I Ain't Freaking*

I ain't fakin' this . . . *

Last night, The Coach surprised me with my Mother's Day/early birthday present - an impossibly tiny little nano.

That man.  Ridiculous in lavishness.

Anyway, I sat down with iTunes for the first time ever last night and was immediately overwhelmed.  Thanks to my friend Melissa's guidance, I knew I wanted to start with Patty Griffin's Impossible Dream (sitting in my Amazon cart for weeks now).  After that, I found myself browsing Laurie Berkner selections and was struck by what a lame-o I am.

So who wants to help a mama out?  Wanna help me build my post-career, pre-soccer mom playlist? 

What are your essential must-listen picks?

To give you an idea of the music I gravitate towards, there's the aforementioned Patty Griffin, and I've long been a fan of the Dixie Chicks (newer stuff more than older, and I have Taking the Long Way committed to memory).  I adore Joshua Radin and would be thrilled if someone would release a soundtrack anthologizing every song from every episode from every season of Scrubs. 

Let's see, what else?  I can never say no to George or Jimmy.  And I actually really do like Laurie Berkner and have been known to listen to her when the girls are nowhere around.

I'm totally okay with Taking it Easy, but I've been known to Blister in the Sun, too.

As far as spiritually inspired or inspiring music goes, I tend to have the same problems with Contemporary Christian music that I have with Christian fiction (let's leave it at that), but I am a hard-core fan of the old school hymns.  (Something feels very wrong about hard-core and hymns in the same sentence.)  Wanna expand my horizons in this genre?

I can't wait to hear your recommendations, as ya'll are some of the coolest people I know.  I just know you are listening to some very cool stuff that you cannot wait to tell me about.     

* For my more evolved friends and readers who don't watch commercial TV, the reference here is to the newest iPod ad featuring the Ting Ting's song "Shut Up and Let Me Go ."

Comments

[Shannon]

I've been finding new music lately by using pandora.com. You can enter stuff you like, and they'll play stuff that you should like based on that. Here's a link to mine, to give you an idea. Try it out! :D http://www.pandora.com/people/skfarley

[noodle]

Coming out of the lurker-shadows to give a few of my recommendations:

Raising Sand -- Alison Krauss and Robert Plant
Happy Land -- a tribute to the music from Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House" books
Colorblind -- Robert Randolph & the Family Band
Motivational Speaker -- Alvin Youngblood Hart

Those are the CDs getting big play at my house right now. :)

[Becky]

Oh geeze, count me in on desperately wanting a Scrubs soundtrack. That would be just fantastic!
I've also always loved the Dixie Chicks. In fact, I would classify my preferred type of music as something I can simply sing along to, something that has a great melody.

After reading the Twilight series, I spent some time on Stephenie Meyer's website and went through her "playlist" for her books. I found a lot of favorites in it! While I haven't purchased full albums, I really love a lot of songs from two albums in the alternative rock category - something I never found myself considering before then:
Coldplay, "A Rush of Blood to the Head"
Muse, "Absolution"

Have fun with your new toy!
(This coming from a mom who actually *did* put Laurie Berkner on her MP3 player....)

[Megan@SortaCrunchy]

@Shannon - I knew you'd come through. Thanks, friend!

@noodle - HOORAY for delurking! Great recommendations.

@Becky - Oh, without a doubt, Laurie B. will be on there! She's an essential for us. I really do love her music and lyrics!! We dance to her all the time.

[Hannah]

One of my new favorites is The Swell Season.

[Noah]

Have you listened to much of Brandi Carlile? She's one of my favs. I particularly like "The Story", "Throw It All Away", and "Turpentine". But all of her stuff is good really. You can listen to sound clips of some songs on her site: http://www.brandicarlile.com/

[Alana]

Here you go, my friend:

http://www.amazon.com/Scrubs-Various-Artists/dp/B000066BZU

I also love anything with Alison Krauss including Raising Sand.

I also love Matchbox Twenty and Maroon 5.

But my heart belongs to Dave Matthews!

[laura t.]

that coach! he is such a catch! i am DYING to make you a mix-tape CD. i think this is something that i will start right away. because itunes is addictive and can get expensive fast. i will keep your varied tastes in mind.

[stacey]

too cool!

i recently discovered superchicks. i would call them funky christian. i blast out to the "stand in the rain".

i am planning a music week and that might give you more ideas!

[Jennifer Sabin]

I don't really listen to much music anymore, but as for hymns... you might like Jars of Clay's Redemption Songs. They took old hymns and updated the style. It is the only music cd I've listened to for almost 6 months.

[Mary Ann]

I am definitely going to be watching these comments! I am totally in the same boat of lame-o! I have some Itunes giftcards and I sit at my computer, clueless as to what to download. Thanks for the help!!!!

[Sara@Sarandipity]

I'm kinda partial to the Imagination Movers (and Bug is, too) and I've listened to them when he isn't around. It helps that they are kinda hot, too. lol

I'm also into Irish/Celtic music like Celtic Woman and Great Big Sea. I'm thinking of trying Celtic Thunder as someone told me they are really great, too.

I'm mostly a soundtrack girl. I think the Pirates of the Caribbean has been in my cd changer since it was released...I think I need some new music too. lol Maybe I'll have to stalk your suggestions for new music to add to my own collection.

[Jen]

You mean I'm supposed to listen to something other than lullabies??? Really? LOL

And thanks for filling us non-t.v. watching folk in on the latest iPod ads!

I'm rather partial to anything country but two of my favourite songs at the moment are Watching Airplanes by Gary Allan and Livin' Our Love Song by Jason Michael Carroll. Good Luck and what an awesome man you've got :-)

[Papaya Mom]

feist

Tom Cochrane - Mad Mad World, Ragged Ass Road, etc.

You'll want some Bruce Springsteen of course, maybe Blues Traveler, etc.

Jack Johnson - Sleep through the Static

ANYTHING by the Indigo Girls, Tracy Chapman, etc.

[Lori]

Definitely give Shelby Lynn a listen.

If you're feeling adventurous, Amel Larrieux is a must have, especially her Infinite Possibilities cd (warning, not country). Aya is also very pleasing.

As for Christian music, I love the songwriting and vocals of Nichole Nordeman. I've been a fan of hers for quite some time. I'm also a big fan of Casting Crowns. For a little adventure, give some gospel a listen, especially Fred Hammond.

Ok, enjoy! And, let me know what you think.

[Rachel]

Oh I love it when presents come unexpectedly early! How romantic!

Get to the iTunes store and do a search for Scrubs Soundtrack -- there are two volumes.

I think Patty Griffin has a sound similar to Christian singer Jennifer Knapp. I have a couple of her albums and they get a lot of play time. She's on iTunes too.

[Megan@SortaCrunchy]

Oh my gosh - you guys are SO AWESOME. I was going to test out the "reply in comments and in email" approach to comment response, but WOW! I am overwhelmed. Back to just emailing for now.

I appreciate every single suggestion and am taking careful notes!

[Elle]

I feel a bit "nekkid" in this comment, revealing my music picks. Lame-o fears, myself. But for you, friend, happy mom's day early.

As a frugal freak, one of the cheap easy things to do at iTunes is check out the Free downloads every week. I almost always end up getting them--giving me a chance to discover new artists or genres.

I'm a hymn lover as well, having really enjoyed Glory Revealed and Beams of Heaven--both compilations. My favorite edgy Christian artist is Crystal Lewis. She's this itty bitty girl with Mariah Carey range--love to hear her.

So, those are some of my picks. Oh, and my shameless attachment to 80's music. Makes me feel like those old big hair days are still around.

[Amy]

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE
Josh Grobin
Mat Kearney
Jack Johnson (Brushfly Fairytales)
Norah Jones
Jewel (Hands!)

In the Christian genry. . (I totally get what you are saying. . I do like. .

Rich Mullins (anything)
Casting Crowns ( My fav songs are: Voice of Truth, If we are The Body, Who Am I)
Cadmons Call ( fav song: Prepare ye the way)
Jennifer Knapp (The album: A Diamond the in Rough)

And what about Podcasts?!?!
I like Mosaic Chuch, Pastor Erwin McManis from LA
Rob Bell at Mars Hill in Michigan
(both are free and download automatically to your IPod)

[Amy]

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE
Josh Grobin
Mat Kearney
Jack Johnson (Brushfly Fairytales)
Norah Jones
Jewel (Hands!)

In the Christian genry. . (I totally get what you are saying. . I do like. .

Rich Mullins (anything)
Casting Crowns ( My fav songs are: Voice of Truth, If we are The Body, Who Am I)
Cadmons Call ( fav song: Prepare ye the way)
Jennifer Knapp (The album: A Diamond the in Rough)

And what about Podcasts?!?!
I like Mosaic Chuch, Pastor Erwin McManis from LA
Rob Bell at Mars Hill in Michigan
(both are free and download automatically to your IPod)

[Adventures In Babywearing]

Ok, I've been known to like Laurie Berkner, too. And maybe have even seen her in concert... : )

My latest loves are Guster's Ganging Up On The Sun, Iron & Wine's The Creek Drank The Cradle, A Fine Frenzy's One Cell In The Sea, and anything Sufjan- like lately his Avalanche.

Steph

[Mandy]

Yay! I have the blue iPod Nano. Let me tell you how awesome that Nano is. Not only do I have music on it, I put audio books on it and listen to books as I walk. AND I also have white noise on it for studying. My iPod is one of my favorite "things".

Onto music.... try Small by JJ Heller, Lemonade by Chris Rice. Also, I know you will LOVE this. Look up The Praise Baby Collection. There are lots of great Christian songs done in a way that I enjoy, but the kids enjoy too. I love their version of "Lord, I Lift Your Name On High".

[birdie]

Based on your preferences, I think you would like:

The Shins
Kings of Convenience
Zero 7

And really, even if punk rock is not your favorite, you can't go wrong with some Ramones :-)

[Corrie]

Okay, here are two Christian artists you HAVE to give a listen to. Okay 3.

Sara Groves is amazing. She is a mom, and she writes about it but not in a cheesy way. She is so intense and thoughtful.

Rich Mullins is always good.

Then, there is Waterdeep, who have made these beautiful albums called Enter the Worship Circle. They are my favorite.

I'm sorry to say that these are the only Christian artists I can really recommend highly... I have the same problem you do.

[eva]

You'll love The Shins (especially the song "New Slang") - very Scrubs-esque stuff. Also check out:
- Rocky Votolato (I love "White Daisy Passing")
- The Clientele
- Mason Jennings
- Lily Allen
- Yo La Tengo

Enjoy!

[Lani ~ The Wooden Porch]

You know what I love and what has been a great hit at our parties? Top hits of the 80's. No kidding.

Mickey by Toni Basil
867-5309/Jenny by Tommy Tuntone
Jessie's Girl by R. Springfield
Funkytown by Lipps Inc.

I could go on and on. I have 69 songs in there.

If you can get your hands on "The iPod Book" by Scott Kelby, he tells you tons and tons of tricks to do with your iPod that I find amazing. I found it at my library.

[Lani ~ The Wooden Porch]

P.S. I love Jason Castro's version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" that he sang on American Idol. iTunes offers it for $.99

[Jackie]

I'm a total geek and don't even know half of the songs I hear on the radio, but I'm a fan of Johnny Cash, Jack Johnson (his first three albums are better than his most recent, but its not bad), Joni Mitchell, and don't forget good old Billy Joel, Paul Simon and Elton John. We've also started listening to some classical music around the house it's great for background music when doing supper prep or eating supper; I also have some on my ipod for when i want to listen to music at school but still be productive at the reading/writing I'm doing.

[Jennifer]

There are some really great Christian artitsts out there and some just cheesy ones. Here are ones that I recommend:

MercyMe - anything, but especially "Almost There" and the latest one "All That is Within me". If you can get the acoustic tracks on the new one, I think you may like them.

Sara Groves - latest album - "Tell Me What you Know" and then the one before "Add to the Beauty"

Jars of Clay - anything, but since you like hymns, "Redemption Songs". (You may NOT like Good Monsters, very post modern.)

David Crowder Band - latest is "Remedy". They are a mix of everything - dance, rock, and contemporary worship.

Michael W. Smith - "Stand" - don't like all of his stuff, but this CD is great!

Good luck and have fun! Let me know if you like any of these artists. I understand if you don't. Just curious about what you think.
Jennifer

[sheila@momfessions]

Congrats on the cute nano! I just got one for my birthday (I had an old nano but the new one is way cuter!). I don't know much about music. I listen to Rascal Flatts like all the time. Am I a loser?

[Jennifer]

Sorry, one more thing. Check out podcasts by Joyce Meyer (www.joycemeyer.org). She is a great, practical teacher of the Bible. Wish I had an iPod just for her podcasts!

[Rebecca]

The Doves
Wilco
Coldplay (of course)
and give a try to CC artists:
Nichole Nordeman
Sixpence None the Richer

By the way, I haven't heard of Ruthless Trust, but Brennan Manning is one of my favorites. Did you love it? Was it as good as Ragamuffin?

[katie fox]

DEREK WEBB
DEREK WEBB
DEREK WEBB
DEREK WEBB

yeah.

don't forget the earlier patty griffin stuff. she's been a fave of mine since the beginning - living with ghosts was the first.
and oh, and did i mention derek webb?

[katie fox]

ok, and also check these guys out. i don't know if you'll like them or not - it's become quite the fad for christian artists to record hymns in hip new arrangements. most of the arrangements are just as blah and uninteresting as the songs those artists write & record themselves. but these guys are unique, they were among the first to bring back the hymns - they're writing new tunes for old hymn lyrics. some are great, some not so much - it's a bit haphazard. check it out - indelible grace. www.igracemusic.com

[oh amanda]

Fun! Oh, my ipod is filled with children's tunes. or maybe it's not...maybe that's just all that gets played.

But if I DO NOT play a kids' album, I generally play some worship-y type stuff (Passion, etc.) or some Harry Connick Jr. or a little Jack Johnson. I've also been known to bust out a little Grits. So, yeah, I'm probably not a good example...

[Missy @ It's Almost Naptime]

I totally second Derek Webb. He rocks the Christian genre. My faves of his are Wedding Dress and I Wanna Marry You All Over Again.

Also check out his wife, Sandra McCracken. I think you would like her.

Walker is currently obsessed with this sister act now called Tegan and Sara.

Personally, I am a huge Cowboy Junkies fan. It's not new, but it's so so good!

[katy (aka funny girl)]

Seems like you've got enough here to keep you busy downloading for days, so I doubt you need more, but here's a couple anyway...

Matt Nathanson (very John Mayer-esque) - download Car Crash and Come On Get Higher

Robbie Seay Band (new non-Velveeta Christian) - download New Day

Happy Itunesing!!

[missy @ It's Almost Naptime]

Just found these guys - check it out

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=209682553

[jenn]

lots of suggestions! just wanted to add in my all time favorite no questions asked is jars of clay, especially their "who we are instead" album, but i've heard "monsters" is even better, although i haven't heard it yet. and it looks like they have a new one out or coming out. their redemption songs album, which someone else mentioned, is great.

if you like laura berkner you should check out dan zanes, i really like his music. it's fun and family friendly and kids like it but it's not "kids" music, it's family music.

[missy @ It's Almost Naptime]

ooooooo, look here

http://thegrasswidowsdiary.blogspot.com/2008/05/jill-paquette.html

By the way - i also love to gets podcasts from oneplace.com

My faves are White Horse Inn, Jill Brisco at Telling the Truth, RC Sproule, and John MacArthur at Grace to You. Those are all my gurus.