Song of the Week: "Crush" by David Archuleta

Hello and Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends out there!

I am on Thanksgiving break which means I have some more time to put a song or two on the blog.

This week's installment is a song by an American Idol hopeful, David Archuleta. In season 7 he finished as runner up.  This song climbed as high as number 2 on the charts and has sold almost a million copies of his self titled, debut album.  I have had this song on a playlist for some time now and it keeps getting stuck in my head.  Yes, I am still on my (slightly depressed) bent.  I have heard some not so good news about my great-grandma, so that just compounds on my already mental and emotional stress.  But Thanksgiving football always helps that, which it did on Wednesday night.  However, those who know me, know that I do push too hard sometimes and I did it again.  So I am a little banged up, but it is definitely worth the pain for the next couple of days.

Anywho, I have had a particular someone on my mind over the past couple of weeks and I wish I could talk to her about it, but she keeps giving me mixed signals and I am about as daft as it comes to relationships.  So, with that in mind I thought this song is slightly appropriate.

These types of songs infuriate me because of their rose colored look at love.  REAL LIFE DOES NOT WORK THIS WAY!!!!!  I am truly sick of song like this that give an unrealistic picture of love.  Love is hard work.  As I have said in a earlier post, love is a commitment followed by actions that are conducive to the support of that decision.  When a person wants out, they make a conscious decision that the other person, and their relationship with them is not worth the time and effort put into them.  Sorry, rant over.  

On the other hand, I am a hopeless romantic and wish life worked this way. (Yes, I truly am a paradox.) I love the whole love story thing. (Think Taylor Swift's "Love Story.")  Ya, I read Shakespeare, I wish it worked that way, and I am proud of it.  But my realistic side is eating me up right now.   Well, I have babbled enough.  Here is "Crush" by David Archuleta.

Song of the Week: "Let it Rain" by David Nail

Hi everyone,

Sorry for being so long between posts.  I have been very busy with school, work, and all the other stuff I do around here.  This week's song is David Nail's "Let it Rain."

This song is an amazing confession of a man who cheats on his wife and realizes his sin.  He not only feels guilty, but confesses to his wife and shows willingness to accept any punishment given to him.  He is heartbroken to the point where he confesses, "Let it hurt, even more than I deserve."  He realizes the love he had, and the trifle he replaced it with.

I do not condone his action, but I can say that this song is a genuine refection of humanity.  We live in a fallen world and it is not an easy thing to live with.  I have felt this pain before.  Not to the same extent. (I am not married, currently have no girlfriend, and have never cheated on anyone.) But, I know what it is like to tell the person you love that you screwed up.  You put yourself at their mercy and pray that they forgive you.  I have seen both the good and the bad that can come from this type of confession. (I wish I had seen more of the good than the bad.)  This is why I must emphasize forgiveness as much as I can.  (Theologian coming out)  Christ has shown us forgiveness, why must we not do the same?  Do we have an excuse?  No.  (Look at the book of Hosea if you want a deeper picture.)   This betrayal is at the heart of our corruption as human beings.  His forgiveness should lead to our forgiveness.  Here is David Nail's "Let it Rain."

WARNING:  The images are slightly suggestive and should not be viewed by anyone who can't deal with the sexual nature of this song.

Some people have asked why I pick the songs I do.

To tell the truth, It really depends on my mood, and if I think the song is catchy.  This song comes from my current time of sickness, and heartbroken-ness. No, I did not break up with anyone.  No, I am not in a relationship.  I am, however, feeling lonely and would like to ask a woman out, but I know that she has no intention of being attracted to me.  (It's complicated)  There are other reasons, but these are the major ones that have lead me to listen to sappy love songs and the sorrowful hope of unrequited love.

Promising to post next week after my trip to San Francisco,

TI

Song of the Week? Month?...Whatever :P - Straight No Chaser

Hi to everyone in the interwebs!  lol

Just Kidding, I'm not that crazy, yet.  However, by the end of these next two weeks I may just be.  I have 4 papers, a fundraising trip to the middle of California, and an entire week of play practice capping off with 2 performances at the end of next week.

Yep, busy as ever.  So, I thought I would give you some more music for you listening pleasure:  Straight No Chaser!

I love these guys!  They are an a capella  singing group from Indiana.  They met in college and now sing professionally.  They sing in 5 to 10 part harmony.  They have amazing voices and do some great covers of songs.  So, without further ado: Straight No Chaser!  (Here is a mix of what they have been doing including their title song, and their latest work "Like a Prayer")

With eyes like lead and a lot of reading to do,
TI

Song of the Week: OneRepublic "Secrets"

Hi Everyone!

This Week's installment of music comes from the band OneRepublic.  The song "Secrets" was the key song for the Disney movie, "The Sorcerer's Apprentice."  It gained huge popularity through it's use during the movie being the uniting song for the main couple in the movie.  Honestly, I just think it's a cool song.  The lines of the Chorus, the thing the songwriter hits on time and again are

Tell me what you want to hear
Something that were like those years
I'm sick of all the insincere
So I'm gonna give all my secrets away
This time
Don't need another perfect lie
Don't care if critics ever jump in line
I'm Gonna give all my secrets away

He seems to have contradictory statements, but see that his Chorus is not a plea for patching this over as much as it is a call for honesty.  He doesn't care if he is lambasted for what he says, he just wants to speak the truth and break down the wall between him and the woman he is singing to. 

This relationship was founded with no purpose.  Now he is attempting to ask the questions that will give a purpose to their relationship.  He is taking off the masks and revealing who he truly is, a sinful human being.  Relationships don't grow from being fake with one another.  They grow from being honest and communicating that honesty openly.  Many of the relationships I had in the past both I and my former significant other would either put on masks or change to accommodate the other person.  I never wanted that, but it happens anyway.  We think, "S/He will like me better if I do/am like (insert blank)."  Instead of being with the person you fell in love with, you are now with a person that has put up a shell.  It is only through the acceptance of the true human underneath, can we ever truly love one another.

To put it simply:  Be yourself.  Living a lie does nothing but cause tears.


Without further ado: "Secrets" by One Republic

Song of the Week: Sanctus Real "Forgiven"

Hey Y'all!

This week's song of the week is by Sanctus Real. The Song is "Forgiven."

The band's name means "True Holiness."  They are a Christian crossover band, much like Skillet.

This song has been at the top of my playlist for some time now , and it is so fun listen to.  The message is amazing!  All the issues, problems, screw-ups, sins, and foul ups that you or I have committed are gone.  This is the message of Christianity:  We are Redeemed and Forgiven.  I hope the message speaks to you as it has spoken to me: we are forgiven and the weight of who we were is lifted.  We are not who we were.  We were bought with a price and have life through him.  My favorite lines in this song are: "When I don’t measure up to much in this life, Oh, I’m a treasure in the arms of Christ."  Even when we mess up, we are still loved.  Nothing!  Let me say that again, NOTHING we ever do, can rip us from the arms of Christ.  Even on our worst day, we repent and are loved by the unyielding power of God.  Praise him from whom all blessings flow!  Without further ado, "Forgiven" by Sanctus Real.

Song of the Week: The Fray "You Found Me"

Hi to all my people in the interwebs!

This week's installment is focused on the song "You Found Me" by The Fray.  I love the music video because I am enamored with my home city of Chicago, and that is where it was filmed.  Another reason I like this song is because of the double meanings about both relationships and God.

The song is from the perspective of a person that was brought to God.  The point is not that the person found God, but that God brought the person to himself.  He was waiting and working to bring the person to him.  And it takes some bad circumstances to get things to drive the person to God.  The relationship fails, the man is left on the floor, and life is figuratively going down the crapper.  This leads the man to turn to the only solid thing left in life, God.    God looks like he has only been waiting, but he has actually been working all along.  Also, notice the name of the roads that God is standing on the corner of, 1st and Amistad.

Amistad is the Spanish word for freedom.  When the man comes to God, it is a liberating experience.  Freedom from the sorrow that encompasses his life is what he gains from finally coming to God.  I hope you enjoy this song and the video as much as I do.  Without further ado, here is "You Found Me" by The Fray.

Song of the Week: Sanctus Real "Lead Me"

Hi All!

This song has been in the forefront of my mind for over a month.  The message is very convicting for me.  This summer, I made it a point to understand what true leadership is.  In the past year I had tried to gain positions leading various groups and organizations, but only succeeded in causing my heart much grief as I was denied all of them.  Using these happenings as motivation, I sought a biblical standard of leadership.  As I was very frustrated due to my apparent lack of progress this summer while driving home from the library, I heard this song.  The words instantly convicted me of what I had become.  All the leadership things I had done, were to fulfill personal desires, not to realize that God had plans for my life.  I hope the message that impacted me so hard that day, not only continues through the rest of my life as a call to God and his plan, but also to you.  We are not alone.  Our Dad is right right there as we say, "Lead Me."

Songs of the Month: Owl City

Hi Everyone!!!!!

Sorry that I have not been posting as regularly as I would like.  I have had some personal things that I needed to deal with. But, now that school is starting, it is back to the grind!

For this update  I will share with you the flavor of the month: Owl City!  Owl City has two songs that I have consistently on repeat, Vanilla Twilight and Fireflies. ( I also recommend Galaxies.)  The views of desire and child like hope are something that I both identify with and admire.  Both of these songs are easy listening and move fairly quickly through the stories and chords.  It is so much fun to watch the visuals that they have coupled with the songs.  So, without further adieu, Owl City.

Song of the Day: Zydrate Anatomy from Repo: the Genetic Opera

Hi All!

These past few days I have been a little under the weather.  (I know it seems like I say that all the time, but that is another topic to talk about later.)  So, I'm sorry for the lack of posting.  Today's song comes from "Repo: The Genetic Opera."  This song has a catchy beat and it's weird repetition gives a trance like quality to it.  The Song of the Day is Zydrate Anatomy. There is another version of the song that I am not able to post here.  So, I will post the link at the bottom of the post if you would like to see the performance as opposed to only the music.

To start from the beginning:  The world has become overly obsessed with plastic surgery.  These surgeries replace badly damaged organs from an epidemic of organ failures.  The company that runs all of this is GeneCo.  They make sure you pay on time.  If not, you face repossession of the organ.  This is done by a black rubber clad surgeon.  These surgeries are done with no anesthetic, and have a 100% mortality rate.  The guy is a legal assassin, to put it bluntly.  But, for those that can afford it, these surgeries save lives and make those with the money, look like anything they want.  These people that have undergone many surgeries are ones that are "addicted to the knife."  These people deal with constant pain from the constant process of healing due to their addiction.  But, there is help! Zydrate is a wonder drug that causes relief from the pain.  It works sort of like a weed laced pcp high.  It's explained better in the performance.

But this has lead me to a question:  What is our price for looking the way we should?  And when pain comes, what are willing to do to make it go away?  Is it enough to not feel anything?

I have recently been dealing with a lot of pain, but due to my convictions I am not taking pain killers.  I used to be dependent on pain killers to help the pain from healing my various injuries.  But even dealing with the pain, there are days where dealing with normal aches and pains is a way of life.  These aches and pains are not only physical, but also mental and emotional.  You can only deal with so much before it catches up with you.  But the true question that has been troubling me is the issue of feeling nothing.  I have been hurt by so many people and think, sometimes it would be easier to to feel nothing.  At least I wouldn't be hurt, but it is at the price of joy.  The roller coaster of life is not a 0 sum game, nothing in this world is.  If you think it is, you need to look around at life.  But the ultimate decision is to become jaded to the point of no feeling or to find a solution for the depression in life.  The cause of the feeling in the opera is surgery, in real life it is grades, relationships, or death that can push you past the proverbial edge.  Sorrow is not something to be laughed at.  It is very real, and very much a problem.  Has it effected you enough to make you want to feel nothing?


Just copy and paste if you want to see the performance version:
http://youtu.be/NG2u-wSvOZ8

Song of the Day: Mohombi "I Love You"

Hi All!

I know, it has been too long since the last time I posted.  I'm Sorry! :(

This Song of the Day is from Mohombi.  I was introduced to his music by a friend while we were doing homework in Starbucks.  While his messages tend to be shallow and about some superfluous type of lust (watch "Bumpy Ride" if you don't believe me), this song has a message that I can easily relate with.  Lately the lack of a significant other has been hitting me rather hard.  My family has been asking a lot of questions, none of which ameliorate the situation.  I know my family loves me, but sometimes the jokes at my expense get old.  Jokes are one thing, but my family is incessant with destructive comments.  Sadly, my love life has been the butt of many jokes.  They have also been directed against both myself and another person that I had a relationship with.  This has caused me to rethink and realize what qualities I saw that attracted me to her in the first place.  I realize that I was attracted for the right reasons and even though things didn't work out, the Lord provided in ways I never thought he would.  Whatever the Lord has planned for me in the future, whomever it may be with.  So, without further ado, here is Mohombi's "I Love You"  TI

Song of the Day: Toby Mac "Get Back Up"/Sanctus Real "Whatever You're Doing"

Hi Everyone!  Here's a little something to tie you over till the next post about Russia.

This song is by Toby Mac.  A former member of DC Talk, the man knows his thing about music. This man has been part of projects such as Jesus Freak, Supernatural, Irene, Gone, and many other hits.  Toby has produced some of the best Christian music for the past 3 decades. 

However, the saying is that all good things must come to an end.  Toby's prowess is no exception.  Toby's lyrics used to be clear cut.  When you listened to his music, you knew that he was standing up for Christ and a Christian way of living.  This style, sadly, changed.  His lyrics have become wishy washy.  The strong messages have been replaced with the message of "Fluffy Love."  This type of lyrics comes down to the "can't we all just get along" motive.  It's frustrating to see such a great defender of the faith turn into just another fluffy kind of artist.  It's the equivalent of seeing R.C. Sproul go the way of Rick Warren or Joel Osteen.

Here is another song that came through my playlist as I was typing this.  It is another one of my favorites and leads the listener to really challenge him or herself into a radical recommittment to God.  Here is Whatever You're Doing by Sanctus Real.

See you all tomorrow, TI.

And now Russia! Song of the Day included.

Hi all!  Well, I have finally passed the drama of the ridiculous flight schedule and i am now on my final approach for my trip to Russia.  I depart Chicago in less than 12 hours from posting.  I hope to take a lot of pictures and see if I can post some on here. 

Here is the next Song of the Day.  This one is by Iyaz, called "Replay."  Yes, this song was one of the overplayed popular songs of the past 3 months.  But it has since fallen by the wayside, as many things do in our drug culture infused music industry.  The thing in this song that piqued my interest is that this is actually a relatively wholesome love song!  He has the intention of marriage, he does things for her and is willing to sacrifice, and even has periods of doubt that make this song a human portrayal of love in a fine form.  The only issue I take with this song is the name "Shorty" that he has for his beloved.  I have no problem with nicknames, but this was a derogatory term used toward women.  How can he think that it is okay for him to pass this off as something nonchalant?  This objectifying term, and indeed his tone throughout the song, give the impression that this is all done for his benefit and his infatuation.

This song has been in my head lately because of a personal issue I have.  I have feelings for a beautiful, young woman.  But these feelings are unrequited and have brought out my poetic side.  I look forward to the hope that the possibility of marriage is still there.  However, I will have to keep these feelings bottled up until either she seems that she would be receptive of my advances, or until I finally do something stupid and go down in a blaze of glory. : /  

Anywho, here is a little something to tide you over until I can get on next.  It is by a Latvian-born Russian pop star.  His name is Vitas and has a range that would make most opera singers jealous.  I present "The Star."  A translation of the lyrics are included under the video.

So many times I asked myself
What for I was born into this world and grew up
And why the clouds float and rains pour
You shouldn't expect anything for yourself in this world

I would fly up to the clouds but I have no wings
That starlight lures me from afar
But it's hard to reach the star though the goal is close at hand
And I don't know if I 'll have enough strength for the throw

I'll wait just a little bit more
And then will get ready for my journey


Towards the Dream and Hope
Oh my star, please don't burn out, just wait!

How many paths do I have to go by?
How many peaks should I conquer to find my own self?
How long should I keep falling from the cliff?
How many times should I start from the beginning and is there any sense to it?

I'll wait just a little bit more
And then will get ready for my journey
Towards the Dream and Hope
Oh my star, please don't burn out, just waït!

Song of the Day x2: Sorry! :(

Hi all!  I was so busy today that I totally forgot to upload a song. So, I will give you two times the fun and post two songs. 

Here is the first selection.  This song is "Lucy" by Skillet.  This song is about a loss that cannot be recovered.  Going through some similar things, I can relate with this song.  My heart breaks every time I hear this song.  I realize how much can be lost with one stupid decision and how much will never be regained.  I hope that you will be just as touched with this song as I am.

Here is number two!  This song is by Mikeschair named "Someone Worth Dying For."  This song gives me hope and reminds me that we are not worthless.  We are worth the death of Christ.  We are only worth this because of His sacrifice.  His cross has paid the penalty and our lives are no longer forfeit, but belong to him.  I hope you enjoy.  See you all later. Packing for Moscow, TI

Song of the Day: "Crucified with Christ" - Phillips, Craig, and Dean

Hi all!  I am currently prepping for my trip to Moscow, Russia.  In this day I was reminded that we are bound to Christ in everything that he accomplished for us, including his death.  This song by Phillips, Craig, and Dean calls for the listener to remember that you share in his sacrifice and that his cross calls for our continued commitment.  We must persevere as saints.  This is a great song that I would love to do one day in our men's quartet at school.  Well, time for more packing.  God Bless, and I hope to post a few things when I am either in Moscow or when I get back.  See you Then, TI.

Song of the Day: "God Gave Me You" - Dave Barnes

Here it is (a little late, sorry!) Today's installment of Song of the Day is "God Gave Me You" by David Barnes.  While this song is explicitly about a significant other, I have tried to apply it in other ways.  Primarily due to the fact that I have no significant other, I have tried to apply this to friends.  This song is a great reminder that God places people in your life for a reason.  Every person that is a true friend will follow you through the ups and downs of life.  So, for all of my friends: Thank You.

Song of the Day: "The Older I Get" - Skillet

Another day, another song.  The selection for today is by Skillet.  Skillet is a Christian Crossover band that has produced some really good music for a few years now.  This song is "The Older I Get."  It is a song that has been running through my mind for a long time.  The song speaks about a relationship that broke up due to lack of communication and miscommunication.  Oh let the irony ring.  The song asks the question "Do you believe, time heals all wounds?"  This is a question that I have been asking myself for a few months.  I still don't know if it is possible.  My mind doesn't like to let go of things. :)  Well, I;ll have a new one for you tomorrow.  See ya then, TI

Song of the Day: When a Heart Breaks - Ben Rector

Hi all.

The second installment of Song of the Day is Ben Rector's "When a Heart Breaks."  This song is one that has been in my mind for a long time.  I love the sad melody in this song and it reminds me of many things that have happened.  The only problem I have with the song is the line "You don't need Jesus, 'til you're here."  While I know that is not true, it gives me pause to think, "When do we truly engage our God?"  This past semester at school, I have truly known what it means to be in the valley of the shadow of death.  This line has a bite of truth in it where many people don't truly appreciate God unless he is helping us.  It is our deepest periods of humility, where all we can do is cry to the Lord in anguish, that bring us to the feet of our Father.  While that shouldn't be our prime motivator, it too often is. 

Well, I have to go, but I have many more songs where these came from.  Talk to y'all later.

New Feature: Song of the Day

Hi Everyone!  Since music plays such a big part of my life, I will be posting a new song everyday.  These songs can reflect my mood, what I am thinking about, or somewhere I want to be.  Eventually this may become song of the week, but there is so much good music out there it would only be due to a shortage of time that the cut back would occur.  So, without further ado I present the first song of my Song of the Day selections.

In my first Song of the Day I pay tribute to one of my favorite artists: Mark Hogan!  Mark is a good friend of mine and a member of our men's singing group, Vocal 4titude.  This song is a cover of "I Can't Help Falling in Love With You" by Elvis Presley.

Mark has an excellent tenor voice.  For nothing but a guitar and a voice(well, for anything in that case), Mark does an astounding job.  While the cover is not a crystalline, finished product, it is an amazing testament to what the man can do. 

I have had a lot on my mind, including a particular woman who shall remain nameless.  This is yet another reason why this song has hit home today.  From the gangland of the south suburbs, TI.