Evolving in Monkey Town - Review

I was pleasantly surprised recently, when I got an email from the local library, telling me I had a book waiting for me. The book was Rachel Held Evan's Evolving in Monkey Town: How a Girl Who Knew All the Answers Learned to Ask the Questions. I was surprised as I only recently asked the library to think about buying it. Not only did they buy it, but they also placed a hold on it, for me.

The book is the story of Rachel's faith journey, from certainty through doubt to faith, and in that sense, the book is exactly what I expected. At the same time though, there are confronting truths in there. I have always valued certainty, knowing what I believe, knowing why I believe it, and knowing how to talk to others about it. The book reminded me that it is not that simple. It reminded me & challenged me, that we need to find a place in our churches for questions, for growth, and not see the person who does not know, or who has questions as having a crisis.  Another interesting point is that doubt (leading to thoughtful questions) is the mechanism by which faith grows.

I can promise you, that while you may not agree with some of the answers to the questions Rachel has, there are lessons you can take from her journey, approach, and attitude. The book ends which a great account of why kids ask questions - it is not because they want _the answer_ its because they want the relationship - (Alan Greene).

Held Evan's book is well worth reading and pondering (I know I'm going to read it again before I return it).

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As an aside, I have to admit, I have really enjoyed reading her blog (I'm not sure I agree with everything there, but the posts always give me food for thought.

Born not to get bullied

I read the latest Nick Kristof column today it was centered around a discussion he had with Lady Gaga at the launch of her Foundation. Say what you like about her music. She's on the money with bullying, with the experience to back it up.  In the interview she highlighted how you can be a squillionaire, but you bruise and scare like the rest.

Here's the two points which struck me:
Bullying and teenage cruelty are human rights abuses that need to be higher on our agenda.
Two key studies about bullying, show how when the school has a climate of bullying, the entire school suffers academically, it is an impediment to learning.

Which highlights that we need to do something more, to empower the students to get more out of school, and deal with bullying. Read the full article here.

By the way of an aside, I am totally for celebrities pointing a spotlight in issues which diminish us as a society.

Note: Lady Gaga has set up the Born This Way Foundation, which is not solely about bullying, but also about empowering kids and nurturing a more congenial environment in and out of schools.

February Reads

February has been a quiet month for reading to date I've read the below two books..

Mr. Rosenblum Dreams in English: A Novel - Natasha Solomons
Don't actually remember too much of this one. I enjoyed the characters, and the manner in which Jack and Rose's relationship was described. Guess I'd describe it as a light and fun read.

The Hare with Amber Eyes: A Hidden Inheritance - Edmund de Waal
Really enjoyed it. It is exactly my type of book. The story of his family is told through the what happens to the netsuke. Brings quite a bit of European and Japanesse history to life, and a very interesting and original way to tell the history of your family.

Next on the to read list:
Teju Cole - Open City
Jack Kerouac - The sea is my brother : the lost novel

February music

Thought I'd take some time, to write about a few CD's  I have been listening to during 2012. All of these are available via i-tunes. Alternatively you can download a sample from Noisetrade, for a tip, like or tweet.

The City I Long For - The City I Long For

A wonderful, but short (five songs), EP. Features great versions of two of my favourite hymns; Come Thou Font' and It is Well with My Soul. It is characterised by the harmonies of the singers.  Wouldn't mind trying to sing these hymns, with the new arrangements.

Of the other songs We Will Rise is a beautiful song reminding us that, we will rise with Christ. Now's Not the Time brought to mind how this world is harassed and helpless like sheep without the Shepherd.


Overall a beautiful collection of songs both in terms of the music and words.

Stop the Noise - Carisa Turner 

The lyrics are what I'm drawn too when I listen to new music, and what strikes me from her EP is how she writes about her experiences of life, and how easily I could relate to these.

Pocket of the World reminds me of our thoughts on the weekend mornings.  I love the encouraging declarations in We Declare. Her personal declaration in My King, and honesty in asking What Would I do in response to Jesus' call to 'come and follow'. Lost at Sea capturing the all too familiar feeling of  when the wider world, and our personal worlds seem out of control.


Perhaps fittingly, the EP ends by her telling of her longing (and one we can all relate to), for stillness to hear the voice of the Lord. .

Hello Stranger - Nick Flora


While listening to this, on the bus, I felt like I was listening to Nick tell me his story, with the stranger in the title being the listener. The highlight of the album, was how the album unpacked through a few songs the nature of relationship. The song which best showed this was Tired of Me (w/ Stacy Lantz) . Which is written like a couple having a discussion about their relationship, I've built these walls to protect my fragile heart, moving to how 'love without risks holds no reward, and ending with how they: See the world through each others eyes'.



Flora also often uses a "tongue-in-cheek" perspective one example being Presence of Greatness. The album was produced by Andrew Osenga. As an aside, Andrew Osenga's music is definitely worth checking out.

Beloved, Look Up - Lara Landon

Lara has a new album due out in May
and The River will be on that album.

When I listened to her album for this first time her voice stuck with me. The album is a collection of worship songs, and the tone of the lyrics as like an older sister sharing her experiences and journeys with you. The title track 'Beloved', take the listener to Romans 8 (how nothing can seperate us from the love of God) and perhaps also Ezkl 16 (which paints a vivid picture of God's love toward a faithless bride).

While writing about Lara Landon, it's hard not to mention Look up. The song Look Up is available as a single track (w/ proceeds going to an appeal for Haiti), very moving song, about the strength shown through trials and an encouragement to persevere.

The full lyrics of the song are:

"You're amazing. With a year like yours, I'm not sure I'd be standing
My inspiration. Seen you face each blow with strength I can't imagine.
But it seems lately you're at the very end.
I search for words to help you keep on going...

Look Up. Never turn back.
The last step that takes all your strength may be your new beginning.
There's no shame in being afraid.
Just keep the faith, keep believing.
Look up.

Between two mountains and it seems each day they keep on getting bigger
we pray together but I don't know what to do to make it better, no.
Look Up. Never turn back.
The last step that takes all your strength may be your new beginning.
There's no shame in being afraid.
Just keep the faith, keep believing.
Look up.

This life is worth the fight I know you'll win.
Jesus sees us and He knows how hard you're trying.
He knows you're trying..

Look Up. Never turn back.
The last step that takes all your strength may be your new beginning.
There's no shame in being afraid.
Just keep the faith, keep believing.
Look up."

Chasing Summer - Chasing Summer

Chasing Summer best fit in the same niche as The Civil Wars & The Swell Season. The band Chasing Summer is Tammy Rochelle and Joseph Bamber. One of the highlights for me is the medley of Amazing Grace' & 'Swing low Sweet Chariot'.

Really enjoy both The Darkest Night & There for Me. These songs feature Joseph singing. In The Darkest Night he sings over the top of a single acoustic guitar. Both these songs highlight how God will never let us go, holding us by His love.

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All things considered, these five albums are all worth checking out. I'm looking forward to the new album by  Andrew Osenga and All Sons and Daughters, both of which should be out in the first half of 2012.  I'm also going to write about another duo which I'm listening to quite a bit Jenny & Tyler.

Australian Open

So, Victoria Azarenka  is the new Australian Open champion. Its fascinating to note too, that now the four grand slams are held by players, who have just won their first grand slam tournament. Victoria Azarenka (Australian Open), and during 2011, Li, Na (French Open), Petra Kitrova (Wimbledon), and Sam Stosur (US Open)

Compare this to the men; where if you run the list back from here to 2004, there are only 6 names: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Juan Martin Del Potro (US Open 2009), Marat Safin (Aus Open 2005), and Gastón Gaudio (French Open 2004).

Will be interesting to see how the Bryan's go, if they win tonight, I think they will equal the 12 titles won by the Woodies. 

Summer of Cricket

Now the "real cricket" (editors note: test cricket)  has finished until the Kiwi's play South Africa (late March), and the Australia's travel to the West Indies (April-May), its time to collect a few thoughts.

Aside 1: we have a couple of hit and giggle matches, the return of a one-day series, but these are not really real cricket.

• Very impressed with Clarke as captain, a touch more aggressive than Ponting was, and less willing to let the game drag. Whatever his winning percentage, I think he'll be a better captain. The captaincy  also seems to have done wonders with his batting (150+ versus South Africa, the 329* and 210 versus India). 
• Great to see Ponting back in form, and I think there's perhaps a lesson there for the Indian's - both Hussey and Ponting were under pressure, but performed when they needed too, so maybe they should hold-off dropping Dravid, Laxman and Shewag .. 
• The Australian bowling stocks, while needing to be well treated gently are looking good, Siddle's leading the attack well, Pattinson and Cummins look great (and will be fun when they can operate together) as does Harris. It is nice to see Hifly doing well. 
• DRS - I'm on the Indian's side with this one, the technology isn't perfect, so leave it all on the field.
• On paper, it looked like a tight series, but doesn't seem like the Indian batsman have the temperament for Australia, and the bowlers didn't really seem to have the discipline. 
• It will be interesting watching this side build up to the Ashes.
• And in light of the above, the Black-cap's drawn series is looking better and better  ;-)

Aside 2: Love this comment, "adults take their kids to Test Cricket; and kids take their parents to the 20-20". 

Aside 3:  Good luck to the NZ Women, who play for the Rose Bowl trophy against Australia tomorrow. 

Australian Open

Nadal celebrates after beating Lopez

 Thought that I'd post about Melbourne.  We caught some of the fourth  round tennis last weekend -  Victoria Azarenka v Iveta Benesova; Rafael Nadal v Feliciano Lopez, and the pick Li, Na playing Kim Clijsters. 

While both Nadal and Azareka won in straight sets,  Li Na held four match points (during a tie-break) against Clijsters, yet lost that tiebreak, 8-6 and then lost the final set 6-4 (Clijsters held a 4 love lead, so Li Na worked her way back into the match. 

Can't help but feel a touch sad that Clijsters didn't make the final, especially given this is likely to be her last Australian Open.  The final Will be tight tonight, but I do favour Sharapova slightly, given her experience.

 

Melbourne, from our hotel room.

Was glad to see Murray play so well against Djokovic, especially given the Final last year. Murray seems a lot tougher mentally, and had his opportunities to win, even after going down 2-5 in the fifth set.  

From the Australian point of view, while we may have put Stosur under way too much pressure, both Hewitt and Tomic had great tournaments, and are set up beautifully for the year. 

On the Men's side of the tournament, have to say, I'm disappointed Federer didn't make the Final. Although the rivalry the top three players have is  fascinating -- Nadal has an ominous record against Federer; who has an excellent record against Djokovic. Though Nadal leads the head-to-head, Djokovic has beaten Nadal the last 6 times they played; including both the Wimbledon & US Open Finals last year.

In that light, the final is shaping to be a classic.  I also have to say, and surprisingly to me, I'm really enjoying Hewitt in the commentary box, he's a got a great understanding of the players, the game and its history. 

To finish with a brief aside, the Black Caps had there biggest ever test win today!  I'm not sure how many times, one team has lost 20 wickets in one day's play??

Sense and sensibility - library and kindles.

Adele Horin's piece in today's SMH describes a lttle bit of how I feel. I'm not yet ready to give way to the Kindle.  I love going to the library and there's not an equivalent experience in the kindle world. But even as I say that, there are only so many shelves in each bookcase, only so many walls in a room, and only so many rooms in a house, so the day is coming, where the addiction to buying books will stop because there is a limit to the amount of books one can have in one's house.

Yet, in playing with the Kindle, so far, I'm not convinced that its for me. However, while I love the experience of reading a physical book, and the sensations which come with it, a tipping point will come for me when e-books as well as being  lighter, they will also be cheaper and equally accessible. Sense won out with CD's, though I still by the occasional physical CD (special versions, and some which are unavailable),  I'm now buying almost all of my CD's through both i-tunes and the artists website. 

Reading - 2012

Each year, I decide that I'm going to spend more time reading especially this year, since it's National Year of Reading, and my aim this year is to read over 50 books. In January so far, I've read -

O - A Presidential Novel - Anonymous

A little obvious who its about, but was a shame the book didn't reveal more. If you are interested in US politics then rather than reading this book take a few months and work your way through The West Wing. 

The Help - Kathryn Stockett

A historical novel, set during the 60s, about the hired help  - these are my type of novels - historical fiction. 

The Sorrows of an American - Siri Hustvedt

The core of this novel is a letter discovered after the death of the narrator's mother, and the quest to find out their identity.

The Corrections - Jonathan Franzen

Franzen's book is well written, but at the same time, I found very little to like about any of the main characters.

Bruar's Rest - Jes Smith

Didn't really remember too much about this one, it's a story of a women, who is searching for her husband who was missing in action during WWI.

The World Game: The Story of How Football Went Global - Les Murray

Les Murray's love for football is so wonderfully put across in this book. Murray writes about the history of the game, the great teams, his favourite players, and the history of the game in Australia. It rekindled my love of Football. 

Separate kingdoms : stories   Valerie Laken

A series of short stories about human relationships in the US and Russia, the few that stood out was one about a women with a disability, a couple flying to Russia to adopt a child, and a story told from two perspectives, which was quite interesting to read - do you read one at a time, or try and read them in tandem. 

The River

I was listening to some of my older CD's recently, and I was struck by the song - The River by Michael Sweet (formerly the lead singer of Stryper).  It's one of my all-time favourite Christian songs.

If you're hurting, I'll take your pain

If your life is dry and weary, I'll bring the rain

If you're searching, then search no more

If you're drifting on an ocean, I'll be the shore

I see the scars that you hide

I've kept the tears that you've cried, they were not in vain

And every prayer that you've prayed

I have treasured and saved, my love will never change

If you're looking for the river

That runs with healing water

Bring yourself to me

And I will wash you in an endless peace

I'm your Saviour,And I'll save you Tonight

If you're blinded by The darkness, I'll be the light

If you're hopeless, I'll be your faith

If you're lost, I'll Lead the way

from Real, 1998.

2011 in Sport

Couple more highlights from 2011:

The New Zealand Breakers were the first NZ team to win an Australian competition, and in the NRL - the Warriors made their second grand final. 

Via the NZ Herald, here are the must see sports events for 2012, Not surprisingly a few Olympic Events appear.

more on 2011

A couple of standout memories during 2011 from the sports field.  Can't really go passed the Rugby World Cup Final, and the All Blacks 8-7 win against France as the highlight of the year. You also would have to acknowledge the great season of the Queensland Reds too, from last to first.

But, a couple of other standout performances which should be mentioned are:

• Barcelona are the best team watch playing football, and their 3-1 win over Manchester United in the final was something special.  
• Cadel Evans winning the Tour de France. I can take or leave cycling, but Cadel's performance was amazing. 
• Novak Djokovic - his 2011 record ended up about 70-6, and he holds three of the four grand slam trophys, beating Rafa Nadal in two finals, and Andy Murray in the third.
• And on the Cricket Pitch, NZ's two best performances were the win against South Africa in the World Cup Quarter Final, and the victory in Hobart. 
• AFL: I'd give the Sydney Swans a pass mark for the year,  for finishing in the top 6.   Looking forward to next year and seeing how the Suns and Giants do in their second and first years respectively. 

Music 2011...

Taking the time to reconsider the music I've been listening to during the year, and give the top 5 for 2011. A couple which were up there, but can't be included are:

• Sigur Ros - Inni (Live CD + DVD).
• U2 - Achtung Baby (Kindergarden version and the B-Sides Disc, from the 20th Anniversary Edition).
• Derek Ellis - The Reconstruction (EP) - His "Nail-Scarred Hand" is one of my favourite tracks of the year. 
• Andrew Osenga's - Leonard the Lonely Astronaut - Acoustic Session at Sputnik (EP). The short EP previews songs from his new Album, which should be out later this year.
• All Sons & Daughters - Brokenness Aside (EP) and Prone to Wander (EP), they will release a new EP next week, and a full album in March. Both of which I am looking forward too. 
• The Civil Wars - Live @ Eddie's Attic.
• Sleeping at Last are another band which I have been listening to quite a bit (especially their Christmas Collection, which has a beaut version of "Christmas is All Around". The song made famous in Love Actually. Noisetrade now have a sampler available from there website which has songs from their previous albums. The songs, are mostly him singing with a background of  piano & strings.

The 2011 Top 5.
5.  Lisa Hannigan - Passenger 

I think Lisa Hannigan first came to attention through on Damien Rice's album 'O'. Passenger is her second solo album. I'd describe the album as folk. Its easy to listen to. One of my favourite songs on the record is O Sleep, which is a lovely duet. The selling point of the album is Lisa voice. It seems a stronger album that her first record See Saw.

4. Gemma Hayes - Let it Break

There's just something about her music which grabs me. It's such a shame that she doesn't get much airplay. She has a beaut and pure voice, and her lyrics have more depth than what else is out there. Another singer that I'm hoping takes a trip down under. Favourite songs - Shock to the System & Waiting for You (which is on the Janie Jones Soundtrack)

3. Switchfoot - Vice Verses

What is the highlight of this record is hearing Jon Foreman doing different things, rapping on"Selling the News" and "The War Inside" Jon Foreman seeks to capture the polarity of the human experience, and the desire to seize the opportunities life has to offer (see Restless, Afterlife). Looking forward to more from Switchfoot,. Jon Foreman, is one of the best lyricists out there at the moment.

2.  Dan & Lauren Smith - The Revive Project

Written quite a bit about this recently, so the only thing I'll add here is how encouraging the lyrics of the CD are. 

1. Marketa Irglova - Anar

Marketa also was part of the duet The Swell Season, with Glen Hansard, and this is her first solo album. Given that she mostly played second fiddlle to Glen on the Swell Season records, it was great to see her put out her own album. I think what I really love about this CD is the honesty in the lyrics. And hopefully she'll come to Australia to play these songs. But if you need some more, see played a Tiny Desk Concert for NPR, and recorded a session with Daytrotter.

2011 - Books

The full list of books I read during 2011 is below. I do think its probable that a few of have been left off. I'll be aiming to break 50 books during 2012. I broke the list down into various categories, and in each grouping I've listed a few of the books which stood out:

Novels:

Victor Hugo's Last Day of the Condemned Man, Gabrielle Ambrosio's Before We Said Goodbye, Yannick Haenel's The Messenger and Tea Obreht's The Tiger's Wife were the standouts.  Not surprisingly, the novels which have stood out to me, are those which have some political historical angle.  Last Day, is an impassioned plea from the 19th Century, for the abolition of the death penalty. Before We Said Goodbye is set on the Gaza, and without taking sides, focuses on a suicide bombing. I found The Tiger's Wife to be a beautiful and original read.

Biography:

The two that really stood out to me, were Malcolm Fraser's Political Memoirs and Goodbye Sarejevo. Prior to reading Malcolm Fraser's book, I hadn't read too much about Australian History, but my respect for Fraser grew through reading the book. Goodbye Sarajevo, is one of those must read books -  set in the middle of the Balkan Conflict, it is a moving and compelling true story of courage,  and hope. 

Political 

One of the highlights, was George Negus' The World From Down Under, which drew on his interviews with a wide range of world leaders. The books by Rebecca Hamilton and Samantha Power were eye openers to America's responses to genocide since the beginning of the 20th Century.

And in the other categories, I found Nicholas Carr's book on how Google is changing the way we think, to largely ring true, as does a bit of Andrew Keen's thesis in The Cult of the Amatuer.

So, I'm looking for more books to read this year, so let me know what you're reading.

Full List:
Novels:
Ernst Hemmingway - Farewell to Arms
Alain Robbe-Gilbert - In the Labyrinth
Mirza Waheed - The Collaborator
Tea Obreht- The Tiger's Wife
Jack Kersh - Hotel Sarajevo
Jessica Rudd - Campaign Ruby
Colm Tobin - Brooklyn
Victor Hugo - Last Day of a Condemned Man
Gabrielle Ambrosio - Before we Said Goodbye
Louis de Bernières - Captian Corelli's Mandolin
Freedom (Collection of Short Stories)
Chimamjanda Ngozi Adichie - The Thing Around my Neck
Phillip Roth - Everyman
Phillip Roth - The American Pastoral
Jonathan Franzen - Freedom
Yannick Haenel - The Messenger: A Novel
Biography / Autobiography
James Hird - Reading the play
Wayne Bennett - The Man in the Mirror
Kevin Sheedy - Stand Your Ground
Michael Chugg - Hey You in the Black Tee-Shirt
Malcolm Fraser - The Political Memiors
Izzeldin Abuelaish - I Shall Not Hate
Peter Fitzsimmons - Beazley
Hana Schofield & Atka Reid - Goodbye Sarajevo
Edward Kennedy - True Compass
Anh Do - The Happiest Refugee
Politics / Sociology / History / Psychology / Religion
Samantha Power - A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide
Rebecca Hamilton - Fighting for Darfur: Public Action and the Struggle to Stop Genocide
Laurie Oakes - On the Record
Dambisa Moyo - Dead Aid
Hugh Mackay - What Makes Us Tick
George Negus - The World From Down Under
Lindsay Tanner - Sideshow
Paul & Tania Roos - Life is Sport & Sport is Life
Andrew Leigh - Disconnected

Ravi Zacharias - Has Christianity Failed You

Kevin Lenman - Have a New You By Friday
Technology
Andrew Keen - The Cult of the Amatuer
Nicholas Carr - The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brain
Humour
Richard Glover - Why Men are Necessary
Sport
Jim Main - Shake Down the Thunder
Duncan Hamilton - The Last Summer

Fresh new music

As I've mentioned, this year I have really got a lot of new music from Noisetrade. A couple of the great discoveries have been All Sons and Daughters, Dan & Lauren Smith and Derek Ellis.  All Sons and Daughters have a beautiful version of the hymn "Come Thou Font".

The Revive Project is a beaut collection of songs, and in Dan's words

"Lauren and I were made to love people and love music. So when we found ourselves in the midst of a dark and broken city – this was all we had to offer in desperate measure – our voice and our song. The Revive Project is a non-profit album project to benefit the poor and needy in the city of Reading, Pa and raise awareness of her struggles and plight."

Their website has a video of the song Awake.

The EP "The Reconstruction" by Derek Ellis is a moving collection of three songs, my favourite of which is 'Nail Scarred Hands".

So, go on, check them out.

Christmas Music

So, now that it is December, its truly time to bring out the Christmas music. Here's a few of my favourite Christmas Albums:

Jars of Clay - Christmas Songs.
One of the few albums which has "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" on it. Along with some lesser known Christmas carols, and songs penned by the band.

Third Day - Christmas -
Mac Powell sings a great version of O Holy Night.

Sarah McLachlan - Wintersong
 I really love Sarah McLachlan singing River, and In the Bleak Midwinter.

On giving and receiving gifts ..

Here's a really timely (and interesting) piece about giving and receiving gifts...  (via The New Zealand Herald).

More on music

In writing the last post, I've realised that I didn't post a top 10 albums from 2010.  So, in a quick reflection, going from the most frequently played album, by a long way, it is Brooke Fraser's 'Flags'. I totally love the album, and Brooke continues to develop and impress with each album. Here's one of my favourite songs from this album - "Who Are We Fooling" 

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2011 in Music

With the Annual Australia Music Awards (the ARIAs) held last weekend, though I'm not too sure that many the the albums below will end up on any list at the end of the year.,I thought that I'd take some time to look over some of the music which has been running through my head this year. Being able to listen to new music via NPR; Daytrotter and Noisetrade has been great. I've downloaded some great Christmas songs via Noisetrade to increase my stocks a little.

But, here's a short list of the new music I've heard through 2011 (to date):

• Boy & Bear (Moonfire), 
• Florence + the Machine (Ceremonials), 
• Fleet Foxes (Helplessness Blues), 
• The Hawk in Paris (His & Hers), 
• Hayley Westenra (Paradiso), 
• Switchfoot (Vice Verses, with a great addition being Hello Hurricane - Live), 
• Marketa Irglova (Anar), 
• Lisa Hannigan (Passenger), 
• Laura Marling (A Creature, I Don't Know), 
• Katherine Jenkins (Daydream), 
• Mark Geary (Songs About Love, Songs About Leaving),  
• Rachael Yamagata (Chesapeake), 
• Rebecca St. James (I Will Praise You), 
• Gemma Hayes (Let it Break), 
• Sara Groves (Invisible Empires), 
• Sarah Jarosz (Follow Me Down), 
• The Middle East (I Want That You Are Always Happy), 
• Elizabeth Marvelly (Home), 
• The Civil Wars (Barton Hollow).

The ten which stand out at the moment are: Marketa Irglova, The Civil Wars, Switchfoot, Elizabeth Marvelly, Gemma Hayes, Rebecca St James, Mark Geary, Lisa Hannigan, Fleet Foxes & Sara Groves.

Though it would be remiss of me, not to mention a few albums that I've listened to quite a bit - the bonus material from the Achtung Baby reissue; the album featuring cover versions of each track from Achtung Baby. 2011 has also been the 20 Anniversary of R.E.M's Out of Time, and the 10th Anniversary of the late Mic Christopher's Skylarkin', and The Frames' classic For the Birds.

My favourite new artists for the year at the moment are William Fitzsimmons (I bought Goodnight this year), and the Kiwi singer Elizabeth Marvelly, whose CD Home has become one of my all time favourites, because of the memories it brings up.

At the moment I'm really looking forward to Andrew Osenga's Leonard the Lonely Space Alien, which should be out next year.

Five artists >>>

(via - @strictlyLeisure).
 1. The Frames
 2. U2
3. Brooke Fraser
4. Switchfoot
5. Jars of Clay.

These were the first five which popped into my head, without looking at the questions below

What was the first song you ever heard by 1?
Lay Me Down. (For the Birds)

What is your favorite song of 5?
World's Apart  (Jars of Clay)

What kind of impact has 1 left on your life?
Hard to really say, open got me into more music from Ireland.

What are your favorite lyrics of 5? 

Will you teach us how to love? / To see the things you see / Walk the road you walked / Feel the pain that you feel / At your feet I kneel, / I want to see you shine / See your light not mine / 'Cause light gives heat / Your light gives heat
Light Gives Heat. (from Good Monster)


 How many times have you seen 4 live? 
Once at the Roundhouse, UNSW (2005).

What is your favorite song by 2? 
Bad

Is there any song by 3 that makes you sad? 
Albertine.

What is your favourite song by 1?
What Happens When the Heart Just Stops

When did you first get into 2?
I think it was a combination of hearing 'The Fly' and a road trip to the Bennelong (with Rattle and Hum).

 How did you get into 3? 
I think, reading the lyrics to Lifeline on a blog.

What is your favourite song by 4? 
Currently 'Restless' of Vice Verses.

What is a good memory concerning 1? 
Seeing them live with F. in Australia. Can't get over how good they were. (you can see some of it here).

Is there a song by 2 that makes you sad? 
Kite, Love is Blindness, All I Want is You

What is your favorite song of 3? 
Arithmetic. (which F & I had during the signing of the register at our wedding)