I wrote a couple reviews for the WSDP Alumni Newsletter. WSDP is the high school radio station I manage. I've realized that I'm on the once a month posting schedule so I decided that I need to get off my rear and add something. This is a good way to use something I previously wrote.
Fiction Family – Fiction Family (ATO Records)
Fiction Family has Jon Foreman (Switchfoot) and Sean Watkins (Nickel Creek) diverging from the musical sounds we’ve come to know them for. The two San Diego natives have known each other for several years and began collaborating together under the name the Real SeanJon. The Fiction Families sound is very acoustic (“Not Sure” and “War in My Blood”) and sometimes a bit more experimental sounding (“Out of Order”). This is an album that requires multiple listens because the lyrics are at the forefront. WSDP is playing their first single “When She’s Near.” It’s a radio friendly song that can easily get you humming along. It has one of my favorite lines in the chorus, “When she’s near the new years here and there is not a resolution that I can’t do.” They’ve been touring this winter and hopefully they’ll build a fan base that will keep them around for years to come. That’s a resolution I hope they make.
John Oates – 1000 Miles of Life (Phunk Shui Records)
John Oates has been making music for decades so it is surprising that his first full-length albums were released in the last several years. He’s become identified with the Philly Soul through his years with Hall and Oates but on “1000 Miles of Life” he delves into a folk/Americana sound that hearkens back to his early days of music in the 1960’s. He and producer Jed Leiber have brought in an incredible mix of musicians to flesh out the music (Bela Fleck, Sam Bush, Bonnie Bramlett, and many others). One of my favorites is the gospel influenced “Sending Me Angels” that has him singing with the Blind Boys of Alabama. “Ghost Town” spotlights the banjo of Bela Fleck on a song that looks at New Orleans post Katrina. John Oates has always been the other guy in Hall and Oates. Hopefully “1000 Miles of Life” will open up opportunities for him to step in the forefront more often. I look forward to hearing the music he creates.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
Bill's Top Albums of 2008
I love checking out year end best of lists. I always like seeing which artists I missed and who might agree with me. This year it looks like I missed TV On the Radio and their CD "Dear Science." That CD put them on so many best of 08 lists Here are my favorites from this past year. Who did I miss and what were some of your favorites?
1. Rodney Crowell “Sex & Gasoline” - His CD's have been among my year end favorites since his 2001 CD "The Houston Kid." This album finds him working with Joe Henry on songs about women from an imagined woman's perspective.
2. JD Souther “If the World Was You” - Legendary songwriter who has written songs for Linda Ronstadt, The Eagles, James Taylor, The Dixie Chicks and many others. This album finds him working with some amazing Jazz players including Bela Fleck, Jeff Coffin and Rod Mcgaha on his first album in almost 25 years. Great music and very thought provoking songs.
3. The Pretenders “Break Up the Concrete” - Chrissie Hynde enlists new band members in a much more rootsy, Americana project. I stumbled on this CD in December and it quickly became one of my favorites of the year. I love Chrissie's voice and now I want to dig back into the Pretenders vast catalog.
4. Sam Phillips “Don’t Do Anything” - Sam has worked with former husband T Bone Burnett as her producer and for the first time takes on the producer's role. This album fits in well with her past two, "Fan Dance" and "A Boot in A Shoe."
5. John Mellencamp “Life Death Love and Freedom” - I became excited about this CD when I heard that John would be working with T Bone Burnett. I recently listened to John's greatest hits and realized what a wealth of great music he's recorded. This album finds him stretching even more.
6. Steppin’ In It “Simple Tunes for Troubled Times” - The first of many Michigan artists in my top albums of 08. This Lansing quartet has recorded the best album of their career, and they've recorded some very good ones. My favorite song is "Break of Day" which takes on the idea that bigger is better. The fact that it takes a few shots at the current state of radio makes it even more poignant for me. Their cover of Randy Newman's "Mr. President (Have Pity on the Working Man)."
7. Jackie Greene “Givin’ Up the Ghost” - This California songwriter has been selling out the Ark for several years. This was my first introduction to his music. When I first heard it I thought it might be my pick for the best of 08. It has dropped a bit but its still among the year's best. Trivia note: Bruce Spencer of the 77's is Jackie's drummer. Jackie sings some vocals on the 77's latest "Holy Ghost Building."
8. Jakob Dylan “Seeing Things” - A more acoustic, stripped down recording from the son of "Bob." He enlisted the production help of Rick Rubin who gets credit for reviving Johnny Cash's career in the 90's. He has the unenviable task of following in the footsteps of his dad, but this album is a great step in that direction.
9. American Mars “Western Sides” - American Mars is one of the top bands in the Detroit area. I had only heard a song or two from their previous CD's so this album was a welcome introduction in the winter of 08. Their website describes their sound as atmospheric roots-influenced rock. I hear the influences of bands like the Jayhawks, Ryan Adams and Tom Petty.
10. Brooks Williams “The Time I Spend With You” - Such a smooth singer, songwriter and guitarist. He's become one of the favorites at Trinity House Theatre over the years. The title track from this album became a favorite of mine through his live performances. He's equally skilled at singing folk, blues and jazz.
11. Brian Vander Ark “S/T” - My friend John turned me on to Brian's solo work. I was a fan of his work with the Verve Pipe but solo CD's find him exploring a bit more of a sophisticated pop sound. This is one of those albums that has grown on me with each repeated listen.
12. Ralston Bowles “Rally At the Texas Hotel” - The Grand Rapids based songwriter released this album on Judy Collins' Wildflower Record Label. He teamed up again with critically acclaimed producer Marvin Etzioni. I really enjoyed "Velvet Elvis", with Charlie Sexton on vocals. Like his first album this one kicks off with a Mark Heard cover ("Satellite Sky"). I'm just glad this includes a version of his concert favorite "Friend of God."
13. Greg Mahan “Thirty Five Cent Daydream” - Greg is a very talented Cincinnati based songwriter. This CD was eight years in the making. "Fireflies" and "Thirty-Five-Cent Daydream are two of the most beautifully nostalgic sounding songs I've heard. "Mento" will remind you of "Graceland" era Paul Simon. Here's hoping he will get some wider recognition.
14. BoDeans “Still” - The BoDeans have been favorites of mine since college. This album finds them teaming up with T Bone Burnett again. They've had a couple pop breakthroughs but have generally stayed under the radar of most people.
15. Emmylou Harris “All I Intended To Be” - On this album Emmylou returns to her roots with producer Brian Ahern. He produced her first 11 albums. I would have been happy with another album with Daniel Lanois or Malcolm Burn producing but I like this change of pace. "Shores of White Sand" and "Gold" are very beautiful.
16. The Innocence Mission “Street Maps”
17. Rachael Davis “Antebellum Queens”
18. Lindsay Buckingham “Gift of Screws”
19. Jen Chapin and Rosetta Trio “Light of Mine”
20. Larry Norman “Rebel Poet, Jukebox Balladeer: The Anthology”
21. Martyn Joseph “Evolved”
22. Seventy Sevens “Holy Ghost Building”
23. Al Green “Lay It Down”
24. My Dear Disco “Dancethink LP”
25. Kate Campbell “Save the Day”
26. Jon Foreman “Limbs and Branches”
27. Christopher Williams “Sweet Redemption”
28. Mark Erelli “Delivered”
29. Dave Boutette “The Piccolo Heart”
30. Thrice “The Alchemy Index Vol. 3 & 4 – Air & Earth”
31. Luke Sayers and the Last to Know “Radio Flower”
32. The Refugees “Unbound”
33. Rosie Thomas “A Very Rosie Christmas”
34. Bonnie Bramlett “Beautiful”
35. Jeff Coffin and Charlie Peacock “Arc of the Circle”
36. John Oates “1000 Miles of Life”
37. Doug Hoekstra “Blooming Roses”
38. Claire Holley “Hush”
39. Dolly Varden “13”
40. Joe Wilson and Drew Howard “Steels Heal the World”
1. Rodney Crowell “Sex & Gasoline” - His CD's have been among my year end favorites since his 2001 CD "The Houston Kid." This album finds him working with Joe Henry on songs about women from an imagined woman's perspective.
2. JD Souther “If the World Was You” - Legendary songwriter who has written songs for Linda Ronstadt, The Eagles, James Taylor, The Dixie Chicks and many others. This album finds him working with some amazing Jazz players including Bela Fleck, Jeff Coffin and Rod Mcgaha on his first album in almost 25 years. Great music and very thought provoking songs.
3. The Pretenders “Break Up the Concrete” - Chrissie Hynde enlists new band members in a much more rootsy, Americana project. I stumbled on this CD in December and it quickly became one of my favorites of the year. I love Chrissie's voice and now I want to dig back into the Pretenders vast catalog.
4. Sam Phillips “Don’t Do Anything” - Sam has worked with former husband T Bone Burnett as her producer and for the first time takes on the producer's role. This album fits in well with her past two, "Fan Dance" and "A Boot in A Shoe."
5. John Mellencamp “Life Death Love and Freedom” - I became excited about this CD when I heard that John would be working with T Bone Burnett. I recently listened to John's greatest hits and realized what a wealth of great music he's recorded. This album finds him stretching even more.
6. Steppin’ In It “Simple Tunes for Troubled Times” - The first of many Michigan artists in my top albums of 08. This Lansing quartet has recorded the best album of their career, and they've recorded some very good ones. My favorite song is "Break of Day" which takes on the idea that bigger is better. The fact that it takes a few shots at the current state of radio makes it even more poignant for me. Their cover of Randy Newman's "Mr. President (Have Pity on the Working Man)."
7. Jackie Greene “Givin’ Up the Ghost” - This California songwriter has been selling out the Ark for several years. This was my first introduction to his music. When I first heard it I thought it might be my pick for the best of 08. It has dropped a bit but its still among the year's best. Trivia note: Bruce Spencer of the 77's is Jackie's drummer. Jackie sings some vocals on the 77's latest "Holy Ghost Building."
8. Jakob Dylan “Seeing Things” - A more acoustic, stripped down recording from the son of "Bob." He enlisted the production help of Rick Rubin who gets credit for reviving Johnny Cash's career in the 90's. He has the unenviable task of following in the footsteps of his dad, but this album is a great step in that direction.
9. American Mars “Western Sides” - American Mars is one of the top bands in the Detroit area. I had only heard a song or two from their previous CD's so this album was a welcome introduction in the winter of 08. Their website describes their sound as atmospheric roots-influenced rock. I hear the influences of bands like the Jayhawks, Ryan Adams and Tom Petty.
10. Brooks Williams “The Time I Spend With You” - Such a smooth singer, songwriter and guitarist. He's become one of the favorites at Trinity House Theatre over the years. The title track from this album became a favorite of mine through his live performances. He's equally skilled at singing folk, blues and jazz.
11. Brian Vander Ark “S/T” - My friend John turned me on to Brian's solo work. I was a fan of his work with the Verve Pipe but solo CD's find him exploring a bit more of a sophisticated pop sound. This is one of those albums that has grown on me with each repeated listen.
12. Ralston Bowles “Rally At the Texas Hotel” - The Grand Rapids based songwriter released this album on Judy Collins' Wildflower Record Label. He teamed up again with critically acclaimed producer Marvin Etzioni. I really enjoyed "Velvet Elvis", with Charlie Sexton on vocals. Like his first album this one kicks off with a Mark Heard cover ("Satellite Sky"). I'm just glad this includes a version of his concert favorite "Friend of God."
13. Greg Mahan “Thirty Five Cent Daydream” - Greg is a very talented Cincinnati based songwriter. This CD was eight years in the making. "Fireflies" and "Thirty-Five-Cent Daydream are two of the most beautifully nostalgic sounding songs I've heard. "Mento" will remind you of "Graceland" era Paul Simon. Here's hoping he will get some wider recognition.
14. BoDeans “Still” - The BoDeans have been favorites of mine since college. This album finds them teaming up with T Bone Burnett again. They've had a couple pop breakthroughs but have generally stayed under the radar of most people.
15. Emmylou Harris “All I Intended To Be” - On this album Emmylou returns to her roots with producer Brian Ahern. He produced her first 11 albums. I would have been happy with another album with Daniel Lanois or Malcolm Burn producing but I like this change of pace. "Shores of White Sand" and "Gold" are very beautiful.
16. The Innocence Mission “Street Maps”
17. Rachael Davis “Antebellum Queens”
18. Lindsay Buckingham “Gift of Screws”
19. Jen Chapin and Rosetta Trio “Light of Mine”
20. Larry Norman “Rebel Poet, Jukebox Balladeer: The Anthology”
21. Martyn Joseph “Evolved”
22. Seventy Sevens “Holy Ghost Building”
23. Al Green “Lay It Down”
24. My Dear Disco “Dancethink LP”
25. Kate Campbell “Save the Day”
26. Jon Foreman “Limbs and Branches”
27. Christopher Williams “Sweet Redemption”
28. Mark Erelli “Delivered”
29. Dave Boutette “The Piccolo Heart”
30. Thrice “The Alchemy Index Vol. 3 & 4 – Air & Earth”
31. Luke Sayers and the Last to Know “Radio Flower”
32. The Refugees “Unbound”
33. Rosie Thomas “A Very Rosie Christmas”
34. Bonnie Bramlett “Beautiful”
35. Jeff Coffin and Charlie Peacock “Arc of the Circle”
36. John Oates “1000 Miles of Life”
37. Doug Hoekstra “Blooming Roses”
38. Claire Holley “Hush”
39. Dolly Varden “13”
40. Joe Wilson and Drew Howard “Steels Heal the World”
Monday, December 29, 2008
Over the Rhine 20th Anniversary Celebration
There are few bands I will drive through a snow storm to see but Over the Rhine is definitely one of them. December 19th my wife Heidi and I were planning to leave for Cincinnati to see Over the Rhine celebrate their 20 years with two concerts. We were planning to leave work early but the plans changed when a big snow storm hit Detroit that morning.
School was cancelled but we still left about the time we originally planned. As we drove down Telegraph I thought we might just make it to Cinci in time for the concert. My friend Brook seemed wise to have left 12 hours earlier, and it took him ten hours to make the 4.5 hour trip.
Once we got off Telegraph and on to I75 the roads got better. It is funny how you notice you're at the State line by the nicer roads in Ohio. Our timing was actually good because we missed the ice storm in Ohio. The roads were salted and we could enjoy all the beautiful ice on the trees. I thanked Heidi for not putting her foot down to squash the planned trip. She knew how important this weekend was for me.
I've always regretted not seeing Over the Rhine prior to Ric Hordinski and Brian Kelly's exit from the band. I became a fan of the band in the early 90's when I bought a cassette copy of their album Patience, but I always assumed I would catch them later. Friends who were much smarter always told me of their legendary performances and I could get a taste of it on live recordings but nothing is like seeing the real thing live.
The band has become a different beast since Ric and Brian left, still amazing live and on CD. Less alternative rock and more American/Folk Rock. The original lineups last album, Good Dog Bad Dog, foreshadowed that change in sound.
There was excitement in the air for this first night. I heard many people say this was the night they had to make. When the band walked on stage you heard people shout "Welcome back," to Ric and Brian.
Ric is amazing on guitar and that was clear on so many songs. If I'm Drowning and Daddy Untwisted were the obvious examples to point to. During Daddy Untwisted I thought he would become possessed by the song as he shook every bit of guitar magic out of it.
I underestimated what a fine drummer Brian Kelly is. My friend Brook described it as the soul that he brings to the music. I'm not one for most drum solos but as he was left alone on stage for the end of If I'm Drowning I was able to marvel at his playing.
It was also fun to watch Linford strap on the bass. I'm so used to seeing him behind the keyboards so it was great to see what a talented bass player he is. It was obvious he was having fun. I appreciated hearing his comments about how the band came together while they were in college.
Karin is definitely the focal point for the band and rightfully so. She so effortlessly creates magic when she sings. She can caress a vocal like the best Jazz singer, or her vocals can soar like the best gospel or rock singer. It is hard to adequately describe what she does, you have to catch her live if you haven't already.
They did many of my favorites including Circle of Quiet, Within Without and Like a Radio. I just hope this wasn't a one time trip back in time. They really need to take this line up to Cornerstone or the Calvin Faith and Music Festival. I would also love to see what they could create if they stepped back in a recording studio.
Saturday morning started off great with breakfast at Bob Evans. Heidi and I enjoyed the candy cane hot chocolates (she still tells people about them, they were that good). Heidi decided to stay at the hotel for the day to read and watch movies. Actually I think she wanted to avoid the parade of geekery as Brook and I planned to hit used record and bookstores. Our first stop was
Everybody's Records. What an amazing store. Brook and I agreed that we could drop a fist full of money without even trying. I made my way out with copies of the latest CD's from the Pretenders and Lindsay Buckingham, along with a used vinyl copy of a Delaney and Bonnie album from the early 70's. We also checked out the Ohio Bookstore, five stories of used books, and picked up coffee and hot chocolate at Khaldi's Coffee Shop. We picked up Heidi and then were off for dinner before night two of Over the Rhine.
I really enjoyed talking music with Brook. It is always cool to meet someone that likes some of the same music, and isn't afraid to admit their love of old Christian rock (the good, the bad and the ugly). I won't forget the Black Sabbath vinyl that he dug out to listen to on the turntable at Everybody's Music.
Night two focused on the last ten years of Over the Rhine. So much great music to pick from. I was hoping for Little Blue River. I've always enjoyed the beauty of Linford's piano playing in that song. Unfortunately it didn't make it on their set list, but there were so many great songs it was hard to quibble. The Trumpet Child was the focal point for the show, and the song Trouble was one of my favorites. I especially enjoyed the few from Ohio that kicked off the second set and Changes Come was very powerful.
Karin and Linford always surround themselves with such talented musicians. Jake Bradley and Mickey Grimm were great. Kenny Hutson is a great addition to the band on various guitars and mandolin. I always missed him after he left Vigilantes of Love. I always thought VOL was at its peak when he was in the band. And you can't forget Kim Taylor and Julie Lee on background vocals. The ladies were stunning. I wish I could have caught their solo songs on Sunday at St. Elizabeth's.
I can't wait to hear the next Live From Nowhere CD. Hopefully some of these special performances will make their way on it. And who knows, maybe they'll have enough for a double live CD. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
School was cancelled but we still left about the time we originally planned. As we drove down Telegraph I thought we might just make it to Cinci in time for the concert. My friend Brook seemed wise to have left 12 hours earlier, and it took him ten hours to make the 4.5 hour trip.
Once we got off Telegraph and on to I75 the roads got better. It is funny how you notice you're at the State line by the nicer roads in Ohio. Our timing was actually good because we missed the ice storm in Ohio. The roads were salted and we could enjoy all the beautiful ice on the trees. I thanked Heidi for not putting her foot down to squash the planned trip. She knew how important this weekend was for me.
I've always regretted not seeing Over the Rhine prior to Ric Hordinski and Brian Kelly's exit from the band. I became a fan of the band in the early 90's when I bought a cassette copy of their album Patience, but I always assumed I would catch them later. Friends who were much smarter always told me of their legendary performances and I could get a taste of it on live recordings but nothing is like seeing the real thing live.
The band has become a different beast since Ric and Brian left, still amazing live and on CD. Less alternative rock and more American/Folk Rock. The original lineups last album, Good Dog Bad Dog, foreshadowed that change in sound.
There was excitement in the air for this first night. I heard many people say this was the night they had to make. When the band walked on stage you heard people shout "Welcome back," to Ric and Brian.
Ric is amazing on guitar and that was clear on so many songs. If I'm Drowning and Daddy Untwisted were the obvious examples to point to. During Daddy Untwisted I thought he would become possessed by the song as he shook every bit of guitar magic out of it.
I underestimated what a fine drummer Brian Kelly is. My friend Brook described it as the soul that he brings to the music. I'm not one for most drum solos but as he was left alone on stage for the end of If I'm Drowning I was able to marvel at his playing.
It was also fun to watch Linford strap on the bass. I'm so used to seeing him behind the keyboards so it was great to see what a talented bass player he is. It was obvious he was having fun. I appreciated hearing his comments about how the band came together while they were in college.
Karin is definitely the focal point for the band and rightfully so. She so effortlessly creates magic when she sings. She can caress a vocal like the best Jazz singer, or her vocals can soar like the best gospel or rock singer. It is hard to adequately describe what she does, you have to catch her live if you haven't already.
They did many of my favorites including Circle of Quiet, Within Without and Like a Radio. I just hope this wasn't a one time trip back in time. They really need to take this line up to Cornerstone or the Calvin Faith and Music Festival. I would also love to see what they could create if they stepped back in a recording studio.
Saturday morning started off great with breakfast at Bob Evans. Heidi and I enjoyed the candy cane hot chocolates (she still tells people about them, they were that good). Heidi decided to stay at the hotel for the day to read and watch movies. Actually I think she wanted to avoid the parade of geekery as Brook and I planned to hit used record and bookstores. Our first stop was
Everybody's Records. What an amazing store. Brook and I agreed that we could drop a fist full of money without even trying. I made my way out with copies of the latest CD's from the Pretenders and Lindsay Buckingham, along with a used vinyl copy of a Delaney and Bonnie album from the early 70's. We also checked out the Ohio Bookstore, five stories of used books, and picked up coffee and hot chocolate at Khaldi's Coffee Shop. We picked up Heidi and then were off for dinner before night two of Over the Rhine.
I really enjoyed talking music with Brook. It is always cool to meet someone that likes some of the same music, and isn't afraid to admit their love of old Christian rock (the good, the bad and the ugly). I won't forget the Black Sabbath vinyl that he dug out to listen to on the turntable at Everybody's Music.
Night two focused on the last ten years of Over the Rhine. So much great music to pick from. I was hoping for Little Blue River. I've always enjoyed the beauty of Linford's piano playing in that song. Unfortunately it didn't make it on their set list, but there were so many great songs it was hard to quibble. The Trumpet Child was the focal point for the show, and the song Trouble was one of my favorites. I especially enjoyed the few from Ohio that kicked off the second set and Changes Come was very powerful.
Karin and Linford always surround themselves with such talented musicians. Jake Bradley and Mickey Grimm were great. Kenny Hutson is a great addition to the band on various guitars and mandolin. I always missed him after he left Vigilantes of Love. I always thought VOL was at its peak when he was in the band. And you can't forget Kim Taylor and Julie Lee on background vocals. The ladies were stunning. I wish I could have caught their solo songs on Sunday at St. Elizabeth's.
I can't wait to hear the next Live From Nowhere CD. Hopefully some of these special performances will make their way on it. And who knows, maybe they'll have enough for a double live CD. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Top CD's of 2008
It has been way too long since I last posted. Thanks for your patience. I've been thinking of my favorite music of 2008. I'm writing this from the top of my head so I will probably overlook something. I'll comment more in detail at a later time.
These are in no particular order:
JD Souther "If The World Was You"
Rodney Crowell "Sex and Gasoline"
Sam Phillips "Don't Do Anything"
Jackie Greene "Giving Up The Ghost"
Steppin' In It "Simple Tunes for Troubled Times"
Ralston Bowles "Rally at the Texas Hotel"
Kate Campbell "Save the Day"
The 77's "Holy Ghost Building"
I knew my mind would blank out. Oh well, more to come later.
What are some of your favorites from this past year?
These are in no particular order:
JD Souther "If The World Was You"
Rodney Crowell "Sex and Gasoline"
Sam Phillips "Don't Do Anything"
Jackie Greene "Giving Up The Ghost"
Steppin' In It "Simple Tunes for Troubled Times"
Ralston Bowles "Rally at the Texas Hotel"
Kate Campbell "Save the Day"
The 77's "Holy Ghost Building"
I knew my mind would blank out. Oh well, more to come later.
What are some of your favorites from this past year?
Monday, November 3, 2008
1000 Recordings to Hear Before You Die
I recently received the book 1000 Recordings to Hear Before You Die as a gift from my wife. The book is written by music critic Tom Moon. Moon's musical selections span genres, from rock to classical and opera to folk.
I enjoy reading it because even though I'm familiar with alot of music, there are still many albums that I have no clue about. For that matter there are many genres that I'm less than familiar with. I look forward to digging into some of the classical recordings.
Anytime you look at lists like this you notice albums they missed. Sure they had Elvis Costello represented, but not my favorite "King of America." I think I have three different versions of that CD. I also think not including Peter Case is an oversight, especially his album "Blue Guitar." I would have also included something from T Bone Burnett, Vigilantes of Love's "Audible Sigh," Over the Rhine's "Good Dog Bad Dog," and Kings X's "Gretchen Goes to Nebraska."
But I'm impressed by how many he included that I thought would be missed. It was great to see Sam Phillip's "Fan Dance," and Arrested Development's "Three Years, Five Months and Two Days in the Life of..." That album is a must have for fan's of thoughtful hip hop. As I got ready to write this I flipped through again and noticed Graham Parker's CD "Squeezing Out Sparks/Live Sparks," another favorite of mine.
This book is well worth checking out. Even though it was released this year it is very recent in scope and includes the most recent CD from The Mars Volta, which was released in early 2008.
I enjoy reading it because even though I'm familiar with alot of music, there are still many albums that I have no clue about. For that matter there are many genres that I'm less than familiar with. I look forward to digging into some of the classical recordings.
Anytime you look at lists like this you notice albums they missed. Sure they had Elvis Costello represented, but not my favorite "King of America." I think I have three different versions of that CD. I also think not including Peter Case is an oversight, especially his album "Blue Guitar." I would have also included something from T Bone Burnett, Vigilantes of Love's "Audible Sigh," Over the Rhine's "Good Dog Bad Dog," and Kings X's "Gretchen Goes to Nebraska."
But I'm impressed by how many he included that I thought would be missed. It was great to see Sam Phillip's "Fan Dance," and Arrested Development's "Three Years, Five Months and Two Days in the Life of..." That album is a must have for fan's of thoughtful hip hop. As I got ready to write this I flipped through again and noticed Graham Parker's CD "Squeezing Out Sparks/Live Sparks," another favorite of mine.
This book is well worth checking out. Even though it was released this year it is very recent in scope and includes the most recent CD from The Mars Volta, which was released in early 2008.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
The Lyrical Poetry of Hymns
Today at Church we sang the song In Christ Alone. We've sang this modern hymn many times but for some reason part of the lyrics caught my attention.
There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
The song is written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townsend. I think I was especially struck by the poetic beauty of the line "Light of the world by darkness slain." It is funny how you can sing a song many times but not notice the line. We've sung this song at Easter, Funerals and in weekly services. I've even seen it on a Christmas CD by Christopher Williams.
I was reminded of the Charles Wesley hymn, And Can it Be. I've loved this song for years and we even used it as part of our wedding ceremony. Wesley wrote 6,500 hymns over his lifetime and this one was written near his conversion. I'm especially struck by verse four.
Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
Fast bound in sin and nature's night,
Thine eyes diffused a quickening ray
I awoke; the dungeon flamed with light
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee
There are a few modern hymn writers that reach the depth of classic hymns. I think of Twila Paris, Melody Green, and the previous song by Getty and Townsend. But there is something rich that we can't miss in the classic hymns of the faith. That is the sad part of the modern churches move away from hymns. Singing the same chorus over and over again might create a momentary high, but the theological depth is lost.
Writers like Wesley were packing theology into their songs as a way of teaching important truths to people that didn't read. Charles' brother John was instrumental in starting the Sunday School movement and these songs were an important teaching tool for them. Even though we read today, we can still benefit from the great truths these songs have to share.
The next time you sing a hymn take time to reflect on what you're singing. I think you'll come away challenged. I can't wait until we sing And Can It Be again in church.
There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
The song is written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townsend. I think I was especially struck by the poetic beauty of the line "Light of the world by darkness slain." It is funny how you can sing a song many times but not notice the line. We've sung this song at Easter, Funerals and in weekly services. I've even seen it on a Christmas CD by Christopher Williams.
I was reminded of the Charles Wesley hymn, And Can it Be. I've loved this song for years and we even used it as part of our wedding ceremony. Wesley wrote 6,500 hymns over his lifetime and this one was written near his conversion. I'm especially struck by verse four.
Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
Fast bound in sin and nature's night,
Thine eyes diffused a quickening ray
I awoke; the dungeon flamed with light
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee
There are a few modern hymn writers that reach the depth of classic hymns. I think of Twila Paris, Melody Green, and the previous song by Getty and Townsend. But there is something rich that we can't miss in the classic hymns of the faith. That is the sad part of the modern churches move away from hymns. Singing the same chorus over and over again might create a momentary high, but the theological depth is lost.
Writers like Wesley were packing theology into their songs as a way of teaching important truths to people that didn't read. Charles' brother John was instrumental in starting the Sunday School movement and these songs were an important teaching tool for them. Even though we read today, we can still benefit from the great truths these songs have to share.
The next time you sing a hymn take time to reflect on what you're singing. I think you'll come away challenged. I can't wait until we sing And Can It Be again in church.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Teacher Staff On-air Day
I manage a high school radio station. I was also a student at WSDP so the station has a special place in my heart.
Today we are having teachers and school staff members in the studio to host hour long radio shows. They get to pick all the music and plan their talk breaks. I've really enjoyed the wide mix of music they've played. We just finished an hour of 80's hair metal which brought back some memories of high school. I can remember walking across campus, at the end of a day, as someone's boom box blared Def Leppard.
I'm always amazed by the preparation work the teachers put into the shows. Most come in with full scripts, we've even had a few on-air giveaways. The prize goes to our hair metal teacher who came in with a long black wig and the leather pants. He was definitely ready to rock.
Two of our staff members had their daughter and nephew team up for a show, complete with halloween jokes. Our board operator and program director made sure to let them know that they did a better job then many of our high school dj's.
We've also noticed that are staff dj's are dominated by English teachers. It must be their creative side yearning to come out. We need to get those math and social studies teachers in on the action next year.
There is something fun about developing an on-air theme and picking music to share. Sometimes the hardest part is narrowing the list of songs down to 12-15 that can fit in the hour.
Today we are having teachers and school staff members in the studio to host hour long radio shows. They get to pick all the music and plan their talk breaks. I've really enjoyed the wide mix of music they've played. We just finished an hour of 80's hair metal which brought back some memories of high school. I can remember walking across campus, at the end of a day, as someone's boom box blared Def Leppard.
I'm always amazed by the preparation work the teachers put into the shows. Most come in with full scripts, we've even had a few on-air giveaways. The prize goes to our hair metal teacher who came in with a long black wig and the leather pants. He was definitely ready to rock.
Two of our staff members had their daughter and nephew team up for a show, complete with halloween jokes. Our board operator and program director made sure to let them know that they did a better job then many of our high school dj's.
We've also noticed that are staff dj's are dominated by English teachers. It must be their creative side yearning to come out. We need to get those math and social studies teachers in on the action next year.
There is something fun about developing an on-air theme and picking music to share. Sometimes the hardest part is narrowing the list of songs down to 12-15 that can fit in the hour.
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