Album as Art-Form: A Sonic Feast

I have been listening to U2's "No Line on the Horizon" for the past couple of days. I have intentionally been listening to it as a whole - from the opening title track to the plaintive final offering, "Cedars of Lebanon." It is a masterful work of art from beginning to end. In this day and age of iTunes and single downloads, it is refreshing to know that there are still a few artists who have the artistic desire, will, and ability to pursue the album as art-form. (remember "Dark Side of the Moon" or "Abby Road"). As much as I appreciated Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" and their venture into the album as art-form (and believe me I truly do enjoy listening to it from beginning to end), it pales in comparison to NLOTH - musically, and lyrically and it is capacity to take this listener to a transcendent place. Experiencing this album has been a sonic feast for both my ears and my soul.

What about you? Is there an album that you experience in this way? Another art form where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts? I would love to hear your thoughts?

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Put on Your Boots

Our Gulf Coast team is completing a week of serving in the Houston area. Monday thru Thursday they have been primarily serving as a painting crew - working in both a residential context (Miss Pat's) and helping a local church (Gloria Dei) recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Ike.

They will finish their work today and tomorrow with what looks to be a major challenge - mucking out a home on Galveston Island. This house has basically been ignored since Ike struck the island. The equipment of the day: high boots and respirators. Don't they look great?!

I am so grateful to be a part of a community that is willing to roll up its sleeves, take up the towel, put on their boots and muck it up in the name and Spirit of Jesus. If you would join me in prayer, lifting them up before the Father asking God to strengthen them for the task at hand!

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U2 and Letterman

The Associated Press, February 12, 2009

NEW YORK (AP) -- Make room, Paul Shaffer. U2 will be on David Letterman's "Late Show" for a full week to promote their upcoming album. The band will be Letterman's musical guest each night from March 2 to 6. It's the first time a musical guest has been given a solid week on the CBS show. The band last appeared on the "Late Show" in October 2001.

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