A few days before Christmas an old friend of mine emailed me to say that God had put on his heart to send me one of those visa pre-paid credit cards.  He asked me to spend it on things related to making better music….actually he said music, I just added better.  Anyways, it was so kind and thoughtful, so I thought I might show you what I bought with it.  

*One note about these Books and CD’s.  While I do think that we can grow from books and CD’s that might have points of view that I disagree with, I always want to be careful to filter it through the lens of Scripture.  So a word of caution… I think that some of these have conclusions that might be dangerous to our hearts and minds if wisdom is not taken….)

1. Snow Patrol – A Hundred Million Suns – I’ve only listened to it 4 or 5 times, but I can already tell this is going to be one of my all time favorite albums.

2. Greg Laswell – I don’t know much about this guy, but the album came highly recommended…and he seems to have a real knack for pop melodies.

3. Bruce Ware – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – I’ve been really convicted lately about how little I consider the doctrine of the Trinity in planning musical worship.  I’ve heard this is the best book around on the subject.  I hope it brings more conviction and change in me.

4. Joshua Radin – This guy is really dylanesq.  Not in a bad way.  But it’s all over his music.  He too has a some great melodies.  

So there it is…how I spent my songwriting money.  I know I have a ton to learn from these singers/writers.  Hopefully some ideas for some good tunes will come out of these resources.  

Thanks for reading.