surely we can change

Because tonite I need to believe it …

short-story long-er …

Did I mention my August travel took me to Chicago?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where I visited some of my dearest friends?

And also (oh, btw) rocked my brains out at Lollapalooza …

In Grant Park …

There was a lot to smile about.

hard to be humble (i.e., my strange gesture toward corporate repentance)

props to my buddy, josh

So … my all-time favorite album commemorating unrequited love is a little-known freshman project entitled About A Boy.  It just so happens I was suffering through my own season of prolonged & traumatic heartbreak when introduced to classmate/song-writer, Josh Bales (who told me such raw materials had been the inspiration for his first album).  Of course, I prefer to forget the fact that he was wrestling with (and writing songs about) such themes at age 16, while I was merely sulking in the company of his reflections … at age 28.  But catharsis, thank you very much, was had by all.  And yes (take this, ex-loves-of-our-lives), we’re the better for it!

Now, though, it seems we’ve both turned a happier-corner.  Just today, I uncovered Josh’s latest project –which (though-country) showcases his style & finesse in a way that’s distinct and (let’s go ahead & say it) more accomplished than his other stuff.  (Though my favorite song may still be a number from his album just prior: Hymn for All the World, a ditty Josh performed on graduation day in the company of a few hundred church leaders … commissioned to serve across the globe.  I cried.)  

In any case, I’m giddy to think I get to enjoy this old companionship (and now) in some brighter (more countrified) spaces!

i laughed my fool-head off

A friend of mine invited me to Starlight’s The Drowsy Chaperone tonite. I don’t remember the last time I manufactured so many rounds of legitimate, gut-busting, giggles. (I could not stop myself!) I knew nothing of this Tony-award-winning-show going in; I positively loved it. If you can spring even $10 for the cheap seats (that’s where we sat), it’ll be worth every penny!

Here’s a teaser:

bo diddley on songwriting

But Diddley said that while rhythm was important, the secret to good songwriting lay in something else.

“A story with some funny lyrics, or some serious lyrics, or some love-type lyrics,” Diddley said. “But you gotta think in terms of what people’s lives is based on.”

—NPR, All Things Considered

 

mind-blowing talent

Before tonite, thirty bucks seemed like a lot to pay for The Swell Season  in concert.  Not so.  (One of those “just had to be there” occasions.)

barry manilow’s two blocks away …

Playing at the Sprint Center tonite and – I confess (as I put on my pj’s and prep for a serenade while I sleep) – I’ve turned a full one-eighty in my feelings about the upcoming move.  I’ve been thinking (while listening to Barry sing) … maybe creating a little distance between me & downtown isn’t such a bad idea afterall. 

(Sorry to offend any die-hard-Barry-Manilow-fans; it’s becoming clear to me: I just can’t pretend.)

Is Barry a song-writing legend?  I guess.  Is he an American music icon?  I suppose.  Is he someone I can hear singing two blocks away without cringing?  Apparently not.

Packing (with a smile) …

again today

Out of my bondage, sorrow and night, Jesus, I come; Jesus I come.
Into Thy freedom, gladness and light, Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of my sickness into Thy health, Out of my wanting and into Thy wealth,
Out of my sin and into Thyself, Jesus, I come to Thee.

Out of my shameful failure and loss, Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come.
Into the glorious gain of Thy cross, Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of earth’s sorrows into Thy balm, Out of life’s storms and into Thy calm,
Out of distress into jubilant psalm, Jesus, I come to Thee.

Out of unrest and arrogant pride, Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come.
Into Thy blessed will to abide, Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of myself to dwell in Thy love, Out of despair into raptures above,
Upward forever on wings like a dove, Jesus, I come to Thee.

Out of the fear and dread of the tomb, Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come.
Into the joy and light of Thy home, Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of the depths of ruin untold, Into the peace of Thy sheltering fold,
Ever Thy glorious face to behold, Jesus, I come to Thee.

–William Sleeper, (ca. 1840-1920), Jesus I Come

another reason to love it …

American Idol, that is.  And the reason?  Contestant, Jason Castro, inviting us to listen once again …