Progressive, short for Progressive Rock, has always been categorized as the genre for musical "nerds". The length of a typical song varies from 5-10 minutes, the music is more concerned about the instrumentation rather than the mere appearance, and the performers are usually the best of their class. Pink Floyd, Genesis, Queen (at times), and Rush are a few of their earliest shining stars. However, while the genre did magnificently well in the late 60s to mid-70s, the genre was getting to generic, the passion seemed drained, and much of the experimentation of early bands went much away... and re-emerged in the punk scene.
However, amidst the lack of prog bands in the 80s, much of the heavy hitters transitioned to post-punk/new wave (King Crimson, Yes) and many were influential in other genres, including Thrash Metal. Also, many bands emerged making a hybrid sound of prog with heavy metal, namely Queensryche and Dream Theater. Through these newer bands, as long as old bands returning to their original sound/energy, the genre returned with newer bands taking the helm.
Now, much like previous blogs, there are some songs by these bands that are at least spiritually influenced. These songs are more overt, and one song in particular has language that might distract the spiritual influence.
1) Porcupine Tree - Fear of a Blank Planet
Now, this is the song which contains the bad language. In spite of this, the music is heavy, dense, and has virtuosity. In spite of the language, the song is actually a great song which depicts the clear errors of modern day society. Addictions to video games/drugs, pre-marital sex, the glorification of violence, and pornography are all discussed, and not in a way which glorifies them, but rather in a way which paints them in a way which shows them as errors of human society and things in which should be fled from. It's almost like a sermon, kinda, but in a way which is depicted by a first-person account of a teenager which, like with much of the world, accepts these immoralities as normal. The need for something more is referenced, which although not mentioned (or maybe not intended in the frame of reference of Steven Wilson, the lyricist) is where the spirit comes into play.
2) The Spirit Caries On - Dream Theater
This is one of Dream Theater's more "classic prog" songs, with the instrumentation sounding vaguely similar to "Dark Side of the Moon"-era Pink Floyd. Now, I have to let ya know, while this song clearly has a lot of spiritual aspects to it, the main theme of the song, along with all of the songs of this album, is the idea of reincarnation. However, looking into a gospel-tinged lens, this can kinda apply to when we die... that is, when our spirits arrive to the spirit world. (Plus, it can allude to the pre-mortal life, but again that is a stretch given the initial theme of the album... and the idea of only our spirits going to heaven is entirely heretical...)
3) As Cities Burn - Our World is Grey
To sum up, I'll take a more Christian-influenced prog band, As Cities Burn. Yes, they have been listed earlier under the Indie Rock post, but this comes from their more prog-inflected album "Come Now Sleep". In addition to the vast landscapes this musically covers and the eccentric rhythm/guitar parts, this is lyrically profound. This asks one question, "Amidst all of the garbage many people do under Your name, amongst all of the struggles we encounter, why do You (Heavenly Father) still love us and, if so, why do we have to encounter all this evil and sorrow in our lives?" In addition, they mention people who replace God with material possessions, asking "What have we done?" It's profound because, while we know in the scriptures that all experience is "for our learning and our benefit", there are still times where we have to ask God why. The answer isn't easy, and this allows us to be humbled enough to come to Heavenly Father in prayer and ask for revelation.
More coming soon...
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Artist Profile: Thrice
Now, if you are as much of a "music freak" as I tend to be, you would agree that much of music today is getting pretty old. Pop bands sound similar to each other, rock bands (depending on how "hard" they are) sound identical, and creativity hard to be found, if not impossible at times when you are looking for relevant music that exhibits both creativity and the power to tap into the voice of the Holy Ghost. However, don't be in dismay, because there is a band that all of you might like, and that is Thrice.
Now, truth be told, Thrice shares a lot of commonalities to another creative, spirit-inflected band back in the 80's... U2. Firstly, they both started off playing a particular variety of punk rock. For U2, it was post-punk, the genre that took a lot of the creativity and ingenuity of the 70's-era punk scene and expanded it (even to the point in which progressive bands like King Crimson and Yes experimented in the new-found genre). For Thrice, however, they were practitioners of hardcore/screamo when they began. However, as both continued to grow musically and lyrically, both grew to be heavily experimental and lyrically facing towards Christ. In Thrice's case, it began as referencing works of the great theologian C.S. Lewis until, recently, they even weren't afraid to quote SCRIPTURE in their music. To give you a variety of their experimentations and Spirit-filled music, I'll give you, the reader, 4 examples from their last four albums: Vheissu, The Alchemy Index 1-4, and Beggars.
1) Vheissu: For Miles
This song starts off very quietly, with piano taking center-stage with distorted guitars providing a counter-melody. Musically, it builds up, getting louder and more bombastic until, at the end, the soothing vocals of Dustin Kensrue transform into throat-curtailing screams! Lyrically, however, this is a beast in itself. This song has a great sense of the optimism that the one who keeps his eyes to Christ will have, even to the end when we return home, looking at the trials of our past as "milestones on our way". The chorus continues the optimism, reminding the listener that "There's no greater love than the one who shed his blood for his friends..." Wait... that's a clear reference to Jesus! It's a fantastic, yet at the same time exhausting, song that really provides the listener to how Thrice is.
2) Alchemy Index 1-2: The Messenger
This song is a quick, heavy, electronic-filled bit of mayhem... in a good way. The lyrics make a reference to Isaiah ("Kiss the coal, breathe in smoke and I say, 'Here am I, send me.") to describe the struggle of preaching the Plan of Salvation to a world that Satan actively tries to deceive... Wait, it is also a reference to Christ in Abraham 3! (You can tell the excitement when I find all of the clear scriptural references in this band... that's probably why I like these guys so much!)
3) Alchemy Index 3-4: Come All You Weary
Unlike the last two songs, this song is a nice, smooth, mellow. bluesy-type of song. In a way, the music is very appropriate, since this speaks of Christ exhorting us to find rest by trading our burdens with His. This is another great example of Thrice's experimentation at work (imagine if this had any screaming in it... yikes!) The lyrical value, in addition to the nice blues-inspired music, help communicate to the listener Christ's desire for us to come to Him and find rest in this life that seems to be filled with strife and temptation.
4) Beggars: Beggars
This final song in this Artist Profile is much like the last song... nice, smooth, and a tad bit bluesy. Lyrically, however, it is probably one of the most deepest of all of the songs. Quoting King Benjamin's speech in Mosiah 4 (Thrice probably didn't use this, but the Spirit probably inspired them), this song is much a song of humility to all, since we all suffer from pride in our lives. All the blessings we've been given were brought forth by God's grace, and noting this we should be grateful for Him and thank Him for our blessings. I find it personally deep because, while I might not be a big-shot who swaggers all he has or a "know-it-all" scientist trying to disprove the need for God, I do suffer with pride at times. Maybe, instead of looking at the things I've been blessed with as mine, I should really thank Heavenly Father and continue to Praise Him always...
Keep posted!
Now, truth be told, Thrice shares a lot of commonalities to another creative, spirit-inflected band back in the 80's... U2. Firstly, they both started off playing a particular variety of punk rock. For U2, it was post-punk, the genre that took a lot of the creativity and ingenuity of the 70's-era punk scene and expanded it (even to the point in which progressive bands like King Crimson and Yes experimented in the new-found genre). For Thrice, however, they were practitioners of hardcore/screamo when they began. However, as both continued to grow musically and lyrically, both grew to be heavily experimental and lyrically facing towards Christ. In Thrice's case, it began as referencing works of the great theologian C.S. Lewis until, recently, they even weren't afraid to quote SCRIPTURE in their music. To give you a variety of their experimentations and Spirit-filled music, I'll give you, the reader, 4 examples from their last four albums: Vheissu, The Alchemy Index 1-4, and Beggars.
1) Vheissu: For Miles
This song starts off very quietly, with piano taking center-stage with distorted guitars providing a counter-melody. Musically, it builds up, getting louder and more bombastic until, at the end, the soothing vocals of Dustin Kensrue transform into throat-curtailing screams! Lyrically, however, this is a beast in itself. This song has a great sense of the optimism that the one who keeps his eyes to Christ will have, even to the end when we return home, looking at the trials of our past as "milestones on our way". The chorus continues the optimism, reminding the listener that "There's no greater love than the one who shed his blood for his friends..." Wait... that's a clear reference to Jesus! It's a fantastic, yet at the same time exhausting, song that really provides the listener to how Thrice is.
2) Alchemy Index 1-2: The Messenger
This song is a quick, heavy, electronic-filled bit of mayhem... in a good way. The lyrics make a reference to Isaiah ("Kiss the coal, breathe in smoke and I say, 'Here am I, send me.") to describe the struggle of preaching the Plan of Salvation to a world that Satan actively tries to deceive... Wait, it is also a reference to Christ in Abraham 3! (You can tell the excitement when I find all of the clear scriptural references in this band... that's probably why I like these guys so much!)
3) Alchemy Index 3-4: Come All You Weary
Unlike the last two songs, this song is a nice, smooth, mellow. bluesy-type of song. In a way, the music is very appropriate, since this speaks of Christ exhorting us to find rest by trading our burdens with His. This is another great example of Thrice's experimentation at work (imagine if this had any screaming in it... yikes!) The lyrical value, in addition to the nice blues-inspired music, help communicate to the listener Christ's desire for us to come to Him and find rest in this life that seems to be filled with strife and temptation.
4) Beggars: Beggars
This final song in this Artist Profile is much like the last song... nice, smooth, and a tad bit bluesy. Lyrically, however, it is probably one of the most deepest of all of the songs. Quoting King Benjamin's speech in Mosiah 4 (Thrice probably didn't use this, but the Spirit probably inspired them), this song is much a song of humility to all, since we all suffer from pride in our lives. All the blessings we've been given were brought forth by God's grace, and noting this we should be grateful for Him and thank Him for our blessings. I find it personally deep because, while I might not be a big-shot who swaggers all he has or a "know-it-all" scientist trying to disprove the need for God, I do suffer with pride at times. Maybe, instead of looking at the things I've been blessed with as mine, I should really thank Heavenly Father and continue to Praise Him always...
Keep posted!
Artist Profile: Switchfoot
For anyone who has been alive around the turn of the 21st Century, you probably have heard of the ever-so-famous rock band Switchfoot. Even if you haven't heard of the name before, it would be shocking to say that you haven't heard of their tunes before. Whether it be their hard-rocking "Meant to Live" to their powerful ballad "Dare You to Move", the songs should be very recognizable. However, what many few might not know is that they are not only famous among the other mainstream groups of today, but they also have a strong base among Evangelical Christians. With this, there are obviously spirit-induced lyrics among the rock cover. And, as part of this blog's fashion, I'll present you a few examples, even though one or two might not be well known to people who don't have their albums.
1) "On Fire"
This song, featured on their mainstream debut The Beautiful Letdown, is one of their many slow moving ballads in the album. Musically, much of the song is presented with music provided by the piano and an acoustic guitar, in addition to well constructed ambient soundscapes. Lyrically, however, the song is really about seeking out the still, small voice of the Holy Ghost in a world that expects people to be complacent with mediocrity and sin. It truly is a good song to listen to while reading the scriptures during a difficult time of temptation and weakness.
2) "Twenty-Four"
This song, much like "On Fire", is a slow-moving ballad on The Beautiful Letdown. In fact, musically, it is a pretty similar tune, with a piano and guitar providing the music and an orchestra/choir providing background music. This song is mainly a song of repentance... true repentance. Not just simply getting on your knees telling Heavenly Father, "Sorry for getting caught," but rather, "Please forgive me and help me change..." In fact, the element in which is used to describe the type of conversion that is being sought is, "I am the second man now." This born-again experience, which is echoed in the scriptures, is emphasized to help us remember how we as Christians should repent and change.
Much more coming up! Please stay tuned!!!
1) "On Fire"
This song, featured on their mainstream debut The Beautiful Letdown, is one of their many slow moving ballads in the album. Musically, much of the song is presented with music provided by the piano and an acoustic guitar, in addition to well constructed ambient soundscapes. Lyrically, however, the song is really about seeking out the still, small voice of the Holy Ghost in a world that expects people to be complacent with mediocrity and sin. It truly is a good song to listen to while reading the scriptures during a difficult time of temptation and weakness.
2) "Twenty-Four"
This song, much like "On Fire", is a slow-moving ballad on The Beautiful Letdown. In fact, musically, it is a pretty similar tune, with a piano and guitar providing the music and an orchestra/choir providing background music. This song is mainly a song of repentance... true repentance. Not just simply getting on your knees telling Heavenly Father, "Sorry for getting caught," but rather, "Please forgive me and help me change..." In fact, the element in which is used to describe the type of conversion that is being sought is, "I am the second man now." This born-again experience, which is echoed in the scriptures, is emphasized to help us remember how we as Christians should repent and change.
Much more coming up! Please stay tuned!!!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
One Song this time, and it's Country!
Okay, so I get the point that country music might be relatable to many: The themes presented, the rustic quality of the images evoked, and so on. However, in my life, this genre doesn't usually perk my interest. The music (coming from a guy who considers bands such as Massive Attack, Radiohead, and King Crimson normal) is pretty bland and predictable, the themes of living in a southern small town on a farm don't relate to me, whose only small farm-town experience has been up here in Alaska, and the scenes of depressed men going to the bar are silly and, dare say it, depressing. However, like other genres, there are often those that evoke a spiritual reaction even to the inner-city dweller in the Big Apple.
1) Johnny Cash - "Hurt" : This song is very depressing, but also very humble and beautiful. There are three reasons for it's beauty. First, this song was released near the same time of Cash's death, making this song of humility almost an epitaph to the listener. Second, the message in itself talks of a man who has done wrong, who has lost everything, and, without fully expressing it, a man who is crying for repentance... not in like a deathbed conversion, but rather like Alma the Younger as he felt swallowed in the depths of Hell crying for forgiveness and surrendering his life for the savior. Finally, there is the irony of the song's beginnings. While, as you listen to it, you might think it came out of Cash's own life struggles, it is actually a cover of a NINE INCH NAILS SONG! Yeah, that's right, this came from the same man who released such songs as "Closer" in the 90's and helped kick-start the careers of other infamous artists like Marilyn Manson. But maybe that's the whole point of this song, not just for Cash, but also for Trent Reznor and us... no matter what foolish and wicked things we have done in the past, there is always hope for us under the Atonement. As Cash changed for the better, and as Reznor appears to be changing from the man he used to be, and even as Alma the Younger and the Sons of Mosiah transformed from torturers and murderers of members of the church into the greatest missionaries in the Book of Mormon, we can change too. Amazing what power comes through the medium of music.
1) Johnny Cash - "Hurt" : This song is very depressing, but also very humble and beautiful. There are three reasons for it's beauty. First, this song was released near the same time of Cash's death, making this song of humility almost an epitaph to the listener. Second, the message in itself talks of a man who has done wrong, who has lost everything, and, without fully expressing it, a man who is crying for repentance... not in like a deathbed conversion, but rather like Alma the Younger as he felt swallowed in the depths of Hell crying for forgiveness and surrendering his life for the savior. Finally, there is the irony of the song's beginnings. While, as you listen to it, you might think it came out of Cash's own life struggles, it is actually a cover of a NINE INCH NAILS SONG! Yeah, that's right, this came from the same man who released such songs as "Closer" in the 90's and helped kick-start the careers of other infamous artists like Marilyn Manson. But maybe that's the whole point of this song, not just for Cash, but also for Trent Reznor and us... no matter what foolish and wicked things we have done in the past, there is always hope for us under the Atonement. As Cash changed for the better, and as Reznor appears to be changing from the man he used to be, and even as Alma the Younger and the Sons of Mosiah transformed from torturers and murderers of members of the church into the greatest missionaries in the Book of Mormon, we can change too. Amazing what power comes through the medium of music.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Artist Showcase: Demon Hunter
In this blog post, I decided to showcase that some of you may know, but not all. Demon Hunter is a Christian Metal often considered by critics to be comparable to Slipknot and Killswitch Engage. Lyrically, their music is a mix of cathartic metal ballads, triumphant jams which display general Christian themes, and, sometimes, slightly violent songs that are used to symbolically show how we should flee from Satan and his followers. While I believe that their third motive of lyric writing is very inefficient and make them sound much like their secular counterparts, their other two motives, much like the Underoath ballad that was posted last time, ironically plug into the still, small voice of the Holy Ghost while still jamming out.
1) "Carry Me Down" (Link: http://youtu.be/oD2t1qLJGLQ):
This song is, simply put, a song that would be very appropriate to play at a funeral. The song, while discussing death, lyrically paints a picture of a good and faithful man bidding adieu before he is about to die. Amidst this, it is actually a very uplifting song, because it displays to the listener how, when you stay strong and true to the gospel light, how much of a non-issue it is once you die and enter the spirit world.
2) "I Play Dead" (Link: http://youtu.be/8pYDwNBp4xE):
As said previously, two of the effective ways Demon Hunter, a metal band, taps into the spirit are through encouragement and catharsis. As "Carry Me Down" was the song of encouragement, "I Play Dead" is more of the song that is cathartic. In this song, the lyrics paint of a man who appears to be mortally injured, and they use said picture to show how much sin damages us. The song itself is much a song of repentance, especially the lyrics "Two broken hands left seven wounds, a fight to stand" which paint a picture of the Atonement and, "I won't, I won't leave without a trace. I won't be erased," which paints the picture of not wanting to be in Hell/Outer-Darkness. Finally, it mentions the idea of "playing dead" of those who seem to be well-to-do without repenting or even believing in the gospel, or at other times people who leave the church out of comfort. Nevertheless, it is actually a great song and a powerful one at that.
(Remember: This is only some of DH's songs. If you feel uncomfortable of metal for the lyrical value, don't up and jump into these guys. The more "violent" stuff might be metaphorical, but it's still not comfortable and not very adequate if you want a spiritual jam session)
1) "Carry Me Down" (Link: http://youtu.be/oD2t1qLJGLQ):
This song is, simply put, a song that would be very appropriate to play at a funeral. The song, while discussing death, lyrically paints a picture of a good and faithful man bidding adieu before he is about to die. Amidst this, it is actually a very uplifting song, because it displays to the listener how, when you stay strong and true to the gospel light, how much of a non-issue it is once you die and enter the spirit world.
2) "I Play Dead" (Link: http://youtu.be/8pYDwNBp4xE):
As said previously, two of the effective ways Demon Hunter, a metal band, taps into the spirit are through encouragement and catharsis. As "Carry Me Down" was the song of encouragement, "I Play Dead" is more of the song that is cathartic. In this song, the lyrics paint of a man who appears to be mortally injured, and they use said picture to show how much sin damages us. The song itself is much a song of repentance, especially the lyrics "Two broken hands left seven wounds, a fight to stand" which paint a picture of the Atonement and, "I won't, I won't leave without a trace. I won't be erased," which paints the picture of not wanting to be in Hell/Outer-Darkness. Finally, it mentions the idea of "playing dead" of those who seem to be well-to-do without repenting or even believing in the gospel, or at other times people who leave the church out of comfort. Nevertheless, it is actually a great song and a powerful one at that.
(Remember: This is only some of DH's songs. If you feel uncomfortable of metal for the lyrical value, don't up and jump into these guys. The more "violent" stuff might be metaphorical, but it's still not comfortable and not very adequate if you want a spiritual jam session)
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Post-Hardcore/Emo: Screaming for Something Better
Okay, for the past few posts, I have avoided going more head-deep in the purpose of this blog. As it states in the definition, this blog will report on ALL genres that I can feel the spirit through, not just those that are commonly accessible. Well, today I will start my blog on the very stereotyped genre of post-hardcore, commonly referred by the mainstream as "emo" or "screamo". In spite of the fact that the fans of this genre are stereotypically represented as overly-depressed kids who wear black/overly-vivid colors and cut themselves, the genre itself can be very volatile in evoking one to be in a frame of mind in which the spirit can easily dwell. As always, I'll headline two songs to prove my point:
1) Underoath - Some Will Seek Forgiveness, Others Escape (link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZOwB_gaJ1A)
This song helped end the album that helped Underoath, once a little Floridian Hardcore group, into a powerhouse for the genre and massive side projects The Almost and Aaron Gillespie. The song itself is a very quiet, almost CCM-sounding song for the most part, with Aaron singing under calming Synth flourishes and guitar part. Halfway though, however, the volume picks up, all the way to the point in which the screamer starts off screaming "Jesus, I'm Ready to Come Home". Amongst the heaviness and chaos this should evoke, it doesn't. Instead, the end makes the song more epic, and even the still, small voice of the Spirit pierce the soundwaves even more fantastically! From the screams, it almost creates a cathartic effect for the listener, even to the point where one can vividly picture what the Savior did in order that we may come home. AMAZING SONG!
2) You're Not Alone - Saosin (link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tj0PtMZaWss)
Fortunately, this song doesn't contain any screaming, but this is a very great song nevertheless. This song, the first Mormon-fronted group presented in the blog so far, is a very great song, with heavy-hitting guitars, rhythmical dominance, but, most importantly, lyrics that pierce the soul that relate to the listener how alike we all are in our circumstances and, no matter all of the pain of frustrations that we may encounter in this life, that "We're not alone" and that "We can make it out, we will live to tell". Yes, this is a very simple message, but it is just as important. Knowing that there is opposition in all things, I know there are circumstances in my life that might test my faith and bring me down, but, as long as we keep the faith and hope for better things, Heavenly Father will always help us out.
Keep tuned in for more!
1) Underoath - Some Will Seek Forgiveness, Others Escape (link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZOwB_gaJ1A)
This song helped end the album that helped Underoath, once a little Floridian Hardcore group, into a powerhouse for the genre and massive side projects The Almost and Aaron Gillespie. The song itself is a very quiet, almost CCM-sounding song for the most part, with Aaron singing under calming Synth flourishes and guitar part. Halfway though, however, the volume picks up, all the way to the point in which the screamer starts off screaming "Jesus, I'm Ready to Come Home". Amongst the heaviness and chaos this should evoke, it doesn't. Instead, the end makes the song more epic, and even the still, small voice of the Spirit pierce the soundwaves even more fantastically! From the screams, it almost creates a cathartic effect for the listener, even to the point where one can vividly picture what the Savior did in order that we may come home. AMAZING SONG!
2) You're Not Alone - Saosin (link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tj0PtMZaWss)
Fortunately, this song doesn't contain any screaming, but this is a very great song nevertheless. This song, the first Mormon-fronted group presented in the blog so far, is a very great song, with heavy-hitting guitars, rhythmical dominance, but, most importantly, lyrics that pierce the soul that relate to the listener how alike we all are in our circumstances and, no matter all of the pain of frustrations that we may encounter in this life, that "We're not alone" and that "We can make it out, we will live to tell". Yes, this is a very simple message, but it is just as important. Knowing that there is opposition in all things, I know there are circumstances in my life that might test my faith and bring me down, but, as long as we keep the faith and hope for better things, Heavenly Father will always help us out.
Keep tuned in for more!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Contemporary Christian Music... in relation to a Mormon
Contemporary Christian Music (or CCM for short) is a very emerging genre nowadays. Even in the early days, this genre, although discouraged by the mainstream media, has had hit-makers. From Jars of Clay's hit "Flood" to DC Talk's magnum opus Jesus Freak, many CCM artists have made positive strides in help bringing the light of the gospel into a world that seems to be further drifting towards the dark. However, in the mind of myself and probably many other members of the LDS church, the question arises: "How can we apply this music into our faith?" Obviously, being that most of these groups had never embraced the doctrine of the restoration of the gospel, there are times when the message of the songs doesn't walign with the restored gospel. For instance, many discuss the doctrine of the Trinity... ehh. However, in a general sense, much of CCM can be applied to the gospel in a positive light. There are two songs that I'll bring up in particular:
1) DC Talk "What If I stumble?" (link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwMTKUSYZKU):
This song is a very good song, which discusses to the listener the difficulty of truly bearing a testimony of the gospel in a world that seems to run counter from it. In particular, the main problems addressed in the song are pride and hypocrisy. We need to be bearers of the light, but, if we do err, how does that impact our testimony?
2) Jars of Clay "Flood" (link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfAhpX_wIBk)
I particularly like this song for two reasons. First, as an avid King Crimson fan, I find it kinda cool that Adrian Belew produced the classic. The second reason, of course, is the message. In this song, imagery of Noah's Flood is applied to show to the listener the fact on how, no matter what, we cannot be able to survive without God. To recant something I've learned in my Book of Mormon class this last semester, the message of the song is of Faith ("I Need You to Hold Me..."). Heavenly Father will show us the way on how to return home, but we need to keep on believing, amidst the floods that might rise to drown us.
1) DC Talk "What If I stumble?" (link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwMTKUSYZKU):
This song is a very good song, which discusses to the listener the difficulty of truly bearing a testimony of the gospel in a world that seems to run counter from it. In particular, the main problems addressed in the song are pride and hypocrisy. We need to be bearers of the light, but, if we do err, how does that impact our testimony?
2) Jars of Clay "Flood" (link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfAhpX_wIBk)
I particularly like this song for two reasons. First, as an avid King Crimson fan, I find it kinda cool that Adrian Belew produced the classic. The second reason, of course, is the message. In this song, imagery of Noah's Flood is applied to show to the listener the fact on how, no matter what, we cannot be able to survive without God. To recant something I've learned in my Book of Mormon class this last semester, the message of the song is of Faith ("I Need You to Hold Me..."). Heavenly Father will show us the way on how to return home, but we need to keep on believing, amidst the floods that might rise to drown us.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Indie Rock: A Source for Good on Occasion.
When one thinks of music that is generally able to invite the spirit, one usually doesn't think of Indie Rock. In fact, many of the stalwarts of this genre, take Radiohead for example, are often very determined in expressing angst or using metaphors that don't relate at all to one's personal being. (P.S. I'm a bit of a Radiohead fan, so I don't intend to bash the admittedly talented group.) However, in the midst of bands in this genre, there are songs that I have found which are effective in inviting the spirit to the listener:
1) Brand New - Jesus Christ (link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8nPvWvIzz4&feature=share)
This song is very angsty in nature, but by the mere fact that this resembles a powerful prayer to Jesus, it is very effective in speaking to those who are down and out. The song is merely a prayer, with the frontman of the group expressing his doubts of following the savior by not loving one another as himself but, instead, being part of the "hating machine". This truly is a unique but spirit-filled song, and I encourage all to listen to it once!
2) As Cities Burn - The Widow (link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8nPvWvIzz4&feature=share)
This song brings the story of a son reconciling his father's death, in spite of the fact that he appeared to leave the family soon after the wife was pregnant and was addicted to drugs. In spite of the fact that he ran before the son's birth, the son still loves him. This is an analogy of how, even if we go our own ways away from the savior, he still loves us just the same.
Thanks for reading, and keep your eyes peeled for my next post!
1) Brand New - Jesus Christ (link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8nPvWvIzz4&feature=share)
This song is very angsty in nature, but by the mere fact that this resembles a powerful prayer to Jesus, it is very effective in speaking to those who are down and out. The song is merely a prayer, with the frontman of the group expressing his doubts of following the savior by not loving one another as himself but, instead, being part of the "hating machine". This truly is a unique but spirit-filled song, and I encourage all to listen to it once!
2) As Cities Burn - The Widow (link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8nPvWvIzz4&feature=share)
This song brings the story of a son reconciling his father's death, in spite of the fact that he appeared to leave the family soon after the wife was pregnant and was addicted to drugs. In spite of the fact that he ran before the son's birth, the son still loves him. This is an analogy of how, even if we go our own ways away from the savior, he still loves us just the same.
Thanks for reading, and keep your eyes peeled for my next post!
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