2007's Entertainment Awards

So, here's the deal. I spend too much money on movies, music, books and video games. There, I said it.

I figured I may as well pick my favorites of the year. I think I'll start with Music. I'll be posting these day by day (hopefully seeing some more movies along the way) so try to stay tuned.

MUSIC

Best Album- Cities by Anberlin

This one is pretty much a toss up between Emery's I'm Only A Man and Anberlin's Cities. I'm going with Cities because I think it was more of a step for Anberlin. This was really the first Anberlin album that I didn't have to grow into. It's a very close choice though and I highly recommend both albums.

Most Surprising Album- Fiends by Chasing Victory

Fiends is about the most I have ever been surprised by an album. Chasing Victory released a great album from beginning to end. There was a lot of experimentation and it was obvious, but it fit well together so there's no point in complaining. Fiends has a darker tone to it but the songs fit together extremely well and it is one of the most enjoyable listening experiences I had this year.

Most Disappointing Album- Singularity by Mae

Now, don't get my wrong, I like this album. It just didn't move anywhere. It feels like The Everglow all over again. It just feels like there is no progression at all. It was extremely disappointing and made this choice an easy one.

Best EP or Soundtrack- Fall EP by Jon Foreman

As of right now, this is probably the best EP I have ever heard. Part of a four part series based on the seasons, Jon Foreman really captures the feelings of Fall on this EP. I was not really surprised by it, just extremely happy with the purchase.

Best Rock Album- Cities by Anberlin

I could say something here, but I would just be restating my comments in the Best Album category.

Best Adult Contemporary/ Acoustic/ Folk album- Learning to Let Go by Corey Crowder

This album came out of no where for me, but this guy is getting some pretty good airplay from MTV and rightfully so. His album is wonderful. This was probably the hardest category for me to choose because of the great albums I bought this year that fall into this group.

The Best Album No One Has Heard Of- Demo by Tyler Burkum

The former guitarist from the recently broken up band Audio Adrenaline is someone a lot of people don't really know. Hopefully after reading this, you'll want to hear his music. It's a very heartfelt, honest album about life, God, and being away from the ones you love. I think we can all relate to his music in one way or another.

The Top 5:
1. Cities by Anberlin
2. I'm Only A Man by Emery
3. Learning to Let Go by Corey Crowder
4. Demo by Tyler Burkum
5. Fiends by Chasing Victory

By the time I recognize this moment, this moment will be gone...

I've been thinking a lot about Overthinking.... (Thanks for dedicating that to me Justin)

I couldn't use that song on my blog though because Justin already has it on his, so I chose another one. I asked myself what it means to "overthink." What am I overthinking about and what am I looking for?

I found that I'm searching for "Clarity"

I'm always thinking about anything and everything. All this thinking can drag me down too. For a long time I could only think about my past relationship and how hurt I was by all that happened. Then it moved to my feelings of abandonment by my old Church (something that hasn't totally left me yet). Now I mostly think about my dreams and aspirations that are directed toward fixing the Church (pretty lofty goal huh?). I think it's because I can't help but ask why these things have happened. I need to know how to handle this type of stuff. Unfortunately, this causes my brain to be filled to the max most of the time and I have to calm down before I can do anything at all.

It's seems like it's been easier to keep a clear head since I finished the semester. Here's to whatever it is I'm searching for.

"I worry
I weigh three times my body
I worry
I throw my fear around
But this morning
There's a calm I can't explain
The rock candy's melted, only diamonds now remain"
-John Mayer