I got a great reply from Kari concerning my recent “Music that Matters” post. And it seems that Kari and her friends have been playing a game called “Pass the (Musical) Baton.” Each person who “has the baton” must post answers to some basic musical questions. And then they must “pass the baton” to someone else
Well, I haven’t gotten the baton, yet. But I will post my answers, nonetheless.
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Amount of music on your computer?
2,454 songs, 6:16:28:38 total time, 9.09GB (as reported by iTunes)
Currently listening to?
Grown Backwards, David Byrne: This is an excellent (if offbeat) album. It carries a lot of the traditional eclectic feel of the Talking Heads. But it is a much more mature album with a much more adult and introverted feel.
The Eleventh Hour, Jars of Clay: I can’t hear enough of this album. I have loved Jars of Clay since their original, self-titled album. And in many ways, they’ve never paralleled the original work. “Flood” is still one of my favorite songs of all times. This album is a wonderfully sonic and literary album. Every song speaks to a part of this middle-aged man.
Blue Belly Sky, The Waiting: This was one of The Waiting’s very first albums. It was re-released in the late nineties to much fanfare. I particularly love “Staring at a Bird.”
I listen to all sorts of other songs, every day. And in addition to these albums/artists, I swap in the occasional podcast. My current (and favorite) podcasts include: I.C.M. Raw, Rachel’s Choice, Lifespring, Evil Genius Chronicles and Earthcore (a podcast novel).
Five songs that mean a lot to you?
The Waiting – Too Many Miles: This song speaks to every “tired” Christian who has no energy left to avoid the Almighty God. Instead of running from God’s presence, the song urges the listener to do anything in order to stay with Him.
Keith Green – Love Broke Through: This song was released shortly after I became a Christian. Throughout my college years, this song reminded me of what God did for me and just how wonderful He is. I cannot listen to this song without returning into His presence. Keith Green wrote songs that were difficult to listen to. While they were wonderful musically, they always challenged you to be more “real” in your walk with Christ (and through the world). Keith’s words have always been able to stir my spirit to greater devotion – and earnest repentance.
Five Iron Frenzy – Dandelions: This is a tear-jerker for me. It speaks to how I see myself. I am a child with nothing of value to offer to my God. Yet He looks at my paltry offerings and He is thrilled with them. And this song is a constant reminder of how I should receive the offerings that my four children lay at my feet. I pray that I can show how truly thrilled I am with everything they give to me.
PfR – Pray for Rain: My spirit rises whenever I hear the opening guitar-work of this song. I need God to pour out His rain onto my arid soul!
Jars of Clay – The Eleventh Hour: It’s never too late to turn (or return) to God. This song heralds our willingness to allow God to fundamentally transform us – before it’s too late!
Top five albums?
For Him Who Has Ears to Hear, Keith Green: This was one of the first Keith Green albums I ever bought. After wasting a year at college, this album provoked me to seek Christ’s purpose for my life. Dear God, please let me turn to you every time I hear Keith’s simple message.
The Eleventh Hour, Jars of Clay: This album is so rich with praise and thoughtful reflection. It is sonically superior to any “commercial” album you have ever heard. And the vocals are provacative in every way. I become lost in rapture every time I listen to this album.
The Waiting, The Waiting: This album contains song after song of unbridled joy. God’s love is “Never Dim.” And we can raise our “Hands in the Air” as we accept God’s judgement and His mercy. I love this band. And while I may like some of the songs from their other albums a little more, I feel that this is one of the best rock/praise albums I have ever heard.
Caedmon’s Call, Caedmon’s Call: This is one of the most amazing acoustic albums of all time. Every song is delivered crisply and candidly by this Austin-based band. They proclaim God’s simple message with tight harmonies and even tighter guitar-work. While I generally prefer heavy bass and driving percussion, this album delivers a message that reaches my spirit.
The Late Great PfR, PfR: I really wanted to avoid a “Best of” collection. But I couldn’t select just one album from PfrR. I just wish that Joel could add some of the tracks from his latest album. Fortunately, I can build my own mix with “Amsterdam” included.
Last album bought?
X&Y, Coldplay: OK. I’m one of the suckers that bought this album. Don’t get me wrong. It’s a good album. But it sounds so much like Parachutes and Rush of Blood. There is nothing new to provoke the soul. It deserves a few more listens before I give a definitive review. But right now, it’s not getting a lot of “rotations” on my playlist.
Recent discoveries?
I’ve been out of the pop music scene for a while. So I missed David Byrne’s “world music” albums. I’m enjoying these very much. After a college-life filled with the Talking Heads, it’s great to hear David is still making experimental (and good) music.
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And I pass the baton to Rick.
-CyclingRoo-