Discussing
TC Top Ten: Albums

I'll make the first comment here, hopefully to fend off impending rage at albums that were excluded.

First - this was an amazing year for music - probably the best in a LONG time. There is practically zero difference between how much I loved #1 and #10 on this list... or the next 10 for that matter. Derek Webb? Charlie Peacock? Band of Horses? Wow.

So, join in and leave your favorites in these messages and, unless I think you're completely NUTS, I'll add yours to the Spotify playlist too.

Also, my "Under The Radar" Top 10 will be out soon too. That list is more focused on Christian music and includes some notables that you are possible surprised not to see on this list. Be patient... it will come. Follow me on Twitter (@JohnJThompson) for updates.

So - your faves?

The new album that got the most plays around my house this year was Of Monsters and Men My Head is an Animal. I love the sound of it.

My favorite record of the year was A Church That Fits Our Needs, by Lost in the Trees. It's a powerful work about dealing with tragedy - lead singer Ari Packer's mother killed herself on the day of Ari's wedding - rendered in gorgeous, complex, sweeping songs. I couldn't stop playing it this year. I also really liked records by Marillion, the Punch Brothers, Bryan Scary and Husky.

The only ones on John's list I responded to were Hammock and Woven Hand. I was bitterly let down by the Mumford and Sons - along with Aimee Mann, it ranks as my biggest disappointment of 2012. Just goes to show how different tastes can run!

Some artists' music serves to entertain. Some, to help pass the time, and raise the mood of things. But the good ones, the special artists, offer music to enlighten, to enrich, and in certain rare instances, to save. Michael's music offers comfort, the hope of redemption, the example of endurance through suffering to live again. To quote from a favorite (there are many) McDermott song, "Just say the word, and I shall be healed." And that's what this CD is all about. The healing.

Your choice of making this #1 validates the magic of his music. His life, now, validates his faith. Here's to another year of continued creativity, success, and love. Way to go, Michael!