The internet provides a temptation: avoiding relationships with other people. Certainly correspondence via the internet can have its value, but there is no replacement for simply being in the presence of another human being.
Blogs afford me another opportunity: to claim my throne as self-appointed dictator of my own kingdom, in which I am the ultimate expert in any and all subjects. I can yield my words like blunt instruments, for I am an expert, after all. As the author of my blog or even in the enemy territory of another blog, I can instantaneously shoot from the hip, squashing the opposing argument like a miserable bug. In such a scenario, little thought needs to be made to the damage I am inflicting upon myself and the other person with whom I correspond. I become the monster that I am attempting denounce. I know, because I've done it myself many times.
In addition, I can easily misread the intentions of another and jump to conclusions without seeking clarifications, further escalating a potentially tense situation. I know, because I've done it many times.
You may be asking, "why are you blogging about how lousy blogging is?" Indeed the internet has many limitations and pitfalls. Of course, all dialogue and communication is faced with limitations. Blogs and the internet do afford us the opportunity to be in contact with those whom we otherwise might no be able to because of distance. We also may be able to discuss issues that wouldn't otherwise be addressed in regular day to day activity.
In short, the internet and blogs can, when put in the proper place, enhance life. It can also easily distract and insulate me from life as well; I neglect my family and those with whom I can share my life with on a daily basis, or Church and prayer fall by the wayside.
There is no substitute for sitting in the presence of another human being. Words aren't even necessary.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Top 10 of 08 (the remaining 5)
Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Lie Down in the Light
When listening to Lie Down in the Light, it is easy to imagine oneself in a hootenanny amongst several musicians on the front porch of a house, having a grand 'ol time during a humid August evening in Georgia. Come to think of it, this is the closing scene of The Jerk, sans the ridiculous looking white man dancing amongst a family of black folks. Will Oldham adds his frail voice to like-minded artists who have gone before him such as Marvin Gaye, Bob Dylan, Jack White, U2 and Johnny Cash. Their art often seems to describe the feeling of being caught in the un-holy crossfire between the "sacred" and the "secular" and seemingly striving for the former. I've had to remind myself several time that some of the songs on this record are not from the hippy-dippy Enter the Worship Circle.
Lie Down In The Light - Bonnie "Prince" Billy
Calexico, Carried to Dust
After hearing the fabulous cover of "Goin' to Acupulco" by Calexico and Jim James in the film I'm Not There, I decided to pick up this record. Like a more distinct and less corporate Chevy's, Calexico bring a very unique brand of tex-mex to the world of rock n' roll. I'm guessing that several Calexico records have found their way into the collection of the members of Jars of Clay, as I was taken back by the similarities in sound between the groups, particularly the overlap between the styles of the lead vocalists.
Red Blooms - Calexico
Danielson, Trying Hartz
How lame is it to put a compilation album on your best of year-end list? Pretty. Still, the sounds and story of Danielson have grown on me considerably ever since viewing Danielson: A Family Movie last year. I'm happy to do what I can to spread the word for this band and apart from 2007's Ships, this is the best introduction to their work.
She & Him, Volume One
As nice as it may sound, I don't know if actress Zooey Deschanel's music has enough gusto to stand on its own. However, what about when combined with the talents of M Ward, who I consider to be one of the best singer-songwriters around today? Now I believe you have something. She & Him remind me somewhat of the relaxing and nostalgic sounds from the 50s and 60s that I used to tune into on KLXR AM 1230 with my alarm clock-radio in college.
Vampire Weekend, Vampire Weekend
It is rare when a band faces the chronological obstacles of: a hyped record prior to its release, backlash following the release and then general appreciation for the same record, all in the same year. That is my observation of Vampire Weekend in 2008. Comparisons to the solo work of Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel and David Byrne abound. I prefer to say that if you can write a song about an oxford comma and turn it into a pop masterpiece, you are a better man than I.
When listening to Lie Down in the Light, it is easy to imagine oneself in a hootenanny amongst several musicians on the front porch of a house, having a grand 'ol time during a humid August evening in Georgia. Come to think of it, this is the closing scene of The Jerk, sans the ridiculous looking white man dancing amongst a family of black folks. Will Oldham adds his frail voice to like-minded artists who have gone before him such as Marvin Gaye, Bob Dylan, Jack White, U2 and Johnny Cash. Their art often seems to describe the feeling of being caught in the un-holy crossfire between the "sacred" and the "secular" and seemingly striving for the former. I've had to remind myself several time that some of the songs on this record are not from the hippy-dippy Enter the Worship Circle.
Lie Down In The Light - Bonnie "Prince" Billy
Calexico, Carried to Dust
After hearing the fabulous cover of "Goin' to Acupulco" by Calexico and Jim James in the film I'm Not There, I decided to pick up this record. Like a more distinct and less corporate Chevy's, Calexico bring a very unique brand of tex-mex to the world of rock n' roll. I'm guessing that several Calexico records have found their way into the collection of the members of Jars of Clay, as I was taken back by the similarities in sound between the groups, particularly the overlap between the styles of the lead vocalists.
Red Blooms - Calexico
Danielson, Trying Hartz
How lame is it to put a compilation album on your best of year-end list? Pretty. Still, the sounds and story of Danielson have grown on me considerably ever since viewing Danielson: A Family Movie last year. I'm happy to do what I can to spread the word for this band and apart from 2007's Ships, this is the best introduction to their work.
She & Him, Volume One
As nice as it may sound, I don't know if actress Zooey Deschanel's music has enough gusto to stand on its own. However, what about when combined with the talents of M Ward, who I consider to be one of the best singer-songwriters around today? Now I believe you have something. She & Him remind me somewhat of the relaxing and nostalgic sounds from the 50s and 60s that I used to tune into on KLXR AM 1230 with my alarm clock-radio in college.
Vampire Weekend, Vampire Weekend
It is rare when a band faces the chronological obstacles of: a hyped record prior to its release, backlash following the release and then general appreciation for the same record, all in the same year. That is my observation of Vampire Weekend in 2008. Comparisons to the solo work of Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel and David Byrne abound. I prefer to say that if you can write a song about an oxford comma and turn it into a pop masterpiece, you are a better man than I.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Theophany
Today we celebrate the feast of Theophany, also known as Epiphany in the west. Theophany commemorates the baptism of Christ and the revelation of the Trinity to all of humanity. This feast has been given a place of special importance in the Church, second only to Pascha (Easter). It has only been in recent times (the last several hundred years) that Theophany has been eclipsed by Nativity (and even more so its rampant commercialization).When Thou wast baptized in the river Jordan O Lord, the worship of the Trinity was revealed. For the voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, when He called Thee His Beloved Son. And the Spirit in the form of a Dove, confirmed the truth of the word. O Christ our God, who hast appeared and hast enlightened the world Glory to Thee!
--Troparion of the Theophany
Monday, January 5, 2009
Top 10 of 08 (the first 5)
You can read the disclaimer to last years list if you wish. Or the year before.
Fleet Foxes, Sun Giant EP/Fleet Foxes
In Seattle, it is pretty hip to appear like a bum and/or homeless. In this regard, Fleet Foxes fit the bill. Seattle music was once equated with the grunge scene of the early to mid 90s. Fleet Foxes prove that this is no longer the case, blending Beach Boys harmonies with folks music that sounds like it was ripped off from the nearby Renaissance festival. I believe that I'll be listening to this record in ten years and that more than anything else is my ultimate litmus test.
Blitzen Trapper, Furr
Blitzen Trapper are buds with Fleet Foxes and they have a lot in common: the same label (Seattle's Sub Pop), both are from the Pacific NW (Portland, Or and Seattle), have similar folk influences and, you know, the whole beard/homeless look. Blitzen Trapper seem to draw upon The Band and 60s-era English folk for inspiration, reminiscent (to me) of The Kinks' Muswell Hillbillies. "Furr" and "Sleepytime in the Western World" are standout tracks.
Bob Dylan, Tell Tale Signs: The Bootleg Series Vol. 8
The voice; the moustache; the man. Not technically an album of new material, Tell Tale Signs is comprised of outtakes, live songs and alternate versions over the last twenty years of Dylan's career. Twenty years is a long time, but the strength of the material is apparent in the way in which the alternate takes stand on their own as fully realized versions of songs that went on to make one of Dylan's records. The fact that these alternate versions and b-sides eventually hit the cutting room floor but might still well be the envy of many a performer speaks volumes. Disclaimer: Dylan's voice now sounds like pure, unadulterated crap. However, I've said it before and I'll say it again: if fits the mood and lyrics of his songs. This last statement was not intended as a pun on the previous one.
My Morning Jacket, Evil Urges
Olivia describes My Morning Jacket's latest record as, "what happens when you try to sound like Prince but aren't Prince." I would have to agree with this assessment of two songs on Evil Urges, the title track and the completely cringe-inducing "Highly Suspicious." As awful as these songs are, I don't feel that they completely derail the the charisma of front man Jim James or the rest of the record, which for me plays like a mixtape of MMJ's influences. "Thank You Too!" recalls the Bee Gees, "Sec Walkin" has a Motown feel, "Two Halves" features Roy Orbison harmonies and "Aluminum Park" would fit nicely as a standout track on any of the band's previous albums. If you listen to this song and are not at least tempted to play air guitar, something may be wrong with you.
David Byrne and Brian Eno, Everything that Happens will Happen Today
From the lush opening chords of the title track on David Byrne and Brian Eno's first collaboration in 25 years, I knew I would dig the tune. The rousing, anthemic outro did not disappoint. Other strong tracks include "Strange Overtones" "Life is Long" and "Wanted for Life." I have read that this tandem, which previously teamed up on the critically acclaimed My Life in the Bush of Ghosts, set out to make a "secular gospel" record with this collaboration. I can't speak to that, but in this collection of songs I do sense the emotions of joy and hope in the midst of difficulty. Lyrics from "One Fine Day" certainly fit that mold: then a peace of mind fell over me/in these trouble times/I still can see/we can use the stones to guide the way/it is not that long 'til one fine day. I too aspire to strive for good and perseverance in times of hardship. At the risk of oversimplification, I'm still left with questions for this lyric by the end of the record: why? how?
Everything That Happens - David Byrne and Brian Eno
Fleet Foxes, Sun Giant EP/Fleet Foxes
In Seattle, it is pretty hip to appear like a bum and/or homeless. In this regard, Fleet Foxes fit the bill. Seattle music was once equated with the grunge scene of the early to mid 90s. Fleet Foxes prove that this is no longer the case, blending Beach Boys harmonies with folks music that sounds like it was ripped off from the nearby Renaissance festival. I believe that I'll be listening to this record in ten years and that more than anything else is my ultimate litmus test.
Blitzen Trapper, Furr
Blitzen Trapper are buds with Fleet Foxes and they have a lot in common: the same label (Seattle's Sub Pop), both are from the Pacific NW (Portland, Or and Seattle), have similar folk influences and, you know, the whole beard/homeless look. Blitzen Trapper seem to draw upon The Band and 60s-era English folk for inspiration, reminiscent (to me) of The Kinks' Muswell Hillbillies. "Furr" and "Sleepytime in the Western World" are standout tracks.
Bob Dylan, Tell Tale Signs: The Bootleg Series Vol. 8
The voice; the moustache; the man. Not technically an album of new material, Tell Tale Signs is comprised of outtakes, live songs and alternate versions over the last twenty years of Dylan's career. Twenty years is a long time, but the strength of the material is apparent in the way in which the alternate takes stand on their own as fully realized versions of songs that went on to make one of Dylan's records. The fact that these alternate versions and b-sides eventually hit the cutting room floor but might still well be the envy of many a performer speaks volumes. Disclaimer: Dylan's voice now sounds like pure, unadulterated crap. However, I've said it before and I'll say it again: if fits the mood and lyrics of his songs. This last statement was not intended as a pun on the previous one.
My Morning Jacket, Evil Urges
Olivia describes My Morning Jacket's latest record as, "what happens when you try to sound like Prince but aren't Prince." I would have to agree with this assessment of two songs on Evil Urges, the title track and the completely cringe-inducing "Highly Suspicious." As awful as these songs are, I don't feel that they completely derail the the charisma of front man Jim James or the rest of the record, which for me plays like a mixtape of MMJ's influences. "Thank You Too!" recalls the Bee Gees, "Sec Walkin" has a Motown feel, "Two Halves" features Roy Orbison harmonies and "Aluminum Park" would fit nicely as a standout track on any of the band's previous albums. If you listen to this song and are not at least tempted to play air guitar, something may be wrong with you.
David Byrne and Brian Eno, Everything that Happens will Happen Today
From the lush opening chords of the title track on David Byrne and Brian Eno's first collaboration in 25 years, I knew I would dig the tune. The rousing, anthemic outro did not disappoint. Other strong tracks include "Strange Overtones" "Life is Long" and "Wanted for Life." I have read that this tandem, which previously teamed up on the critically acclaimed My Life in the Bush of Ghosts, set out to make a "secular gospel" record with this collaboration. I can't speak to that, but in this collection of songs I do sense the emotions of joy and hope in the midst of difficulty. Lyrics from "One Fine Day" certainly fit that mold: then a peace of mind fell over me/in these trouble times/I still can see/we can use the stones to guide the way/it is not that long 'til one fine day. I too aspire to strive for good and perseverance in times of hardship. At the risk of oversimplification, I'm still left with questions for this lyric by the end of the record: why? how?
Everything That Happens - David Byrne and Brian Eno
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