My seventeen-year-old stepson is an aspiring guitarist with eclectic tastes in music. He is my conduit to what the kids are listening to these days. Last night he gave me a handful of discs to check out.
The band that has captured my attention is As I Lay Dying. The c.d. is entitled “A Long March (The Early Recordings)”. As the title suggests it is re-released material that came out before 2003’s “Frail Words Collapse” and the 2005 record “Shadows Are Security” (which I have not heard yet, being out of the loop as I am).
Musically, these guys are hardcore; minor keys, fast tempos, big drum and guitar (detuned 2 steps) sounds. Singer Tim Lambesis is a growler/shouter. The twist is in the lyrics, which are not rage based but rather center on Christian themes and enlightenment.
They don’t come across as preachy; the lyrics are presented as personal experience, not advice. Also, they don’t market themselves as a “Christian Rock” band. I will be checking out their more recent recordings.
Shortly after I was diagnosed with M.S., I read that yoga might be beneficial. I have been practicing a few poses that were recommended and I feel that they have helped with, among other things, dexterity in my hands. I got a kick out of this article about a “Yoga Bus” for commuters in Israel.
AP Photo/Ariel Schalit
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