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10 Distinctive Voices from the Rock Era

Posted in Entertainment/Music/Sports, Lists, Opinions, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 16, 2010| Leave a Comment »

This article is not intended to be a list of the “most distinctive voices of the rock era”, because with all due respect to folks like Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Axel Rose, Janis Joplin, Bjork… distinctive is not necessarily synonymous with high quality.  This also isn’t a list of the best vocalists of the era, though a couple of these might qualify for that one as well.  Instead it is meant to highlight some truly unique vocalists who made a mark on the music of their era.

1.    Roy Orbison (solo, The Traveling Wilburys):  Few could boast the vocal range of this rock pioneer, whose natural baritone was perfectly capable of reaching into the high tenor range.  Though best known for his classic, “Oh, Pretty Woman”, hits like “Crying” and “Only the Lonely” were an even better showcase for this special vocal talent.

2.    Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin, solo):  Despite being known as a hard rock vocalist, Plant has shown himself to be equally adept at singing the blues (e.g. “Since I’ve Been Loving You”), folk (e.g. “That’s the Way”), pop standards (e.g. “Sea of Love” w/The Honeydrippers) and even bluegrass (e.g. the “Raising Sand” LP).  Regardless of the genre, he makes every song uniquely his own.

3.    David Gates (Bread, solo):  Though the radio friendly pop ballads of his band “Bread” aren’t necessarily esteemed in rock circles, few would argue the tender, expressive quality of David Gates vocal delivery.  Decades later, his body of work continues to find an audience through Oldies stations around the world.

4.    John Fogerty (Creedence Clearwater Revival, solo):  Though it’s tempting to group Fogerty’s raspy vocals with the likes of Bob Dylan and Neil Young, his voice actually had a sturdier and more musically credible quality to it.  Undoubtedly, his unique delivery was a key element in creating some of the most memorable records of that era.

5.    Steve Perry (Journey, solo):  While the pop leanings of the rock band Journey were likely a turn off to some purists, they still managed to produce a string of highly listenable and memorable albums.  Though the band boasted a roster of notable musicians (e.g. former Santana members Neal Schon & Gregg Rolie), it was Steve Perry’s pristine vocals that ultimately distinguished them from the rest of the pop rock pack.

6.    Art Garfunkel (Simon & Garfunkel, solo):  Blessed with one of the purist voices in pop music and partnered with the amazingly talented Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel was a part of several now classic performances.  One listen to “Bridge Over Troubled Water” will tell you all that you need to know.

7.    Brad Delp (Boston):  Though (guitarist/keyboardist/producer) Tom Scholz’s often talked about studio wizardry was the basis for Boston’s unique brand on rock and roll, it was Brad Delp’s soaring vocal style that ultimately defined their sound.  After more than 30 years, there is still nothing that’s come close to duplicating this combination.

8.    Robin Gibb (The Bee Gees):  Though all of the Gibb brothers possessed unique vocal talent, Robin’s quivering falsetto could at times be described as otherworldly.  Early recordings like “I Started a Joke” or “Massachusetts” and later disco hits like “Staying Alive”, are prime examples of his one of a kind vocal delivery.

9.    Annie Lennox (The Eurhythmics, solo):  Though much of pop music from the 1980’s was set against a backdrop of synthesizers and outlandish fashion, it was the timeless quality of Annie Lennox’s vocals that elevated her work above the din.  Incredibly versatile, her voice was at times deep and sultry (“Who’s That Girl”), at other times haunting (“Here Comes the Rain Again”); sometimes playful (“Would I Lie to You”), sometimes soulful (“Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves”) and even at times, emotionally raw (“Why”).

10.  Michael McDonald (The Doobie Brothers, solo):  After breaking into the music business as a backup singer with the band Steely Dan, McDonald had the good fortune of being asked to join the already popular Doobie Brothers.  His arrival ushered in their most commercially successful years and set the stage for what has been a long and fruitful career as a solo artist.  His distinctive brand of blue eyed soul has continued to resonate with audiences into the new millennium.

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10 Guilty Pleasures from Pop Music

Posted in Entertainment/Music/Sports, Lists, Opinions, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 16, 2010| Leave a Comment »

1.    ABBA Songs:  Quite possibly the guiltiest pleasure of all, much of ABBA’s music was kitschy and light weight; yet irresistible nonetheless.  Though never to be mistaken for high art, these songs still sparkle and dare you not to sing along.  Favorite – S.O.S.

2.    Three Dog Night Hits:  This bands eclectic catalog and shifting vocalists made them hard to pin down; but their knack for producing catchy songs, that get stuck in your head, is undeniable (e.g. Joy to the World, One, Celebrate, Liar, Shambala, Mama Told Me Not to Come, Never Been to Spain, Black & White).  Favorite – Liar

3.    Electric Light Orchestra Records:  Despite their progressive rock trappings, ELO was first and foremost a pop band.  Jeff Lynne’s penchant for Beatlesque hooks, combined with a group full of genuinely talented musicians, produced a bowl full of ear candy that’s still fun to dip into.  Favorite – Evil Woman

4.    Bread Ballads:  Though the lovelorn themes of their ballads could be a little overwrought at times, David Gates expressive rendering of these songs makes them hard to resist.  Favorites – Everything I Own & Guitar Man

5.    Michael Jackson Hits:  Though dubbed “The King of Pop” and posthumously hailed as some kind of pop culture martyr; few of Michael’s songs could actually stand on their own merit lyrically or musically.  Ultimately it was his genius as a performer that breathed life into them and rendered them unforgettable.  Favorite – Off the Wall

6.    Pre-Disco Era Bee Gees Hits:  Arguably, songs like “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart”, “Lonely Days” and “Run to Me” were the ultimate showcase for the collective vocal talent of the brothers Gibb.  They possess a timeless quality that their later disco era hits often lacked.  Favorite – To Love Somebody

7.    Karen Carpenter’s Voice:  There is no doubt that Richard Carpenter’s musical acumen was a huge part of the group’s success in the 1970’s, but it is those same production elements that make their catalog sound so out of date today.  Even so, the transcendent quality of Karen Carpenter’s voice remains a timeless pop music treasure.  Favorite – Superstar

8.    Journey Records:  Although their lyrics were largely standard pop song fare, Journey consistently created well produced and highly listenable records.  Whatever they may have lacked in the lyrical department, they more than made up for with outstanding musicianship and the impassioned lead vocals of singer Steve Perry.  Favorites – Lights & Send Her My Love

9.    Eighties Synth Pop Hits:  In the early eighties, bands like “The Cars” and “Blondie” ushered in a new wave of young artists, many of whom were armed with state of the art synthesizers and other techno gear.  This produced a dazzling array of new sounds, as bands seemed to appear and evaporate on a daily basis.  Though the wave seemed to ebb rather quickly, it left behind a rich cache of pop gems that are still worth listening to.  Favorite Bands – Tears for Fears, The Pretenders, Til Tuesday, The Eurhythmics, The Cure, INXS, Depeche Mode

10.  Garth Brooks Songs:  Though disdained by many country music purists, Garth Brooks clearly has a way with a song and knows how to connect with an audience.  In the end, we all would probably admit to having “Friends in Low Places” or maybe even to being one.  Favorite – The Dance

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Bullying

Posted in Opinions, Social / Political on September 14, 2010| 1 Comment »

It’s probable that most of us have encountered a “bully” at one time or another in our childhood.  Certainly, it’s an inherent part of the human psyche and elemental within the balance of nature, that the strong endeavor to dominant the weak.  And though the issue of bullying has always been with us, educators are warning that amongst this current generation of young people, it is taking on new and epic proportions.  As the father of four school aged children, I can absolutely attest to the pervasiveness of this problem.  Despite the fact that school systems are spending a significant amount of time and energy addressing the topic; it’s unclear whether these efforts are bearing much fruit.  In light of this, it would seem worthwhile to examine some of the factors driving this trend.

In the last half of the twentieth century and the first decade of this new millennium, we have witnessed a sweeping philosophical change across America; as the “God and Country” thinking of the war years has given way to the individualistic, “Post-Modern” philosophy of today.  Despite the profound nature of this change, many seem incredibly unaware of its implications.  Perhaps the most dramatic element within this shift has been the way in which “truth” is defined.  Whereas truth was once viewed as being absolute (i.e. defined and unchanging), the Post Modern thinker sees truth as relative (i.e. pliable, changing and subject to personal experience).  Indeed, surveys suggest that as many as three quarters of the adults in America now adhere to this concept and our young people are growing up in a culture that endeavors to weave this ideology into every facet of their upbringing.  For them, the concept of good and evil has largely become an abstract; not defined by some external moral code, but driven by some internal impulse which decides whether it “feels right” to them.  Their heroes are rarely a part of the established authoritarian structure (e.g. Avatar, The X-Men, The Dark Knight, Jack Sparrow, Iron-man, Indiana Jones, Spiderman…) and tend to be defined more by their penchant for winning battles than by their particular motivation for the fight.  Within the parameters of this philosophy, any entity which attempts to define and/or enforce a boundary/limitation is generally viewed as intolerant and oppressive, which can make things especially difficult on parents, teachers, coaches, supervisors…   

In this new era of American history, the needs of the few have come to outweigh the needs of the many, as the secular humanist doctrine exalts the individual above all else.  And as we embrace this ideology fully, our kid’s concept of reality is being shaped by it.  In absence of some definitive moral standard, “good” becomes whatever seems favorable to me at a particular time; in the absence of absolute truth, “right” is whatever I define it as in that moment; and as my individual needs become the focal point, the desired ends justify the means necessary to obtain them.  Our children are bombarded with images of shameless manipulation and intrigue from the entertainment (e.g. shows like Survivor, The Apprentice, The Bachelor, The Bachelorette) and sports (e.g. athletes who are above the law, who refuse to fulfill their contractual obligations, who destroy their families with their infidelities…) worlds; which often promote these things as part of the pathway to success.  There are even kids who’ve been taught firsthand by parents and coaches that intimidation and trash talking are essential tools for anyone who hopes to be a “winner”.  Given all of these external factors and our natural inclination to dominate, is it any wonder that bullying has become rampant.

Maybe even more troubling than recognizing the problem is finding a solution.  After all, we can tell our kids that it’s wrong to bully, but our philosophy has already undermined the concept of right and wrong.  We can tell them that they’ll reap what they sow or that they should live by the “Golden Rule”, but those ideas come from an ancient book known as the Bible, which we are systematically eradicating from the fabric of our society.  We can tell them that “cheaters never prosper”, but all they have to do is turn on the television to see that they often do (at least for awhile).  Ultimately, when every man is allowed to adhere to his own version of the truth, there is no law that couldn’t be struck down based on the fact that it inhibits his right to choose; which would eventually result in a state of lawlessness and chaos.  That would seem to be the natural outcome of a philosophy that abandons absolutes and if so, maybe what educators are experiencing in our schools today is simply a preview of things to come for our society as a whole.

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10 Epic Songs from the Rock Era

Posted in Entertainment/Music/Sports, Lists, Opinions, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 3, 2010| Leave a Comment »

I must clarify that I was not attempting to list the ten “most epic” songs of the rock era.  Indeed, there have been many more “epic” recordings than these; especially by art-rock bands like Emerson Lake & Palmer, Genesis, Jethro Tull, Yes and Pink Floyd.  Even bands such as Led Zeppelin and The Beatles had more ambitious works than the ones I’ve listed here; but what makes these songs extraordinary is that they were able to stand on their own merit (in some cases apart from the concept albums that spawned them) and that they achieved a level of notoriety (including substantial radio airplay) that is rare for such intricate music.  Most of them are structured more like classical compositions than the standard three minute pop anthems that generally rule the airwaves and yet these songs still managed to carve a niche for themselves in pop music lore.

  1. Nights in White Satin – The Moody Blues:  Though the use of orchestration within pop music was nothing new, the Moody Blues took that element to a whole new level with their 1967 album “Days of Future Past”.  This song’s darkly poetic lyrics (which seem to tell a tale of unrequited love), combined with the dramatic epilogue of “Late Lament”, form the perfect match for the roiling symphonic waves of the musical accompaniment.  Considering the state of pop music in that era, it seems doubtful that many executives at their record label had this song pegged as a potential chart topper.
  2. Day in the Life – The Beatles:  Taken from the 1967 album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”, this song was a defining moment in the Lennon/McCartney collaboration.  Part lament, part wry humor, part political commentary; it hinted at the ever expanding musical landscape the Beatles would go on to explore on 1968’s “The Beatles” (a.k.a. The White Album) and 1969’s “Abbey Road”.  It also created an appropriately grand finale to one of the greatest albums of the rock era.
  3. Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen:  Easily one of the most elaborate recordings of all time, there is no popular song from the rock and roll era that remotely resembles this classic from the 1975 album “A Night at the Opera”.  While each member of the group made invaluable contributions to the songs creation, it was first and foremost a reflection of the band’s enigmatic lead singer Freddie Mercury.  Like Mercury himself, the song is at once theatrical, frenetic, oddly humorous, tragic and ultimately unforgettable.
  4. American Pie – Don McLean:  While Don McLean’s folk balladry may seem out of place on a list of “epic” songs, it would be hard to deny that the intense cultural poetry of this classic doesn’t qualify.  While much has been made of McLean’s use of the phrase “the day the music died” (which is purportedly a reference to the plane crash that claimed the lives of rock pioneers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper), that line is merely a thread in a much broader and richer tapestry.  Though the author has steadily refused to offer a literal interpretation of the song’s lyrics, their vivid imagery remains nonetheless profound and compelling.
  5. Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin:  Though Led Zeppelin is primarily thought of as a hard rock band, their music was just as much rooted in blues, folk, psychedelia and mysticism.  With virtuosic musicianship and Robert Plant’s otherworldly vocals, they seemed to effortlessly flow from genre to genre.  Several of those elements came together on this landmark track, as the song builds from is haunting intro to its exhilarating crescendo.  Like the band itself, there is little that could legitimately be compared to it.
  6. Jungleland – Bruce Springsteen:  This nine and a half minute opus, which creates the emotional centerpiece of the classic “Born to Run” album, takes the listener on an emotional journey like no other rock track.  At points hopeful, haunting, exhilarating, and ultimately heartbreaking, Bruce and his brilliant band create an unforgettable slice of rock opera.
  7. Roundabout – Yes:  When it comes to sheer musical ability, few bands could approach the incredible array of gifted musicians who’ve passed through the membership of the band “Yes”.  At the time this tune (from the 1971 album “Fragile”) was recorded, the group could rightly boast at least three of the finest players in rock music; Steve Howe on guitars, Chris Squire on bass and Rick Wakeman on keyboards.  Their collective talent, combined with Jon Anderson’s distinctive high register vocals, made for a sound that pushed the boundaries of conventional rock.  Because of the dizzying intricacies of their music, it was likely the relatively fluid and lucid quality of this song that made it more palatable to the masses.
  8. Scarborough Fair / Canticle – Simon & Garfunkel:    Like Don McLean’s, “American Pie”, some might disagree with the application of the term “epic” to this arty folk song; but I would suggest that few songs from this period can boast such a lush and complex musical/vocal arrangement (especially within a standard 4:00 minute pop format).  With their voices seamlessly joined, they begin the old English folk song “Scarborough Fair” and then almost immediately begin trading leads to the delicate counterpoint of “Canticle”.  As the song builds, layer upon layer of vocals are weaved over a fabric of guitar and harpsichord.  Both beautiful and haunting, it is a great example of all that made this collaboration so memorable.
  9. Aqualung – Jethro Tull:  Despite a lack of radio-friendly singles, Ian Anderson and his band “Jethro Tull” have enjoyed a hugely successful career, that’s spanned five decades and resulted in records sales in excess of 50 million worldwide.  Anderson’s infamous theatrics, wry sense of humor, unique vocal style and deft musicianship have been at the core of that success.  In what is perhaps their best known song, from their most popular album, this entertaining portrait of the eccentric title character (Aqualung) is the perfect primer for those not familiar with the bands larger body of work.
  10. Us and Them – Pink Floyd: Few albums in the history of recorded music have been more successful than Pink Floyd’s 1973 release, “The Dark Side of the Moon”, which stayed on the charts for 15 consecutive years and has sold over 45 million copies worldwide.  Along with the classic “Money”, this song was one of two singles released from the album.  An unpredictable collage of David Gilmour’s ethereal vocals, Roger Waters manic lyrics, unexpected saxophone solo’s, choir filled choruses and a dazzling array of studio effects; it seemed to be an unlikely candidate for significant radio airplay and yet today stands as one of the bands most popular songs.

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The Path of Least Resistance

Posted in Commentaries, Opinions, tagged , , , , , , , on July 30, 2010| Leave a Comment »

When I first made the decision to try to live my life for the Lord, I didn’t immediately commit myself to reading the Bible.  But I soon realized that if I was going to have a “personal relationship”, I was going to have to find out for myself what the scripture said.  Like most novices, I started at the beginning, which isn’t wrong, but which ultimately makes for a difficult maiden voyage.

I was doing fine as I worked my way through the book of Genesis, until I came to the story of Jacob and Esau.  As I read about these twin brothers, I got confused.  From the beginning Esau seemed like a decent guy, but Jacob (which literally means heel grabber) seemed like a lying, manipulating, con-man.

I understood that Esau definitely made a bad decision in trading his birthright for a bowl of stew, but I was shocked when I read that God loved Jacob and he “hated” Esau.  How could God approve of a liar like Jacob, and hate a regular guy like Esau?

I was afraid to ask much about this scripture for fear that it was something really obvious that I’d missed, or that maybe sometime later in the scripture I’d find out what terrible thing Esau did.  I decided to pray that God would help me to understand this, and not long after that I realized that He did.

The first thing I had to realize was that the Bible didn’t tell me all about Esau, just what God wanted me to know.  The incident where he decides that he is so hungry that he trades in his birthright is a “defining moment” in Esau’s life, and Gods way of telling me about his character.  If this were an isolated incident then God’s grace would undoubtedly have been sufficient; but it is very likely that there were many other incidents God could have shared, and that this story exemplifies what He hated in Esau’s character.

As I pondered what this incident told me about Esau, I sensed that he was a man of appetites, and that those appetites were most often what ruled him.  That he was one who most often traveled the path of least resistance, who would take what was expedient over what was sacred, and who would trade that which is unseen & ordained by God for what is seen & satisfying to the flesh.  Since God hates anything that hurts His children, He hates these attitudes, which keep us bound to our situation, and away from His divine provision.

It is certainly the nature of man to be attracted to the path of least resistance, and we live in a culture which has little tolerance for anything that isn’t immediately satisfying.  These are two significant strikes against us as we endeavor to live a life for the Lord.  Jesus told His disciples that no servant is greater than their Master, that they hated Him first, and that they would undoubtedly hate them as well.  He also said that if anyone was going to follow Him, that they must take up their cross daily.

The word also clearly calls us to a life of holiness, which means being separated unto God, and His purposes.  All of these things (and many more) tell us that the Christian life is one that is filled with resistance; from our flesh, from the world, and from the enemy of our souls.  While it is our natural reflex to want to keep our flesh satisfied, the word tells us that what is satisfying to our flesh is contrary to the Spirit.  Similarly, it is a very natural tendency to get focused on what is happening around us, while God says that we need to focus on the unseen, eternal things.  In our natural state we tend to be very reactive and impatient, while the Lord exhorts us to live a life by His Spirit, which includes manifestations of self-control, and patience.

Without making a conscious commitment to move in a different direction, we will all tend to default to Esau’s lifestyle; just trying to get our perceived needs met, living by our instincts and trading our eternal inheritance for a bowl of dead flesh.

In the end, the path of least resistance proves to be the way of death.  The scripture says that broad is the road that leads to destruction, and that narrow is the road that leads to life.  It goes on to say that “few find” that narrow path.

We live in a culture which strives to live a pain free existence, in which all our desires are instantly gratified.  Heaven help us if we find success in that endeavor, because one day our well fed flesh is going to perish, and we may find that there is nothing to sustain our immortal soul.

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Freedom and Sacrifice

Posted in Commentaries, Opinions, Social / Political, tagged , , on July 9, 2010| 1 Comment »

Last Sunday (i.e. July 4th), as I prayed for this country (i.e. the USA), I began to see the undeniable bond between freedom and sacrifice.  I thought of our forefathers, most of whom sacrificed their fortunes, reputations and comfort to forge a new republic.  I thought of those who sacrificed their lives in the revolutionary war, in the hope that their brethren could attain some new level of freedom.  I thought of how democracy hinges on a people’s willingness to sacrifice a certain amount of their personal autonomy for the greater good of the group.  And I thought of all those who’ve sacrificed their lives in order to preserve this wonderful freedom that we’ve inherited.

But as I pondered this connection between freedom and sacrifice, in light of where our society is today, I had to wonder what will be left of it for our children.  We seem to live in a time when people are increasingly unwilling to sacrifice anything.  The collective cultural psyche seems to be that we can somehow “have it all”, which is essentially the anti-thesis of sacrifice.  When we reach the place that we are unwilling to yield our personal position for the greater good of the whole, we create a situation where it’s every man for himself and ultimately, survival of the fittest.  One of the great dangers in becoming the most powerful nation in the world is that it can cause a people to believe that the days of sacrifice have ended; but without sacrifice, the freedom will not stand.

For those of us who count ourselves as Christians, this connection between freedom and sacrifice ought to be abundantly clear; as it was Jesus’ sacrifice that attained eternal freedom for us.  But despite the perfection of His sacrifice, we too must be willing to partake of the crucifixion of our flesh in order to walk in the genuine freedom He attained for us.  Unfortunately, just as in the culture, the American version of Christianity seems to be increasingly predicated on the idea that we can (and even should) “have it all”.  But as the concept of sacrifice diminishes in our churches, it is hard to deny that it seems to be taking the freedom with it.

If Jesus (i.e. the Son of God, a man of perfect faith) learned obedience from the things He suffered, how can we expect any less?

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10 Gifted Artists Who Greatly Benefited Through Collaboration

Posted in Entertainment/Music/Sports, Lists, Opinions, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 28, 2010| 2 Comments »

1. Art Garfunkel (Simon & Garfunkel):  Undoubtedly Art Garfunkel possessed one of the most distinctive voices in popular music; but despite his moderate success as a solo artist, it was really his collaboration with Paul Simon that allowed his gifts to be fully realized. Simon’s amazing songwriting and his deft vocal interplay were the perfect vehicle for Garfunkel to shine. While Simon’s career continued to soar as a solo artist, Garfunkel never again scaled the heights he visited in this partnership.

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2. David Crosby (The Bryds, Crosby Stills Nash & Young):  Like Art Garfunkel, David Crosby possessed a truly unique and beautiful voice. Though he was also an able songwriter and musician, it was his collaborations with people like Roger McGuinn (The Byrds), Gene Clark (The Bryds), Graham Nash (The Hollies), Stephen Stills (Buffalo Springfield) and Neil Young that created a lasting impact.

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3. Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen):  Eddie Van Halen is not only a tremendous guitar player, but a multifaceted musician and the creative force behind the band “Van Halen”. Yet despite his ample talent, it is unlikely that he would have ever achieved the same level of success without finding someone to be the face and voice of his band. Needless to say, he found two of rock’s most memorable showmen in David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar.

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4. Freddie Mercury (Queen):  Almost the polar opposite of Eddie Van Halen, Freddie Mercury was a quintessential showman, in need of collaborators to create the proper setting to showcase his talent. He found that in Brian May and the other members of the band Queen. This highly underrated group of musicians provided an accessible context and added valuable substance to Mercury’s eccentric persona.

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5. Ric Ocasek (The Cars):  Undoubtedly the quirky pop genius of Ric Ocasek was the driving creative force behind the music of “The Cars”. And while it seems unlikely that they would have had been noticed without him, the band’s best work occurred when Elliot Easton’s edgy guitar and Benjamin Orr’s emotive vocals were allowed to balance out his off beat lyrics and synth-pop sensibilities.

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6. Dennis DeYoung (Styx):  Like Ric Ocasek of the Cars, Dennis DeYoung of the band “Styx” was the pop visionary behind their most successful music. His creative flourishes fueled the concept albums and stage productions that distinguished the band from its peers. But at its core, Styx worked best as a rock band and in those moments, Tommy Shaw and James Young were essential in balancing DeYoung’s more theatrical sensibilities. Neither DeYoung nor the remaining members of Styx (who perform without him), have been as compelling since they parted company.

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7. Elton John:  Without question, Elton John is a tremendously gifted musician, singer and performer in his own right; but it is through his 40+ year songwriting collaboration with Bernie Taupin that his most memorable work has been produced. It is difficult to know what his career would have been without Mr. Taupin’s contributions.

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8. Roger Waters (Pink Floyd):  Certainly Roger Water’s dark cynicism and disdain for standard musical conventions were at the heart of Pink Floyd’s most memorable recordings, but without the balancing contributions of his band mates (most especially David Gilmour), his solo work has been erratic and far less compelling. Considering his sizable contributions to the band’s collective identity, the remaining members have made some surprisingly worthwhile music without him.

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9. Eric Clapton:  Though Eric Clapton has enjoyed a long and successful career as a solo artist, his most notable moments have almost always come through his collaboration with other artists. His contributions to bands like “The Yardbirds”, “John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers”, “Cream”, “Blind Faith” and “Derek & the Domino’s” were legendary and even much of his most memorable solo work showcased other songwriters like J.J. Cale (After Midnight), Robert Johnson (Crossroads) and Bob Marley (I Shot the Sheriff).

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10. Lennon & McCartney (The Beatles):  While inferring that either one of these musical legends wasn’t talented enough to stand alone would amount to sacrilege in the minds of most people, I would submit that both benefited greatly from their collaboration. Though they each created some classic music on their own, neither consistently produced anything that rivaled their work together.

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R and R (and R)

Posted in Commentaries, Opinions, Social / Political, tagged , , , , , on May 5, 2010| 1 Comment »

 

Years ago, during a time of prayer, I felt as though the Lord spoke to me about the words rest, relaxation and recreation.  Some might view these words as being fairly synonymous, but in terms of the kingdom of God, they’re really quite distinct.

 

In our culture we’ve raised recreation and relaxation to the level of high art, and in spiritual terms, we’ve largely made them into an idol.  In the United States alone we spend trillions of dollars annually on entertainment, hobbies, leisure and recreation.  Not only do they consume a significant portion of our financial resources, they also devour a large portion of our time, energy and passion.  If we take seriously the call to “seek first the kingdom of God”, then we must begin to view these things from an eternal perspective.

 

At the root of the word recreation is the term “re-create” and on some level I believe that recreation was intended to be an avenue for restoration in our lives.  It certainly has the potential to bring an element of balance to a life of responsibility, and can allow for some of our childlike traits to be nurtured.  But with the intensity in which recreation is pursued within our society, I believe that we rarely realize that potential.  Instead we generally emerge from our times of recreation exhausted (e.g. physically, emotionally, financially…).

 

While these periods may help to distract us from the issues in our lives, they rarely help in resolving them or in making us more prepared to deal with them.  Frequently the cost of distracting ourselves from these unresolved concerns is that those problems become even more severe.  One of “Webster’s” definitions for recreation is, “a means of diversion” and from a spiritual standpoint, that is normally what it amounts to.  Most of our recreation is a very expensive form of escapism, but we rarely escape anything, we simply pile it up for later.

 

Closely coupled with our recreation is the idea of relaxation.  Many of us would claim that our periods of recreation help to relax us, but if we’re honest that is rarely the case.  The nature of relaxing is that we would be “less intense”, but generally we approach our recreation with more zeal and energy than we do our jobs and sometimes even our families.  As an observer of most recreational activities, one could hardly describe the participants as relaxed.

 

From a spiritual perspective the word relax is troublesome.  It can mean “casting off restraint” or “becoming lax” or as previously stated, “a loss of intensity”.  Those descriptives seemingly run counter to biblical images such as running the race with endurance, a watchman on the wall, a servant awaiting their Masters return, or a soldier who refuses to become entangled in civilian affairs.  Further, relaxation is largely experienced in the flesh and has little potential for restoration in or of our souls.  As such, our spiritual enemy loves much of what we call “relaxation”, as it amounts to little more than letting our guard down.

 

At the core of our being what we need more than recreation or relaxation is rest.  The word rest can be associated with inactivity or even sleep, but in the spiritual context it goes far beyond those things.  Rest is a freedom from labor (e.g. “My yoke is easy, My burden light…”), freedom from anxieties (e.g. “be anxious for nothing”), peace of mind or spirit (e.g. “the peace that surpasses understanding”) and to stand in confidence (e.g. “if God be for us, who can stand against us…”).

 

The rest that God offers is not the temporal kind that is only found in unconscious slumber, it is His profound provision in the midst of all that He’s called us to.  It is the unshakable peace that accompanies the knowledge that He is truly sovereign over all things; that He loves us unconditionally; that He works all things to the good of those who love Him and who are called to His purposes; and that He is faithful to complete the good work that He’s begun in us.

 

True rest can only be found in Him, and within that rest are renewal, revelation, restoration and healing.  I firmly believe that he Body of Christ in America suffers from an excessive amount of recreation and relaxation, and from a serious lack of divine rest.  We must learn to heed His call, “Come all you who are heavy laden and I will give you rest”.

 

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The Winner Takes It All (Augusta 2010)

Posted in Entertainment/Music/Sports, Opinions, Social / Political on April 9, 2010| 2 Comments »

This is a significant week in the minds of avid golf fans, as the Masters Tournament gets underway in Augusta Georgia.  Adding to the hoopla this year is the return of Tiger Woods after an extended layoff due to personal issues.  It’s doubtful that many people in America aren’t familiar with his story, as it has been absolutely beat to death in the media for months now.  Anyone hoping that this event would mark a shift from the scandal back to the game of golf itself had to be disillusioned when Billy Payne, the Chairman of the Augusta National club, decided to issue yet another statement expressing his (and presumably the club’s) “disappointment” in Mr. Woods’s moral failures.  As I read those comments, I was once again reminded of the absurdity of the media reaction to this scandal.

Let me begin by saying that I unequivocally believe that what Tiger Woods did was wrong and not at all defensible.  It is sad and disgraceful; and undoubtedly has been very hurtful to his family.  To that degree, I can understand that this was a noteworthy story.  But from my perspective, the shock and dismay offered by the sports industry and media, has been laughable.  Are we really expected to believe that Tiger Wood’s behavior is significantly different than the vast majority of other pro athletes (including other golfers on the PGA tour)?  And what of the power brokers who man the boardrooms of his corporate sponsors or who roam the clubhouse at Augusta National; are we to believe that they are somehow bastions of moral purity, who aren’t using their position and influence for similar intrigues.  What of the sports media itself; haven’t enough ESPN staffers been caught with their proverbial pants down to indicate that such behavior is pervasive within the media as well?  Not that their indiscretions in anyway excuse Tigers, but how can these people stand with a straight face and incredulously wag their fingers in his direction.

The truth of the matter is that the sports industry actively promotes the sexually charged atmosphere that permeates most professional athletics.  Look at just about any sports network on the web and you will undoubtedly encounter numerous images of barely clad, hard bodies, greased and sprawled across their screens.  Does a team that can fill 55,000 seats, at over $50.00 a ticket, really need a cheerleading squad to get the crowd excited about the team?  Does anyone really believe that “Swimsuit Issues” have anything to do with the swimwear?  From the time a little leaguer hits adolescence, sex is implicitly presented as one of the perks that comes with being a successful athlete.  Those who might miss it in their high school experience are likely to encounter it when recruited to the collegiate level; and if their success continues, the sky becomes the limit.  Does anyone really believe that corporate sponsors, agents or team officials are somehow above facilitating these type activities for their best and brightest?   Tiger admitted that on some level he felt as though the rules (e.g. of decent moral behavior) didn’t really apply to him and I believe that this is an attitude that is cultivated in most successful athletes.  For many within the sports world, “Just Do It!” is more than just a corporate slogan, it is a mantra.  And yet in spite of all this, we are somehow supposed to believe that the whole of the professional sports world is aghast at Tiger’s behavior.  For me, such a pill is too barbed with hypocrisy to be swallowed.

Something that I’ve heard repeatedly throughout this scandal is that Tiger has violated the trust of his fans; and for me, that begs the question, “What exactly were his fans trusting him for?”  Should the fact that someone can play the game of golf (or baseball, basketball, football…) say anything about what kind of human being they are?  Why would anyone “trust” someone they don’t even know?  While I would hope that sports celebrities would take seriously their role as an ambassador of the game and maybe even embrace the idea of being a role model, I have to wonder why a fan would look to a ball player to understand the proper context for marriage and family.  In Billy Payne’s comments, he said that, “Our hero did not live up to the expectations of the role model we saw for our children.”  I find it to be an incredibly sad commentary on the state of morality and family at the Augusta National club, if these accomplished men were genuinely relying on this relatively young professional golfer to teach their children something virtuous about marriage and personal conduct.  Further, I think that the use of the word “hero”, when applied to an athlete, is generally ridiculous and offense.  A hero is someone who places the needs of others above their own and who willingly sacrifices for the good of others.  Having tremendous athletic ability and being successful does not qualify someone as a hero.  Our choice to covet what they have and to worship who we think they are simply qualifies them as an idol.  Just as Tiger needed to admit that his actions were wrong, those who’ve invested such lofty expectations in a mere celebrity ought to admit to themselves that they were also misguided.

From my perspective, what the sports world really cares about is winning, which makes me wonder if their real disappointment is that this situation has tarnished Tiger’s image as a “winner”.  It’s made him look weak, indecisive and even foolish to some degree; and that probably never would have happened on the golf course.  Many are saying that he needs to prove himself as a husband, a father and as a man of integrity, before he will be accepted back into the good graces of the public.  But history would say otherwise; just ask Kobe Bryant or A Rod.  For Tiger’s sake and the sake of his family, I pray that he is able to genuinely become the person he aspires to be.  At the end of his life his relationships with those people will be far more valuable than anything he could hope to accomplish on the golf course.  But as far as the sports world is concerned, a win at the Master’s would probably do for him what an MVP & NBA title did for Kobe and what a World Series win did for A-Rod.  After all in America we can’t help but love a winner.

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Palm Sunday

Posted in Commentaries, Opinions, Social / Political, tagged , , , , on March 29, 2010| 1 Comment »

As we approach what is arguably the most significant week on the Christian calendar, I find myself drawn to the scene known to Christians as “The Triumphal Entry”.  As Jesus heads toward Jerusalem for the Passover, He is met by crowds of people, who hail Him as King; laying down their cloaks and palm branches along the road.  The scene is filled with symbolic images that would be obvious to those immersed within the Jewish culture and it would seem to be a fitting response to the short, but amazing ministry of Jesus.  Unfortunately, just a few short days later, there would be crowds yelling, “Crucify Him!” in the heart of Jerusalem.  Years ago, I caught myself wondering how the people had managed to get from the elation of the Triumphal Entry to the scorn of the crucifixion; and as I was praying, I felt as though the Lord began to give me some insight.

 

The first realization was that the voices hailing Him as King on the road to Jerusalem were likely not the same voices shouting “Crucify Him!” in the center of town.  Luke’s gospel characterizes the people who met Him on the road as disciples, and John’s gospel explains that these were people who’d been touched by Jesus’ ministry; much of which had occurred outside of Jerusalem.  While there were a few amongst this crowd who weren’t supportive (i.e. Pharisee’s), these people were essentially His followers.

 

I also sensed that the location was significant; as these people met Him outside of town, on the road coming from the Mount of Olives.  While Jerusalem represented the center (i.e. the mainstream, the establishment…) of Jewish culture, this coronation took place on the outskirts of the city and ultimately of the culture.  These people were not necessarily the elite, the powerful, or the influential; they were just people who’d encountered Jesus and who had some sense of His significance.  Jesus Himself seems to make the distinction between these followers who were praising Him, and the mainstream of the culture, as He stops in the midst of this atmosphere and weeps for Jerusalem; stating that they did not understand the time of God’s coming to them.

 

Within the city the atmosphere was very different; with the most powerful and influential elements of the culture at least wary of Jesus, while most were deeply threatened by Him.  Jesus did not enter the city meekly, as He proceeded to the temple and immediately began to turn over the tables of the money changers.  The authority with which He spoke, and the influence He seemed to be having with the people were something that the (self-appointed) guardians of the culture could not tolerate.  While those who met Him on the road may have been totally sincere in their declarations, they were not powerful enough to stand against the mainstream of the culture.  The scripture doesn’t record any cries of rebuttal to the shouts for His crucifixion, nor any uprising amongst the people to come to His defense.

 

As I pondered the jubilant atmosphere of our Palm Sunday services, I realize that the followers of Jesus Christ in America are in much the same situation today.  The church in America has been relegated to the fringe of the culture, where our declarations of Christ’s kingship will not reach the ears of those in the mainstream.  Our gatherings are tolerated, as long as they remain on the outskirts of the national psyche.  Within the elements that mold and shape our culture (e.g. media, government, education…) there is no longer a tolerance for the name of Jesus.  While we as His people may be sincere in our convictions, we’ve been largely silenced within the mainstream of our society.

 

As I pondered all of this, I was reminded of Peter speaking to the people of Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.  Just days before Peter had been afraid to even admit that he knew Jesus; yet after being empowered by the Holy Spirit, he stood boldly before the very people who demanded the crucifixion, declaring their need to repent of killing the Messiah.  Isn’t it interesting that the Lord instructed the Apostles not to leave Jerusalem; after all the Holy Spirit could have come to wherever they were, but God wanted this to take place in Jerusalem.

 

What began on that day was not natural; the Apostles didn’t run for election to the city council, they didn’t circulate petitions around Jerusalem protesting the unfair treatment of Jesus; they didn’t buy up businesses within the city to gain influence over the people; they tapped into the promised, supernatural power of God.  While the Apostles position within the culture didn’t change, their influence can still be felt today.

 

As the followers of Jesus Christ in America plot to regain influence within our culture, I’d suggest that we too need to tap into the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit before we attempt to engage the culture.  While gaining positions of influence within the culture can certainly help to effect change, without the power of God, we risk being more influenced by the culture than being an influence for Christ.  Unless the Lord builds the house, we labor in vain; apart from Him we can do nothing, but through Him all things are possible.

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