Being at "home" makes a college boy appreciate so much.
...like dishwashers, for instance.
...or showering without the insistent tunes of Radiohead pouring in from my suitemate (no offense Andrew)
...or not having to share the hall with black widow spiders.
But alas, when this happens:
there is no soul staring into the same screen in our modest room to empathize with the nerd that lives in my heart.
How will life go on?
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Save the Preds!
Normal Rockstar alerted us to the real threat that the Nashville Preds might be leaving. The team has an offer to be sold to a man from Canada, who has recently just backed out of a deal to buy the Pittsburg because the NHL was making it very difficult for him to move the team to Canada. I don't know about you, but I think hockey is one of the best things about Nashville. I absolutely love it! Please join us as we try to rally to save the Predators. Here's several links for you to help out.
Normal Rockstar's Preds Post
Save the Predators Facebook Group (2,700+ members)
Save the Predators MySpace Group
Official Online Petition (1,700+ signatures)
Preds Forum (including info on a Rally to Save the Preds on June 16)
Email the League Commissioner: gbettman@nhl.com
Call the NHL: 212-789-2000
Thanks, and help spread the word!
Monday, May 28, 2007
Brian McLaren on Worship
Several people have posted this, and my blog felt left out. From the progressive himself, McLaren has some interesting thoughts. Let me know what you think...
Saturday, May 26, 2007
LeaderShaped
Some pictures from my week at LeaderShape Tennessee. Our group was called "The Dance Party," which may help you understand some of the pictures :o).
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Jim Wallis at Georgetown University
The following is an adaptation of Jim Wallis' commencement speech at Georgetown University on May 20. It is here courtesy of God's Politics, where a full version of the speech and an audio recording are also available. This is really worth taking the time to read, and I am so grateful for Jim Wallis' words. Read and comment away.
Each new generation has a chance to alter two very basic definitions of reality in our world - what is acceptable and what is possible.
First, what is acceptable?
There are always great inhumanities that we inflict upon one another in this world, great injustices that cry out to God for redress, and great gaps in our moral recognition of them. When the really big offenses are finally corrected, finally changed, it is always and only because something has happened to change our perception of the moral issues at stake. The moral contradiction we have long lived with is no longer acceptable to us. What we accepted, or ignored, or denied, finally gets our attention and we decide that we just cannot, and will not, live with it any longer. But until that happens, the injustice and misery continue.
It often takes a new generation to make that decision - that something that people have long tolerated just won't be tolerated any more.
So the question to you as graduates, as ambassadors for a new generation, is this: what are you going to no longer accept in our world, what will you refuse to tolerate now that you will be making the decisions that matter?
Will it be acceptable to you that 3 billion people in our world today - half of God's children - live on less that $2 per day, that more than 1 billion live on less than $1 per day, that the gap between the life expectancy in the rich places and the poor places in the world is now 40 years, and that 30,000 children globally will die today - on the day of your graduation - from needless, senseless, and utterly preventable poverty and disease? It's what Bono calls "stupid poverty."
Many people don't really know that, or sort of do but have never really focused on the reality or given it a second thought. And that's the way it usually is. We don't know, or we have the easy explanations about why poverty or some other calamity exists and why it can't really be changed - all of which makes us feel better about ourselves - or we are just more concerned with lots of other things. We really don't have to care. So we tolerate it and keep looking the other way.
But then something changes. Something gets our attention, something goes deeper than it has before and hooks us in the places we call the heart, the soul, the spirit. And once we've crossed over into really seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, and tasting the injustice we can never really look back again. It is now unacceptable to us.
What we see now offends us, offends our understanding of the sanctity and dignity of life, offends our notions of fairness and justice, offends our most basic values; violates our idea of the common good, and starts to tug at our deepest places. We cross the line of unacceptability. We become intolerant of the injustice.
But just changing our notion of what is unacceptable isn't enough, however. We must also change our perception of what is possible.
In that regard, I would encourage each of you to think about your vocation more than just your career. And there is a difference. From the outside, those two tracks may look very much alike, but asking the vocational question rather than just considering the career options will take you much deeper. The key is to ask why you might take one path instead of another - the real reasons you would do something, more than just because you can. The key is to ask who you really are and what you want to become. It is to ask what you believe you are supposed to do.
You do have great potential, but that potential will be most fulfilled if you follow the leanings of conscience and the language of the heart more than just the dictates of the market, whether economic or political. They want smart people like you to just manage the systems of the world. But rather than managing or merely fitting into systems, ask how you can change them. You're both smart enough and talented enough to do that. That's your greatest potential.
Ask where your gifts intersect with the groaning needs of the world - there is your vocation.
The antidote to cynicism is not optimism but action. And action is finally born out of hope. Try to remember that. At college, you often believe you can think your way into a new way of living, but that's actually not the way it works. Out in the world, it's more likely that you will live your way into a new way of thinking.
The key is to believe that the world can be changed, because it is only that belief that ever changes the world. And if not us, who will believe? If not you, who?
Each new generation has a chance to alter two very basic definitions of reality in our world - what is acceptable and what is possible.First, what is acceptable?
There are always great inhumanities that we inflict upon one another in this world, great injustices that cry out to God for redress, and great gaps in our moral recognition of them. When the really big offenses are finally corrected, finally changed, it is always and only because something has happened to change our perception of the moral issues at stake. The moral contradiction we have long lived with is no longer acceptable to us. What we accepted, or ignored, or denied, finally gets our attention and we decide that we just cannot, and will not, live with it any longer. But until that happens, the injustice and misery continue.
It often takes a new generation to make that decision - that something that people have long tolerated just won't be tolerated any more.
So the question to you as graduates, as ambassadors for a new generation, is this: what are you going to no longer accept in our world, what will you refuse to tolerate now that you will be making the decisions that matter?
Will it be acceptable to you that 3 billion people in our world today - half of God's children - live on less that $2 per day, that more than 1 billion live on less than $1 per day, that the gap between the life expectancy in the rich places and the poor places in the world is now 40 years, and that 30,000 children globally will die today - on the day of your graduation - from needless, senseless, and utterly preventable poverty and disease? It's what Bono calls "stupid poverty."
Many people don't really know that, or sort of do but have never really focused on the reality or given it a second thought. And that's the way it usually is. We don't know, or we have the easy explanations about why poverty or some other calamity exists and why it can't really be changed - all of which makes us feel better about ourselves - or we are just more concerned with lots of other things. We really don't have to care. So we tolerate it and keep looking the other way.
But then something changes. Something gets our attention, something goes deeper than it has before and hooks us in the places we call the heart, the soul, the spirit. And once we've crossed over into really seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, and tasting the injustice we can never really look back again. It is now unacceptable to us.
What we see now offends us, offends our understanding of the sanctity and dignity of life, offends our notions of fairness and justice, offends our most basic values; violates our idea of the common good, and starts to tug at our deepest places. We cross the line of unacceptability. We become intolerant of the injustice.
But just changing our notion of what is unacceptable isn't enough, however. We must also change our perception of what is possible.
In that regard, I would encourage each of you to think about your vocation more than just your career. And there is a difference. From the outside, those two tracks may look very much alike, but asking the vocational question rather than just considering the career options will take you much deeper. The key is to ask why you might take one path instead of another - the real reasons you would do something, more than just because you can. The key is to ask who you really are and what you want to become. It is to ask what you believe you are supposed to do.
You do have great potential, but that potential will be most fulfilled if you follow the leanings of conscience and the language of the heart more than just the dictates of the market, whether economic or political. They want smart people like you to just manage the systems of the world. But rather than managing or merely fitting into systems, ask how you can change them. You're both smart enough and talented enough to do that. That's your greatest potential.
Ask where your gifts intersect with the groaning needs of the world - there is your vocation.
The antidote to cynicism is not optimism but action. And action is finally born out of hope. Try to remember that. At college, you often believe you can think your way into a new way of living, but that's actually not the way it works. Out in the world, it's more likely that you will live your way into a new way of thinking.
The key is to believe that the world can be changed, because it is only that belief that ever changes the world. And if not us, who will believe? If not you, who?
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Man Man at the Mercy Lounge
I opened up Safari yesterday to my nice Google homepage only to see on my Nashville concert ticker that Man Man was playing a show that night. It didn't really matter what happened the rest of the day, with a surprise like that, there could be no wrong. I've been a fan for a few months now, and with a picture of their live show like this:
there was no stopping me from seeing Man Man for myself. I got to the Mercy Lounge slightly early and heard their sound check, which only served to top my anticipation. Their lead singer came and let us in, talking to us and thanking us for coming. He even went back stage and got the six of us plastic bowls and spoons, cereal, and soy milk for us to enjoy before the show. What else could go wrong? When the show finally started, the energy was close to euphoric. Unmatched by any I've ever seen. Not even close. They came out in war paint only to play 50 minutes of continuous music...no breaks. For instruments they used everything from bike horns to spoons in a metal bowl. And the crazy thing was for all the stage antics, facial expressions, and audience christenings (yes, i was man man christened), they actually sounded great! They were so good I have made a promise to myself that I will travel up to 3 hours to see them again, so if you have a chance, by all means GO TO THEIR SHOW! I will leave you with a wonderful sample of my night last night. I hope you enjoy!
Man Man -- Hot Bat
Man Man -- Engwish Bwudd
Thanks to http://lostinyourinbox.blog-city.com/ for the mp3s.
In light of my night, my list of favorite shows has undergone a dramatic shift. Sufjan is still secure, but Man Man has made its mark:
1) Sufjan Stevens at the Rhyman
2) Man Man at The Mercy Lounge
3) Coldplay at Starwood
Close behind: Lovedrug at Exit/In, Augustana at City Hall, and perhaps even Family Force 5 at Rcktwn.
there was no stopping me from seeing Man Man for myself. I got to the Mercy Lounge slightly early and heard their sound check, which only served to top my anticipation. Their lead singer came and let us in, talking to us and thanking us for coming. He even went back stage and got the six of us plastic bowls and spoons, cereal, and soy milk for us to enjoy before the show. What else could go wrong? When the show finally started, the energy was close to euphoric. Unmatched by any I've ever seen. Not even close. They came out in war paint only to play 50 minutes of continuous music...no breaks. For instruments they used everything from bike horns to spoons in a metal bowl. And the crazy thing was for all the stage antics, facial expressions, and audience christenings (yes, i was man man christened), they actually sounded great! They were so good I have made a promise to myself that I will travel up to 3 hours to see them again, so if you have a chance, by all means GO TO THEIR SHOW! I will leave you with a wonderful sample of my night last night. I hope you enjoy!
Man Man -- Hot Bat
Man Man -- Engwish Bwudd
Thanks to http://lostinyourinbox.blog-city.com/ for the mp3s.
In light of my night, my list of favorite shows has undergone a dramatic shift. Sufjan is still secure, but Man Man has made its mark:
1) Sufjan Stevens at the Rhyman
2) Man Man at The Mercy Lounge
3) Coldplay at Starwood
Close behind: Lovedrug at Exit/In, Augustana at City Hall, and perhaps even Family Force 5 at Rcktwn.
LOST Season 3 Finale
The LOST finale is here tonight, and I myself am elated. My prediction: Locke will survive (he was shot in the kidney he no longer has), join up with half of the others that don't trust Ben any longer, and go to the 815er's camp to try to warn them about Ben. Sayid and the gang will think it is Ben's group and fight them instead. As for Charlie...who knows, but he won't die. I think that Desmond's the one that really is supposed to die. And I'm going out there, but somebody's going to pull a serious con on the 815ers tonight, and my call is Jack. I think that's how we will be left for the next nine months: trying to figure out why Jack betrayed to group.
Any other predictions?
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Dang It Feels Good To Be A Tech-Nerd
Normal Rockstar points us to this incredible article featuring the mastermind behind facebook. This 22-year-old was offered 1 billion dollars for his Web 2.0 baby, but he turned it down! Crazy or what?
Monday, May 21, 2007
LeaderShape
I appologize for my absense from this ol' blog machine in the last bit. Life has happened, in the form of a leadership camp called LeaderShape in nowhere, Tennessee. It featured student leaders from colleges all across Tennessee, and I won't soon forget the people I was fortunate enough to meet. They made the week what it became :o).
Fortunately for the faces that read these words on the other side of this screen I am staring into, I am back and see summer in front of me. That means an unoccupied mind that desperately needs occupation, of which it hopefully will find in the form of my typing fingers and an audience who is willing to spare a few moments. Thanks for reading, and I hope to start blogging at level 11 soon... stay tuned.
Monday, May 14, 2007
My Second Semester as a Playlist
I know it's long, but it's been a meaningful semester. Full of change and growth. I've highlighted a few lines for you, so I hope you enjoy. Despite how it may appear, it's really been a positive, optimistic semester. Oh summer, what songs will you bear?
1. The Freshmen -- The Verve Pipe
"For the life of me I cannot remember, what made us think we were wise and we'd never compromise...We were merely freshmen."
2. Hero (Bonus Track) -- Regina Spektor
"I'm the hero of this story, don't need to be saved."
3. The Movers and the Shakers -- Herbert
"Don't wanna fight for a feeling."
4. Existence -- Kevin Max
"What is this, this mess of my existence?"
5. Am I Wry? No -- Mew
"Can you tell me exactly how I should have done?"
6. Dog Problems -- The Format
"And blame postmodern things I can't relate."
7. Pistol -- Dustin Kensrue
"Honey, you lay me bare."
8. Many Lives for 49 MP -- Final Fantasy
"He keeps a book of photographs of his younger self."
9. Uh-Merica (Bonus Version) -- Regina Spektor
10. Thin Blue Flame -- Josh Ritter
"If what's loosed on earth will be loosed upon high, it's a hell of a heaven we must go to when we die"
11. Wake Up - Arcade Fire
"We're just a million little gods causing rainstorms."
12. The Zookeeper's Boy -- Mew
"Answer me truthfully, do the clouds kiss you?"
13. Heart Made of Sound -- SoftLightes
"They could want you, but they don't need to want you."
14. Engwish Bwudd -- Man Man
"All I want to be is a shubbly bubbly gobbly goo.."
15. Alright (Ratatat remix) -- Memphis Bleek
16. Nothin' No -- David Vandervelde
"I remember every word that you said"
17. Stop This Train -- John Mayer
"I know I can't, but honestly, won't someone stop this train?"
(but pretty much the entire song is golden...)
18. Everything Starts Where It Ends -- Lovedrug
"When nobody wants you in their life..."
19. The Wrong Guy -- Julie Doiron
"No one should see this."
20. Sad, Sad Song -- M. Ward
"The hardest thing in the world to do, is to find somebody believes in you."
21. Borderline -- Sufjan Stevens
"Don't put up your borderline."
22. Perhaps She'll Wait -- Bebo Norman
"But I will dream of tomorrow, where perhaps she'll wait for me."
23. His Guiding Hand (Album) -- Medicine Head
24. Thieving -- Lovedrug
"We're all in love with stolen hearts."
25. Me, Violin and Dancing Bear -- Page France
"They want a crooked-er you and a crooked-er me."
26. Click Click Click Click -- Bishop Allen
"You've ended up in someone else's frame."
27. Damnit Anna -- The Morning Benders
"Can't you look me in the eyes?"
28. Waking Up Before Her -- Groom
"Replacing your face will be only half the battle."
29. I'll Believe in Anything -- Wolf Parade
"Oh look at the trees and look at my face and look at a place far away from here."
30. You're Supposed To Be My Friend -- 1990s
"We're supposed to get along."
31. These Are the Eyes -- Bodies of Water
"You forgave but I cannot forget."
32. Billy Brown -- Mika
"Gonna shake the water out of every nook."
33. Big Boat -- M. Ward
"Says he's got a big boat but it's just a fairy boat and that makes for a short, short ride."
34. Coffee and Cigarettes -- Augustana
"Till Spring, when the sun can finally be free."
35. Mr. Disgrace -- Luke Temple
"He'd never written a poem."
"If only they knew where everything starts in a world made of too many parts."
36. Yolanda Hayes -- Fountains of Wayne
"Who can you trust with your love these days?"
37. A Savior On Capital Hill -- Derek Webb
"There's never been a savior on Capital Hill."
38. Step Forward -- Cloud Cult
"When you finally know you can't know, step forward."
39. Springfield, Or Bobby Got a Shadfly Caught in His Hair -- Sufjan Stevens
"I don't care to say what I failed to recognize."
"The morning papers made the most of nothing at all."
"I took off my clothes and she took it for a holiday."
40. Middleman -- Bright Eyes
"The dead can hide beneath the ground and the birds can always fly. The rest of us do what we must in constant compromise."
41. Stay Sound -- Steve Moakler
"All I can ask of you is that you not forget about me."
"You be the gun I'll be the trigger finger. We'll start a war..."
42. Colorshow -- The Avett Brothers
"Be loud let your colors show."
43. Fiend Over Your Knees -- Thee, Stranded Hourse
44. Marion Barfs -- Clint Mansell
45. Going To A Town -- Rufus Wainwright
"Tell me, do you really think you go to hell for having love?"
"I'm so tired of you, America."
46. Racing Like A Pro -- The National
"Oh my God it doesn't mean a lot to you."
47. Selling Advertising -- David Bazan
"I know it's hard to be original. In fact, nothing scares me more, because Jesus only lets me do what's already been done before."
48. Brotherhood of Man -- The Innocence Mission
"This is the brotherhood of man."
49. This Too Shall Be Made Right -- Derek Webb
"And this too shall be made right."
50. Walken -- Wilco
"I was talking to myself, about you."
51. Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah -- Jeremy Casella
"Land me safe on Canaan's side. Bid my anxious fears, goodbye."
1. The Freshmen -- The Verve Pipe
"For the life of me I cannot remember, what made us think we were wise and we'd never compromise...We were merely freshmen."
2. Hero (Bonus Track) -- Regina Spektor
"I'm the hero of this story, don't need to be saved."
3. The Movers and the Shakers -- Herbert
"Don't wanna fight for a feeling."
4. Existence -- Kevin Max
"What is this, this mess of my existence?"
5. Am I Wry? No -- Mew
"Can you tell me exactly how I should have done?"
6. Dog Problems -- The Format
"And blame postmodern things I can't relate."
7. Pistol -- Dustin Kensrue
"Honey, you lay me bare."
8. Many Lives for 49 MP -- Final Fantasy
"He keeps a book of photographs of his younger self."
9. Uh-Merica (Bonus Version) -- Regina Spektor
10. Thin Blue Flame -- Josh Ritter
"If what's loosed on earth will be loosed upon high, it's a hell of a heaven we must go to when we die"
11. Wake Up - Arcade Fire
"We're just a million little gods causing rainstorms."
12. The Zookeeper's Boy -- Mew
"Answer me truthfully, do the clouds kiss you?"
13. Heart Made of Sound -- SoftLightes
"They could want you, but they don't need to want you."
14. Engwish Bwudd -- Man Man
"All I want to be is a shubbly bubbly gobbly goo.."
15. Alright (Ratatat remix) -- Memphis Bleek
16. Nothin' No -- David Vandervelde
"I remember every word that you said"
17. Stop This Train -- John Mayer
"I know I can't, but honestly, won't someone stop this train?"
(but pretty much the entire song is golden...)
18. Everything Starts Where It Ends -- Lovedrug
"When nobody wants you in their life..."
19. The Wrong Guy -- Julie Doiron
"No one should see this."
20. Sad, Sad Song -- M. Ward
"The hardest thing in the world to do, is to find somebody believes in you."
21. Borderline -- Sufjan Stevens
"Don't put up your borderline."
22. Perhaps She'll Wait -- Bebo Norman
"But I will dream of tomorrow, where perhaps she'll wait for me."
23. His Guiding Hand (Album) -- Medicine Head
24. Thieving -- Lovedrug
"We're all in love with stolen hearts."
25. Me, Violin and Dancing Bear -- Page France
"They want a crooked-er you and a crooked-er me."
26. Click Click Click Click -- Bishop Allen
"You've ended up in someone else's frame."
27. Damnit Anna -- The Morning Benders
"Can't you look me in the eyes?"
28. Waking Up Before Her -- Groom
"Replacing your face will be only half the battle."
29. I'll Believe in Anything -- Wolf Parade
"Oh look at the trees and look at my face and look at a place far away from here."
30. You're Supposed To Be My Friend -- 1990s
"We're supposed to get along."
31. These Are the Eyes -- Bodies of Water
"You forgave but I cannot forget."
32. Billy Brown -- Mika
"Gonna shake the water out of every nook."
33. Big Boat -- M. Ward
"Says he's got a big boat but it's just a fairy boat and that makes for a short, short ride."
34. Coffee and Cigarettes -- Augustana
"Till Spring, when the sun can finally be free."
35. Mr. Disgrace -- Luke Temple
"He'd never written a poem."
"If only they knew where everything starts in a world made of too many parts."
36. Yolanda Hayes -- Fountains of Wayne
"Who can you trust with your love these days?"
37. A Savior On Capital Hill -- Derek Webb
"There's never been a savior on Capital Hill."
38. Step Forward -- Cloud Cult
"When you finally know you can't know, step forward."
39. Springfield, Or Bobby Got a Shadfly Caught in His Hair -- Sufjan Stevens
"I don't care to say what I failed to recognize."
"The morning papers made the most of nothing at all."
"I took off my clothes and she took it for a holiday."
40. Middleman -- Bright Eyes
"The dead can hide beneath the ground and the birds can always fly. The rest of us do what we must in constant compromise."
41. Stay Sound -- Steve Moakler
"All I can ask of you is that you not forget about me."
"You be the gun I'll be the trigger finger. We'll start a war..."
42. Colorshow -- The Avett Brothers
"Be loud let your colors show."
43. Fiend Over Your Knees -- Thee, Stranded Hourse
44. Marion Barfs -- Clint Mansell
45. Going To A Town -- Rufus Wainwright
"Tell me, do you really think you go to hell for having love?"
"I'm so tired of you, America."
46. Racing Like A Pro -- The National
"Oh my God it doesn't mean a lot to you."
47. Selling Advertising -- David Bazan
"I know it's hard to be original. In fact, nothing scares me more, because Jesus only lets me do what's already been done before."
48. Brotherhood of Man -- The Innocence Mission
"This is the brotherhood of man."
49. This Too Shall Be Made Right -- Derek Webb
"And this too shall be made right."
50. Walken -- Wilco
"I was talking to myself, about you."
51. Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah -- Jeremy Casella
"Land me safe on Canaan's side. Bid my anxious fears, goodbye."
Forget Spidey and Sparrow
The one movie you need to see this summer is not Spiderman, Shrek, or Priates. It comes out this Thursday, and I can't wait to see it. It's Once.
It's featuring the lead from the Irish band The Frames, Glen Hansard, and his music is incredible. Check it:
Falling Slowly (live)-- Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova
It's featuring the lead from the Irish band The Frames, Glen Hansard, and his music is incredible. Check it:
Falling Slowly (live)-- Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Bazan and Gibbard at City Hall
I had high expectations, and they were easily fulfilled. I had never heard of Jonathan Rice, but he's a pretty goodun. Not much of an uplifting message, but good nonetheless. With David Bazan having his own solo record and several recordings as the former frontman of Pedro the Lion and Ben Gibbard being the mastermind behind Death Cab for Cutie, The Postal Service, and All-Time Quarterback, each had several songs in their arsenal, and I had no clue what to expect. The audience got a little bit of everything, including several covers. 
I think the only thing that could have made it better was if it were at a better venue for accoustic acts. The Rhyman would have been incredible! If you didn't know any of the artists' work, it could have been a long show, but for me I couldn't get enough.
On Second Thought...
"Can't wait..." I ended my last post on. Interesting words.
Well, maybe I can. Time is a limited commodity these days. Or all days, I guess. But to me more wanted than ever before. Which I can only assume is a healthy new oddity in my life. I'd rather the days be longer than shorter. Maybe that could be the measure of my existence. The speed at which I desire my second hand to turn. It is currently traveling at least twice too fast. If you could graciously tell it to abandon its hurried pace, it would be much appreciated.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
D.A.N.C.E. -- Justice
I've seen this video too many times from too many people/blogs to not post it:
Best video since MuteMath's "Typical." The song is called "D.A.N.C.E." and its from a new French band that is releasing their first album in June. Can't wait...
Best video since MuteMath's "Typical." The song is called "D.A.N.C.E." and its from a new French band that is releasing their first album in June. Can't wait...
Summa Muzak
I just got home from another amazing concert featuring the absolutely stunning and unique Biscuits and Gravy at Cafe Coco. Tonight was their one year anniversary show, and they have definately accomplished a lot. They've played at Coco, 12th and Porter, 3rd and Lindsley, Rocketown, and even the new Schermerhorn Symphony Center. You can't really catagorize their music, but if you were forced to it might just have to be a fusion of Jazz, R&B, Hip-Hop, and even some Funk. There's a live recording of a few of their songs on their website, so be sure to check them out.
Know, though, that they don't do the band justice in the least. They have an uncanny ability to bring a crowd to life and have everybody rocking out before the second verse of any given song. And with the band's average age of 15, that's saying something. The 13 year old drummer will blow your mind. Harold, the band's frontman, lived across the hall from me this last year at Belmont, and it is obvious that the stage is where he belongs. He is in his element, and I don't think anyone could stop him. They are playing several more shows this summer, including a few at Coco (which are free...). Don't let yourself miss this!
Also, I've been digging some movie scores, as well as classical music, of late. Clint Mansell might just be one of my budding favorite composers. His work for Requiem for A Dream and The Fountain is absolutely brilliant. You would probably recoginze his Lux Aeterna, as it was first featured on The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers trailor and has since been the backdrop to any semi-epic movie made. Here's a sample from the The Fountain, though. Do yourself a favor and listen till the end.Clint Mansell -- Death is the Road to Awe.
Friday, May 04, 2007
Music Friday -- May 4, 2007
Maroon 5 is at it again, and have just released their newest single, Makes Me Wonder. And while the wait has been long, it hasn't been long enough. During their break, they definately acquired some language, and if this song is any indication, failed to produce something worthy of the hype they surely will get. Listen for yourself if you must, but it's really probably not worth it.
Makes Me Wonder -- Maroon 5 (thanks to mblog.com for this)
But it's Friday and nobody likes a pessimistic post on Friday. So here are some tracks that I have enjoyed lately. First off, we have a song by The Avett Brothers. A friend from Vanderbilt introduced me to this eccentric trio that lives somewhere between Sufjan Stevens and Ryan Adams. With a lot of weird thrown in. I hope you enjoy. They have a new album coming out May 15 and a free download on their myspace. You should check it.
Colorshow -- The Avett Brothers
Secondly, I give you something a little less energetic but definately as gut-wrenching. One of my new favorite bands of all time has an album releasing May 22, and you would be making a dramatic mistake by not picking it up. I'm talking about The National, of course. The album hasn't stopped playing on my little hard drive since I got it, and I don't anticipate it stopping anytime soon. Here's a taste of it for you. It's definately not my favorite track on the record, but is still a solid peice of brilliance.
Fake Empire -- The National
That'll do. Let me know what you think.
Makes Me Wonder -- Maroon 5 (thanks to mblog.com for this)
But it's Friday and nobody likes a pessimistic post on Friday. So here are some tracks that I have enjoyed lately. First off, we have a song by The Avett Brothers. A friend from Vanderbilt introduced me to this eccentric trio that lives somewhere between Sufjan Stevens and Ryan Adams. With a lot of weird thrown in. I hope you enjoy. They have a new album coming out May 15 and a free download on their myspace. You should check it.
Colorshow -- The Avett Brothers
Secondly, I give you something a little less energetic but definately as gut-wrenching. One of my new favorite bands of all time has an album releasing May 22, and you would be making a dramatic mistake by not picking it up. I'm talking about The National, of course. The album hasn't stopped playing on my little hard drive since I got it, and I don't anticipate it stopping anytime soon. Here's a taste of it for you. It's definately not my favorite track on the record, but is still a solid peice of brilliance.
Fake Empire -- The National
That'll do. Let me know what you think.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
New Feature Added
I have recently discovered Last.fm thanks to the prompting of my roommate, and I'm starting to catch on. Anyway, you might notice this nice addition to my sidebar:
I just thought I would share with you what I'm listening to every week. It may stay, or I may decide to make it go away. But here it is for now. Enjoy.
I just thought I would share with you what I'm listening to every week. It may stay, or I may decide to make it go away. But here it is for now. Enjoy.
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