songwriters i heart.

so i was thinking today about some of my favorite artists and i realized that i haven't really thought about this in a while. to be honest, i need some new musical influences... but these ladies have had a very lasting influence on me. ms. sheryl crow...

and rachael yamagata. her first album was so killer. i think some people gave it a bad wrap cause it was all sorts of different styles. each track sounded so different.. but awesome. i don't care what they said. i loved it.

mindy smith... what else is there to say but. AMAZING. one of her first songs.. hurricane hit me like a rock in the head. it's awesome. infact, here are the lyrics.

I felt the
Faint trace of thunder
Rattle this old house
I saw the fire light the sky
But there's no sign of rain anywhere

I need a hurricane
To empty out this place
Seems it's the only way
To salvage any sense I have left
To move on

I'm waiting
To hear your voice again
And lighten up this heart
I'm holding on to stupid memories
But I see you in every little thing

I need a hurricane
To straighted out this place
It maybe the only way
To salvage any sense I have left
To move on

I need a hurricane
To ravage through place
I think it's the only way
To salvage any sense
I have left
To move on

I felt the
Faint trace of thunder
But there's no sign of rain anywhere
No, there's no sign of you anywhere

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST.... OF COURSE PATTY GRIFFIN. i'm not sure where i'd be without her. my ex in college introduced me to her music and every one of her songs are beautiful. she is a writer with amazing depth and intriguing imagery. i can only hope to be half the writer she is in my lifetime.

it's out already and i just haven't made it to twist and shout yet, but i will own this album within the weekend. i have every album she has ever put out. i can't say that about any other artist ever.

let me just end with this... if you don't know who she is, you should. your life will be better.