What I Am Loving
April 26th, 2007 | by Scott |I just realized I hadn’t done one of these posts in a long time. So here’s a swing across popular culture.
Books
There have been several offerings I’ve really enjoyed lately. Ones I give my seal of approval to are:
“Supreme Conflict: The Inside Story of the Struggle for Control of the United States Supreme Court” by Jan Crawford Greenburg–This is a great tale of how the current Supreme Court came into being. It’s a cursory overview. It’s not indepth by any means but it does give a walking knowledge of the current court, it’s dynamics and the implications.
“Speaking of Sin: The Lost Language of Salvation” by Barbara Brown Taylor–A tremendous book that re-examines the meanings of some of our lost language regarding sin, salvation, repentance and penance. It’s a short read but rich in its meaning and importance. I will give a more in-depth look at Christian Readers later today.
“The Jesus Machine: How James Dobson, Focus on the Family, and Evangelical America Are Winning the Culture War” by Dan Gilgoff–A fair and concise history of the religious right, this book leaves the conclusions to the reader. For a more detailed look visit here.
Television
30 Rock–The show began it’s freshman season somewhat unevenly. It also began battling Studio 60 as a show about the behind the scenes machinations of late night sketch shows. It has since found it’s feet and has become one of the two funniest shows on television. It’s a fight between this and The Office. Sadly, tonight is the season finale. Check it out. As many critics have pointed out it has the most jokes per minute of any show since Arrested Development.
Jericho–Just mindless entertainment. It’s my favorite Wednesday night show. CBS has offered up a character in Robert Hawkins to rival Jack Bauer. And with 24 being such a major disappointment this year it’s a void ripe to be filled. As Jericho and New Bern gravitate toward a major conflict the tension is being racheted up.
Music
Brandi Carlile’s The Story–This girl rocks. Just listen to that ferocious wail on “The Story” or “My Song” and you will know exactly what I’m talking about. At times tender, at times in your face. This is one of the best releases of the year so far.
The Decemberists’ The Crane Wife–I don’t understand a word of what they are talking about most of the time. As Colbert says they are “hyper-literate prog rock.” And they are a lot of fun to boot. The album title is from Japanese folk-lore. And just like their title the rest of their stuff plays off our obscure literary references. Tremendous.
Michael McDermott’s Noise From Words–Have I mentioned the best album of the year yet? Get it.
Movies
During the move our DVR got incredibly backed up so I haven’t been able to watch much in the way of film lately. Except for:
Shut Up and Sing–I loves me some Dixie Chicks. This is a great behind the scenes look over the last 4 years as they withstood the backlash from some event somewhere or something one of them said. I can’t remember what it was, though. It’s entertaining to say the least.
And to top it all off here is a video of one of the songs off of Michael’s new album. Such a tremendous tune of longing. There is one line that captures the depth of heartbreak here that I absolutely love. Can you guess which line it is?
So what recommendations do you have right now?
16 Responses to “What I Am Loving”
By greg on Apr 26, 2007 | Reply
Jericho - never have been quite sure what to make of Hawkins, but I like him.
McDermott - downloaded yesterday. Great album (not surprisingly). Everyone should download it today.
Decemberists - I like the Castaways… album I downloaded from eMusic, but the clips I’ve heard from The Crane Wife sound even better. It’s been on my short list for a while. Fortunately, I’ll be getting some $ and gift cards for my birthday, so I plan to have this one soon.
By Scott on Apr 26, 2007 | Reply
I like Hawkins more and more every week. Without the subplot of protecting his family I think they are able to do more with that character.
Crane Wife is much better than Castaways. I’ve downloaded a bunch of their emusic stuff and Crane is far and away the superior one.
And you are right. Everyone should download the McDermott album. How can you go wrong for 8.99
By Jason Bybee on Apr 26, 2007 | Reply
Something to do with Jesus Christ, I’m guessing?
By Scott on Apr 26, 2007 | Reply
That would be the one.
By Kevin Bussey on Apr 26, 2007 | Reply
Starbucks Cafe Estima
Glocalization-Bob Roberts
Law and Order–all of them
My Ovation Guitar
Palm Treo 700P
Catalyst Conference in October–I’ll be there
Movies–I really don’t see many
By Matt on Apr 26, 2007 | Reply
I first got into the Decemberists a couple of years ago with the Picaresque album after hearing selections from it on the excellent http://www.radioparadise.com. I agree with you, though, The Crane Wife is probably their best.
By Tracy on Apr 26, 2007 | Reply
I have a few shows on the DVR too. Just haven’t had much interest in watching them but I like keeping them on there and knowing they are waiting for me.
And I totally thought Kevin Bussey said ‘my ovulation guitar’.
By Kevin Bussey on Apr 26, 2007 | Reply
Tracy,
You scared me I thought I mis-typed. Whew!
By Jason Bybee on Apr 26, 2007 | Reply
So far, my favorite track on the new McDermott album is “I Shall Be Healed”. But this is definitely his best album since self-titled, IMHO.
By Scott on Apr 27, 2007 | Reply
“Starbucks Estima”–is that like an SUV or something?
Kevin, I’ve been telling Tracy I need a Treo. I do, don’t I?
Matt, thanks for the tip on Radio Paradise.
Tracy, what anyone can do with 8 episodes of Oprah is beyond me.
By Scott on Apr 27, 2007 | Reply
Jason,
I still can’t pick a favorite track yet. I love the more introspective turn which I think plays to his strengths.
It’s good to see Broken, which has been kicking around for years, finally find a home.
I was shocked with the departure of “All My Love” I didn’t know he could nail a falsetto like that.
I still love that one line in “Still Ain’t Over You Yet.”
Yep, it’s his best since the self-titled. Ashes was great but this is phenomenal.
By Kevin Bussey on Apr 27, 2007 | Reply
Yes you need a Treo
I broke mine and they are ordering another. Advice–get the insurance!
What is cool about it is you can check emails and respond to your blog when you are out doing fun stuff like shopping at the mall!
By Scott on Apr 27, 2007 | Reply
Oh, after that last paragraph she will never sign off on it.
By Jason Bybee on Apr 27, 2007 | Reply
Yeah, it’s stuck in my head, too.
By Jeff_R on Apr 27, 2007 | Reply
Scott -
I’m a Decemberists convert. I’m willing to try out Michael McDermott. Does he have anything on eMusic?
Also just discovered The Innocence Mission and Judee Sill. If you like Sara McLachlan, you should give both a try.
I’ve basically lost interest in 24, but remain committed to Lost and Heroes!
Loving my Cingular 8125. Had it for a year now and it’s the best PDA and the best cellphone and the best email device I’ve ever head - and I’ve had pretty much all of them!!
By Scott on Apr 27, 2007 | Reply
Jeff, he does have stuff on emusic but not his best. You should try out his newest which you can download here:
http://www.onelittleindian-us.com/new/
I’ve been an Innocence Mission fan for years. First bought a CD of theirs from Arkansas Record and CD exchange back in the day. I listened to Sill but she didn’t grab me. I’ll try again.