Category Archives: Music

Discipleship, Music

A Prayer For Today, A Prayer For Every Day

It has been a great Friday morning. I’ve been able to get a few things accomplished and have been able to read a little this morning. All of this has been happening with Alison Krauss’ sweet voice singing in the background. I want to post the lyrics to one of my favorite Alison Krauss songs A Living Prayer. I absolutely love this song. It is a great reminder that God doesn’t just ask us to live for him but he is actively there walking with us and moving us toward himself.

In this world I walk alone
With no place to call my home
But there’s one who holds my hand
The rugged road through barren lands
The way is dark, the road is steep
But He’s become my eyes to see
The strength to climb, my griefs to bear
The Savior lives inside me there

In Your love I find release
A haven from my unbelief
Take my life and let me be
A living prayer, my God to Thee

In these trials of life I find
Another voice inside my mind
He comforts me and bids me live
Inside the love the Father gives

In Your love I find release
A haven from my unbelief
Take my life and let me be
A living prayer, my God to Thee

Take my life and let me be
A living prayer, my God to Thee

Yes, LORD. Make me a living prayer to you!

D'oh!, Live Music, Music, Popular Culture, Review

Forth Time Is Not The Charm

For the fourth year in a row my Grammy predictions were off. Maybe next year I’ll just keep my thoughts to myself. Sorry Coldplay.

But hey, if you’re gonna lose the big show you might as well lose to the woman with the angel voice and the ragged rocker from Led Zeppelin, right? Rising Sand is a great album with a great vibe straight out of the past. Click on the picture for a good wrap-up of the night

I’m just glad that Lil’ Wayne’s Tha Carter III lost. I think I might have had to write a letter if that tripe had won. What a waste!

There were some good performances too. U2 rocked out a good live version of their latest single “Get On Your Boots” which allowed Whitney Houston a chance to show everyone some leg. Jay-Z joined Chris Martin on stage for “Lost+” which moved straight into “Viva la Vida.” The stage also saw BB King, Paul McCartney, John Mayer, and Keith Urban rockin’ out some sweet guitar licks. Finally, Justin Timberlake (who is quickly becoming our generation’s hardest working man in show business) pulled double duty on an early performance with the Rev Al Green and then with T.I. toward the end of the broadcast. Speaking of T.I., his latest single “Dead and Gone” is trying to place him as the hero of his own life as he faces felony weapons charges next month. It is a haunting track and JT has a great hook but hopefully this song is more truth and less swaggar. Time will tell.

Well folks, so much for Grammy predictions. We’ll see if I try picking the Oscars. 🙂

Music, Popular Culture

Grammy Pick 2009

When U2 received the Album of the Year Grammy award for How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb they were up against some stiff competition. While accepting the award Bono looked around at the other nominees and offered heart-felt words of encouragement. Among those bands that did not win where four guys from England who were riding high on the success of their 3rd album. Bono confessed to them that they too had tasted victory only to get beat out before in their career. “Next time,” said Bono.

Tonight these four guys known as Coldplay are once again up for the Album of the Year for Viva la Vida. They are again riding high on the uber-success of this album. Tonight is their night. They are up for numerous awards and are scheduled to perfrom at the satples Center in a matter of hours.

I usually post my Grammy predictions but after my 3 year losing streak of predicting winners I am not going to do that again this year.

Just a good-luck wish to Coldpaly. Bring it on home boys! Viva la Revolucion!!!

psst… U2 performs tonight too!

Music, Review, U2

Live Blogging “Get On Your Boots”

2 Comments

Good morning folks. Hope everyone had a great weekend.

As I type this the first single off U2’s No Line on the Horizon is downloading on to my computer. I am super excited about hearing it for the first time. Ready, set… GO!

Live Reactions to “Get On Your Boots”
What the hoo-haw?!?!?! Crazy drums to kick start the track
Driving beat. Heavy guitar.
The future needs a big kiss
Satan loves a bomb scare but he won’t scare you
Laughter is eternity if joy is real
(You don’t know…) Was that the bridge or the chorus?
Guitar squelches drive the beat
(You don’t know…) Must be the chorus
Oh! There’s the bridge!!!
Yes! Let me in the sound!
Great guitar solo
Get on your boots!
And we are out.

Initial Reaction
Get On Your Boots is… the ADD kid sister of Vertigo. It is loud, it is all over the place, and is an all-out assault on your senses. You think it is going in one direction and then it punches you in the ear and takes your wallet. Structure and free form dance side by side for almost 3 1/2 minutes as you try to keep up. The first listen was jarring but I quickly caught up. But just then the “Let me in the sound” bridge kicked in and I was left standing there with my mind on the floor. I really like that bridge. That should translate well to the stage in the arena (stadium?) for the tour. Speaking of the tour – “GOYB” would move quite nicely into “Mofo” or “Gone” for what it is worth. This is a very strong effort and is, in my mind, the organic progression of sound from How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. It is good to hear a band that has been going for this long continue with forward momentum.

I’m a little biased though. What do you think? Have your heard the track?

Music, Popular Culture, U2

Album Info On the Horizon

U2’s new album drops on March 3 and it looks as though the hype machine kicked into full gear yesterday. We got a track listing, an album cover, and confirmation of the first single. So here we go…

Track Listing

1. No Line On The Horizon
2. Magnificent
3. Moment of Surrender
4. Unknown Caller
5. I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight
6. Get On Your Boots
7. Stand Up Comedy
8. Fez – Being Born
9. White As Snow
10. Breathe
11. Cedars Of Lebanon

The songs that I’m most looking forward to hearing are Magnificent, Moment of Surrender, White As Snow, & Cedars of Lebanon.

Album Cover


I like this cover a lot. My wife just shrugged her shoulders and asked, “Is that it?” We have different tastes.

First Single
The first single off of No Line On The Horizon is “Get On Your Boots” and by all accounts this song is crazy good. Here is what Neil McCormick had to say about it:

So what can I tell you without infringing copyright? It took two listens to find my way into it, which has to be good a thing. It is dense, twisty, shiny, modern pop music, a big mash up of Eno ambience, Edge electricity, rhythm and soul. There are verses and choruses, though not necessarily in that order (and quite often its hard to tell which is which). It doesn’t feel the need to hit you over the head, but has the Ninja confidence to sneak up and take you unawares. It makes love like its making war. It hasn’t frontloaded all its big guns. There is a surge in the middle perfectly timed to quell any uprising, and a killer twist at the end. It could be the glittering sonic mind meld of pop rock and soul that Zooropa wanted to be. Or maybe, like Bono, I’m am just prone to exaggeration.

The reports are that “Get On Your Boots” will be available for digital download on Feb 15. That’s a Sunday so I’m not sure what to make of that for those of us in the States. We might have to wait until Monday. Who knows?

All of this info was via @U2 and Rolling Stone.

2009, Books, Collecting Experiences, Discipleship, Leadership, Life, Music, Theology, Wrestling With Scripture, Youth Ministry

Friday Thoughts

This really has been a good week. Here are some of the highlights:

Schedule: As I stated last week, I’ve altered my schedule to make me a bit more productive and pro-active. Things went well. I found places to tweak and to change. Maybe my schedule can help you schedule. I’ll post on my schedule next week.

Reading: I finished 2 books this past week and started 3 more. I’m reading everything from theology to discipleship to Sesame Street. No fooling.

Practical Theology: I’ve been pondering this for a little over 2 weeks now- Read 1 Cor 9:19-23. Now, think of a specific issue in worship/ministry that causes arguments- you know, weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Next ask yourself, “Would Paul have encouraged _______________ if it would advance the gospel?” or “Would Paul have changed the tradition of ___________________ if it would have led someone to Jesus?” I believe that the answers to these questions has a profound impact on our practices. There’s you some light thinking for the weekend. You are welcome.

U2: Tons of new info out about the album. Rolling Stone & Q have song descriptions. Radio stations are saying that the new single will be out in the next two weeks. Bono is talking about “outdoor” shows and a tour beginning in June (He must have heard my request to avoid the due date of my forstborn. He such a stand up guy.). If only there were some album cover pics. Oh well. We can’t have everything we wish for. Check out all the new information at @U2 New Album Info page.

Technology: I’ve been asked to teach a Youth Ministry seminar in February. One of the sessions will be on “Using Technology in Ministry” I am looking forward to Bobby’s posts on Swerve on using mobile devices for ministry. Check out his quick Mobile Primer.

You: I hope you have a great weekend. See you on Monday.

2008, Music, Popular Culture, Review, Twitter

Song of the Year Tweets

I spent most of Friday on the road heading out to see family. As I rode in the back and listened to my iPod I posted a series of tweets about my favorite songs of the year. I had fun trying to condense my thoughts down to only 140 characters. Enjoy the tweets and leave me some comments about your favorite songs of the year!

Love Lockdown– Kanye, keep your live performances of this track on lockdown (see SNL) but keep releasing these heart wrenching and intense songs. I’ll keep buying.

Shadow of the Day– Linkin Park gets all sentimental and balladesque. Great song and a good hook

Say– John Mayer says what he needs to say… now go get his “Where the Light Is” LP.

Lost!– Coldplay’s second appearence on the list. Check out Lost+ with Jay-Z. So good. Viva la Coldplay! 11:48 AM yesterday from mobile web

American Boy– Hey Estelle. English sista it’s really really nice to meet ya.

Better in Time– No need to wait. Leona was pretty great from the word go. The best breakup song of 08

Pork & Beans– Dance to a happy tune while Weezer tells their record comp to suck it. Red is the new Blue.

Pocketful of Sunshine– This earful of sunshine will most definately take you away. Nat Bedingfield is my guilty pleasure.

I’m Yours– Jason Mraz manages to out Jack Johnson Jack Johnson. Summer all year round with this track.

I Will Possess Your Heart– the album version is an 8 min plea from a stalker to his obsession. A slow burn about smoldering love.

Live Your Life– I have a bit of an audio crush on Rhianna right now. Turn this to 11 and just Live Your Life: Hey!!!! Ohhhh!!!

Paper Planes– All I wanna do (blam, blam, blam)is put this song on repeat (click) and thug out. (ching!)

Who’s Gonna Save My Soul– the eternal question gets the deep soul slow jam treatment from Gnarles Barkley.

Viva la Vida– Jerusalem bells toll for thee. A lonely king roams his former kingdom in search of meaning and an elusive legacy.

Follow me on Twitter!

2009, Awesomenessness, Music, Pope Bono, U2

It’s Official

March can’t come any faster! This is your warning- Over the next few months I will probably be a one topic pony. This is not an apology. It is just a warning.

No Line On The Horizon, the new studio album from U2, will be released on Monday 2nd March 2009. (Tuesday March 3 here in the States)

Written and recorded in various locations, No Line On The Horizon is the group’s 12th studio album and is their first release since the 9 million selling album How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb, released in late 2004.

Sessions for No Line On The Horizon began last year in Fez, Morocco, continued in the band’s own studio in Dublin, before moving to New York’s Platinum Sound Recording Studios, and finally being completed at Olympic Studios in London.

The album calls on the production talents of long-time collaborators Brian Eno and Danny Lanois, with additional production by Steve Lillywhite.

from U2.com

Now if those in charge of the tour could schedule around the birth of my first born I would greatly appreciate it. Come to Dallas early spring or late summer guys. Just avoid the end of May/beginning of June. Pleeeeeeaaaaasssse!!!!

Awesomenessness, Collecting Experiences, Firm on the Rock, Live Music, Music, Popular Culture

Concert Review: Matisyahu @ the Palladium Ballroom

2 Comments

Matisyahu 3 I had the chance to see Matisyahu in concert last night. This marked the third time I have seen his electric stage show and I loved ever minute of it. For those of you who don’t know about Matisyahu here is a one sentence bio:

Matisyahu is an Orthodox Hasidic Jew who blends reggae, rock, and hip-hop beats into some extremely awesome music.

There. That sums it up nicely.

In 2005 I was heading out on a long trip and the album cover to Live at Stubb’s jumped out at me. I grabbed it and then proceeded to wear my iPod battery out listening to this amazing artist blend reggae and rock with the Old Testament in ways deeper and more meaningful than ever. I have been hooked ever sense.

The concert was at the Palladium Ballroom in downtown Dallas. I had been told that the Palladium was a dive but I really liked the venue. It was in a sketchy part of town but the actual concert area was very nice. There was a great open space, no smoking, and friendly staff and security.

Matisyahu opened the set with L-rd Raise Me Up and captured the crowd with his unique sound. From there the show built to a fevered pitch as the band went through songs old and new. The band is working through a few new songs in anticipation of the new album due out in early 2009. They tried out So High So Low and Smash Lies from the recently released EP, Shattered, on the crowd to much fanfare. The new songs fit well into set and made me excited for the rest of the album.

Highlights from the concert include an extened versions of Jerusalem (Out of Darkness), Youth, Time of Your Song, Chop Em Down, and of course, King Without a Crown. They played for well over two hours. I (reluctantly) had to call it a night at midnight but the band was still going strong as I made my way to the parking lot. I’ll be interested to see a completed playlist to see what I missed!

I only paid $25 bucks for this show but after what I saw last night I was reminded that I will have to fork out a lot more dough the next time see him. Music like this doesn’t stay cheap forever.

I have already pre-ordered a recording of last night’s set from MatisyahuLive. If you sign up for the Matisyahu mailing list at MatisyahuWorld you can redeem a free song and a free concert. You definitely need to check this guy out. If you like what you hear get Live at Stubb’s, one of my Top 10 Albums of All Time.

Matisyahu 4

Matisyahu 6

Matisyahu 5

Matisyahu 6

Matisyahu 2

2008, Apocalypse, Music, Popular Culture

I’ll Believe It When I See It

King Solomon’s Mines. Atlantis. Bigfoot. Nessie. Smurfs. Fraggles. Needles in movie theatre seats. Cloned dinosaurs.

Add to the list of things that may or may not incredible myths Guns ‘n’ Roses’ Chinese Democracy.

Year after year after year music critics begin to salivate as the long awaited album begins to make its way to store shelves. Then year after year after year everyone is disappointed when Axel and friends can’t pull it together and make the impossible a reality. I was 14 years old when the album was first supposed to be released. A lot has happened since then.

Low and behold I log onto iTunes this morning and I see a pre-order special for the almost-2-decade-in-the-making-album Chinese Democracy. So there’s an album cover. There are apparently a number of tracks. There’s even a release date of Nov. 23.

Will we finally get to hear Chinese Democracy? I think we are closer than ever. Not that I really care. I’m not a GNR fan at all. I can’t stand Axel Rose and I feel unclean just looking at Slash (that dude could use a shower). By all accounts this isn’t even a GNR album per se. It is an Axel and friends album. It is a GNR album in the same way that Smile is a Beach Boys album. That is to say not much.

But seriously, I really need some closure on this… and a free Dr. Pepper.