Friday, June 24, 2011

Souls but not Soldiers. Worship. Brothers. Cable Car.

This song's been  playing in and outside of my head lately. "All these things that i've done" by The Killers is great. Listen here: http://grooveshark.com/#/s/All+These+Things+That+I+ve+Done/2RLXWj?src=5
I love, love, love the feel of this song. When I listen to it, it seems like an anthem, or something played during a montage of shots in a movie depicting the hero working, failing, working, and then finally experiencing success. The intro has great buildup into the verse, and the rest of it ebbs and flows nicely. I esp. love the how it sounds like there's a choir on the later part of the bridge. It's totally montage - worthy.

A concept I've been focused on lately in my walk with God is worship. As someone who enjoys performing, I have to remind myself frequently that worship through song is about God, and not about how good we look or sound.

I'm really grateful for all the people God has brought into my life.
This is specifically for my brothers.  Whether you're my actual brother, (I love you, dude.), my 'adopted' brother, or my brother in christ, I'm really glad I know you.
Thanks for putting up with me guys!

Here's another song. I'm a pretty big fan of the song, "Over my head (cable car)" by the fray: http://grooveshark.com/#/s/Over+My+Head+cable+Car+/2ps0qQ?src=5. But, I also enjoy The A Day to Remember version: (warning: if you're not into screamo, skip this one.) http://grooveshark.com/#/s/Over+My+Head+cable+Car+/3wMgG0?src=5
Those who know me well know that this style isn't usually what I gravitate towards, but I like this song.
I really feel like A Day to Remember gave it a more emotionally raw feel. I've never been through a breakup, but I imagine this is what I'd be listening to after one.

yup.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Amazing. Crazy. Seabird.

Wow. That was my favorite word from last night to this morning. Hearing what God is doing in People's lives is an inspiring thing.  These past few days I've been up @ Pioneer Bible Camp in Eden, UT for a leadership training camp. I'm gonna be working there this summer. It was absolutely amazing to be surrounded by people who really, really, care about God. People who are passionate about Him and all He's done for us. It was a really great time of teaching, learning, fellowship, worship, and prayer.
I really, really, loved it.

The way God works in people's lives is crazy cool. The fact that he chooses to work through us messed-up people  = wow.
God's love for us is crazy. He loved us first, when were in direct opposition to him.
Jesus spelled out that he was the messiah to the people, but most of them didn't get it.
Jesus loved the people, and they ultimately rejected him. They were so ignorant. Oftentimes I'll be reading in the gospels, see an example of this, and think, "They're so stupid". "How could they have done that?"
But, If I was in the place of those foolish people, I would be just as dumb, maybe worse without God opening my eyes to see His light, truth, and love. God loved me when I was totally against him. It's pretty dang hard for me to fathom that kind of love. Jesus died for me, even though my sin was part of what caused him to sacrifice his life.
whoa.
whoa.
whoa.
God's Love = Crazy.


One of my Favorite songs is, "Rescue" by seabird. listen here: http://grooveshark.com/#/search?q=rescue
Fans of Jars of Clay and Switchfoot will probably like this, even though it's leans more towards the pop side of things.
I like the music, and the lead singer's voice is great. But, my favorite thing about this song is the lyrics, esp. the chorus.
"You are my rapture, you are my saviour, when all my hope is gone, I reach for you, 'cause you are my rescue" 
I love the use of the word, 'rapture'.
The idea of becoming enraptured with God = A-men.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Sadness. The future. Rain. Bizarre.

General Randomness/ Music:

Some days, I feel sad. Today isn't one of those days. I just feel kinda melancholy. It's been rainy today, so like the indie pop band He is We, I'm just gonna "blame it on the rain"( it's a pretty good song. In fact, here it is:  http://grooveshark.com/#/search?q=Blame%20it%20on%20the%20rain)

Some days, I wonder what's ahead for me. Today is one of those days. I think what I feel is best expressed by the lyrics to the chorus of the song, "Wonderin'" by Tobymac feat. Matt Thiessen of Relient K. (Another good song by two of my fav. artists. Once again, here it is: http://grooveshark.com/#/search?q=wonderin%22) "Well I'm wonderin' 'bout the road ahead of me, Wonderin' 'bout the things you said to me, Wonderin' if these dreams will ever do. Well I'm wonderin' 'bout the way I spend my days, Wonderin' if it's even worth the chase, wonderin' if they're stealing me from you." yeah. that about sums it up.

Rant:
Why do people sometimes have a ridonculously huge crush on other people that they don't really know all that well? It's frustrating. They keep telling themselves, "I barely know them, In fact, we just met yesterday." But, another part of their brain can't help but thinking sickeningly mushy thoughts regarding the other person.
It's a ridiculous, annoying, and oftentimes downright repulsive phenomenon. It's awful to watch it happen to other people. But I think it's probably worse to watch it happen to yourself. Life is a bizarre thing. Wonderfully bizarre, but nonetheless, bizarre.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Blogging. Facebook. Why? Jack Johnson.

This is me, attempting to blog. Why? So I can share my thoughts on music, life, and things that bug me. Some might venture to ask, "Why the heck do ya need a blog? You have a facebook, right? Do you live under a rock?" My answer to those questions would be as follows: Of course I have a facebook (therefore, my dwelling is not the underside of a rock), but I don't wanna be constantly bugging my friends with my lengthy opinions. This way, If they actually care about my thoughts, they can come here. Otherwise, they can just continue in ignorant bliss, completely unware of my ideas.
Anyway, here I go.

One of my all-time favorite songs is "Broken" off the Curious George Soundtrack by Jack Johnson.
listen here: http://grooveshark.com/#/s/Broken/21fAmA?src=5
It's got an amazing feel. It's bluesy, bittersweet, and beautiful. With good timing, I'll probably cry when I listen to it. It's just that good.
But, how did our friend Jack accomplish all this?  He got just the right combination.
The lead guitar is quieter, but still has some moments when Jack strums a little harder, giving it softness, but a sort-of inner strength. The slides on the verses add some smoothness, too.
The rhythm guitar, is steady and easy and supports the sometimes meandering lead.
The percussion does a great job moving everything along.
The bass is very subtle, and to be perfectly honest, I like turning it up just a little more on this song.
The piano adds to the feel of lead nicely.
The vocals give a good quiet melancholy to the song, and the lyrics help bring everthing together.
" Without you I was broken, but I'd rather be broke down with you by my side"
yeah.  that about sums it up.
So, go out and buy it on itunes, people.
go.
now.
why are you still here?