[Vision2020] changing subjects...

[keely emerinemix]

I bet I'm not the only one looking for a change in topics, and so, at the 
risk of sounding shallow, I wonder if we could lighten up a bit and switch 
the focus . . .

A constant source of amazement, not to mention occasional ridicule, is my 
allegedly awful taste in music.  I endured the scorn of my Vision friends 
when I admitted that I'm not a Sly and the Family Stone afficionado, and my 
husband is mortified that I have joined the teeming mass of middle-aged 
Christian housewives who really like punk music.  Accordingly, then, an 
endorsement from me probably is enough to ensure that no one else dares try 
anything I listen to, but, for all it's worth, I've discovered some 
absolutely wonderful music this summer.  What gems are you all listening to? 
  Do tell, and promise you won't think less of me for the list below:

1.  The Raconteurs "Toy Broken Boy Soldier"  --  Hands down the best debut 
album I've ever heard.  It's rarely left my car's CD player.  Excellent 
post-punk pop with hooks reminiscent of late-70s/early-80s indie bands.

2.   Crashdog "Cashists, Fascists, and Other Fungus" -- After more than a 
decade, this treasure from the late, great Jesus People USA house punk band 
still kicks.  Raw, angry, yet lyrical punk that manages to be both prophetic 
and worshipful.

3.   Daniel Amos "John Wayne" -- Every song's a winner!  Lyrically stirring, 
bitingly funny, and with DA's signature musicianship, which veers from arena 
rock to rockabilly to post-punk to New Wave.  If they lived here, they'd be 
my new best friends.

4.  Jennifer Knapp  "Kansas" -- Overcoming my distrust of sensitive 
singer-songwriters, especially evangelical ones, I discovered one of the 
most beautiful, poignant, convicting songs I've ever heard in "Martyrs and 
Thieves."  JK is angry, hurt, tattooed, dark and altogether lovely.  She 
toured with Lillith Fest and thus alienated her Christian base.  This can 
only be a good thing.

5.  Emmylou Harris and Mark Knopfler "Road Running" -- Emmylou Harris could 
sing the back of a cereal box and rip my heart open; with Mark Knopfler's 
brooding vocals, this bluegrass/blues/folk collection will enliven every 
radioplay-deadened cell in your body.

OK, what great tunes am I missing?  I'd love to know what you all are 
listening to.  (Note to Bruce Livingston:  Yes, if Sly Stone ever sings the 
Emmylou Harris songbook, I promise to listen . . . )

keely

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