The album Mercyland: Hymns For The Rest of Us comes out today. Don’t know if you have heard about it yet, but producer and writer Phil Madeira set out with an interesting goal; to find the common ground and positive qualities of faith. Phil put together a diverse and amazing group of musical friends, including The Civil Wars, Shawn Mullins, Buddy Miller, The Carolina Chocolate Drops, The North Mississippi Allstars, Dan Tyminski, and Emmylou Harris who contribute ten original and two  traditional songs to the compilation album. The selections come from varying philosophies and beliefs; in humanity, the joy of music itself, or the affirmation of a higher power, be that God or spirituality or transcendent love.

Today Music Fog gives you a special (hush, we are not EVER going to call it a two-fer!!!) But indeed, we are giving you two videos to peruse from the album Mercyland. First is a spirited song from the Carolina Chocolate Drops called “Lights In The Valley.”

Second is a simmering, politically charged tune from Shawn Mullins, “Give God The Blues.”

-Jessie Scott