Sonically Splendiferous

I had a very eventful weekend, musically speaking. Friday night I bought the just released Jennifer Knapp live album, and promptly listened to it twice. I highly recommend it if you like her music. The weird thing about her is that she dropped off the face of the earth 3 years ago. I've heard unsubstantiated rumors of what happened, but no facts or interviews have appeared anywhere on the subject. I've always enjoyed her music, and this album clearly shows what we're missing.

Then a friend of mine sent one of the best wedding gifts I received: a gift certificate to itunes. When I sent him an email to thank him he said that my wife should have received one too! It was like Christmas morning and your birthday rolled into one. So armed with my bounty I downloaded the following albums:

Rebecca St James - If I Had One Thing To Tell You
The album isn't bad, but it's not quite up to par with her album "Pray," released in 1998

Delirious - The Mission Bell
I hadn't bought an album by these guys in quite some time, and haven't listened to it all the way through, but what I've heard so far is quite good.

Kelly Clarkson - Breakaway
A guilty pleasure. Plus when combined with gift certificates, a no brainer. Good pop music.

The Killers - Hot Fuss
My sister loves this band, so I'd thought I'd check it out. Haven't had time to listen all the way through yet.

Then on Sunday night, I saw Derek Webb, Sara Groves and Jars of Clay in concert. Derek Webb was phenomenal. I have two of his albums and enjoy him immensely. He writes songs that really challenge Christians, and it ways that aren't always easy to hear. Sara Groves was ok. I hadn't ever heard her before, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I really dug a couple of her songs, but the rest were pretty bland. I would probably consider Jars of Clay to be one of my favorite bands, so I was really disappointed by this show because they played so much off their first album which I think is far inferior to the rest of their work. The music and lyrics are blah (although Worlds Apart is ok), and not as interesting as any of their other albums. If I hear "Flood" one more time I will scream. Still, there were some really good numbers, and they played two tracks off the album they are currently putting together which sounded excellent. I did really enjoy the show closer "I'll Fly Away," but I may think I may skip their next visit to town.