My Crazy Times

Much of what is passed off as art today is just ordinary, a cheap imitation of a once great thing. It applies to all mediums whether it be music, film or literature. Technology has obliterated the walls of creativity allowing anyone with a mac or pc to create whatever their heart desires and then post it on the web for all to see or hear. The flip side to this though is that technology has afforded many great artists to share their gift with a larger audience.

One such artist is Patrick McBride whose debut album All That Remains fills one with hope that great art is still possible. Cut from the same mold as great folk writers Pierce Pettis and James Taylor, McBride pours his passion for life, love and faith into each song.

I’ve found myself captivated by a different song with each listen of the album. Perhaps the most masterful song is the title track, All That Remains. A song born out of heartbreak, but also one that inspires courage to move forward through the uncertainty of life.

Recorded in a home studio, All That Remains, is not polished and over produced and while some may find fault with that, it’s just one of the many factors that makes this album great. An overly polished album is mundane, sterile and simply a poor representation of how life really is. Life is filled with pain and suffering, doubts and questions and it’s the ability to find hope and love in the midst of all the junk that makes awe inspiring art.

Visit Patrick McBride on the web www.patmcbride.com

Popularity: 23% [?]

By: Joel Henderson

As far back as I can remember music has played a significant role in my life. Now I don’t play an instrument, except for that disastrous few months in grade school I attempted to learn the trombone, and I’ve only sung a few times in front of people and was given a charitable “A” for effort. Up until a few years ago my interaction with music was simply what I heard on the radio and then out of nowhere I was surrounded by talented musicians. Many of the original members of M.C.T. have talent coming out their pores (see: Banner), and it was through M.C.T. that I became to know Matt and Trish Nelson, the husband and wife duo who make up New Love Over.

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Popularity: 68% [?]

By: Joel Henderson

It seems to me that the drivel coming out of Hollywood is increasingly getting worse, from spoofs of fairly decent movies to these horror movies that are being churned out like trashy romance novels.

Much like a cold beer on a hot summer’s day, it is quite refreshing to sit down and watch a movie that is not only made well with outstanding performances but offers it’s viewers a message of redemption and love. Through the dysfunctionality of five adults and the innocence and determination of a seven-year old girl, the indie flick Little Miss Sunshine illustrates the redemptive power of the giving and receiving of love.

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Popularity: 16% [?]

These photographs were taken by Lauren Henderson in downtown Pensacola, Florida, where the homeless population continues to grow.

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Popularity: 15% [?]