I'm Not Listening

“Cover girls line the windows you walk by
Selling more than you're able to buy.
High-finance and romance are unified.
Hear the television cry, "Open up your eyes"

All around the world, It's all about a girl.
We're drowning in the noise of another song for boys.

I'm not listening.”

- “Another Song” by The Silent

Catherine and I were at the grocery store the other day and the cashier’s lineup was long. So much so, in fact, that I had ample enough time to scan the tabloid titles on the racks of either side of the cash. I was not intentionally looking for the latest tidbit of gossip, sex secrets, or fashion tips but found myself attracted to the colorful magazines amongst the batteries and chocolate bars. I glanced over the titles & headlines when Catherine wasn’t looking; not because I felt like I was doing anything wrong or looking at anything I shouldn’t have been looking at, but because I was afraid of what she might think I was specifically looking at something. Rather, I was attracted to the front page headlines that were so bolded and big that I assumed they were important:
“Jamie-Lynn Spears Pregnant Again! Should She Abort?”
“Which of these celebrities has lost 50 lbs?”
“How to Lose Your Mummy-Tummy in 30 days”
“Jennifer (Aniston)’s Sexual Obsession”

Pretty disgusting stuff. I’m not much a magazine reader (unless it’s The Hockey News, Guitar World, or something similar), so I don’t know what always makes the headlines for more important social magazines like MacLean’s, TIME, and Popular Science. But I do know enough to realize that the above mentioned titles are not important; at least not to me. I love pop-culture and I love meida. But true or untrue, the headlines of those magazines made me feel a bit sorry for the lives on the covers. Not quite pity, but sympathy. I felt like I was sticking my nose in someone else’s business. I guess that’s part of the shame I felt when reading the titles. Maybe I don’t want my wife thinking I’m interested in the pictures of the Hollywood beauties that grace the pages or the sob-stories and cellulite secrets. I’m not. I don’t have cellulite. And I don’t care if anybody else has. Why would I?

But my dilemma reminded me of the song above ("Another Song”) by some friends of mine. We’re surrounded, even bombarded, by sex, drugs (including medical “help/loss” strategies), and celebrity. Women in bikinis selling hair-loss cream; young girls the size of a flag poles selling weight-loss plans; buff, muscular dudes convincing teens of the best malt liquor to overuse. Even music is selling us mental images of what we don’t have and should want (Nelly’s “Hot in Here” comes to mind). So much stock (figuratively speaking, considering the TSX/DOW as of late) has been put into making people look better, eat thinner, dress nicer, communicate more efficiently, smell fresher, and just plain "be" better. It’s everywhere. It’s “all around the world” and we’re “drowning in the noise” of it all. And why? So people will like us more? So we can seem more important and successful than we actually are?

We find this is a small story in Mark 12:28-34 where Jesus is confronted about which commandment is most important. “29"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.[a] 30Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'[b] 31The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[c]There is no commandment greater than these." There is a difference between demand and suggestion. This, here, is not a suggestion. To love our neighbor (besides our faults or masquerades) is a command. To love our neighbors “is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices” (v. 33b). That is, more important than ourselves, what we wear, how we smell, what we offer, and what we do.

Ok, I’m getting of track here, so back to my dilemma. So, why are we so interested in other people’s lives if we’re so consumed with making our own so much better? Why are we bothering to wonder how Ms. mini-Spears is going to cope with another baby while trying to fll our own tummys with material posessions? Why are we interested in someone else’s sex life when the magazines are telling us how to make our own sex-lives better? And why are people so concerned with weight when we’re constantly on search for the best Chinese buffet in town? Why are we killing ourselves to live? I’m not one to worry about my weight. Sure, I’ve gained 20 lbs since I got married, but my wife still loves (and feeds) me unconditionally. Why do I need to look better? My wife says I look nice. Why do I need to smell better? Ok, my wife is quick to tell me when I need to roll on the Speed-Stick, I’ll be honest, but I’m still not going to pay $119 for the latest smelly water because it has a cK logo on it.

Why is it that we can’t tune out the magazines on the rack? Why is it that we wade in the “noise of another song for boys”. Why must we need the next gadget to impress? I realize I'm posing far more questions than I am answers so I must admit that I am not perfect. My eyes have looked at things they shouldn’t have and my ears have listened to things that were not a sweet sound to His ear. I’d also love to replace my 20G iPod Classic with an 80G iTouch, I’d love to trade in my Bongo jeans for some expensive Levis, and I worry about when my belly goes from bicycle-tire to spare-tire. But it’s not important. Not to me, not to my wife, and especially not to God. We are a personal, hand-crafted creation of His. He made us what we are and what we will be. I don’t know where our eyes, nose, and ears got us in trouble, but we need to use them for the right reason. We’re seeing things that aren’t there, we’re sticking our noses where they don’t belong, and we’re listening to things that are not true. When it comes to the point that I’m using my eyes to hear and ears to see (yes, I said that right), pass me the blindfold so I can love without impression and hear your heart; pass me the earplugs so I can ignore the noise and see your heart.

I’m not listening.

Hello Love. Hello Great Album.

There is a formula for making a worship album. All the top worship artists have succumbed to this formula. Maybe it’s the producer, maybe it’s the artist, maybe it’s the consumer, but most every worship album that comes out of Nashville, TN has this mould that any songs can fit into (worship leaders & musicians know it as "I, V, Ch, V2, Ch, Br, Ch, O"). As repetitive as it is, it works. In my opinion, Chris Tomlin is one of the guiltiest (word?) for it. And, he's made yet another fantastic album using this familiar formula called "Hello Love". Except, there’s a catch…



“Hello Love” is the familiar Tomlin we all love and hear. Congregationally friendly songs that have accessible lyrics, catchy hooks, and singable melodies. Ed Cash (the genius behind most contemporary worship albums these days, IMO) has again captured Tomlin’s penchant for church-songwriting. But, where’s the catch? I find that there’re some songs on this record that go beyond (rather, go back) the formulaic approach of worship music. While songs like “Sing, Sing, Sing”, “God Almighty”, and “My Deliverer” stick to the familiar structures, there’re songs that have a very hymn-like feel to them. The songs “Exalted”, “Praise the Father, Praise the Son”, and “All the Way my Savior Leads Me” (a rendition of an old hymn) all have this traditional vibe to them as if they were written by the Wesley brothers, Isaac Watts, or Fanny Crosby. Growing up Nazarene, and having heard a large portion of hymns in my early church experience, I’ve grown quite fond of the spiritual depth and melody of the hymns. I think it’s important for every church to pay homage to the hymnody regularly; where would the state of worship music be without them? But I digress…

I find that Tomlin really delved backed into traditional song-writer with a few of the songs on this record and for that he must be commended. Even his lead single, “Jesus Messiah”, has a traditional vibe to it. Though it follows above formula, lyrically and theologically the song has a touch of 19th century to it. Although many worship artists are revamping hymns these days, not many original songs have this hymnody-feel to them.

Even without these few old school/new school songs on the record, the album is (IMO) Tomlin’s best work. Production is great (Ed Cash will always be "the" worship-album guy) though there're some mixing choices I would have changed. The songs are so accessible to both church and listener (old and new). All in all, it’s a great record I recommend picking up even though it’s the same-old Tomlin/Redman/Starfield/Hughes/Crowder/etc , but with a few gems that take you back.

Art vs. Ministry

Art vs. Ministry

One of the things I’ve been struggling with over the past few months is God’s will for “vocation” in life. Ever since a small Canadian Nazarene youth conference (aptly name CYC) in Charlottetown, PEI in 2000, I’ve felt a strong call on my life for music ministry. I’ve never been shy to say that “music” is the only thing I do well. No, I’m not perfect; there’s lots to learn. In fact, I’m pretty sure I’ve unlearned a lot of things over the years, but I digress… But music is the one thing I want to do and can do. I’m not very computer literate, I can’t fix things, I’m in no physical shape to save people from burning houses, nor do I enjoy crunching numbers. I play guitar, sing (sort of), write music (sort of), and (maybe most importantly) immerse myself with music 24/7. It’s with me everywhere I go. Other than my relationship with God, my wife/son, and friends/family, music is one of the most important things in my life. Here’s where my “dilemma” comes in.

I’ve been trying to distinguish what part of “music” He wants me to follow. Part of me would like to continue the “passion” of becoming a touring/recording musician with a band. There’s enough talent around me to put a group together and start something worth-while. In fact, there’re a few individuals I’ve had initial conversations with about starting such a project. I love to collaborate with other musicians and, simply (or not so simply), create. Like a painter finishing up a landscape watercolor or a math teacher putting an A+ on a student’s report card, there’s a certain glory in knowing you’ve accomplished something you were built to do. I love to write music.
On the other hand… there are times that I feel that God is building me up for something else. Over the past 6 months or so, I’ve been giving numerous opportunities to lead worship at different events, churches, and venues. Though my experience with leading worship has been local at best, even leading worship at my home church challenges me and helps build my insecurities and abilities that need work.

So what do I do? Follow my passions and dreams or believe that those are changing for me and follow the road I didn’t expect? Do I keep following the desires of my heart (NLT) or do I assume the steps to a new direction are ordered by the Lord (KJV)? Either way, it’s a case of the well-driven-into-head-verse from Proverbs 3:6. "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." I’ve always had trouble with this verse. Not trouble in believing it or trusting in it, but applying it and grasping it; especially when I’m confused by whether the desires of my heart are the desires of God’s heart as well. Sure, He and I can both agree on the fact that He has placed a passion in me to “do” music in a manner that gives all glory, honor, and praise to Him. I’m happy to do that. But in what venue and to what extent?

I had an interesting chat with my father-in-law over lunch the other day. We were talking about Worship Leaders vs. Christian/Worship Musicians. While he is (admittedly) no expert on the subject, he made a very valid point about musicians serving the “local” church. He believes there is this role that musicians must play in the lives of the local church. While the touring musician is entertaining, sometimes successful, and important to making Christ valid in people’s lives both the sacred and secular world, there is still this need for them to be involved in their local church. Christians are a missional people are called to go out into our communities and share the gospel. While we are also called to go “outwards”, dad was also saying that it is important to make asure we are doing our part to build up the local church in our own home. He mentioned Michael W. Smith. Sure, he has taken Christian music to another level over the years and is an accomplished song-writer & performer. But, when he’s not playing or on tour, he’s faithfully and attending and leading his home church. Then there’s Lincoln Brewster. He leads worship at his home church, but is also an accomplished performer and song-writer. Then there’s your Tomlin’s, Hughes’s, Redman, and Hillsong folk who make a living at writing, recording, and performing. I can’ say whether they contribute to their local churches or not (other than making the odd appearance and offering their craft as an offering), but are they artists or worship leaders? Yes, I believe you can be both. David Crowder leads worship at UBC in Waco, TX and I he is an artist. An artist who takes worship music and moulds it into something ‘different’, something ‘creative’. But, is one more noble than the other? Tim will tell, at least in my own life, though I do realize it’s subjective. But, tell me, what do you think? Art or Ministry?

Keep your stick on the ice.

HOCKEY!
It’s back. I love hockey. I played it when I was a kid although I wasn’t great. I was a forward most of my years, but I spent my last 2 seasons as a defenseman. I was taller than most players those days so it came more natural to me. One year, I was captain of my team. Ironically, I led the team in penalty minutes and 3rd in assists because I didn’t have much of a scoring touch. I had one heck of a slap-shot but no accuracy; it was pretty wild and often soared over the net. Sunny tells me to point the end of my blade downward in my follow-through… if only I’d known that 10 years ago maybe I’d be Dion Phaneuf’s partner on the Flames roster. Ok, maybe not, but I probably would have had a much better shot, tipped a few more pucks, and spent less time in the box if I had kept my stick down. You hear that a lot, eh? “Keep your stick on the ice”.

Somehow, that reminds me of something someone said this past week. Our church hosted “spiritual life week” this past week led by my friend’s dad, Rev. David Filsinger. Using Matthew 14 as his text, Pastor Dave talked about “getting out of the boat” like Peter did. He, willingly, stepped out of the boat after witnessing Jesus walk on water and trusted Jesus enough to put his own feet on the ice… or water… whatever. More accurately, he talked about letting go and stepping out of our own skin when we’re seeking a renewed heart & relationship with God. Even more accurately, “keep your stick on the ice and good things will come”. This spoke miles to me. While I’m always open for God to change some things in my life, there’re things in my life keeping me from those changes. How can we justify letting bad habits and built walls keep us from experiencing what God has for us? Getting out of the boat is not easy. Trusting Him to allow us to do things that are unimaginable, miraculous, or even mundane, is not easy. Forgiveness, trust, faith, and leaving our level of comfort are things easier said than done. But why is it that Christians can’t “just do it”, as the Nike ad says. We’ve been reminded and reminded again that when we trust and obey, then we benefit from what God wants for us. His blessings are undeniable. Yet, we still fall short of His plan when we fail to see (or follow) the direction planed out for us. When we stay in the boat, we are missing out in great changes and blessings He desires for us.
So, when’re planted in front of the net, we are promised good things when we keep our stick on the ice. Never mind the guy chopping at your calves or crosschecking you in the unpadded small of your back. Dig your skates in, keep your blade on the ice, and things are goals are bound to happen. We often hear God as being our “defender”. So, with Jesus as our “defenseman”, so to speak, who can come against us? After all, Jesus saves.

*groan

Digital vs. Analog: Part 2

So, I’ve been reading reviews on the G-System and watching multiple YouTube videos, I was semi-happy with what I saw. Although the G-system is laid out really well, really slick looking, built like a tank (including a video of someone running over it with a tank and, although it’s majorly bent, still works) and gives you the integrity to use the dirt-boxes & amp channels you know and love, it has no drives, preamps, or amp/cab sims, Which is ok with me because I’d use my amp channel and FDII for all my dirt sounds anyway.

But, in my search, I kept bumping into a rivalry between the G-System and the rack-mountable Fractal Audio AxeFX. It wasn’t the first I’ve heard of it, however. My good friend, Tim Heerebout, owns an AxeFX. While Tim and I have some different musical tastes and tone preferences, we’re both gear-pigs and are always looking for the ultimate setup for tone. And, although Tim is always trying to convince me that the gear he owns is the best, his gear changes more than mine does. That being said, I can’t argue with Tim or the hullabaloo that people are making about this product. Tim has been raving about it for months now. The amp and cab sims are in a class of their own and rise above anything I’ve ever heard. Even just listening to this youtube video of a guy ripping off The Edge’s tone by playing a number of U2 riffs:

There’s a pristine quality to the tone. And, more importantly, sounds exactly like I imagine it would live. I hear it’s unlike any other kind of “multi-effects unit” out there and is a cut above the rest, even the TC Electronic, Eventide, and Lexicon rack units. Although it’s a bit more complicated and impractical to use as a live rig (you would need a rack case, midi controller, and bypass-loop/switching unit for any other stomp boxes you might want to incorporate), you don’t even necessarily need an amp to run it. The AxeFX can run direct into a PA system and still have the exact same sound & tone due to its integrated PC and relays.

Again, I’m stuck with the problem of not being able to try one out as I’m sure there’s no one in my area that’s rocking one of these puppies. However, my ever-so-convincing friend Tim has offered to send his down for a test-run if I’m serious into buying one. While I may take him up on the offer, I’m still in no rush to get rid of my pedalboard that I’ve been building up for years. Time will tell, I s’pose.