Favorites – Page 2

August 27, 2009March 10, 2015

Football Movies

So, I like football movies…

I only played for a couple years, but I think back on that time with a lot of fondness. Maybe because the practices was so incredibly grueling. I know that seems weird…you are sure that you are going to die right there on the field from pure exhaustion…I remember being so thirsty that I would suck on my sweat soaked jersey. But you don’t die, you get a water break and nasty garden-hose-pvc-pipe water tastes like Evian. The feeling afterward of having accomplished something is nothing short of exhilarating.

So, back to football movies…

I watched The Express recently and was reminded of something that I want to be a part of my life now: The head coach in the movie (Dennis Quaid) talks about how they can beat the other teams by being more prepared — by the quality they produce.

In my songwriting I want to keep pushing through until I have a song that is the absolute best it can be. There is a part of music that is intangible and you can’t control, but the part I have responsibility for, I want to be exceptional.

In my singing and guitar/keys playing I want to play the best parts possible for me. I don’t want to just play chords…I want to write parts that I have to practice! (I can’t believe I’m writing this down…) It doesn’t have to be complicated, just right. Sometimes the simplest things can be the most beautiful. But I don’t want to just settle for something because it’s just good enough.

In my relationship with God I want to press on and experience all that He has for me. I don’t want to just get by and know that I’m a Christian. I want to know more of Him. I want to see and hear things I can’t even imagine. I want Him to use me to do great things. What He designates as great — not necessarily what the world thinks is significant. I want to see Him move and touch people and shower them with grace and mercy like He has throughout history…I want to be a part of great stories that people tell years from now.

So, yeah, I like football movies…how about you?

August 21, 2009March 9, 2015

What New Music Do You Love??

So, I want to listen to some new tunes that are amazing and I need you to clue me in! What songs / albums / artists do you absolutely love right now? What do I HAVE to hear?

Leave your suggestions in the comments below and provide a link if you can :).

Thanks!!!

July 31, 2009

Very Nice Verses

I was writing a song with a friend recently and we started talking about beautiful Bible verses. Today, as my recommendation post, I thought I’d give you a few of my favorites. These are meaningful for life as well as beautiful language — kind of how I’d like my songs to be 🙂 — that’s a tall order to live up to!

Romans 11:29
…for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.

Proverbs 13:12
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Psalm 34:8
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

Proverbs 18:10
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Psalm 37:23
The steps of a man are established by the LORD, and He delights in his way.

Psalm 121:1-2
I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

July 24, 2009March 9, 2015

Favorite Duet?

So it’s Friday and I need to write a review / recommendation today….I know you’re counting on me! 😉 The one tune that hit me on the way to work today was a Sugarland song: “These are the Days.” I had heard it before, but I had to listen to it twice because it was so good (that’s my measure of good). I love Kristian singing…it was a true duet.

Country music has such a rich history of duets: George and Tammy, Conway and Loretta, Kenny and Dolly, and on and on. There’s definitely something about the harmony, particularly when it’s a male and female.

Do you have a fav duet? Country or not. Maybe you can turn me on to some I don’t know about!

July 17, 2009March 9, 2015

Crossroads

One of my favorite shows on TV is CMT Crossroads. It pairs a country artist with an artist from another genre (usually pop/rock). They sing each others’ songs and chat it up about their various musical experiences. There are a few duds, but I love a lot of them. One of my favorite games to play is “Who would be your Crossroads artist?” I love thinking about doing the show and what artist I would get to meet and collaborate with…cool. (a few possibilities: Springsteen, U2, Coldplay, James Taylor (he was taken by the Dixie Chicks, though))

Here are my favorites and links to videos.

Little Big Town and Lindsey Buckingham – Best by far!! “Bones” is basically a modern day Fleetwood Mac song anyway.

Brad Paisley and John Mayer – Both amazing guitar players although you feel a little bad for Brad because it seems John isn’t really into his music as much.

Dixie Chicks and James Taylor – Their version of “Carolina in My Mind” is one of my favorites that comes up on shuffle. Just James’s guitar, voice, and harmonies by the Chicks.

Kenny Rogers and Lionel Richie – Went to the taping of this with my HUGE Lionel Richie fan sister-in-law Norah. Their chemistry was awesome. They should do an album and tour together.

Jason Aldean and Bryan Adams – Brand new one, but what a hit. Their voice sound amazing together and Bryan should do a country album!

Do you have a favorite??

July 10, 2009March 9, 2015

Live, Live, Live

A couple months ago I posted a status on Twitter/Facebook stating that I loved live albums and asking people for their favorites. I got a great response. Lots of classics. So I decided to follow that up with a list of my favorites in no particular order…

James Taylor – Live – Great musicianship and, of course, songs. No overdubs!

Coldplay – LeftRightLeftRightLeft – The enthusiasm of the crowd is amazing.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band – Live in New York City – The energy of this band is unparalleled.

Simon and Garfunkel – The Concert in Central Park (1981) – Great harmonies and great fun.

David Wilcox – East Asheville Hardware – Funny, poignant, real.

Darrell Scott – Live in NC – Mix country, bluegrass, southern rock, jam band, and a voice like no other.

John Mayer – Where the Light Is – Comprehensive. The acoustic set is my favorite by far.

Darrell Evans – Let the River Flow – Taught me so much about worship.

Hillsong – Shout to the Lord – Classic. Nothing else to say.

U2 – Rattle and Hum – Not a complete live album but the closest I had in the 8^th grade. I loved the passion on this…I wanted to sing like Bono so bad (Part of me still does:)!

How about you?…