7 Things I Paid Attention to This Week #005
7 Things I Paid Attention to This Week #005
Bill Mallonee is still alive and on his 80th album.
Hello, my friends, and happy Friday!
We’re entering the shortest month of the year. A month to celebrate Black History, Valentine’s Day, Ash Wednesday on the Church Calendar, and drum roll, please…
For those of us in Middle America enduring the Dog Days of Winter… We soon will leave winter behind, change the clocks, and witness the new life of Spring.
Can I get an amen?
Here are a few things I paid attention to this week:
1. Apparently I was paying attention to lots of sports between my kids basketball games, and an epic football game between the Chiefs and Bengals. I wrote a piece on a three point line in my yard growing up (essay), and I also think what Patrick Mahomes did last Sunday was akin to the Michael Jordan Flu Game (essay). I believe sports are mysterious and magical.
2. On the Pods: My friend Jimmy Black chatted with me about his latest album, and the transforming power of music, and the fear of sharing your art. Check out his latest album and other offerings. A talented musician, and even better dude.
3. Eye Candy: Speaking of 90s British rock bands named Oasis. A documentary about the Gallagher brothers is a meditation on the trials and tribulations of fame and making music and any kind of art. Fame can be a drug… beware.
I also enjoyed the Mr. Rogers film with Tom Hanks. The Cardigan-Prophet was influential in my upbringing. Kindness still works. You might also enjoy this documentary from his neighbor.
4. Ear Candy: I rediscovered a favorite band from the past Vigilantes of Love. One of the best bands of the 90s that nobody knew about. The lead singer Bill Mallonee is still making music and is on his 80th album. A fascinating interview in Image Journal about his legacy.
5. A quote I’m carrying around from Bill Mallonee. When asked about his faith,
“I believe Jesus is alive and at loose and at large, and he’s after everyone, whether you know it or not.”
6. From the bookshelf: I’m deep into a memoir on Phillip Yancey, and still working on the novel Plainsong. Both beautifully written and moving.
7. If you like music, I discovered a new podcast called True Tunes. They have a fantastic interview with Bill Mallonee (I see a theme).
What did you pay attention to this week? Write in comments or in the chat area.
-Ryan