Music to Work By

I was noticing that I was really enjoying a run of music on the machine this AM, so I decided to write down a baker's dozen during that stretch. I know - it's not really a farm post. But, I like my music when I am working. And I felt a bit like sharing - so there you are - stuff for a blog post.

Pencil & Paper - Bourgeois Tagg
Time Line - AD
Light Gives Heat - Jars of Clay
Lonely Moon - Kevin Smith
20 Loves - Veil
Walls of Doubt - Daniel Amos
Pride - U2
A Million Stars - Iona
Walk Between the Raindrops - Adam Again
Rachel Delavoryas - Randy Stonehill
Forum - Undercover
Beds Are Burning - Midnight Oil
Dixie Storms - Lone Justice

Bourgeois Tagg has got to be one of the more under appreciated groups from the 1980's-1990's. Very accessible music with good story-telling quality. If you want to find some 'new' music, check out their album Yoyo

AD is one of Kerry Livgren's post-Kansas groups/projects. That man knows how to attract talented musicians. AD's music is like an onion..... layers upon layers (see Shrek if you missed the reference). Nothing but respect for Livgren and his musical ability here.

If you like music with a groove - you have to try Adam Again's Dig. But, it could be even harder to sit still when listening to Forum by Undercover. I love it when a band can push the front and/or back end of the time signature. There is a tension in this song between the percussion and the guitars. The result is an infectious swing.

For lyrical content, it is hard to beat anything written by Mark Heard (Lonely Moon). And, when it is performed by a vocalist with exceptional talent (Smith), you have a winner. But, I am partial to the story telling of Randy Stonehill and also find that Veil is capable of good things lyrically in 20 Loves.

Then there is the hauntingly beautiful violin that opens A Million Stars by Iona. I think this melody and the melody used to represent Rohan in the Lord of the Rings movies are two 'bare bones' string melodies that communicate the feeling of what they represent. We've had the privilege of seeing Iona in concert - tons of musical talent - well worth it.

And possibly the best tune of the group? Dixie Storms by Lone Justice. Yep, lots of good music this morning.