Translating my thoughts into words.
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.”
Some of my readers may remember Daniel Amos, one of the earliest Jesus groups from the 70s and one of the few still around. Granted, it has been more than 10 years since they have toured and that long since their last original album, Mr. Buechner’s Dream
*DANIEL AMOS ON TOUR*
2011 Tour Featuring: Terry Taylor, Jerry Chamberlain, Greg Flesch, Ed McTaggart and Paul AverittFew bands with roots that stretch back to the 70s still create timely, relevant music. Most of them are nostalgia acts, recycling the faded glory days of yore when they were writing and performing important music. Not so with Daniel Amos. Fueled by the songwriting genius and inimitable voice of Terry Scott Taylor, the twin guitar attack of Jerry Chamberlain and Greg Flesch, the rock-solid drumming of Ed McTaggart and the low end… and high harmonies of new bassist Paul Averitt, Daniel Amos is making music that is just as fresh and vital as the their glory years. Sure, on this new tour they will reach back into their storied past for the nuggets and the “shoulda been” hits, but rest assured they will be playing 21st century music right up there with the likes of Radiohead, Wilco and Flaming Lips.
Daniel Amos hasn’t toured in more than ten years, but the upcoming summer tour of 2011 is a rare chance to experience not only the great music but also the onstage spectacle of one of the truly great bands, still in their prime after 35 years.
On the network in the hotel I came across this and feeling mischievous I thought I would post this this screen shot:
Note that his music library is appropriately secured. But it got me wondering, what would be on Abegg’s iPod? I think he probably gets in the groove with a little Earth, Wind, and Fire while reading the War Scroll. Your suggestions? 
