Wow, I like this music video from Aradhna. They’re a group of Christian musicians who play in the Hindi tradition. Most of the vocals are in Sanskrit. However when translated to English they show thoughtful lyrics deeply rooted in Scripture. It’s some of the most refreshing music from Christians I’ve experienced in some time.

Here’s a song titled Mukteshwar, based on the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy; Praise the name of the God of Liberation; Sing my soul, Sing my soul; Those who are poor in this world; Blessed are they, blessed are they; For the kingdom of heaven is theirs …” [Full lyrics]. Enjoy!

A friend just introduced me to The Wilderness Downtown project Arcade Fire is doing with Google.  It’s based on Arcade Fire’s song “We Used to Wait” from their new album, Suburbia. It’s worth your time, especially if you grew up in the burbs. My childhood home in Northwestern New Jersey hasn’t escaped from suburban sprawl, but its still considered a rural community, so it didn’t have the emotional impact on me it has for others.  If you check it out make sure and use Google Chrome browser.

I like this song by Nashville’s Andrew Peterson, from his album Counting Stars. After seventeen years of marriage to an amazing woman, Andrew’s lyrics have a lot of meaning to me. I wouldn’t want to “dance in the minefields” with anyone but her. Enjoy!

This has to be one of the most creative music videos I’ve seen! Check out the making of the video on YouTube (Seriously creative people – rock band + geeks = very cool).

I was in Chicago over the weekend for the North American launch of U2′s 360 Tour. It was everything I anticipated. I can’t wait to see U2 again at the Rose Bowl in October. Chicago Tribune’s rock critic, Greg Kot calls it “One of the best stadium shows of the last decade.” If you want to read more about the opening concert check out Tom Martin’s review in the the L.A. Times music blog, Pop & Hiss. Don’t worry I’m not going to attempt a review.  I want to share a few thoughts about U2 and the ONE Campaign.

I saw U2 in L.A. on their Vertigo Tour in 2006. Bono’s passionate appeal to join the ONE Campaign moved me join the fight against global poverty and AIDS. During the past three years I’ve remained involved with the ONE Campaign in many ways. I also encouraged our congregation to take action as well. So I was curious what U2 would do to promote the ONE Campaign this time around, especially considering the global recession.

On the way into the concert I stopped by the ONE Campaign HQ. There were lots of ONE volunteers going around with notebook computers encouraging people to join ONE. They were also taking photos of people kissing for ONE’s “Kiss the Future” campaign, kinda cheesy if you ask me. The photos are displayed on the round video screens at the end of all the concerts.

During the concert U2 approached the issues from a much different angle than I expected. The challenges to end poverty and AIDS were absent, instead Bono did a monologue about the difference the ONE Campaign has made for millions of people in Africa. He thanked Chicagoans for their part in making it happen, starting with Pastor Bill Hybels. U2 disappeared and a video segment opened with a speech from Archbishop Desmond Tutu. You can see it here at ONE’s On the Road with U2.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how we’re going to continue to mobilize people to action for Africa in the midst of the political-economic turmoil we are facing as a nation. It’s hard to talk about people dying across the ocean when people are loosing their homes across the street. Ok … I know, there’s no comparison. Still I’ve been wondering if the momentum for change may be slipping away. I think U2 sensed this trend and decided to focus on the good rather than the bad for the 360 Tour. For a nation where so many seem to be struggling financially, their approach was filled with hope and promise. Something we all need a little more of right now.