I have come to really appreciate Derek Webb’s writing. Maybe it’s how he is constantly ‘evolving’ his sound, or maybe it’s his pithy, sarcastic style of writing that I find commonality in. Most likely it’s both of these things.

A song that he wrote a while ago, and one of his most well know “House Show” songs is called “Wedding Dress”. The whole song is an analogy of the typical (american Christian) relationship with Christ.

Again, last night, I found this song speaking to me and reminding me of the ways I just use God to get the things I want. Which also leads me to be thinking about how I do that to others in my life as well.

While I know some people disagree with his songwriting and the way he calls us out, I personally am thankful for what he is doing and hope others are willing to give it a listen.

So, for your listening (and viewing pleasure) here’s the song “Wedding Dress” from the show. (The viewing of this thought is not so pleasurable, was sitting in the very back.)

Thoughts on the song?

You Have Me
out on the farthest edge
there in the silence
you were there

My faith was torn to shreds
heart in the balance
but you were there

always faithful
always good
you have still have my
you still have my heart

I thought I had seen the end
everything broken
but you were there

I’ve wandered heaven’s gates
I’ve made my bed in hell
You were there still

You have me
You have my heart completely

Manchester Orchestra “You Mean Everything to Nothing” – This is a great new find for me this year. They are a Atlanta based band that I found out about on twitter. Great song hooks, catchy lyrics, and some great guitar driven songs that you just turn up while listening too.

The Dead Weather “Horehound” – It’s another band by Jack White…need I say more? Seriously, just buy it. Check out songs “Hang You From the Heavens” and “Treat Me Like Your Mother”. Great songs.

Derek Webb “Stockholm Syndrome” – If I were to name one album that was my favorite for the year, it would be this one. It says so many things that I would love to say in song, but also challenges me at the same time. Plus, it’s awesome to hear Derek reach out into the world of Electronic Music for an album. The concert he put on for this album was also a lot of fun.

As Cities Burn “Hell or High Water” – My friend Jason handed this CD to me one night on the way out of Saturate. He said, “Hey, I think you’ll like this”. He couldn’t have been more right. A nice blend of Alternative Rock with Blues guitar licks. Check out the song “Made to Pretty”. That will get you thinking.

Band of Skulls “baby darling doll face honey” – Listen to this album from start to finish and you will not be disappointed. All of the songs are worth listening too. A three piece band that knows how to bring the rock, and write some sweet tunes too. To get a good sampling check out “Light of the Morning”, “Death by Diamond and Pearls”, and “Patterns”.

Other music close to the top:

• Paul Baloche – “Glorious”
• Phil Wickham – “Heaven and Earth”
• Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse – “Dark Night of the Soul”
• Pomplamoose – “Pomplamoose Video Songs”
• Owl City – “Ocean Eyes”

Well, there’s my version of a recap for 2009. I hope that at least one of these albums finds there way into your music library. I’m sure glad they found their way into mine!

Happy listening!

-A