myopic pilgrim

Go to any city of significant size and you can easily find the shops and restaurants you already know and love. I know and love them too. I’m wearing an Old Navy sweatshirt right now and typing at a desk I bought at Target. If I’m away from home and in the mood for Italian food, you can bet I’m asking if there’s an Olive Garden or Macaroni Grill nearby. And chances are there will be one nearby. It may not be authentic, but it’s delicious and it’s right next to Gap.

And let me just say this: Starbucks.

We All Sing the Same Songs

Our cities are becoming more and more the similar across. The homogenization of America isn’t a bad thing except for shaving off the personality of your city. Regional flavor is getting diluted. Do you ever feel like that in church? I’m a worship leader, so I’m thinking of that in particular.

I can go to a church in another state and be pretty confident I’ll know most of the songs. Which is great because it means I can join in on my first day without being distracted by my lack of familiarity. The downside is the same as thinking of Red Robin instead of that little hole-in-the-wall when I want a hamburger. I’ll get a perfectly fine burger, but I won’t get that vibe and flavor that I can’t get anywhere else. Read the rest of this entry »

Generally, cover songs are never as good as the originals. And when we’re talking about a musical genius like Stevie Wonder that should always be true. But here are a few covers of Stevie Wonder songs that I think one-up the original.

The Covers
1. Gangsta’s Paradise by Coolio - not exactly a cover, I know. I think Coolio does a better job realizing Wonder’s vision on this.
2. Lately by Jodeci - Didn’t know this was a cover. The original is too fast; this live version carries more emotion.
3. They Won’t Go When I Go by George Michael - He really just nails this. Do people know what a soulful singer he is?
4. Higher Ground by Red Hot Chili Peppers - There’s more power and urgency here.

The Originals by Stevie Wonder
1. Pastime Paradise
2. Lately
3. They Won’t Go When I Go
4. Higher Ground

Today my son and I watched a bit of the tragic opera, Madama Butterfly. He watched the screen attentively. After about fifteen minutes of that, we watched Elmo tap dance.

So wrap our injured flesh around you
Breathe our air and walk our sod
Rob our sin and make us holy
Perfect Son of God
Welcome to our world

Chris Rice, Welcome to Our World

Did I mention the theater date in this fun little rap song I wrote is a true story?