Enter the Worship Circle - Chair & Microphone Vol. 2

Sometimes I have an idea of what an album is going to sound like before picking it.  Other times I am blown away in awe, and Chair and Microphone, Vol. 2 blew me away.  This was the first album of the Chair and Microphone series put out by Enter the Worship Circle that I got my hands on.

Almost the entire Fall of 2007 was filled with anything but this album.  Every time I listen to Aaron Strumpel just pour his heart into these songs I feel as if I am sitting in the studio singing along.  As far as lyrics go, this album is filled with some of the best that I have come across in quite some time.  Check this out:

You should have been scared when you breathed into me.

I have a feeling you knew what I'd say and what I'd do.

But your love said do it anyway.

Lisa Hannigan - Sea Sew

Upon first hearing about this album, my expectations were high.  Not too many people know who Lisa Hannigan is without being put next to Damien Rice.  If you know anything about me, Damien Rice's O may possibly my favorite album of all time.  Thus the high expectations.

Hannigan's voice is the one that carries some of the beautiful melodies in Damien Rice's albums, and does the exact same as the lead vocal in her own albums.  For a debut album, Sea Sew delivers with a punch.

Her delivery is nothing short of amazing.  God has definitely blessed Hannigan with a beautiful voice. The album flows great.  Seamless even.  All I can say with Sea Sew is to go and buy it.  If you click on the album cover in this post you can buy it from Amazon.  Get it today!  You won't regret it.

Enter the Worship Circle - Chair and Microphone Vol. 1

Although I am all for Jesus, it seems that Christian music has never been something that brought much joy to my life other than some of the worship stuff out there.  Thankfully there is a change happening where artists are no longer trying to mimic what is happening in pop-culture, but actually being authentic musicians.

Of all the artists in the Christian world, none do it better than Enter the Worship Circle.  Their main projects are simply labeled First Circle, Second Circle, and so on.

This, however, is a side project simply titled Chair and Microphone, Vol 1.  Currently four volumes are available, and all are along the same lines.  One artist with a chair and a microphone and an instrument.  Though these albums are extremely simple, the passion just flows out of the lyrics and music written by each artist of Enter the Worship Circle.  All four volumes have become an essential part of my library, and something that I will enjoy for many long years.

Amy Winehouse - Back to Black

Paste Magazine labeled this album as #18 on their article, 50 Best Albums of the Decade (2000-2009).  The albums starts out with an almost 50's barber shop feel.  As Back to Black progresses, you get a feeling you are listening to an album from Motown.  This would be great if I loved listening to Motown, but that is just not the case.

Since this is not really my genre of choice, I can't make a fair assessment of this song.  One thing is for sure, it's definitely not on any top albums list of mine.  I probably won't be listening to her much... ever.  Sorry Amy.

Wilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

The first time I saw this album, one of my 'friends' said that I would not enjoy it.  She did not even let me give it a try, but instead probably shoved some Dashboard Confessional my way.  It would not be until a year later that this album would resurface into my life.
Interestingly enough, I was not too fond of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot the first time my friend Josh lent me the album.  However, knowing that this was considered one of the greatest albums at the time (and because of my prior experience), I decided to give it a second listen.  Pretty soon I found myself playing the CD again and again until it became one of the albums that will stick with me the rest of my life.
Every time I listen to Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, I am all the more intrigued by the many layers of each track.  Almost every time I listen it feels like a new experience because there are so many subtle things going on in the background.
Although this is a big step away from Tweedy's former band, Son Volt, the musicianship never left.  This may very well stand out as Wilco's second best album, only to be topped by their self titled Wilco.  Enjoy the video.

The Avett Brothers: I And Love And You

From the start, the Avett Brothers pull you into I And Love And You with the lyrics, "Load the car and write the note. Grab your bag and grab your coat. Tell the ones that need to know. We are headed north."
Yet again, another great band that my friend Ricky has pointed in my direction.  It saddens me how such a great band can have several releases before it catches my attention.  How could I have been missing out on such great music?
Most albums start off big and fast, and then bring it down a few tracks in to try and set a mood.  I And Love And You does just the opposite.  By the time you reach "Kick Drum Heart" the band is soaring with excitement.  But this does not stay for long as "Laundry Room" brings the intensity back down.  Then up again, and down again, and so it goes.  If you want a ride, let the Avett Brothers take you on on with this album.

Shannon Stephens: The Breadwinner

Many times I really enjoy a good album while working.  Back in college it started with Denison Witmer's Safe Away and Damien Jurado's Ghost of David.  As time progresses, more albums are added to the list.  Most recent Shannon Stephen's The Breadwinner has made the list.
Her melodic singing glides over the instrumentalists almost like a lullaby.  I must admit the chicken at the beginning of "Hard Times are Coming" is a bit amusing, but overall the album has a nice flow.
If you are not a fan of folk music, avoid this album.  But if you are anything like me, this album is well worth your time.