Haven’t posted one of these in a while, so this is mostly from July with a couple of leftovers from June, too. My eMusic downloads are refreshing next week, so before the list grows even longer, here’s what I’ve been listening to lately…

Neon Bible - Arcade Fire

I read that Arcade Fire is “what pop would sound like in the 1800’s.” The album contains quite an array of instruments, including a fair amount of pipe organ. It’s probably not for everyone and I don’t find myself wanting to listen to it every day, but overall is very good. Favorite tracks at the moment include “Keep The Car Running”, “Intervention” and “(Antichrist Television Blues)”.

Hello Starling - Josh Ritter

I’ve already mentioned this album in a previous post, but it’s worth mentioning again. If I were choosing an “album of the month”, this would probably be it for July, as it’s the one I just keep coming back to for another listen. (And check out clips of his newest due next month at joshritter.com.) Favorite tracks at the moment include “Kathleen”, “Wings” and “Snow Is Gone”.

We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions - Bruce Springsteen

I’d had this album on my “to buy” list for over a year. I’ve listened to Springsteen sporadically over the years, and this is certainly not typical - none of the songs are his, but rather folk songs of Pete Seeger. It was definitely worth the wait, but I wish I’d gotten it sooner. Outstanding. Favorite tracks at the moment include “Old Dan Tucker”, “O Mary Don’t You Weep” and “John Henry”.

Better Questions - Todd Agnew

Memphis native Agnew delivers another disc of thought-provoking songs, although musically, I’m not sure I’m as fond of the songs as his previous work. However, I’ve only listened to it a handful of times at this point, and it might grow on me. If you’re looking for something different than the status quo from the CCM world, Agnew is a good choice. He’s not Rich Mullins, but he may be as close as there is these days. Favorite tracks at the moment include “If You Wanted Me”, “Funny” and “On A Corner In Memphis”.

Cassadaga - Bright Eyes

I first heard Bright Eyes on one of my DishTV digital music channels a few months ago. Vocalist Conor Oberst has one of those shaky sounding voices that I always like. I’m not sure what it’s supposed to be called - indie rock, alt-country, folk-rock, or what (I’ve seen it described as these and more) - but I call it very good. Favorite tracks at the moment include “Four Winds”, “Soul Singer In A Session Band” and “Classic Cars”.

The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me - Brand New

It was a few months after getting Deja Entendu (eMusic) before I downloaded this more recent release from iTunes. Again, worth the wait. This is a great rock album. I really like Jesse Lacey’s voice and songwriting. Most likely a top 10 for me this year. It also might have the best album cover, too. Favorite tracks at the moment include “Millstone”, “Jesus Christ” and “Not The Sun”.

Five Score and Seven Years Ago - Relient K

Pop punk considered by some to be “Christian rock.” These guys have been around for nearly 10 years, and they still look like they’re in junior high. And, granted, that’s probably where most of their fans spend their days. Regardless, I think this is their best album in six years, and probably their best yet. Favorite tracks at the moment include “The Best Thing”, “Forgiven” and “Deathbed”.

So Divided - …And They Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead

This album has not gotten a lot of great reviews from what I can tell. Often it’s compared to their previous works (which I’ve yet to hear, but they are on eMusic), so perhaps it’s a lesser work than what they’re already done. But, I have enjoyed it. Not as much now as I did when I first got it - I grew a little tired of it quicker than most - but there’s still some good stuff here. Favorite tracks at the moment include “Stand In Silence”, “Wasted State of Mind” and “Naked Sun”.

Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga - Spoon

I liked Gimme Fiction a lot. Sometimes, I think this new disc is better. Sometimes, I think maybe not quite. Either way, it’s another very good collection of songs, and if you’re into Spoon, you’ll want to get it. (And it is available on eMusic, by the way.) Favorite tracks at the moment include “The Ghost of You Lingers”, “You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb” and “The Underdog”.

Twin Cinema - The New Pornographers

Possibly named after a phrase used by Jimmy Swaggart (”music is the new pornography”), TNP is largely made up of artists from other bands. This is a fun album full of power pop and I look forward to hearing more from TNP (on Aug 21, in fact, when their next release is due out.) Favorite tracks at the moment include “Twin Cinemas”, “Use It” and “Sing Me Spanish Techno”.

Dovetail - Storyhill

I first heard a song from this folk duo’s newest disc, but it was unavailable on eMusic. So, I checked out this older title that was available, and I’m really liking it as well. It sounds like it could be something from the early 70’s, a lot of acoustic guitar and harmonies. Pretty good stuff. Favorite tracks at the moment include “Seven Sisters”, “What Was Wrong” and “Soon”.

Cities - Anberlin

Another “Christian rock” band, which I debated buying this for a few months until I eventually found a cheap (and brand new) copy on eBay. It’s gotten a lot of great reviews, but I wasn’t sure how much I would like it based on the clips. I can only say this - I like it, and there are a some really good songs, but it’s not really blown me away as a whole. Favorite tracks at the moment include “Godspeed”, “Adelaide” and “The Unwinding Cable Car”.

That’s it. That’s the list.

* As a side note, I’m not crazy about the single “Our Great God.” I love the song, and I loved the original recording a few years back by the song’s writers, Fernando Ortega and Thrid Day’s Mac Powell. However, Agnew’s version, singing with Rebecca St. James, just pales in comparison. It’s not necessarily bad, but the original is so much better. The reason I put it as the song to feature here is that it was all I could find on youTube right now (probably because it’s the first single.)