Derek and Sandra just announced the pre-release of their first collaborative project: Ampersand EP. It's short, but it can't help but be good with this kind of talent behind it. These two know what they're doing when it comes to music.

An awesome post on Rich Mullins at Kamp Krusty:

I confess to wondering sometimes, "Why am I doing this...?" and then I hear the first few notes of "Peace", and I remember. Oh -- yeah. Of course.

Jesus.

Andrew Osenga responds to an article branding Caedmon's Call as determinist. Good job, Andy, and extra points for invoking Chesterton.

The chorus of the song you referenced contains that Scripture “He makes all things good.” Either we believe that’s true, because He said it, or we believe it’s not. If it’s not, not only is God not powerful, but He’s a liar, and He’s not that good.

It’s just like believing that God became a man, woke up after death and somehow freed me from the consequences of my sin. The Church is built on believing in things that don’t always make a lot of sense.

Here's an excellent interview with the one-and-only Derek Webb: Part 1 and Part 2.

Thanks to the guys at Said at Southern for making this happen.

Yeah, this is some pretty good ukulele.

An interview with Caedmon's Call:

You guys have never really cared about how you fit into the whole “CCM” aspect of the music industry. Do you see the current state of Christian music as having improved since you signed with a major record label ten years ago?

Todd Bragg: In some ways yes, but mostly no.

Garett Buell: I really think CCM could use more thinking, more creativity (not to mention the complete demolition of the name “CCM”) I think Christians in particular have a hard time being unique, and different from then next person. I don’t know why but, who said being born again meant losing your individuality? So with that said, why does everything on the radio sound like the same band with a bunch of singers?

YEEAAAAHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!

On August 28th:

489 - Theodoric, king of the Ostrogoths defeats Odoacer at the Battle of Isonzo, forcing his way into Italy.
1609 - Henry Hudson discovers Delaware Bay.
1884 - First known photograph of a tornado is made.
1937 - Toyota Motors becomes an independent company.
1974 - Geir Hallgrímsson became Prime Minister of Iceland
2007 - Caedmon's Call releases new album: "Overdressed"

What happens when you take a world renowned classical musician and have him play for nickels and dimes in a D.C. Metro station during rush hour?

Sadly, not much. There's video.

This is a wrenching glimpse into our culture's tragic betrayal of beauty. Read with a heavy heart, and mutter a prayer for this brave, brave world.

(HT: evangelical outpost)

Hark! - a new release from Derek Webb.

I still think his solo career has been a bit shaky, although I do like this disc. We'll see what he's come up with this time - it's certainly not looking any tamer, but hey, what do you expect; it's Derek, after all.

David St. Lawrence examines a novel new social phenomenon: the complaint choir.

Keeping up with Caedmon's:

March 17, 2007 / 3:58 pm

Be warned. I just played trombone. Through my guitar rig. And then my dad came by the studio. And played trumpet. Through my guitar rig. With a wah pedal. We are awesome.

- Andy

March 17, 2007 / 8:57 pm

Andy’s dad played some killer trumpet, Danielle played some killer scratch vocal, as well as bgvs, and Garett and I tracked drums based on an idea that Danielle heard and it kills. I love that working with this band challenges me to think outside of my own perimeters, whether self-imposed or not. By the way, I mean “kills” and “killer” in a good complimentive way, not at all in a literal way. Did I mention that Ella Osenga is now 2 years old? Well, she is and we took a break from the HOD to celebrate with Guitar Hero II and bratwerst prepared by none other than Mr. O. Tune in tomorrow for more fun filled commentary and perspective…

cool,
todd

Verily, verily, Caedmon's is recording! Andrew Osenga has the wrap on the week, and the band has a new little splash site dedicated to the project.

I am actually listening to these songs we recorded. I haven’t done that since share the well,and before that long line of leavers. that was me, Cliff/the boring guy in the hat that can’t write songs or think very good.

Another Caedmon's update. Andy Osenga also reporting here.

Yesterday Garrett introduced me to a truly amazing guitarist he had recently stumbled upon. Andy McKee (wikipedia) is an incredibly talented pioneer finger-stylist with a gift and appreciation for emotion and energy in music. Top notch.

It's just as much fun to watch as it is to listen to.



Be sure to also catch Drifting, Into the Ocean, and Africa.

When you do something, you should burn yourself completely,
like a good bonfire, leaving no trace of yourself.
-Shunryu Suzuki

(from Andy's bio page)

All right, this is really, really cool. Introducing pandora.com, personalized internet radio that assimilates your preferences and locates music that you don't know about but already like. The best part? No DJ's!

(Thanks Garrett!)

Keeping a finger on the Caedmon's pulse. "There's a stirring..."