Those Damn Indie...Christians?

When I was introduced to the world of indie rock it felt as a warm blanket being wrapped 'round my head. The awkward resonating of their vocals, strange measures in their songs, and their never ending stream of creativity. If I recall correctly it was February 2005 when I purchased the three albums. Such enjoyable music, they were two CD's by Bright Eyes and one from Deathcab For Cutie. Immediately an obsession began to grow. Listening to Bright Eye's "I'm Wide Awake Its Morning" I'd finally found something similar to the depression I'd been dealing with since my childhood*. The barracks room was somber when "Poison Oak" would bellow from the speakers, reminding me of all my "lost loves." veering in the same direction, Deathcab for Cutie would level my thinking to the same notion of regret and sadness.

Though for all of it, these bands kept my interest until...well they still keep my interest. Since that time my CD case has been filled with names such as The Shins, The New Pornographers, and countless other hip names.

In the Fall of 2005 there was a shift. Hastings was brimming with sales. A used music/book/movie store is a bit of heaven for guys like me. See, unlike Wal-Mart, Hastings also acquired new music from labels most folks never hear of. So as I skimmed the 'S' section (looking for some Shins) I happened to see the name Sufjan Stevens. A chord was struck as Josh Seek's voice floated through my head, "...Christian..." and I figured, Why not? Picking out the CD, Sevens Swans, I quickly added it to my large collection (I left the store with nearly ten that day, not to mention the horrible movie "Brown Bunny.)

When I reached my room my level of excitement was beyond measure. I should explain. I'm a big of a loon. There are three things that get me bubbly. The first are girls I like, not that I am a "horn dog." Rather, consider it a bit of romanticism. They are placed on near levels of salvation. Next to this is going home. When the airplane touches ground in Arizona my feet lose feeling, my heart is attempting exit, and I become quite rude in attempts to leave the plane.

The third is new music. Not new downloaded music, but a new CD. Something about opening the case, the album art, and, well, just the whole thing excites me. I think people who only iTune their music miss out.

So, I arrive! As I put in each CD the individual journeys begin. Iron and Wine take me into a serene prairie; My Chemical Romance joins me in a cold, lonely alley. Almost forgetting of old Sufjan, I slide him into my surround sound supported stereo. About 40 minutes later, my eyes are sore from crying and my mouth is left opened. Never, and I mean never, have I experienced such an honest look at faith, fear, and hope. My faith had previously been filled with attempting to mask that. Sitting there was all I could do.

The trip didn't end there. Since then it has been a procession of musically skilled poets, rending my heart and helping to reform my mind. Since I am now being rushed I will suffice a list of recommended artists. Experience them, I guarantee you will at least find something new.

x.Sufjan Stevens.x
x.Half-Handed Cloud.x
x.Shannon Stephens.x
x.Br Danielson.x
x. Danielson Familie.x
x.Lenny Smith.x


Hopefully the list continues to grow. Perhaps one day my name will be added. As of now, enjoy!




*Not to be confused, I've not been diagnosed with depression though, to some extent, I've always dealt with it.