Ping Me!

A week and a half ago, Apple unveiled iTunes 10. Along with some minor performance tweaks and a new, sort of hokey-looking logo, the main thing that was revealed was Ping, a social media service reminiscent of Facebook and Twitter but just for sharing, following, reviewing, and otherwise talking about music. I'm still not sure how much I like the interface, but I do like being able to talk about music without clogging up my Twitter or Facebook feeds. I buy most of my music from Amazon MP3 or from the artists, but I'll hopefully still be keeping the recommendations pretty up-to-date. If you aren't following me or don't have a Ping, here are a few samples of reviews I've written. (I recommend them to you just the same.)

1.Brooke Waggoner – Go Easy Little Doves

Masterpiece – There's no other word I can think of that more fittingly describes this album on a whole other than "masterpiece." Maybe "beautiful" or "tantalizing" work, too. Brooke's talent in writing warm pop songs and playing piano have both been consistently good on all of her releases. But this album brings to the forefront another truth: Her singing and playing often both sound best when backed by a mass of strings. The orchestral parts are carefully arranged, warmly played, and thoroughly captivating. One would be hard-pressed to find any legitimate reason not to like this album. Whether a burgeoning music lover who's not quite sure where to start, an indie critic who's more jaded than any of your other friends, or just a person who wants more substantive music than Katy Perry or Britney Spears, this album is a must-buy.

2. Sandra McCracken – In Feast or Fallow

If "Christian" music exists... – ...it sounds an awful lot like this. These days, "worship music" usually means sterile, shallow, happy songs. This album sets the standard more where it should be: a glorious companionship of well-crafted melodies with substantive, Christ exalting lyrics ((and all produced wonderfully by Derek Webb). In Feast or Fallow paints a fuller picture of true, biblical worship than much of the American Church today knows – worship that addresses real life, including pain and sorrow, rather than singing away our struggles as if they are not there, all against the backdrop of music that is of artistic merit. This album is a great tool to the Church and an enjoyable, satisfying record for individuals.

3. Laura Marling – I Speak Because I Can

Incredible – It's hard to believe that Laura Marling is still only 20 years old. Her lyrics are very poetic, and her voice is beyond her years. From the dark yet energetic "Devil's Spoke" and the haunting "Hope in the Air" to the calm ballad "Goodbye England" and optimistic, almost anthemic-sounding "Rambling Man," this album is a well-made album. And the iTunes bonus track "Nature of Dust," called "the first Laura Marling song you can dance to," is just very fun. Great album. Worth it.

If you aren't following me, why not?