Wednesday, August 18, 2004

Title: Knight Of Day or The Spectrum?

I don't think anyone is even reading this, but I thought I'd ask for your input anyways. Some of you may know that Knight Of Day Ministries was something I did a little work on in the past, and that I now have no interest in doing that type of work. When I registered this blog I used the name Knight Of Day because that was the name I was using on pretty much everything at that time. Now I kind of want to get rid of that title, or at least not use it for everything. In trying to come up with a new title for this blog I came up with The Spectrum. I like it. But, I want your input on it. The reason I like The Spectrum is that I want to be able to write about anything and that name obviously gives me the oppurtunity to go all over the place. Just leave your comments under the appropriately titled comment section. Thanks...

Wednesday, August 11, 2004

The Nashville Rythym


I am so excited about the new ABA expansion team the Nashville Rythym. The Rythym will be playing at Allen Arena, which is about 50 yards from my dorm on the campus of Lipscomb University. I'm not living there yet, but I'm moving at the end of next week. The Rythym are the first professional men's team to be coached by a female. The $4 ticket price, for students, is a great deal.

Later...

Tuesday, August 10, 2004

'Good Night Good Fight' Video

I finally saw The Evan Anthem's new video for the song 'Good Night Good Fight'. I was really impressed by how cool this video is. I know there wasn't much of a budget but it still managed to interest me. I really enjoyed what is basically a live version of the cover art from their debut album. Enough of me talking about it, go and see it yourself. Go here to hear some more song's.

I told you it was good. For me, it just cements TEA's top spot on my 'Bands I Most Want To See Live' list. This little blurb in the bio also intrigues me:

"A relentless touring act, The Evan Anthem’s live show is already in a class by itself among their underground following. Having toured with peers like Relient K, Anberlin, Don’t Look Down, Spoken, and Cool Hand Luke, and shared the stage with Mewithoutyou, Norma Jean and Matthew; their reputation for ingenuity is already firmly entrenched. The Evan Anthem’s concerts incorporate various audio clips from motion pictures and perfectly timed drum loops as their stage intro and various transitional interludes. Depending on their mood and setting, occasional lamps and televisions augment the visual assault on stage as the band orchestrates everything to coincide with what’s taking place musically, giving their audience a compelling new experience rather than simply another good live show."

Sounds pretty damn cool.

The Pursuit of Pure Artistry

I've done a lot of thinking over the last few years about the responsibility held by artists to infuse integrity and purity into their work. As I dug into music I discovered that much of what is being produced today just doesn't have that undefineable yet undeniable quality that connects me to a great muscian like Johnny Cash. Today I had the pleasure of listening to a few songs by a modern singer who has 'it'. In the words of Jack Black, "I don't know what 'it' is but he's got it." This artist is Sufjan Stevens. His music could be described as both ambitious and simplistic. 'Simple' doesn't really sound like the right word once you are accustomed to Steven's songs, but it is a good enough adjective for a newcomer to his arrangements. Not everyone will like this music, but those who have an open musical mind will find great rewards hidden within. His newest disk, "Seven Swans", is possibly the most beautiful collection of songs I've ever heard. Imagine you've been laying out on the beach all day long. You are now sweaty, covered in sand, and ready to get out of the heat. So, you take a dip in the ocean or in a swimming pool. Isn't that refreshing? Sufjan Stevens is my musical refreshment. I have been out in the heat far too long, and this album is a welcome retreat into cool, calm waters. I also highly recommend "Greetings From Michigan: The Great Lakes State". This is the first of fifty albums that Steven's has pledged to make on every State in the Union. That is the most ambitious promise I have ever heard any artist make, and even he admits that it is more something he would like to do than something that will actually happen, but I will be anxiously awaiting each and every one. Let's hope he not only puts out all 50 'state' albums but that he continues putting out fantastic disks like "Seven Swans".



On almost the exact opposite end of the musical spectrum, I have been listening to Chevelle's "Wonder What's Next" a lot lately. They are fast becoming my favorite hard rock band. Their new single, 'Vitamin R (Leading Us Along)', was released a few weeks ago. It's a great song that has me eagerly anticipating the release of "This Type Of Thinking (Could Do Us In)" on September 21.



Later...

Friday, August 06, 2004

Love

I love this template. Absolutely love it! It's gorgeous. I just can't get over how awesome it is. I was trying to find something witty or insightful to write in this blog, but all I could come up with was how amazing this template is. I'll do witty later.

Wednesday, August 04, 2004

Great Music

Copeland- Beneath Medicine Tree
Lovedrug- Pretend You Are Alive