Jesus and Indie Rock

Pitchfork Media columnist Chris Dahlen has written an interesting article on Christianity and indie rock. Dahlen claims that faith in Jesus has been totally unhip in the indie rock world. However, with the popularity of Sufjan Stevens, and particularly with the release of Stevens' Seven Swans, artists who profess faith in Jesus are throwing the idie rock world for a loop. First of all, I find his claim a little over-stated. There are plenty of artists who are Christians who seem to be thoroughly accepted in the indie world - Pedro the Lion, Innocence Mission, Anathallo, Eisley, etc. Admittedly, I may have a wrong perception of their treatment in the indie rock realm.

Regardless, Dahlen makes a plee for tolerance on behalf of the believing rockers and concludes his column, saying:

"You can disagree with the church of your choice, but to dismiss religion altogether - and to write off the best ideas, the best people and of course, the best indie rockers - that come out of it, seems pointless. Why shoot the messenger just because you're scared he has a message?"

Happy Birthday, Erin!

Today is Erin Richter's birthday, and I sure hope she has a good one. Erin is a wonderful friend, and here are some reasons that I love her to pieces:
1) She is a killer skier and could probably ski professionally if she wanted to.
2) She has great discernment and knows when I am giving her good advice and when I am giving her bad advice.
3) She gives and gives and gives and gives to others - she is a servant.
4) She cooks really well.
5) She works very, very hard but still makes time for friends.
6) She could backpack through the Andes if she really wanted to, but she still likes fashion and stuff.
7) She is an encouragement and a joy to be around.
8) She listens to really awesome music... What?!?!?!?
9) She is incredibly loyal to her friends.
10) She is a beautiful friend who often reminds me of what it means to live a Gospel-saturated life.

Thank you Erin for all that you mean to me and to all of your friends. I hope you have a fun, fun, fun birthday.
If any of you want to encourage Erin, you can leave a post here or call her or email her or something!

Worship Matters

I just discovered that Bob Kauflin is blogging. (I know. I am probably way behind the times.) He is taking this week to write on "Blogging to Worship God" and has some very helpful insight and wisdom. I am so thankful that this man is sharing his thoughts with the blogshpere. Thank you, Mr. Kauflin!

Music That I Have Enjoyed in 2005

Here are some albums that came out this year that I have really enjoyed listening to. I don't want to say they are the best of 2005, just albums that I can't seem to stop listening to.

Minus the Bear - Menos el Oso
Sufjan Stevens - Illinois
Hem - Eveningland
Broken Social Scene - self-titled

There are probably more, but I'm just writing off the top of my head. Oh yeah, and Spoon "Gimme Fiction" is over-rated.

Please feel free to share your favorites of 2005...

New Year's Rap

On New Year's Eve, Kyle started cravin' some bacon... so we (Alex, Kyle, and I) wrote a song. Check it here.