Going, Going, Gone ...

I'm selling my stuff on ebay. Anyone looking for some good deals on music, I've listed a bunch already and will be listing some more in the next few days or week. Some old school Christian stuff like Undercover, LSU, Mike Knott, Mad At The World, Glenn Kaiser, Glenn Kaiser Band, Resurrection Band. Plus some other stuff like Paul McCartney, Led Zep, Dylan, Beatles etc. I'm trying to unload it all ....

http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/mattattooie

So don't be shy ;) stop on by, and buy LOL.

To Hell ... and Back ...

This was me in June '06

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May '08 ... first hospital stay, diagnosis-cancer :(

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pre-chemo testing

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there's an 8"x2" "L" shaped tumor in there causing all my grief

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One of these chemo ports was put in my chest just above my left man-boob, with the tube connecting to the artery in my neck

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my first day of chemo

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after my first round of chemo, my blood became infected, I nearly kicked the bucket and ended up back in the hospital, in isolation for a while. Don't

remember a whole lot about it

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out of the hosptal, enjoying some music, I had dropped down to about 135 lbs durring this period

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after the third round of chemo, starting to get some hair, showing off my pre-surgery stomach

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pre-surgery jitters at Stanford

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I have no memory of the first few days after surgery, but my wife did have the camera with her ...

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bandages off, it's a pretty good size scar I've got

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Thanksgiving weekend, hair growing back real good, got the beard goin' on, and a whole heck of a lot to be thankful for !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsxojbyAQGI

Aftermath of prop 8.

There have been a lot of interesting articles floating around about the passage of prop 8 here in Cali. Not to much attention has been given to Arizona or Florida who passed similar legislation, restricting marriage to one man and one woman, or to Connecticut legalizing gay marriage. So why all the fuss about California?

I guess because we are one of the more liberal states in the union, and if a gay nation were to have a capitol , I suppose San Francisco would be strong contender. Don't believe me? If you are ever in the Bay area, pass through the Castro district, it is certainly, ..umm... different, to say the least.

Here are my 2 cents on it, not that it really matters in the grand scheme of things.

First of all, having some conservative Christian views, and reading and believing the Bible, doesn't fair to well in secular political debates. Very few outside of the Judeo-Christian camps accept the a-priori assumption of scripture, or its' teachings. But since I believe God has good reasons for the Word He left us, we should be able to form rational and logical reasons for our positions outside of scripture, and such is the case with gay marriage.

For one thing, the whole "civil-rights" arguement is weak at best and a farce. I am sorry but sexual preference, and acting upon a preference has nothing in common with being black, or a slave, or a handicapped individual. Just think about it for a second .... the pro gay marriage camp would have us to believe that wanting to marry someone of the same gender is the civil and moral equivelent of someone being born black in the 50s. It's pretty absurd, but an arguement they champion nonetheless. And why didn't the black voters see it as a Civil - Rights issue ? We had a record number of black voters in this election, supporting Obama, yet a majority of them voted in favor of prop 8. As a matter of fact, if it weren't for the large amount of Yes votes for 8 by black voters, it probably wouldn't have passed!

And if they insist that gays are all born that way, it still doesn't make it right. If sexual preference is something you are born with , and so we should accept it, well what about the pedophile ? or the necropheliac, or the freak into beastiality ? If these are there sexual preferences, and we give special rights based on sexual oreference, shouldn't they be included ?

Another arguement they like to use is that any consenting adults should have the right to marry. Wow, aside from redefining the institution of marriage, that opens up an entire Pandoras box of possibilities, if this train of that is passed down to it's logical conclusion. If any consenting adults should be allowed to marry, then watch out, soon you will be having flocks of polygamists coming to California to marry, all of them consenting adults. Then we'll see consenting adults that just happen to be Mother and son, or father and daughter, or father and son etc. They just want the same right the gays want.

Then they say they want the same rights as hetero married couples, yet they already have civil unions, but that's not good enough, they want to redefine marriage, and force their views to be accepted, even though, for many it is morally wrong.

Marriage is a religous institution, why do you think traditional marriages usually happen in a church, or are performed by some type of clergy.

It is true that the divorce rate is horrific. But that doesn't redefine marriage, it does cheapen and ruin it though.

If we face reality though, gay marriage will pass in the near future. First on the coasts and eventually even to middle America. But if and when it does happen, the government then has good reason to switch to a school voucher program, that way for those of us who still value morals, and traditional marrige, we can choose to have our children be educated at an institution where gay marriage is not considered acceptable.

I also noticed where a lot of gays are calling for a boycott of Utah, because the Mormon Church spent so much time encouraging it's members to vote yes on 8. So they figure they will not spend any of their gay dollars in Utah, that'll teach 'em!!! Why wouldn't they boycott California ? The state that actually passed the law? Then they were whining about how much outside money came into California to support 8, Fact the No side also recieved a lot of money from outside California , and they No on 8 campaign outspent the Yes on 8 campaing by quite a bit.

Oh yeah, and let's take back the rainbow !!!! ;)

politics schmolitics

2008 - presidential election.
I have no vote, I cannot in good conscience vote for either candidate. Both have a few views I am on board with, but they also both have views that I don't support. Of course many of my evangelical brothers and sisters will be voting for McCain, because of the abortion issue.
Well, I am not a one issue voter, and to be quite frank i still find it odd that so many consider themselves to be "pro-life" yet still support the death penalty, and Bush's wars.
I was at a mens' prayer breakfast a few weeks ago and found myself the odd man out. The guys from my church all seemed to be McCain supporters, and they all seemed to really like Palin as well, and they all think McCain is going to win. I just ate my breakfast...
I do have some trouble with Palin as well. I'm glad to see McCain chose a woman as his running mate, and Palin seems like a nice lady, I'd probably get along with her just fine , but I don't see her as veep material. Lets check her stats ... Governor of Alaska for a whole 2 years, mayor before that ... I'm just not seeing someone I am confident in , if she were called to lead our nation. Now if our biggest problems were with moose crossings and the lumber jack union, hey I'd be all for her.
She did a mediocre job at the VP debate, but her Gibson and Couric interviews were horrible, and I just do not think she is ready for such a big job and the huge global stage that it occupies.
I don't like McCains health care plans, nor his tax plans, let's face it voodoo economics do not work, a trickle down economy is not in the best interest of our nation. It's great thet he is against abortion, and he'd probably try and put like minded justices on the Supreme Court if he had the chance, but, like I said, I am not a one issue voter.

Obama. He is certainly more charasmatic then his Republican counterpart. The Europeans sure love him, maybe he should run over there ;) I think most of us really like Obama because he's not Hillary ;) Unfortunately I think Obama is more talk then action. Parading around with a mantra of change , then choosing Biden, a career politician as his running mate , really makes you wonder if all he is really concerned with is winning. It's pretty sad when the old Republican makes a more progressive veep choice then the young liberal chanting for change.
Unfortunately Obama IS politics as usual, and though there may be talk of change, the sad reality is it just aint gonna happen.
Aside from the wars, has there really been that much difference between this Bush admin and the Clinton ? or between the Clinton admin and Bush sr. ? As long as career politicians keep getting into office from the slightly left of center or the slightly right of center, for the average American the status quo will remain.
This is the same problem that almost had me join the Libertarian party 4 years ago. Maybe some day down the road a real different politician will get into office and stir the pot for a few years. Where's Jerry Brown when you need him ;)

Update ...
Friday is the big day. My surgery at Stanford. If all goes well, I'll be back home in under a week, they won't find any cancer cells in the lab tests, and I can start on my recovery. I'm a bit anxious about the surgery, but it needs to be done, and I do happen to have connections with the creator of the univrse, ultimately His plans are best, and so I just try and put it all in His hands.
On other fronts ...
I'm feeling better, I have stopped throwing up, I've gained some weight, and I even have hair growing back on my bald noggin.
I've been listening to some old school tunes, the Crucified, Mad At The World, Rez Band etc., I'm in the mood for some new tunes but haven't really heard anything that strikes my fancy so I go back to the old stand byes. Speaking of Mad At The World, Roger Rose has a few new songs up on his MySpace page, they are pretty good, modern rock with a heavy retro influence, worth checking out if you are an old MATW fan.
I was talking to one of the kids at church and apparantly 80's metal is back. He was telling me Iron Maiden, AC/DC, even Motley Crue and GnR were popular still, who would have thought, oh well, guess it's time to bust out the ol' spandex and aqua net .
I still have no idea who I am voting for this election, I might just have to blog about the poor choices we have this election.
But anywho, the surgery is the next big hing, and I can say I am starting to see the light at the end of this big ugly cancer tunnel. I am hoping to get back to work by January or Feb.
keep on rockin' in the ree world ;)

I am done with chemo... for now. I will have surgery soon , and then possibly follow up with one and maybe two more rounds of chemo. Now I am simply looking forward to having the poison leave my body, the nausea to go away, and my brain to become a little less foggy. The Dr. did tell me I was getting the most agressive chemo she could give me, and minus a few days my body wasn't up to it, I did get over 90% of it all.
On another note. Music is such an incredibly powerful medium, I sometimes forget. I was able to pick up a few old Christian CDs really cheap on eBay, and the memories they brought back have been such a blessing. That feeling of when you are a new Christian, and just that unexplainable joy and enthusiasm, well a bit ofthat has ben rekindled in me through some good old school tunes. Anyway, it's all good :)

Last week I had my case review at Stanford. Seems like I'm on the right track, and the treatment I'm getting here is what they would recomend. I am still getting a very aggresive treatment plan, as they tell me they are going for total cure, they believe there is a good chance I can be cured of the cancer, but getting there is going to feel like hell. I just started round 2 of chemo "ding ding" , and I have another round to go after that, then it's back to Stanford for a pre-surgery consultation, and then whatever is left of my tumor should be taken out sometime mid-September if everything stays on track. I'm probably going to be pretty week and sick from now until early September, but you gotta do what you gotta do. Anyway, that's the latest. Thank you all for your prayers ,cards , and "lift up my spirits" gifts, I have been truly blessed !!!!

6-2-70
my bithday ;)
just got call from the Dr they are admittining me, I will get a call when my bed is ready, and I guess I will get all the results about what's going on inside me there. Sounds like they will be starting treatment asap, so this is a farewell for a while. Thank you so much for your prayers , I appreciate each and everyone of them. Thank you ...

I had made up my mind this morning that I really wanted to make it to church. My wife was not as on board as I, getting 4 kids and a sick hsband dressed, fed and out he door was not her idea of a great Sunday morning ;) We made, if not a few minutes fashionably late, me in my sweat pants ;). The worship brought tears flowing from me, it was beautiful. I had to leave for part of the service for comfort reasons, but after the service it was amazing. The love tht was poured out upon my family and I was nothing short of what I believe Agape in the body of Christ should look like. Many people then gathered around as my pastors and friends lifted me up, and my family in an awesome time of prayer, once again, my tears could not be contained. It would appear that one of the things God is doing through my sickness is bringing His people closer together and it's an awesome thing. Anyway, that's about all, just anted to share that. :)

Just wanted to thank everyone for their prayers and concerns. I'm doing ok, hanging out at home. I'm haing some trouble keeping food down, but I am getting some good rest. Unfortunately the test results we are waitig for will not be ready until next week, so it's just a bit of a waiting game right now.
I really do appreciate all the prayers. I do not claim to fully understand the dynamics of prayer, but I do know we are told to pray, and to lift each other up in prayer, so I want to thank everyone for their faithful prayers, and let you kno how blessed I am by them all.
Thanks !!
:)

I decided to fire this thing up again. Maybe for a bit of an escape, or maybe just for a little self expression.
About 10 hours ago I found out I have the "C" word. Cancer. It was the worst case scenario type of thing, but it is what it is. The Dr. s originally thought had some mass in my abdomen they could probably just drain, then when they did the biopsy it turned out to b solid. But they were a bit optomistic that because of its size and location it was probably benign, and could just be cut out. But it wasn't. So now I wait as the labs track down wxactly what type of cancer we are dealing with, and then they will decide how to treat it.
I am so glad I know the Lord. I cannot imagine how I would be reacting if I didn't have relationship with he One who actually really knows what's going on.
I know that God was not surprised at he news. He already knew what I had, I just didn't know. And even though I don't know how things are going to happen, He does.
I am thankful I finally hooked up with a very thorough Dr. I am thankful I have a beautiful wife. I am thankful I have precious children.
What has been most amazing has been the concern and outpouring of compassion and love from friends, family, and my wonderful brothers and sisters in the body of Christ. I know my wife gets all weapy when she talks about what everyone has been doing for us.
Am I scared, of course, who wouldn't be. But knowing that God has a plan and a purpose for my life is an amazing thing.
"You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Blessed be your name ! "

Book review.

Spiritual Leadership , Principles of excellence for every Believer, by J. Oswald Sanders

This book was given to the leadership team at Church by my pastor. We will be discussing 3 chapters at a time during our monthly meetings. A couple of things about it left me pleasantly surprised. First, it's a free book. I mean who doesn't like getting something free right? Second, it's not by Chuck Smith or one of the other more prominent Calvary Chapel pastors. This also was a plus for me ;). Third, it's a small book, but don't let the size fool you, there is some great stuff in it!

The book is only a little over 200 pages long, and this includes the chapter notes and study guide at the end. 22 small chapters are squeezed into it. Each Chapter is only 6 to 10 pages long, so even though it could easily be read in one evening, it's broken up into nice bite size pieces to really absorb the message.

Each chapter deals with one small topic that the author believes is import in a leaders life. Using both Biblical and historical examples, the author shows how and who has applied these principles in their life. Examples of some of the chapter titles are Th Master's Master Principle, Can You Become A Leader?, Prayer And Leadership, The Leader And Time, The Leader And Reading, etc. Each chapter is short, but to the point and very practical in its application.

I actually really enjoy this book, there is a lot to think about, and some great insight as to why some ministries may be more "successful" then others.

I would say anyone in any type of ministry position, or anyone that just wants to mature more as a believer, will find some good insights and wisdom from this book. Probably a few ideas they might want to apply to themselves as well.

The book can be found all over the net, in an inexpensive softcover version.

The book gets high marks from a pretty good assortment of Evangelicals, including, Charles Colson, John C. Maxwell, John MacArthur, Chip Ingram, Nancy Leigh DeMoss, D. James Kennedy, Warren W. Wiersbe, and Erwin W. Lutzer.

I think there is a common misconception that a books size equates to its applicability to our lives, but this book, although small, packs a pretty good punch.

Good stuff.

Psalm 100 (New King James Version)

Psalm 100
A Psalm of Thanksgiving.

1 Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!

2 Serve the LORD with gladness;

Come before His presence with singing.

3 Know that the LORD, He is God;

It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;

We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,

And into His courts with praise.

Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

5 For the LORD is good;

His mercy is everlasting,

And His truth endures to all generations.

When it comes to excuses, I'll use the old stand by Adam first used way back in the garden," The woman whom You gave to be with me ...".

After all, it's my wifes fault, it really is. When she heard me listening to the new Kevin Max album, she noticed a song on there that George Michael had covered before, Stevie Wonder's "They won't go when I go". She was telling me that George Michael had done a really good job with that song and that should check it out. I did, and I must say I was impressed.

Now I've already liked a few of his songs, not any of the bubblegum -shake your booty - wake me up before you go go - gotta have faith stuff. I really liked his song Freedom, and then when he did Killers/Papa Was A Rolling Stone, that was great.

So after searching online, listening to some Mr. Michael tunes with my wife, and catching some live stuff on YouTube, I have to say I'm impressed. There was a very cool clip of him singing "Livin' For The City" with Stevie Wonder, one of my all time favorite Stevie Wonder tunes.

Am I fan, well not yet, but I certainly have gained some respect for the man's singing talent, but it is really all my wifes fault :)

Kevin Max has ever been one of the more innovative style conscious personalities in Christian music. I did a little exploring, and I think I discovered some of his fashion influences. Take a look at these pics and see for yourself if Carol Brady might have had a big influence on the hair styling of K-Max ;)

Well '08 is now upon us. We will be electing a new President at the end of the year. And to be quite honest I am not very thrilled with a single one of the candidates who have thrown his/her hat into the ring. I'm sure it will probably be down to a lesser of two evils thing in November, and I'm not sure I want to cast a vote for someone who is just not quite as bad as the other guy.
One thing that has been kind of bugging me lately, that I've been hearing a lot of talk on, are the issues people seem concerned with the most during the Presidential race. The fact is the President is very limited when it comes to domestic policy unless he/she can cooperate with congress. So to vote for a Presidential candidate based on their domestic policy plans may not be the wisest move.
The real power the next President will have will be in foreign policy and Supreme Court Justice picks. To see just how powerful a president can be in foreign policy, just look at Bush. Whether you agree or disagree with him, he has been treating the Middle East like some backwoods Texas vigilante mission, and he is pretty much unstoppable. The majority of congress disagrees with him, the majority of the population disagrees with him, yet here we are still, smack dab in the middle of an occupation of a foreign country. That is where the President has real power.
Then there is the issue of Supreme Court Justices. It is highly probably that within the next eight years, at least 2, probably 3, and maybe even 4 new Justices will need to be appointed. This would be a very powerful legacy to leave by any President. I would suggest that looking into what type of Justices a Presidential candidate would appoint is a very important issue for this race, and I hope that issue doesn't get drowned out by mudslinging, name calling, and all the other nonsense that goes with an election year.
Anyway, just a few things I'm thinking about. Like I said, I still have no candidate I'm willing to back, but hopefully one of these hopefuls will surprise me and catch my attention, in a good way :)

Kevin Max - The Blood - a review, part deux

After listening to the album all week in my car, and reading a bunch of reviews online, which seem to all be more positive then mine, I thought I'd expound upon my thoughts a little more.

It's not that I think the Blood is a bad album, I just don't think it's as good as it could have, or should have been. I am a Max fan, and I feel he has the talent and creativity to construct a monumental record. This just isn't it. The problem I have with this release is Kevin threw his hat into the ring with the likes of Prince, Stevie Wonder, Moby, Johnny Cash, and Rod Stewart, and he didn't bring his A game. I think Kevin stepped up to the plate swinging for a home run, but at best, made it to 2nd base. When you put out a project tackling such big names as K-Max did, you should expect to be critiqued on the same level of craftsmanship as these artists, and these artists have all been at the top of their respective genres at one time or another.

I think part of the discrepancies between my review and others I have read come from different expectations. I think if we were to see Kevin reviewed in say the College Music Journal or even SPIN, we would get a more accurate assessment of where the album lies based purely on it's craftsmanship. Unfortunately the Christian community at large has created it's own sad little sub-culture and called it CCM (contemporary christian music) with their own record labels, radio stations, video shows , magazines, and awards. If I were to compare this release amongst his CCM peers, sure I'd say it's better then the last Audio Adrenaline, Newsboys, or Michael W. Smith, but in the BIG world that's not saying much.

I think Franky Schaeffer best expounds on what is going here in his book "Addicted To mediocrity". For centuries Christians were at the forefront of the arts, they were they pioneers, they were the ones pushing the boundaries, the ones to be emulated and to learn from. Unfortunately the 20th century saw Christians take the back seat, and instead of rising to the challenges that a secular society presented to the Christian artist, they chose to go the route of the sub-culture, and as a result most Christian art has suffered, and expectations are considerably lower for the Christian artist.

So, compared to Kevin Max's CCM contemporaries, yeah the Blood is a real good album. But having read Max's autobiography, I don't think he really wants to be just another CCM singer. I think his book "Unfinished Work" as well as his song selections show that he wants to be heard by the world at large, and why shouldn't he, he has an incredible voice, and the potential to make great music. So compared with the world's talents, I just feel this project was lacking, and could have, should have, been so much more.

Now indulge me a bit here. I'd like to play a little arm chair quarter back with "The Blood". Here are some changes I would have made to this project. First off I would have tried to have Kevin work with T-Bone Burnett, I think T-Bone could have fine tuned and really brought this project home, look at what he did with the "O Brother" soundtrack.

Next I would have made some different song selections. Don't get me wrong, I dig on Prince, I can still remember the first time I saw him on TV at my grandparents house in the very early 80's and I have been a fan for many years. But, the Cross was not the song to get together with DC Talk on. It's not that they did a bad job, it's just forgettable and doubtful that a year later this song is going to show up on anybody's best of DC Talk list. I think they should have gone for a little old school gospel rap and redo "It's Time" by the Winans. I know the song sounds dated now, which is why DC Talk could have totally hit a home run redoing it, i has some great room for powerful vocal expression, it's upbeat, and it even has a place for Toby to get his freak attack on. I know this song would totally work for them.

Next I would have probably had Max and Chris Sligh team up on a song like When We All Get To Heaven, or Let The Church Roll On. I can really see both of those songs working with their vocals. Run On has just been overdone lately and both the Moby and Johnny Cash versions are great.

I would have had Kevin do another number with Amy and Vince, don't get me wrong, I do like their version of Up above my Head, but I can also see them doing Jesus Walking on the Water by the Violent Femmes. I know that sounds like a bit of an odd choice, but I think Kevin and Amy's vocals would work really well together on it and I think Vince could do some serious guitar work on this song. I know it's a bit of a strange pick, but think it could work.

Instead of People Get Ready, I would have had Max team up with Erica Campbell on Billie Holiday's Strange Fruit. That is one of the most powerful songs of all time, yet a lot of people aren't familiar with it. I think Max and Erica could do an amazing version of it. I would have them sing it together instead of alternating verses.

Last thing I would do is have Kevin re-sing I Know His Blood Can Make Me Whole. Its a good song, but I think Kevin's vocal performance is a bit lacking here. I know Kevin can pack a song with grit and emotion and I'd like to hear him do that here. When he sings about being a gambler, I want to believe him, when he sings about touching the hem of Jesus' garment I want to feel it. I'd just keep him in the studio until he nailed it, which I know he could.

Anyway, it's easy to be an armchair quarter back, but I do love music, and I do think Mr. Max has incredible potential, I just would like to see him get there.

Since we are well into our second year with no TV, we actually have a few televisions, just no antena or pay service hook up to allow us to recieve any signals, I have been getting my 411 from the net. I've also started reading and enjoying blogs. Not the big fancy blogs tp promote some celeberty, guru, or product, but just reading random writings from some genuine human beings. Here is a short rundown of the ones I've been reading lately, and why.
First up is Mike over at A Man In Healing http://amaninhealing2.blogspot.com/ My wife and I have enjoyed interacting with Mike over the last few years, his theology is very similar to mine, he has a wicked non-PC sense of humor that is great, and he is revealing and brutally honest on his blog. My wife has told me a few times, if lived close to him, he and I would probably hit it off pretty well.
Next is Pastor Burt http://pastorburt.lifewithchrist.org/index.html Burt is a great guy. My wife and I had a chance to have dinner with him a while back while he was in California, and he is the real deal ! Although Burt tends to be a bit more pentacostal for my comfort zone, he gets it. He knows that spiritual gifts mean nothing without the fruit of the spirit, I just wish more charismatic folks knew that greater truth. Burt and I have a lot of simillar interests and enjoy a lot of the same music, and it's always a treat to visit his blog. His church body is very blessed to have him as their shepherd.
Another blog I've been reading lately is Jason at AO1 http://ao1.lifewithchrist.org/index.html he and his wife Brandy http://brandy26.lifewithchrist.org/index.html have been blogging at Life With Christ on and off for a few years now. It's been neat to watch them grow and mature in their Christian walk, they are folk I wouldn't mind getting to know in the real world :) I like Jasons' blog because he tends to wear his heart on his sleave and share it with us. He talks about his hopes, struggles, dreams and frustrations, and seems to really be trying to "work out" his salvation. Plus he likes some cool music as well ;)
Another fave of mine is Glenn Kaisers' occasional blogging http://www.glennkaiser.com/blog.htm Glenn has been around since the Jesus People movement, and still has an incredible passion for the Lord. The leader of the late 70's Christian hard rock band Resurrection Band still lives with his fellow Jesus People USA , in a community in Chicago, and these days aside from being a very skilled musician, he is also a pastor. He talks about a variety of things from upcoming musical projects, to his wife, church etc. It always an enjoyable read for me.
Now one you might not expect, I do enjoy reading Graham Old over at Leaving Munster http://anabaptist.lifewithchrist.org/index.html Aside from hipping me to what the heck an anabaptist is, he really makes me think out my beliefs and examine my theology. Graham is ever the gentlemen and has superb patience, even with people who attack him in a mean spirit. He has a pretty good sense of humor as well, now if we could just fix his theology !!! ;) But I really do enjoy the way his blog makes me examine my own beliefs and theology, and he has really opened my eyes up to the fact that we can be so very different on so many issues yet both be brothers in Christ !
Lately I've really been enjoying Eddies blog over at the Den of the Martyrologist http://martyrologist.lifewithchrist.org/index.html He and his wife http://felicitas.lifewithchrist.org/index.html seem like great people, and I have a feeling we might be able to hook up and meet one of these days. Though I am not an Anabaptist, Calvinist, pacafist, or have a passion for Greek translation, I still really enjoy Eddies writings, and find myself probably more simillar to him in my beliefs then I would have thought. Good stufs!
And last but not least, I do like to wander over to Stupid Church People once in a while http://www.stupidchurchpeople.com/ Though I don't always agree, I am challenged, and do see valid reasons in a lot of things they bring up. It's sort of like a therapy page for people who have either given up, been hurt by, or cast out from the whole church thing. It's always an interesting read.
Well there you have it. That's how I like to spend my veg-out time. Reading other peoples thoughts from across the miles in cyberspace :) ok, I am a geek, oh well, it's not like I didn't already know that.

Music review: Kevin Max- "The Blood"

As you probably guessed I am a fan of Kevin Max. I eagerly awaited the the arrival of his newest musical project "The Blood", and have since received and listened to the album in it's entirety. This album comes across as a mix between a self indulgent homage to some of his personal favorites and an over-eager attempt to launch himself into the Nashville CCM scene. On this release Kevin tackles 9 covers with one original song rounding out the album. Cover songs are nothing new to Kevin Max and at times it show-cases him at his best such as his excellent cover of Queen's "Save me" and most recently, his brilliant re-working of Bob Dylan's "When He returns". But sometimes Kevin is lacking on his cover versions, such as his rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" and his version of the Beach Boys "Help me Rhonda".

Unfortunately on this album, most of his covers are lacking. The Blood opens with the traditional hymn "The old rugged cross". Retro sounding turn table needle pops are added to give it a retro feel much like Terry Scott Taylor's version on his solo album Knowledge and innocence".

Max re-unites with his DC Talk co-horts to cover Prince's "The Cross".

Aside from adding more fuel to a much anticipated DC Talk reunion, it also leaves the listener wanting to go hear the Prince version instead. Max tackles "Run on for a long time" next on the album. He shouldn't have put this one on the album, because this rendition falls short of both Johnny Cash's version as well as Moby's.

The fourth track is "Trouble of the world", by Mahalia Jackson, this is the standout track on the album. Kevin's vocals shine, and the simplicity of the instruments highlights his vocal prowess.

Blind Willy Johnson's "I know his blood can make me whole",is the most disappointing song on the album. The musical arrangement is good, but Kevin's vocals lack the passion and feeling that would do this Blue's tune justice. He sounds more like, a hired singer who sings the song well, but doesn't feel the song.

Next Max teams up with Amy Grant and Vince Gill for a countrified version of Sister Rosetta Thorpe's "Up above my head I hear music in the air". The strange marriage of Max, Grant and Gill's vocal styles actually works on this song and makes for an enjoyable listen.

Kevin then attempts a version of Stevie Wonders, "They won't go when I go". It was a nice attempt but it left me wishing it was Stevie Wonder that I had just heard instead. But it is nice to hear Kevin re-embracing some R& B and Soul which has been lacking on his other solo efforts.

"The Blood will never lose it's power" by Andre Crouch is next on the play list. This is a nice rendition both musically and vocally. This is one of the better tracks on the album.

The last cover on this album, is "People get ready". Having grown up hearing the Chambers Brothers version and then the Jeff Beck/ Rod Stewart version, I find Max's version is also lacking. This song, like, "Run on" should have been left off the album as people are more familiar with more superior version's of these songs. Again, it's not that this particular version is bad, it's just that it simply has been done better in the past.

The album closes with Max's only original song "One way, one blood" which is a duet with Joann Cash and it has a surprisingly Nashville, country sound since it was written by Kevin Max. It is a decent song, but definitely not one of his best.

Kevin seems to be jumping on the Americana/roots music band wagon. Following along the lines of other CCM artists like the Lost Dogs, and more recently Glen Kaiser's "Glory bound" album. Of course Kevin Max fan's will still want this album even though it is not one of his best efforts. Because even mediocre Kevin max album's are still Kevin Max album's. ; ) Even when Kevin is not at his best, he is still better than most of the Nashville CCM over-produced flavor of the month Christian artists. Hopefully soon we will get an original Max album that better showcases his astounding vocal abilities and eclectic song writing style. I would certainly recommend listening to the album before you decide to purchase it.