Messages From Carrie
Albums and Books I Enjoyed in 2007
January 1st, 2008
Albums and Books I Enjoyed in 2007
Gosh, there has been so much good music and literature this year. But these are a few of the best that I thought I'd pass along.
Favorite Albums
José González - "In Our Nature"
I fell in love with Jose Gonzalez with his first “Veneer.” This album is a very strong follow up. In the same family of new minimulists with Iron and Wine and Sufian Stevens, it is a wonderful new collection. Didn’t leave my car for months.
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss - "Raising Sand"
This may sound like an odd duo in theory, but you realize it is perfect when you hear the album. Very cool production by T Bone Burnett!
The Winterpills - "The Light Divides"
This upcoming Western Mass. acoustic rock band blends contemplative lyrics with beautiful harmonies.
Iron & Wine - "The Shepard’s Dog"
I love Iron and Wine. The new one by this driving acoustic ensemble may be its best yet, with hypnotic hand percussion and original melodic textures.
Over the Rhine - "Trumpet Song"
Another wonderful release from an amazing duo. Their songs are always intelligent and poetic, with an interesting spiritual current.
Mary Chapin Carpenter - "The Calling"
The kind of finely honed depth of songwriting that has always earmarked her work. A wonderful album.
Bruce Springsteen - "Magic"
Bruce has done it again! This album features a return the rocking’ E Street Band sound. As always his lyrics are powerful poignant, and political in the best kinds of ways.
Malcolm Dalglish - “Into the Sky”
I’ve just received the CD and can’t stop listening to it! “Into the Sky” is beautiful, magical, and the kind of stunning vocal instrumental arrangement, melody and lyrics that find their way into your heart and make a home there.
Krista Detor - "Cover Their Eyes"
This album was released in Europe Fall 2007 and will be released in the USA in 2008. This wonderful CD features Krista’s exceptionally poetic lyrics, beautiful songwriting and stunning voice. I’ve fallen in love with Krista’s hands down gorgeous songwriting and find this collection deeply moving. It is not to be missed. David Weber’s production and musical contribution is a powerful presence on this release. Her 2007 reissue of her Christmas Album "Silverwood" is also exceptional.
Tom Roznowski - "Voice Beyond The Hill"
Tom is an American classic and Bloomington community treasure. “Voice Beyond the Hill” features Tom’s finely honed ability to create a powerful marriage of lyrics, storytelling and music. Listening to Tom you experience the kind of authentic and bona fide storytelling and songwriting, that peels away all the unnecessary layers and gets right down to the heart of the matter.
Favorite Books
Non-fiction
"Animal Vegetable Miracle" - Barbara Kingsolver
Steven Hopp and Camille Kingsolver
A wonderful exploration of a family’s decision to spend a year lowering their carbon foot print and supporting local food movement. Lots of interesting information, ideas, recipes and Barbara’s beautiful essays.
"A History of Awe" - Scott Russell Sanders
I fell in love with this collection of essays. There are stunning images, ideas and passages that have followed me around since I read the book. Scott’s work has a clarity, elegance and wisdom always washes over me with a power akin to that of a strong memory and blazing insight. A beautiful work.
“Eat, Pray, Love" - Elizabeth Gilbert
A woman’s exploration of beauty, devotion, balance and spiritual growth. Has a very funny and self deprecating sense of humor, heartbreakingly honest about the process of divorce and forgiveness.
“Speaking of Faith" - Krista Tippet
Journalist Krista Tippet, host and creator of one of the most insightful and intelligent discussions of faith, culture and science, explores her own spiritual journey and the creation her radio program “Speaking of Faith.” Her writing combines a heated intelligence with human vulnerability and insight. I loved the book.
The Omnivores Dilemma" - Michael Pollan
An exploration of the commercial, organic commercial and sustainable farming movements.
Fiction
“Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” - Jonathan Safran Foer
An extremely powerful book. I was utterly charmed by the young boy who is the narrator. This book made me laugh and weep and ponder the long lasting wounds of tragedy and violence.
“The Memory Keeper's Daughter" - Kim Edwards
Beautifully written. A exploration of lost opportunity, bad choices made out fear but of good intention, and the possibility of redemption.
"Water for Elephants" - Sara Gruen
Wonderful storytelling from the viewpoint of the same man at 92 and 24 years old.
“The Road” - Cormac McCarthy
A difficult book emotionally, the prose is stripped down and open as the bleak landscape he paints. Haunting story that has stayed with me.
“Good Omens” - Terry Prachett and Neil Gaimen
A collaboration by two giants of fantasy. A clever story that had me laughing out loud.