Coming Neurosurgery Meeting

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After talking with Helen in the Neurosurgery Department at the University of Chicago, we have set an appointment with Dr. Yemini on June 18th, the soonest possible date.   This is the initial consultation about Chiari Malformation 1 surgery to detail what will happen, answer questions, make sure Molly isn't faking it for sympathy, etc. 

If all goes well we then set a surgery date, which they said should be very soon after the 18th.  So it's very likely that in late June Molly will have brain surgery.  Yikes, that sounds serious. 

U of C isn't our only option.  We are still awaiting word from Mayo Clinic (maybe on Friday) about whether or not they can get us in soon.  If we hear good stuff from Mayo we may take that option.  We'll let you know when we know which way we are going for sure.

Nice facts: The University of Chicago Hospitals are #16 on the U.S. News & WR list of top neurology and neurosurgery hospitals.  No surprise, Mayo Clinic is #1.  Both good options.

Five ways to exploit your Chiari Malformation (we need to laugh or we are going to go crazy)...

5. "Twenty miles over the speed limit, Officer? Sorry, my Chiari makes it hard to tell how hard I'm pushing the pedal." (numbness of limbs)
4. "Honey, I just can't do/lift/work on/bathe/clothe/wash/clean/cook/find/ vacuum/dust ___________.  Can you do it for me?" (muscle weakness)
3. "I'm so smart my head can't contain all my brains!" (see MRI film, or diagrams)
2. "Can we just go to sleep tonight honey?  My Chiari is acting up again." (headache)
1. "I haven't been drinking officer, it's just my Chiari." (dizziness, problems with balance and coordination)

Visit to the Neurologist

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Thanks for all of your prayers.  We need them. 

We got back from the neurologist a little bit ago.  It's confirmed that Molly has Chiari I Malformation.  Surgery is not only a must, but the neurologist also encouraged a sense of urgency.  If it isn't taken care of soon there can well be more permanent damage done to her body. 

Mri_1 Basically the lower back of her brain, the cerebellum, is pressing into her spinal column and putting pressure on her brain stem.  Note in the Molly's MRI film on the right (click it for a larger version) the dashed line "T."  That is the bottom of the cerebellum part of the brain where it shouldn't be.  It's causing her both physical problems (limbs going numb, significant back and neck pain, balance issues, dizziness, etc) as well as some problems with her thinking.  She is struggling to track well in some of her conversations and has difficulty coming up with the right words to say.

First thing tomorrow morning we are going to speak with a neurosurgeon at the University of Chicago.  He is gone for the day or we would contact him today.  U of C is well recognized for this kind of surgery and comes highly recommended by Molly's neurologist.  We considered the Mayo Clinic, but with four kids it's difficult to go farther away (they likely will stay here in Woodstock with friends). 

As we understand it, this surgery should really help to straighten things out.  Many recover from most of their pain and difficulties.  The hospital stay should be 3-4 days. 

You would be right to guess we are concerned and a bit stressed over all this.  Molly is doing pretty well knowing surgery is coming, but I have to admit I'm starting to freak out a little bit.  We know God is in control and that we can trust Him with all our circumstances.  And I do feel all will turn out just fine in the end.  But I'm really starting to feel the weight of what's coming.  The next few months are going to be very stressful.

I love my wife so much.  As difficult as this will be for her, and for us, in many ways I'm looking forward to caring for her.  Please pray that we will get this surgery in the works asap.  And thanks again for all your prayers.  I will post any updates when I am able.

Please Pray for My Wife

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Dsc_00342_2My beautiful wife, Molly, has had some severe back/neck issues for a few weeks now.  It has been causing her tremendous pain, significant muscle weakness, numbness in her arms and legs, dizziness and loss of balance, and more.  We assumed it was a pulled muscle or a pinched nerve, but a visit to the doctor said otherwise.  He said the symptoms didn't match something all that simple.  He gave her a few days to see if it started to improve.  It didn't. 

So our doctor sent Molly to get a battery of MRI's for her back, neck, & head.  He called on Saturday to deliver some bad news.  Our doctor told Molly she has Chiari (pronounced kee-AR-ee) Malformation, which is a "developmental anomaly at the base of the brain which results in the downward displacement of some of the brain's structures into the spinal canal" (via).  "The resulting pressure on the cerebellum can block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (the liquid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord)" (via).  Molly has had this neurological issue her whole life, but as often happens with this problem, the symptoms don't develop until adulthood (via).

Though we don't see the neurologist and get his thoughts and official diagnosis until tomorrow (things may be a little different in the eyes of a specialist), I thought it would be helpful to explain to my readers what Chiari Malformation is and the possible treatment my wife faces. 

If the diagnosis is correct there are two courses of possible action as we understand it.  1. Treat the symptoms, or 2. Surgery.  Merely treating the pain seems absurd at this point since her limbs go numb all through the day, she has come close to falling from balance issues, etc.  Pain treatment won't do anything for these problems.  So it would seem that surgery is the only option. 

Neck_1_2 "Surgery is the only treatment available to correct functional disturbances or halt the progression of damage to the central nervous system" (via).  The key is "creating more space at the region of the foramen magnum to allow the spinal flow in this area to return toward normal" (via). To do this the neurosurgeon would make an incision into the back of Molly's head and upper neck, remove some of the very back of the skull and possibly C1 and maybe even C2 (picture at right), and create space among the membranes in that area (via).  Learn more details of the surgery here, and a helpful series of illustrations here.

We are going to the neurologist tomorrow at 1pm (central time) to hear his diagnosis and approach to treatment.

Though our doctor seems quite confident of the diagnosis and we trust him, we are being a little reserved until the neurologist gives us his opinion.  I've heard too many stories of misdiagnoses.  Stay tuned for more info tomorrow after the appointment.  And if you think of it would you please pray for Molly.

Music Monday 6.4.07

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Music_brain_awayA smattering of recommendations, videos, and audio.  All mind-blowing stuff...

1. Audio of Andrew Bird in concert in D.C.  Wonderful.  I have it on the NPR's All Songs Considered podcast.  You can also get it here.

2. The Battles' "Atlas" song and video is really great.  They are getting amazing reviews.   

.

3. Anyone need some free Wilco?  Here you go.  You are most welcome.  (My sources say these are legit free downloads, so enjoy without guilt.)

4. On my iPod: I'm liking the last two albums by The National quite a bit: Alligator and Boxer.  Stylistically interesting stuff, with some quirky lyrics.  Sufjan contributed to Boxer.

Headphones_2 5. On my iPod: The Avett Brothers new one, Emotionalism, is really great.  A little more accessible, more reserved as a whole than their crazier stuff.  I love their crazier stuff, so it's all good to me.  Let me make my case...

Insanely crazy, from Four Thieves Gone...

Less crazy, from Emotionalism...

Bonus, from Emotionalism...

6. On my iPod: I'm thoroughly enjoying Loney, Dear's Loney, Noir.  May need to take up an entire Music Monday post someday soon.  Please introduce yourself...

7. I told you two weeks ago that I'm really digging the new Brand New album.  Here's a video from the Late Show...

Music Monday 5.28.07

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RagingI did one of those things I almost never do, and I'm SOOO glad I did.  I picked up a CD from the cover art (right) and title alone.  It's Brand New and their 2006 CD, The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me (MySpace).  Well actually, I did listen to it for a minute in the store, but I hadn't really looked at reviews and I didn't know much about the music.  And to be honest, the cover art isn't that great.  It was eye catching and intriguing, especially when combined with the title. 

I think I listened to it 3 times in the first 2 days, which is a lot for me.  Then I put it away for the weekend in lieu of music better suited for sermon work (Eluvium, etc).  I turned it on a little bit ago because I always listen to what I'm reviewing as I'm writing so it's fresh.  Oh geez, this stuff grabs you buy the throat and won't let go.  It's lyrical lightning, and each shock is welcome.

Brand_new Brand New are a band out of New York, with roots in the Long Island Independent/Hardcore scene.  Their music, at least as experienced on this CD, is emo-ish.  But when I think emo I think Fall Out Boy.  This blows FOB out of the water.  The music is often delicate and depressive, then it shifts to power response.  The lyrics are often broken and painful and restrained, but then shifts to total release and exclamation.  There is an amazing balance of restraint and then release (a characteristic of much of the music I like).  This is a remarkable album and I strongly encourage you to give it a try.

Their opening song, "Sowing Season," is amazing, but then again so is "Millstone" and "Jesus."  Actually, I can't think of a single song that makes me want to skip to something else.  That's very rare for me even with my favorite bands and albums.  The content is regularly filled with religious/Christian content: think Neon Bible-ish but with a different feel and style.  These guys speak about inner wrestling and the results.  What's the title again?

Here are a few snippits of reviews and lyrics to whet your appetite, but for crying out loud, go to Brand New's MySpace and listen first to "Sowing Season" then "Jesus Christ" and then "Limousine."  Then, when you have come to your senses, buy it.

REVIEWS

From Drowned In Sound...

Brand New have perfected the quiet/loud dynamic on this record and album opener ‘Sowing Season’ is a perfect example of this: Lacey’s soft, mournful voice mumbles about insecurities amid subtle guitars until the chorus smashes into your brain with a hollering “Yeah!” (and not in a cheesy way, promise). And so begins an album full of delicate power and unrestrained release, leaving you barely a minute to breathe.

The Devil And God… is also an album of opposites and contradictions. ‘Millstone’’s opening lyrics may be full of despair and insecurity but the chorus is pure euphoria. ‘Jesus Christ’ may be a bit self-pitying on occasion, but the mournful guitar and steady drum beat show their softer side.

From All Music Guide...

This record is dark and dense, yet accessible, a shadowy air permeating every crevice where Jesse Lacey's plaintive and often tortured lyrics aren't already residing. He draws listeners in with vulnerable ruminations and questions of love, death, self, and religion, and his vocal inflections bring as much meaning to the table as his carefully chosen words. The opening "Sowing Season" ebbs and flows steadily, moving along under light guitar before exploding with percussion, Lacey ably switching from a hushed delivery into an anguished cry of emotion before falling back down again effortlessly. With it, Brand New sets up the somber intensity of the record straightaway.

From The Village Voice...

Thickly layered instruments and lower-mixed vocals evoke feelings of distance and isolation, and like his fans, 28-year-old frontman Jesse Lacey has done som e growing up—instead of struggling to belt out words through the overwhelming guitar play, he now lets music and lyrics complement each other.

LYRICS

From "Sowing Season"

Nothing gets so bad
That a whisper from your father couldn't fix it
He whispers like a bridge
It’s a river spanned

Take all that you have
And turn it into something you would miss if
Somebody threw that brick
That shattered all your plans

From "Millstone"

Take me out tonight
This ship of fools I’m on will sink
I’m my own stone around my neck
If you’d be my breathe
There is nothing I wouldn't give

I used to pray like God was listening
I used to make my parents proud
I was the glue that kept my friends together
Now they don't talk and we don't go out
I used to know the name of every person I’d kissed
Now I’ve made this bed and I can't fall asleep in it

From "Jesus Christ"

Jesus Christ, I’m alone again
So what did you do those three days you were dead?
Because this problem is gonna last
More than the weekend

Jesus Christ I’m not scared to die
But I’m a little bit scared of what comes after
Do I get the gold chariot
Or do I float through the ceiling

Or do I divide and pull apart
Cause my bright is too slight to hold back all my dark
This ship went down in sight of land
And at the gates does Thomas ask to see my hands?

I know you're coming in the night like a thief
But I’ve had some time, O Lord, to hone my lying technique
I know you think that I’m someone you can trust
But I’m scared I’ll get scared and I swear I’ll try to nail you back up
So do you think that we could work out a sign
So I’ll know it's you and that it's over so I won't even try
I know you're coming for the people like me
But we all got wood and nails
And we turn out hate in factories
We all got wood and nails
And we turn out hate in factories
We all got wood and nails
And we sleep inside of this machine

From "Limousine"

Hey, you beauty supreme.
Yeah, you were right about me.
But can I get myself out from underneath
This guilt that will crush me
In the choir, I saw our sad Messiah.
He was bored and tired of my laments.
He said, "I died for you one time, but never again"

Well I love you so much, but do me a favor baby and don’t reply.
Cause I can dish it out, but I can't take it.

From "Luca"

You could never work well with our group
Not with faults we found
So we've fixed you with cement galoshes
And no one can save you now
Unless you have friends among fish
There will still be no air to breath
You could drink up the entire ocean
But we'll still find someone to be everything we know that you'll never be.

So touch me or don't
But just let me know
Where you been?

Phriday is for Photos 5.25.07

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Pedestrian Bridge

Someone Made A Putt!

The McCoy family spent a little time away from home this week, enjoying time together.  These are photos from that trip (centering the first isn't working, so click here for a better view). 

I'm also including a family video below with some mini-golf footage as well as me following the kids through a huge indoor playground.  By the time I made it through I was sweating and exhausted.  I think they made it for shorter/smaller humans.  All good fun.  Check out the rest of my photography on my Flickr site and the rest of our uploaded videos on my YouTube page.

Music Monday Wednesday 5.23.07

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Hey there.  Missed Music Monday since I was out of town, but I hope this will more than make up for my absence.

1. The new Wilco CD, Sky Blue Sky, is great.  The reviews are good, but not great.  So far me likey.  Grab a download of "What Light" at their MySpace.  Wilco's homepage.

2. I haven't really gotten into The Black Keys, but their free live EP found in four MySpace downloads is pretty good.  Free music = very nice.

3. I'll bet most of you haven't heard of Sean Hayes.  I've been haunting his MySpace for some time now and love his music.  Check it out.  Creative stuff.

4. Pitchfork interviews Arcade Fire.  Plenty on their spiritual/religious overtones. 

5. This M. Ward, Neko Case, Jim James (My Morning Jacket) appearance on Conan is spectacular.  I will watch it over and over, and so should you.

6. Speaking of the amazing Neko Case...

7. Uh, some old school videos.  Gotta love them, even if you don't like them.  See the rest of Pitchfork's "100 Awesome Music Videos."

Extra Credit: This is come cool music, through the video is a little hard to get.  Whatever.  Watch (or at least listen to) The Knife's "Silent Shout."

Tim Keller Resources

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Here are all the links I can find to the excellent sermons, articles, and other resources created by and about Timothy Keller.  Tim Keller is the Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City.

ARTICLES

> "A New Kind of Urban Christian" (on Christian Vision Project site)

> "Advancing the Gospel into the 21st Century":

Part I: Church Multiplying

Part II: Gospel-Centered

Part III: Context Sensitive

Part IV: City-Focused Strategy

> "All of Life is Repentance"

> "Biblical Mandate for Mercy Ministries" (fixed thanks to DJ Chuang)

> "Biblical Theology of the City"

> "Centrality of the Gospel"

> "Christ and the City" (fixed thanks to DJ Chuang)

> "Clarifying the Purposes for the Church" - on Acts 29 site - NEW!

> "The Current Intellectual State of Affairs in America" - with Charles Garland

> "Deconstructing Defeater Beliefs: Leading the Secular to Christ" (pdf)

> "Evangelism through 'Networking'"

> "Evangelistic Worship" (Resurgence)

> "Gnostics and Jesus"

> "How Can I Know God?" (landscape, handout format pdf) (Resurgence, also abbreviated version)

> "How Then Shall We Live Together - Subscription and the Future of the PCA" (fixed thanks to DJ Chuang)

> "Love & Language"

> "Leadership and Church Size Dynamics" - NEW!

> "Ministry in the New Global Culture of Major City-Centers":

Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV

> "The Missional Church"

> "Planting a Church in the City"

> "Post-Everythings" (pdf)

> "Preaching Hell in a Tolerant Age: Brimstone for the Broad-minded" (Resurgence)

> "Preaching in a Post-Modern City":

Part I, Part II: Preaching to Create Spiritually Inclusive Worship

> "Preaching Morality in an Amoral Age" (Resurgence)

> "Questions on Everyone's Mind": September 14, 2001

> "Religion-less Spirituality" (Resurgence)

> "Why Plant Churches?"

> "Worship Worthy of the Name"

Transcript of Keller's "Sermon of Remembrance and Peace for 9-11 Victim's Families" - Preached on 9/10/2006 (offsite source)

BOOKS

Ministries of Mercy - I bought this book after one of my children was diagnosed with autism, and I knew nothing about Keller at the time.  It's a thoughtful resource for churches who realize that we are to have ministry to people with disabilities.

Redeemer Church Planting Manual - I've read through some of this and it's excellent.  If you are pastor or planter, this is a great resource.

Interview with Keller at Resurgence

Ten Questions for Expositors (interview at Unashamed Workman) - NEW!

AUDIO

"The Gospel" Sermons

1. Who is Jesus? 2. Lord of the Wine 3. Born of the Gospel

"Changed People" Sermons

1. Changed Lives 2. Inside-Out Living 3. How to Change

"City" Sermons

1. Should I Not Love That Great City? 2. The Meaning of the City

3. Love for the City

"Community" Sermons

1. The Community of Jesus 2. Spiritual Friendship 3. Eating with Jesus

"Movement" Sermons (Church Planting)

1. Why to Plant Churches 2.  Messengers 3. The Cost of Mission

"Serving" Sermons

1. Neighbors 2. Blessed Are The Poor 3. Blueprint for Revival - Social Concern

"Renewing" Sermons

1. Work 2. Made for Stewardship 3. Work and Rest

"Stewardship" Sermons

1. Radical Generosity 2. Treasure vs. Money 3. Grace and Money

4. Two Men with Money

Reform & Resurge

1. Being the Church in Our Culture

2. Preaching the Gospel

3. Doing Justice

Covenant Seminary 2004 Preaching Lectures

1. All Things Are Yours 2. Preaching to Believers & Unbelievers

Covenant Seminary 2004 Connect Conference

Contextualization: Part 1, Part 2

The Gathering 2005

1. Bible Teaching on Treasure and Justice

2. Reaching the 21st Century World for Christ

Miscellaneous Audio

The Furious Love of Jesus - Jn 11:32-44

Praying our Tears - Ps 39:12-13, 126, 1-6

Praying our Fears - Ps 3:1-8, Gen 15:1-8

Q and A

(Streamload)

A Call to the Church of Richmond (message, April 2006)

Desiring God Conference: "The Sufficiency of Christ and the Gospel in the Postmodern World" (Written blurb)

Desiring God Interviews

The Scripture as Foundation

Is the Bible Culturally Conditioned?

Missional vs. Evangelistic

Is Redeemer Church Emergent?

Characteristics of a Missional Church

Preaching and the Missional Church

Being Salt & Light in Culture

The Gospel, Moralism, and Irreligion

The Importance of Doctrine

Theological Training

Publicity and Redeemer Church

Christian Life Conference (Second Presbyterian of Memphis, TN) - ALL NEW!

The Cross and Suffering

How the Cross Converts Us

How the Cross Changes Us

REDEEMER REPORT (church newsletter, 1996-present, some articles by Tim Keller) - NEW!

Apr 2007 - Keller reviews Richard Bauckham's Jesus and the Eyewitnesses

Mar 2007 - Ministry Can Be Dangerous For Your Health

Jan 2007 - God's Work; Our Work

Dec 2006 - (Y)our Place

Nov 2006 - Christians, Community and the Healthy City

Sept 2006 - Steward Leaders

Aug 2006 - Contextualization vs. the Ordinary Means of Grace (Kathy Keller)

June 2006 - Praying for Glory

May 2006 - The Examined Christian Faith

Mar 2006 - Extraordinary Prayer

Jan 2006 - Kingdom-Centered Prayer

REDEEMER VISION CAMPAIGN (Website)

Audio, Study Guides, Vision Papers

"A Season of Covenant Renewal"

(original links page & introduction to this 12 part series)

The Prodigal Sons  - Luke 15:1-2, 11-32

   (study guide)

Christ Our Life - Col 3:1-14

   (study guide)

The Gospel - Isaiah 53:4-11, 54:1-5, 11-14

   (study guide) (Vision paper: The Gospel - The Key to Change)

The City: We Have a Strong City - Isaiah 25:6-26:6

   (study guide) (Vision paper: The City - Why We Are Here)

Community: Better than Sons and Daughters - Isaiah 56:1-8

   (study guide) (Vision paper: Buildings for Community)

Witness: While He May Be Found - Isaiah 55:1-7, 57:14-21

   (study guide) (Vision paper: Why New Churches?)

Justice: Break Every Yoke - Isaiah 58:1-14

   (study guide) (Vision paper: Ministry Balance)

Culture: The Riches of the Nations Will Come - Isaiah 60:4-14, 19-22

   (study guide) (Vision paper: Christians & Culture)

The Gospel and Your Wealth - Malachi 3:8-10, 4:1-2

   (study guide) (Vision paper: Money & Christian Worldview)

The Gospel and Yourself - Isaiah 6:1-13

   (study guide)

The Gospel and the World - 1 Peter 2:4-17

   (study guide)

The Gospel and Experience - John 2:1-10

   (study guide)

Vision Campaign Papers:

The Gospel: Key to Change

The City: Why We're Here

Buildings for Community

Why New Churches?

The Fullness of Ministry

Christians and Culture

Money and Christian Worldview

CHURCH PLANTING:

Become a Church Planter: Church Planter Readiness - 20 Indicators

The Movement

Redeemer Vision Campaign

Tim Keller's Vision Blog

Books Keller Recommends (Urban/City, theology, planting, postmodern, etc)

THE MOVEMENT: Book Recommendations

Fall 2006: Gospel Interpretation

Spring 2006: Contextualization

Winter 2006: Missional Church

Fall 2005: Urban Anthropology

Summer 2005: Global Cities

December 2004: Evangelism

October 2004: Spiritual Life of a Church Planter

August 2004: Urban Theology

June 2004: Multi-Cultural Church Planting

April 2004: Effective Churches for Postmodern America

February 2004

December 2003

October 2003

Redeemer Center for Faith and Work

ABOUT TIMOTHY KELLER & REDEEMER

"Manhattan Ministry a Year Later" - CT 10.29.2002

"New York's New Hope" - CT Nov 2004

"Fresh Plants in the City" - LJ Winter 2005

"Preaching the Word and Quoting the Voice" - NYT 2.26.2006

PHOTOS & IMAGES

One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten

OTHER RESOURCE PAGES

D.J. Chuang - similar stuff, some quotes

Monergism - a clean, handy page

Tim Keller on Wikipedia

Lots-O-Links-n-Shtuff

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Allelon - "a movement of missional leaders" -- They have a website which has a number of resources, but I'm really loving Alan Roxburgh's netcast (especially the audio podcast) the most.  There are things said that I don't like or agree with, but in general this is a great podcast for seeing the emerging missional church for what it is and what it claims to be in different locations.  The interview with Steve Taylor is really great.

Theology Unplugged (TUP) is a podcast by some Dallas Seminary profs.  They say, "The uniqueness of TUP is that we speak on theological issues of the day with clarity, honesty, and openness. TUP allows the listener to make informed judgments on the most important theological issues today."  Their seven part series on the emerging church is a great example of that.  I'm through the first three episodes and I'm pretty shocked at how well they do in trying to understand the emerging church.  Well worth hearing. (HT: Internet Monk Radio)

Peter Leithart finds ways of saying things that just make sense to me...

One of my recurring frustrations with recent debates in the Reformed world is a widespread failure of theological imagination. Too many seem to operate on the assumption that we have everything already figured out; we have all possible categories and positions ready to hand. All we need do is deploy these categories on whatever happens our way. It'll fit, Procrustes says.

Thus, it is seriously proposed that someone is either on the road to Rome or the Road to Geneva - with no possibility of a third (or fourth, or fifth) destination, with no possibility that there might be something in between (though in between is where much of the Christian world lives). And if I suggest that we Reformed might still have something to learn from the Bible about justification, then I must be Rabbinic or Roman Catholic - there simply is no other alternative.

The Evangelical Outpost (Joe Carter) wonders why Southern Baptists would create boundaries with alcohol that would exclude Jesus from leadership in the convention.  He asks, "Can we be more ethical than Jesus?"

Darryl Dash hears Tim Keller and blogs: Tim Keller on Spiritual Fruit and Ministry.

Desiring God Blog: 25 Ways to Help Kids Love to Read

Drew Goodmanson on Missional Eldership.

Miniature Earth -- "If the world's population were reduced to 100, it would look something like this..."

English 101 (we all make mistakes, but some of us make too many!)

Some Videos...

Children See, Children Do...

Doll Face...

Stop Motion Beatbox...

Music Monday 5.14.07

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When I think of "summer music" I think of three different placeswhere we regularly experience summer music (I'm leaving off road trips, maybe for another post).  The first is at home on a lazy afternoon, which demands music that is a bit restrained, slowed down, encouraging you to stay lazy in a porch swing. The second is at a backyard barbecue where you want something solid and fun in the background.  This one could be "beach music" too, I suppose.  The third is cruising around town, soundtracked by cranked-up music pumping through your car speakers as you roll with your homeys, windows down, around the Tasty Freeze.  Here's some of my favorite music for lazy afternoons, grilling with friends, or cruising around town.

LAZY

Husky_2 Husky Rescue: Country Falls

This is their 2005 release, which is a perfect companion on a hot summer day.  There's a 2007 I haven't heard yet, though what they have online sounds great.  Whatever, just pick it up and sip some tea for crying out loud.  It's really, really good stuff.

Don't miss: "Summertime Cowboy," "City Lights," and "Rainbow Flows"

Ray Ray Lamontagne: Trouble or Till the Sun Turns Black

This guy's music is just incredible to me.  So simple, so easy, so emotional. Look also for iTunes exclusives and stuff on YouTube.  I'm linked to this duet with Damien Rice before, which is tremendous.

Don't miss: "Barfly," "Shelter," and "Burn"

A few other bands or artists for lazy afternoons: Amos Lee, Sparklehorse, Mountain Goats, Midlake, Josh Rouse, Espers, Eluvium, Jose Gonzalez.

GRILLING & FUN

Newpor_6 New Pornographers: Electric Version, Twin Cinema

Super fun music that makes you want to dance, play, and sing-along. 

Our family video should be evidence enough: Sing Me Spanish Techno. It takes a lot of guts to put that video out there, so be nice. :)

Don't miss: "Use It," "The Laws Have Changed," "Sing Me Spanish Techno," and "Twin Cinema"

Peter_3 Peter, Bjorn & John: Writer's Block

Catchy songs, lots of whistling.  Trust me when I say the kids will join in.   I really enjoy the beats.  Foot-tapping deliciocity.

Don't miss: "Young Folks," "Amsterdam," "Objects of My Affection"

A few other bands or artists for grilling and fun: The Shins, Phoenix, Mat Kearney, Loney Dear, The Go! Team.

CRUISING

Lcd_soundsystem1_199x300_2 LCD Soundsystem: Sound of Silver

Hard to beat this music for loud, bass-thumping, toe-tapping, get the lead out goodness.  The lyrics and vocals are often quirky and interesting.  The music is really great. 

Don't miss: "North American Scum," "Time to Get Away," and "Sound of Silver"

Other bands or artists for cruising: Spoon, Linkin Park, Fujiya & Miyagi, Blonde Redhead.

What are your summer music selections?

Music Monday 5.7.07

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A lot of great stuff happening in my music world.  I'll give you my thoughts on one CD, provide a handful of videos to introduce you to artists I've been introduced to lately, and show you an exciting new purchase that is enhancing my listening enjoyment.

One CD

TwilightThe Twilight Sad (myspace): Fourteen Autumns & Fifteen Winters

Reviews: Metacritic, NoRipcord, Pitchfork (& Forkcast), Prefix, PopMatters

This one is rocking my face off.  It's a very odd and wonderful experience for me.  It's not odd in an eclectic or experimental sort of way, but in that these Scotland folks sound extremely, well, Scottish.  You know how accents are harder to hear in music?  Not with these guys.  Thick accents driven with emotion, angst.  It's a great flavor.

But its texture is just as gripping.  Soft and restrained runs into power and response.  From Pitchfork...

The shifts in volume, though not exactly surprising, are crucial. Peter Katis handles production, and the sonic arc he and the band construct tracks the lyrics beautifully. There's a "big moment" on most songs where the music gets ridiculously loud and the guitar distortion crowds almost everything out. There is, of course, no trick in this sort of surge; a couple clicks on a floor pedal is all it takes. But the Twilight Sad know how to use dynamic range to advance the plot.

Sad The only thing missing from this excellent CD are lyrics.  Most of them are not online at my last check.  I've emailed the band hoping to urge them on to getting them up.  While I'm waiting I'm trying to type some of them out, but I always seem to snag on a section where the accent is just too much for me. But don't let that stop you.  This is an album worth enjoying again and again.

No Ripcord gives this album a perfect "10"...

There’s a fair chance that The Twilight Sad will be labeled the Scottish Arcade Fire before long. I hope I wasn’t just the first. It’d be a shame for that to happen however, as Fourteen Autumns And Fifteen Winters knocks the impressive Neon Bible into a cocked hat. If you’ve yearned for a band that takes that dramatic indie-rock template but injects a bit of post-rock drama into it, then boy, have you ever come to the right place. In fact, The Twilight Sad fall more into the field of what Hope Of The States were aiming for with the initially impressive, but ultimately lacking in longevity debut that I fawned over those years ago. That may sound like damning with faint praise, but consider: a band that inject some real emotion and dynamic excitement into a comparatively standard template. Lots have tried, but few have succeeded. The Twilight Sad are most definitely one of the successes.

The first track is a real favorite of mine and it's available for free download: "Cold Days From The Birdhouse."  Don't miss it, and catch the other songs over at Twilight Sad MySpace.

A Handful of Videos

Love this one from LCD Soundsystem (I recommended the last album here).  This is from the previous album.  How cool are his crazy vocals?  Answer: Very cool.

Blonde Redhead's "23" video (I recommended them here).  Really loving their CD.

I'm digging A Hawk and a Hacksaw's new album.  Here's a chance for you to dig their vibe too.  Awesome stuff, and just wait until he gets that funky hat a-movin'.

Linkin Park is always good to get the blood pumping, and I like this new track.  New album on the way in like a week.

New Purchase

As a reader of my blog you probably know my Mom died a few days before Easter.  Last week my Great Aunt died (she was like a Grandmother to me and my siblings).  While in my hometown we purchased from my Father my Mom's car.  We didn't think we would be able to get a second car, but we're getting it for about 1/2 of what it's worth and had some leftover tax money to help us out.  Very cool.  AND it's a Dodge Stratus: "I drive a Dodge Stratus!"  Will I make a video on this car???  Who knows.

New The only bad thing is the stereo was messed up.  I would try to turn it up one notch and it would be full blast.  Yikes.  Good to find that out at 72mph!  And bad for a music lover.  So we had the fine boys over at Best Buy replace the stereo today with a Pioneer and it rocks now.  It looks pretty cool and wasn't too much $$$.  I have a CD player and an iPod cable that all runs (if I desire, and I do desire) through a simple remote.  Wowwy.  I passed on getting it totally pimped out because I figured the Kicker would make my car dissolve into a pile of mush.

God Wants Me To Be Successful?

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Recently I was browsing in my local bookstore. I picked up a bookwith lots of promises on the cover about what success will come if I implement the teachings of this book into my work. I brought it home only to add it to a bookshelf loaded with books with similar promises.

Wherever you work, there will always be another book to read, another leader to emulate, or another leadership model to adopt. If you want to succeed, there is no shortage of books telling you what to do. But how can we know if the success described in these books is what God considers success? How do we define godly success for our businesses and churches and schools?

Read my new article over at The High Calling of Our Daily Work: "God Wants Me To Be Successful?"  (My bio page.)