NZ Top 50 DVDs

While I was NZ, I was picked up Whitcoulls list of the Top 50 DVDs (incl. Franchises), as voted by the public. No prizes for guessing what was number 1. (I suspect that Australia's wouldn't be much different).

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50. The Usual Suspects 49. Gladitor 48. The Queen 47. Gandhi 46. The Fifth Element
45. Out of Africa 44. King Kong 43. Amelie 42. Goodbye Pork Pie 41. Schindler's List

40. Blade Runner 39. Saving Private Ryan 38. Crash 37. Blood Diamond 36. Casablanca
35. Fight Club 34. The Labyrinth 33. The Castle 32. Borat 31. Finding Nemo

30. Serenity 29. Gone With the End 28. Cars 27. Whale Rider 26. The Green Mile
25. Forrest Gump 24. Notting Hill 23. Top Gun 22. Titanic 21. Braveheart

20. Star Wars (Fr.) 19. Grease 18. The Sound of Music 17. Pulp Fiction 16. Pretty Women
15. The Matrix 14. Bridget Jones Diary 13. The Departed 12. Little Miss Sunshine 11. Happy Feet

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10. Casino Royale
9. The World's Fastest Indian
8. Pirates of the Carribbean (Franchise)
7. The Notebook
6. Harry Potter (Franchise)
5. Pride and Prejudice (BBC)
4. Shrek (Franchise)
3. Love Actually
2. The Shawshank Redemption

1. The Lord of the Rings (Franchise)

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While I think I've seen just over half of the top 50 (bolded), only a few would be on my Top 10. (Lord of the Rings, Whale Rider and maybe Amelie). Here's an approximation of my top 10 (films), yes there's 11 there. ;-)

Lord of the Rings (The Two Towers) // Wings of Desire // Whale Rider // Goodbye Lenin // The Shawshank Redemption // Paris, Texas // As it is in Heaven //Mr. Holland's Opus // Turtles Can Fly // Hotel Rwanda // Pan's Labyrinth.

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The end is nigh. Be positive

Fears of an apocalypse are drawing us towards fundamentalism, nihilism and activism. Only the latter offers humankind any hope. [Courtesy Richard Eckersley, 'The Age']

The defining question of our times is this: will we make it? There is a real and increasing possibility that global warming, resource depletion, the growing world population disease pandemics, technological anarchy, and the geopolitical tensions, economic instability and social upheaval they generate, will coalesce to create a nightmare future for humanity this century.

Avoiding this fate will depend critically on the stories we create to make sense of what is happening and to frame our response. A key task is to ensure these stories reflect not the decadence and despair of nihilism or the dogma and rigidity of fundamentalism, but the hope and energy of activism.

Saturday Shorts...

A lovely story from the Rugby World Cup, that you may not have seen:

After the All Blacks beat Portugal 108-13 in the the World Cup. As the two teams hit the showers, the reserves and squad members of both sides went out on to the pitch to go through their separate drills … but in no time at all both groups decided that was altogether too dull. Why not have a game of soccer instead? And so it went.

In no time at all a Portugal v New Zealand soccer match was under way between the 22-metre line and goal-line, and - though the ball skills of both Daniel Carter and Richie McCaw were on display - this time it was the Europeans who triumphed 3-1. After that, the two teams mixed and matched and played a fabulous game of touch rugby, with no one caring what the final score was.
[Courtesy the Fitz Files, SMH]

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Peter Saunders (Centre for Indepedent Studies - not SPRC, yes it is confusing sometimes) wrote an interesting piece in response to Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes a Court proposal to remove Poker Machines from the South Sydney Leagues club; there reasoning being they thought that half of the money lost on the club's pokies came out of welfare payments, and it was inconsistent for the club to sponsor community assistance programs while siphoning money from the very people it was trying to help".

The question Saunders was asking:

Is the problem with the pokies, or with those who play them? Is it the responsibility of clubs to stop tempting us and state governments to limit licenses, or should we be expected to exercise self-control? As adults, shouldn't we accept the responsibility of handling our own money and leading our own lives without needing actors, businessmen or politicians to tell us what to do?

I guess, I'd want to say that both approaches are necessary. While it is true that most may be okay we do need to protect each other, and this courageous decision (hopefully) will be part of this.

(Short) September ... 07

The Swan’s had quite a short September this year; and their season ended while I was enjoying Silverchair a few weekends ago. Perhaps my love of AFL might be a touch strange seeing as I am from a rugby union country (NZ), moved to a rugby league town (Wollongong). But when it comes to sport, my favourite football codes are Rugby Union, AFL, and Football; but I'm not nearly as interested in the NRL.

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I don’t think I really need to say much about Rubgy; I grew up in New Zealand. I remember in 1987 staying at school to watch the All Blacks play Italy in the first world cup. Though I’m not always appreciative of the way its often played (kicking duels), but seeing two teams attack, and counter attack with the ball passing through hands is quite awesome. The games that stand out were NZ’s loss to France in the 1999 World Cup; were France were not intimidated, and the surged over the top of NZ (31-40); and the first Bledisloe Cup test of 2000 at the new Olympic Stadium, NZ led 24-0 before the crowd had settled into their seats; led by 2 at half-time; trailed by 2 during time on, and won as Lomu scored with only tick left on the clock.

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I had never really been exposed to Australian Rules until our family moved to Australia. I gradually saw little bits and pieces, and I think it was one Sunday afternoon in 1995, when Sydney were playing Brisbane; and lost convincingly (about 200pts); I decided that it couldn’t get much worse so I declared allegiance then; they won the next game, and made the Grand Final the following year.

In general, I’m not sure that TV does Aussie Rules any great favors as the camera follows the ball. I’m still trying to get to a game in Melbourne where the atmosphere is something special. But again, I think the appeal of the game is largely dependent on who you see play, as I said, the Swans haven’t really had a good year (with injuries, and poor form).

This season, Geelong have been quite impressive to watch, the intensity with which they tackle; and the speed and incision with which they attack is quite impressive, its great to see them in the Grand Final; were they will play Port Adelaide. The Grand Final should be quite a good game.

Aside from the epic finals games between Sydney and West Coast (four games decided by under 6 points), the game that stands out to me is the Qualification Final between Sydney and Geelong (2005), Sydney looked gone at quarter time, and trailed by about 21 ponts, enter Nick Davis, who kicked four goals in the final quarter including the final one, in the dying seconds; it was very cruel on the Cats, but elation for Sydney.

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It was the Champions League final of 1999 which cemented my love of Football (truly the World Game). Bayern Munich were playing Manchester United in the final; Bayern scored early in the first half, and the score stayed at 1-0 until about the 90th minute, were dramatically United equalized; a minute later, United had a corner and Solskjaer turned the ball into the net, and Manchester were Champions of Europe. (the presentation of the trophy was delayed as the ribbons on the trophy needed to be changed~!)

By the way, none of the above means I support Manchester; in fact, I actually support Arsenal – mainly because of the free-flowing attacking football (which they play under Arsène Wengner) They’ve started quite well this year, given that Thierry Henry moved to Barcelona (another attractive team to watch).

While on the football; hats of to the Matilda’s who drew with Canada 2-2 this week, to make the quarterfinals of the World Cup (they play Brazil).

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But briefly on the NRL, I think Melbourne and Manly will win two quite tough finals. I cheer quietly for Canberra (who while favourites for the wooden spoon for the past three years; have not won it~!!)

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Gospel Growth

With a lot of talk about church growth recently, I've been thinking about implications of growth. One of the implications is we are going to need to raise up more leaders, for both the ordained (or vocational) ministry, and for ministry in general. Leaders who will tend and nurture both the new believers and core members of the church. Other implications might be how growth groups leaders are trained for this dual task; how they are supported and encouraged, how our pastors are encouraged, and protected from burnout.

We do not seek numbers, for the sake of numbers; but growth is so that those who are estranged from God, become believers; those who believe grow to love their saviour, and move to serve him.

Therefore while our focus is on the lost, we also nurture and strengthen our brothers and sisters. Alongside plans for new facilities and ministries, are plans to encourage, and minister to those who minister. Alongside visions for church growth, visions to strengthen and equip congregation members to serve. Alongside prayer for evangelistic hearts, hearts yearning to be more like Christ. Fundamental and foundational to the above, is dynamic, faithful, expectant prayer, and Christ-focused, Cross-centred practical preaching.

Across the Great Divide (Silverchair+Powderfinger)

 Acer Arena September 8, 2007

I've been meaning to write a review of the concert for quite a while, so here goes. I have to admit that I didn’t get into Silverchair or Powderfinger until I saw them perform at WaveAid. I was looking forward to their new albums this year, and wasn’t disappointed. Dream Days… is quite consistent in terms of style and sound, a solid collection of songs. Young Modern is perhaps the more ambitious of the two, and was quite an eclectic mix of songs. My feeling is that Young Modern will be the more enduring of the two albums.

On to the concert, supporting the double act was The Scare, who had a tough spot for a start, but they didn’t make it any easier on themselves.

In general, the concert was quite impressive, both bands played a mix of their classic and new songs, but for me, a lot of the classics were new~! Silverchair played first and impressed with their intensity, though the crowd really only got into Ana’s Song, Straight Lines and Freak. I really also liked Without You. Silverchair did make me think about looking into their back-catalogue. Perhaps unattended; perhaps I’m reading too much into it, but it was quite lovely to see the drummer hold the Australian flag upside-down.

It seemed, however, the majority of people were there to see Powderfinger. Dream Days translated quite well. Their set seemed stronger, but Bernard Fanning seemed to worked the crowd a little better. The highlights were Lost and Running, My Happiness, Black Tears, These Days. 

I was hoping that they would play a song together, and wasn’t disappointed (they said that it was the first time they’ve done it). The played a cover of The Who’s Substitute.

For those who like this sort of thing, my best recollection of the setlist is below.

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Silverchair: Young Modern Station // Israel’s Son // Emotion Sickness // Without You // Reflections of a Sound // The Greatest View // Ana’s Song (Open Fire) // Across the Night // Insomnia // Straight Lines // The Door // Mind Reader //
E:/ / If You Keep Losing Sleep // Freak

Powderfinger: Head up in the Clouds // Waiting for the Sun // Love your way // I Don’t Remember // These Days // Lost and Running // My Happiness // Who Really Cares? // Black Tears // Bless My Soul // Sunsets //
E:// On My Mind

Finale: Substitute⁺
+ Performed by both Silverchair and Powderfinger.

Random Shorts

In my sport post; I forgot the Hit and giggle Cup (yawn!).

There's an article in today's Age about Sporting Tribalism (or, why neutrals will watch Sydney v Collingwood; fans are desperate to see opposing teams they particularly dislike lose).

In interesting piece about the impact of 9-11 on art, music, literature and film, also from The Age:

According to Chris McAuliffe, such work [that is Political Art] has been in the ascendancy this decade, though curiously it has focused not on the big item - September 11 - but on consequent events: Iraq, migration, inhumane acts.

"Events of a world historical scale are beyond us but if we can return it to a human scale we can start chipping away," he says, noting that events such as Abu Ghraib, the children overboard affair and the injustices at detention centres have produced more artwork than September 11 itself, possibly because their scale was more comprehensible, more human.

I recall thinking on September 12, 2001, in some naive fantasy, that perhaps this was a chance for rich, powerful nations to do some fearless self-appraisal: what had caused this shocking thing to happen? Instead there has been arrogance, aggression, greed and truculence.

But it is heartening to know that potent cultural expressions - art, literature, films, the things said to each other - are made by individuals, who are perhaps better at self-appraisal than governments, nations and organisations.

We all make our cultures: what a freedom to have the choice to consciously engage with its positive transformative process, to be empathising creators rather than passive recipients."

The Streets of Sydney...

As I type, various organisations are on the streets of Sydney protesting, and while I am aligned in some of the causes (alleviating poverty; climate change and increasing foreign aid); my fear (perhaps expectation) is that a massive disservice will be done by a few, for many.
Convincing people takes more than witty slogans; and rests in the power of argument, though a peaceful protest will leave an impression. Though this said; it is hard, frustrating, and disenfranchising, when you feel your voice is ignored by those in power.

Anyway, I hope that I'm proved wrong; and that the voices of many are heard, and not distorted by the actions of a few.

Currencies of the Stars

I found it interesting that both the Weekend Australian, and Sun Herald published articles about celebrities who speak out about contemporary social and political issues.

Janet Albrechtsen argued in the Australian 'why would [should] the opinion of many of those who are high school drop outs, who sleep all day, party all night and do drugs in the hours left over, merit attention?'.

The Sun Herald article was perhaps a little more balanced.

I've often heard Bono speak about the 'currency' he has, that is because of his position he is able to speak out about issues he is passionate about, and he does also tend to do his research. In a recent interview Brad Pitt was quoted saying "the world needs more celebrities who put their fame to good use when it comes to facing the globe's problems".

Like any citizen, 'celebrities' have a right to speak on issues they are passionate about, the advantage (for Charity and other NGOs) is that celebrities have a 'louder voice' because of our (and the media's) fascination with them. Which is not to say that their voice is weighter (but it does put pressure on them to know what they are talking about).

When our elected representatives are deaf; and dumb to our arguments, they are another welcome voice.

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Aside: I'm hoping that the 'psuedo-election' campaign (running for all of 2007) is almost over with Howard tipped to call a poll for as early as mid-October.

Bring on September ...

In terms of sport, September is one of the best months for me. September brings with it the Finals in two of Australia's big three 'Football' Codes, AFL and the NRL, and the beginning of the 'best' Football (read Soccer) competition in the world the UEFA Champions League. In the AFL the Swan's have a tough game against Collingwood (who have beaten them twice this year); though its going to be hard for them to get to the Grand Final.

September is extra special this year, with the Rugby World Cup being held in France, and at the same time the Australian (and New Zealand's) Women's football team get a chance at the World Cup in China.

It will be exciting watching it all unfold. We'll find new 'stars'; see big wins, some 'upsets', and some nail-biting finishes; before we crown the champions (and it fades into history as names and numbers).

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Music..

So, given that we're almost three quarters the way through the year, I thought I'd post on some of the standout CDs for the year. I've included some of the CDs I bought in December last year.

1) Miriam Clancy - Lucky One

I owe this CD to reading a review in the local newspaper (Twizel, NZ). Given we were doing a bit of driving, and it got quite a favourable review we decided to buy it, and we were not disappointed.

Fun label: folk-rock (indie)
Favourite Tracks: And so it begins, Dry your eyes.

(2) Brooke Fraser - Albertine

Another one we bought in NZ, and it keeps the New Zealand singer-songwriter theme going. I think this is a much stronger CD than What to Do With Daylight, in terms of the songwriting.

Fun label: folk
Favourite tracks: Albertine, CS Lewis Song, Hosea's Wife, Shadowfeet.

(3) Bright Eyes - Cassadaga

Moving away from female singer-songwriters now. I first came into contact with Bright Eyes when they supported REM (2005). I think I bought I'm Awake before the concert, and was very impressed with both the studio and live performances. Cassadaga, to me, is not as even as I'm Wide Awake, but it has been growing on me.

Fun label: Indie-folk.
Favourite tracks: Lime Tree (one of the saddest songs I've heard), No one would riot for less, and Make a Plan to Love Me.

(4) The Frames - The Cost

I think this came out late 2006. (and may even have made my 2006 list). There is something really special about this Irish band. They have been rated as Ireland best live act (which considering their opposition is no mean feat). Their songs are beautifully crafted, and often go from a quiet start to an intense ending.

Fun label: alternative
Favourite Tracks: Song for Someone, People Get Ready and Bad Bone.

(5) Powderfinger - Dream Days at the Hotel Existence

Great title~! Rapidly growing into one of the better Australian Groups. I really like the sound of the album, and I like it a bit more than their earlier material. Its quite a consistent record. I am really looking forward to hearing the songs live.

Fun label: rock..
Favourite tracks: Drifting Further Away, Wishing on the same moon, Black Tears.

So … its spring, time for a new post

It has been a while since I wrote an update; so I thought that I’d take some time to do let you know what’s been going on.
We began August with a lovely week in Noosa, which was so nice and relaxing. It was great to see parts of Australia that I hadn’t before, and we also had bits of time, to sit and read. We also had a lovely time in Melbourne, to celebrate Fi’s Grandparents 60th Wedding Anniversary.

The following week, we saw The Frames at the Metro. Is it just me, or do all of the best bands come from the UK or Ireland? I'll write more about the concert later.

The Network Weekend Away (Barney’s ‘workers’ ministry) was also in August. It provided me with quite a few challenges in how I think about work - for example, what does it mean to work in my job, as if I was working for the Lord.

Also on church, we now have a few conceptual designs for the ‘new-building’ for the Broadway site. My mind can’t help but wander the book of Haggai, as I think about our plans for a new building.

Since then, we’ve been to Springfield (that is we saw The Simpson’s Movie). Which I thought was funny (in parts), but not brilliant. I think I just felt that I had seen more memorable or better scripted episodes.

On the horizon is Silverfinger (Which I like better than Powderchair). We are quite looking forward to it too.

Anyway, might leave it here for now, but I do hope to post again soon. :-)

... now that I have seen; I am responsible ....

The Devil Came on Horseback

I have been writing a little bit about what has been happening in the Sudan and to add to that there is a new film coming out; The Devil Came on Horseback, which centres on the story of a former Marine captain (Brian Steidle), who spent 6 months as an unarmed monitor in Darfur. Its one of the films on my (must-see) list to see this year, it might be a hard one to sit through, but it is also an important one.

New York Times Review; Rotten Tomatoes; IMDB.

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Through following a couple of links [to Laura]; I saw the website of Nadus Films, whose purpose is

to document the story of the Sudanese, and share it with the world. Treading gently as servants, we seek to touch the lives and hearts of the war torn nation of Sudan, by bringing them hope for a peaceful future.

I've also found a growing number of websites which are quite helpful in suggest what we can do and not only in Darfur.(Not on Our Watch; and Committee on Conscience) are a couple.

As it is in Heaven

On Saturday night we went and saw the Swedish film As it is in heaven at Cremorne. It surely does say something about a film, when it has been running for 30 plus weeks, and the theatre was close to capacity (with many people in the theatre seeing it for the second or third time).

The film is about Daniel Daréus, a successful conductor, who suffers a breakdown; and then returns to the village in which he grew up in, and he becomes responsible for the choir, and the impact this has on the village, and on him.

The characters in the film are so rich, real, and easy to relate too. During the film I laughed, and I cried, (I experienced the full range of emotions).

The film touches on many themes, hypocrisy, violence and bullying, and in someways the power of music, to transform, and heal. Pollak summerised the theme as the idea that absolute, complete love doesn't condemn.

It is an incredibly moving film; and has been lingering in my mind since I saw it. I was deeply moved by the film; (I haven’t cried in many films, but this is one of them). One I wouldn’t have minded seeing again, straight after it finished. And one I heartily recommend.

A comment one the film from the SMH

While the film was a story of a choir on one level, the only song, sung in the film is the song included below; sung in the film, by a women in an abusive relationship.

Gabriella’s Song

It's now that life is mine
I have gotten a time here on Earth
And my longing has led me here
What I missed and what I got

This is still the road I've chosen
My confidence far beyond words
That has shown a little piece
Of the sky I've never reached

till I want to feel that I live
All the time I have
I shall live what I want
I want to feel that I live
To know that I'm good enough

I have never forgotten who I was
I've just left it sleep
Maybe I have had no choice
Only the will to exist

I want to live happily, for it's me who I am
To be able to be strong and free
See how night turns into day
I am here and my life is only mine
And the sky that I thought that existed
I shall find it there somewhere

I want to feel that I've lived my life

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Flicks...

Shrek the Third **
A few good laughs, but seemed to drag a little in places, and recycled some of the earlier jokes. (No. 2 is still my favourite).

Pirates of the Carribaen: At Worlds End **
Disappointing, it just seemed done.

Avenue Montaigne (Fauteuils d'orchestre) [Orchestra Seats] ****
A warm and very human film. In some ways, it reminded me of Amelie.

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Rock 'n Roll disasters

Inspired by this article here's my top and bottom gig.

Top
Radiohead 1998, (2004 not too far behind); and tie U2, (1998 - there was something very special about that night) and Sigur Ros (Brixton, London, 2005 - it was a combination of the venue, and the music).

Honorable Mention: U2, 2005 Madison Square Garden.

Bottom:
Bon Jovi, Eastern Creek, 1995 [touring These Days].
I was given the tickets for my 18th birthday, the concert was held just after the HSC, not much went right really - it was a horrible humid and hot day, in which we lined up for ages, and you could smell, then see, the evening storm approach, it started sprinkling, and 5 minutes later it was hailing. No shelter and not much fun. Perhaps it says something that there is not much that I remember about the concert.

[Edited: corrected date]

A little bit more reading…

Stanley Fish, from the New York Times, writes an interesting article about the three recent books by Dawkins, Harris, and Htichens.

Facebook..

I recently joined – here’s an interesting piece (also from the NYT, but published in the SMH here) on Facebook. [Comments on the NYT article are here]

Australia's Cultural Diasporia

While in Canberra recently, we went to the National Portrait Gallery, which at the moment is housing Australia's Cultural Diasporia, an exhibition of photo’s by Nathalie Latham. The exhibition features photographs of people involved in the Arts, who have left Australia. I found it eye-opening that a large number of Australians who in essence leave Australia for opportunities, collegiality and perhaps recognition; but not many have have definite plans to return.

“Her portraits therefore have a double edge, being both celebratory pictures of courageous Australians going out there into the unknown, and melancholic pictures of loss, of the loss of another generation of young Australian artistic talent drawn to the lure of elsewhere.” Geoffrey Batchen

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The Moral Poverty of the West

Its almost two years since "Live 8" and it seems that nothing has changed.

To rise from the floor of poverty the victims need not only grand gestures, but a constant, willing hand that does not withdraw when politics intrudes.

See also: The G8 has forgotten its African pledge.

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Fascinating article from the Herald today, suggesting that the The biggest problem facing the world is women's rights

More Links

Opening Address of the Sydney Writers Festival, by Andrew O'Hagan. Edited Extract, both via SMH.

Another reason to move to NZ. Here’s NZ’s ranking explained. More about the study, including the indicators used are here. It would seem that Australia’s involvement in non-UN missions is the main reason for its position (#25).

How to describe yourself using only the power of music?

Courtesy of: Wednesday Mix-Tape: In Five Songs Or Less.

We are the Beggars at the Foot of God’s Door – The Normals

And somehow we're made royalty with You,
Oh we of little faith, Oh You of stubborn grace

I find that the lyric of the song captures the reality of the Christian experience, and it is a reminder that it is only by grace that we’re saved.

I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For – U2
I often think of this as a song of faith, not doubt. The restlessness of the words and the music, sit well with experience of the Christian, straining and striving to become more like Christ; longing for more people to know Christ's love, and yearning for the day when creation is restored, and there will be no more tears or sorrow.

Pokarekare Ana – Hayley Westenra
I am a New Zealander; I particularly love the country, its history and culture, and while I don’t think I’m likely to move back to New Zealand, I am quite ‘proud’ of NZ. Pokarekare Ana is a traditional Maori song, with beautiful words.

Light Gives Heat – Jars of Clay
I have been thinking about my choices for the list, and I wanted to include a song with perhaps more of a political tone. The song I've chosen is Light Gives Heat (by Jars of Clay). Jars of Clay established Blood:Water Mission, which is reaching out to those who are suffering from HIV-AIDS in Africa. Speaking personally, I believe there is much more I, perhaps, we can do here.

Travel
I saw these two pieces during the week which intrigued me.

League of top tourists.

I’ll be quite interested when the final list of the New Seven Wonders of the World is decided (does anyone know of the 7 Wonders of the Natural World).

Songs of Praise : Britain’s favourite Hymns

Courtesy of ABC TV

Lazy Sunday morning in Wollongong, and I’ve flicked on ABC’s Song of Praise, and they counted down their viewers favourite hymns.

10 Shine Jesus Shine
9 In Christ Alone
8 Guide Me Oh Thou Great Redeemer (Jehovah)
7 Make Me a Channel of Your Peace
6 Be Still, For the Presence of the Lord
5 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
4 Be Thou My Vision
3 The Day thou Gavest
2 Dear Lord and Father of Mankind
1 How Great Thou Art

Interesting list, but when we talked about it we wondered where is Abide With Me, Great is thy Faithfulness, And Can it Be, O For A Thousand Tongues and When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, to name a few.

Watching this short countdown reminded me that there is a real treasure trove of great hymns that is worth looking through more than every now and again.

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I also stayed up last night to watch the F.A. Cup final, put simply, "great goal, boring game" [BBC]. Here's hoping the Champions League final this Thursday morning is a better game.

Mix Tape 1: Politics and the pulpit

I've done a play-list for my Politics and the Pulipit 'category'.

We are Nowhere and It’s Now – Bright Eyes // World on Fire – Sarah McLachlan (NB: You need Quicktime for the video) // Ashes of American Flags – Wilco // Lua – Bright Eyes //World Leader Pretend – R.E.M. // The New Wild West – Jewel // Crumbs from Your Table – U2 // Light Gives Heat – Jars of Clay // Please – U2 (MTV Music Awards – Live) // Wake Me Up When September Ends – Greenday // No Bravery – James Blunt // Hosea’s Wife – Brooke Fraser // Deeper Well – Emmylou Harris // What Your Grace Can Do – Clear // The Survivor – The Normals // Worlds Apart – Jars of Clay

Review: Brooke Fraser @ the basement (28 April 2007)

Been meaning to post this for a while, late last month Fi and I went (with Marty and friends) to see the New Zealand (no Australia, you can’t claim her~!!) singer-songwriter Brooke Fraser at The Basement. All in all, it was quite a enjoyable show, she wasn’t feeling too good; and said that if she ran off stage; it wasn’t us. The show was filmed for the ABC Live at the Basement series (I think its usually on about 11.30pm on Thursdays).

Brooke has quite a fresh stage presence, and was quite talkative on stage, I quite liked her comment about the fake ending (that is: the age-old routine, of going off stage; then getting the audience to make lots of noise before coming on again to play the songs you always intended to finish with). 

Her emotion filled comments before Albertine were quite moving and her performance sent a shiver up my spine. I also got a shiver when she sang Arithmetic, (which was sung by Karen during the signing of the register at our wedding).

As perhaps could be expected; there was a call to action before Albertine. She spoke about how perhaps, after going to Rwanda, she had never come back, and how likewise we had the power to make a difference.

There is a view that artists' “second CDs” tend to disappoint; to my mind, Albertine is a notable exception, growing on me each time I listen to it. The song-writing is the strength, and perhaps speaking more clearly about the Christian life than the her first CD. (I find the best examples to be: Shadowfeet, Love, Where is Your Fire?, and the C.S. Lewis Song). If you haven't yet, I would recommend checking out the CD, and (from what I’ve read) another tour (during August).

For those who are interested here is the setlist; most likely all the songs though not necessarily in the right order. 

Setlist:
// Deciphering Me // Lifeline // Love, Where is Your Fire? // Better // Seeds // Faithful // Hosea’s Wife // Without You // Hymn // CS Lewis Song // Albertine //
// Arithmetic // Shadowfeet //

Random Links

Five Seconds Ok ?!

The roots of ethnic violence
Samantha Power’s book A Problem From Hell, mentioned in the article, looks like it will interesting, but no doubt depressing reading.

Sport and Politics - update

I read on the SMH website this morning that the Australian Government has ordered that the Australian tour of Zimbabwe to be called off. It is encouraging to see the government take leadership on this issue.

Visitor ...

While posting my last post, we had a visitor on our balcony. He sat there quite contentedly (almost watching me), while I went looking for, and found my camera, then flew away to enjoy the beautiful day.





Anyway, that's all from me now. I'm off to visit some friends. It is nice to have a weekend with minimal plans, after a few quite busy (but enjoyable) weekends.

Sport and politics

In the news this week is the Australian Cricket team's tour to Zimbabwe. There are not many reasons why it should go ahead – irrespective of concerns about who will pay the fee (Given the situation, Australia could refuse to pay the fee?). Here are some comments from Henry Olonga (one of Zimabwe’s former players, who famously took the field with a black armband to protest against the government).

Governing is about leading, it would be good to see our government continue to show leadership on this issue (see this piece from The Australian).

I don’t think the decision should be left to the players to make. Ultimately the real losers in this are the young Zimbabwean Cricketers, which are already facing a badly funded and run association, and they will lose the chance to play an Australian team (perhaps minus a few of its key players).

In all honesty; Australia cancelling the tour is not really likely to cause active change in Zimbabwe; but by taking a moral stand it does draw international attention to an offensive regime.

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But as I write about the Australian Cricket team’s potential visit to Zimbabwe and the attention being drawn to one African regime; I find it quite sad that another African Regime in Sudan, almost escapes media attention (see my last post).

Puppies and psychology

An interesting piece in the New York Times this week: Save the Darfur Puppy. The Comments, and the article here, make interesting reading.

A few other interesting articles:
How Do You Solve a Crisis Like Darfur?
Car Washes And Genocide

Another musical challenge

I recently wrote a blog about making mix tapes, for those who want to submit playlists (that is: a list of songs), feel free to do so in the comments.
The playlists should be about 10-15 songs, and a few suggested themes are below. Maybe we can have a listening party sometime soon?

Politics and the pulpit
You’d have your political and perhaps protest songs here, or if the political sphere is not for you could also consider songs which belong in the church.

The Sad Sad songs
Compile a list of your favourite depressing songs; or the sad songs which cheer you up.

When I’m Gone
The songs you would like played at your funeral.

Lyrical Dreaming
In this one, I’m thinking the songs that contain your favourite lyrics.

Fresh / Old Tiners
Make a list of your favourite new songs, (new purchases or discoveries) or the songs you don’t grow tired of (your old faithfuls).

Like yesterday
Music is often a trigger to help us recall our memories. Create a list of songs which remind you of memorable moments in your life.

Love!?
The eternal theme, use anything here, you favourite love-songs; break-up songs, songs of longing.

Guilty Pleasures and Hidden Treasures
Songs which are your guilty pleasure; (songs that “you shouldn’t like”, but do) and the songs which you consider the undervalued gems in your collection (the Hidden treasures).

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I'll give you a chance to comment, then I'll post one of mine.

[visual dna]
Quite liked this. (thanks Little]

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Unforgettable Speeches..

I was glancing at the SMH page today, and noticed that Paul Keating's 1992 address on Aboriginal injustice is Australia's most unforgettable speech, behind "I have a Dream" (MLK) and the "Sermon on the Mount" (Jesus Christ).

This speech (also given by Paul Keating) at the funeral service of the Unknown Australian Soldier, 11 November 1993 is one of my favourites.

Update, The Age in an article on the survey laments that the art of oratory has transmuted into the routine of speechmaking.

Easter Op-eds

A few select quotes from the Good Friday opinion pages. They made quite intriguing reading today. I think the first piece challenges us to think about how we can make our churches more 'culturally-relevant' without changing the message. The second article by Melbourne Critic Peter Craven spoke about how Christian literacy is disappearing and that our culture lost something as a result. I was taken by the issue of 'truth' which was raised in the final two pieces.

I'm always blown away by the 'conclusion' to Mark's gospel, which I really identify with, as I could see myself responding in a similar manner on Good Friday, so I finished with two verses from Mark and Acts, which summarised to me the amazing transformation in the disciples; from fear and confusion to faith and certainty.

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As a report in The Age today shows, an increasing number of younger Australian Christians are seeking solace and spiritual comfort in smaller groups, away from a church that they regard as daunting and too institutional. They have a friend in Jesus, but, for them, Jesus has left the main building and is more easily sought in cafes, clubs, homes or galleries more hospitable to private contemplation and prayer.
~~

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Even worse, we live in a culture of forgetting and any loss of knowledge of the icons of Christianity can seem like the loss of the most precious tokens in the world. Intellectuals don't come more secular and liberal — and Jewish — than the late Susan Sontag, but towards the end of her life she deplored the fact that most American art history students were not religiously literate enough to know the Stations of the Cross .... And this is more than a loss of symbol recognition. It's also a loss of a climate of feeling.
~~

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If we knew for sure what happened, there'd be no need for faith: doubt is both the engine and the essence of faith.
~~

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This order of truth is as relevant today as it was 2000 years ago. It offers release from the bondage of despair, a basis for hope that what we know of our lives and deaths is not all there is to either, and trust in the intrinsic value of every human being and of the ultimate purpose God has for all humanity
~~

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And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
Mark 16:8

Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified. (Apostle Peter)
Acts 2:36

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"Worship" Music..

I was quite interested as Lara counted down her churches favourite songs. So I thought I'd take the time to list my favourites. Making the list was harder than I thought~! And it does change quite a bit. But as you'll see from my list, I quite like the hymns we sing at church. (Don't get me wrong I do like the other songs that we do sing, but we have been blessed with some great hymns).

~~~

5. Be Thou My Vision
4. May the Mind of Christ
3. How Deep the Father's Love for Us
2. And Can it Be

1. It is Well with My Soul

I think that it is the story behind this song that is so amazing. I really love the third verse:

My sin, oh the bliss
of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to His cross,
and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul

There are also a few good contemporary versions of this song (by Jars of Clay, Jennifer Knapp and Rebecca St. James)

More links ...

[via NYT]

Moral Monkeys?

On Governmental Apologies - "All I am saying is that while there may be good reasons to resist apologizing, the we didn’t personally do it and those it was done to are dead reason isn’t one of them."

Voting Christianly

Given the State Election on the 24th, and looming Federal Election this year, I've found the below few articles quite interesting reading.

:: Shock News - I’m Christian and I Vote.
:: Why we must vote Christianly - and not just for the CDP (Sandy Grant)
:: Nothing New Under the Sun; [Byron's Blog], this post and the comments make for worthwhile reading.
:: Voting Christianly (John Dickson) [on the All Saints Petersham website]

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this one is about mixed music…

So, I have been listening to a bit of new music, and felt like making a few mix CD’s, and at the same time thought that it might be interesting to hear what the readers are listening to.

I thought that we could try and make it interesting and nominate a mood (eg. fun, contemplative), theme (eg. home, spring) or style (eg. acoustic, live, loud) for the playlist. (Of course I'm open to suggestions here)

So if you are interested in being part of this leave a comment and I’ll arrange the details after a week or so depending on the level of interest.

Update

I’ve been thinking my way through the Copyright Act and 2006 Amendment. Given that under the law it seems we are able to make copies of CDs we own – I don’t think that there is a problem if I make a playlist for myself.

So I think we can each make a CD; then send it round the circle of people, and then return to the owner. Let me know if you are in under these slightly revised conditions.

More Links

On Multiculturalism… [Interesting take on multiculturalism in Canada]

A Fascinating post on "filling the void"

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Reel Life

Pursuit of Happyness: Quite enjoyed it. Though I do wonder if enjoy is the right word. It was quite a moving film. It was inspiring seeing the way Chris dealt with the cards he was given. The most moving scene for me was when Chris and his son end up sleeping in a locked toilet cubicle at a subway station and the camera focuses on a tear which runs down his face. I was left thinking it should not come to this.

As mentioned in the movie; perhaps there’s a little something in the fact that the US founding fathers wrote the ‘pursuit’ of happiness, rather than happiness (Aside: my mind recalls the poem (by Lewis Caroll) and musical of The Hunting of the Snark, also being about the quest for happiness.

Pan’s Labyrinth – I quite liked it. Well worth a look, a little violent, but at the same time it is a rich, and beautifully crafted story.

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On my list to see at present: The Queen, Music and Lyrics, The Last King of Scotland, Stranger than Fiction and Miss Potter.

Spinning Round

Added to my music player recently: Leigh Nash (she was lead singer of the band Sixpence None the Richer) Blue on Blue and Emmylou Harris Wrecking Ball (an older gem, that features songs written by Daniel Lanois, Neil Young and Bob Dylan).

I’m looking forward to new CDs from The Arcade Fire, Wilco, and maybe Interpol.

Quite enjoyed Don’t Dream Its Over at the Zoo last weekend. It was a tribute to the music from the Finn’s; they played classics from both Split Enz and Crowded House). It was quite enjoyable; with a great location, and atmosphere.

Links …

Did he really say …

“Gossip is not a trivial pastime”

Sounds like …

Random acts of kindness; and senseless acts of beauty..

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The Chappell-Hadlee Trophy; no its not the World Cup, but wow. NZ win by 10 wickets, 5 wickets (chasing 336), and 1 wicket (chasing 346).

Chasing Leather: With apologies to Bill Shankly: losing isn’t everything, it’s the only thing (Simon Barnes, from The Times, UK)

While I was unpacking the remaining few boxes I discovered an interesting article, which given the weekend's results (and New Zealand's sad demise) is perhaps timely...

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"You can lose gloriously, dramatically, heroically, unluckily, adjectly, humiliatingly, defiantly, haplessly. (NZ is particularly good at losing honorably, eg.) […] but it all adds up to the same common experience of sport: not winning. We repress the idea of losing. So much of the sporting experience is about anticipation: the sort of things we might do, when it all begins. And in anticipation, we are all champions, and the teams we follow and cheer for and cherish are always unbeatable until we are beaten. […] To say that winning in the only thing in sport is to say that Tabasco is the only thing in a Bloody Mary. The Tabasco gives you the zing and the bite, but it is not the Tabasco that intoxicates, and it is not the Tabasco that keeps you coming back for more.

Without defeat there is no victory, without losers, there is no winner. We celebrate the winners: and we do so while repressing the thought that every winner floats high on buoyancy on the tears of the losers. We should be grateful to every loser. Without losers there is no sport.

We who follow sport are hooked on the twists and turns of the narrative: the ever-changing cast of heroes and villains, the thrilling alternations of victory and defeat. It is the unexpected victory that is always the sweetest, because it came so close to defeat.

Arsenal was within a Thierry Henry miss of a wonderful win (Champions League final 2006). In 2005 Liverpool provided the miracle that Arsenal narrowly failed to deliver. Last summer England won the Ashes (seems a long time ago now), and the joy of the victory sprang from almost 20 years of unbroken defeat by Australia, and intermittent defeat by practically everybody else. Without that history of defeat, victory would have been far less sweet. Defeat is a constituent part of sporting joy.”

Summer Sport..

I really have enjoyed the Australian Open. I know, its apples and oranges, chalk and cheese, but its hard to think of a sportsman, sportswomen, or a team as dominant as Roger Federer. Some of the shots that Federer made against Andy Roddick were unbelievable. I think Federer has now won four of the last five major tennis finals (losing the fifth to Raphel Nadeal). Simply stunning. But he is more than his record; Federer is a credit to the sport, both on and off the court.

I’ve been thinking a little bit about what I’ll call the romance of sport, which I think save the suburban grounds is slowly disappearing.

If you watch a lot of Rugby League, and Rugby Union you would have seen the Video Referee for some time.

If you spend a lot of summer in front of the cricket you would be quite familiar with the use of video replays to adjudicate run outs and stumpings. It think that there has been talk to extend this to include ‘LBWs’ and ‘catches’.

If you watched any of the Australian open, you will have noticed a little bit new technology on Rod Laver Arena. Players are able to use "Hawkeye" and challenge two calls in each set.

Sadly I think with each of these “technological developments” we lose the thing what I find to be special about sport, the unpredictability of human judgment. Well I think it is at least what I love about sport, and with the quest to make the calls perfect we are now able to look at everything, sped up, slowed down, from above, from in front, and from behind.

There’s something to be said for non-competitive sport, were players more often than not are playing because they love the game and perhaps “in the spirit”.

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Thinking about the spirit of the game, players who concede points, or who walk when they are out, or mention to the umpires if they did not catch a ball cleanly seem to be quite rare. It was saddening seeing both Craig McMillan (NZL v AUS), and Mike Hussey (AUS v ENG) remain in the middle, while seemingly knowing they were out. I like to seeing batsmen walk.

I am not too disappointed with how New Zealand has gone. They pushed Australia all the way in two of the three games: losing by 2 wickets (and but for a dropped catch, and messed up runout may well have won), and 8 runs (chasing 345). Given that England have just about wrapped up tonight's game, it looks like NZ will have to win one more game to qualify for the finals. We’ll see, irrespective of these two games, hopefully they can have a good World Cup.

Musical musings

Given the boxes have reduced from about fifty down to about four (mostly mine), I thought that I’d take the time to post on my favourite music from last year. Owing to being bought quite close to my wedding, and Christmas, I’ve not been give a proper listen to Damien Rice’s 9, and Snow Patrol’s Eyes Open, though I quite like Chasing Cars.

Honorable mentions to Brooke Fraser’s Albertine (bought while we were in NZ), The Whitlams – Little Cloud, Belle and Sebastian – The Life Pursuit, Eskimo Joe – Black Fingernails, Red Wine.

(5) The Frames – The Cost

The Frames are rapidly becoming one of my favourite bands. The Frames mix quiet and intense music throughout their songs, and The Cost is a haunting album, and its worth taking a chance on. They are the band at the moment that I would most like to see play live. I didn’t go to see them when they were here at the beginning of 2005 and regret it a little. It is sad that The Frames are not more well know.

Favourite tracks: Song for Someone, Falling Slowly.

(4) Sarah Blasko – What the Sea Wants, the Sea Will Have

Given the success rate of second albums, What the Sea Wants… is rare, it does not only match The Overscore and the Underscore, I think it surpasses it. Sarah’s voice is well suited to the range of emotions in the songs.

Favourite tracks: Planet New Year, Amazing things, The Women by the Well

(3) Thom Yorke- The Eraser

Thom Yorke is one of those singers who’s voice you either love or hate. I am firmly in the love camp. It is his voice that holds the album together. It ties beautifully to the themes of Radiohead's recent work. I don’t think there is a weak track on the record. The record has whet my appetite for the new Radiohead CD (if rumours are to be believed – due this year)

Favourite tracks: The Clock, Harrowdown Hill, Analyse, Cymbal Rush

(2) Jars of Clay – Good Monsters

If you haven’t picked up a Jars of Clay CD since their first self-titled record, Good Monsters is worth giving a go. What has not changed is the earnest, humble, and honest songwriting. What strikes me as I listen is that the album hangs together; the themes of the album is about coming to grips with the human capacity for both incredible evil and incredible good, the love of God amidst the trials of life. With Good Monsters, I think Jars of Clay has made their most solid album both lyrically and musically.

Favourite tracks: All My Tears, Oh My God, Light Gives Heat and Mirrors and Smoke

(1) Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova – The Swell Season

It was tough the separate these two CDs. I recently have grown into a big fan of The Frames, and it was from their website that I knew this CD was being released. I first heard Falling Slowly and Sleeping?, on MySpace and was completely captivated. Each song is beautifully created. The interplay between the instruments and music creates a beautiful effect. Hansard’s voice draws you in and matches the moods of the cello and the piano.

It is an album that I love from the first to last track, and is my album of the year.

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A random shuffle (10) from 2006

Parachutes – Pearl Jam
Running – Evermore
Lies – Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova
Funny Little Frog – Belle and Sebestian
Rise – The Frames
Mirrors and Smoke – Jars of Clay (featuring Leigh Nash)
Sleeping? – Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova
Song for Someone – The Frames
Goodbye Alice in Wonderland – Jewel
Leave – Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova

New Day Dawning

Well it doesn’t seem to long ago that I was sitting in Wollongong writing about 2005, and we have now welcomed in 2007.

2006 was a very memorable year. I started settling in to St Barnabas on Broadway. I have enjoyed working on the Network team (ministering to workers). During May last year Barneys burnt down, and since then we have been meeting in the lecture halls of Moore College. It has been a change for us all, but we are slowly adjusting. The church held a conference to look into options for rebuilding. It has been since decided that we are going to redevelop the site. It will be a great opportunity for us.

The highlight of the year is a little bit of a no-brainer. On December 2^nd this year Fiona and I were married. The eight months of our engagement disappeared quickly. We got married at St Matthias Paddington, and spent three weeks honeymooning in New Zealand.

During the first two weeks, we spent three days in Christchurch, before heading to Aoraki (Mount Cook) and Queenstown. A few highlights of the trip were our time in Aoraki (Cloud-piercer in Maori); our visit to Doubtful Sound (The Maori name Patea means Shadowlands (if you look at our pictures you will know why), jetboating on the Dart River, and a meal we had in Wellington (at Kai in the City – who served what Lonely Planet calls Maori Fusion. Loosely translated the meat was cooked traditionally and made into European styled meals.

The last week in NZ we spent catching up with my extended family; in Dunedin, Wellington and Auckland. It has been quite a busy year for our family – three of my cousins also got married, while we were in NZ we were able to attend Sharyn’s wedding.

Since being back in Australia, we spent one night in our home before having Christmas in Canberra, and we celebrated New Years in Wollongong (before returning to the nasty reality called w—k).

Postscript: Since we have been back, we (read Fiona) has spent a lot of time putting up photos that our family and friends took at our wedding. They can be found here.

Wedding Piccies

From Helen and Dug...

Bits and pieces

Just thought that I'd let you know that all is coming together for Saturday :-)
Here are a few things that I've looked at briefly during this week;

Ross Gittins on P-v-y. (more information is here)
The Picture of Spiritual life in Australia

Anyway, I'll get back to these, and some year in review posts in a little while.

Countdown...

Make Poverty History

Last year, eight concerts were held around the world with some of the worlds biggest bands and artists, including Pink Floyd, The Who, The Killers, Coldplay and U2. All took to the stage with the same goal – to make poverty history. Friday night in Melbourne a number of Australia’s biggest music artists took to the stage with the same goal to make poverty history. The gig on Friday began with members of U2 and Pearl Jam combining (U-Jam?) on stage to play a powerful, passionate and inspiring cover of Neil Young’s ‘Rocking in the Free World’.

It is a hard road; it began with music, but the music plays second fiddle to action. We have currency; our values, our voice and our vote. We have an argument, and it is with this argument we should lobby our leaders. It is saddening watching the news and coverage focusing on what protesters did and will do rather than hearing about the argument, and the issues.

From stages across the world, over the last eighteen months Bono has spoken passionately and powerfully about our potential to act and to make a difference. In the concerts he doesn’t ask money, he asked for their voice and for action. Action which begins for me, by lobbying our government to increase aid.

We can afford to, it is not about charity; it is about justice. We have been given much, and I believe we therefore should give much.

Darfur

About 13 years ago, a rock band essentially took a TV station out on tour (ZooTV tour, 1992-1993), and in a series of dates hooked up with Sarajevo and drew attention to what was happening. After realising what had happened, the world said never again. After watching the genocide in Rwanda, we said never again.

Our world is looking on a similar crisis in Darfur and is inactive again. Our leaders need currency, and courage to act. We are not helpless and should not simply watch again, we can provide currency by speaking out. Nicholas Kristof from the New York Times speaks about the current situation and gives a few ideas about what could be done. If not now, when?

... I know that this is not goodbye ...

// U2
// Sydney Nov 11, 2006, Telstra Stadium
// Support: Kanye West

// City of Blinding Lights / Vertigo (She Loves You) / Elevation (Spinning Around) / Until the End of the World / New Year’s Day / Beautiful Day (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Blackbird) / I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For (In a Little While) / Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of / Sometimes You Can’t Make it On Your Own / Love and Peace or Else / Sunday Bloody Sunday / Bullet the Blue Sky (Johnny Comes Marching Home-The Hands that Built America) / Miss Sarajevo / Pride (In the Name of Love) / Where the Streets Have No Name (All You Need is Love) / One (My Sweet Lord) ///

// Zoo Station / The Fly / With or Without You (Never Tear Us Apart-Love Will Tear Us Apart) ///

// The Saints are Coming / Desire (Not Fade Away-Gold Digger) / Kite //

It was different experiencing the Vertigo Tour in an outdoor setting. The quality of the sound was not as bad as I had thought it might be, but I guess the sound may be related to where you are. The seats were actually better than I had expected and were a great vantage point from which we saw the band get back into the cars at the end of the concert. I now get goose-bumps every time I hear Wake Up (The Arcade Fire).

The biggest difference for the Pacific Leg of the tour and perhaps no surprise is the number of songs from ‘All that You Can’t Leave Behind’ returning to the set. So far, Kite, Stuck in a Moment, In a Little While (a snippet) and Walk On (sadly not for our show) have been added to the staples Beautiful Day and Elevation), and that they are playing The Saints are Coming (a cover of The Skids song). I found it interesting that there were only four songs played from How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.

One of the highlights of seeing U2 live is hearing how they combine songs (if you’ve seen the bands ZooTV and PopMart videos you’ll know what I mean), and the various snippets of other songs that Bono sings, for example he previously has included Love Will Tear Us Apart (Joy Division) in With or Without You and Amazing Grace (in Running to Stand Still on the Vertigo Tour and previously in The Electric Co.).

A word about Kanye West, I was not that taken with him. Perhaps it was because we came in about half way through his performance, but his mix didn’t really help. Hearing him in a stadium is not the best way to be introduced to his music.

U2 opened the show with City of Blinding Lights; Bono came on stage wrapped in an Australian flag. Vertigo followed next and was an energetic affair concluding with a snippet of the Beatles’ She Loves You. Elevation was a great; from our vantage point it was awesome watching the crowd bounce around, (the song concluded with a bit of Spinning Around).

Following the combination of Until the End of World and New Year’s Day, was a strong version of Beautiful Day, finishing with snippets of Sgt. Peppers’ Lonely Hearts Club Band and Blackbird.

During the introduction to I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, Bono spoke about how all the family was doing very well tonight, and I think he said the Edge’s family was at the concert. After a brief snippet of In A Little While, the band dedicated Stuck in a Moment to Michael Hutchence, and followed that with Sometimes You Can’t Make it On Your Own.

The section from Love and Peace to One; is perhaps the sermon section of the concert. Love and Peace or Else is growing on me. Bono dedicated Sunday Bloody Sunday to those who lost their lives in Bali said his prayer was that we do not to become a monster to defeat the monster. I quite liked the new arrangement of Bullet the Blue Sky. The three songs Love and Peace, Sunday and Bullet flow beautifully into each other, and a stunning Miss Sarajevo tops it off. Miss Sarajevo was dedicated to those Australians serving overseas in Iraq. Every time I hear Bono sing the part usually performed by Pavarotti, I am blown away. I have to admit, this was a song that I thought might have been dropped for our leg of the tour. But as I found in the US, people would talk or talk bathroom breaks during this song. (Note: I think it is worth buying the deluxe version of U2-Eighteen for the DVD containing Miss Sarajevo and Original of the Species alone).

The African trilogy (Pride, Where the Streets Have No Name and One), followed and flowed from the reading of the Declaration of Human rights. Where the Streets Have No Name was fantastic as always. I quite liked the beginning where flags from the African continent scrolled down the screen and ended with the Southern Cross on the screen. The effect of having the mobile phones lit during One is beautiful.

The first encore pairing of Zoo Station and The Fly was amazing (both songs I hadn’t heard last year, but were otherwise played regularly). Like during Zoo TV, words, sentences and ideas flashed on the screen. After seeing those two songs I was reminded how great it would have been to see them during the Zoo TV tour. The first encore concluded with a beautiful version of With or Without You, (though I don’t remember Bono dancing with anyone?)

The second and final encore featured U2’s recent song – The Saints are Coming, (a rough and fun version of) Desire. The concert closed with a stunning version of Kite (dedicated to Cate Blanchett and featuring Tim Moriaity on didgeridoo). Although I knew the band had rehearsed it I was still surprised to hear it closing the concert. Seeing the kite lift off as the band concluded was awesome, (and they did say they’ll be back~!)

Overall, it was an excellent show. I think next time I’ll try and get tickets closer to the stage. I was intrigued that the older songs that got the loudest reactions. Bono did seem a little quieter than usual. Another thing that I quite like about U2 is throughout their career the meanings of their songs continue to evolve and can speak to people in different ways, at different times.

Sydney was the third show on the Vertigo tour I’ve seen. Each of the shows stood out for different reasons. Miami featured an acoustic version of Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses, Miracle Drug, and the most songs from How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb (7), Sydney had the least (4), but included Stuck in a Moment (which I had heard acoustically in the two US shows) and The Fly, and Kite. The New York show included a cover of Instant Karma, the beautiful Original of the Species and finished with Bad. But I think push come to shove, the 11.21 show in New York was the strongest and most emotional for me. For those who are interested in set lists:

Miami: 11-13-05
City of Blinding Lights / Vertigo / Elevation / Mysterious Ways / Until the End of the Word / I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For – In A Little While / Beautiful Day / Miracle Drug / Sometimes You Can’t Make it on Your Own / Love and Peace or Else / Sunday Bloody Sunday / Bullet the Blue Sky / Miss Sarajevo / Pride (In the Name of Love) / Where the Streets Have No Name / One ///
// Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of / Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses / With or Without You ///
// All Because of You / Yahweh / 40.

New York 11-21-05
City of Blinding Lights / Vertigo / Elevation / I Will Follow / I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For – In A Little While / Beautiful Day / Original of the Species / Sometimes You Can’t Make it On Your Own / Love and Peace or Else / Sunday Bloody Sunday / Bullet the Blue Sky / Miss Sarajevo / Pride (in the Name of Love) / Where the Streets Have No Name / One-Ol’ Man River ///
// Until the End of the World / Mysterious Ways / With or Without You-White Flag-Love Will Tear Us Apart ///
// The First Time / Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get out Of / Instant Karma! (w/ Patti Smith) / Bad–People got the Power //

Sing a new song ...

Reflections from a Sydney Anglican Pastor (Rev Stephen Shearsby) on the U2 tour.

Music

Inspired by Elsie, here’s a list of the contenders for my ‘Album of the Year’, in no particular order:

Evermore (Real Life); Jewel (Goodbye Alice in Wonderland); Sandi Thom (Smile … it confuses people); The Frames (The Cost); The Whitlams (Little Cloud); Jars of Clay (Good Monsters); Sarah Blasko (What the Sea Wants, the Sea Will Have); Eskimo Joe (Black fingernails, Red wine); Thom Yorke (The Eraser); Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova (The Swell Season); Pearl Jam (Pearl Jam); Belle and Sebastian (The Life Pursuit); The Killers (Sam’s Town).

(Perhaps going to show that someone spent too much money on music this year).

30 Years, 11 Albums ... 18 songs

After almost 9 years U2 are back are on our shores with the Vertigo tour, and by now have played their first show (No - I don’t want to know anything about it).

It seems quite amazing that it is almost a year ago that I saw them in Miami and New York. It is going to be interesting seeing how the indoor show is changed for the stadium show on this leg. One things for sure, there will be surprises (and perhaps a few songs from All that You Can't Leave Behind). I am going to post reviews of the three shows (Sydney 11.11; and the two I saw last year).

I’ve found it quite interesting reading about the U2 Definitive collection to be released on Nov 18. Its not likely the tracklist will keep everyone happy, but I am saddened that no songs from October, Zooropa and Pop made it.

For the record, here's a collection of songs that I would use to introduce someone to U2, while staying away from the 'hits'. (Note, the listing probably doesn't flow or fit on a standard cd..)

1. Out of Control
2. Gloria
3. Sunday Bloody Sunday (Acoustic)
4. Drowning Man
5. The Unforgettable Fire
6. Bad
7. One Tree Hill
8. All I Want is You
9. So Cruel
10. Love is Blindness
11. The First Time
12. Miss Sarajevo
13. Please / Where the Streets Have No Name (Live)
14. Staring at the Sun (Live, Acoustic)
15. The Ground Beneath Her Feet
16. When I Look at the World
17. Crumbs From Your Table

Wordplay

Last night we went to see Wordplay. It is a movie about the creation, character, and some of the characters completing the New York Times crossword, and concludes with a look at the characters competing in the Stamford Crossword competition. It is a good length film (about 90mins), and well constructed. I enjoyed the recollections of Bill Clinton, and Bob Dole who both recalled the 1996 election crossword, which was built around a clue 'Tomorrow's headline', which could read "Clinton [or] Bob Dole Elected". Not your typical film, but definitely worth a look.