking about his own personal wife, Elizabeth, or if the *his* that he is referring to is John Edwards.)

Illinois Sen. Barack Obama: “Other than my wife and my kids, an inanimate object I would have to have would probably be a good book.”

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson: “Blackberry and a Davidoff cigar.” (Elitist!)

REPUBLICANS:

Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback: “Tarp.” (He’s staying and starting his own dominion, isn’t he?)

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani: “Books and music.” (A versatile man. He’s not satisfied with just one item. He needs two. Apparently he gets bored easily. Take that as you will.)

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee: “Laptop with satellite reception.” (Obviously the laptop with satellite reception was a gift.)

California Rep. Duncan Hunter: “Mrs. Hunter.” (Again, he would not clarify which Mrs. Hunter.)

Arizona Sen. John McCain: “Books.” (McCain thinks outside the box here with multiple books. Actually his first answer was sunblock.)

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney: “My wife, Ann.” (And a copy of Battlefield Earth)

Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo: “Boat.”

–I propose that we each select our next president based upon who has the coolest people donating to them. The Hill listed celebrity donations in the first quarter and they are interesting to say the least. Now, I’m no mathmetician but it seems someone could construct some algorithm or formula to quantify and rank the cool factor of the celebrity donations.
Now, it’s obvious that the GOP is eliminated right out of the gates unless the fear of being Republican and living is Hollywood is somehow eliminated.
Sure, Sam Brownback has Pat Boone and the Papa John’s guy but that’s not cool. Guiliani can boast Adam Sandler, A-Rod and Kelsey Grammer so he warrants a +3 (or whatever rating system is devised). McCain has Michael Jordan. But it’s in the Democratic field that the celebrities come out of the woodwork.
So, under my proposal, we eliminate those who don’t have enough “cool people” throwing in the cash. Here’s a sample rundown from The Hill of Democratic donations:

Clinton
Candice Bergen
Christie Brinkley
Chevy Chase
Hugh Hefner
Christine Lahti
Barry Manilow
Marla Maples
Rosie O’Donnell
Jerry Springer
Barbra Streisand
Analysis–Those last three names will likely rob her of all the cool points she gets for the Manilow contribution. Cause let’s face it, Barry rocks.

Obama
Jennifer Aniston
Jackson Browne
Morgan Freeman
Tom Hanks
Dennis Haysbert
Tobey Maguire
Barry Manilow
Branford Marsalis
Eddie Murphy
Ed Norton
Ben Stiller
Gene Wilder
Analysis: Pure coolness here. Jackson Browne? I have all his albums. Ed Norton? One of the best actors of my generation. Eddie Murphy? Robbed for the Oscar. Jennifer Aniston is hot. Tom Hanks is one of the most loved actors in history. Dennis Haysbert has already been president. Ben Stiller. See, Obama is already at like +45.

Dodd
Edie Brickell
Michael Douglas
Steve Martin
Lorne Michaels
Paul Newman
Elisabeth Shue
Paul Simon
Joanne Woodward
Analysis: This group of donors was really cool about 20+ years ago. Too bad he’s not running against Bush I.

Edwards
Larry David
Seth Green
Don Henley
Barry Manilow
Analysis: Edwards comes up way short here. I hate to say that but Henley hasn’t recorded anything great since 1989. And I think Barry Manilow just sent me 1000 bucks to run.

OK, who is going to develop the formula to determine donor coolness?

Barring the inevitable late entries by Gingrich, Thompson and Gore all that is left is to take a look at the pretenders in the Democratic field. I will still reserve Wednesday’s for all things politic but this will wind up the look at the candidates. At least until I have Newt in my crosshairs.

Throughout the series the Democrats have consistently drawn more comments from my largely Republican leadership with John Edwards, my choice for 2008 thus far, bringing in the most.

Like the Republicans it is a huge drop-off once you move past the top 3 of the Democrats.

Bill Richardson–Despite an extensive and impressive resume, including stints as governor of New Mexico, UN Ambassador and secretary of Energy, Richardson is still nationally an unknown. He brings more diversity to an already diverse field and has ample credentials to campaign on.
He has bolster New Mexico’s economy, been nominated for the Nobel Prize multiple times and has more foreign policy experience than most, if not all, in the field.
Again he is the most experienced candidate in the field but he doesn’t have the right last name.

Joe Biden–Has foot-in-mouth disease. Too many Pat Robertson-esque comments make him too much of a political liability.

Christopher Dodd–Yawn. He looks like my banker. He wins cachet points for having once dated Bianca Jagger but those are negated for being in bed with Enron.

Mike Gravel–Who?

Dennis Kucinich–He never officially ended his campaign last time, did he? Reminds me of Lamar Alexander, who has already thrown his hat in the ring for 2012 and is already in his denim shirt, riding his pick-up around Tennessee. I like him but he ain’t got a prayer.

Any thoughts on the hangers-on?

I was going to continue with individual entries but at this point there is such a steep drop-off between the top three in each party that I just don’t have a whole lot to say about each of them. And with the recent release of first-quarter campaign donations the gap between the haves and have nots becomes more pronounced.

Among the Dems it’s a three-horse race between Clinton, Edwards and Obama.

Among the GOP it’s a three-horse race between Giuliani, McCain and Romney. Of course, that landscape changes greatly in Gingrich and Thompson (not Tommy) throw their hats in the ring.

So, rather than prolong this list longer than it needs to, let’s do a quick run-down of the GOP contestants who running for president but running from reality:

Mike Huckabee–He’s long been my GOP dark horse but a 500,000 dollar first quarter is too paltry against the front-runners. He is the one bona fide social conservative who isn’t either a)Mormon (Romney) and b)downright frightening (Brownback). But he would have a long way to go to convince the party that he is a fiscal conservative. His record as governor of Arkansas proves otherwise. My personal issues with him aside, he has about the best consistent message of the GOP aspirants. But his road is too uphill at this point. And he’s never met a gift he didn’t like.

Sam Brownback–Theocrat without a country. Ain’t happening.

Duncan Hunter–Who?

Ron Paul–Who? I live in Texas and I don’t know this guy.

Jim Gilmore–Again, who?

Tom Tancredo–Um, first act as president is what? Bombing Mexico?

Tommy Thompson–It may just be me but I don’t see much likelihood, at this point, of someone from the Bush Administration getting the nom.

I really don’t see a scenario at the current time of any of these guys punching through to the other side. The only one that would even have a shot is Huckabee because he is nominate-able providing he can explain away his tax increases.

Again, the landscape changes drastically with Gingrich or Thompson (not Tommy) if they throw their hats in the ring.

Any thoughts on these guys?