Best albums, September 2011

Of the albums that arrived at the station in September 2011, my favorites were:

• Heaven Below by Peter Mayer. I listened to this album, and found I loved every song.  How could I be unfamiliar with such a great songwriter? As it turns out, I was not unfamiliar with him.  Two years ago, we received Anne Hills' album Points of View, and on that album, I was impressed with the song, "Holy Now," which was written by Peter Mayer.  Like "Holy Now," the songs on this album speak of the beauty and connectedness of the universe. For example, in "All the World is One," he writes,

You can ride off like John Wayne into the setting sun
But earthlings don't leave town
They just go round and round
Until they figure out
All the world is one, all the world is one

• Everything is Everywhere by Carrie Newcomer, Amjad Ali Khan, Amaan Ali Khan, and Ayaan Ali Khan.  I've liked some of Carrie Newcomer's songs in the past, but she has never really been one of my favorites because her sound is more modern than my tastes.  For me, the addition three Indian musicians has increased the appeal.  As with Heaven Below, I liked every song, and many of the songs brought to light the beauty of everyday life.  In "I Believe," she writes:

I believe in socks and gloves knit out of soft grey wool,
And that there's a place in heaven for those
Who teach in public school.
And I know I get some things right,
But mostly I'm a fool.

I believe in a good strong cup of ginger tea,
And all these shoots and roots will become a tree.
All I know is I can’t help but see
All of this as so very holy.