Smashing my music habits in one fell swoop

I just downloaded the Who You Are (Live) album by the Desperation band, and in doing so broke almost every music listening/buying habit I have.

1. I don't usually buy full albums unless I'm sure that I will enjoy at least 30% of the tracks (ie either I've heard the songs or love the artist.) I only knew 2 songs (14% of the album) on WYA.

2. I don't usually buy/listen to live albums. There's always some annoying person in the crowd screaming at inappropriate times during the song. Or the band stops singing and lets the audience sing a verse, which let's face it, is awesome during the concert, but just not as cool on the album. The one exception to my no-live-album habit is DMB. Odds are every song on a Dave live album is going to sound different than the original--change up the jam in the middle, a little extra Carter or Boyd. You also get the bonus of hearing Dave live without a headache from all the fumes at the concert, but you'll miss seeing him dance around with his guitar--and that's 34% of the charm of Dave Matthews. The two songs I love on WYA (Who You Are and Endlessly) were only available on the live album.

3. I'm really bad at finding new music on my own. I just don't do it; I end up listening to the same stuff until someone says "Here, you have to listen to this." One of my best friends from HS, Nicole, was always my music supplier. It would come in the form of a mix every 6 mths or so. Probably half of the songs on my iTunes could be attributed to her influence. Now, Kendal and Ben typically play the part of music dealer. I didn't technically find Who You Are and Endlessly on my own, but I did download a band I'd never heard of--progress.

So the verdict: After the first listen-through, I'm pretty happy with the album overall. Probably worth overcoming my strange habits. I was a little disappointed with the first three tracks. They're a little too upbeat-pop-y for my current worship music taste. I'm in more of a laid-back, rock kinda mood--which is what the rest of the album is more like, post track 3. If John Mayer made a worship album, that would be awesome... But I should probably be concerned for his salvation for the sake of his soul, not just in hopes of a worship album. :)

Today's praise

ECC's Christmas Cantata. Adorable kids, extremely talented musicians, and the vocal stylings of Chelsea and Christina--all praising God. Enough Said.

Teach me some melodious sonnet

Pieces of songs I have been humming/singing around the house this evening. Such beauty in the words and melodies.

Father, let me dedicate all this life to Thee
In whatever worldly state Thou would have me be
Not from sorrow, pain, or care, freedom dare I claim
This alone will be my prayer: Glorify Thy Name


In Christ alone, my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My comforter, My all in all
Here in the love of Christ I stand


He brings peace into our madness
And comfort in our sadness
This is our God
This is our God
This is the One we have waited for
This is the One we have waited for
This is the One we have waited for
This is our God