A list of all time greatest songs

The next topic I decided to go with is all time songs. It was a little bit harder to choose single songs because there's something about the completeness of an album that makes it easier to define as a great. But there are certain songs that stand out more than the rest. Here goes nothin'

8. The New Noise - Refused: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mzf1C6OazC4

When Refused titled their album The Shape Of Punk To Come it was almost like a prophecy. Although the style is a little raw, this album, in particular this song really paved the way for so many bands. The highlight of the song is the break near the end. They use the effect of a cheering crowd that give this song a sound unlike any other.

7. Apprehension - Manchester Orchestra: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFZC5-0XwU8

As I mentioned in my previous post, this song, after years of listening to Manchester Orchestra, shot it's way right to the top of my all time favorite Manchester Orchestra songs. It's a shock to me that Andy Hull still has such a potency to his lyrics and song writing, but he remains one of the greatest songwriters of all time and is still going strong.

6. Carousels - mewithoutYou: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yh0vzGU8RWw

As you're probably well aware, I'm a definite advocate of the earlier mewithoutYou albums. The song Carousels is a great representation of the greatness contained in the rest of the Catch For Us The Foxes album. I always appreciate lyrics that are completely honest, especially when the subject matter revolves around the weakness of man and the greatness of God. This song always reminds me of the overwhelming need for a Savior.

5. Introducing Palace Players - Mew http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz0aVur1F2A

So let me be honest, when my good friend whose musical taste I respect, told me to check this song out, I started to give it a listen. After about 30 seconds I wanted to shut it off. I was thinking "Mew, how far you've fallen..." But I thought "I have to listen all the way through." I am so glad I did. The song goes from abstract and intentionally messy to being one of the most catchy and well thought out pieces that Mew has written. Give this one a chance and listen all the way through. You'll be pleased.

4. The First Single - The Format http://vimeo.com/32046550

Although it doesn't sound completely country, it's got enough of the genre in it to give a really good feel and set it apart from other indie pop-rock. Any fan of The Format knows that this song should be dubbed the anthem for road trips or long car rides. Although they're no longer a band, The Format's great songs will continue to be some of my most favorite songs. And if you like them, then you can check out the post-Format band, fun.

3. Sweetness- Jimmy Eat World http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU3KBI5qyEY

Jimmy Eat World is one of those bands that just has a sound unlike any other band I've ever really heard. I had heard a few of their other singles and was pretty much like "meh..." But after I heard Sweetness I went out and bought the album, and ever since it's been my number one favorite song of all time. The reason being is because even when the rest of the album was ruined by memories I made while listening heavily to the album. This was the only song not ruined by those sad moments in my life. It's always a great listen and has such a strong melody.

2. Simple and Clean - Utada Hikaru http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7xRFC4fX7Y

Now you may be asking yourself "A J-POP SONG AS NUMBER TWO?!?! ARE YOU NUTS?!?!" Well no, I'm not crazy. The reason I chose this song is because this is one of the VERY few songs that I could play on repeat, alternating between English and Japanese for at least thirty minutes....on just the one song. I don't know if it's the great mixing, the background noises, or the one of the most infectious melodies of all time, but this song is almost like crack in auditory form. Also it's the theme song for such a great game....you can't beat that.

1. Jesus - Brand New http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_iNdbPvrYk

This is quite possibly one of the easiest calls on mine or anyone else's part that could be made. If you've never heard this song you absolutely must listen to it! Any song that can maintain the same melody throughout and hold your attention deserves high regard. Combined with the crescendo at the end, emotion of Jesse Lacey, and the incredible lyrics make this a no-brainer. Since I could gush about this song for hours, I'll stick to just posting some of the lyrics that always make me examine my own life.

I know you're coming in the night like a thief
But I've had some time, O Lord, to hone my lying technique
I know you think that I'm someone you can trust
But I'm scared I'll get scared and I swear I'll try to nail you back up
So do you think that we could work out a sign
So I'll know it's you and that it's over so I won't even try
I know you're coming for the people like me
But we all got wood and nails
And we turn out hate in factories

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

:)

Things are going pretty good out here in the desert. As far as my time here is concerned it's been an eerie picture resembling the children of Israel in the wilderness. And I can see the promised land in the distance! WHOO!
I've been reading through Matthew and it's been a huge blessing looking at the life of Christ and reading the words that He spoke. If it's been a while for any of you reading through the gospels, go and read' back through them, they're always a blessing.
I'm still at a time of trial and testing, but the Lord has been bringing me through it and things are going well. He's continuing to help me to press on! He's been faithful in my life to provide for me thus far. There's not much else going on in my life right now, aside from some plans that I have, but I'm waiting for the Lord to speak to me about those still.

I would have some pictures for everyone, but I lost our camera on my last adventure and I'm still kinda bummed about it.

Well, there'll be more later.
bye for now

I'm back

My time of fasting went pretty well. I realize it's something I need to do more often. The Lord has given me all kinds of things to think on and continue to improve on. Overall I'm still waiting for the Lord to speak and guide me somewhere away from here, but at the same time I know He has me here for a good reason and so I'm trying to be used by Him as much as I can while I'm here.

Fasting

is something that I know I should do more often, but I've been putting it off. Well, not for the next week! This next week is time to kill the flesh and focus my attention on the Lord. So if you think of me over the next week, I'd really appreciate the prayer. I really want this time to be a great time and I definitely don't want to waste it. Once the time is over, I'll update ya'll on how it went.
The Lord has been good to me, and I want to offer myself to Him.

So, peace out for a week internet!

Thanks friends!

I just wanted thanks you guys for reading and encouraging me. In fact, I'm feeling a whole lot better! The Lord is doing some great things with me while I'm here, and it seems to be more of a training time. Although it does seem a little boring around here and like there's not much to do, I've been trying to do as much as I can and it's working out pretty well. I can't wait to get started with something really exciting, but until that happens I'm actually getting pretty comfortable with finding things to do. It's a challenge that I know the Lord wants me to take on for the time being. Instead of waiting for things to come to me I'm actually looking for things to do. Some days it's a little dry, but today has been really great! I got to talk to Kayla and a few other people today and that made my day really exciting! I also worked out in the back yard, which is what's on the schedule for the next hour. The Lord is good, and I get more encouraged as I go on. There will be more to come, and maybe some pictures! Bye for now.

Moses in the wilderness

Well, since I've been back home a lot of people have been asking me the same questions over and over again...
1. So how long are you back for?
2. Do you have a job?
3. Are you going to school anywhere?

At times these questions get a little discouraging because none of the answers are exciting...
1. I don't know. (Not long I hope)
2. Not yet. (It doesn't look promising either)
3. No (But I've been thinking about it quite a bit. The problem is I have no idea what I would really like to study or do with my life at this point)

It also gets really lonely out here in the desert. I don't have many friends, and the ones I do have, I only get to hang out with like once a week...maybe.

But now that all the sad stuff out of the way...
I know that the Lord is doing something right now. He's teaching me a lot about patience, self control, good work ethic, and a bunch of other things that I need to learn to be more like Christ. Right now I feel a bit like I'm in training to be a man, and it's pretty tough, but I know that the Lord is doing something good with me. So the Lord is good and I'm just having to trust Him and wait to see what He's going to do. I'm learning to remember my priority is to glorify the Lord in whatever I do, even if it's cleaning out the backyard.

A few prayer requests for me:
1. I really need something to do (i.e. a job or school)
2. I really need a little more human interaction these days. So if any of you are reading this I'd love to hear from you. I pretty much see my parents and my dogs only...everyday. Occasionally I'll go out once a week, or hang out with someone, but I really need a little bit more. It's getting pretty lonely out here. So that would be something you guys can pray for me for.
3. There a few things that I'm praying about that I don't really want to mention just yet, but they are things I really want to do. So if you vaguely pray for those things that would be a blessing.
4. Lastly, I need money to pay off the school, so if you guys could pray for that too.

Other than all those things, I'm very encouraged with all the things that are going on right now in my life and I'm hoping that they are continuing to gloify the Lord. He is good to me and I can name so many blessings that I'm not worthy of, but very thankful for. God is good!

P.S. If anyone in Germany is reading this, tell everyone there that I miss them a lot!

also, leave a comment so that I know you read this!