At heart, I’m still a DJ, and what good DJ goes without making lists of favorite music? (examples: 2005, 2006, winter listening, some favorites from early 2009).

As such, I’ve come up with my top records of the year. Here’s this year’s list:

• United Pursuit Band – EP / Radiance
  I listened to this record (the EP) more than almost any other this year. Amazing, stripped-down, passionate music.
• Urban Rescue – Urban Rescue
  A phenomenal first release from a young band. Can’t wait to see what they do next!
• David Crowder*Band – Church Music
  This year’s offering from DC*B was a return to the complex, thematic recordings I love of theirs. Much appreciated on many levels.
• Christopher Willits – Live on Earth, Volume 1
  Gorgeous live ambient guitar and electronics
• Jahaziel – Ready to Live
  A fresh UK hip-hop artist whose tracks saw a lot of play this year.
• Sammy G – Plain an Simple
  Love the intersection of grime, dubstep, and UK hip-hop in one Gospel package.

late arrivals

These records arrived too late (Christmas presents, mostly) to be included, but have the potential for heavy play over the next few months:

• Danyew – Danyew
• Paper Route – Absence
• Various Artists – Blood and Fire Amazon Compilation (free!)
• Various Artists – Pressure Sounds Amazon Compilation (also free!)
• Sara Groves – Fireflies and Songs