GranolaBox

The end of 2010 produced a deluge of music that I’ve almost instantly fallen in love with. Okay, I’m really not sure when some of the stuff came out, but I didn’t find it until the end of the year. It’s a really bizarre mix of things, in keeping with my wildly fluctuating musical tastes.

What’s kind of uncharacteristic of me is that three of my favorite CD’s this year are gospel oriented. The first is Patty Griffin’s Downtown Church. I love, no LOVE Patty Griffin. But I didn’t initially love this CD, and so I kind of put it on the back shelf because I wasn’t ready to accept that my Goddess of Music had produced anything “less than.” Then a couple months ago I was heading to meet with my Homeys on Sunday morning, and was in a spiritual mood, and threw it on and it hit me the way it was supposed to hit. She injects soul into old white-people hymns, and can belt out the black spirituals with the best of the gospel singers. My favorite is her treatment of Samson and Delilah.

Next to cross my path was Mavis Staples “You Are Not Alone.” I’ve had a passing interest in the Staples Singers over the years, but only passing. I heard an interview with Mavis and Jeff Tweedy, who produced the CD, and was curious enough to give it a listen. Tweedy adds a gritty edge to a lot of the songs that compliments Mavis’ magnificent belting.

Finally, Tom Jones (yes, Mr. What’s New Pussycat himself) put out a mostly gospel album. At 70, Jones’ voice is still amazing. In fact, any gruffness his voice has acquired over the years adds character to the gospel and secular standards on the CD. Whether it’s the holy spirit, or whatever it is, Jones is inspired and is on fire with each track. This makes me want Jones to do a Howlin’ Wolf/Muddy Waters tribute for his next project.

I can certainly attribute my passion for these CD’s to a drastic increase in spirituality, but I think the CD’s are a sort of “gospel lite” and are more approachable musically and lyrically than many gospel albums. Since I’m not a Christian in any sense, there must be some explanation.

Filed under: Music on January 6th, 2011