music
[youtube www.youtube.com/watch
Frank Turner covers the Weakerthans’ “Civil Twilight”.
For my Christmas-celebrating people: Possibly my favorite “O Holy Night,” the one from Studio 60.
I love “O Holy Night” as much for the words as the melody- the vision of the chains of oppression breaking, of real, meaningful equality in the kingdom of God, the hope that we can indeed live together in love and peace. If Advent is about hope in darkness, then “O Holy Night” is the vision of what we hope for.
I think this version manages to convey all that without the words, which is why I post it every year.
This is why I enjoyed Studio 60.
One of my favorite moments of television EVER.
Update, 22 June 2024: Here’s a version with the dialogue, which makes the moment so much more moving (if you know the history of the characters up to this point), and the video is of a little better quality:
[youtube [www.youtube.com/watch](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0JKCYZ8hng?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1&origin=https://safe.txmblr.com&wmode=opaque&w=250&h=141])
Neuroscientists Find that Playing an Instrument Is a Unique Workout for the Brain
I bet I can still remember a little of how to read music from those glorious middle- and high-school band days. (No, I never went to band camp.) And I’ve always wanted to learn the piano…
[youtube www.youtube.com/watch
There are a lot worse ways to spend 16 minutes than watching this. Father John Mistry’s cover of “Baby Ride Easy,” recorded as a duet by Johnny and June, is beautiful.
[youtube www.youtube.com/watch
“Sweet Child O’ Mine” - New Orleans Style Guns N’ Roses Cover ft. Miche Braden (by ScottBradleeLovesYa)
You must watch this now.
I am amused, amazed, and enraptured.
And damn, but does Braden close it.
[youtube www.youtube.com/watch
Alison Krauss & Union Station, “A Living Prayer”, on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
I’m not sure why I was watching The Tonight Show that night a few years ago, but this was how the show ended. It was the first time I had heard of Alison and Union Station, and wow, what an impression they made. What a talented group of musicians. What a voice she has.
This song became an instant favorite because of this performance. I come back to it again and again. There is something soothing about it, and yet when she hits certain notes on certain lyrics, I get chills. I absolutely love it.
[youtube www.youtube.com/watch
More Than A Feeling Scrubs Style (by Michael Teagle)
Because your Monday that is a workday when a bunch of other people are closed or are not able to work needs this in your life.
One of my favorite scenes (and favorite episodes) of the entire series.
[youtube www.youtube.com/watch
“Enter Sandman”, bluegrass-style. By Iron Horse, of course.
[via Jim Dalyrmple]