Film critic S.T. unpackages the hidden core of 2007's Best Picture. I haven't seen the movie version of No Country yet, but as a Cormac McCarthy fan, I'm really looking forward to it.

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This has been a long time coming, but I didn't want to rush to judgment just to get my Top Ten Albums of 2007 list out before the new year. Thanks for waiting.

Music may have a more fragile shelf life than books, but I feel pretty safe in saying that we should probably all spot the previous year at least six months before we ditch in as totally out-dated. Haha.

Disclaimer: I'm not a music expert, nor am I trying to represent the American public--just myself--so this post will not draw from all available genres. Up front, I'll admit that I'm not a big fan of hardcore, bubblegum pop, or rap music that isn't made by Shai Linne, Timothy Brindle, or their compadres--so don't come after me. Also, I lied: These are actually the Top Twelve Albums of 2007--but that wouldn't sound as catchy, would it? And we're all about surface appearances here...

So then, the countdown:

Top Ten Twelve Albums of 2007

12. Heart Attack Time Machine by Waterdeep. This local, KC-based band rose from the ashes to create a subtle, melodic folk-rock album that showcases Lori Chaffer's wonderful voice while avoiding the overly repetitive jams that used to fill their albums. (OK, I may be slightly biased, but it is a great CD--and I wanted to have a surprise entry.)

11. Reunion Tour by the Weakerthans. They stubbornly refuse to "progress" their throwback musical style, and occasionally a new guitar riff will sound vaguely familiar, but the wildly literate, clever lyrics more than atone.

10. Sky Blue Sky by Wilco. The kings of indie abandon rampant experimentalism to return to the more straightforward, jangly, reflective sound that originally defined them. Good move.

9. The Reminder by Feist. Lilting but plucky vocals deservedly vaulted Feist into the spotlight.

8. Neon Bible by The Arcade Fire. Brooding, enigmatic, symphonic, strident, sometimes opaque--this is an album that not only rewards, but requires, repeated listens.

7. The Story by Brandi Carlile. Carlile's sophomore effort is a folksy, rock-tinged album that highlights the superb songwriting and even more superb voice of a rising star.

6. Shepherd's Dog by Iron and Wine. Sam Beam's whispered vocals occasionally get lost in the whirling, multi-layered, acoustic harmonies, but his songs are filled with stark, searching images.

5. The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter by Josh Ritter. With poetic/gritty lyrics, catchy/nuanced composition, and a casually expressive voice, Ritter's album is like a good pair of jeans, instantly comfortable.

4. Lifeline by Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals. Smooth and soulful, with plenty of understated (and sometimes not) don't-mess-with-me edge. In my opinion, Harper's best album yet.

3. Challengers by the New Pornographers. The name is a reference to Jimmy Swaggart's statement that "music is the new pornography"--and gives you a feel for the playfully sly way the uber-skilled band puts their lyrics and lush melodies together.

2. Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga by Spoon. Classic, bluesy rock with driving rhythms and plenty of swagger--perfectly executed--with hooks that don't leave room for weak tracks.

1. In Rainbows by Radiohead. Thom Yorke and company create a spectral, haunting, rock album that makes you want to read Ecclesiastes, muse about where your life is headed, and stare blankly into the middle distance muttering, Wow.

Runners Up

Wincing the Night Away by The Shins

Cease to Begin by Band of Horses

We Walked in Song by The Innocence Mission

Cassadaga by Bright Eyes

Disagree? Any other albums I should have included? Throw in your two cents.

Person Josh Ritter

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Almost as if he expects us to wait on him hand and foot.

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On Saturday night, then-#1 Memphis lost to then-#2 Tennessee. Which means...what, exactly? Jeff Goodman explains the tourney implications. And yeah, the Jayhawks get mentioned.

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We were prevented from seeing The Bourne Ultimatum in the theater by two deadly assets named Aidan and Asher, so we found ourselves breathlessly waiting for the film to show up on DVD. Seeing it at home didn't cause the same degree of convulsively tensed muscles, hyperventilation, and sudden twitching that the movies usually provoke, but that didn't stop me from enjoying every intense, frenetic minute of it.

I talked about it afterwards with my friend, Matt, and we pretty much saw eye to eye: Yes, the third film upheld the awesome legacy of the Bourne series; no, my sons should probably not watch the films until they were, say, five years old; yes, that rooftop chase scene in Morocco was amazing; no, you didn't feel like Jason Bourne was winning out so effortlessly this time around...

And then, abrupt disagreement.

"Yeah, you could definitely see how the pieces are in place for a fourth movie," said Matt.

"Are you serious?" I said. "There's no way that will happen. Now Bourne knows who he is. They've planted a few clues that point to a happier life for him. He has no one left to kill. And besides, the Bourne films were always going to be a trilogy."

"I'm pretty sure there will be a fourth film," said Matt.

Well, it always hurts to be wrong--I say that based on the seven times that I have been (in the last 24 hours)--but I was completely wrong this time, and I have no regrets.

Matt Damon and Bourne director Paul Greengrass have just agreed to shoot a fourth film. And last night, The Bourne Ultimatum quietly cleaned up three Oscars (editing, sound editing, mixing)--pointing to the jerky, documentary-style cinematography that has come to characterize the Bourne dynasty. Very effectively, in my opinion.

Obviously, this raises questions. What will the next Bourne film be about? Will J.B. return to his home town (Nixon, MO), maybe careening through Kansas City en route? Will we learn what drove Bourne to sign up for "special" CIA duty in the first place? (A choice that has haunted the entire trilogy--uh, first three movies.) Almost certainly, the film will need to further explore Bourne's deeply fragmented personality. But what will this one be called? The Bourne Conspiracy? The Bourne Legacy, as in the fourth Bourne novel?

If the series needs additional star power, Ben Afleck has already expressed strong interest, suggesting that Bourne could be humanized by a sidekick. He describes his vision for the fourth movie (wink, wink):

"I envision the sidekick as being taller, slightly beefier, and having darker hair than Bourne. He may not be the smartest, but he could provide comic relief and would always look out for his best friend."

According to Affleck, the fourth film in the Bourne franchise, which has traditionally taken place in European locales but was most recently set in New York City, needs a refreshing location that would surprise filmgoers, such as gritty South Boston. Just moments after the opening credits, the amnesiac CIA assassin would learn that he grew up there, had an abusive childhood, dropped out of high school, and once worked as a janitor at a local college.

If you need to brush up on your Jason Bourne knowledge, including the water (baptism, rebirth) motif that appears in each film, read this excellent review of Ultimatum.

If the car chases and fights get choreographed on schedule, Bourne4 will show up in 2010.

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He stood and measured the earth;
he looked and shook the nations;
then the eternal mountains were scattered;
the everlasting hills sank low.
His were the everlasting ways. - Habakkuk 3:6

Will God level the mountains with his index finger, like a barista leveling ground espresso? Will he deflate the hills like needle-bitten beach balls? Perhaps he will, but does he ultimately have a different leveling, a different deflating in mind?

I'm going to go with option two. Because God created the earth and liked what he saw, but he didn't create the pride that wrinkles your heart into treacherous back country, distorting the landscape of humility, making your love impassible.

There are peaks and spires that try God's patience like a splinter under the nail, but they're human in nature. It's not Everest that he's fuming at, is what I'm saying. One day God intends to attack the craggy, top-heavy mountains of your heart's topography. For now, he lives with the irritation, because he's patient--but we have his word that every human soul will eventually sprawl full-length in front of him like Babel.

On that day, the arrogant and ego-driven will wish they weren't. We proud people should always be wary of God's metaphors.

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A promising new ezine is now up. Go take a look at Kritik Magazine. It caters to a collegiate crowd, but the "Career, Culture, Conversation" sections work for a wider audience. I've been impressed with the writing so far. If you want a good laugh, go read the article cryptically titled, "Why Guys Fear the Pretzel."

From the nicely come-uppity "About Us":

If you’re looking for yet another dry compilation of recent news or yawn-inducing music reviews, you came to the wrong place. We’re also not looking to preach to the choir—so if you’re faint-of-heart, either buck up or find a therapist. Kritik Magazine is an acidic and incisive online publication for college students, not the Ladies Home Journal. While a particular story may present multiple viewpoints, our writers will avoid half-hearted attempts to disguise their opinion. They have been commissioned to express their ideas in an unmistakably candid and humorous fashion; we hope you will enjoy reading the resulting content as much as we enjoy writing it.

HT: Timothy Zila.

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Aidan tends to be a little emotionally unhinged right after he wakes up in the morning, and dependent on his favorite foodstuffs to get him going. Can't imagine where he gets this from. This little monologue took place while I was lying on the couch, with Aidan standing over me (weird) six inches away.

Aidan: "Berries! Berries! BERRIES! BERRRIES!..."
[Pauses. Then, as if rehearsing:]
"Don't whine..."
"Don't cry..."
"Just ask."
[Looking me right in the face, with new confidence:]
"Berries, please."

Watching this sequence unfold was enough to snap me out of my catatonic state. I think the pure reasonableness of it was so shocking that it forcefully pummeled the remaining sleep from my body.

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I read a lot of articles about basketball, looking for tips on how to dunk when you're white and 5'8", and while I haven't found the answer to that particular question, I do have a bunch of hoops links to share with the eight of you who love this stuff. Who knows, maybe a few more will hop on the bandwagon and be ready to compete in a bracket pool.

Based on a few reader complaints, I'm widening my coverage linkage to embrace teams outside the Big 12 (that's how much I love you guys). Check 'em:

Nebraska beats K-State
The Cornhuskers used an ingenious trick defense to make POY candidate Michael Beasely a non-factor for most of Wednesday's game, earning a signature win and making me smile very widely. "It was the most embarrassing defensive performance of any team I've coached in 23 years, and I've coached 13 year olds," Wildcats coach Frank Martin said. Oh, that's Big 12 news, isn't it?

Worst. Dunk. Ever.
From Dime Mag. And they may be right. Watch it, it'll make you smile.

Coaches Heating Up Duke-North Carolina Rivalry
It's always fun when Hall of Fame coaches trashtalk--in this case, over who has more injured players, and whether injuries are a legit excuse for losing. FOX: Sure, sometimes Tar Heels coach Roy Williams can go overboard when discussing his players' status. There was no need to mention Quentin Thomas battling the flu the other day. Can't wait for the match-up March 8.

College Basketball Power Rankings
The Big 12 has three in the top 25. I'm not playing favorites here, since the rest of you can tally your own conferences. ;)

Less Talented Duke Teams Still Overhyped
SI makes the call and I clap. I wonder what Dick Vitale would say about this.

Prep for the Huge Memphis-Tennessee Game
I hope to catch this #1 vs. #2 game on Saturday. Grant Wahl: How are Memphis and Tennessee similar? Both like to play fast, harassing defense and hope that their depth and conditioning will eventually wear you down.

Breaking Down the Big 12's Tourney Hopefuls
Reasons why or why not the conference's current top 5 teams will make the Big Dance. Banking on my vast bracketology experience, I think all 5 are in. I'd like to see Baylor make the cut too, which would make 6 B12 teams in.

Tracking the Fab Freshman
A scout weighs in on how the nation's top young talents will make it in the League. The big names appear--Eric Gordon, Kevin Love, Michael Beasely, Jerryd Bayless, O.J. Mayo, Derrick Rose--as well as some sleepers. A bunch of conferences are represented here, so we can end the run-down on a happy note.

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I like to read books that are unabashedly theological. You may not. And let's be honest, that's probably not the only defect in your character. But I've been looking forward to reviewing this book about "penal substitutionary atonement" for some time.

First, a word of definition. "Penal substitutionary atonement" is theological language for what many people regard as the most awful, unbearable aspect of Jesus' death: the fact that he was bloodily executed ("penal") in our place ("substitutionary") to pay for our evil under his Father's just wrath (atonement)--evil that he was completely innocent of.

This understanding of Christ's death grates on contemporary minds for a variety of reasons: How can this be just? How can God "punish himself?" Why couldn't the Father simply "forgive" us, since he is sovereign, after all? How can we consider the cross as anything less that "divine child abuse?" (Steve Chalke) Was Jesus killed against his will? How can we "rejoice" in divine homicide/suicide? Aren't other aspects of what happened to Jesus more important? (his exemplary life, his victory over Satan) Ultimately: Why do some people persist in talking up the bloodiest, most painful aspect of Christianity's bloodiest, most painful scene?

You may not be aware of this, but emotions tend to run high in these discussions. Why? Because the "winners" control the historical and spiritual reality that makes up the epicenter of the Christian faith. What exactly happened on the cross, who carried it out, and why? Answers have to be looked for scripturally, with an eye to human logic and emotions, but not mere human logic and emotions. That's what I feel that this book accomplishes.

In Pierced for Our Transgressions, Steve Jeffery, Michael Ovey, and Andrew Sach contend that penal substitutionary atonement represents the heart of the cross and the center of Jesus' mission on earth. They build their case biblically, finding scriptural answers for the questions above. Based on what God reveals in the Bible, what happened on the cross and what was it intended to accomplish?

I was deeply impressed by the book for a variety of reasons. It's well-written and lucid. It's laser-focused on a controversial topic, but it's not contentious. The authors precede with a sense of deliberation and suspense, as if they're investigating a complex crime scene--which in a sense they are. The book is sharply focused, but not narrow, because Jeffery, Ovey and Sach are acutely aware of other position on Christ's death, and they speak to them.

The book is tough-minded (allow me to personify) in that it deals directly with a widely representative, if not exhaustive, series of objections to penal substitutionary atonement--and does so fairly but firmly. The authors don't disparage other perspectives or voices, they attempt to place them in correct alignment with the cross. Often this means taking a concern that has been made of paramount importance (Christ as our role model, for example) and demonstrating that such truths are dependent on the more foundational, scriptural reality.

I opened the book with a pretty thorough biblical backing, but no special study on the topic of the atonement, so I was prepared to read with an open mind. I felt the weight of the questions that the authors tackled. Closing the book, I felt that I'd been taken on an investigative journey that succeeded in being both levelheaded and impassioned. The battle that's being fought over this "theological" issue has implications for every area of life, and is surely one of the most important questions on the table in the 21st century.

Pierced for Our Transgressions is far more than an opening salvo in this fight. It may well be a defining work, one that defends the heart of the cross while respectfully and thoroughly refuting those who would end up bleeding off the paradoxical glory of what Christ accomplished by dying.

*** I give this book three out of three stars: Don't miss it.

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