So this maybe one of those self-indulgent series of blog posts, but I thought I might just share some things (music, tv, movies, books, etc) that I have enjoyed so far in 2008. Sometimes I denigrate simple pleasures like entertainment, but there is a place for everything. Hopefully, you might check a couple of these out and find a little joy in them like I did!

MUSIC

Jon Foreman – I discover Jon Foreman on itunes and was mesmerized by his laid back, but layered songwriting. Jon has a great emotive voice and is a gifted lyricist. His albums Fall and Winter were medicine for my soul during our transition to Japan. It was only later that I found out that he is also the lead singer of the band Switchfoot–a group that I have never really been drawn to.  I normally stay away from mainstream Christian music (I think it was my years of Contemporary Christian Music immersion as a clerk at a Christian bookstore–the Newsboys and Third Day still make me cringe). I probably need to give Switchfoot a second chance, given how much I like Jon Foreman. Do yourself a favor and give Mr. Foreman a listen, you may find his music ministering to you as well. (Favorite songs: I Am Still Running, Southbound Train, Your Love is Strong)

Foy Vance – Wow. Foy is a powerhouse of emotional songwriting. I can’t believe he is not more popular. His songs Gabriel and the Vagabond and Indiscriminate Act of Kindness are some of the most moving songs I have ever heard. Foy is an Irishman, partially raised in America by a preacher father (I think in a non-instrumental church). His music is a rare convergence of styles; a little gospel, jazz, folk, Dylan-esque storytelling with a big dose of irish emotion. Somehow all this blends into an amazingly powerful sound. Honestly, some of Foy’s songs have been more like sermons than songs to me–they don’t just express an emotion, they motivate and inspire. On a side note, Foy opened for Dave Matthews at a small acoustic concert in London last year. I think the venue held only a few hundred people–that is dream concert for me!

Griffin House – Griffin’s music is very mellow. His albums are the kind of thing you could leave on andjust let them play throughout your day. Don’t let the mellowness fool you though, these songs touch on a host of themes; love, war, faith and others. Griffin is sort like a midwest Jack Johnson–but with more variety. Some of his songs are just fun (The Guy That Says Goodbye to You Is Out of His Mind) others are more pointed (I Remember) and some are intensely personal (Why Won’t You Believe –which is a must listen for anyone with parents who don’t share one’s Christian faith). Overall, Griffin is a solid artist who speaks softly but strongly through his music.

Others Worth Mentioning –  

JJ Heller (excellent artist with beautiful lyrics and voice and insightful Christian lyrics – check out her song Small)

Glenn Hansard & Marketa Irglova - (We will get to them later in the Movies section, but these guys are fantastic)

Dan Wilson - (He has been a popular song-writer for many artists over the years, his solo album is wonderful)