Top Ten Albums of 2009

The end of the year is time for inevitable TOP TEN lists. For some reason, I have always been drawn to these. I simply love them! So, in order to honor this tradition, I will be adding my own addition. I want to give you my “Top Ten Albums of 2009”. This is tough for me, and on any given day I could change the order . So…here you go!

10- The Dead Weather- Horehound
I sure miss the White Stripes. But as long as Jack White keeps putting out amazing side projects, I am ok with it. What a dark, weird and delightful debut. The era of girl rock seems dead, until you hear this one. It plain rocks.
Songs to hear: Rocking Horse, Hang You from the Heavens

9-The Swell Season – Strict Joy
Do you remember seeing Once and being rocked to your very core by the music???? The stars of the film record under the name The Swell Season. 2009 saw the release of their newest collaboration. It is a melancholy album, seemingly reflecting on the couple’s real life breakup. While not as raw as ONCE, it has stunning moments. It is a must have.
Songs to hear: Low Rising, Fantasy Man

8- Derek Webb- Stockholm Syndrome
This is what happens when a folksy crooner finds big beats. You get his most unusual and best release to date. You get fat bass lines, acoustic licks and solid crooning, all wrapped around spiritually deep lyrics that shake your heart to make you think. From start to finish it is totally solid.
Songs to hear: What matters More , Freddie Please

7-Wilco- Wilco
Throughout their career, Wilco seamlessly adds to and changes their sound with each new release. This self titled release finds a compelling middle course that will shake your very being. It seems that rehab makes you rethink life and acceptance. It is moving and gorgeous.
Songs to hear: Solitaire, You never Know


6-Neko case- middle Cyclone
I guess you could almost call it a “concept album” about nature and its’ power? Once again Neko croons pure alt country beauty on this new release. She portrays herself as an animal, a tornado, and a man-eater, yet all the while, exuding the soul and power of a true soul diva!
Songs to hear: vengeance is Sleeping, Middle Cyclone

5-Bruce Springsteen – Working on a Dream
Some things just get better with age. The Boss seems to have found his 2nd wind! This album has it all, long slow ballads, story tellers and arena rock. If you gave up on Bruce in the 90’s, PLEASE trust me and give this a listen.
Download: Outlaw Pete, The Wrestler, Kingdom of Days

4-Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest
Grizzly Bear has been on the indie rock scene for awhile. Occasionally they would release a song that would rock my IPod with potential, but something was missing. NO LONGER! This album attacks your ears from every angle with a myriad of sounds. This is a definite must-have for the Pet Sounds loving fan!
Songs to hear: While You Wait for the Others, Two Weeks

3-U2 – No Line on the Horizon
I make no apologies for my unabashed love of Bono and the gang. History will show them one of the most important bands ever. While I have really liked their last few albums, No Line on the Horizon is, without a doubt, their absolute best since Achtung Baby (I remember skipping my homeroom period Senior year in HS to get that one). This record is full of the usual amazing lyrics, and perfect moments. A few songs actually rival for the “best U2 songs ever” award.
Songs to hear: Magnificent, Moment of Surrender

2-The Avett Brothers – I and Love and You
I don’t even know where to start here! I first became a fan after being recommended their Emotionalism album. For their major label debut, they teamed up with star maker Rick Rubin. The record has taken a different sound with much less banjo and much more piano. Don’t be scared by this. It is beautiful. I literally cannot stop listening.
Songs to hear: I and Love and You, Kick Drum Heart

1- Pearl Jam – Backspacer
This is a tough one for me, because I don’t want to be biased. But Pearl Jam was THE soundtrack band for the time in my life that impacted me the most! Although I never lost a love for them, age, time, kids, careers, and honestly subpar recordings have taken them away from me a little. So when I heard this, I was literally floored for days with emotion. I absolutely love it. It is listening to artists grow up in your ears, and touch your very soul with their reflections. From start to finish it is perfection. Get the ENTIRE record and put on repeat!
Songs to hear: You
The Fixer, Just Breathe, Got Some

Jude's Eye View

ever wonder what goes on in the mind of a 6 yr old boy? My son Jude started a blog, and it is VERY cute! Check it out at judejickpannell.blogspot.com, or just use the link below! He is doing it himself...so random and awesome

Holiday Fun

Man it was a VERY nice Christmas this year! We got to laugh, play and relax....which is rare this time of year. I am sad it is over...it always goes too fast. But while it lasted, it was great! So, for those of you who really care, here are some fun memories that you can take a gander at :)

My sister and her family came over on Christmas eve. We had an awesoem dinner of Tbones and all kinds of fixins...twas delightful. Afterwards, we shared gifts and laughed. The uncontested hilight of teh night came when we turned on some tunes and teh kiddos danced for us. It was brilliant (CHECK OUT THE VIDEOS). It was a really nice night:













my daughter the contemporary dancing wonder!


Christmas day was even better!!! We woke up to discover that Santa had in fact visited our humble abode! The kids had a BLAST! They were very blessed. We got Santa gifts, then ate pancakes then shared gifts from the family. the rest of the afternon was spent playing with new toys and sleeping. the evening saw us visit some dear friends.













I am definately a blessed and lucky man! Thank you Lord.

December Madness

It has been a crazy and nuts month...but we have managed to squeeze in some fun! Here are some pics from some of the craziness

Getting out the tree



Jessie getting it ready


Tiara queen


so cute


Brotherly love


Getting dolled up for the Preschool program


Her grand entrance!


Christmas chocolates strike again

And lastly....a video from Merrick's program!

I am not really that not the British royalty at all. But I came across this story recently and was intrigued.

read it here

Prince Willian decided to sleep on the streets of London to better understand the plight of the homeless. yes, only one night and yes he went home to riches we cannot imagine, but HE DID IT.

When a world leader/clebrity shows that kind of compassion, it gets my attention and respect. Good on ya Will!

free Music Friday

This being our last Friday post before Christmas, I want to share several of teh best Christmas songs on the web. Please do enjoy!













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Ni Hao Mraz

I just cannot help it...the boy is adorable!

Advent Christians Gain Ground

This is a very good article about a movement I wholly support. Check it out

here

Cold vs warm....what can we do?

Man...it is REALLY cold outside. I mean VERY cold! But for me, there is good news. I can simply go in my warm house, get a blanket, turn up the heat or start a fire. The bad news is that all of those homeless folks that we regularly ignore or pretend aren't there.....well they do not have that luxury.

In tragic news today, a homeless man was found dead here in Medford, sleeping near the railroad tracks in only a light blanket. It is terrible. It breaks my heart.

We really CAN do something. PLEASE donate some food to a shelter, as I am sure they will be overfilled these days. I urge you to take it a step further. I am sure we all have more blankets, coats, hoodies, sweatshirts, jackets etc than we need. Get in your car. Find someone on the street. Clothe them like Christ instructed us to do. Help them stay warm! Buy them a coffee. Whatever it takes....it just may save a life.