I really enjoy listening to music while I work. If I am traveling around the church I turn my iPhone on for a little traveling music. I wanted to listen a few of the CDs that I have really enjoyed over the past few months and ask you what you are listening to.

• Matt Maher, Alive Again, amazing worship album
• Visqueen, Message to Garcia, This one is infectious
• Bon Iver, For Emma, Forever Ago, sensitive-man-music to chill out to
• John Mayer, Battle Studies, Great album and the bossa nova track is a favorite
• Lady Antebellum, Need You Now – Single, I really look forward to the album

So what are you listening to? What do you recommend?

In high school the first influential album in my life was Ten by Pearl Jam. It was the first CD I bought and I listened to it literally a thousand times. That fact that there was a track on the album named Jeremy was totally a bonus. My friend Rodrick and I bought every Pearl Jam album we could find at the stores and searched far and wide for the hard to find live and European albums. We would sit around listening to Pearl Jam or playing their songs on our guitars. Alive was the first song I could play from beginning to end. Pearl Jam was first live concert experience in the Travel and Transportation building at the OKC Fairgrounds and we were in the mosh pit and just out from the center of the stage. I have front row at Coldplay, but nothing will compare to that first experience. The Seattle bands connected with my friends and these bands continue to be in heavy rotation in my playlist. I remember the night they first played Saturday Night Live and thinking that Eddie Vedder is the freaking man. They had some much passion and angst.   Not for You and State of Love and Trust are two of my favorite songs.

So what has been one the most influential albums in your life?

      I love awards shows and Sunday night was like Christmas for me.  I wanted to point out few of my favorite winners.  The Foo Fighters new album is amazing.  I listened to it three times today at work and love the album.  It is also my mother’s favorite album.  The Flight of the Conchords are a comedy duo.  I discovered them after enjoying their HBO series.  They are my kind of humor, off-beat and sometimes a bit dry.  Amy Winehouse’s album is great.  I loved watching her perform and think that everybody in the Staples Center was anticipating seeing her perform.  She has got so much attitude when she sings, but I was amazed at how shy she seemed after her performance.  Springsteen’s album Magic is a classic.  It is a must buy.  Bruce rocks and inspires me every time I listen to him.

      So did you watch the show?  What were your favorite moments?  What were your favorite albums of last year?

      Jack Johnson and friends singing songs for the Curious George soundtrack is one of my favorite albums.  These songs run through your head for days after you hear them.  They get you into a happy mood and encourage good behavior.  Check it out.  I love the Sharing Song. 

What is one of your favorite albums and why?