Merry Christmas

WTF?

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/12/21/iraq.christmas/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

This is a story about the first public Christmas in Iraq. On the surface "hey thats cool, i guess" as the Christ in Christmas has been almost lost and it has become a holday about getting together with family and celebrating your friends, etc. I love Christmas. But this is fucking ridiculous to me. How can we publicly despise any other culture, religion (Islam) or political view (Communism) because they "force" their view on others. When this is a perfect example of the United States doing it. Putting pictures of Jesus on blimps around the city, are you fucking kidding me. I have no problem with people celebrating their respective holidays, but when the government basically our government does this it makes me think we are often what we despise rather than what we think. Its nice that the people are uniting by why is it around a americanized holiday and a christian fictional character?

1. AA Bondy - American Hearts

My favorite of the year, from the moment I first heard it I knew it was going to be on the list. Bare bones production, recorded in a barn in upstate New York. Bondy with his family connection with The Felice Brothers, recorded a beautiful, honest, raw album dealing with everything. From drugs to war to love, nothing is off the table with this effort. Every song is well worth the time and attention. Favorites are There's A Reason, American Hearts, Lovers Waltz, and Killed Myself When I Was Young. here

2. Why? - Alopecia

Alternative rock, hip hop group from non other than Cincinnati, although now located in Oakland, California. Sounds like Pavement and stream of consciousness rap in a blender. Favorites are Fatalist Palministry, By Torpoedo Or Crohn's, The Hollows, and Brook & Waxing. Get it here.

3. My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges

One of my favorite bands ever, just seems so effortless in any new direction they decide to go on. This album has a little bit of everything, Prince, soul ballads, southern rock, just get it. No link due to request, you'll find it.

4. Fleet Foxes - S/T

Mythical mountain music. Reverb drenched ballads from one of the great up and coming bands of this young century. No Link due to request, you can find it though.

5. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago

What can I say that hasn't already been said about this one. here

6. Wise Blood - S/T

A great folk, alternative, inventive album from a close friend. I swear i can't go a day without listening to one song off this album. Spirituality plays a big part in the song writing process. It is not a qualification however to enjoy a damn good album. Favorites are Well I Had A Revelation And..., The Ballad Of Ichabod Vincent And His Lady, Lost At Sea, and Untitled. Here.

7. She & Him - Volume One

A colaboration between M. Ward (a ridiculous solo artist btw) and Zooey Deschanel (from Elf fame). A great look back at 50's and 60's female love balads done excellently with Wards inventive production and guitar. Every song is equally great. Here

9. Atmosphere - When Life Hands You Lemons...

I had never heard of this hip hop group until the past year, i was truly missing out. I got the pleasure to see them live at Scribble jam here in Cincinnati. Hell of a show by the way. This album is a great look back at a life filled with joy and much pain. The beats on the album are incredible. Each song is a different story or tale, giving you a piece of good advice on each track. A really fucking good hip hop album is what I am trying to say. here.