Nothing New Under the Musical Sun?

I was sitting in my office at home today, watching my wife work on her resume and online applications for a job, and me laying out the basics for next Sunday's sermon. In the background music was playing, sort of a melodic white noise which would cause either one or both of us to begin to sing along, softly, as we worked. It hit me, though, while I was listening to the music, that I haven't heard anything lately that has really grabbed me. I've been listening to some good stuff but nothing that made me sit up and truly listen and go "wow". Most music of late has just served as "white noise" and that bothers me. It bothers me because I can't remember hearing anything in a while that has grabbed me and made me giddy with delight or moved me, not just my feet but my head and heart. Is it because artists have finally written everything new that there was to be written and now their left with simply trying to recycle it with just enough slant to make it seem new?

I was listening to some of the music on the radio that my daughter listens to while we were on a trip to the beach the other day. After three songs in a row I honestly couldn't tell you when one song ended and the other began. And lyrically, there was no depth, no meaning that I could tell, no emotion. Just synthetic, computerized vocals and rhythm. (I have heard similar words once upon a time - when I was a teen and my parents listened to my music but really, it's really different now, right?) After a few songs I couldn't take it anymore and I had to change. Of course, what I listen to is just "old man" music. Really?!!!!? You just can't reason with a teenager these days!

I remember, when I was in my teens and into my 30's, hearing songs from an album (LP) on the radio and running to the store and purchasing it, going straight home, putting it on the player and then reading every word on the linear notes (the lyrics, who played what, all that stuff) while the music played. Then, when I was done, I would play the album over again and just listen to the music and the lyrics. There were times when it seemed like a mystical experience. Listening to Yes' "Close to the Edge" or "Tales From Topographic Oceans" or Jackson Browne's "The Pretender" or Larry Norman's "In Another Land" or.....there have been a few others. Or remember those rare occasions when you stumbled on an unknown artist and you went "wow!" and you couldn't wait to share their work with others - they were unique, their music was different, their lyrics was full of pathos or empathy or energy or hope or... But it just seems that those special moments have become fewer and farer between. Of all the CD's and downloads that I have, and I have a few, there are only a small number that still impact me like they did when I first heard them. All the others are nice, and I enjoy, but just don't haven't maintained that energy like they first did.

I miss those musical mystical moments. Maybe it's because I'm getting older (could my daughter be right?). I'm willing to admit that. But I do think there's more to it than that. I try to be open in my musical tastes; I do make an effort to check out a CD/download when a friend or reviewer recommends it. But I am still often left yearning for more. It's nice, I enjoyed it, but where's the power, the impact?

I wonder if the fact that we now simply download songs, and not entire album's/CD's, and therefore don't have the "package" that often helps draw the listener into the process of the music. You download what you want and often skip what doesn't grab you, which removes the opportunity for those songs to "grow" on you or help set up the other songs. You know what I mean?

Well, anyway, I was just thinking and wondering. Not sure if any of this makes sense to anyone else. It may be just all in my head - which is where good music has its greatest impact but moves the heart.

Speaking of head and heart, I think I'll put on John Mark McMillan's "The Song Inside the Sounds of Breaking Down" and Number One Gun's "The North Pole Project" or 16 Horsepower's "Live March 2001" or just about anything by U2 (I know, I need to move on from this U2 kick I have been on for a while). There is something in these albums that is powerful and riveting, unique and different, deep and stirring.

What music have you found that has created those mystical moments for you? I'd really like to know.

Music and Lyrics that Touch the Soul

A number of weeks ago I came across the music of John Mark McMillan. I was instantly drawn in by his lyrics and stirred by the emotion of his music. I was quite pleased to find that he is a Charlotte homeboy and will be doing a CD release concert here in early September. I thought you might like to listen to some of his music. Be sure to listen to track 9, "How He Loves." It is powerful. His music is a blend of rock, blues and folk.

Another singer/songwriter that I just stumbled upon today is Sarah McMillan. She is married to John Mark McMillan but her music is very different but just as powerful. I think you will enjoy here as well. Her music is more folk, country, and rock influences.

So sit back, turn up your speakers and be touched and moved.

Ramblings

My mind is in a very wandering mode this evening. I want to write, have had things I've wanted to write down but it's been difficult to get them in order and to keep focused.

I went with the youth of my church to Columbia, SC for the concert Winter Jam that consisted of about 6 Christian bands: one I don't remember, Mandisa, Newsong, Skillett, Barlowgirl, and MercyMe. 15,000 people were there, mostly under the age of 25. Truly felt like the odd man out, as I sat and watched these kids/young adults dance, sing, and worship. It was a great night, except I lost my hearing about half way through when Skillett took the stage. Straight hard metal rock. If you've seen the film "Spinal Tap" you might remember the scene where the group is talking about their sound system and how all the other groups turn up their sound to 10 but they can do them one better because all their equipment can go to 11! Well, I believe all the groups had their volumes up to 11. However, MercyMe actually turned it down a notch or two. They said that about 1000 kids accepted Christ for the first time that night!

I have read many books on church growth and about changing the direction of a church. I have often found them discouraging, beyond my abilities, or I was unable to connect with what they were saying. A few weeks ago I picked up yet another book about church revitalization, with some apprehension, entitled "Comeback Churches," by Ed Stetzer. I have been very surprised. I have found it very insightful, challenging, and inspiring. It is a book that should be read by every pastor and even church leaders. The author(s) looked at 300 plus churches that had stagnated in their church growth or that were dying (or almost dead) and what they did to turn around and grow again. They first looked at "comeback" leaders/pastors and what their role is in the process and then at the church itself and what was done in attitude, outlook, and outreach to turn things around. What they find is quite an eye opener.

Another book along the same lines that I read a couple of years ago was "Discover Your Windows: Lining Up with God's Vision." It is another book that I found very helpful. In fact, at the church I pastored in Birmingham (Lee's Chapel) we had the congregation read the book and then discussed on Wednesday nights. I believe it was instrumental to turning that church's thinking and direction around. Whereas I think every pastor and church leader should read "Comeback Churches," I think every member should read "Discover Your Windows."

I've been doing a series of Sunday messages on the Holy Spirit at my church. Started a few weeks ago - not sure how long I will go but I have found it not only challenging to my own life but have found the church very responsive as well. I haven't had a Sunday go by during the series that I haven't had someone tell me that what they heard was new to them. And what it has be asking is, when it comes to the things of the Holy Spirit (doctrine, experience), I wonder if we in the UMC are really making Him know as we should through our preaching and teaching. How can we expect God to use His church if we aren't open to the power of the Spirit and how can we be open if it's not be preached?

Just some thoughts running around my head...