Support my very Independent music...support cancer benefit...

MERCH AVAILABLE...HELP A FRIEND...HELP ME MAKE MORE MUSIC AVAILABLE...


The following merchandise is available now, proceeds going to the Pierce family benefit, from now, until August. After august, the proceeds will fund the new Unteachers album, being funded completely by the band, with full color 12"LP vinyl. If your a fan, please support both causes...

STEPHEN MARK SARRO - SYMPATHY FOR THE LIVING - CD - $10 PPD


(For fans of dark noise/ambient/industrial/avant-garde)




1. Zzz...zzzz....x!
2. I Have Sympathy
3. The Diary Entries Of A Mad Man
4. A Banshee
5. Eye Want Your Girlfriend
6. Roast Beast (Eating A Pig's Thoughts)
7. Kiss Off!
8. I Dance To The Beat Of Doldrums
9. Steal My Joy (Mermaid)
10. Weddings & Funerals


TANTRUM OF THE MUSE - THE DOWNTRODDEN & THE SIDHE - CD - $8 PPD


(Live album, from our "40 Days Of Disaster" tour with Underoath, Narcissus and FewLeftStanding, in July of 2000, at Tom Fest, this cd is out of print, and has 2 unreleased tracks)




1. Cliffy Huntington Standing In Front Of The Entertainment
2. The Devil's House Of Techno
3. Chiroptera Armada
4. Conestoga Cougars
5. For The Birds
6. Fatigued
7. The Lyre And The Pipe
8. Downtrodden!


UNTEACHERS - VINYL STICKER - $1 PPD





UNTEACHERS - BAND PIN 4 PACK - $2 PPD


(Individual pin orders, $1)


TANTRUM OF THE MUSE/UNDEROATH/NARCISSUS/FEWLEFTSTANDING TAKEHOLD RECORDS TOUR POSTER - $8 PPD





(Signatures from Members of TOTM and Narcissus, available, at your request, these posters are out of print)

Also available, Furnace Fest 2000 original posters, same price, same info, not pictured)

Send well hidden cash, money orders, or checks, made out to:
Stephen Sarro
3233 Lincoln Highway E.
(apartment 2)
Paradise, PA 17562

Also, coming later this summer, TANTRUM OF THE MUSE - THE HEART IS A 2 HEADED SPERM - 10 Year Anniversary Remastered, with bonus tracks...


and...

UNTEACHERS - LOGOS - SPLIT 7" Coming later this year!!!


I am also working on a follow up to Sympathy For The Living, yes i know i said that a year ago. I am doing this, because i always wanted to, and because of the kind of "album" it is, and what i want it to be, it doesn't need label backing, major recording, etc. Its going to be very similar to SFTL, but with better production, and better material. It will be a single track, half hour long musical experience, and the proceeds of this recording, will go toward the biggie, that being the debut Unteachers full length record, as of yet, untitled. I plan on recording the album, that i have been off and on, working on, for years. It is the follow up to Tantrum Of The Muse's Modernmu$ick(2000)!, and is technically, the 3rd TOTM full length, only with a name change!!! I waited many years to work on this, but sat around, looking for a band to work on it with me. I decided for myself, its very unhealthy for me, as an artist, to hold onto my art any longer. With this major swallowing of my pride, i decided i will exist as a musician and an artist, on my own terms, by my own hands, since relying on other people, only stops you, constantly, and because this sort of album, is an overwhelming amount of work and performance, it is not as simple as just grabbing any person you know who holds down a basic beat or strums a basic riff. Joining me (hopefully) on drums will be Rick Wise (TOTM drummer). He and I started TOTM, and recorded the 1st album, as a "power duo" and so my plan is to return to that simple way of expression!!! The merch that i make available, will be to fund bigger projects. Please consider supporting that, knowing that i always give my songs away for free, when i can, in the past especially, i have continually been a giver, to those who care to keep my songs in existence. When I have literally, 0 funds or 0 label support, to move forward, and have to make the painful decision to fund everything on my own, not making that much money in my own personal life, it only makes sense to make the merch available for a fair price, always putting $ back into the product making process!!! Eventually, if i can make enough to continually create more records, more songs, more merch, i can give away, when necessary!!!

So, stay tuned, and support me if you can and desire to.

Thanks,

-S

NIN-JAHHH!!! Etc...

Finally...I got to see the "real" Jane's Addiction!!!




Alright, so my friend Byron and i went to Camden NJ, to see Nine Inch Nails and the glorious Jane's Addiction play this past friday night. There were other bands, like Tom Morello's new band, "Street Sweeper" but i heard them, and i did not like them at all, so we arrived "purposely late" and missed them, helping me enjoy a less distracting musical evening! We had lawn seats, which was not something we were proud of, considering it was heavy rain the night we went, but we could not afford the pavilion seating, which sold the cheapest tickets for $70 give or take, however when we arrived our $25 lawn tickets were upgraded for $10 more, to available pavilion seats!! YES!!! This made up for the $20 parking!! At least now we will be closer to the stage, and we will manage to stay dry!! We got our tickets, and made our way to the seats, when NIN started kicking the doors in. We sat in our seats, but they had us seated way too far to the right. Fortunately there were a few rows of seats empty, so we just jumped ahead and walked left and made ourselves at home!!!


NINE INCH NAILS...


(Setlist)


Home
Beginning Of The End
1,000,000
March Of The Pigs
The Line Begins To Blur
Survivalism
The Big Come Down
Head Down
Burn
Gave Up
Metal
Banged And Blown Through
The Downward Spiral
Wish
Heresy
Mr. Self Destruct
The Day The Whole World Went Away
Physical
The Hand That Feeds
Head Like A Hole





NIN had a ton of energy, and played a very different kind of show. It was weird. I almost felt like i was watching a really awesome NIN cover band. The guys on stage seemed in good spirits, and just tried to connect emotionally to the songs, but couldn't, instead choosing to have fun, knowing that they were not the angry brooding emotionally unstable band that they used to be. Having Robin Finck back in the guitar spot, made it a much better show. He has a ton of charisma!! Trent made a few jokes about not singing the songs with the passion, but that he would try harder. Those who do not know whats going on with him, he recently found his significant other, and if im not mistaken, they are getting married. Happy Trent still put on a hell of a good show. I have to admit, some of the smashing of gear on stage seemed a bit forced, but when Trent threw the mic stand 20 feet into the air, during one of the heavier songs, the crowd literally gasped. My favorites from the set, of course were the Broken/Downward Spiral/Fragile moments, and it was great to hear Mr. Self Destruct, and Heresy live, even if the lyrics "God is dead and no one cares" seems so immature, that song and that album still blows me away, and i never thought i would hear those older, heavier tunes live again. Of course, they played Wish, and that was one of the crazier songs live. This was my 2nd time seeing NIN live, and while i would never rank this show up there with the likes of the earlier tours, it was still really fun, and exciting, as any big loud arena concert in 90s spirit could be, and it was certainly a unique show, and a very different NIN, which i found refreshing. Its nice to hear those demented industrial songs, coming from a band that didn't dress the part!!!





finally....


JANE'S ADDICTION...


(Setlist)


Three Days
Whores
Ain't No Right
Pigs In Zen
Then She Did...
Up The Beach
Mountain Song
Been Caught Stealing
Had a Dad
Ocean Size
Ted, Just Admit it...
Summertime Rolls
Stop!
Jane Says





It was a long time coming for me. I had been a Jane's Addiction fan since the genius that is Ritual De Lo Habitual!!! I listened to Porno For Pyros, I watched as members of Jane's Addiction reunited, without their much needed bassist, Eric Avery, replacing him with guys like Flea, and Chris Chaney, but it was never right. I watched Perry Farrell go solo, and i have enjoyed all of the music, especially porno for pyros, but still...i never got to "see" JA live. Then Perry went and started a terrible band with his wife, called, Satellite Party, and just stole all of my hope away, to ever see a proper Perry rockfest!! So here it is, the reunion of the real JA!! The lights went down, and a giant video screen in front of the stage started playing some weird movie clip. There was a young kid, and an older gentleman, talking about music. The kid says something like "I like Jane's Addiction, i wish i saw them before they broke up" followed promptly, by Eric Avery's intro bass line into "Three Days", with Perry saying the "At this moment" speech, from the album. The concert lights came on, the screen lifted up, and there they were. Beautiful!!! Opening with the masterpiece Three Days, brought a calming element, everybody was just chilled out, and watched them grow the set into what it would become. As the band played into the more punk energy, i was holding out for those Perry banshee vocals, that he is known for. I noticed he was holding back a bit from doing a lot of the wailing that makes the JA songs so awesome. This was a bit of a let down. The band more than made up for it though, playing the music like they never left!! i noticed the songs were tuned down a bit. That, and Perry's less than dramatic approach reminded me that he did turn 50 this year. Sad that the ferocious and hardcore elements were missing this time. But, looking at that set list, hearing the band play those songs perfectly, and hearing, even a less than perfect Perry Farrell...finally...was still a moment I will not forget!!! The banter between Perry and the audience was fun. He is always saying weird stuff to people, and gets reactions from the crowd. I especially loved the fact that he pointed out that Camden NJ, was really just Philadelphia!! "Well lets call ourselves friends for now, we will work on calling ourselves lovers later" was a funny line as well. The band ended with the sweet sounding, Jane Says, with Eric and Dave jamming, on stools, with acoustics. Steve was doing the percussion, etc. It was a great way to say good night.


I dunno. Those songs are so old now, and so are the band members, that i struggle to find any more expectations than i received on friday. Having the real JA back in business, makes me hopeful for new material, and i think that is where we will see the vital JA again, creating something new. Having Avery back was so important to the band's sound, and it will be interesting to hear the band, not just playing the old tunes, but playing something new!!! The point of this tour was to rekindle, i think, the Lollapalooza days, when JA reigned supreme, and NIN was getting started. It was a sweet thought for sure, but what happened was the creation of a very different kinda NIN-JA, i mean come on, a happy NIN, and a 50 year old Perry Farrell, 2 things i thought i would never see!!!





and now for something completely different...





I am a huge Sam raimi fan. Most people who know me, know that i am a big time horror movie fan!!! Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2, and Army Of Darkness, are 3 movies i have put on the very small list of "Essential classics" but Raimi, left his horror movie roots behind him, many years ago. You can count Darkman, i guess, as a horror movie, but that was also...a long time ago. Raimi went on to become a bloated hollywood blockbuster director with the Spiderman trilogy (Spiderman 2 being the only good one in my eyes) and honestly, with the plague of terrible horror remakes, aimed at getting ticket sales from 16 year old kid with allowance, and the over use of cgi in movies, i didn't expect much from my boy Raimi, and then finding out the movie was rated PG-13, i almost gave up hope. But, I saw the trailer, which looked good. Ahh, but most movie trailers show the best parts of movies, so they all look "good" usually...so...really, i had little expectations. Then the reviews started pouring in, and they were all good. Everyone was saying it was comparable to the Evil Dead trilogy. Are you f***in kidding me??? I could not wait to see this thing, but how could it be so good, without an R?? Well, for starters, i learned that the rating system is political!!! Sam Raimi made one hell of a movie, and he did not hold back AT ALL!!! in the first 5 minutes, we see a child...yes a child, dragged into the "storybook view of" hell, you know, the big fire pit in the ground? Geez, that was harsh Sam!!! What we get for the next hour and a half, is non stop edge of your seat craziness, ala, Evil Dead, baby!!!! I could not believe how well it fit into the old movies he made in that dusty cabin!!! This movie is AS GOOD as Army Of Darkness, but it is much darker, and has the feel of Evil Dead 2, with its demented comedic edge, not as good of course as ED2, but you get the drift!!! The acting is very good, the effects are great, there is very little cgi, the style of film is purposely cheap looking in areas, unlike the deceiving poster art you see here, It is just old school horror, with an excellent story, a ton of fun to watch, and concluding with one of the best endings i have seen in a horror movie, in years!!! If you have not already done so, see this movie, and salute Raimi, for not just saying he has returned to true horror, but for actually demonstrating it!!!!!

U2 - No Line On The Horizon

U2 - No Line On The Horizon
Tracklist:
1. No Line On The Horizon
2. Magnificent
3. Moment Of Surrender
4. Unknown Caller
5. I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight
6. Get On Your Boots
7. Stand Up Comedy
8. FEZ - Being Born
9. White As Snow
10. Breathe
11. Cedars Of Lebanon

First of all, I feel i must set the record straight about U2. They are quite possibly the greatest rock band the world has ever seen. I am a massive U2 fan, and i can say that about them confidently, based on the existence of records like...well the first half of their discography, to be perfectly honest. While I am a fan, i am also a purist, when i listen to this band. Sure its fair to cut them a break, they are middle aged men, and they have nothing else to prove. Why not let them just rock, right? That is fine, as long as the band, and the fans are honest. If U2 could stop saying "We feel strongly that this new album is some of the best material we have ever created" and instead say, "We are middle aged rock stars, we have made enough money, we have said all that needs to be said, we just wanna keep creating the most creative music that we can, why stop, when we still have songs in us"? I feel like i could, at least, respect that. But, with No Line On The Horizon, it is clear that U2 are not done trying to be the innovative, and break new ground. Fair enough, but now that you know that i deeply admire this band, and most of their work, I have to admit, this new record is, at best, worth EP status. First the positives...

For starters, and much like the new Cure and the new Morrissey, U2 have finally shaken their age off, and stepped it up in way of performance. I always felt that since "All That You Can't Leave Behind" the band was starting to sound middle aged, and anything they were doing from that point on, was a pursuit to have some element of surprise. They finally landed a record that has a sense of urgency again. Bono is singing the best he has sung in a long time. He is backed up by some over the top playing. Production wise, i cannot really complain. For what they aimed to do, the production is there.

The problem with this album, for me, is that in a time when U2 finally found their niche for writing simple songs again, they are trying on something completely new, and the songs just are not there.

There have always been changes going on in their career, and i loved every minute of it, until they got to 1997's Pop. They lost me there. Then, Bono lost his voice, and that was one of the greatest parts of the band. It took quite a while to get his voice back, and i dont think he was capable of carrying a tune again until "How To Dismantle...".

This record really reminds me of where the band was around the time of Pop, where the the elements were more reliant on electronics, and vocal experiments, and less of the soaring melodies, and soulfulness of the Edge's guitar playing. There are a few moments on this album, where we get classic U2, but for the most part, the songs are focused on getting away from classic U2, and having confidence in breaking new ground. You can tell that Brian Eno set out to help them do that too. It all sounds well and good, and it worked for bands like Coldplay, but the songs just aren't working here. Too much quirkiness in vocal ideas (Bono sorta talk singing over songs) There is too much "disco funk U2" here as well, again, ala Pop. I have always hated that element of U2, and this record is highly produced, electro-infused, party U2 again.

If your looking for "classic" U2, there are a couple of tracks to mention. There is only ONE song that sounds, truly, and undeniably U2, Achtung era, and its called "Magnificent" mark my words people, this is going to be a single. It is drenched with that U2 power we have come to love. The album opener "No Line On The Horizon", is the best example of the band "doing the new thing" but also keeping it interesting. There are several tracks though, that are slow moving and feel like they should break into something, but they never do. The last half of the album (again, like the new Cure) falls completely off, giving us songs that sound, literally, half written. I was not a fan of the single, Get On Your Boots, either. It had a few good ideas, but for the most part, it was just annoying and embarrassing, especially when Bono starts yelping "Let me hear the sound, let me hear the sound" over and over.

I dunno, it really sounds to me like an EP and a bunch of b-sides.

I know a lot of new U2 fans have come to the surface, since Vertigo. What i find funny about this album, i cannot imagine those fans liking this record. But, i cannot see many of the old fans liking it either. It will truly be interesting to see the audience response to this cd. I know there are people who are more interested in defending the music of U2, than being honest. There has got to be a number of people out there who think the last few records from U2 were the best. But, many more of us know that is CRAZY!!!

Much like movie remakes that swarm the theaters these days, you can take the stance of "Its ok to make them, if they are good, we will hold onto them and embrace them, if they suck...we still have the originals" I kinda take that stance with middle aged legends. If they suck, i still have the old records. If they are worth listening, than welcome back. At least i don't pay for music anymore, only to find out that it sucks. Ahh the beauty of downloading mp3s.

I for one, appreciate that U2 want to try to keep evolving, i just wish that they would hear what works, and hone in on that sound. An album of songs like the first 2 songs, would have made this a TRUE U2 album, not to argue with!!

2008 WRAP UP!

Well, this year is done. I can remember exactly where i was one year ago today. I was sitting at a friends house, feeling typically sad about another year gone by. I was unhealthy, and I was excited about my resolutions. Pretty typical. Speaking of typical, I know I am often times a "glass is not only half empty, but the rest will be swallowed soon" type of guy. That said...this year sucked for the most part. Yeah, I had some good times, and i have things to be thankful for...but who doesn't eh? This year was not a good one. For starters, those "resolutions"...those dreams that should come true, in my timing....well...they didn't. None of them did. Now, that is not a surprise to me, considering that most years they never come true. But what makes this year so tough is that, I spent much of my time this year working on my resolutions, some of them anyway, and the results were less than flattering. Now that I spoke my mind on THAT...there are some new resolutions. But i don't think of them as resolutions, but rather a realization that changes need to be made, and they are life or death changes for me, and my wife. I am sitting here, on new years eve thinking about some big changes that need to be made. This year was a big pisser, and i don't want this next one to be that way. I have too much to offer myself and others, and I am letting my health, and my career failure hold me back. Im concerned about whats happening, and i want to change it. Will 2009 by my year? I won't even attempt an answer, but I am praying for direction, and strength. Alright, so now i will geek out and give you a top 10 of things i care about, in a geek way.

FAVORITE ALBUMS OF 2008 -

Torche - Meanderthal

Melvins - Nude With Boots

The Cure - 4:13 Dream

Pattern Is Movement - All Together

The Residents - The Bunny Boy

Metallica - Death Magnetic

Starflyer 59 - Dial M

The Seventy Sevens - Holy Ghost Building

Meshuggah - Obzen


FAVORITE MOVIES OF 2008 (that i saw) -

The Dark Knight

Indiana Jones & The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull

Be Kind, Rewind

Tropic Thunder

Wall - E

Rambo

Cloverfield

Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer

Hellboy II - The Golden Army

Poultrygeist - Night Of The Chicken Dead

Teeth

Step Brothers

(Haven't seen but worthy mentions: The Curious Case Of Ben Button, Doubt, Gran Torino, many more)

MY FAVORITE MOMENTS OF 2008:

Seeing Shudder To Think reunited, for the most part, and meeting Craig Wedren, who is one of the nicest guys on the earth.

Seeing the legendary prog-art rock band "The Residents" and of course, i didn't meet them, but i believe i spotted them getting out of their van. Oh, this band has been playing since the early 70s, but has kept their identities hidden. Love it!!!!

Finally watching Lost. Starting with disc 1 of season 1 and we are still going. I am a Lost purist, so im loving how, in order, things are being exposed. Great show!!!

Being mentored by a really influential artist, who helped me spiritually. This is huge to me. I would drop a name but then i would be a cheesy fan. It was a big part of my year. I wonder if he realizes this?

Meeting new Christian men and women, who are big thinkers. It is always amazing to find likeminded folk.

Seeing The Cure, again. Robert was close enough for me to throw an apple at him. Awesome!!!!

Reuniting with the best drummer I ever worked with, Rick Wise. Playing music again, ala TOTM days, working on Unteachers together, with a good friend Brian Shwein. And while I am on the subject...

Getting blessed with an awesome studio to play in, which is connected to meeting new Christian men to call my family.

Many great conversations, and fellowship with friends and family. Those small moments that are not big plans, make for bigtime joy.

Thanksgiving 2008, spent with friends, at our apartment. We watched Xmas movies, and ate some bird. It was relaxed and untraditional, which was the year for this. Untraditional!!!

Christmas 2008, one of the best in years. More time spent with friends, but we did have a lot of time with family too. We did small visits with many people, with some naps thrown in to keep things fresh. This was the first year where i was not awkwardly given gifts that were obligation (ala sports jersey, when i have never liked sports) also, my we made a lot of gifts this year, and they were the big pay off in blessings for others, because they were the most valuable.

Working on the Norris farm, and fixing up the place. Painting the house. They have blessed me financially, during a time when i was struggling with work. Working there is such a peaceful place, and the atmosphere and scenery is unreal.

Sara and I, going camping at the beach. It was a cheap trip but its simplicity made it so fun.

Seth and Jessie, getting engaged.

Steph and Kenny getting engaged.

David and Cristin had a baby boy, his name is Jacob. CUTE!!!!!

Melody had a baby girl. So cute, her name is Lola Mae. Congrats.

Marcy had a baby boy. So cute also, his name is Killian. Congrats.
and last, but not least....

Rick found love!!!!!!!!! Finally!!!!!!

There is much more to share, but im out of time.

Happy new year, and here is to big change in 2009!!!!

God bless you all

- Stephen

A great article by by Pastor John Piper on this election fiasco

mom?

dad?

family?

friends?

are you reading this?

LET CHRISTIANS VOTE, AS THOUGH THEY WERE NOT VOTING

October 22, 2008, by John Piper

Voting is like marrying and crying and laughing and buying. We should do it, but only as if we were not doing it. That’s because “the present form of this world is passing away” and, in God’s eyes, “the time has grown very short.” Here’s the way Paul puts it:

The appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away. 

(1 Corinthians 7:29-31)

Let’s take these one at a time and compare them to voting.

1. “Let those who have wives live as though they had none.”

This doesn’t mean move out of the house, don’t have sex, and don’t call her Honey. Earlier in this chapter Paul says, “The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights” (1 Corinthians 7:3). He also says to love her the way Christ loved the church, leading and providing and protecting (Ephesians 5:25-30). It means this: Marriage is momentary. It’s over at death, and there is no marriage in the resurrection. Wives and husbands are second priorities, not first. Christ is first. Marriage is for making much of him.

It means: If she is exquisitely desirable, beware of desiring her more than Christ. And if she is deeply disappointing, beware of being hurt too much. This is temporary—only a brief lifetime. Then comes the never-disappointing life which is life indeed.

So it is with voting. We should do it. But only as if we were not doing it. Its outcomes do not give us the greatest joy when they go our way, and they do not demoralize us when they don’t. Political life is for making much of Christ whether the world falls apart or holds together.

2. “Let those who mourn [do so] as though they were not mourning.”

Christians mourn with real, deep, painful mourning, especially over losses—loss of those we love, loss of health, loss of a dream. These losses hurt. We cry when we are hurt. But we cry as though not crying. We mourn knowing we have not lost something so valuable we cannot rejoice in our mourning. Our losses do not incapacitate us. They do not blind us to the possibility of a fruitful future serving Christ. The Lord gives and takes away. But he remains blessed. And we remain hopeful in our mourning.

So it is with voting. There are losses. We mourn. But not as those who have no hope. We vote and we lose, or we vote and we win. In either case, we win or lose as if we were not winning or losing. Our expectations and frustrations are modest. The best this world can offer is short and small. The worst it can offer has been predicted in the book of Revelation. And no vote will hold it back. In the short run, Christians lose (Revelation 13:7). In the long run, we win (Revelation 21:4).

3. “Let those who rejoice [do so] as though they were not rejoicing.”

Christians rejoice in health (James 5:13) and in sickness (James 1:2). There are a thousand good and perfect things that come down from God that call forth the feeling of happiness. Beautiful weather. Good friends who want to spend time with us. Delicious food and someone to share it with. A successful plan. A person helped by our efforts.

But none of these good and beautiful things can satisfy our soul. Even the best cannot replace what we were made for, namely, the full experience of the risen Christ (John 17:24). Even fellowship with him here is not the final and best gift. There is more of him to have after we die (Philippians 1:21-23)—and even more after the resurrection. The best experiences here are foretastes. The best sights of glory are through a mirror dimly. The joy that rises from these previews does not and should not rise to the level of the hope of glory. These pleasures will one day be as though they were not. So we rejoice remembering this joy is a foretaste, and will be replaced by a vastly better joy.

So it is with voting. There are joys. The very act of voting is a joyful statement that we are not under a tyrant. And there may be happy victories. But the best government we get is a foreshadowing. Peace and justice are approximated now. They will be perfect when Christ comes. So our joy is modest. Our triumphs are short-lived—and shot through with imperfection. So we vote as though not voting.

4. “Let those who buy [do so] as though they had no goods.”

Let Christians keep on buying while this age lasts. Christianity is not withdrawal from business. We are involved, but as though not involved. Business simply does not have the weight in our hearts that it has for many. All our getting and all our having in this world is getting and having things that are not ultimately important. Our car, our house, our books, our computers, our heirlooms—we possess them with a loose grip. If they are taken away, we say that in a sense we did not have them. We are not here to possess. We are here to lay up treasures in heaven.

This world matters. But it is not ultimate. It is the stage for living in such a way to show that this world is not our God, but that Christ is our God. It is the stage for using the world to show that Christ is more precious than the world.

So it is with voting. We do not withdraw. We are involved—but as if not involved. Politics does not have ultimate weight for us. It is one more stage for acting out the truth that Christ, and not politics, is supreme.

5. “Let those who deal with the world [do so] as though they had no dealings with it.”

Christians should deal with the world. This world is here to be used. Dealt with. There is no avoiding it. Not to deal with it is to deal with it that way. Not to weed your garden is to cultivate a weedy garden. Not to wear a coat in Minnesota is to freeze—to deal with the cold that way. Not to stop when the light is red is to spend your money on fines or hospital bills and deal with the world that way. We must deal with the world.

But as we deal with it, we don’t give it our fullest attention. We don’t ascribe to the world the greatest status. There are unseen things that are vastly more precious than the world. We use the world without offering it our whole soul. We may work with all our might when dealing with the world, but the full passions of our heart will be attached to something higher—Godward purposes. We use the world, but not as an end in itself. It is a means. We deal with the world in order to make much of Christ.

So it is with voting. We deal with the system. We deal with the news. We deal with the candidates. We deal with the issues. But we deal with it all as if not dealing with it. It does not have our fullest attention. It is not the great thing in our lives. Christ is. And Christ will be ruling over his people with perfect supremacy no matter who is elected and no matter what government stands or falls. So we vote as though not voting.

By all means vote. But remember: “The world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:17).

Voting with you, as though not voting,

-Pastor John

Not sure what i am going to do, i still feel that my vote is important, and so important that I should NOT vote UNLESS i completely support the candidate. I do not support Obama fully, or McCain. So, im praying about my decision. I guess there is not a whole lot to be worried about though, when you think about what Pastor John is saying here. 

THE CURE - 4:13 DREAM - review "ROBERT, YOUR OUT OF YOUR ELEMENT"!!!!!

THE CURE - 4:13 DREAM

Welp, one of my favorite bands of all time is finally releasing a new record. I have a copy of it. I should be really excited about that. But im not. It pains me to say this, because this was the band that did no wrong, until 2004's self titled "The Cure" which had a lot of great songs, but had a few songs that i just felt didn't match up with the almight Cure song structure. I should be really excited because one of the shining moments of the Cure was when Porl Thompson was the guitarist (He played during the golden era 1985-1992ish) and he has returned to the band, and the band has returned to guitar heavy Cure. Still, Im not glowing with delight here. Well, ok, here is the absolute truth about this new Cure record...

There are 13 songs. The band is a 4 piece, and as i mentioned on a previous post reviewing their recent live show in Philly, the keyboard element is missing. 4 of the songs from the new record were released as singles, one per month, for four months. Each single has a b-side. 2 of the 4 singles are awesome. Most of the b-sides are awesome. Some of the b-sides are way better than the singles. If Mr. Smith would have taken some of the goofier tracks off of this record and put some of those b-sides in its place, this record would be awesome. But he didn't do that, he stubbornly gave us those goofy songs, and dammit, i have to complain about one of my favorite bands.

Its no surprise that Robert Smith has lost touch in some ways, and I guess (sigh) that is what happens when your a legendary artist who gets old but still wears make up. I mean, he has collaborated with some of this planet's worst top 40 artists. Im still waiting for him to write a single for Hanna Montana. But when it comes to The Cure, he always redeems himself. On 4:13 Dream, im not sure if this is vital and completely different song writing, and because i don't care about current music, im left out of the loop of cool, or if im right and Bob just picked some bad songs that are only cool to middle age british goth guys. Ok, back to the details.

Some of the songs sound like Disintegration/Wish era Cure, with huge gloomy guitar noise, compliments to Porl Thompson. In fact, Porl is one of the strong points on this record.His guitar playing is worlds better than anyone else in the past. His work on this record explodes with layers and layers of dark noisy rock. Just like Simon Gallup's bass work ruled supreme on Disintegration, Thompson's work here is vital in the success of 4:13 Dream. This record plays out like The Cure abandoned almost everything that made them specifically The Cure, and took some pointers from today's Indie rock scene. While other times, its clear that the band is just trying to take the best elements and just simplifying it all into really quick loud hard rock songs. One thing is for sure - The band is not interested in sadness this time around. This is the least gloomy, least melodramatic Cure record of all time, and it just might be the heaviest record for them too. Its really loud and upbeat and...current. The production on this record is really in right now, and i guess is good for The Cure trying to fit in, but definitely is new for the band. It lacks the layered production of Disintegration, or even more currently, Bloodflowers. Don't get me wrong though, this is a good album, not a great album, which im used to the band doing. This album starts out with a ton of momentum, and had i not heard any of the 4 singles first, it might have had a bigger impact on me. One thing im worried about with this record is some of what sells the album is Robert's vocals. There is a ton of production and effects on his voice. A lot of layering, a lot of sounds and well sung moments. I have a live version of this record too, and he doesn't have that element to lean on, so if im "just getting there" with this record, it would help if the band played it just as it is, live, but they do not because, like i said, the vocals are a big part of what i like about the new direction. Back in the day, The songs had so much going on, that we weren't so fixed on Robert's vocals being perfect, and they weren't but those songs, ooh baby, those songs were untouchable!!!!

Here is a track by track basic overview - 

 Underneath The Stars.

This opener sounds like a dryly recorded "plainsong" with the slow pace and epic guitar work. Too much vocal effects on this song. I think this song structure reminds me of "The last day of summer" from Bloodflowers. 

The Only One.

 is totally the typical Cure pop single of the album. This one reminds me of something from Wish. 

Reasons Why.

 this is a song that just sounds totally un-Cure. Its weird but its also really enjoyable. I lean toward this one for the Cure doing something different but in a good way.

Freakshow.

This song i hated live, but works way better on cd. I went from hating this song thinking it was one of the better ones on the record. It really is a fun song that reminds me of some of the "who cares lets have fun" of Wild Mood Swings. (And yes that record was amazing)

Sirensong.

One of the Porl shining tracks. Its got quirky atmospheric guitars, and lots of what sounds like pianos (Good boys, its ok, use em, you'll still be cool to the young folk) This song is a nice smooth break from the last 2 rockier songs.

The Real Snow White.

guitar heavy, bang your head Cure rock and roll, with a jangle of a chorus. This is another really clear example of the Cure breaking from any reminiscent trademark, but works well. This is also one of those songs where the vocals,and how they sound on this record, make the song stronger. Does it come off this good live?

Hungry Ghost.

Real up beat, popular sounding dance music type rock and roll here. This is the song you put on from this record when you want to shake what your momma gave you. Again, like the last song, its feel good music, but its not The Cure. Lots of vocal craziness. I love the guitar on this. I think this is the best part of the song, and Jason Cooper keeps the drum beat in that pocket, and keeps your head bopping. Did i mention, great guitars??

Switch.

 This is reminiscent of "Wrong Number" which i dont care for. This song has the electro-drumming that is only still popular in London i think?!? Lots of Wah pedal, fast drumming. Im bored though.

Perfect Boy. 

Another one of those singles that i would take a b-side over. That said, it is also one of the more Cure moments on the record, which might come as a relief to you if you like this song and your still getting used to the breaking from tradition. Its easy on the ears, but i find this song boring too.

This. Here And Now. With You.

This song is another that i enjoy. Its bubble gum pop Cure. It doesn't sound like it was from any of the other albums though, and definitely sounds current, like something maybe the Killers or Coldplay might do in some of their bubble gum moments. The chorus is what makes the song good.

Sleep When Im Dead.

 They should have called this song "Sleep When I Listen" this song sucks bad. The only redeeming moment is the first 10 seconds, once it kicks in, its cheese. This belongs on that new Cure remix EP, with the other terrible ideas. B-sides, any of them, will fit here instead. 

The Scream.

This song was almost there, but it goes nowhere to me. A confused mess of epic guitars, big bass, and drums and over the top wailing from the chief. It reminds me of epic songs like "Im Watching Me Fall" or "The Promise" (another song i didn't like too much), and it also reminds me, kind of, "Like Cockatoos" in the way that the song was quirky but went nowhere. Cool title though. Oh well.

It's Over. 

Luckily, we are given a power house closer, which reminds me of "End" from Wish, where they just built a wall of sound and brought a heaviness to the song. This song starts out with one of those old school shining moments from Simon Gallup on bass. The song is almost riffing and drumming like a metal song. Then Porl takes the guitar into outer space. There is so much noise going on here, but luckily the band finally found a hook in it. Its really heavy. Probably the heaviest they ever sounded, but it is awesome. The song gets better and better, and doesn't wear out its welcome, and ends beautifully. No tricks, they just hit that last heavy chord and let it fade out. The end.

So, what we have here is The Cure starting over. Bringing a half way decent album to the forefront of their overwhelming and gloomy discography. I think this is the beginning of the end for The Cure being the kings of gothy gloomy pop, but luckily we still get stong performances out of the members. One thing to point out, and its a strength to the band. This record doesn't make the band sound tired.THIS IS NOT A TIRED RECORD, the opposite in fact. Its fresh for them. I just chose to take some of it and leave some of it.

 It is the Cure record they would have made if they were just getting started!!!!

Tracklist:

(Highlight tracks - *)

*Underneath the Stars
*The Only One
*The Reasons Why
*Freakshow
*Sirensong
The Real Snow White
The Hungry Ghost
Switch
The Perfect Boy
*This. Here and Now. With You
Sleep When I’m Dead
The Scream
*It’s Over

And the cover art kicks ass!!!

SHUDDER TO THINK - LIVE AT THE TLA - 10/3/08 - WE FINALLY SAW THEM!!!!

I have been a fan of Shudder To Think for many, many years. I first heard them in 1996. My punk rock perspective went right out the window. My first experience with this band was their legendary Dischord records album "Get Your Goat" and i have been an obsessed fan ever since, rapidly grapping everything that was available from them. A few posts ago, I did a huge band biography, and I encourage you guys to go back to that and read it if you haven't already, because it gives you a real understanding of the magic that is Shudder To Think. Considering that, I wil spare band history details. 

During the band's height, I only had one chance to see them that was aware to me at the time, and the date landed on the same day my band was playing a show. This was 1997, when the band was touring with Pavement. Back then it was important to skip good shows to play your own. Who would have thought that they were on their way out eh? Man, have I regretted that decision on so many levels because in 1998, Shudder To Think broke up, and I missed them. Fast forward a decade. I was in and out of bands. Managed to put together a pretty successful one, one that was filled with influence from this amazing band, a band i would never see again. That is, until the fateful day I heard that most of the guys from the last album's line up were reuniting for a short tour with a few select dates, and one of those very few dates was actually around here!!!! I stopped breathing!!! 

So, my wife Sara and I, along with our good friend Rick (who shares with me, the sad history of gigging and missing STT) went to Philly for the day to see the sights of South Street, and maybe get a glimpse of the band early on. A few hours before the show, we walked past the TLA (Theater Of Living Arts) where the band was going to play, and actually heard them doing a sound check, hearing the 2nd half of the song "Love Catastrophe"! We were going nuts. It was so exciting to hear it through the door. Later on, we managed to spot Nathan Larson, who actually walked right past us, about 1 hour before show time. We were nervous (I know, its silly) so we didn't approach him. We decided to just stand in the front of the TLA and just wait for the doors to open. Suddenly Craig Wedren walked right past us and went right into the venue. Rick and I were pointing to each other in blame saying "You should have said something" again, very silly. Finally Craig came back outside and Rick walked up to him to start a conversation. We quickly followed. Craig was easily the friendliest rock star I EVER met. Completely humble, cordial, down to earth, and incredibly easy to talk to. He spoke to us with enthusiasm and really seemed to care about what we were saying to him. He asked us questions about music, and what were do, where we are from, etc, etc. It was really a great experience. So many times I have admired artists and have gained so much inspiration in what they do or have done. And then you meet your "heroes" and they end up making you feel like crap. In this case, it was completely the opposite. He talked roller derby with my wife, and seemed interested when we answered his question of "Do you guys make music?" My only regret was not getting my Ten Spot LP autographed. I had it in my bag, but was too into the conversation to pull out the autograph stuff. 

We did, however, manage to get some pictures together.

So, anyway, onto the show. There is this amazing band from Philly called Pattern Is Movement. They opened for STT. This band is crazy. They looked like 2 chubby lumberjacks who played this free form style drum/organ insanity. I really can't describe this band to you at all but HIGHLY recommend it. The vocals were awesome too. The guy sang like he was in church. It was just an odd mix and I was so excited watching these 2 guys. 

Once Shudder To Think took the stage, our nostalgia meter went into the red. The band sounded amazing. The original bassist Stuart Hill was missing in action, which i will admit put a damper on this for me. That said, the addition of Mark Watrous on 2nd guitar, and Jesse Krakow on bass sounded amazing. Im not sure who these 2 dudes are, but they filled out the sound perfectly. Nathan Larson wailed as usual, and Craig sang his ass off, as well as playing a 3rd guitar on stage. Kevin March, who played in the band on the band's final album was the drummer of the evening, and in my opinion was the only "not so great" part of the band's line up. Guys, give us Adam Wade, he kicked so much ass on Pony Express Record. Anyway, there was plenty of the punk energy from the early days, but at the same time this IS 2008 and the band knew this was a "greatest hits" concert. And in saying that, they played EVERYTHING i needed to hear. There are certain songs from the bands discography that I felt was imperative to play, and they didn't miss one from my list of absolutes. Sara wanted to hear Red House,which I knew they were going to play. Oddly enough they opened with it.The show lasted about an hour and a half give or take, and we all sang along to every song. The band was clearly having a lot of fun, and the crowd seemed to be waiting as long as I was to sing along too. The experience was honestly, surreal. What else can I say? I got what i wanted.

Nathan Larson in full rock action

All in all, we got to experience a moment we thought was long gone, and we felt like we were 10 years younger. We finally got to hear those guys live, even if it was only most of them. Sure, it didn't feel like a rebirth, but it certainly was a tight loud set of some of the most important music we ever had in the punk rock/alternative scene. And who knows, maybe this new incarnation of Shudder To Think will prove to the world they can still ride that sexy horse!!

SETLIST:

Red House

Shake Your Halo Down

Hit Liquor

Love Catastrophe

Lies About The Sky

Jade Dust Eyes

The Man Who Rolls

Gang Of $

She Wears He Harem 

Rag

Pebbles

9 Fingers On You

No Rm.9,Kentucky

Call Of The Playground

Chocolate

X-French Tee Shirt

About Three Dreams

The Ballad Of Maxwell Demon

Day Ditty