Alright, so I know it's been awhile

I've decided to bring back my old blog because I felt like it was the perfect format to post my lists for my favorite things. Mostly involving music, but there will probably be other things.

So let's get to it.

14.

Letlive.'s Fake History completely took me by surprise, just as much as the band as a whole did. Although i don't completely agree with the overall message in the lyrics and the cynicism directed toward God, I find the lyrical honesty and musical style to be completely refreshing. There aren't too many bands nowadays that can pull off a sound similar to Refused's The Shape of punk to come. The cd is most definitely a parental advisory, but hearing a point of view so clearly conveyed by an artist is very rare, but very appreciated.

13.

I've always been a big fan of concept albums(which at some point I'm going to compile a short list of favorite concept album(s))and Jamie's Elsewhere's They Said A Storm Was Coming is no exception to great concepts. While it's hard to follow the connections between some of the songs, the lyrics push it far beyond the typical Post-Hardcore album and turn it into a well thought out piece of art. Even if you're not a fan of the Post-Hardcore genre, the lyrics still make a worth while listen.

12.

Lydia's Illuminate is one of the few albums on the list that doesn't rest heavily on the quality of the lyrics. Even though I'm a big fan of really well thought out lyrics, sometimes a cd with music you can groove to just makes for a different type of gem to add to the collection. There are times at first when all the songs on this album start to blend together and you can't tell one from the other, but that's part of the magic. It's almost like a yoga for the ears. A complete relaxation for the brain. Even though there's some language, this cd is a solid addition to my favorites list.

11.

This may be an oldie, but as a past all time favorite album of mine, it remains a great. The music world is severely lacking in the kind of quality that Blindside put into their Silence album. Although it's rock style seems a little dated, the vocals and lyrics help this one to stand out from the pack of mediocrity.

10.

It may come as a shock that my favorite band's War All The Time didn't make it further up the list, but don't be fooled by #10 It's definitely one of the all time greatest CD's. I think it's pretty well agreed that even though the lead singer's voice isn't particularly great, his lyrics and vocal charm are undeniable. Although I don't agree with some of the views held by the band, it's a very interesting take on the world that they present with this masterpiece. If you haven't heard it check it out most definitely!

9.

At first when I heard the new Manchester Orchestra I was a little skeptical on how it could top their previous albums. Once my brother gave me a little more background on the it and after a few videos on the making of it, I came to the realization that this is Andy Hull and co.'s most mature and best work. Every song has the usual lyrical genius that Andy never fails to deliver and the music is the perfect accompaniment to make this another memorable album. A personal favorite track of mine is Apprehension, which has made it's way to the top of the list of favorite Manchester songs I have. Pure gold.

8.

Anathallo's final album left me in awe. The fact that they never made it as one of the greatest bands of all time still confuses me. CD's like this don't come very often and because it's one of the only remaining works of a late great, anyone who's interested should take advantage and give this one a listen.... IMMEDIATELY! As great as the other Anathallo albums were, this one is like the whole jar of maraschino cherries dumped over the greatest ice cream sundae ever!

7.

There are few albums that are these days that can speak volumes of truth to the listener while giving the perfect picture of hope to build up a believer in Christ. While most Christians try not to shove Jesus in the face of the secular generation, Bryce Avery shows a down to earth view that doesn't shy away from being vocal about his faith in Christ. This is one of the most encouraging albums on the list and this can help any believer to have a renewed love for the Lord. Even for someone who isn't saved, this album is not only really catchy but it gives a positive message missing from a dying world.

6.

This is one of the first albums that I realized there were complete works of art in musical form. It's the only one that I've dubbed a "Kodak CD". If there's any moment in time that I want to remember for the rest of my life, I put on headphones on listen to O in it's entirety, mentally cataloging that memory. With this album, Damien created the ultimate coffee shop album to be treasured by all til the end of time. If ever there was a moment to relax, this would be the soundtrack. I feel like it's emo music for older people. But don't be steered away from this gem.

5.

What can be said about this one? I wish it could be higher up on the list, because it is truly one of the greatest and most innovative albums that I've ever heard. At first I thought that Mew was a little too ambitious with their style and tried to fit too much into something new.... I was wrong. They've reached far beyond what was expected of them and created something so great that it can only be listened to, in order to be believed. The combination of disco and experimental rock makes No More Stories Are Told Today, I'm Sorry They Washed Away a must listen.

4.

If you have never heard mewithoutYou's Brother, Sister you've been missing out on a truly great piece of art. There are so many reasons why this is such a great CD, but two highlights are the spiritual insight in the perfectly constructed poetic lyrics and the ambient music that makes this such an enjoyable listen. When the band released this album they completely outdid not only themselves, but just about every other band at the time.

3

When this album came out I felt a little disappointed at the musical departure from their heavier, more Post-Hardcore sound. But after a few listens I found that this had every element of one of the greatest albums ever. The lyrics were much more mature and still to this day contain some of my favorite lines. Although some of the songs are a little more somber than I would like, it goes with the whole theme of a awesome CD. Don't pass up Come Now Sleep by As Cities Burn.

2.

Brand New's The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me contains not only one of the best songs lyrically, but continues to boggle my mind at the creativity that was put into it. There isn't much to be said about this one, only that if you like music you have to give this album a listen. It's a masterpiece through and through. And it doesn't appear to be going anywhere soon.

1.

With yet another appearance on the list, no less the top, mewithoutYou has every element for another piece of artwork. The Mona Lisa(objecively) of all albums. Standing the test of time it proves itself to be in my opinion the greatest overall album of all time. It, as their other album does, overflows with spiritual insight and has some of the best musical hooks. This is an album that demands your attention. Get it and give it many listens.

I'm sure most of you said tl;dr but if you stuck through it I appreciate your patience. There will be a few shorter lists coming when I'm ready to compile them. Hopefully someone read this :-p