Music of 2010: Pt 3

6. Local Natives - Gorilla Manor

This was a tricky album to place.  The first half of the year provided many listens, but for various reasons, the album got lost as the year progressed.  Good guitar rock, with some pretty sweet harmonies, and great percussion. They're thoughtful and at times sentimental as their attempts to philosophize never reach any substantial depth. But that's neither here nor there.  The album would be tighter too if they cut one or two tracks as well.  Not sure how I will view this album within the next few years, but as for 2010 it was one of my faves. When I knew I liked it but not liked liked it: When I realized the best we could ever be together, was just good friends... thanks second half of the album! 

6. The Love Language - Pedals

A throwback to The Smiths, the first line providing a soaring vocal that would make Morrissey proud.  I think that is why I like this song so much as that first line is sung with heart, the vocals and (again) the harmonies are quite endearing.  The lyrics do slip into melodrama, but it's all about presentation right?  And they do it well too.

5. Jakob Dylan - Women & Country

Dylan delivers a simple and subtle collection of songs.  The term "country" does not entirely suggest its genre (although it does have some nice alternative-country elements) but rather provides the setting for its songs.  A reflection of americana, where days may have been simpler, but certainly not as easy.  This informal concept album flows nicely, as each nomadic voice wanders into the next song. When I enjoyed this more than the Wallflowers: Neko. Case.

5. Kanye West - So Appalled (Explicit)

A little preview for what's to come.  The song has a great production value, Kanye has a nice opening verse, questions the appalling nature of his lifestyle while so many others are "out of work." Jay-Z's verse leaves something more to be desired, but the song is solidified with CyHi the Prynce who provides one of the best verses of the year. 

Music of 2010: Pt 2

8. Beach House – Teen Dream

The name of this album is pretty self-evident of the music that it harbors, and there is certainly no harm in that.  More or less a collection of love songs and other familiar sentiments, the album never reduces itself to shallow romanticism but carries a pure innocence lyrically and especially vocally, the melodies and harmonies of Victoria Legrand are intimate and touching.  When I knew I was 22 going on 16: Once I realized that no matter how “indie” you get, love songs are still love songs.

8. LCD Soundsystem – Dance Yrself Clean

Another opening track – a song of two parts.  Beginning with a low rhythmic base and Lou Reedish stream of consciousness, the second half morphs into a Bowie-esque anthemic ode to music.  James Murphy suggests who needs friends when you have music.  At 9 minutes long the song may have a “slow” start, but the “wait” is worth it - you will be dancing.

7. Chatham County Line – Wildwood

Give me good harmonies and it won’t take long to convince me of an album.  The band may not be doing anything innovative, but they know what they’re good at and they do it well.  The songwriting centers on rustic, old-fashioned morals and storytelling – not doing too much or too little.  When I knew I was just a good-ol-country boy: Acoustic guitar? Mandolin/Violin? Harmonies!?! Sold.

7. Suckers – Roman Candles

With a sly smile and a wink this song combines nostalgia and a simple deceitfulness.  Whatever the cause of the relationship between the singer and his presumed audience, he takes it joyfully and reminiscently as a piano innocently interjects throughout the song.  The jingle jangles culminate toward a sing-a-long effect near the end.  Quite catchy.

Music I enjoyed in 2010, part I

One of my favorite parts about the end of the year are the lists compiled of bests, favorites, and greats.  Particularly in music and movies, I love reading other people's lists because it means I get to find out what I missed.  I'll be posting my list of ten favorite albums and songs - two of each per day (possibly). So here's my contribution - hope it can provide some fresh tunes and thoughts!

10.  Surfer Blood - Astro Coast

Summer rotation, which meant it provided some nice cross-cultural vibes. The band understands their strengths: relatable, easy lyrics and catchy hooks.  The album doesn't really have a weak song - just nice and steady, flowing casually.  When I knew I was Hooked: Opening riff with the snare drum...

10. CMYK - James Blake

I don't really familiarize myself with much dubstep - in fact I don't even know if that's an appropriate genre title for this song, but Blake and this song is amazing.  I also don't know who he's sampling (they tell me it's 90's R&B and much more) but whoever it is, I like it...

9. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs

Moving much beyond their Springsteen phase of Neon Bible - an album that is one of my favorites - Arcade Fire find themselves once more to be an appropriate voice of the 21st century.  Their latest is not as prophetically ominous as its predecessor, but still carries a poignant, heartfelt, yet critical tone exposing the darker and suffocating side of middle class America.
When I knew I was trapped in the super structure: When I bought the album, listened to it on an ipod, and then blogged about it.

9. Black Keys - Everlasting Light

A nice opening track, borrowing from blues, soul/doo-wop, and even a choiresque echo in the background.  Auerbach's vocals are what make the song, as the falsetto is carried with confidence. 

I'm not doing anything wrong, I swear!

Today I was sitting in a coffee shop finishing up a term paper of some 5,000 words, a paper of particular importance, forcing me – especially the last few days, to use much energy and ingenuity.  Well, as I typed the final words a strong sense of relief and celebration swept over me, and for a brief moment I was tempted to shout aloud: “Got it done bitches!”

The line of thought left as quickly as it arrived, following guilt and embarrassment that such a phrase would even be considered.  But then I wondered, why the guilt? Why the embarrassment?  Maybe because shouting – regardless of the specific semantic utterances – in a quiet coffee shop, would be rather distracting to the other patrons.  This was very true.  But then there was the other, more prevalent reason: I’m a Christian, and Christians don’t swear…

My first reaction was, bullshit they don’t swear.  And then I thought Jacob Michael! Watch yourself!  (Historically speaking, I’ve been known to taste my fair share of soap – the high school years were not my most endearing.)  Within the Christian culture its implicitly understood that if you’re a mature Christian – or even if you’re not – swearing is not acceptable, being one of THE big signifiers of false faith.  For example:

“Hey you know Tom right?”

“Yeah, he seems like a pretty good guy.”

“Ah yeah, is he pretty solid?”

“Do you mean like… is he physically dense?”

“No, like in his faith.”

“Ohhh. Well, I heard him say the ‘F word’ when he broke his fibula last year.”

“That’s sketch man.”

“I know, I’ve been meaning to talk to him about it.”

I believe that such a conversation to be ridiculous.  I believe there are other “sin issues” that should be bigger markers – so to speak – than the occasional swear word.  Call me sacrilegious but I’m sure Jesus dropped some bombs in his time.  Here’s what I think Matthew really saw:

Jesus: Boy, am I hungry.  [Walks up to fig tree, see that there are no figs.  Walks away sad.]

Jesus: Damn it…  [Fig tree withers]

Bartholomew: Jesus! That tree just died.

[Jesus, forgetting the dual meaning of the word’ damn’ contemplates for a moment, tries to redeem the situation]

Jesus: Oh yeah…   Just uh… have faith, and you know… you can throw mountains into the sea, you can curse fig trees, you can even ask for fish and bread to just start falling from the sky and it will be done! [Mutters under his breath] Shoot, I’m still hungry…

 [Fish and bread start to fall from the sky] END SCENE.

In all seriousness, I don’t condone swearing. It’s immature, offensive, and uncreative.  Remember Ephesians 5:4, “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”  But, I’m going to try to have my cake and eat it too: if one little swear word, at the appropriate time and in the appropriate place and with the appropriate people, will bring a moment of harmless joy then I say go for it!  If anything, let’s try to not make swearing the unforgivable sin… Because damn it, it’s not!

I like like you.

Last Friday was a mile-marker of sorts, signaling a very happy and blessed one-month of dating the wonderful Miss Jenn Boccella.  I’ve been learning a lot, which comes as no surprise since my dating experience is pretty thin, especially during the college years.  Here are some observations and anticipations I’ve had over the past month… in no particular order:

Girls Think Differently –I think what I really mean by “Think Differently” is that girls are just more emotional… not dramatically speaking, but more so, they’re just better at caring and showing compassion, and being thoughtful.  All things that I may or may not be lacking.

Things-I’m-Anticipating  1A- I’m still waiting, apprehensively, for her to cry in front of me…  Odds are, I’m going to try to comfort her with sarcastic, dry (but very witty and very clever) humor, and it will not translate whatsoever. I’m a big jerk

.

Things-I’m-Anticipating 1B – That moment when I cry in front of her.  Yeah…  Hopefully this moment will never happen.

You Text A Lot. – In this day and age we must use technology to our advantage.  No longer will we linger about in awkward romantic presumptions, whispering sweet-nothings.  Instead, we’ll just text said statements so they can be saved and locked for an eternity of embarrassment.

*Sub-note – I never thought I would use emoticons (such as the colon/right parenthesis – the smile).  But trying to use sarcasm without an indicator will always be one’s inevitable demise.

Things I’m Anticipating 2 – Spending an entire afternoon/night watching movies.  It will be awesome.

To Be Romantic One Must Be Creative and That Can Be Hard – History shows that ladies can inspire a myriad of romantic thoughts, but that’s not to say we don’t have to work for it.  I would say I have a decent vocabulary but I’m no William Shakespeare - and even he was accused of plagiarism…

Things-I’m-Anticipating 3 – Breaking the Fart Barrier – It’s got to happen eventually.

The Future Will Always Find You – This has certainly become the hot-button topic, and definitely exemplifies our different mindsets.  She is very responsible and therefore thinks about things in advance, while I say today has enough worries, why worry about tomorrow – let alone something that will happen in December?  (Apparently such a quality is not appropriate when you are going to graduate in three months… err shoot, make that two)  I think I need to be more responsible.

Things-I’m-Anticipating 4 – When she actually realizes how nerdy I am.  I’m a big nerd: video games, movies, sports, books, music, etc. This fact has always been near the surface, but she’s only seen small glimpses of my nerdiness; it’s only a matter of time when she takes a step back and sees the monster in its entirety.

Yes, I Think You’re Pretty Cute – This one is so profoundly simple that I almost cannot comprehend it.  You’re telling me, all I have to do is tell her that she’s cute, that she looks good!?! Is this a trick?  That’s like saying the sun is hot, that 2 + 2 = 4, that rain falls from the sky.  If this is all I have to say to make her happy for the day, then I am set. 

Things-I’m-Anticipating 5 – When I take her on a super special date to a really fancy restaurant and I forget my wallet.  This is one of my worst fears, and odds/personality will dictate this becomes true.

The Center of Things – If I tried this dating on my own wisdom and strength, it’d be a failure.  Being in a relationship is awesome, but it can be difficult, which is why I look to Christ who is at the center of all things.  In any circumstance I can trust, hope, and have faith in Him. 

Facebook and The Social Network: "You are all a lost generation"

There is a good chance this blog owes its existence to Mark Zuckerberg, the  (disputed – well, sort of) creator of Facebook.  No, Mr. Zuckerberg did not invent the blog, but what he did create was an online culture that has transcended past the computer screen and a list of codes, being integrated so intricately into every part of our daily lives.  Or did he?

With all its legal dramatization, The Social Network – directed by David Fincher – explores such a question.  Who created Facebook?  The answer does not appear as simple as one would think, nor do all the legalities, depositions, lawyers, or settlements present a clear solution.  The film begins with Zuckerberg, played by Jesse Eisenberg – who with this performance may have permanently shut down all those “Hey-isn’t-that-the-guy-from-Juno?” confusions – having a conversation with a soon-to-be ex.  Her closing statement hangs heavy upon the now, single Zuckerberg: “You are an asshole.”  He goes back to his dorm and vendetically creates a website for the Harvard community, judging the attractiveness of nearly each member of the female student body.

And so begins the Facebook phenomena, as Fincher intercuts present depositions with their respective testimonies serving as the expository flashbacks.  However, there are no needless plot elements, with writer Aaron Sorkin constructing a script and dialogue that is tight, fast paced, and always engaging.  The film may pose as a lawsuit drama or even a rise-and-fall (maybe fall-and-rise depending on your perspective) story of success/failure, but that’s only skin-deep.  What is more fascinating, are the social dimensions (no pun intended), which play out beyond metaphors, becoming a commentary on this Internet sensation and the lifestyle it will generate.

There is a scene where Zuckerberg is sitting tired and annoyed in a computer lab with an oblivious friend asking him if so-and-so is still dating so-and-so.  Zuckerberg listens apathetically until the light bulb suddenly burns bright.  He hurries back to his dorm and writes the code, which becomes translated into the now infamous and all too familiar “relationship status.”

What this scene suggests is that Zuckerberg and company, themselves have been greatly influenced by social norms and expectations, merely adapting them to digital form.  Gossip existed before Facebook and will do so as long as humans exist – regardless of the medium.  People want to know people, they want to be accepted, they want to express opinions.  All these things are true with or without Facebook. 

Well, right?  Judging in the context of a pre-Facebook world versus what is now the status-quo, the answer is quite convoluted.  Fincher does not look to give us a direct answer but presents a chicken-or-the-egg dilemma as we see the addictive and consuming nature of the website, which rapidly evolves and grows in membership – creating a culture of obsession.  A disgruntled girlfriend asks in the film, “Why does your relationship status still say ‘single’?”  Another scene has a girl telling Napster co-creator Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake) that the newly created website is pretty addicting, that she had been on it five-times that day… most of the audience will chuckle in amusement (hopefully even in embarrassment) as they think five times…? That’s it…?

Fincher also parallels the digital to the real, with the question of friendship and loyalty.  What does it mean to be a friend?  Who are our friends?  Do we really know a person?  The final scene asks these questions with subtle poignancy.   The creation of Facebook puts considerable strain and tension on a friendship between Zuckerberg, and his business/point man Eduardo Saverin.  Because we never see their relationship before they begin to brainstorm about Facebook, we wonder how close they really are, a question which we ask ourselves (consciously or not) every time we receive a friend’s request.  It will be interesting to see if this film holds any prophetic power, or if it carries such intrigue and power due to the overwhelming influence of its subject.  Whatever the case may be, Fincher and Sorkin has crafted a film that is tense and even, one could say, heartbreaking.  Many will see themselves in various forms on the screen.  Also, look for possible award nominations coming to Eisenberg.

It's just a game...

January 6^th 2007 (approximately 10:08 p.m.)

“No more than an extra point.  This will give Dallas the lead…

Romo’s the holder, Gramatica sets.

 Here’s the snap, the spot,

 ROMO CAN’T GET THE SPOT DOWN!

Romo’s gonna run it in! He’s gonna get the down!

 No! He’s not there! 

Unbelievable…”

That moment was a turning point in my life.  Many reasonable people will say that no sporting event should ever be responsible for such a statement.  But as I walked through my friend’s basement, looking for something to hit – being thankful the next day that I was not in my own house – I received an epiphany.  A proclamation that I had heard many times over, a statement that used to make my blood boil, was now one of comfort: “It’s just a game…” 

I truly believe there is not a more inappropriate thing to say to a sport’s fan than those four words.  And I’ll be perfectly honest, the emotional attachment and resonance that occurs between a spectator and a sports team is incredibly illogical.  Yes, the investment almost never matches the return – yes this love is unrequited, but that doesn’t mean one has to be insensitive.  Rejoice with those who rejoice, and mourn with those who mourn.

Although those embittering four words feel cold and empty, they also provide a well-needed perspective, which has been quite humbling.  Nearly four years have passed since that fateful night, and I must admit I have yet to fully embrace the “It’s just a game” attitude, and I’m not sure if I exactly want to - that would force one to sacrifice genuine fanhood.  But I still must remind myself of those words at the beginning of every season, in each moment of each game.  I must guard myself from inevitable heartbreak.  Will a Dallas Cowboys’ championship satisfy my desires?  I can only answer the question with another question:  Will there be another season?  Will there be new players, new faces, new circumstances?  Such a mistress will always prove faithless…

Music 'n film

This is video is from "A Take Away Show."  These Parisians have a whole series of indie rock bands playing songs in public. One gets to see the purest elements of both music and filmmaking, it's great.

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Gettin' Murried!

This past weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to be a groomsman for my longtime roommate and great friend, Mr. Andrew Oberbroeckling.  I’m a big fan of weddings, and I view them as a commissioning service of sorts.  My favorite part of any wedding is when one person reminds us all that the bride and groom are better serving God together than apart. 

The ceremony though, was beautiful and God definitely blessed the day: near perfect weather, good friends/fellowship, and Katelynn and Obi looked amazing together. This was also the first time I got to participate in a wedding, so seeing all the inner workings gave me a few ideas for my own wedding:

5. I want the song “2 Become 1” by the Spice Girls to be played at least once during the ceremony, while I wink at my father-in-law to be.

4. Age restrictions for the flower girl and ring bearer.  Must be older than 25.  I might have to sacrifice on the ‘cute factor’ but this is necessary.  With children, there are just too many things that could go wrong.  I’m running a tight ship here.  And if there’s anyone crying over a spilt basket of flowers, peeing their pants, or picking their nose - it’s gonna be me.

3. This one is directly inspired by Obi, who hand built his arbor (it was stinkin’ legit).  But I’m going carve and craft all the chairs at my wedding, and then have a “You-Sit-On-It, You-Buy-It” policy.  We all know religious studies/literature majors make zero dollars.  How else will I be able to provide for my family?  And don’t mind the shoddy craftsmanship – that was done on purpose.

2. I want an outdoor wedding in the winter, with a two hour long ceremony.  That way I can find out who my real friends are.  (Sorry grandparents)

1. The one presiding the wedding must say when reading the vows, “Do you take so-and-so to be your such-and-such… (and such)… [and then say at the end] for reals though, do you?”  I just think that an actual articulation for the option to deny would take a lot of the pressure off.  And I’m a pretty impulsive guy, so in case it just doesn’t feel “right” I can always take the cake and bail.

And... I think this post will secure me celibacy for the rest of my life…

The Brother’s Karamazov: Or Why I Will Never Be a Novelist

I enjoy stories.  I love to hear them and love to tell them both, through writing and conversation.  I wrote a lot of short stories in elementary school, and wanted to become an author of some sort.  In middle school I found out I could be funny when writing, and wrote mostly for the sake of making my friends laugh.  Needless to say, much of it – or rather all of it – was terribly inappropriate, which exponentially increased through high school.  Going into college I still wanted to be a writer, but I heard through the grapevine that your average author just doesn’t make the dolla dolla bills, so I decided to major in something more practical – journalism. 

(Side note: It was eventually brought to my attention, that apparently journalists don’t make the dough either, and that’s when I said screw this, I want to make the big bucks, so I changed my major to Religious Studies.)

Well, over the years I realized that all I wanted to do was to reflect the glory of God’s blessings back to him.  So whenever I write nowadays I always want to maximize the skills that God has given me, while aligning myself with truth.  And that is also the standard I have set for other’s creativity.  Whether it be films, books, or music, I will always be intrigued by things that are skillfully made and take full advantage of their medium as they glorify God.  I believe that art and entertainment fall on two extremes: they are either masterfully and creatively made, but are lacking in any substantial spiritual content, or there is such content, but is made so generically and uninspired that many dismiss it without a second thought.  (Sorry Christian pop-music, it’s just never gonna work out between us.)  And so that has been my goal, and the dream of becoming an author has never left me.  That is until I finished “The Brothers Karamazov” by the great Fyodor Dostoevsky.

This is a novel that I’m pretty sure every novelist, Christian or not, wishes they could write. Even if they could write a story that was half as great, they would be creating something monumental.  The story centers on a set of brothers who have essentially been abandoned by their wicked father, who has forsaken his paternal role as to pursue more carnal desires.  The main character is Aloysha, the noblest of all the brothers. He is a Christ-like figure, revered (albeit at times mockingly) but not necessarily respected by those around him. Dostoevsky does a masterful job placing the reader in the middle of the family interactions. Tragedy strikes, and we are thrown into a nightmarish but realistic world of human depravity.  What makes this book so amazing is FD’s ability to capture the inner workings and psychology of the sinner and the saint, a world that is both full of despair and continual hope, and the way that we as fallen creatures can only be redeemed by the grace and mercy of Christ. 

If I had the skill, my desire would be to write in such a way where it would not only glorify God, but also have literary merit.  And I (did) desire that because I just hadn’t come across many works that had done both effectively… they are few and far between.  But I believe that Dostoevsky has set that standard, I need not try any longer, for all other works do (and will) simply pale in comparison…

(*sigh) Yeah I know… except for the Bible.

The beginning of things

I did a little research and found out there are over 125 million blogs!  Compared to the 7 billion people in the world I suppose that’s a relatively small sample of human lives.  (And by research I mean I just made those numbers up, cause it's absolutely impossible to even know how many people are on earth anyways.  Not every nation has a census!)  But regardless of specifics and facts, the truth of the matter is that there are many people out there with many stories and an infinite amount of opinions.  So why this blog? Why me? Why now?  Well I don’t know.  And those questions are dumb.  (I do find it ironic that such questions are postured with humility.  I mean let's be honest, we all know you're going to spend the next three paragraphs trying to convince us to read your blog...)

Well guess what!  I'm going to do it in only one paragraph!

I only write because God has blessed me, and has done so in ways I have yet to recognize or fathom.  Some may look at you or me and say, ‘that’s a pretty ordinary life,’ but in all humility I must disagree, for I see everyday how God works in my life, in ways that are beyond ordinary, and always full of grace. And through His grace I will sift through the life He has set before me, to see the world from the perspective of salvation that rests alone in His son, Jesus Christ.  In other words, what you can expect from this blog are views on what I enjoy, what I have been blessed in enjoying – that being film, literature, music, sports, friendships, and everyday experiences – all of these encompassed by my ultimate passion: serving Christ, and thus loving Him and His creation with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.