music again

This morning I broke up with radio Christmas music.    I have had enough.

I visited my blog to re-read, or re-post, my previous thoughts on music, but upon my blog search I see that I have written about this a lot.   Especially the Christmas music.

So, here's one more for the record.

I'm a fan of Christmas music at first.   But this year I realize that even the old 'birth of Jesus' standbys are getting dingy and worn out.   (Except for my favorite "O Holy Night".)
I am politely singing along with the radio for the most part.  
The real meaning of Christmas isn't lost on me.    But I feel the need for something peppier.

The secular Christmas songs have the same old feel to them.  
And that feel is generally about being lonely and wanting to have someone home for Christmas.
There needs to be a song about "please just let me get a date for Christmas".  seriously.

So I had the difficult talk with my radio this morning.
 "This isn't working out......It's not you, It's me."  Etc. etc.

The other two channels that continue to play top 40 music are seriously in cahoots with each other.    No lie...... one channel plays the song, and then the next channel plays the same song.    There is no joy in switching channels.  It's the same crap over and over, a gazillion times each day.
 I have pretty much memorized Taylor Swift's new song  (which is catchy, yet twisted).... and I know to change the channel before that guy sings about naked ladies and trumpets.

My next car will have one of those nifty little jacks for an iPod.    And I will learn how to download music onto some device.  It will be amazing.   I will listen to what I like.   I will sing.  I will be happy.

Well, I'm actually really happy right now.    This break-up will be a good thing.

1st visual

Andrew Peterson has written the soundtrack of my life.   I have often thought that God uses Andrew as a direct line to my heart.   His music has followed me through marriage,babies, kids, moving, job transitions, road trips, financial and marital strains, road trips, death, and life transitions.    

Thayer introduced me to Andrew Peterson's music back in 2000.   Thayer ran sound for Andrew during a show at our church.   I didn't go to the concert, (I think I was home with a new baby) but Thayer brought home a CD.... and I was hooked.

As I was recalling the impact of Andrew's music on my life, I realized that Andrew's music has also been the background music for my boys.   They know the music.  I catch them singing along at times.   They have absorbed many of the songs subliminally while they slept on road trips.   They know about Andrew Peterson.

They are aware that Andrew came to sing at Thayer's memorial service.  Both boys were so young and they probably don't recall the details, or realize how gracious Andrew was to be a part of the service.

Despite the fact that they know about Andrew Peterson, I recently realized that they have never seen Andrew in concert!  

I took my boys to their first Andrew Peterson concert tonight.  (with special thanks to my friends John and Lois!)
Andrew and Jason Gray joined forces for this particular tour.   

The venue was our old church in Charlottesville.   It was nice to go back and recognize many familiar faces.
As I surveyed the room, I recalled the countless hours that Thayer worked while the church was being built.  He helped set up the sound system.   I could see his handiwork throughout the room.
Then I considered it odd how Thayer ran sound for Andrew Peterson back in 2000....
and now in 2013, Andrew was plugged in to the sound system that Thayer helped to design and construct.
(Just an interesting thought.)


Andrew Peterson (left) and Jason Gray (right)  Photo by Lois :)

Even more interesting.... when Andrew and Jason came on stage... Lucas leaned over and said "Which one is he?" 
WHAT?!   How could MY child not know who Andrew Peterson is?  Has he lived in a box his entire life?

Silly me.   Lucas has heard Andrew his entire life... but does not remember seeing him!    I was a bit amused... and even more determined to take my kids to more shows!

The concert was refreshing.   The boys bought a few CDs and a t-shirt.   And my bro-in-law snapped a great pic of Lucas and my niece with Jason Gray!
I'm looking forward to taking my kids out on the town more often :)

Andrew Peterson

Many of you know how much I appreciate the lyrical genius of Andrew Peterson.    I respect him as an artist and I super respect him as an individual.  Many of you know that he came and sang at Thayer's memorial service... and that gesture alone put Andrew on my favorite person list. 

For the past few months, or maybe longer, I have been on a hiatus from AP's music.  I've shuffled from the "christian" radio, to the "80s, 90s and today" radio, and briefly to the "Top 40" radio... until I realized that the Top 40 stuff just made me feel dumber and emptier.    These popular songs are real catchy but the lyrics are lame.     Most of those songs have the same few lines that they repeat over and over.

The music itself is what sells the song... I get that.  And there are plenty of catchy tunes that I like.   Don't get me wrong... i'm not trashing various types of music... i'm just trashing lame lyrics.

I've realized- through my musical wanderings- that I am totally a lyric person.  I don't need flashy, crazy music to 'get down' in my car.    I just want to know what I'm singing about.

This brings me back to my fascination with Andrew Peterson's music.    The thing is... you either really like his music... or you really don't.    
(AP's music puts my sister to sleep... and my kids often request Andrew Peterson CDs, on car trips when they want to take a nap. )
I think AP is classified as a 'folk' artist..... so that automatically puts him in a box of 'mellow'.   I wouldn't necessarily call him 'folk'... but I guess he fits there. 
Either way... I love Andrew Peterson's music.   Everything about it.  But most importantly the lyrics.

I have tried to picture God calling down...through whisper, or scream, or whatever means... and putting the lyrics into Andrew's heart and pen.   So many of his lyrics are God breathed... in fact, I believe that all music is God breathed... but I think that Andrew must have a more direct line than others.  :)
Andrew has recorded a zillion albums, all of which I could listen to over and over, and never be bored.    All of his songs, in some way or another mirror the cries of my heart.  I can sing these songs and be able to express myself to God, through the lyrics.    So often APs songs have given me the words that I am unable to muster on my own.    Andrew Peterson, unknowingly, has been with me through raising young children, through marital problems, through working, through traveling, through Thayer's death, and currently as I try to keep this little family afloat.   God uses AP's songs to speak to me directly... and allow me to commune with Him on a deeper level.

I am so thankful for music, for lyrics, and for the Creator who uses regular old people to impact other people in  BIG ways.
If you haven't experienced Andrew Peterson yet....  He is currently working on a new record.  (so excited!)  
And did I mention that he is an author as well?!     Please check him out at:
www.Andrew-Peterson.com  or on facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/#!/andrewpetersonmusic

music



 I had to watch the Justin Bieber/ Mariah Carey video of "All I want for Christmas is you", after several people said how disgusting it was.
And it was.
Poor Justin.   And creepy Mariah.   They are NOT what I want for Christmas.   That kid is super cute... but Mariah is old enough to be his mom. 
insert 'gag'.

  I did a Walmart run earlier today and impulsively bought the Michael Buble Christmas album.   It is smoooth.   I'm enjoying it in the background today.  His voice is 'melting'... (that's the best way that I describe him.)   And his version of Mariah's song is splendid :)

Anywho, I've listened to the album several times and I'm starting to get irritated at Christmas music again.  I'm pretty sure I've blogged about it before.   But I think I should reiterate.

Just on Michael's album alone.... I am able to hear:
"All I want for Christmas is You"
"Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
"Christmas (Baby please come home)"
"Blue Christmas"
"Cold December Night"
"I'll be Home for Christmas"

Geez.  Does every 'secular' Christmas song have to be about this kind of stuff?
I'm not depressed about these songs, as I have been in previous years.... but I guess you can say that I get disgruntled and grouchily think "yeah, my baby won't be home this Christmas.... or any Christmas for that matter.  It ain't happenin'. "

I kinda wish someone would write a song about... "Santa bring me a new man for Christmas".   I think that would be a winner :) 
And Santa, I'd like to place my order for someone a bit older than Justin.

my own little world

I've been reading about people and their iPod playlists, as they prepare for the VA 10-miler. One gal was quick to assume that she would be judged by her music choices. But I was inspired :)
I have revamped my walking playlist to liven up my daily 3-miler. :-)
Apparently I like Kanye West...alot. weird, I know.

I've still got some 'good for my soul' stuff in there too.... Kanye's "Gold Digger" is followed by Natalie Grant's "Your Great Name".
Ha.

and this particular song has been on my mind lately:
(you have to hang in through the mellowness of it, because it has a good message)



It's inspiring me to step out of my box!
more to come....

tonight

thinking and praying specifically for three friends. you know who you are... so make sure you watch this...
not sure if it's you? watch it and let me know ;)



lovin' andrew peterson :-)