The only musical things that I did this week were 1. Cut my fingernails 2. Make a compilation CD of "songs of faith" for a Christmas gift. That was really fun; here's what's on it:
1. Come to Jesus, Mindy Smith
2. Daniel Prayed, Patty Loveless
3. All My Tears, Julie Miller
4. Down to the River to Pray, Alison Krauss (from "Oh, Brother" soundtrack)
5. Swing Down Chariot, Rufus & Chaka
6. Stubborn, Lee Ann Womack
7. Get Right With God, Lucinda Williams
8. People Get Ready, Aretha Franklin
9. Angel Doves, Mindy Smith
10. You are the Light, Lone Justice
11. Oh Happy Day, Edwin Hawkins Singers
12. Why Me Lord, Johnny Cash
13. Live This Life, Big & Rich
I could easily make another one of these.

Also today I discovered the song "Casey's Last Ride" by Kris Kristofferson. I heard a bluegrass version by the Country Gentleman on the Bluegrass Radio station over at CMT.com. This has got to be one of the saddest songs ever, ever, ever. Read the insanely sad lyrics. Apparently Emmylou Harris has covered this; I did not even know this. Some quick Googling also turned up this cool record label that has put out a very interesting looking Kristofferson tribute.

Progress! "Wake Up Crying" is, I'd say, 25% done, and I like it. I'm trying as I always do to make it something someone else could sing; this intention is usually felled by my tendency to put some kind of weird, neurotic line in the song that would make Lee Ann Womack say, "Hmmm. That's kinda creepy." I have to say the most fun musical part of my week was playing along with the R. Adams Cold Roses CD, for an hour, with S., having a wonderful time. I will tell you, Ryan Adams likes B minor. A lot. The songs aren't super-hard, but they're super-good, which makes you all the more jealous of him! Anyways, I count this Ryan-session as musical progress too. And it felt great.

Also I found this old song called "Feather Duster" on my computer; I'd totally forgotten about it. It's not bad; might make it into the March 5.