In one ear, out the other

After much thought and prayer, I decided that with my first non-introductory post I would write about something that is really close to me, but not that serious in the grand scheme of things: Music. I plan on hitting the hard subjects like Politics, Alcohol, Lust and the like in the coming days, so hang in there with me. I felt the need to talk about this because music is so multifunctional. It can reflect the mood you are in. It can be a way to relate to others. It can soothe and calm you in rough times. It can also just be fun. It is an important facet of all of our lives (most anyways). Now, I will say that I don't ever listen to the radio....EVER...I've found there is absolutely nothing of substance to be found on public radio. Not only does it fully display what is wrong with America, it does so in such a blatant, almost flamboyant way. Most who know me know that I've always like harder music..When I was in middle school and into my freshman year in High school, I was listening to the likes of Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie, Korn and such. In 9th grade, I hit a crucial point with my walk with God. I was feeling the need to stop listening to such bands, but keep my passion for music intact. I switched to the underground Christian/positive rock scene. The first couple of Cds I got where bought for me by my mom at my request. Blindside's self titled CD, POD's "Fundamental Elements of South Town, and I believe a Switchfoot CD. I enjoyed these, but wanted more...I dug deep into this genre, hoping to uncover gems that I could witness with..I found Thousand Foot Krutch, Underoath, Relient K, Five Iron Frenzy, MXPX, Spoken, Skillet (Before they were popular). I made mix tapes, gave them to friends, and generally only listened to these types of bands. Some people liked them, others didn't. I was known for listening to "weird" music when people rode around with me in the Mustang. It was fun. Most importantly, it was something I felt like I could contribute with by strengthening my witness to others..I had people who were not too thrilled about it though. "It cannot be Christian music with all those guitars in it, all that screaming...all that noise is of the Devil." Some didn't care about the lyrics, rather the fact that maybe their church didn't agree with it..I remember one instance at Washington Avenue Baptist Church where me and some friends were listening to Relient K, arguably one of the most christian group of guys making music, in a room after a service...Just some youth hanging out, fellowshipping and such...A group of gentleman came by the room and were visibly angry with us, telling us to turn that "crap" off in the church. Ignorance is not appealing to me. This made me angry, but mostly strengthened my resolve to make this kind of music more popular and accepted. Some people's mind cannot be changed, however, so you have to pick your battles. Now, for me to elaborate on why this is so important to me. I've always listened to some secular music, but once I fell in with the a bad crowd in my late teens, I was more drawn to it...Music about partying, music about getting revenge, about being angry and hateful..I always had this nagging feeling though, and this music never satisfied my soul like previously..I found myself coming back to some of the positive Christian music from time to time. Some nights, this music literally saved me from making a horrible decision or getting into real trouble. It spoke to me like a human being. I dare to say that God realized this may be the only way to really get through to me at this time in my life. I spend many dark days with this being my only comfort. I couldn't just talk to God, I was too weak and too disconnected. But I felt that, especially in hindsight, that He was speaking to me.. "Don't wander to far, My son."  I'm 28 now, but still have a great passion for music. 99% of what I listened to is classified as Christian or Positive (Christian morals and principles without specifically mentioning God). I will still sit down with anyone and have discussions about it and make recommendations for substitutions for current bands they may be listening to. I don't care too much for contemporary Christian music, as it seems so watered down and void of true emotion. Seems like a lot of it is for the money, and the lyrics are so thoughtless and generic. If that is your thing, that's great, whatever floats your boat and helps you is awesome. I've found that I typically enjoy the hard, screaming genre, and here is why: I feel the passion..I can literally feel the difference Christ has made in the band's lives...Look up lyrics to any FOR TODAY songs...It is modern day preaching through music..The lead singer screams your face off, but  I love it. When I go to work in the morning, I play songs on my IPOD to set my mood for the day. It's my way of praise and worship. Sometimes I cry. I'll feel like I'm inadequate to God...undeserving...and I am...But I know that this is just one simple way that I can show some sort of devotion.. I'm going to end this post with a list of Bands that have helped me through the last couple of years. I'm always up to hearing new music, discussing and debating song meanings, and helping others discover new music. Please feel free to contact me on any of this. I am hoping, like with all of my blog posts, to create a forum for open discussion on this stuff.

Rock: Send By Ravens, I am Empire, Red, The Almost, Anberlin, The Classic Crime, Flyleaf,  Thousand Foot Krutch, Nine Lashes, Run Kid Run, Search The City, Secret and Whisper, Showbread, Skillet.

Punk/ Pop Punk: Flatfoot 56, MxPx, Relient K, Everyday Sunday.

Hardcore/ Post Hardcore: Norma Jean, Wolves at the Gate, Fit For a King, The Overseer, My Heart To Fear, Demon Hunter, Underoath, The Color Morale, For Today, I the Breather, Gideon, Thrice, Haste The Day, Oh Sleeper, August Burns Red.

Rap: None, can't stand even a second of it any more..I'm sure there is good, positive rap out there, I just don't care.