Drawn From Still Waters Top 10 Albums for 2004
Number 2
R.E.M. – Around the Sun

Striking sound, striking lyrics, and a striking theme make this CD a real gem. It may not blow you away the first time you hear it, but it will grow on you. Each time I listened to it, I found that it became a little dearer to me. It contains Stipe’s best lyrics for years and holds together beautifully. From the opening of Leaving New York, to the closing Around the Sun, R.E.M. created a document that for me summarises the years 2001-2004. I'm looking forward to seeing the band as they tour Australia in March 2005. See the review posted earlier in the year.

Drawn From Still Waters Top 10 Albums for 2004

Number 3
Interpol – Antics

Wow! That’s about it. The first time I listened to this CD I was in awe from start to finish. It is probably as close to a flawless album as I’ve heard this year. I’ve not quite managed to get into the lyrics enough as yet, but the musicianship is stunning. I was quite taken with this CD so I also bought their 2002 release Turn on the Bright Lights, they have been compared with Joy Division (I’ve not heard much of Joy Division), but Hands Away, and NYC are awesome, and from Antics, Exit, Evil, Narc, Take You on a Cruise and Slow Hands, are close to the best start of a CD I’ve heard. I read about Interpol on another friend’s website. For that I am quite thankful. Interpol, have a touch of Radiohead (from the Bends era) about them in sound and they share a bleakness of lyric. Perhaps not as much on Antics as on Turn on the Bright Lights.

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Yesterday while I was doing a bit of shopping I had a look at one of The OC Soundtracks. While I'm not shy in admitting that I'd not really be that keen on the show, I was staggered to see how many songs on the soundtrack I not only knew, but liked.

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Thought that I'd point out a few articles from the SMH that caught my eyes this week. Emily Maguire wrote a piece that echoes some of my feeling for this year

The frustration of it[ed: the talk on values] all is that, while our leaders are busy being horrified by disco remixes and secular school concerts, situations deserving of righteous outrage are ignored.

I've saved the article about movies and dates for future reference, should I need it. Today there is a piece about evil and the existance of God. Interested in reading tomorrow's paper now.

Drawn From Still Waters Top 10 Albums for 2004

Number 4
Third Day – Wire

Third Day continue to deliver great sounding southern rock with great insightful lyric. The CD has spent a substantial amount of time in my player through 2004. Lyrically I like this CD more than any of Third Day’s previous CDs. A number of the songs deal with being a rockstar and a Christian. Wire talks makes a striking comment about the bond between a Christian act and their fan base Oh it makes me wonder / what if I slip will they catch me / or watch me fall. Mark Lee is commenting that fame is like walking a tightrope. On Rockstar, [Powell] comments that even if he wants to be a Rock Star / he [doesn’t] have what it takes, but it doesn’t matter, because to you [I’m reading God here] he’s so much more. Other standouts are: You Are Mine [Perhaps of God’s Love], It’s a Shame [A sad song about a relationship gone wrong – you left her without leaving / you hit her without swinging], and Blind:

The more I look the more I find / You’ve led me to the truth / … / You took my heart and changed it / with your words of life / You took my eyes and opened them / And gave me sight

I am seeing them in concert in Sydney, which should be great. For fans from their first self titled CD, they will find a very similar sound to their first CD.

when words seem trite ...

It's weeks like this that really shake your faith. Knowledge of our sovergein God makes things harder not easier. 60 000 lives, a large number of these children, why? We can lay blame, we can say in this comes good, but why? Our news leads with Australians missing, and focus on a footballer. Why?

I'm not in a space to say please pray yet. My heart is out of line with my head at this point. The poem below is a lame attempt to put my heart into words.

Light a Prayer

Light a candle, say a prayer
And shed a tear for this world today
Lives swept away with the oceans tide
Hard to see the news today

Oceans apart from the tide
Can’t find the words today
Light a candle for the lives washed away
Spend a moment to pray, a moments silence on other fields

Faith swept aside by the oceans tide
My heart cries, why?
Our sea an eerie glass,
A new respect is found

Light a candle, shed a tear
another tide, of mercy, and love.
Wash away our apathy;
Restore our compassion

December 28, 2004

Drawn From Still Waters Top 10 Albums for 2004
Number 5
Brooke Fraser – What to do with Daylight

A singer-songwriter from NZ, made it into the spotlight through supporting John Mayer during his Australian tour. I read the lyric to Arithmetic on another friend’s blog, I then went to HMV’s website read a little more about the CD. Most of the comments were very favourable. My Brother gave me the CD for my birthday; a week later I went and saw her live. The concert was awesome [I must post the review], and showed a stronger voice than on the CD. I was also impressed with how open Brooke was, and how she spent time after the show talking with her fans. I get the feeling the Brooke is destined for bigger things. Her lyrics are great, and speak to me.

Wake up feeling convicted / I know something’s not right / reacquaint my knees with the carpet

and

When the years are showing on my face / And my strongest days are done / when my heart and flesh depart my place / from a life that sung your song / You’ll still be the one I want

are two examples. In places her vocal recalls to mind Jewel, Norah Jones, or Sarah McLachlan. I am very interested in hearing more from her.

.. passed the point of no return .. no looking back now.

**Limited Spoilers**

Went and saw The Phantom of the Opera yesterday. First impressions; the singing was brilliant, Emily Rossum sang the role of Christine beautifully, as did Patrick Wilson and Gerald Bulter the roles of Roaul and the Phantom respectively. Discussions with the family on the way home concerning the sympathy the audience may, or may not feel for the Phantom (For my part I believe they did this really well; one scene in particular within which the Phantom destroys a rose crying). We also commented that it was a freer medium to use, as you are able to play with more sets. The costumes and sets where fantastic. It’s a risky thing translating a well-loved musical from the stage to the screen. Chances are if you mentioned the Phantom to people they would think of Michael Crawford and/or Sarah Brightman, so anyone singing that role is going to be compared to him; Gerald Butler and the cast have risen to the task.

The highlights of the film were also the transitions from the present back to the past. They were spell-binding; you’ll have to see the film to see what I mean. The final fadeout shot of the movie is absolutely fantastic. The costumes, and the stage direction were also brilliant, Masquarade was choreographed beautifully. Highlights of the singing for mine where Angel of Music, Think of Me, Wishing you Were Somehow Here Again and the Point of No Return and Notes, as were the standards (Music of the Night, All I Ask of You, and Phantom of the Opera)

Yeah I did really love the film. It’s been a while since I saw the musical; I remember bits and pieces as we all did. It was also fun to go to the movies with my parents as we’ve done that over the past three years (for the Lord of the Rings movies) so its kind of nice to keep doing it, will see what’s on this time next year.

The movie reminded me how good the musical is. Next stop, finding and reading the novel.

.. Resume countdown

I trust that you had a blessed day with family and friends, and are recovering well from eating too much, sleeping too little, and being spoilt rotten ;). I had a great day saw family on Christmas Day, and then yesterday down to vist friends in Figtree. Much fun had by all.

So.. lets catch up on the countdown.

Drawn From Still Waters Top 10 Albums for 2004
Number 8
The Finn Brothers – Everyone is Here

Finally bought this when I read the lyrics of A Life Between Us, posted on Deborah’s blog. I’ve been a big fan of Neil Finn for sometime. Anytime I’m asked for my favourite lyricists of all time Neil and Tim Finn are on the list. Along with A Life Between Us, other standout tracks are Won’t Give In and Homesick. The chorus of Homesick: Homesick for the people that I live with / Homesick for the spirit that I’m missing / Homesick for the country that I’m living in, really grabs me. Along with Neil and Tim Finn’s voice, it was their song-writing that drew me to Crowded House.

Number 7
U2 – How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb

It continues to grow on me. I’m intrigued now as I wait for the tour, and hearing what songs will be played live. My favourite tracks on the CD are City of Blinding Lights, Crumbs from Your Table, One Step Closer. I’m reminded of The Unforgettable Fire, when I listen to the CD.

Number 6
Wilco – A Ghost is Born

Another grower. Probably less consistent than Evermore and R.E.M., but this CD has its own distinctive flavour. On each listen there are more discoveries awaiting you. I love the lyric of Less Than You Think, the track also features 12 minutes or distorted noise (which detracts a little from the CD). Perhaps this is the band daring their audience to skip forward. During the CD, I’ve also at times just stopped to listen. I discovered Wilco via the Murmurs [R.E.M. fan] board.

the 5.36

Here's another quick poem. Karen may recognise it. This one was written while I was commuting to Sydney, late 2001.

blank stoney faces
silence shaken by piercing rings,
calls of "I'm on the 5.36.."
we remain silently anonymous,
in the midst of a moving crowd.

rustling pages
filled with yesterdays news
best sellers turning,
music filters from earphones,
silence dominates

going home?
the day plays back
weary hearts, and weary souls led home
minds realising the 5.36 comes to soon.

Drawn From Still Waters Top 10 Albums of 2004

Number 9
Mindy Smith – One Moment More
A recommendation from a friend in a Rebecca St James chat-room I moderate. Mindy Smith cover of Dolly Parton’s Jolene is stunning. Mindy has a strong clear voice, and has written the majority of the tracks on this CD too. I look forward to hearing more from her in future. Standout tracks: Jolene, Angel Doves, Fighting for it All. Took a while to find this CD, HMV had it in their country section. Now, don't hold that against me ;).

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May you all have a special day tomorrow, with family and friends, but more importantly, may we all be struck afresh of how God sent Jesus into the world, to took our place, by his death.

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Isaiah 9:6-7
Matthew 1:18-24
Hebrews 2:14-18

Carols at St Andrews

I went to the TBT's Carol's service last Sunday night. The lesson was interesting, he [being the infamous Dean of Sydney] titled his talk What are you looking for this Christmas?. In the lesson he contrasted the search of the Wise Men, and Herod. The wise men search to find the child to worship him. Herod search for the same child, to remove him. [From Matthew 2]

One of the striking comments made was as Philip described a picture, the picture was of a gentleman reading a story to children. The children where enraptured as he engaged with them. This is a picture of humanity. Glancing again at the picture, the man, is Adolf Hitler.

We are have the capacity for good and evil, one difference is simply the stage we are acting on.

Inpsite of moments in the sermon which I found intriguing, on the whole it was difficult to engage with the service. One of the reasons for this was during the intro to the service, the leader made comment to the song I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For. Perhaps it was this comment that threw me. I've (perhaps wrongly), seen I Still Haven't Found as a song from faith, not a song of doubt. There is a restlessness in the Christian walk, we're not looking for another answer, we're looking to be, to become what God has made us to be.

The Drawn From Still Waters Top Ten Albums of 2004

Between now and New Year's Day, I'll gradually post my favourite Albums. Today I'll begin with the honourable mentions, and number 10.

Norah Jones – Feels Like Home
A great follow up from Come Away With Me. Probably has less standout tracks, but Humble Me and Sunrise are two great tracks. Norah still does have an incredible voice.

Alanis Morrisette – So Called Chaos
Far less antsy than anything she’s recorded before. The songs are as intense as on any of her other records. Everything stands out, as does This Grudge [and those two songs are reason enough to buy the CD]. Musically this is also a little mellower than her previous CD’s.

The Frames - Burn the Maps
The most recent of my 2004 CD Purchases. Probably deserves to be higher, but seeing I've not really listened to much, its an honourable mention. Like many of the CD's on the list, this is a recommendation from the U2 website. The Frames are, I think, from Ireland. Kinda what I'd loosely describe as folk rock.

Number 10
Air - Talkie Walkie
My first contact with Air was through the soundtrack of Lost in Translation. I think it is Alone in Kyoto in the movie? They have quite a beaut sound. After reading of Joe, and Deb's fondness, I decided that I'd buy the CD, and after the first few listens I was taken by Mike Mills as well.

An Ode to 2004.. [precursor to the Christmas letter/blog entry]

In another 10 or so days we say goodbye to 2004. Memories of the year are haunted with tears; both tears of joy, and sadness.

I’d like to say that I know myself a little better now than on January 1. I know that 2004 will end differently to how it began. My usual journey to Beach Mission on December 27 will not occur. I will not be having a day off on New Year’s Day. In fact for the first time in seven years, I will actually see my parents on New Year’s Eve.

This is bittersweet.

I’m not sure that I’ve fully realised that mission will not be on this year. Last year mission was totally blessed. We had a great small team of dedicated Christian’s, God united us; God blessed us with children, and teenagers and adults who heard the gospel, perhaps for the first time. This is an awesome thing.

I will miss the fellowship with my brothers and sisters. Hmm maybe God closed this door for a reason. Maybe God will bring a new team there next year with a passion and enthusiasm to see to Gospel proclaimed. Still I can’t help but wonder if we treasured the opportunity we were given enough. People moved on, people move on every year, but we never really seemed to see more people join. I don’t know..

This would possibly have been my last mission at Fairy Meadow, having been there for 7 years, I thought one more than a break would be wise. So, maybe in the mix of this disappointment there is the kernel of belief that God maybe was telling me in the midst of all else to take a year to restore my relationship with Him. Draw deep encouragement and strength from Him over the week’s break that I have. And given the pace of the last half of the year a break over Christmas is welcome.

It has been a stressful year in relation to work too. We’ve seen a lot of staffing changes of the last three years. Come to think of it, we’ve had two Office Managers; two Business Managers, a number of senior staff come in, and go out of the doors. The New Year brings us to a new chapter; we’ll have a new Deputy (read Acting) Director, a large conference and a move to look forward to. I think it’ll be about August when I can come up for air.

And in this period of change at work, I’ll also be changing churches. Stability will be here in the form of home. I’ll be living with the G-Men for the year ahead. There’s a lot to be thankful there. In so many ways they do give me a homely feel. I argue with them, like I argue with my brother, we push each other to think. And I like that.

In relation to church; I’ve not really thought through where I’ll be going. I’m going to try out a couple, and see what they are like. I have been thinking of leaving for a while, and decided basically because though I have a lot to learn from those younger, I also have a desire to be with peers. Be with people who share my faith, and who have been going through the work related issues that I have this year. Next year, I’m heading toward 28, and those who will start going to church will be heading to 19. That’s 9-10 years difference, and that seems like a big gap.

And I guess I am also looking for a less transient church as well. And on the other hand, if I end up going to either SMBC, or Moore College in 2006, I’ll be moving and changing churches then as well. So this will either be for one or two years…

As for what I’ve been up to; trying to spend time with friends from Sydney, and friends from Wollongong. Last Sunday, I spent an awesome Sunday afternoon with one of my friends from NZ, who was visiting Australia with her husband. It was very precious time. I had coffee with them both as they left the country as well. God blesses us with friends who nurse our soul, challenge us to look to Him. These two S + U are like this for me. I treasure the time I have spent with them. S’s family and mine are good friends, well no, actually they are as family.

Over this weekend, I came down to watch the Extended LOTR films, all of them. We started Friday, and finished mid afternoon Saturday. Sunday was our Carol Service [Reflections to come..] Now there's three more days before a break that I am day by day looking forward too more and more. Though, need to say here, perhaps the standard line, that it doesn't feel like Christmas.

Next week I hope to blog reflections upon the year; some general, some on the topic of music, and film. Here are some nominations for album of the year [it’s been an excellent year for Music don’t you think, (yeah I really do think …)]

Air Talkie Walkie,
Evermore Dreams,
The Finn Brothers Everyone is Here,
The Frames Burn the Maps,
Brooke Fraser What to Do with Daylight,
Interpol Antics,
Norah Jones Feels Like Home,
Alanis Morrisette So-called Chaos,
R.E.M. Around the Sun,
Mindy Smith One Moment More,
Third Day Wire,
U2 How to Dismantle… and
Wilco A Ghost is Born.

CD’s bought that are ineligible (i.e. Live, or Best of’s):
Pearl Jam Rearviewmirror [Best of]
Aimee Mann Live at the St. Ann's Warehouse [Live, CD+DVD]
Sarah McLachlan Afterglow Live [Live, CD+DVD] and
Powderfinger These Days [Live]

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Dismantling a 21st Century Psalm

U2 // How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb [Universal]

One of the most eagerly anticipated releases for 2004, U2’s How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb was released last month. It’s been in my player for a fair proportion of the week, so I thought that the time was ripe to post some thoughts on the CD.

The impression that is resonating in my head at the moment is of the CD as a Psalm. Bono [who has written the majority of the CD’s 11 tracks], moves us through the feeling of disorientation in Vertigo, (beautifully highlighted in the video clip), through to Yahweh, which seems to provide closure. The CD deals with themes of death, love, peace.

How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb is close to, if not the most personal and honest song-writing Bono has done. The earnest, sincere heart of the band is out on its sleeve I feel How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb is U2’s most consistent CD in terms of song writing. On the whole I would say though some lyrics seem forced the CD is still impressively strong. Finally Dismantle has more religious imagery [highlighted in the book provided with the Limited Edition] than most of their back catalogue. How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb is arguably U2’s most spiritual record or perhaps second only to October. I also think the song writing is more open to interpretation than the 2000 offering, All That You Can’t Leave Behind, (although some songs were given new meaning during the 2001 Elevation Tour).

The CD features a number of beautifully moving songs – Sometimes You Can’t Make It … (they should rename this one Tough), City of Blinding Lights, One Step Closer and Crumbs From Your Table. Crumbs moves me a little more each time I hear it. I think in this song I’m hearing a plea to a church that has the capacity to do some much more, but fail to give even the crumbs from our tables. Another way to look at the song is a letter to the first world from the so-called third world. The chorus is one of the more gut wrenching in U2’s catalogue. From whatever angle you look at this song, it’s a killer, and the outro, wow. A Man and a Woman is another typically U2 love song, with the protagonist of the song, valuing love, over romance.

The CD has been strongly growing on me since the first listen. On each subsequent listen my appreciation of the musicianship and the chemistry of the band has grown – last time it was the piercing guitar in Love and Peace or Else, which must be an audio illusion to a bullet ripping the sky [Vertigo], realising The Edge sings a bit of Miracle Drug (beneath the noise, below the din), and one of the moments of the record is Bono’s beautiful emotionally charged ‘Sing you are the reason I sing’ from Sometimes You Can’t Make it On Your Own, a song Bono wrote for his father [along with One Step Closer].

And the CD finds its climax in the concluding line of Yahweh - Take this heart … and make it break. Only through the breaking of our hearts do we realise we are alive, do we know of our compassion - and concern, the breaking of who we are, to consider more than we are, to rebuild ourselves. Bono on this record has beared his soul. Dismantling the Atomic Bomb, is dismantling ourselves, dismantling what we value, dismantling what we have, and reassembling our attitude to the world. For as flashed across the screens of Zoo TV: It’s your world, you can change it; or as Gandhi said, (quoted on the booklet) ‘Be the change you want to see in the world’.

As to where the CD fit into their body of work? I definitely feel the songs on this CD will not age, and will be considered as good in 5-10 years as now, and this deserves to be considered alongside The Joshua Tree, and Achtung Baby as U2’s masterpiece.

these songs are in my eyes [and through my heart],
you’ll see them when I smile.

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