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January 26, 2004
Essential Music (And 2 Books) - David
Kuhtenia
In a society saturated with choices, sometimes it's nice to
receive some knowledgeable recommendations.
Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation
by Joseph J. Ellis
A great collection of relatively short accounts concerning the relationships
between leading figures of the American Revolutionary War. Rather than go into
great detail about “newly discovered” minutiae in an area of history that is
well traveled, the author attempts to capture the essence of the time and
dynamic that was playing out among the principals. In particular, the
discussion of the relationship between Jefferson and Adams is noteworthy to
those in church leadership at any level. Great common goals can be achieved by
strong personalities even when their view of events is coming from largely
dissimilar vantage points. Now in paperback, it is well worth the read,
especially when sitting on airplanes.
Guns, Germs and Steel:
The Fates of Human Societies
by Jared Diamond
Every once in a while, a book comes along that takes on a huge question,
attempts to answer that question, presents self-criticism of its own answers,
and is still readable. In this case, the question addressed is a good one—given
that that people from all cultures are individually of equal intelligence, then
why are some cultures living in mud huts and others in much more advanced
arrangements? In addressing this question, facets from an amazing spread of
topics (such as animal husbandry, languages, and the development of weapons
technology), are discussed and contrasted. Although approached from a
completely secular viewpoint, this is a fascinating look at a confounding
question and a great exercise in the integration of information from largely
independent fields of study. It is available in paperback in most bookstores
(including many found in airports).
Mosaics
by Mark Heard
For my money, Heard is still the best poet/musician of
Christian music. Who else could say stuff like “They say this is the golden
age, in which both virtue and flaw, and the entire human element, are effects of
quantum law,” and make it sound good?
Welcome to Paradise
by Randy Stonehill
Most of the “all-time” lists of contemporary Christian music
include this album, now pushing 30 years old. The first half of this album
(Paradise Lost) is worth listening to at least five times a year for the rest of
your life, and the concluding “Good News” on the second half (Paradise Regained)
is just ridiculously good.
Broken Things by Julie Miller
Miller writes some of
the best music being penned today that somehow manages to be bittersweet, yet
hopeful. It’s sort of like reading the second half of Romans 8. Always
interesting and lyrical, Julie’s music can be hard to categorize other than the
vague “Americana” label, but always has a vein of originality.
Something New Under the Son
by Larry Norman
Although a bit of loon and now well past his glory days, few
people in Christian music have as much inherent musicality as Norman. This
record has an assortment of gospel, blues, and good ole’ rock-and-roll all
jumbled up and just waiting to let your speakers breathe a bit.
You Gotta Sin to Get Saved
by Maria Mckee
Not a Christian album, but listen to this in its entirety a few times and tell
me if it isn’t an allegory of someone that has fallen from grace and wants to
return? Besides that, as one person said, “We’re not really sure what kind of
music Maria does, but, whatever it is, she owns it.”
Sunday’s Child/Find Me in These Fields/Crimson & Blue
by Phil Keaggy
Phil Keaggy is the sort of musician who makes decent enough
albums, but never seems to capture what you get in person. These three
consecutive albums, though, probably best reflect the essence of the gift that
Keaggy has intensely developed over the years, and display his writing
skills in addition to his truly world-class musical abilities.
From the New World: Symphony No. 9
by
Dvorák
Put on the second movement of this symphony for the first
time and you will be convinced that you have heard it before “somewhere.” You
probably have, just in bits and pieces and influences that have fed into and
been affected by this piece.
Simply Worship by Hillsongs Music
Of all the sources of modern worship music, the Hillsongs folks from Australia
seem to have an insight into “worshipfulness” that most others do not. While
some of their “praise” music sounds a bit forced and sort of “Pentecostal-lite”
to my ears, their music exalting Jesus for who He is (versus what He has done
for me lately) is some of the best around. This album is a collection taken
from several other Hillsongs projects and is definitely worth putting on when
the everyday fray of life gets under your skin.
ninetyandnine.com
© 2003, David Kuhtenia
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David Kuhtenia, the still fabulous Michelle Kuhtenia, Justus David Kuhtenia,
and David Henry Kuhtenia all live in the David (Columbus), Ohio area. |
