Music Monday || 15 February 2010

I've been spending enough time on the internet lately that I was able to listen through most of the Spinner.com's new releases.  This past week (at this moment they're still up) had some great music, new artists and some old ones too.

Yeasayer is a great new-ish band from Brooklyn who describe their music as "Middle Eastern-psych-snap-gospel".  I mean, how can you not be intrigued?  I caught them on Kimmel– yes, I occasionally watch Jimmy, but I don't stay up for him like I used to for Conan.  You can head over to Hulu for their Late Night performance.  But here's a clip of them performing "Tightrope" covered on the Dark was the Night album from TheCurrent for your immediate satisfaction.

I was taken aback when I saw that Dave and Tim had put out a new live album.  I consumed DMB to an almost idolic amount in high school.  So much so that I have stopped listening to them altogether, except in early June, when the warm weather seems to push DMB through the speakers on its own.  But this is good.  It's new stuff and old stuff all done in their typical open-tuning driven way.  Here's #41, complete with crowd sing-a-long.

Photo Friday || Kuma's Corner

Kuma's Corner was the meeting place when I returned to Chicago a week and a half ago.  It could have been the metal blasting over the speakers that seemed to have gotten louder as the night went on; or the multiple brews that were consumed; or the great hamburgers–named after various death metal groups–that they serve up; or maybe, it was just the great friends that I was there with, but which ever the case, it was one of my more memorable nights that I have had in Chicago.  These are some of the photos from the evening.

Josh and I arrived about 6:30 and there was already an hour and a half wait–minimum.  The door girl jotted our names down and we settled in at the bar.  The place was packed already, but we were able to be inside.  A couple of 3 Floyds later, we were talking to others that were waiting.  Our party started to arrive, the music got louder and another round was ordered.

We were seated around 8 and began to peruse the menu.  The burgers were called names like "Iron Maiden," "Black Sabbath" and "Slayer".  I ordered the "mastadon" which came with cheddar, bacon, frizzled onions and BBQ sauce.  And another round.

Our food came out.  The waitress brought us a free beer because we seemed like "a fun group."  And as the music increased in volume once again, so did we.

More photos in my Flickr stream.

Life :: Update

A new site.  A new city.  Almost a new apartment.  The closest of you know the details, but since I'm not in constant contact with those who are close, but not the closest, I want to give a brief overview of the happenings of my life.

I am enjoying my internship with City Church and still very much getting to know all aspects of that.  The Body, the city, the culture, the music, the you-do-it-this-way-but-I-normally-do-it-another-way sort of things that make one feel not quite at home.  Most of this is going well though.  Sunday I signed a lease and should find out soon when I get to move into the new apartment.  I'll post photos, as well as give you a call when I need help moving.

The internship is in its third week.  Mike and I have gotten extra time together, since I've been sleeping on his couch.  I have gotten to know his wife, Beth and their beautiful daughter (16 months–I think) Lunden.  I have been getting up early on Mondays and meeting with the group of guys who are leaders at City Church.  We are reading through Unfashionable by Tullian Tchividjian as a primer to reformed theology.  Even as a small book, it has been one to challenge our preconceived notions of Christianity that have perhaps crept in through something close to a Biblical understanding, but not quite.  Mike, Phil, Jessica (the other intern) and I have also been meeting to discuss readings that have served to familiarize us with the Gospel, living in the city, and taught us to understand the story which God is creating in us.

Job-wise I'm still looking.  Pray specifically for this.  I thrice staged at Niche, recognized as the premier restaurant of St. Louis.  I got to know some of the guys there well, even in my short time, but as there are no part-time positions available there, I have had to look other places.  Thankfully, they have a Brasserie open in the Central West End that is looking for part-timers.  I go in to stage there today (Tuesday).  My reluctance at working in a restaurant kitchen is the long hours they demand.  A 12-hour shift, located primarily in the later half of the day, limits my time to spend with others as well as puts a burden on Hailey.  I may not have much of a choice though these first few months, since all the other places I have applied to are not hiring.

I'm happy to see God moving me in a specific direction.  I'm finding a lot of satisfaction in him and the internship doesn't feel like work–it's something I would naturally do.  That is a blessing itself.

Music Monday || 8 February 2010

I've been pushing the Avett Brothers on to people for some time now and love pretty much everything they do.  There music at a bare-bones level seems fuller than others do at full volume.  Thoughtful lyrics and wonderful melodies come together in some amazing ways.  This video of Scott Avett playing "Famous Flower of Manhattan" from Four Thieves Gone is no different.

[Big HT: Steve K. McCoy]

Leaving Chicago...

Far, far away From those city lights That might be shining on you tonight Far, far away from you On the dark side of the moon

I long to hold you in my arms and sway Kiss and ride on the CTA I need to see you tonight

And those bright lights Oh, I know it's right Deep in my heart I'll know it's right

By the bed, by the light that you read by By the time that I get home to say good night I need to see you again On the dark side my friend On the dark side

Jeff Tweedy, the lead singer of the Chicago-based band Wilco, wrote the above lyrics. They suggest that while he was out on tour "on the dark side of the moon" he was "far, far away" from the one that he loved. His desire was to be with them, to ride the CTA– affectionately known as the "EL"– to be at the bed of his loved one. Whether his loved one was the Second City itself, or his lover who dwelled there, the lyrics don't clarify. However, if I had written the song, the words would have referred to both.

In the midst of packing– or procrastinating the process– I decided to write about how I would be missing this City of Big Shoulders that have been supportive to me over the past 7 years of my life. No wonder I'll miss it so. It's been my the hub of my comings and goings as long as my time spent in Tulsa. I have grown fond of this city, with its political machines, mediocre roads, amazing food, beautiful art, well-served public transportation, amazing people, great parks, heartbreaking sports teams, cold/rainy/icy/snowy/sunny/cloudy/beautiful weather, frustrations, pains, joys, longings, architecture, community... I could go on.

Of course, just as painful as leaving the city itself is leaving the deep friendships that I have developed here. Both in seminary and after, I have felt loved on every level and have made friends that go beyond merely drinking good beer, eating great food, watching Monday Night Football, walking the dog, playing poker, picking out great wines, celebrating the goodness of God, worshiping, taking communion, seeing live performances, cooking, serving, gathering, brunching, etc. It hurts my heart to leave these great friends in this city that I love.

Knowing that if for some reason, I don't return, I will see them again on an eternal scale is comforting. Knowing that "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future," is foundational in me keeping any kind of composure through this transition. So though I may be far, far away longing to ride on the CTA, my trust lies not in the city that I dwell or in those with whom I dwell there, but in the God of Israel, who was their God no matter where they were and no matter where I am.