Category Archives: hosni mubarak

I saw hungry brothers waiting with the radio on

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It is a divine pleasure to listen to music that seems to raise music itself to a new standard. Music that creates for you an atmosphere of both tranquility and of surprise. There is experimentation in this music that coexists with the subtle, traditional use of percussion and guitar.

Samuel Beam is Iron & Wine, along with a sometimes- 8-piece band that accompanies him. Name the festival, and they have probably performed there. (Sasquatch coming up!) He has collaborated with a handful of interesting indie bands (The Postal Service, Calexico). His music has been added to the soundtrack of popular television dramas and a movie (thatwhichshan’tbenamed). Beam is an extremely rounded artist, with a background in filmmaking and painting.
In turn, the result of Sam Beam’s vision is a wonderfully complete album. Time and time again. The relief that comes from enjoying an album full of various musical contributions that hasn’t hit you over the head with its efforts. It’s beautiful.
Iron & Wine released its fourth studio album, Kiss Each Other Clean, on January 25. There have been multiple EPs since the first was released in 2002. Over the years it seems that somewhere in the review of each project you will find the words “best yet.” When you’re multi-talented in this way, and open to learning various ways of making music, there is no other end-product to be expected than excellence in this way.

The opening track on the album always gripped me in a way I couldn’t describe, right when I first started listening to the album. But today, “Walking Far From Home” just sounds different to me. The first image I saw online early, early this morning was of the massive demonstration crowding the Parliament in Tahrir Square as Egyptians urged the sitting government to exit. It was an astonishing, inspiring photo with the headline “Military Backs Mubarak As Fury Grows.” I prayed this morning; I prayed that this crowd would be blessed.

Click to Enjoy Iron & Wine – Walking Far From Home

And hours later, the new headline reads “This is a New Egypt!”

After watching the country fight for a transition of power over the last two weeks, hearing this song now feels like a story that someone who has seen great change could tell. With subtlety.

“It’s the greatest day of my life,” opposition leader Mohamed ElBaradei told NPR. “I could never have imagined that I would live long enough to see Egypt emancipated. It’s an electrifying feeling.”

Music can define a moment for you. Iron & Wine has the ability to define just about every moment.


A Revolution

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I am not sure if you guys are aware, but there’s a pretty big series of events unfolding in Egypt. It certainly smacks of the word revolution. However, there are a lot that either haven’t heard much at all or only a little about it. Sad, eh? That’s the country we live in, folks. Where the halftime show for the Super Bowl – featuring what I called an embarrassment to Daft Punk fans everywhere – causes more of a controversy and sparks more debate than what an estimated 80 million people have to deal with on a daily basis. With a man we’ve supported, albeit in very private fashion, no less. Our tenuous support of Hosni Mubarak stems in large part from our dealings with Israel, so no doubt they’re keeping a close eye on this, also.

Well, regardless of what happens, this has become the biggest story in the world – and affected my travel plans. So hey, I’m providing much of a revolution of my own when it comes to fighting shady travel companies. Honestly? I’m pretty worried about the events unfolding. It has more of an impact on the world as a whole than I think people realize. It’s more of a trickle down effect, though. That entire region is unstable. From Sudan – which recently saw South Sudan vote to secede – to Tunisia, Jordan, and Yemen. What we’re witnessing is unprecedented in history. It could have long lasting ramifications with world relations. A revolution is what it truly is.

Click to Play The Beatles – Revolution

I could honestly go on and on about what is happening, but this story has so many layers and complexities to it, that I simply don’t have the room to discuss it. So enjoy your week, folks. And do try to pay attention to what’s happening in your world!