Translating my thoughts into words.
I am a big fan of The Choir and have been following them since they were “The Youth Choir” back in the mid 80s. Their latest album “The Loudest Sound Ever Heard” is out now and to promote it they are offering a free song and their last album, “Burning Like the Midnight Sun,” for free this week only! Run now and get your copy!
While walking in Muir Woods looking up at these redwoods I was reminded of Bob Bennett’s song Mountain Cathedral. I used to sing this to my daughter as she was drifting off to sleep when she was little. What had been a nice song that brought me some comfort now brings tears to my eyes as it reminds me of quiet times with my girl. (Yes, I am a sap.)
My friend and colleague Ed Cook is the author of Ralph the Sacred River and the Eighth Annual Ralphies are up! Go and see what his picks for books, music, and movies are this year. As usual, I do not feel that I have much to offer in terms of top reading, listening, and viewing, but I will give it a go anyway.
In terms of music, one year I said that I had stumbled across The Shins
As are as books are concerned, I read a lot this year, but most of it seemed to be strategic plans, thesis proposal forms, and applications. My pick is an oldie but a goodie, made better by the fact that I read it with my 7-year old son. The Hobbit
Finally, I was unable to see many movie in the theatre but Netflix, iTunes, and Comcast have been my friend. I can whole heartedly name Cowboys & Aliens
So, those are mine, or at least are a few that come to mind. What are yours? Go let Ed know at Ralph the Sacred River.
This summer I have got to get more work done on TgRuth. Those who know me know that translation is not my favorite activity and working late into the night is for, well, its for grad students. Last night, however, this song came on (and I quickly put the whole album on) and I just grooved.
Enjoy one of the greatest, Adam Again. Gene Eugene is missed.
The previous post regarding Daniel Amos put me in mind of another great group whose concert I attended, The Lost Dogs. I had posted this piece on my old site, but never at Targuman. So, for your enjoyment, a reflection on Christian music and growing up.
I was lost on the twisting, narrow state routes of Pennsylvania and cursing all the while that I would be late, but I was finally going to see the Lost Dogs. This inimitable group was originally comprised of one member from each of four groups that have formed the foundation of Christian alternative music for over 20 years: Derri Daugherty of The Choir, Terry Taylor of Daniel Amos, Gene Eugene of Adam Again, and Mike Roe from the 77s. The lyrics and music of these four groups probably informed my adolescent Christian life as much as the Bible; they certainly helped me through some of the toughest years of my life.
Growing up a good Christian kid I liked the music I heard on the radio but I just listened too closely to the words. When I found myself singing “Cocaine” to myself in class I realized that what went in often stayed in and only gradually bubbled out. So I looked to the Christian bookstore, the only one within 20 miles, unlike today with a Family Bookstore in every strip mall, and there I found Fireworks, Bob Bennett, and Chuck Girard. I liked them well enough, and still listen to them some days, Bennett’s “Mountain Cathedrals” has become my 7 year old daughter’s favorite ever since the night she could not sleep and it was the only song I could remember, but it all seemed too much like a sermon. Today I would say it was too schmaltzy.
I don’t think I really wanted simply a Christianized version of what was on DC101, although Nashville was happy enough to provide it, but I did want something that didn’t seem quite so out of step musically and lyrically. I was between Petra and Stryper, a rock and spandex. Then came the silly irreverence of Steve Taylor. I still remember the program that included a quote from his father, “For this we paid for three years of seminary?” It was at his concert in 1985 that I first heard the Youth Choir who would later become simply “The Choir.”
