the Eclectic Soul

Just Awesome!

Playing For Change | Song Around The World "Stand By Me" from Concord Music Group on Vimeo.

VMA's NBD

Anyone else particularly feel that the VMA's were No Big Deal this year?  Not to mention that quirky & crude host who had absolutely no chemistry with the crowd.  Sorry MTV, but there wasn't much to keep me impressed this year, save maybe Kanye's performance.

Peace,

E

"I Wanna Be a Rockstar..."

Well, not really.  But I was recently invited to join a bar band.  Two of the new people who have begun to  participate in the life of our little tribal expression of the Methodist Church that I serve asked me a month or so ago if I would be interested in being the drummer in their band.  I said, "Well, yeah!"

Our hope is to break into the local music scene where we live and just have a good time playing Friday and/or Saturday nights.  Last night was our first gig...a test run of sorts.  We played a back yard rehearsal dinner for our friend's son's wedding.  The crowd was extremely favorably disposed towards us and we had a blast.

Honorairius, [the bands name] has been together just a little over a month and consists of a threesome:  bass, guitar, and percussion.  The lead singer, my friend named Linda has this awesome, Sheryl Crow/Melissa Ethridge/Chrisse Hynde sound to her and she can sing like nobody's business.  Her song Seamus [what an awesome name!!!] keeps is funky on the bass.  We're singing a lot of what Linda calls, "chick alternative:"  Sheryl Crow, Melissa Ethridge, Joan Osbourne, The Pretenders, Paula Cole, KT Tunstall, and even some Beatles tunes, Amy Winehouse, and Duffy and, some of Linda's original songs.

We're working on a website, when it's up and running I'll publish a link.

Meeting the Beatles...

So this past week I bought the Beatles No. 1s disk and my boys, the music lovers that they are, and I were listening to it together in the car fresh out of the package; and, they both loved it.

Flash forward three days...I'm sitting at the kitchen table humming "Can't Buy Me Love" when Brennan my five year old says, "I know that song that your singing daddy...it's from that ant band."

To which I replied, "oh honey their not called the aunt band their called the Beatles."

And Brennan says, "yeah, the rock Beatles."

True my little man, so true.

What Can I Say I'm a Child of the 80's...

A warning to the reader, be prepared...long post ahead...

Last night I had to the opportunity to have a "guy's" night with one of my buddies, Gus. He's getting married this summer [yeah, I get to do the honors] and he was going out to check out the band who will be playing at this wedding. They've all been friends for a while. Gus used to work as a bouncer in his other life [you pretty much don't want to mess with him] before he met Christ.

Anyways, living in Michigan's UP means that you often can travel for an hour or two to get to the next gig, so Gus and I were off to Escanaba, about 1 1/2 hours away form where we live.

The band was called Driver [find them here ] and I have to say that they were probably one of if not the best 80's cover bands I've ever heard; they brought our my inner, spandex wearnin', head banging, falsetto singin' 80's inner rock icon [sorry about the spandex image]. To say the least it was an evening well spent.

As a spiritual leader of a small community of Christ followers, and the father of two energetic beautiful kids, I don't have as much time as I would like to have to go to the bar....yeah you read that right the bar. And, last night reminded me why i miss it.

It's not for what many might think: it's not for the alcohol [ I could take it or leave it], it's not for the "colorful" characters, it's not even because I love live music [which I do]. It's because the bar on a Friday or Saturday night reminds me of worship...yeah you read that right worship.

It was amazing to me, to watch how things progressed and morphed through the night. We all entered the bar as strangers and before we left, we were a community that had really connected with one another [albeit sometimes that connection isn't all that healthy].

What I mean is that people began to loosen up [some because of the alcohol but others because of the camaraderie - yes quite a few weren't drinking at all] and really engaged each other. Space was made for "new" friends and we found ourselves caught up in a secular act of worship. I got to talk to several people I hadn't known [and even got a hug from a HUGE burly guy who yelled in my ear, "aren't these guys great! I hope you havin' a ------ good time!."]

If you stop to think about it, all the elements of a typical worship service were present, from a call to worship ["are you ready to rock Escanaba?"] to a final benediction ["this one goes out to all our loyal fans! Thanks for coming tonight guys. Be safe.].

The "service" was marked with high notes [and of course being a bar, with some low ones as well] but it doesn't surprise me why the bar on Saturday night is often more full than the church on Sunday morning. The bar, albeit at times an unhealthy atmosphere, is a place of acceptance. Sure sometimes people feel the need to "liquor" themselves up to let their guard down, but when that veil is pulled away we can see how hungry we all are for community; for a common purpose and goal, even if that purpose and goal is exceedingly self aggrandizing and self-medicating.

The TV show Cheers had that infamous theme song that bore the line, "don't you want to go to a place where everyone knows your name, and are always glad you came." It seems to me that, as odd as it may be that although that line is used to "sell" a pub experience, it really could and should be hijacked by the church. That the church should be the place where everyone is glad to you came and they express that in a deep knowledge of your name; a symbol of who you are and what you care about.

Yet, sadly, too often or churches, or at least in their human spirit, resemble the exact polar opposite: we don't always want you to come and we certainly don't want to know your name, unless your exactly like us, and are willing to be a big giver in the areas of time, talents, and lest we forget treasures [and yes, sadly, in that order].

So, it seems to me, until the church is willing to embody the inviting and grace-filled life of Jesus; until the church is willing to embrace individuals in all of their messiness; until the church, in the words of Brennan Manning can truly be a place for ragamuffins; then bars will still be bars and people will still seek to find their meaning and purpose on a stool on a Friday night, imbibing other "spirits."

So "rock on" Driver...and thanks for reminding us that we were created for the two-step dance of worship and community. May we the church learn the lesson that you've taught us and seek to emulate the best of what you have to offer, as we allow the other stuff to fall to the wayside.

Love Wins,

E

The Boss is BACK!!

Just about to open a piece of "Magic".  The Boss is back!  I'll give you my review soon.

Not Lettin' 'Em Take the Fight Outta Me...

Been struggling just a bit with a few things this summer; a personal loss, some concerns I have for the current tribe I serve, the reality of turning 38 next week, etc.  It never ceases to amaze me how God continually ministers to me through the power of song. 

The latest issue of Relevant magazine includes a cover article on Ben Harper, who, as hip as I am I must admit I had never heard of until then.  Well, I read the article and was impressed, hopped on iTunes to check out some sound bites and was even more impressed.  I ordered his latest, Lifeline, without even hearing one track. When it came, I was like a kid at Christmas frantically struggling with that annoying wrapping and tape job that all CDs seem to be cursed with coming in and fired up the first song.

Then...I listened to it again...and again...and again.  I was overwhelmed how I identified so much with the voice coming out of my speakers.  Check out the lyrics below:

They'll look you in the eyes and stone you,
then turn and disown you.
Don't you let em take the fight outta you.

They'll walk all over your name
till they find someone else to blame.
Don't let it take the fight outta you.

Secrets hide their lies
inside hidden allibies.
Don't let it take the fight outta you.

They put the world on a hook,
it's worse every time I look.
Don't let em take the fight outta you.

I would rather take your punch
than not give you a shot.
I'd rather find out who you are
than who you're not.
Should've known better than to mistake business for love.
Should've known better than to mistake a fist for love.

It will be in your ?on? until you're not
needed any longer.
Don't let it take the fight outta you.

Don't believe the headlines,
check for yourself sometimes.
Don't let it take the fight outta you.

The lies you live become you,
the love you lose, it numbs you.
Don't let it take the fight outta you.

You say that you've arrived,
that's just a high class bribe.
Don't let it take the fight outta you.

I would rather take your punch
than not give you a shot.
I'd rather find out who you are,
than who you're not.
Should've known better than to mistake business for love.
Should've known better than to mistake a fist for love.

There's always someone younger,
Someone with more hunger.
Don't let it take the fight outta you.

They'll say you're one and only
They'll straight up leave you lonely.
Don't let it take the fight outta you.

Like a transplant patient
waiting for a donor.
Don't let it take the fight outta you.

Like a half empty balloon
after a party in the corner.
Don't let it take the fight outta you.

Hats off to Ben for being such an amazing lyrical weaver.  I can't wait to get my hands on some of his other discs.

Not Letting It Take the Fight Out of Me,

E

I Got Me Some Blues...

Lisa and I had the opportunity to take in some top rate blues music yesterday. 

A few months back, we went to a cancer blues benefit put on by a friend of ours named Lori.  With her awesome stage presence and amazing voice she sings lead for the Flat Broke Blues Band.  Well, that night they collected our stubs to be put in for a "grand prize" drawing....well, incredibly we won.  We never win ANYTHING.

What we won were VIP all access passes to the Marquette Blues Festival that was this past weekend.  We spend ALL day yesterday jamming to some top rate blues, hanging out backstage with the artists, eating great food, and feeling quite like the "bigshots".  Our friends band, The Flat Broke Blues Band opened the set as only they can do.

A shout out goes out to Grammy for playing with our kids all afternoon.  She came all the way up to hang out Labor Day weekend with us and make our day yesterday possible!

Peace, love, and the Blues,

E

"The Middle"

Working from Starbucks this afternoon just to get out of the office.  It's been quite a horrendous couple of weeks.  First, I buried my best friend at 36 and then returned home to some issues at the church that I won't go into.

I was sitting here working on Sunday's message listening to Jimmy Eat World's song, "The Middle" and started to chuckle.  The song really just is very timely.  Check out the lyrics...

Hey, don't write yourself off yet
It's only in your head you feel left out
Or looked down on
Just try your best, try everything you can
And don't you worry what they tell themselves
When you're away.

It just takes some time, little girl in the middle of the ride (over, and over)
Everything, everything will be just fine (over, and over) Everything, everything it'll be alright (alright)

Hey, you know they're all the same
You know you're doing better on your own (on your own)
So don't buy in.
Live right now
Yeah, just be yourself.
It doesn't matter if it's good enough
For someone else

It just takes some time, little girl you're in the middle of the ride (over, and over)
Everything, everything it'll be just fine (over, and over) Everything, everything it'll be alright (alright)
It just takes some time, little girl you're in the middle of the ride (over, and over)
Everything, everything it'll be just fine (over, and over) Everything, everything it'll be alright (alright)

Hey, don't write yourself off yet
It's only in your head you feel left out
Or looked down on
Just do your best, do everything you can.
And don't you worry what the bitter hearts, are gonna say

It just takes some time, little girl you're in the middle of the ride (over, and over)
Everything, everything it'll be just fine (over, and over) Everything, everything it'll be alright (alright).
It just takes some time, little girl you're in the middle of the ride (over, and over)
Everything, everything It'll be just fine (over, and over)
Everything, everything it'll be alright (alright)

OK so I'm not a "girl" and the song is probably about a breakup, but it almost exactly fits my situation now.  Those who know what's going on will get a good chuckle!

Thanks Jimmy....

Peace,

E

My Boy & Bono

I blogged a few weeks ago about my olest and his realationship with "The Boss." My youngest, Calvin, has become addicted to what he calls the "O ah O ah O" song, U2's Vertigo. He absolutlely loves it and can't get enough of the album. In fact. its the album that he insists on going to sleep listening to. Yeah, I know....I have hip kids.

Uno, dos, tres, catorce
(Turn it up loud, captain)

Lights go down
It's dark, the jungle is
Your head can't rule your heart
A feeling is so much stronger
than a thought
Your eyes are wide
And though your soul
It can't be bought
Your mind can wander

Hello, hello (¡Hola!)
I'm at a place called Vertigo
It's everything I wish I didn't know
Except you give me something
I can feel, feel

The night is full of holes
These bullets rip the sky
Of ink with gold
They twinkle as the boys
Play rock and roll
They know that they can't dance
At least they know

I can't stand the beats
I'm asking for the cheque
The girl with crimson nails
Has Jesus around her neck
Swinging to the music
Swinging to the music
oh oh oh

Hello, hello (¡Hola!)
I'm at a place called Vertigo
It's everything I wish I didn't know
But you give me something
I can feel, feel

check mated
oh yeah
hours of fun

All of this, all of this can be yours
All of this, all of this can be yours
All of this, all of this can be yours
Just give me what I want
And no one gets hurt

Hello, hello (¡Hola!)
We're at a place called Vertigo
Lights go down, and all I know
Is that you give me something
I can feel your love teaching me how
Your love is teaching me how
How to kneel, kneel

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah