The thing about prolific songwriters is that they tend to release more albums than they probably should, allowing for impulsive stinker songs to mix with crafted gems that could have been more patiently collected for a full, rich Long-Play savoring. Arguably, Elvis Costello hangs out in that camp; as does Lou Reed; as some would say Mike Knott falls into that category. Some ways maybe so, but he has written some great songs that in my opinion far exceed the abovementioned artists. With that being said, I firmly believe that any hardcore Michael Knott fan, much like myself, would place at least a handful of these songs on their list. So here is my best of list, of all things Michael Knott. One of the best musicians.
10. Sun Eyed Girl
"Sun Eyed Girl" is a perfect case of Michael Knott showcasing his confident song writing skills. Solid song structure chock full of unusual witty lyrics. All in all just a completely fun song.
09. I Am No Christ
"I Am No Christ" is probably the ultimate Michael Knott song. In all honesty it should probably number 1 on this list. So why isn't it you ask? I don't know. It's another one of his songs with profound lyrics. "Cross me once and I'll forgive you/cross me twice and it gets hard/cross me three times, just remember/I am no Christ." If those lyrics don't knock you upside the head. Then I don't know what would.
08. Kitty
Rocket and a Bomb might just be Michael Knott's shining moment when it comes to his albums. The story telling on this album reminds me of Bob Dylan. "Kitty" is the perfect example of that. Such a rock solid song. Great story telling along with great melody and flow.
07. This Is The Healing
"This Is The Healing" is just one of those songs that will move you. Bad production aside, if you stop and really listen to this song, you can't but help but be moved. I could only imagine if Mike had the benefit of a mainstream big budget. The sky would be the limit. His talent almost seems limitless at times. One can only dream....
06. Blame
Grace Shaker in my opinion is the one album that just might be better than Rocket and a Bomb. The songs on this album seem to come from such an honest and vulnerable place. "Blame" has got to be the main highlight off of the album. Good stuff indeed...
05. Double
Originally recorded on Grace Shaker. But I think the live version here on Live in Nash-Vegas is the more impacting version. I love his take on the average everyday life of a Christian family. I think most people can relate with the struggle Mike speaks of here on this great great song.
04. Shoegazer
"Shoegazer" coming off of what might be Michael's most accessible pop recording. It's the album I would recommend to people wanting to hear what all the hype is about. The passion in this song is evident from the very start. The rolling baseline throughout the song is very rhythmic, I just love it.
03. Crush Me
Cush is a super group of sorts. All Cush members are seasoned veterans of the Christian rock scene, coming from a variety of musical backgrounds. Led by Michael Knott of course and also featuring members of The Prayer Chain, Starflyer 59, The Lassie Foundation, Honey and Fold Zandura. So it's easy to see why I consider this the best album Mike was ever a part of. "Crush Me" being the great famous pop song that never was. Like most of the music Michael was a part of, it's hard to understand how this song amongst others never made it onto the radio.
02. Cool
"Cool" is what you want a rock song to be. Great guitar riffs, solid rhythm section, great chorus and vocals. I've probably listened to this song more than any other song in his entire catalog. This song just speaks to me on so many levels.
01. Heaven Sent
What to say about this masterpiece of a song? There is no way I could do this song justice. This soaring laid back mellow groove of a song is a near perfect song. I don't think there is anything I would change about this song. When it comes to road trip songs "Heaven Sent" is my go to song. In fact New Sound is probably my all-time favorite road trip album.
