life, and a little more

Punk Political Philosophy (as interpreted by a partisan atheist)

May 22

metalman777audio, music, politics christian punk, crashdog, music, politics, punk 1 Comment

Our little town of Merced was thrust into the national spotlight last week when First Lady Michelle Obama gave the commencement speech for the first graduating class from UC Merced.

I don’t think a more polarizing figure has ever visited Merced.

I myself am a partisan atheist.  I honestly think that the government is corrupt and that no one in the political process has mine or my family’s best interest in heart.  Republican or Democrat – they are all crooks just trying to steal my money in taxes!

I find myself in the middle of a firestorm of ideologies.  On one side I have good Christian friends who think Obama is the worst thing to ever happen to this country and can not see him doing anything good.  On the other side I have good Christian friends who think Obama sits at the right hand of Jesus and can nothing wrong for our country.  I personally think both sides have lost perspective.

This post isn’t a political rant.  As I wondered through my extensive iTunes music library, I chanced upon a band I haven’t listened to in quite a long time.

Crashdog is (was?) a Christian punk band (iTunes link: or here is the Amazon.com link. 25 songs for $6.99!)) from the 90′s and they recorded a song called “G.O.P. (God’s Own Party)” and I think it encapsulates some of my own political ideas (or lack thereof).

Listen below.  I couldn’t understand some of the lyrics, so I placed a ? where I could not translate!  If you can understand, please fill in the blanks!

[audio=http://metalman777.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/01-g-op-gods-own-party.mp3]

I am ready…are you ready?

Welcome to the halls of Congress
our nation’s blood flows out from here

All our values shall be back
now that we dumped the Democrats

We’ll go soaring on the right way
a godly tune this bird will sing

Watch me run the White House now
think of all the things we’ll do

Knock Knock (who’s there) GOP
oh won’t you please let us in
we’re pro-life and squeaky clean
just don’t look beneath our skin

Vote vote vote the underclass
kindly gently down the drain
Christians and Republicans
Aren’t they the same?

How much of Jesus do you find
in their lovely party line?

No federal funding for the unwed
Mary’s back in the manger of death

Forget the alien and the stranger
proposition one eight seven

Welfare can’t afford these kids
resurrect the ?

Knock Knock (who’s there) GOP
oh won’t you Christians let us in
we’re pro-life and squeaky clean
just don’t look beneath our skin

Vote vote vote the underclass
kindly gently down the drain
Jesus a Republican
have you gone insane?

2000 years and every ?
been tied to every joker card

From Inquisition to the crime?
?

Go ahead take a look
read between the lines
pull from the pack and from the race
what is left online?

Knock Knock (who’s there) GOP
oh won’t you Christians let us in
we’re pro-life and squeaky clean
just don’t look beneath our skin

Vote vote vote the underclass
kindly gently down the drain
Christians and Republicans

they are not the same
they are not they are not
they are not
they are not the same
Jesus and Republicans
have you gone insane?
have you gone insane?

Again, I just want to stress that I’m neither for the Democrats nor for the Republicans. Crashdog has some good points in their song.  To assume that Jesus was a Republican IS insane.  To assume He was a Democrat IS just as insane.  I think Christians should be outside the party lines and serve the less fortunate with no strings attached.

IMHO every Christian should read Greg Boyd‘s fantastic book entitled “The Myth of a Christian Nation”.  I’ve come to align my political views with the ones presented in this book.

One reviewer sums up the book this way: “the book really focuses more on what it means for any Christian anywhere to identify the eternal kingdom of God with the temporal kingdom under which he or she lives. Although Boyd has a very different understanding of the Christian’s relationship with the political, he almost could have borrowed St. Augustine’s title THE CITY OF GOD (AND THE CITY OF MAN), the latter half the implied title of Augustine’s classic. Or the great French lay theologian Jacques Ellul work THE POLITICS OF GOD AND THE POLITICS OF MAN. Like Ellul, Boyd insists that it is impossible to Christianize any temporal political regime. To confuse the two is to make what Gilbert Ryle would have called a category mistake, to confuse one kind of entity for another.

Boyd from the outset makes the distinction between worldly governments, which he refers to either as the kingdom of the sword or the kingdom of the world with the kingdom of the cross or the kingdom of God. The former is characterized in all cases by a self-interested “power over” others. This is true even in the most just and fair governments as well as in the most tyrannical. The kingdom of God, however, is characterized by disinterested, loving “power under.” Boyd shows that Jesus repeatedly in the New Testament refused any “power over” role, despite being the son of God, instead continually acting out in his life a “power under” self-sacrificial love, a way of living he demanded of his followers. Over and over the NT emphasizes that Christians are to live out the life of Christ in love and service to others. Moreover, this love is to be indiscriminate, and not given only to those who are like us and share our views. In fact, Jesus emphasizes that it is those on the furthermost edges that we are most to show our love to, not by judging them and legislating against them, but by serving them. There is little doubt that if Jesus were walking the streets of America today, he would be spending all his time with gays and people with AIDS and drug addicts and the poorest of the poor.

Boyd sees a large number of failings in the Religious Right today. He hints that people like Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson are, in fact, heretics. Boyd asks why we so often identify people as heretics based on some religious belief, when in fact Jesus emphasizes over and over how crucial it is to love others. He asks, when has anyone ever been identified as a heretic because they failed to love as Jesus commanded them to do. And that is much of his complaint with the Religious Right: their patent failure to love. Boyd stresses that if we are actually expanding the kingdom of God, it will look like Jesus, it will look like love in action. It will not look like people who fanatically attack gays, who ferociously delight in the killing of terrorists or Arabs, who are obsessed in condemning others as sinners.

One of the reasons that James Madison pushed through constitutional clauses that divided church in state both in Virginia and later in the United States was that he felt that a close alignment of any religious body with a government did great harm to the the church. Madison pointed out that if the church closely aligned itself with a particular political party, then when that party went out of favor, the church would be rejected along with the sectarian political party. Boyd explains in great detail the many dangers to the kingdom of God whenever it is confused with kingdom of the world. Therefore, the greatest dangers to the church are those who want to Christianize America, for they not only trivialize religion, they profanize the holy.

This is one of the most devout books I have read in quite a while. Rev. Boyd is clearly a deeply religious, careful, humble, intelligent reader of the Scriptures. He also is an advocate for a truly radical reading of the Bible, one that calls for radical discipleship. What has disturbed me about the Religious Right has all too often been its incredible worldliness, the way its leaders have supported a culture of grasping after worldly wealth, of elevating greed and political power to the level of the theological virtues faith, hope, and love. I remember vividly a number of years ago sitting in First Baptist Church of Dallas and hearing W. A. Criswell speak of “the only economic system ordained by God, the American free enterprise system.” I have heard countless preachers proclaim that America is a country uniquely blessed by God. Boyd, on the other hand, emphasizes a Gospel where if you have two coats you are told to give one of them away; where if you are struck on the face, you are to offer the other cheek; and where there is no difference between Jew or Greek or (by implication) American. Boyd’s vision of the kingdom is a nonnationalistic, self-sacrificing, unselfish, nonmaterialistic striving to imitate Christ. It is a corrective that has never been as needed as much as it is today.”

80's Music Playlist Meltdown

Mar 26

metalman777audio, music, videos 80's, hair metal, itunes, music, playlist 1 Comment

[viddler id=849649af&w=437&h=392]

Video Game Metal? Yeah, works for me!

Mar 10

metalman777audio, music instrumental, metal, music, power glove, video games No Comments

What inspires men to write music? A beautiful woman? A lost love? Inner turmoil? Mega Man?

Yes, Mega Man! and Super Mario Bros and Sonic the Hedgehog! Before you laugh and stop reading, Powerglove has created a fantastic shredding metal album based on the theme songs of classic video games! The song list is below:

1. “So Sexy Robotnik” (Sonic 2)
2. “Mario Minor” (Super Mario Bros., Super Mario World)
[audio=https://dl-web.getdropbox.com/get/Music/02%20Mario%20Minor.mp3?w=1c3f7200]

3. “Fight On” (Killer Instinct)
4. “Vanquish the Horrible Night” (Castlevania 2, Castlevania 3)
5. “Blasting the Hornet” (Mega Man X3)
6. “The Duck Grinder” (Duck Hunt)
7. “Power, Wisdom, Courage” (The Legend of Zelda, A Link to the Past, Ocarina of Time)
[audio=https://dl-web.getdropbox.com/get/Music/07%20Power%2C%20Wisdom%2C%20Courage.mp3?w=28e7fc07]
8. “Omnishred (We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Sword)” (Final Fantasy VII)
9. “Holy Orders (Be Quick and Just Shred)” (Guilty Gear X)
10.”Metal Kombat for the Mortal Man” (Mortal Kombat, Mega Man 2)
11.”Red Wings Over Baron” (Final Fantasy IV)

If you are about 35 or so, then you have played every one of these video games on your Nintendo or Sega. Listening to the soaring guitars of Power, Wisdom, Courage (The Legend of Zelda) almost made me weep! (remembering the all the time I spent playing that game!)

If you were like me and played these games while listening to the newest tape of Metallica or Anthrax, then this album is sooooo for you.

Powerglove shreds! This is a freakin’ heavy instrumental album. Closest thing I can think of would be Jeff Loomis’ solo album.

If you love heavy shredding instrumental metal like the above mentioned Jeff Loomis, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and the like, then you’ll love Powerglove!!

Woman

Jan 27

metalman777audio, humor, music christian metal, metal, music, sodom and america, XL and DBD No Comments

So I’m pulling out some old music and I run across XL and DBD’s Sodom and America. XL and whosy-whatsie you say? Imagine putting a rapper with a bunch of heavy metal dudes and you have XL and DBD (Death Before Dishonor).  They released an album called Sodom and America in 1993 and it is still a favorite to listen to.

This album is on my iPod and it started playing the other day.  A song entitled “Woman” came on and it just brought  a smile to my face.  It chronicles a story of a woman who starts living a “loose” life and ends up in a very bad situation.  Listen below:

[audio=https://dl-web.getdropbox.com/get/Music/08%20Woman.mp3?w=844dec09]

I know a beautiful woman in her early 20′s – she thinks she ain’t worth a red cent
She looks in the mirror, but it couldn’t be clearer that she’s pretty but isn’t content

But the way she lives and is so she gives herself to any guy gets hurt(?)
so  she is lifting up her skirt for a jerk who don’t work now he’s gone and she feels like dirt

Always trying to be accepted don’t wanna be rejected so she tags along with the clique
cuz today Bobby Jones(?) on Cosmopolitan it seems she aint ever gonna fit

So I try to break it down for the woman it doesn’t matter how good she looks anyway
cuz I was reading in the Bible that it says all of us are fearfully and wonderfully made

Woman – your beauty is fleeting
Girl – your charm’s misleading
Woman – your beauty is fleeting
Girl – your charm’s misleading

I saw a beatiful girl walking down the hall with her school books in her hand
all the guys know her in an intimate way cuz she gives herself up to any man

As time goes on her lust grows strong and her mind starting to get real sick
cuz now she likes women and she got cold busted in the corner giving Lisa a kiss

Now she’s out of high school playing the fool cuz she’s a centerfold in a magazine
Making 10 grand a year it doesn’t seem clear why she’s in the porno video scene

Once to tease now she aims to please at magazines made only for adults
She used to go to church now she’s living like dirt the high priestess of a satanic cult

Woman – your beauty is fleeting
Girl – your charm’s misleading
Woman – your beauty is fleeting
Girl – your charm’s misleading

Why don’t you just renew your mind and stop acting like a stupid little kid
But that won’t happen no that’s never gonna happen until you find out who Jesus Christ is

Now sick and tired of pretty young ladies feeling like that ain’t worth trash
Doing anything just to feel accepted but they’re losing their integrity fast

Quit trying to be what other people want and realize who you finally are
Cuz God is the One who made you woman and to Him you’re nothing but a star

Woman – your beauty is fleeting
Girl – your charm’s misleading
Woman – your beauty is fleeting
Girl – your charm’s misleading

Why don’t you just renew your mind and stop acting like a stupid little kid
But that won’t happen no that’s never gonna happen until you find out who Jesus Christ is

Woman

Woman

Woman

Woman

Yeah, they just don’t write songs like that any more boys and girls!

I love the content of the song and the message it is trying to get across.  I love the humor and the seriousness as well.  Plus the guitar work is pretty good too!

The last song on the album is entitled Afrock and it is awesomely awesome.

[audio=https://dl-web.getdropbox.com/get/Music/12%20Afrock.mp3?w=5f2819bf]

I’ll just give you the chorus to this song and you can see why it is so great!

I’m a hardcore-afro-wearing-hip-hop rocker
NO SELLOUT! (x3)

I’ll bet you can’t find that in any other song!

Samples from all 11 songs of Stryper's new album, Murder By Pride

Jan 12

metalman777audio, music, videos christian metal, hair metal, murder by pride, stryper No Comments

[viddler id=c4508100&w=437&h=392]

Yet More Samples From Stryper's Murder By Pride

Jan 05

metalman777audio, music, videos No Comments

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaeISd035Io]

I have to say that I’m highly anticipating this album! The vocals sound amazing!!

Michael Sweet officially released the track listing and song durations, as noted below:

More samples from Stryper's Murder By Pride

Jan 03

metalman777audio, music, videos christian metal, hair metal, music, stryper No Comments

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4k2EjbpZno]

New Christmas Song From Theocracy

Dec 19

metalman777audio, humor, music christian metal, christmas music, heavy metal, music, theocracy No Comments

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2008 FROM THEOCRACY!

PUSH PLAY BELOW TO LISTEN TO THE SONG

[audio=https://dl-web.getdropbox.com/get/Music/Theocracy%20-%20Rudolph%20vs.%20Frosty.mp3?w=4f0722e0]

RUDOLPH VS. FROSTY (Smith)

Everyone knows Rudolph has a big, red shiny nose
And Frosty comes to town every December when it snows
But did you know that those two never really got along?
I bet you’ve never heard this Christmas song…

“I’ve paid my dues for years and years, I’m Santa’s very favorite deer, so I should be the second in command at Christmastime,” says Rudolph
“Pull the sleigh where Santa goes and light the night with my red nose, I think it’s time for me to get what’s mine”

“Night lights are replaceable–a talking snowman’s magical; my agent says I need a bigger piece of Santa’s pie” says Frosty“
I bring children real joy, not just the latest stupid toy, I think it’s time for me to get what’s mine”

Then Rudolph rang his reindeer bells
Turned and sang with all the elves

Hey Hey Hey
Santa’s on his way
You’d better stop that bickering before it’s Christmas day
Ho Ho Ho
Egg nog and mistletoe
And Santa’s gonna take a torch and melt you to the floor

“Frosty, you’ve got coal for eyes, when things get hot you won’t survive, so get out of my way, this job is mine all mine (now snowman step aside),” says Rudolph
“Rudolph, man, your claim to fame’s a lightbulb and a funny name, and everybody knows I’m next in line”

Rudolph with your nose so bright
Won’t you kiss my corn cob pipe

Hey Hey Hey
Santa’s on his way
You’d better stop that bickering before it’s Christmas day
Ho Ho Ho
Egg nog and mistletoe
And Santa’s gonna mount you in his living room for show

“Hey Rudolph!”
“What?”
“I wrote a song about you!”
“Oh boy…”

“You wanna hear it? Here it go!

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
Had a very shiny nose
And when ol’ St. Nick saw it
He thought it would look really good mounted on his wall”

“Oh you think that’s funny? Well check this out:

Frosty the Snowman
Was a puddle on the ground
And a makeshift scoop for the reindeer poop
Is the best use for his magic hat I’ve found”

With a nod of his head, Rudolph took to the sky, and swooping down, he gouged at Frosty with an antler to the eye
But Frosty struck right back and grabbed his bright red nose, and turned it right into a popcicle as Rudolph’s whole head froze
But Rudolph broke the ice, shook his antlers twice, and raced back in to strike again
But then a “Ho Ho Ho!” came booming from the sky, the echoed voice of you-know-who

With the cookies and milk and a bowlful of jelly in his belly
And a dash through the sky, and a twinkle in his eye, St. Nick
With a bag full of toys for the good girls and boys on his shoulder
And a “Ho Ho Ho!” and a “Look out below!” St. Nick

With the cookies and milk and a bowlful of jelly in his belly
And a dash through the sky, and a twinkle in his eye, St. Nick
With a bag full of toys for the good girls and boys on his shoulder
And a reindeer call and a “Dash away all!” St. Nick

“You two ougtta be ashamed, you’ve sullied Santa’s perfect name, this operation would go down the drain if I retired,” says Santa
“Neither of you gets the job, so go and join the Grinch’s mob, and Merry Christmas both of you, you’re fired!”

Then Santa broke into a smile
Said, “Everyone else stay awhile!”

Hey Hey Hey
Santa’s here today
And now it’s time for Christmas dinner, everyone awaits
Ho Ho Ho
Everything’s alright
‘Cause Mrs. Claus has whipped us up a Christmas feast tonight

Hey Hey Hey
Santa’s here today
And now it’s time for Christmas dinner, everyone awaits
Ho Ho Ho
Everything’s alright
‘Cause Santa’s having venison and snow ice cream tonight

Metallica Lyrics to Live By?

Nov 17

metalman777Christianity, Life, audio, music, videos Christianity, lyrics, metallica, poetry No Comments

Stop what you are doing and take a minute to listen to the song below. As you listen, scroll down and read the lyrics that go with the music.  Even if you don’t like metal, listen to the song!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gxgc4PCklnI]

Metallica - Broken, Beat & Scarred lyrics

You rise, you fall, you're down then you rise again
What don't kill ya make ya more strong
You rise, you fall, you're down then you rise again
What don't kill ya make ya more strong

Rise, fall, down, rise again
What don't kill ya make ya more strong
Rise, fall, down, rise again
What don't kill ya make ya more strong

Through black days, through black nights
Through pitch black insides

Breaking your teeth on the hard life coming
(Show your scars)
Cutting your feet on the hard earth running
(Show your scars)
Breaking your life, broken, beat and scarred
But we die hard

The dawn, the death, the fight to the final breath
What don't kill ya make ya more strong
The dawn, the death, the fight to the final breath
What don't kill ya make ya more strong

Dawn, death, fight, final breath
What don't kill ya make ya more strong
Dawn, death, fight, final breath
What don't kill ya make ya more strong

They scratch me, they scrape me
They cut and rape me

Breaking your teeth on the hard life coming
(Show your scars)
Cutting your feet on the hard earth running
(Show your scars)
Breaking your life, broken, beat and scarred
But we die hard

Breaking your teeth on the hard life coming
(Show your scars)
Cutting your feet on the hard earth running
(Show your scars)
Bleeding your soul in a hard luck story
(Show your scars)
Spilling your blood in the hot sun's glory
(Show your scars)
Breaking your life, broken, beat and scarred
We die hard
We die hard
We die hard

Lyrics | Metallica - Broken, Beat & Scarred lyrics

If nothing else, you have to give James Hetfield credit for the poetic force of his lyrics. This is one strong song and the music that is delivered behind the lyrics pushes the song into metal legend.  It energizes the listener and makes him just want to lift something heavy or do some feat of greatness!

But beyond that, believe it or not, this song actually reminds me of some words written by the Apostle Paul, the guy that wrote two thirds of the New Testament (bet you weren’t expecting that, eh?)

In the book of  Second Corinthians, chapter 6 Paul says this:

3 We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry. 4 In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. 5 We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food. 6 We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. 7 We faithfully preach the truth. God’s power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense. 8 We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors. 9 We are ignored, even though we are well known. We live close to death, but we are still alive. We have been beaten, but we have not been killed. 10 Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.

One might wonder how in all that is good and holy could I connect a Metallica song with the Sacred Scripture?  Well, I have come to finally understand that all truth is God’s truth and I can take the poetic lyric of Metallica and yes, it can help me ruminate and meditate on what God has done for me!  Crazy, eh?

Even though we might go some through some crazy stuff in this life, it makes us stronger and
can actually bring us into a closer relationship with our Creator.

Is there a bigger point to this blog? Not really. Just a very cool secular song reminded of
some very cool sacred writings!

Iron Metallic Ivory

Nov 12

metalman777audio, music iron maiden, metallica, music, piano, piano tribute, tribute album No Comments

I’m a hypocrite…I’ll admit it.  Yesterday I wrote that I was taking a break and yet, here I am posting a new entry today!  What gives?

Well, as you might know, I’m rebuilding my music library, and as I was looking over music to put back into iTunes, I ran across two albums that really caught my eye (ear?)

The first album is entitled Pianotarium: A Piano Tribute to Metallica by Scott D. Davis.

This is from Mr. Davis’ official website:

Pianist/composer Scott D. Davis has been referred to as “the rocker of new age/contemporary classical music”. Perhaps New Age Reporter best described him by saying “his exuberance and originality are invigorating and his upbeat attitude contagious.”

Interestingly enough, if you ask Scott about his musical background he might surprise you. He comes not from a background of polished piano music, but grew up a typical 1980′s teenager strongly under the influences of such progressive rock artists as Rush, Queensrÿche, and Metallica. Scott pursued rock music as a career throughout his college years, playing keyboards for a number of local bands

I have to say that Mr. Davis really captures the mood and emotion of the songs he covers.  The piano is actually quite haunting at times.  Below is Master of Puppets, piano style:

[audio=https://dl-web.getdropbox.com/get/Music/03%20Master%20of%20Puppets.mp3?w=323166e5]

Davis does choose a good variety of songs to cover, as well as adding three original compositions.  Here is the track listing for the album.

1. “Enter Sandman” – 5:39
2. “Until It Sleeps” – 4:27
3. “Master Of Puppets” – 8:44
4. “The Unforgiven” – 6:06
5. “Welcome Home (Sanitarium)” – 6:23
6. “Nothing Else Matters” – 6:02
7. “One” – 6:17
8. “Fade To Black” – 6:49
9. “The Renewal – I – Lament” – 2:28
10. “The Renewal – II – Inner Battle” – 3:50
11. “The Renewal – III – Return to Sanity” – 3:53

The second album is another piano tribute, but this album gives tribute to metal gods Iron Maiden.

Scott Lavender has released The Piano Tribute to Iron Maiden.  Lavender takes some very classic Iron Maiden songs and translates them into piano interludes that, for the most part, capture the magic of Iron Maiden.

Information about Mr. Lavender was hard to find, but here is what I did scrounge up:

Scott Lavender is a both a talented conductor as well as a fantastic pianist, he has worked with the National Symphony, Detroit Symphony, The Los Angeles Philharmonic and many more. He holds a Bachelors Degree for Music in Piano Performance from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. After this he was awarded a Masters Degree in Instrumental Conducting from California State University. (found here)

Mr Lavender selects some wonderful Iron Maiden covers.  The tracklisting is:

1. Two Minutes to Midnight [6:33]
2. Wasted Years [5:11]
3. Can I Play with Madness [3:46]
4. The Trooper [4:54]
5. Brave New World [5:04]
6. Run to the Hills [3:49]
7. Caught Somewhere in Time [5:55]
8. Aces High [4:46]
9. Hallowed Be Thy Name [6:55]
10. Flight of Icarus [3:55]
11. Number of the Beast [6:02]
12. Eddie’s Lament (Original Track) [4:49]

I do like this album, but the piano sounds a little thin and tinny at times.  It sounds like Mr. Lavender has done an almost note for note translation of music, which normally wouldn’t bother me.  But after hearing Pianotarium and hearing the heart of the songs revealed with much passion and vigor, The Piano Tribute to Iron Maiden could seem a little lackluster.  The album artwork for this album is much better than the Metallica Tribute though!

Listen for yourself.  Below is the track Two Minutes to Midnight:

[audio=https://dl-web.getdropbox.com/get/Music/01%20Two%20Minutes%20To%20Midnight.mp3?w=91076491]