Livingloud - The Bowmanblog

OneRepublic in the Live Lounge

The Bowmanblog has consistently raved about OneRepublic.  Their star is on the rise and they are generating a lot of interest here in the UK.  Today they played in the Live Lounge on Jo Whiley's Radio 1 show.  Check it out here they played a beautiful version of 'Stop and Stare' and a smokin cover of Duffy's 'Mercy'.  I always knew Ryan had a great voice (I smile when I think of him entertaining the teens during our summerfest events) but it has matured and grown even more soulful.  The future looks bright! 

Larry Norman Memorial

There was a memorial service for Larry Norman in Salem Oregon yesterday.  One of the members of the Larry Norman facebook group posted his thoughts on the service... What a gathering! Perhaps 500+ of us poured into a church in Salem this morning to pay our respects to Larry.  As we entered we were handed 'circus programs' (instead of a boring pamphlet) that read: Larry Norman Presents: A Going Away Party.

It was a gathering of friends, family and fans alike. As people caught up with one another organ music filled the air. Then, all of a sudden: SCREEEEEEETCH! It was the sound of a record player needle ripping across vinyl.

'I ain't knocking the hymns,
Just give me a song that has a beat.
I ain't knocking the hymns,
Just give me a song that moves my feet.
I don't like none of those funeral marches
I ain't dead yet!'

What followed was a wonderful montage of music, photographs, and videos of Larry throughout his life. Friends and family spoke and there were a few performances. After it was all over we ate hot dogs, popcorn and Cracker Jacks! A party. Just like Larry wanted.
Greg (from Portland)

Sounds wonderful, I love the 'Why should the devil have all the good music' touch.  The Stateman Journal posted pictures of the memorial service on their website check them out here.

Larry Norman : Obituary

As news of Larry's passing sinks in a number of obituaries are appearing on the net.  Steve Turner has one in The Guardian.  And Steve Stockman has posted his personal obituary for Larry on Rhythms of Redemption.  Well worth a read. 

Remembering Larry Norman

In tribute to Larry Norman I'm posting some videos - performances of 'Song for a small circle', 'The Outlaw', 'Reader's Digest' & 'God Part III' from the 70's right up to the recent past.  Take some time to watch and listen.  You'll never see his like again. 

Song for a small circle of friends

The Outlaw

Reader's Digest & God Part III

Larry Norman 8/4/47 - 24/2/08

This one hurts... I just heard that Larry Norman passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning. Click here for the statement on the Larry Norman site.  He was often called the 'Father of Christian Rock' but his impact was much wider than a christian sub-culture and his music crossed boundaries both sacred and secular. 

Larry has provided the soundtrack to my Spiritual journey since 1987 when as a new believer I first discovered his music at the Youth Reach Festival.  I've seen him in concert many times (and he was one of the few artists who came to N. Ireland especially during the height of the troubles in the 70's & 80's).  His live concerts were incredible experiences, often lasting around three hours.  This pic is from a gig we attended in Derry in '95. 

Larry gave us some of the greatest music ever recorded, and to me and so many of his fans he was a powerful example of a radical Christ follower.  My life has never been the same since hearing his songs. It feels very much like the end of an era, but Larry is Home at Last and finally healed.

Goodbye, farewell, we'll meet again
Somewhere beyond the sky.

Top Se7en Albums of 07

It's time for the annual roundup of the best sights and sounds of the year that was 2007.  These kind of lists are totally subjective, but I have attempted to give you my top se7en's of '07.  Let's hear yours...

Magic - Bruce Springsteen
Bruce reconvenes the E Street Band for his finest album in years.  It's got big guitars, big choruses and all you could hope for from the Boss... it more than lives up to its title!

The Story - Brandi Carlile
My friend Rick reccomended this album, and its been one of the best discoveries this year.  I've never tired of it, raw lyrics, great tunes and oh that voice!   

The Historical Conquests Of - Josh Ritter
This album reminds me of my fave era Dylan (Highway 61, Blonde on Blonde).  It's a joyous sound!

Hand Built By Robots - Newton Faulkner
This was the sound of my summer.  Newton is a guitar genius, his cover of 'teardrop' surpasses the original and this album never fails to make me smile. 

Princess Alice and the Broken Arrow - Magnum
Magnum were one of my fave bands when I was in High School, British melodic rock at its best.  They bounced back in 07 with an album which is every bit as good as their classic 'On A Story Teller's Night' from 1985.  They've never tried to be trendy, they've never compromised their sound, I raise my goblet of rock in a toast to Magnum!

The Alchemy Index: Volumes I & II - Fire & Water - Thrice
The first two volumes of a four part concept album based on the elements.  On Vol 1 'Fire' we find Thrice making an epic, aggressive, heavy and glorious racket. Vol 2 'Water' is decidedly unheavy and the most rewarding of the two with beautiful, lush, experimental arrangements, it is simply flawless. 

In Rainbows - Radiohead
Radiohead shook things up a bit in 07 by releasing an album on the interweb that you could pay whatever you wanted for.  It was heralded as a radical move by some, a publicity stunt by others,but you've got to respect one the of the world's biggest bands for going against the flow.  Laying aside all the hoopla about its release 'In Rainbows' was Radiohead's most accessible album since OK Computer. 

Its hard to settle on just 7 great albums of 07 so here are a few others worthy of mention.
Echos Silence Patience & Grace - Foo Fighters - It's my fave Foo's album packed with great riffs. 
Hvarf Heim - Sigur Ros - From my perspective Sigur Ros create music you 'feel' and they do that better than anyone.  One disc is epic the other is intimate and acoustic.
The Trumpet Child - Over the Rhine - Over the Rhine have never sounded so happy.  A brilliant album that crosses several musical genres.   
The Ringing Bell - Derek Webb - The most political Christian artist since Larry Norman.  This is an album all about 'Peace' that is not afraid to rock. 
Rush - Snakes & Arrows - It took a few spins but Rush have not disappointed with their latest release. 
Dreaming out loud - OneRepublic - Ryan Tedder visited us in Ireland several times, it was clear he had talent and it was just a matter of timing.  07 has seen his star rise as a producer, songwriter and now with his own band OneRepublic.  A band to watch! 
Neon Bible - Arcade Fire - This was my last musical purchase of 07 so I've not had a lot of time to process it all, but on first listen it grabbed me more than their much lauded 'Funeral' did.  It's dark, it's spiritual, it's got swirling strings, choirs and driving mandolins... brilliant.   

Twenty Se7en from 07 - The best tracks of 2007

The best of 2007 continues with the soundtrack of the year.  I really enjoyed putting these Twenty Se7en genre crossing tunes together.  What were you listening to this year?

Stuck Between Stations - The Hold Steady
Keep The Car Running - Arcade Fire
Summers's End - Foo Fighters
Keep Believin' - The Answer
Life Is What You Make It - Dug Pinnick
Dragons Are Real - Magnum
Workin' Them Angels - Rush
I Gaer - Sigur Ros
Jigsaw Falling Into Place - Radiohead
The Whaler - Thrice
Stop And Stare - OneRepublic
Love Wins - Robbie Seay Band
Dream Catch Me - Newton Faulkner
Name - Derek Webb
Fight Outta You - Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals
Trying To Pull Myself Away - Glen Hansard
Empty Hearts - Josh Ritter
Poor Michael's Boat - Mark Olson
Please Read The Letter - Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
Everybody Knows - Ryan Adams
Long Walk Home - Bruce Springsteen
The Story - Brandi Carlisle
Hard Sun - Eddie Vedder
I Believe - Dustin Kensrue
Indiscriminate Act Of Kindness - Foy Vance
Wave Of Sorrow - U2
The Trumpet Child - Over The Rhine

The Frames Live at Belfast Opera House

The Frames played the Opera House in Belfast last night.  As usual they did not disappoint!  I've seen them several times now but this was one of the tightest performances yet.  The sound was perfect and rather than feeling like a rock concert played to a capacity crowd,they transformed it into something more akin to a living room gig. It was intimate, liberated and truly uplifting.  Song of the gig was 'The stars are underground', played with wild abandon closely followed by a beautiful performance of 'Falling Slowly' by Glen and Marketa Irglova.  With the success of the movie 'Once' people may just be catching on to how good this band is, after 17 years its about time, because it doesn't come any better than this.   

Apologise - OneRepublic

I was in Belfast yesterday and happened to have a wee dander around the Virgin Megastore.  I was delighted to discover OneRepublic's new single Apologise (remix) in the racks.  I've blogged before on why these guys are a band to watch.  They feature on Timbalands new album and Apologise with its fantastic mix of rock and dance is without a doubt the best track on there. It's getting some good airplay at the moment.  Check out the video here it is in the top 10 (UK Charts) and #2 on the Billboard 100 in the USA.

OneRepublic is Ryan Tedder's band.  Ryan came on several mission trips to Ireland and worked with us. He is an insanely talented guy, one of the best vocalists you're likely to hear and a very gifted songwriter.  He wrote 'Bleeding Love' for Leona Lewis which has just entered the UK charts at #1.  But he's certainly saved the best for his own band because in a world of musical mediocrity, these guys really do stand apart from the crowd.  Their debut album 'Dreaming Out Loud' is released on 20 November.

Creed by Rich Mullins

Remembering Rich

Ten years ago today, we lost one of our finest singer songwriters: Rich Mullins.  On September 19th, 1997, Rich Mullins died after a traffic accident near Peoria Illinois. Rich was in his jeep with Mitch McVicker in route to Wichita for a concert. The jeep lost control and flipped, ejecting both men. Rich was killed instantly. Rich was 41years old.

Of course Rich was much more than a singer songwriter; to some he was a prophet.  He is still one of only a few artists such as Keith Green and Larry Norman who consistently sends depth charges to my soul. 

Rich loved Ireland, and I was privileged to see him play here a couple of times.  His concert in Coleraine remains one of the most memorable and best loved gigs I've ever been to.  He played a stunning version of 'A song for Ireland' at that concert with my friend Ray on flute.  I have a photo of Rich that I took at that gig, it hangs in my study.  He is playing the hammer dulcimer, head bowed in concentration, beating out the rhythm of joy, painting pictures of the great prairies and the works of God... I can still hear it. 

On this the tenth anniversary of his homecoming I want to share some of my favourite Rich Mullins quotes, and to those of you who have never heard his music... do your soul a favour. 

Rich on life... "You know, sometimes we think everything is changing, but the same moon is up there tonight. And the same stars that Abraham saw. They're all up there. And the same God that put them there and made them shine, He's still there, too. And I don't know what life has for you. I don't know what life has for me. But I know this, I know that God is good. I know that God does not lie. And I know that God has given us the gift of our lives. Sometimes we wish He would have given us someone else's life, but He chose to give you your life. Don't despair of it."

"So go out and live real good and I promise you'll get beat up real bad. But, in a little while after you're dead, you'll be rotted away anyway. It's not gonna matter if you have a few scars. It will matter if you didn't live."

"Never forget what Jesus did for you. Never take lightly what it cost Him. And never assume that if it cost Him His very life, that it won't also cost you yours."

Rich on religion... "If you want a religion that makes sense, go somewhere else. But if you want a religion that makes life, choose Christianity." 

Elijah
The Jordan is waiting for me to cross thru
My heart is aging I can tell
So Lord I'm begging for one last favour from You
Here's my heart
Take it where you will

This life has shown me how we're mended 
And how we're torn
How it's O.K. to be lonely
As long as you're free
Sometimes my ground was stony
And sometimes covered up with thorns
And only you could make it what it had to be
And now that it's done
If they dressed me like a pauper
Or if they dined me like a prince
If they lay me with my fathers
Or if my ashes scatter on the wind
I don't care

When I go I wanna go out like Elijah
With a whirlwind to fuel my chariot of fire
And when I look back on the stars
It'll be like a candlelight in Central Park
And it won't break my heart to say goodbye

There's people been friendly
But they'd never be your friends
Sometimes this has bent me to the ground
But now that this is all ending I want to
Hear some music once again
'Cause it's the finest thing
That I have ever found

But the Jordan is waiting
Though I ain't never seen the other side
Still they say you can't take in
The things you have here
So on the road to salvation
I stick out my thumb and He gives me a ride
And his music is already falling on my ears
There's people been talking
They say they're worried about my soul
Well I'm here to tell you i'll keep rocking
Til I'm sure it's my time to roll

When I go I wanna go out like Elijah
With a whirlwind to fuel my chariot of fire
And when I look back on the stars
It'll be like a candlelight in Central Park
And it won't break my heart to say goodbye

Chris Tomlin - Live in Belfast

A long overdue review of a worship gathering in Belfast. 
I must confess I've never really got into the praise & worship movement... let me clarify that, I absolutely love singing and playing worship music, but I've never been able to spin discs just for mere listening pleasure.  I guess I view it differently, more contemplatively, it is after all...worship.   For a long time it seemed like every band or artist in christendom was coming out with a worship project, and to be honest, and this is perhaps the crucial factor leading to why it just seemed to pass me by, is that a lot of it was simply not that good musically or lyrically. 
But there always has been those artists and projects who stand apart, who artistically, musically and theologically have something to say and something worth hearing.  Chris Tomlin is such an artist.  That is why his 'See the Morning' album is the most played worship album on my Zen this year.  He is purported to be the most sung artist in America, and it is easy to see why.  Intensely singable songs, heartfelt lyrics and a commitment to exalt God.  On 15 August he played to a packed Odyssey arena.  Supported by a surprisingly good band from Canada: 'downhere'.
Chris Tomlin said that tonight was only about one thing- worshiping the King, an audience of one.  He led us with humility, gentleness and passion into the place of worship... it ceased to be a concert, this was church!  If only church could be like this every sunday!      

Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds Live in Belfast

This week Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds played the Waterfront Hall in Belfast and it was one of the most electrifying live gigs I've ever experienced.  No need for eye candy in this stage show, it's just two guys with acoustic guitars creating mesmerizing music for two and a half hours.  If you've ever heard the 'Live At Luther College' album you'll know what I mean. 

The Waterfront Hall was packed; proof that Dave is more popular here than some may have thought, and though it is a cavernous venue, he managed to transform it into an intimate 'living room-like' experience.  The sound was superb and Dave's banter between the songs added to the relaxed groove. 

Dave is a fascinating character, originally from South Africa and now a naturalised American he grew up in a devout Quaker family, though he now describes himself as agnostic.  No doubt his background and experiences have influenced his writing and many of his songs contain deeply spiritual imagery, raising questions and hungering for something more.  Songs such as 'Bartender', 'Lie in our graves' and 'Gravedigger' deal with the reality and (in the case of Bartender) fear of death and the fragility of life.

Setlist:
Bartender
Crush
When The World Ends
Stay Or Leave
Old Dirt Hill
So Damn Lucky
Cry Freedom
Lie In Our Graves
Smooth Rider
Satellite
Save Me
Gravedigger
Tim Reynolds Solo
Don’t Drink the Water
Grace Is Gone
Grey Street
Crash Into Me
Two Step
Encore:
Some Devil
Cant Stop
Sister
Where Are You Going
Dancing Nancies

(ht - to Paul Burley for pointing me in the direction of Dave Matthews and for all the DMB albums that are now on my zen... peace bro)

Three Letter Word - Therapy

Australia has produced some great rock music... one of my all time fave bands the much missed 'Midnight Oil' is one example, yeah folks there is a lot more to Aussie music than Kylie Minogue!

I'd like to draw your attention to a fantastic up and coming band from the land down under  Three Letter Word. They are a dynamic independent 3-piece band from Melbourne. Lyrically covering real life topics like image, poverty, acceptance, love and equality, three letter word’s music is passionate, confronting and honest, with a few twists of sarcasm thrown in (as only Aussies can).  Back in '95 Val and I spent some time on the east coast USA - New York, Philadelphia and New Jersey.  On that trip we met Duck from Australia, we hung out a lot, had a laugh and have kept in touch ever since.  Duck came and visited us in Ireland a few years ago... one day we hope to make it down to her homeland. 

Duck is a drummer (banish any notion of Meg from the white strips or 'drummer corr' from The Corr's -Duck is the real deal) and her band is certainly one to watch.  They are an incredibly tight 3 piece producing what is best described in their words as a dynamic and varied blend of “sometimes heavy, but always melodic” rock and power-pop.  I loveitloveit!  Check out the video for their song 'Therapy', they've done a fantastic job on it, I love the imagery.  And click on over to Myspace, check out their tunes, add them as a friend and better still pick up their EP.  It is just the kind of Therapy I like.

 

Swapping hymns for rock music

Great discussion over on Our Souls In Church about a church in England which is swapping hymns for rock music.

The "U2-charist", which uses hits from the Irish rock group in place of hymns in the service, is being held at Lincoln's St Swithin's Church in May.

A Celebration & Return of the Pranksters

The pranksters have struck again!  I arrived at my office to find the door wrapped up and inside there were balloons stuck everywhere, all numbered to mark my birthday!  yeah it was a very warm and touching prank... but will one act of benevolent prankiness mean I won't seek revenge for all the others?  ...I don't think so! 

YouTube really is wonderful! I just discovered this video of one of my all time favourite U2 songs: 'A Celebration'  This is a very rare song, it doesn't appear on any of the albums and I've only ever had a live version on 'old school' cassette from a Hammersmith gig back in the 80's.  But it is a fantastic track, with that early u2 post punkesque sound... love it, love it!  And I'd love to hear them rip into it these days, Shake! Shake!

Well today is my birthday and this is my present to all of you.  Enjoy!

Shake! Shake!

Don't go
I believe in a celebration
I believe you set me free
I believe you can loose this chains
I believe you can dance with me
Dance with me

Shake! Shake!
Shake! Shake!

I believe in the third world war
I believe in the atomic bomb
I believe in the powers that be
But they won't overpower me

And, and you can go there too
And, and you can go go go go

Shake! Shake!
Shake! Shake!

And we don't have the time
And everything goes 'round and 'round
And we don't have the time
To watch the world go tumbling down

Go! Go!

I believe in the bells of Christ's Church
Ringing for this land
I believe in the cells of Mount Joy
Doesn't understand

And, and you can go there too
And, and you can go go go go

I believe in the walls of Jericho (And you...)
I believe they're coming down (Can go there too)
I belive in this city's children  (And you... )
I believe the trumpet's sound (can go go go go)

And you can go there too
And you can go go go go...

The Best Of 2006

It's time for the annual round up of the best sights, sounds and words of the year!  As always, I'm keen to hear what's made your best of the year lists...

MUSIC
Album of the Year - 'The Cost' by The Frames - They are consistently one of the best bands around and this year they delivered another classic Frames album. Certainly their best since 'For The Birds' and up there with the masterpiece that is 'Fitzcarraldo'.  It's been a fine year for Irish music.

The Best Of The Rest
Pearl Jam by Pearl Jam - They returned with what could well be their best ever album.
The Seeger Sessions by Bruce Springsteen - Bruce took us to Church this year with an incredibly spiritual album filled with old spirituals and folk songs... If only church could sound like this?! 
Songs From The Deep Forest by Duke Special - Another Irish artist brings us one of the most unique and memorable albums of the year.  No one, absolutely no one has a sound like the Duke, it is very special indeed. 
Magnetic North by Iain Archer - This album brought us one of the best ever songs about northern ireland 'When It Kicks In' (also one of the years great rocking tunes).  It's a beautiful listen.
Sugar Queen by Brian Houston - With Sugar Queen one of our finest singer/songwriters brings us his finest album yet, it'll move your heart as well as your feet. 
Good Monsters by Jars of Clay - I'd simply forgotten how good this band is.  Honest introspective lyrics and a harder edged sound reminded me.
American V: A Hundred Highways by CASH - This posthumous release reminds us just what we have lost.  That voice is the sound of a man broken on the wheels of living.  It's brilliant, moving and profoundly spiritual. 
The Swell Season -  Glen Hansard (of the Frames) and Czech singer Marketa Irglova released this mesmirizing album.  Beautiful string arrangements, Hansard's melancholic yet hopeful lyrics and Marketa's angelic voice combined to produce something very special indeed.   

The Best Of 2006 Playlist
The Saints Are Coming - U2
Original Fire - Audioslave
Life Wasted - Pearl Jam
Better Way - Ben Harper
Strength Of My Life - P.O.D.
Here Comes The Sun/The Inner Light - The Beatles
Beautiful Sky - Ty Tabor
Three More Days - Ray Lamontagne
Jacob's Ladder - Bruce Springsteen
God' Gonna Cut You Down - Johnny Cash
Winter Shaker - Woven Hand
People Get Ready - The Frames
Wolves - Josh Ritter
Breathe In This Life - Denison Witmer
Out Of The Ruins - Brian Houston
Mystery - Bruce Cockburn
Falling Slowly - The Swell Season
No Cover Up - Duke Special
Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol
When It Kicks In - Iain Archer
Work - Jars of Clay
Window In The Skies - U2

GIG Of The Year
I can't really single one of these gigs out as the 'best' because each was unique in it's style and setting.  They were among the best concerts I've ever experienced. 
Pearl Jam live at the Point Depot in Dublin - September '06
The Frames live at the Ulster Hall in Belfast - October '06
Bruce Springsteen & The Seeger Sessions Band live at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast - November '06

MOVIES
Movie of the Year: Shooting Dogs - Undoubtedly one of the most powerful movies I've ever watched, sadly it had a very limited cinema release, but I was able to see it on dvd.  Michael Caton Jones film is about the bloody Rwandan genocide of 1994.  In just one hundred spring days, a million Tutsis were massacred by their fellow Hutu countrymen. The barbarity was beyond imagination. But not beyond prevention.  The UN was there, watching, but not acting.  The events are seen through the eyes of a British Priest played by John Hurt in one of his finest ever performances and a gap year student teacher played by Hugh Dancy.  It is a much edgier movie than Hotel Rwanda and asks some gut wrenchingly honest questions about suffering as both Priest and student are forced to confront the depths of their faith.  A deeply moving and inspiring experience.   

The Best Of The Rest
Walk The Line
V For Vendetta
Children of Men
Inside Man
Fearless
Casino Royale
The Departed
The Nativity Story
Curious George
Lady in the Water
Slither
Munich
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
Superman Returns

Best of the Box (TV in '06)
Lost - Season 2
Battlestar Galactica - Season 2
NYPD Blue - Final Season
Into The West
24 - Season 4

BOOKS
The Bible Experience: 'New Testament' - This was my best discovery of '06!  A unique audio presentation of the New Testament (the Older Testament arrives in '07).  An incredible cast of actors, musicians and clergy have produced a truly captivating performance of the Bible.  And the musical score and sound design & effects really sets this apart. 
This Beautiful Mess by Rick McKinley - The Kingdom of God is much talked about but little understood.  I've known Rick for a good few years now, I know what the Kingdom means to him, he's preached it and his church (Imago Dei) are striving to embrace it and live in it.  This is a timely 'freeing' book, about the revolutionary nature of the Kingdom... transforming the 'mess' of life into something beautiful.
Confessions Of A Reformission Rev by Mark Driscoll - This book made me laugh out loud on several occassions (it's honest & funny) and it also dropped its fair share of spiritual depth charges (it is challenging and pulls no punches).  It's the story of Mars Hill Church in Seattle and its Pastor Mark Driscoll.  Mark writes with honesty about the frustrations and joys of building a church which is theologically conservative and culturally liberal.  It also confirmed a lot of the issues I have with aspects of traditional and even some contemporary models of church. 

So lets hear your best of '06

The Christmas Playlist

Here is the soundtrack I've put together for my journey through Advent.  'The Bible Experience' (audio Bible) really is a great resource (the year's best discovery), accompanied with some of the finest Christmas music ever recorded... this is a very special listening experience.   

1.The First Noel - Over The Rhine from 'Darkest Night Of The Year'
2. Gather round Ye Children Come - Andrew Peterson from 'Behold The Lamb Of God'
3. Luke Chapter 1 - 'The Bible Experience'
4. Come Thou Font Of Many Blessings - Sufjan Stevens from 'Songs For Christmas'
5. O Come, O Come Emmanuel - Andrew Peterson from 'Behold The Lamb Of God'
6. Matthew Chapter 1 - 'The Bible Experience'
7. Matthews Begats - Andrew Peterson from 'Behold The Lamb Of God'
8. Silent Night - Over The Rhine from 'Darkest Night Of The Year'
9. The Incarnation - Sufjan Stevens from 'Songs For Christmas'
10. Labour Of Love - Andrew Peterson  from 'Behold The Lamb Of God'
11. John Chapter 1- 'The Bible Experience'
12. Manger Throne - Third Day from 'City On A Hill: It's Christmas Time'
13. Child Of Love - Sara Groves from 'City On A Hill: It's Christmas Time'
14. Joy To The World - Bruce Cockburn from 'Christmas'
15. Mary Had A Baby - Bruce Cockburn from 'Christmas'
16. White Horse - Over The Rhine from 'Snow Angels'
17. Luke Chapter 2 - 'The Bible Experience'
18. Shepherds - Bruce Cockburn from 'Christmas'
19. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear - Over The Rhine from 'Darkest Night Of The Year'
20. A Little Lower Than The Angels - Over The Rhine from 'Darkest Night Of The Year'
21. Matthew Chapter 2 - 'The Bible Experience'
22. Early On One Christmas Morn - Bruce Cockburn from 'Christmas'
23. Amazing Grace - Sufjan Stevens from 'Songs For Christmas'
24. Go Tell It On The Mountain - Bruce Cockburn from 'Christmas'
25. The Day That A Child Appeared - Larry Norman from 'Christmastime'
26. New Redemption Song - Over The Rhine from 'Snow Angels'

Check this out...

So many funny videos out there but this is one of the best I've come across.  This guy is a legend, incredible editing skills

ht Graeme

And then there is this amazing video of a guy playing 'While my guitar gently weeps" on a... ukelele!

ht Marko

End of an era

The final 'Rhythm & Soul' was broadcast last Sunday evening!  For over 10 years Steve Stockman has been playing the music and sending the spiritual depth charges across the airwaves.  His show was uniqe, there was nothing else like, and we'll never hear the like of it again.  The sacred and the secular sat side by side and grace turned up in unexpected places.  It was the perfect soundtrack for a spiritual journey. 

To the bbc I'd like to ask... what are you thinking?  How can you possibly cancel this show and loose one of the most creative radio programmes ever to grace the airwaves.  Shame on you bbc!   You can catch the final show Rhythm & Soul via listen on demand.  Do your soul a favour and tune in. 

Thanx Steve and my hope is that this is only the end of the beginning and not the beginning of the end.

People Get Ready... The Frames Live in Belfast

The Frames have been the subject of several posts on this blog and with a reputation as one of the best live bands you could pay your money down to see, they have a lot to live up.  And the truth is they never disappoint!  It's a shame this band doesn't have the commerical success it deserves (but then again commercial success rarely accompanies great art).  Their latest album 'The Cost' is a gem (album of the year so far on my playlist) and deserves widespread critical acclaim. 

The Ulster Hall in Belfast was the North of Ireland stop for The Cost Tour.  It's a great old venue, the sound is always good and the frames have played there a number of times.  Glen was in fine form, a sure contender for Dave Grohl's title as the nicest guy in rock, joking with the crowd and graciously listening to the endless barrage of requests for songs.  The Cost got a good airing with new songs taking up residence in the setlist and played with confidence by a band at the top of their game, tighter than ever.   

There is always a Frames gig moment... this time there were two - 'People Get Ready' as good a rallying call as you'll hear and 'Into The Mystic', being Van Morrison's home town they just had to do.  It's never sounded so good. 

The Boys Are Back In Town

Been meaning to post this gig review for a while.  It's 6 years since Pearl Jam last played in Ireland.  A lot can happen in 6 years... but one thing that hasn't changed is this bands enduring ability to make challenging and inspiring, top notch rock music.  Their recent self titled album is testimony to the fact.

A lot has happened since those heady days of the early nineties when they were at the forefront of the grunge movement... the light burned out on grunge a long time ago and while some of their contemporaries imploded, burned out or faded away... Pearl Jam were survivors. 

Playing a sold out gig at The Point, this was the sound of a band come of age, mature and assured.  One of the things I love about Pearl Jam is that it has always been about the music... no flash stage show, just simple effective lighting, crystal clear sound and a career spanning setlist of very fine tunes.  The new stuff - 'World Wide Suicide', 'Life Wasted' etc. sounded as though they'd been played along with such classics as 'Alive' or 'Even Flow' for years. 

Highlights were without a doubt - Eddie leading several thousand people in a spine tingling rendition of 'Betterman'.  Victoria Williams 'Crazy Mary', 'Black' and a cover of Thin Lizzy's 'The Boys are back in town'.  Yes, they certainly were!  Mike McCreedy was a joy to behold, throwing all kinds of rock n roll shapes across the stage, and Eddie Vedder as always one of Rock music's finest vocalists.  Lets hope its not another 6 years until they make it back again. 

Big Bibles... hum!?

Saw this video at a youth ministry conference this week, it is hilarious! So go on have a chuckle, it is so bad it's good!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EobF2TM9Fig

The Frames Live In Derry

Saturday 29th April in the Millennium Forum, The Frames played one of only a few full band gigs this summer.  Glen & Marketa are playing a number of gigs in support of the recently released The Swell Season one of most beautiful and inspiring albums to come out this year. 

But this was The Frames fresh from the studio were they've been recording their new album.  And as usual they did not disappoint.  We were treated to classic frames songs and also a few new tunes, the first of which was a song called 'The Cost' a slow smouldering tune which builds and builds into this epic climax with some incredible guitar work from Rob Bochnik.  Stunning stuff, but more was to come.  Every Frames gig has a magical moment this time round it was 'Falling Slowly' a track that Glen & Marketa have been singing in the solo concerts for some time and it also features on The Swell Season album, here it was given the full Frames treatment.  Already a beautiful song with a wonderful uplifting chorus: "take this sinking boat and point it home, we've still got time, raise your hopefull voice you have a choice you've made it now"  I couldn't imagine it would get any better.  But it did!  This will be one of The Frames greatest songs... think Fitzcarraldo and you're close. 

All in all a great concert.  Support came in the form of Duke Special, who was very special indeed.  Its not often that you find two of Irelands best bands together on the same stage.  Duke's band were superb and drummer/percussionist Chip Bailey in particular was a joy to watch.  And as you'd expect from Duke Special a performance that is both passionate and tender. 

The only minor quibble was the venue itself, don't get me wrong the Millennium Forum is fantastic, but a fully seated gig for the Frames does change the dynamic... now I like to jump around as much as the next guy, but I also like to kick back and really take in the quality of the performance.  But for some and in particular that one annoying woman who interupted Glen everytime he introduced a song with shouts of "Can we Dance?" & "Play Star Star" sitting down was just too much to handle.  Glen I'm glad you never did play 'Star Star' I hope she got the message.

Check out the Gigs photo album for some pics from the gig.

disaster on ticketmaster ...hum!?

Today was not a good day!  I'd been up in the wee small hours working on some stuff for my college course.  The only thing keeping me going was the wild & crazy hope that I might be able to secure some tickets for the Bruce Springsteen gig in Dublin on May 5th. 

They went on sale at 9:00am, I logged onto the ticketmaster site and waited, and waited and then I waited some more, I got a 'Your request could not be granted try again later' message so a started over and yes you guessed it, I waited some more.  But Yes! this time 'success' I got through and was allocated two tickets!  I already had visions of me puching the air yelling 'broooce' and swinging my pants to the rootsy & folky tunes from his soon to be released 'seeger sessions' album.  "You have two minutes to complete your transaction" warned ticketmaster  but before I could complete a thing... the unthinkable happens... the computer freezes, and the last ditch attempt to get tickets melts before my eyes.  By the time I got back onto the ticketmaster site the gig had sold out.  Not a good start to the day folks.

The Best of 2005

It's time for the annual round up of the best sights, sounds and words of 2005.  I'm keen to hear what has made your best of the year list... so lets hear 'em.

Best Movies of '05
1. Serenity - Sci-fi as it should be... exciting, hip, cool, smart and fun! 
2. The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.  I really enjoyed this faithful interpretation of C.S. Lewis' much loved classic.  Fantastic family movie that is sure to get repeated viewing every Christmas.
3. Batman Begins.  Hands down the best superhero movie ever, with batman as he should be... dark, mean and transparently human.
4. Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith - Star wars as it should be!
5. King Kong.  Dinosaurs and a giant ape going head to head... what's not to love?
6. The Island.  Great action adventure.
7. House of the flying daggers.  Beautiful and breathtaking movie making
8. Hotel Rwanda.  Impossible to watch this and not be moved!  Shocked... at human beings and our capacity for evil.  Shamed... at the west and our apathy to the issues abounding in Africa to this very day
9. Million Dollar Baby.  The final quarter feels like you've taken a right to the chin that you never saw coming.  A challenging movie.
10. War of the Worlds.  Spielberg presents a bleak and scary alien invasion movie and its good!

Best thing on TV this year
LOST - not since the X-Files can I remember a show this gripping, intelligent and entertaining!  Compelling television!  I can't wait to see whats in that bunker... but I think we'll get many more questions than answers in season 2.

The Best Albums of '05 - 2005 has been a good year for music. I discovered a few gems this year. 
Album of the year - 'The Far Country' - Andrew Peterson.  A beautiful acoustic album infused with hope.  Somewhat reminiscent of the late Rich Mullins Peterson is a very fine singer songwriter, this album has become something of a constant companion.   

The Rest of the Best of '05
Longview - Mercury
Bruce Springsteen - Devils and Dust
Sigur Ros - Takk
Foo Fighters - In Your Honour
Robert Plant - The Mighty ReArranger
King's X - Ogre Tones
Switchfoot - Nothing Is Sound
Coldplay - X&Y
Thrice - Vheissu
Bell X1- Flock
Sufjan Stevens - Come on feel the Illinoise
Brian Houston - Jesus and Justice
Best Reissue: Bruce Springsteen - Born To Run

Best Gigs of 2005
Gig of the year: U2 Croke Park June '05 - Well it has to be this one, simply because the boys are in a league of their own.  Worth the ticket price alone just to hear Bono say 'lets take it to church' and leading 80,000 in singing 'I still haven't found what I'm looking for'. 

The Frames - Archa Theatre Prague 11/05/ Glen Hansard - the Island Arts Centre in Lisburn. 08/05.  Two mesmerizing gigs from Mr Hansard and the finest live band in the world next to another wee Irish band you might have heard of...

Robert Plant - Olympia Dublin 12/05 - Rock legend!  And this gig was amazing!  The Zep stuff sounded so fresh alongside his recent material. 

Foo Fighters - The Point Dublin 12/05.  I was impressed!  The nicest man in Rock ' Mr Grohl' can Rock! 

Book of the year 2005
Much of my reading time has been devoted to counselling, psychology etc... text books for the course I'm doing.  But a couple of books do stand out this year. 

Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell.  His Nooma dvd series has been one of the other great discoveries of '05.
Searching for God knows what by Don Miller.  I love the wit and wisdom with which Don writes. 

Best moment of 2005 - Has to be this one, the birth of my daughter Talitha Grace

I'll post my tracklist for the best of the year compilation shortly.  In meantime, get posting and lets hear your 'best of' for the year that was 2005. 

Technorati Tags Best of 2005

One to Watch in 2006... The rise of 'OneRepublic'

Several years ago a young man came on a mission trip to our ministry in Dun Laoghaire in the Republic of Ireland, he also came on a trip to Coleraine in the early days of our ministry here, his name was Ryan Tedder.  I can remember him and his friend Boyce Burley (also a gifted singer songwriter) entertaining our youth with a set that even included... ouch!  'Take That' numbers... my oh my how times have changed!  It was clear even back then that these guys were talented and music would play a big part in their futures.  Boyce has been gigging away, cultivating quite a following and attracting the interest from a number of labels... surely a deal is just around the corner. 

Ryan won a high profile contest on MTV a few years back, but has taken the time to hone his considerable talent as a singer and songwriter.  He formed his band OneRepublic and signed to Columbia records.  With their debut album recorded and set for release in 2006 the future looks very promising indeed.  I've just seen their video and the immediate reaction was WOW!  I can hear the influences of the likes of U2 & Radiohead and its got that melodic (think Longview/Coldplay) sweeping sound and with that distinctive voice there is a real emotional undercurrent to the music.  One to watch in 2006.

The Frames - Live In Prague

Frames gigs are very special occassions, expectations are always high and they never disappoint.  They are quite simply one of the finest live bands in the world.  The Archa theatre in Prague was packed and most of the people had never even seen them live before, such is their reputation as a live band that they can draw a capacity crowd.  But the Czech's 'get' the Frames, they connect with the energy and the emotion kinda like... the Irish do.  I didn't think they could top last year's Ulster Hall gig in Belfast, but they did!  The relentless touring has really paid off, new songs such as 'Finally' and 'Happy' now sound as familiar and integral to their set-list as old favourites such as 'Revelate'.  And where else could you find a band that could drop a note for note perfect rendition of Pink Floyd's 'Shine on you crazy diamond' into the middle of one of their own songs?! 

Every gig has a standout moment, for me it was 'Friends and foes', this song took on a whole new meaning in the light of the recent tragic loss of a dear friend.   I'm not ashamed to admit I shed a few tears during that one.  We also had an as yet unrecorded song 'People all get ready'.  In his introduction Glen said the inspiration behind the song was the gospel of Luke.  He said he'd read various parts of the Bible but Luke's gospel painted a picture of Jesus he could really relate to, it was an earthy picture of Jesus, a Jesus who got angry and tore up the temple, a revolutionary Jesus.

An amazing, uplifting and memorable experience.  Like I said, the frames never disappoint.  They play Belfast on 20th December!

The Frames

Czech Bound

I'm off to Prague in the morning.  It'll be great to catch up with the English Camp crew and also see The Frames in concert.  Way to go Tereza and Zuzana for getting those tickets! 

Glen Hansard Live

Went to the Island Arts Centre in Lisburn last night to hear Glen Hansard play a rare solo concert.  Hansard did not disappoint as he captivated, entertained and inspired the packed out venue.  Joined on stage by a Czech girl with an angelic voice, classic Frames songs got reworked and rearranged.  At times alternating between the most delicate guitar/piano backing and raging distorted acoustic guitar as Glen ripped every ounce of emotion from each song.  Along the way we had some classic Van Morrison covers, a nod to the pixies and over two hours later things came to an end with Glen and this Czech angel sitting on the edge of the stage with just a guitar; no mics, no amps, leading the audience in the Leonard Cohen classic 'Hallelujah'.  One of the best gigs of my life. 

Meeting A Musical Hero On Charles Bridge

So, I was walking across Charles Bridge in Prague with some of the crew from our English camp.  A few of them had stopped to take some pictures, so I walked on a little bit further and while I was waiting I thought I'd call Val and check in with her and Erin.   I was in the process of getting my phone from my back pack when I heard this voice "What are you doing wearing that T shirt here"?   (I'd worn my Frames T-shirt on that particular day.  And for those of you who don't know 'The Frames' are second only to U2 as the best band on the planet and they also happen to be Irish!)

So... getting back to the voice, I looked up to see this guy smiling and pointing at my shirt.  I said something to the effect of "Flip me, its Glen Hansard"!  And it was!  Glen Hansard is the lead singer, songwriter and visonary behind The Frames and here he was talking to me on Charles Bridge in Prague. 

I'd taken Rab G to a Frames gig last year and he's been a fan ever since, so he was floored to meet one of his musical heroes on Charles Bridge.  It wasn't long before Glen was surrounded by the English camp crew and Rab and I managed to get a picture with him.  I have to say he was genuinely down to earth and sincerely friendly, a top man.  He was in Czech to play a concert that Tereza and Zuzana from our English Camp were actually going to.  It's a Czech moment I won't forget.  Oh and how was that concert girls?

Vertigo

Nealers, Rob, Rab G and I went to Dublin yesterday for the U2 concert at Croke Park.  It was simply a mesmerizing gig.  City of Blinding Lights, Zoo Station and The Fly were worth the ticket price alone!  And then there was the moment when Bono said "lets take it to Church" and they played 'I still haven't found what I'm looking for', which also happens to be my all time fave song.   The band themselves were often drowned out by the singing of 80,000 people packed into Croke Park.

A U2 concert always becomes much more than a 'gig'.  At times a worship service, at times a bold rallying call to social justice.   Vertigo entertains, challenges and never disappoints.  The visuals were stunning, this time round they have managed to capture the intimacy of the Elevation tour which was a return to basics 'best band in the world doing what they do best' with the imagery and visual impact of the Pop & Zoo TV tours, and they may have even surpassed what they did then. 

Unos dos tres catorce!  The boys play Rock & Roll

The Best Of 2004

It's time for the annual round up of the best of 2004.

Album of the year – How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb by U2.  It starts with a blistering guitar riff and ends with a prayer.  In between we are inspired, challenged and comforted!  What difference can an album of rock songs make?  All the difference in the world when its packed with this much truth! 
A very close second - Burn The Maps by The Frames

Other great albums this year – Unearthed by Cash
13 Days In August by Brian Houston
There Will Be A Light by Ben Harper And The Blind Boys Of Alabama
The Jealous Kind by Chris Knight
Live All Over The Place by King’s X
Feedback by Rush
Meltdown by Ash

Best Re-issue - Grace by Jeff Buckley (legacy series)

Gig of the year –
It’s got to be two concerts that claim Gig of the year in 2004. Both bands are incredibly different, they are in fact worlds apart.  One played a massive arena in Glasgow, the other in the more intimate surroundings of the Ulster Hall in
Belfast. But for their own unique reasons they are not only the best gigs of 2004 but among the best I have ever experienced.

Rush – September 14, S.E.C. Glasgow,Scotland
The Frames – September 28, Ulster Hall Belfast

Movie of the year - Open Range.  I love westerns... this is without a doubt one of the best. It feels like a classic of the genre, and the themes of redemption, love, justice and rising above the mistakes of your past resonate long after the closing titles.
Other great movies this year -
Big Fish
21 Grams
Man On Fire
Hidalgo
Sky Captain And The World Of Tomorrow
Collateral
Hellboy
Dodgeball
The Incredibles
Hero
The Village
School Of Rock

Worst Movie of the year - Van Helsing (how bad?  Bad! …very bad indeed)

Book of the year – Hey Nostradamus  by Douglas Coupland
(published in ’03 but I only got around to reading it this year… thanx for the loan of your copy Graeme) faith, grief, love, redemption. Its all in there! 

Best Moment of 2004 - Erin's first steps and hearing her first prayer.  It doesn't get any better than that!