Crossroads

One of my favorite shows on TV is CMT Crossroads. It pairs a country artist with an artist from another genre (usually pop/rock). They sing each others’ songs and chat it up about their various musical experiences. There are a few duds, but I love a lot of them. One of my favorite games to play is “Who would be your Crossroads artist?” I love thinking about doing the show and what artist I would get to meet and collaborate with…cool. (a few possibilities: Springsteen, U2, Coldplay, James Taylor (he was taken by the Dixie Chicks, though))

Here are my favorites and links to videos.

Little Big Town and Lindsey Buckingham – Best by far!! “Bones” is basically a modern day Fleetwood Mac song anyway.

Brad Paisley and John Mayer – Both amazing guitar players although you feel a little bad for Brad because it seems John isn’t really into his music as much.

Dixie Chicks and James Taylor – Their version of “Carolina in My Mind” is one of my favorites that comes up on shuffle. Just James’s guitar, voice, and harmonies by the Chicks.

Kenny Rogers and Lionel Richie – Went to the taping of this with my HUGE Lionel Richie fan sister-in-law Norah. Their chemistry was awesome. They should do an album and tour together.

Jason Aldean and Bryan Adams – Brand new one, but what a hit. Their voice sound amazing together and Bryan should do a country album!

Do you have a favorite??

Live, Live, Live

A couple months ago I posted a status on Twitter/Facebook stating that I loved live albums and asking people for their favorites.  I got a great response.  Lots of classics.  So I decided to follow that up with a list of my favorites in no particular order…

James Taylor – Live – Great musicianship and, of course, songs.  No overdubs!

Coldplay – LeftRightLeftRightLeft – The enthusiasm of the crowd is amazing.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band – Live in New York City – The energy of this band is unparalleled.

Simon and Garfunkel – The Concert in Central Park (1981) – Great harmonies and great fun.

David Wilcox – East Asheville Hardware – Funny, poignant, real.

Darrell Scott – Live in NC – Mix country, bluegrass, southern rock, jam band, and a voice like no other.

John Mayer – Where the Light Is – Comprehensive.  The acoustic set is my favorite by far.

Darrell Evans – Let the River Flow – Taught me so much about worship.

Hillsong – Shout to the Lord – Classic.  Nothing else to say.

U2 – Rattle and Hum – Not a complete live album but the closest I had in the 8th grade.  I loved the passion on this…I wanted to sing like Bono so bad (Part of me still does:)!

How about you?…

A Few Favorite Tunes

This week, instead of reviewing an album, I thought I would give you a few of my favorite tracks currently “in rotation.”

  1. “Where I Belong” Matt Gilman & Cory Asbury, Holy – From the IHOP-KC free album download.  When it first came on, I had to listen to it several times before I could listen to anything else.  Musically, it’s got a great soaring chorus and some nice drum programming.  Lyrically, it’s got such a spirit of joy about “finding the place I belong – Your presence.”
  2. “In Your Atmosphere” John Mayer, Where the Light is – This is from the acoustic portion of his live album.  Moody and profound, it articulates a feeling you know you’ve had: love, friendship, family, somewhere.
  3. “Closer” Matt Gillman, IHOP LE Volume 18From a series of best-of compilations from the Prayer Room, this is a highlight in 9(!) that sounds natural and builds from very intimate to grand and sweeping.
  4. “Between the Lines” Sara Bareilles, Little Voice – Ah, the bass line and melody together!  This is just such a beautiful song.  Poetic title and wonderful piano.
  5. “Every Tear” Jon Thurlow, Songs About Jesus – I wrote a review of this album a few months ago and have recently been listening to it a lot again.  This track is just beautiful (that seems to be a theme here) and the truth of Jesus wiping every tear from our eyes is comforting and powerful.
  6. “The Hardest Part” Coldplay, LeftRightLeftRightLeft and X&Y – I had heard this on X&Y and didn’t think much about it, but when I heard it on the new live (& free!) album I flipped.  For the past three weeks I have literally woken up with it running through my head.  The stripped down version with just piano and the singing crowd is awesome.  Coldplay’s melodies and general vibe are so unique and captivating.