Thursday, September 27, 2007

You're On Fire

As I stated earlier music has ways to attach themselves to moments and people in my life. So we have Mxpx's "You're On Fire" from their new cd Secret Weapon (go buy!). When I heard this song it hit struck me as a song of dedication and made me think of a friend of mine and I think about them everytime I hear this song.



You're old enough to know it's not your fault
You're strong enough to face your darkest conflict
Now you've woken from your nightmare, and now you're fighting back
And nothing can survive when you attack
This road to healing, hurts more than anything

Now that you're on fire, you're voice is like the wind
Now that you're on fire, let life begin again
Now that you're on fire, a new day has begun
Now that you're on fire, you are like the sun
Now that you're on fire

You've spent some time along this lonesome road
With no one waiting for you back at home
Just breaking hearts and living free and easy
Times have changed and now you're not alone
This road to healing, hurts more than anything


More than anything I'd like to see
Better brighter days for you, for you and me


Facedown Fest East Coast 2007 is 2 days away so of course more music videos. I'll give you two tonight. The first from Bloodlined Calligraphy called "Last Goodbye" and the second from Seventh Star called "Resistance to Resistance".




Monday, September 24, 2007

Phone Calls = Creativity?

Two part post here.

First, I want to talk about music and moments. There's a piece of music that has an attachment to my life. When I say piece I mean. One minute and 15 seconds long. But it has attached itself to a moment in my life. And like I mean piece of music, I mean moment, 3 weekends. I had itunes on shuffle during lunch and up popped a track by Jon Brion from the Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind soundtrack entitled "Phone Calls". It's very pretty piece of music. Just a transitional moment in a movie that largely goes ignored by most watching the film but a beautiful song none-the-less. So this popped up and I had a thought. This little song has become attached to a girl I went out with briefly. She's still a friend of mine who I talk to from time to time but we went out for a bried period last summer. And this song, this short piece of unnotticed film score has attached itself to a memory of her. Just one of those things...

Alright, now for part two. I always like to acknowledge creative people. I saw two music videos this afternoon that caught my attention. One I had already seen a bunch of times but the second one was new. The first is by the band Justice for their song "D.A.N.C.E." The second by the Chemical Brothers with "The Salmon Dance".




Sunday, September 23, 2007

Lights Shone Brighter. My Delicate Sun Is My Sparklin' Sun

So the Redskins lost today... kind of sad. I was hoping for a win. We have next Sunday off.

I have a renewed spirit today. I went and led worship at a home church this morning, which I was looking forward to. Getting to just pray and play songs of love to God always gets my mind back in focus. There was a good word given about not being defeated. Lately I've felt slightly on the defeated side and it was good to have someone just give a word of encouragement.

This is the song I kepy coming back to this weekend.

Jeremy Enigk "World Waits"

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Facedown Fest

Facedown Fest East Coast is happening September 29. Here's another video from a band playing.

Inked in Blood

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

A New Beginning

I've been feeling very creative lately. Which is awesome for a couple of reasons. First, I have a job that requires my creativity. If I'm not creative, I'm not very productive at work, or my productivity isn't very good. More importantly, my creativity is an outlet for me. Writing poems or music, or taking pictures is a way I can express myself and release. I'm very grateful God made me a creative person.

I've been writing a lot. My writing seems to take on two themes lately; standing up for your beliefs/rights and taking a stand for what's right. This isn't a defend your beliefs, this is a stand up to the man and tell him to back off. To not let anyone tell you what to think or how to live your life. To stand up for yourself and not let any put you down because of it. And then making sure we take care of those who need it. The older I've gotten the more concerned I've gotten with the people around me. The more I learn about the life of Jesus and the more I want to be like him, the more I understand the need to love and take care of others, no matter what.

It saddens me deeply when I hear people complain about how much attention people in need get. I know the older I've gotten the more God has softened my heart (I mean, who sheds tears while watching "Tim Gunn's Guide to Style?).

Anyway, I'll probably post some writings on the Poets Death next week.

This is a poem by Emily Bronte I really like. It's called "To Imagination"

When weary with the long day's care,
And earthly change from pain to pain,
And lost, and ready to despair,
Thy kind voice calls me back again:
Oh, my true friend! I am not lone,
While then canst speak with such a tone!

So hopeless is the world without;
The world within I doubly prize;
Thy world, where guile, and hate, and doubt,
And cold suspicion never rise;
Where thou, and I, and Liberty,
Have undisputed sovereignty.

What matters it, that all around
Danger, and guilt, and darkness lie,
If but within our bosom's bound
We hold a bright, untroubled sky,
Warm with ten thousand mingled rays
Of suns that know no winter days?

Reason, indeed, may oft complain
For Nature's sad reality,
And tell the suffering heart how vain
Its cherished dreams must always be;
And Truth may rudely trample down
The flowers of Fancy, newly-blown:

But thou art ever there, to bring
The hovering vision back, and breathe
New glories o'er the blighted spring,
And call a lovelier Life from Death.
And whisper, with a voice divine,
Of real worlds, as bright as thine.

I trust not to thy phantom bliss,
Yet, still, in evening's quiet hour,
With never-failing thankfulness,
I welcome thee, Benignant Power;
Sure solacer of human cares,
And sweeter hope, when hope despairs!

Monday, September 17, 2007

Ashamed

Monday Night Fooball! Kick-off is in 2 and half hours. Redskins vs Eagles. I got my jersey on. I'm ready for a big win and ready to be 2-0. I got nachos and ice cream for the game. It's going to be a great night!

A little personal note. I've been trying this year to...I guess you'd say heal some broken relationships. There are some moments in my life that I'm not proud of and I've basically ignored that fact that they ever happened. They make me look like a jackass and a lot of people were hurt in the process. Only a small handfull of people know about these things and they're the ones who were affected by them. I've sent e-mails to people apologizing for my actions and asking for forgivness and expressing apperciation for their friendship before things hit the fan.

I've been a little discouraged because I haven't gotten any replies. But part of letting God heal you is letting go. I feel I've done my part and I can't do any more and so I need to let go. I'm not perfect and I never will be and there will always be parts of me that need God to fix and heal. If my life is a story then I can't ignore parts of it. A book with missing chapters is confusing and not a good book. I can't wait to be whole and completely fixed to do what God wants me to do. I will miss a lot of moments to do great things if I wait. I need to let God continue to heal and fix me where I need to be healed and fixed but be out doing his work. The discple didn't have their stuff together when Jesus first sent them out.

I feel like everyday is a breakthrough on some level for me. It's good.


Because everyone loves music videos...Another video in honor of Facedown fest (I'm really getting excited for it). Here is War of Ages with "Strength Within"

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Top 5

I'm feeling inspired this morning... kind of. Anyway, here's the run down on my Top 5 records of all time.

5. Joy Electric - The White Song Book

Why Joy Electric? Why not? I wasn't really a fan of Ronnie Martin's electronic music until this record. This is the first JoyE record that truly captured what Ronnie was capable of doing. A perfect pop record in every aspect. What Ronnie does with all analog snyths is incredible. I wish someone would release this record on vinyl.

"We are Rock"


4. MxPx - Slowly Going the Way of the Buffalo

I've been an MxPx fan for a long time. I've always enjoyed listening to them. Slowly Going the Way is without a doubt my favorite MxPx record. I can't say enough good things about it. If you don't have this record, what are you waiting for?

"Tomorrow is Another Day"


3. Sunny Day Real Estate - Diary

What is called the Godfather of emo records. I think most people fell in love with SDRE when they first heard Diary. Jeremy's raw intesity and poetic lyrics are completely moving every listen. Although I love everything SDRE has released since Diary and I love Jeremy Enigk's solo records and the Fire Theft album, nothing comes close to Diary.

"A Song About an Angel"


2. Hopesfall - No Wings to Speak

Although this record is an ep and only features 4 songs it does not diminish it's greatness. The beauty of this record is incredible. The End of an Era is still one of my favorite songs ever. About a relationship that has come to end because two people have different paths in lives and wishing that God blesses the other person in their endeavors. I love the song. This record makes me wish Doug had never left Hopesfall and that we would still have some great screamo.

"The End of an Era"


1. Starflyer 59 - The Fashion Focus

I love Starflyer 59. My favorite band. Their early shoegaze stuff made me fan up The Fashion Focus made me a fan of indie pop. A break from the layer and layers of guitar driver rock music the Fashion Focus was a perfectly crafted pop record. Truly the record where I fell in love with Starflyer 59.

"I Drive a Lot"

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Tread on my Dreams

I'm a litte down right now and it's based on some confussion. One of my goals in life to travel and see as many new places as I can. To go out and see the world and experience new things. Good deal right? I'm taking a vacation in November. I wanted to go Ireland. It's a little too expensive for me. England is cheaper but something doesn't feel right about going to London. Am I crazy? Who would pass up a chance to go to London? I am... I am crazy.

Anyway...

Facedown Fest East Coast is September 29. I'm excited. I didn't go to the last Facedown Fest (although I wish did, N.I.V. was there.) In honor of Facedown Fest I give you Alove for Enemies. They're playing one of their last shows at the fest. Here's their video for "Tread on My Dreams".

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

When Bryan Speaks...

I write because it helps me get things off my chest and it keeps a certain sense of creativity flowing through me. But today I'm writing to have a record of things I'm learning, something I can come back to. So sorry kids, no crazy youtube video, music video, or song lyrics today. (does anyone read this crap anyway?)

Spiritually I've felt like I've been getting my ass kicked lately. Knowing what God has called of me and what he wants me to be a part of and about and not getting anywhere close to it. Plus dealing with cleaning out my emotional and spiritual closet and figuring out who I am as a person and in God and it's been a tough or so for me spiritually.

I'd like to spend my time praying outdoors. But I'm a spoiled American and when it's hot and humid I'm inside and when it's freezing cold I'm inside. That leaves a couple months a year when I can spend my time praying outdoors. The reason I like being outdoors is that there's something about being in God's creation, just him and me that opens me up. I don't "pray" very good. The best way for me to talk to God is by actually talking to him, just rapping and letting him know what's up. And God gets that because at some point as I'm talking I say something profound (not really profound but it's always is exactly what I need to hear/say at that moment). Everytime. EVERYTIME!

I'm always amazed at how simple the revelation fo God can be. And what struck me tonight was it's not about where I am. I don't have to be perfect and have everything in my life figured out or lined up to be out there doing what God's called me to do. It's not about me, it's about God. Mark batterson has a saying that I really like. "Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshipping what's right with God." This is the same thing. I shouldn't let what's wrong with me stop me from doing the work of God. My imperfections can't stop his perfection. So I need to be out there doing what God has called me to do.

The other thing was I need to stop jumping God's timing. If God has promosied me something but said it's not time I don't need to be out there trying to make it the right time. It never works and it only makes me mad.

Alright, I lied about no video. I've been listening to Josh Tillman's record "Long May You Run" the past couple of nights and I'm completely loving the record. Here's his video for "Seven States Across". Enjoy some good sad bastard music.

Monday, September 10, 2007

The Suffer and the Witness

I always enjoy a good punk record. Lots of energy, lyrics that means something. Not since Squad Five-O's 2004 release "Late Breaking News" had I heard a good punk record. But that changed today. I discovered (a year and a half later) Rise Against's 2006 record "The Suffer and the Witness". Tim McIlrath is one of the better lyricist I've heard in a while. I'm really upset I'm just hearing Rise Against.

Sunday, September 9, 2007

Hail to the Redskins!

So it's been a busy, fun-filled weekend.

Friday night I went and saw 3:10 to Yuma. Now, I'm a fan of westerns. I think cowboy movies are great, not as good as kung-fu movies but still fun. So naturally, I enjoyed it. You don't get many cowboy movies anymore (and Brokeback Mountain does not count).

Saturday was kind of sad. Michigan again lost. I mean they got beat down. Gone is the possibilty of a national championship. If only they would fire Lloyd Carr.

Saturday night was another story. UFC 76 live on spike and it was a good one. Well for two fights anyway. The first two fights ended in knock outs (the reason I watch fights). The main event, the Rampage fight, was a pretty good fight. It went all 5 rounds and Rampage won but man was it hard for me to keep my open. I was too tired to stay up that late.

Now, we'll get to what's really important in life, the opening day of the Washington Redskins football season. I've been waiting since December for this day to come. My house was full of people eating nachos, all wearing burgandy and gold. And... WE WON!!! 16-13 victory over the Miami Dolphins. I was excited. Here's looking forward to a great season with lots of football.

Thursday, September 6, 2007

Sending You Strength

Sometimes there are songs that have meaning at a certain time in your life. I really like the song "Connected" by Means. I'm really excited to see them live at Facedown Fest in a couple weeks. Plus this song has meaning for me right now. So...



I keep lying awake at night
Cause i cant sleep
I know you remember me
When you're gone
How could we forget
We're connected
You can take this to the end
I will be strong

You can take it
You can take this to the end
And further
My brother
I will be strong for you

I am sending you strength,
Sending you strength
I hope we never forget
My brother
Now i am sending you strength

How far do we have to travel
Just to be home again
And will we recognize eachother
If there are scars on our faces

All of this time
I know i could count on you
You make me stronger than i could ever know
As we move on
You can take these words
You can take these words from me

Take these words
We cant forget we're connected
Take more than words
Take life from this

All of this time
I know i could count on you
You make me stronger than i could ever know
As we move on
You can take these words
You can take these words from me

I am sending you strength
No matter where you are nothing changes
I am sending you strength
No matter where you are nothing changes

Sending you strength
Sending you strength

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Raising Your Voice...

LA Ink is at commerical and I need to post this.

If you don't listen to Hammock you need to!

Monday, September 3, 2007

No Reservations

So I enjoyed my day off. I got to sleep in. I spent most of my day chilling on the couch playing video games. Sounds like a great day.

As multi-talented as I am, I also spent the day watching Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations. I've seen an episode but today was a marathon. I spent a good chunk of my afternoon engulfed in this show. A cynic who goes around the world. Sounds like my type of show.

My new goal in life is to travel more and see places I've never been to before.

Sunday, September 2, 2007

Life Goes On

First off I must say that Michigan losing to Appalachian State hurts. Not a good way to start the college football season.

Anyway, I love the three day weekend. Having Monday off makes me happy. The bank being closed Monday and having to wait until Tuesday to get money doesn't but that's ok. I think I'll go to the zoo tomorrow.

Also, Pumpkin Pie makes me happy. I happen to be eating some at this moment. It's very good.

Here's a song I was enjoy today. "Life Goes On" by Pigeon John