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Epic Music Import of 2011: Some Stats
Feb 8th
A few days ago, I posted some reflections on my efforts to import my CD collection into iTunes. Well, it’s finally done, and here are the final stats:
No. Songs: 4595 No. Albums: 592 No. Genres: 45 Library Size: 21.1 GB Biggest Genre: Religious Year Span: 1940-2011 Best Album: In Shallow Seas We Sail (Emery) Best Artist: Emery Best Decade: 2000’s Best Genre: Rock Most Used Word in Song Titles: “Love” Best Discovery: I have about every Toad album ever Most Disturbing: Clay Aiken Christmas albums *shudder* Share this:CDs are a Hassle
Feb 1st
For about the last 9 years, my wife and I have been lugging around giant, fabric-bound cases of CDs. While most of the music we listen to nowadays is delivered via iTunes or MOG, we’ve held onto these portable discs of sound…and I’m not really sure why.
Sure, there are some gems that I’ve found–albums that I’ve all-but-forgotten about, but smile fondly when I am now reminded. But, it’s still mostly a pile of garbage…and it’s still something I can’t bring myself to throw away!
But finally this weekend, after going through the collection for about the 1 billionth time, I decided that I had had enough. I vowed, then and there, to ditch this pile of garbage for good…after I imported them into iTunes, of course 🙂
So I started importing the music, disc by disc, album by album. And here’s something I’ve noticed: when your entire CD collection is spread across several zippered carrying cases, it doesn’t seem that large. However, when you pile them all up next to each other–and have to wait on a less-than-speedy CD drive, you realize (very quickly) just how much of a chore awaits you.
Now here I am, nearly 60 discs into the over 350-disc More >
Auto-Tuning Theology: The Trinity
Dec 4th
More Athanasius! In this installment, Athanasius–in his distinct way–nicely summarizes some of the more important aspects of Trinitarian theology. Definitely a great passage 🙂
Listen to the TrackIt will not be out of place to consider the ancient tradition, teaching and faith of the Catholic Church, which was revealed by the Lord, proclaimed by the apostles and guarded by the fathers. For upon this faith the Church is built…
Light, radiance and grace are in the Trinity and from the Trinity
Light, radiance and grace are in the Trinity and from the Trinity
We acknowledge the Trinity, holy and perfect, to consist of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
In this Trinity there is no intrusion of any alien element or of anything from outside, nor is the Trinity a blend of creative and created being.
Light, radiance and grace are in the Trinity and from the Trinity
Light, radiance and grace are in the Trinity and from the Trinity
It is a wholly creative and energizing reality, self-consistent and undivided in its active power,
For the Father makes all things through the Word and in the Holy Spirit, and in this way the unity is preserved.
Light, radiance and grace More >
Happy Birthday, Dizzy!
Oct 21st
Google is celebrating the birthday of the phenomenal jazz musician, Dizzy Gillespie. Dizzy died in 1993, and would have been 93 today.
Share this:Underoath: “Illuminator”
Oct 5th
In preparation for release of their “Disambiguation” album (look for it 11.09.10), Underoath has been releasing “layers” of a new song over the course of several days. These layers finally came together into their newest finished song, “Illuminator.”
Overall, I like this song a lot. It’s not terrifically innovative for Underoath, but if you like what Underoath has done in the past, you’ll like what’s offered here. Hope you enjoy 🙂
IlluiminatorAwake to the sound of emptiness. Alone in a room that is filled with the darkest of light. I was told there was nothing beyond here. How do I know what side I'm on? Breathe! A captive with nothing but the thoughts increasing, Worsening I dont belong here But I cant find my exit. This is where they all come to hunt me down, hunt me down Where they go to hunt me down, they hunt me down Weigh out the options Pave the narrow I know what you're thinking Come on man I swear you can do this Come on man I swear you can do this I break free from this room they built for me I break free from this room they built for me This is More >
Ivoryline: Instincts
Sep 24th
I recently learned about Ivoryline from the Solid State sampler released by Tooth and Nail Records a while ago. First off, their latest album “Vessels” is pretty good–be sure to check it out.
So anyway, over the last few weeks, Tooth and Nail has been hyping and teasing about the release of the new video for Ivoryline’s song “Instincts.” It finally came out yesterday…
To be honest, I’m not terribly impressed with the video. There are parts that are interesting, but I think it doesn’t do justice to the song.
Anyway, here’s the video, and the lyrics for the song. If you agree or disagree with my take, leave a comment!!
InstinctsYou'll show me love, no matter what I do. You'll show me love, even when my back turns on you. And I will go about my friends Like I know just what to do, But I really need your hand To pull me through. Let it up, let it up, Let it out on. Instincts, can not keep me from falling I've learned that by now. Instincts, can not keep me from falling I've learned that by now Your start is love, and give us the choice On who we become, and if More >
“Son of the Morning,” by Oh, Sleeper
Aug 3rd
This outstanding track by Oh, Sleeper can be found on the new Tooth and Nail Solid State Sampler (just click on “Free Sampler”).
To me, this is one of those tracks that epitomizes how lyrical meaning can be radically extended by the medium in which it is delivered. While I think the lyrics on their own merits are pretty profound, their execution against the shrill guitars and angst of the vocal performance infuse them with a level of intensity and meaning that could not be captured otherwise. This is definitely one of my new favorite songs.
SynopsisThis song is basically a conversation between Satan and the crucified Christ, or rather a monologue from two radically different perspectives.
Throughout the song, the devil exults in his apparent victory over the “weak forgiver,” the supposed savior who has been vanquished by the devil’s hand in the grave. Satan continues by mocking the dead Christ, intimating that he should have used his power to save himself, rather than “wasting power on grace.” And having triumphed over Christ in death, the devil promises that the same end which now enfolds the body of the redeemer will be that toward which he will lure all those Christ came to More >
Farewell Napster, Hello MOG
Jul 22nd
For about 4 years now, I have had a premium membership with Napster (no, not the Napster that you remember from college…:)). My $15-odd dollars a month granted me access to millions of songs that I could stream over the internet, or download for quicker playback on up to 3 personal computers. Additionally, I could sync tracks to an MP3 player (up to 3 of them), allowing me to take my music on the road…it only required an annoying license-refresher-sync every month or so.
This worked pretty well for me for a long time. I was too cheap to buy an iPod, , so the 5GB (?) Creative Zen that I mooched off my little brother was the perfect fit. Then it broke (sorry Jared). And then Vista started hating the Napster software. And then all my favorite songs started showing up as only available in 30-second clips. And then I got my iPhone which, of course, isn’t compatible with most of ANYTHING that Napster does. It was time for a change.
So the other night I came across on article on Mashable about the launch of a brand-spanking-new app, a gateway app to the MOG music service.
Well, this was the first I had More >
Mason, OH Zoo :)
Jul 2nd