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Favorite Albums of 2010:
1) Gungor – Beautiful Things:
this is one of those CDs that got played so much in my car that when I ejected the CD is came out like loaf of bread out of an oven. The self-proclaimed “liturgical rock” of Gungor is not only worshipful, but challenging and beautifully arranged. It’s unlike anything I’ve heard from the “worship” or “Christian” genres, though Michael Gungor hates to classify any music “Christian” or “worship”. Amazing album.
2) John Mark MacMillan – The Medicine:
I have to be honest and say that it took me multiple spins before this record really sunk into my soul. I, admittedly, only originally checked out this album because David Crowder Band did a cover of his song “How He Loves”. But, it was only after seeing JMM perform live at Crowder’s Fantastical Church Music Conference that I was most blown away. Not necessarily because of the live performance, but because I got to catch a glimpse of the lyrics and the heart of the performer together. That was an amazing experience. You have to hear this record if you haven’t.
3) Stone Temple Pilots – Self-Titled:
STP’s first record since re-uniting after taking breaks from respective supergroups “Army of Anyone” and “Velvet Revolver” did not disappoint me. It seems as though STP picked up from where they left off. The guitar work from Dean DeLeo is exceptional and the styles vary from samba to rock to post-grunge. I love it.
4) Seabird – Over the Hills and Everywhere Christmas EP:
What “favorite album” list is complete without a Christmas CD? I could have easily put Phil Wickham’s Christmas album here, but I was pretty impressed with Seabird’s 6-song Christmas EP. While, lyrically, not much changes on these Xmas standards, the melodies have all been changed into something that sounds just like a Seabird song. For those of you who want to hear Christmas songs done differently, listen to this EP. “Go Tell it on the Mountain” is the best version of the song I’ve ever heard.
5) Joe Satriani – Black Swans & Wormhole Wizards:
I tried my best to not put this album on the list (and any “shred/virtuoso” album period), but this album is unlike anything Satch has ever done. It’s not the mindless shredding and arpeggios that one might be used to, but rather it’s all off-the-floor studio work done by recording greats like Mike Kenneally (keys/guitars), Allen Whitman (bass), and Jeff Campatelli (drums). Everything from hard-rock to jazz, to pop-fusion. Great stuff for any guitar player to listen to.
6) Brooke Fraser – Flags:
This album also took me a few spins before it really grew on me. It’s significantly different than her previous release, Albertine, but the song-writing is just as potent and the themes are just as moving. Brooke puts in great attention to the instrumentation, rhythm, and thought of her self-produced release. Also has a few tunes co-written by Jon Foreman, Aqualung, and husband Scott Ligertwood which are no doubt all highlights.
7) Audrey Assad – The House You’re Building:
catchy singer/songwriter folk-pop at its best. She’s got an amazing voice with a penchant for great lyrics. “Restless” is hauntingly good.
8) Jesus Culture – Consumed:
as far as worship albums go, this might have been one of my favorites of the year. Although Jesus Culture’s 7 or 8 minute songs can get a bit monotonous, there is great passion and honesty in these live-recording albums. They always choose to do a few worship covers that sound great as well. Also, Kim Walker did much less giggling (that is, saying “HA HA” after each chorus) on this album than others.
9) Army of Anyone - Self-Titled:
no album got more spins this year than Army of Anyone's (only) album. Thing is, this album was actually released in 2006. But, it popped up on my speakers one afternoon and I listened tot he whole record over and over and over. Brothers Dean and Robert DeLeo (of Stone Temple Pilots) needed something to do while Scott Weiland was touring with Velvet Revolver so they formed a band with Filter singer, Richard Patrick, and drummer extraordinaire, Ray Luzier. Amazing riffs, guitar work, vocals, and rhythms. This is one of my favorite rock records ever made. Ever.
10) Starfield – Saving One:
The one thing I've said about Starfield for some time now is that every record sounds the exact same. Saving One isn't any different sonically from any other Starfield release, but I seemed to enjoy this one more. Maybe it was because they used a producer not named Ed Cash, but I just really dug this release musically, lyrically, and spiritually.
Favorite Movies of 2010:
1) Inception - if this movie isn't in your Top 5 movies of 2010 then you are either certifiable or you just didn't see it. Christopher Nolan is easily becoming one of the best filmmakers of this generation.
2) TRON: Legacy - I saw the original: hated it. I saw the sequel; loved it. Not only were the visuals amazing, but the 3D aspect of it was comparable to Avatar. Great acting, appealing action sequences, and far better than the original.
3) Toy Story 3 - I actually think this movie will do what no other animated film has ever done: win the Oscar for "Best Picture". I've always said that one of the only sequels ever made that was better than its original was Toy Story 2. That being said, Toy Story was the best of the 3 and closed the storyline down in amazing fashion.
4) The Other Guys - I realize many will disagree with this statement, but I think The Other Guys was Will Ferrel's funniest movie since Anchorman. I laughed so hard at times that I was in tears. Plus, I'm a sucker for anything Marky Mark is in.
5) The Town - you've gotta give Ben Affleck credit. We wrote, directed, and starred int his movie which was a poor man's "The Departed". It had all the aspects of a Scorsese film without the Leonardo DiCaprio... and Martin Scorsese. Best "bank robber" movie ever made?
6) True Grit - although this movie came out in late-2010, I saw it in 2011. But, this is my list, so I can add it if I chose. I didn't know what to expect from this film, but I really enjoyed this John Wayne throwback. Although the ending differed slightly from the original, it was funny, entertaining, and had some good ole Western shoot-em-up moments. I covered my eyes during the rattlesnake parts, though.
7) Unstoppable - It's a movie about a runaway train. Worth seeing in the theaters? Yes. Before seeing the movie, I thought this would be more of a renter. But I'm glad I experienced it with the big sound and big screen. It was a surprisingly suspenseful movie that kept building until the very end.
8) Iron Man 2 - I'm pretty sure movies that comes from Marvel Comics have a place in my "favorite movies" list every year. I watched this one on my iPad during a plane-ride to Waco, TX and I was glued to the screen for the whole 2 hours. Downey Jr is awesome, as much as I hate to admit it, and Jon Favreau keeps directing awesome movies.
