dave dengler [1974-2015]

aka Professor D
aka Prof
math wiz
all around good guy
connoisseur of the real hip hop
one-of-a-kind laugh
natural-born emcee
passionate collector of everything Beastie Boys
star wars geek
volunteer fireman
yinzer
father

much love and respect Prof...
you'll be missed, my friend

[obit] [that laugh] [Prof D's Greatest Hits]

2014 IN SOUND

I'm truly excited to share this collection of sounds that captured my ear, heart and mind in 2014. Really dig SoundCloud these days -- easily my go-to for discovering new music. Also continue to find new stuff on Noisetrade, the ISO50 blog and SiriusXM's AltNation and XMU. Another source of new music finds comes to me through Twitter. I finally got into Spotify a bit, but only as a "free-listener," so I'm really only listening to artists I know on there. I purchased a couple CDs, a handful of vinyl and the rest through iTunes, bandcamp or directly from an artist. Below are my song and album of the year, followed by a bunch of my favorite sounds from 2014, including my video of the year. Enjoy!

Tycho - Awake
The lead single from Tycho's album of the same name, Awake, captured my ear early in the year and held it's place for the duration of 2014 to take its place as my co-song of the year, despite stiff competition from the likes of Missio, Loud Harp and Duologue.
     Tycho - Montana
Another standout track from Awake, my album of the year. More good vibes here on this one!

The Liturgists - Vapor
I've shed a lot of tears (of every nature) this past year while listening to this co-song of the year. It means more to me on so many levels then I could ever hope to explain in words. Meaningless. Meaningless. Everything is meaningless. We are but vapor. He is holy; set apart. Yet we are loved so dearly.

Loud Harp - (73) Nearness of You
Asaph, the album on which this track is found, is an epic soundtrack to a life lived for a greater purpose than the advancement of oneself. The songs are about Truth. And Asher Seevinck (aka Seafinch) sings his heart out on this track from the most unique album of 2014 -- each song written as a direct response to the old poems of the Psalms. (77) Take Heart is another favorite from this album.

Missio - I Run to You
Sparse, yet dense. Sonic, yet grounded. Minimal, yet beautifully layered. Every listen draws you further in.

Duologue - Operator
This song plays over the speakers in a noisy, hipster coffee shop and you turn to your bearded friend and ask if Thom York released new music. His answer, of course, is yes, that whole BitTorrent experiment; but this is not that, this is an obscure British band named Duologue. Your friend knows this because he uses Noisetrade, who says of the London five-piece, "Their [music] is an immersive experience intended to be absorbed and cherished with repeated listens, not to be heard once on laptop speakers and disregarded. Much like a great novel, this one is hard to put down and will stay with you forever." Well said.

 
Beck - Wave
The lush, minimal, sonic landscape draws you in deeply...just in time for the song to end. This track could have been 7 minutes long, and would have been that much better for it.


Crowder - Come As You Are
At some point in the last few years, David Crowder stopped shaving; but he never stopped making great music. His new solo album, Neon Steeple, is a continuation of the heartfelt, down-to-earth songwriting that made the now-defunct David Crowder Band one of my favorites. He also puts on a pretty good live show/rave/hoedown as he seamlessly blends genres.

Future Islands - Seasons (Waiting On You)

This band is what present-day Elton John would sound like if he made another Yellow Brick Road.

Knox Hamilton - Work It Out
Upbeat, indie/alt rock tune that'll be stuck in your head for hours...and that's a good thing!

Air Review - Young
Light and airy, sing-along, indie-pop that just so happens to hold video-of-the-year honors for one of the most visually stunning and creative videos I have seen in a long time.

alt-J - Hunger of the Pine
This track sets you up like its all chill and soul. And then the beat drops with that signature sample that will run circles around your head for a while. And the layers just build from there before the Gregorian-esq chants kick in to bring us some final closure.
  MMOTHS - Santo
Wide-open, expansive soundscape that gets serious just before the three-minute mark. This song would work well as a modern choral piece (with electronic accompaniment) inside a Gothic cathedral.

Rival Consoles - 3 Chords
Massive distorted bass lines drive this dark, slow-building banger; but don't miss the subtle rays of light that seem to break through near the end.

Com Truise - Wave 1
More of that lo-fi chill wave from one of our favorite labels, Ghostly International, which also happens to be the musical home of Tycho.

Sam Sure - Hunger
Intelligent pop all mellowed out with that smooth electronic production and those British vocals, which just a touch of the auto-tune, but for effect, not voice correction. And the end is all glitched-up. First class stuff here.

VÉRITÉ - Strange Enough
Indie-pop that brings the perfect energy.

First Aid Kit - My Silver Lining
I have to admit that this pick is highly influenced by the use of this song in the short film, AFTERGLOW -- the pairing of that indie/wild-west-country sound with the deep, powdery snow and acrobatics of the skiers is just oddly perfect. But the song definitely has independent staying power.

Shipman - Ship
Simple, feel-good singer-songwriter pop. This is just so clean and refreshing!

Stephen Santos - Handle
A Spirit-breathed, emotionally raw song that speaks of a love that defies earthly definition.

The Native Sibling - Darkest Of Night Skies
As the name implies, this brother and sister duo deliver unique harmonies on an indie singer-songwriter gem.

Twin Forks - Back To You
Everyone's favorite emo frontman, Chris Carrabba of Dashboard Confessional fame, returns with a new band and a new, slightly less emo sound, although his signature vocals are still recognizable. And their self-titled, debut album is solid and will appeal to former(?) emo fans and the current indie-folk crowd, alike!


Previously: 2013 IN SOUND . 2012 IN SOUND . 11 IN SOUND . twenty-ten in sound . 08 IN SOUND . 2007 In Song . Six for '06

"Realms of Glory" Music Video from A Jesus Church on Vimeo.

Phew...amazing song that transforms into something other-worldly at 2:26 when the Spirit just completely takes over -- and you can see it in the room (and I felt it in my heart) -- TRUTH. I have no words for this. "Thank you, Jesus" sounds so trite, but really, it's all this humble heart can muster at the moment.

Choose Life

Earl William Mouer

May 21, 1922 - October 12, 2014

A eulogy I delivered at my Grandfather's funeral on October 17, 2014 

On behalf of the family, I'd like to thank all of you for being here today. You honor my grandfather with your presence. You honor my grandmother with your presence. And you honor us.

As I was thinking about what to share this morning, many things came to mind. In fact, it was hard to shut the thoughts down and equally hard to choose a particular route to take.

I could share with you some favorite memories like how he taught me to use his riding mower, how Nana & Pop Pop included me in trips to Merrill Lynch after I expressed an interest in the stock market, Pop Pop holding my son shortly after his birth or Nana and Pop Pop calling on my birthday most years to sing “Happy Birthday.”

I could tell you about some of the stories from the “old days” he shared with me like borrowing a dump truck, driving it up to the mountain and collecting stones that he later used build his brother's house or how, after taking a train from Boston to Harrisburg, he hitched a ride (or two) from Harrisburg to Waynesboro to see Nana on a long weekend break from the Navy.

I could tell of Pop Pop's great kindness, gentleness, wisdom, good-natured spirit and his servant heart, but I suspect all of you have experienced that yourselves or you wouldn't be here today. 

But the thing I landed on, the thing I believe the Lord has placed on my heart to share with you today is about a choice Pop Pop made many years ago. As you can imagine, he must have made thousands of choices over his 92 years here on this earth, but the most important, the most enduring, was his decision to choose life.

Yes...Pop Pop chose life!  

And here's what I mean by that...reading from God's word in the Old Testament – this is the Lord speaking through Moses to his chosen people, the Israelites:

This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. [Deuteronomy 30:19-20]

In the greater design of God's redemptive plan, this life is ultimately offered through the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  In fact, Jesus later proclaimed:  

I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. [John 14:6]

God's word further tells us that once we decide to choose life, that we are a new creation -- our very identities no longer tied to sin and death, but to Christ and life. And through the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and by the grace of God, we are then called to demonstrate that new life to those around us. To demonstrate Christ's love to this broken world. 

And that's what each one of you who knew Pop Pop experienced in your interactions with him – the love of Christ. He would be the first to tell you that the many attributes one could use to describe him were the direct result of Christ's work on the cross and in his heart 

And the good news is that choice, that offer of life, is available to each one of us, in whatever circumstances we currently find ourselves. If it’s something you're interested in knowing more about please talk with Pastor Gentry or any one of us family members.

One last thought...

It's because of Pop Pop's choice of life that we are able to know with certainty that he has not simply died, but rather passed to this eternal glory in Heaven. Finally home in the arms of his Heavenly Father!! 

So Pop Pop, today I join with your family here to give you a final thank you for choosing life. For laying a solid foundation for us. We all love Jesus based largely on your testimony and faithfulness to God over the many years we all shared together.

Amen.

Earl W. Mouer Obituary

2013 IN SOUND

My yearly, state of the union address on my musical leanings from the past year. I have to tell you, I listened to more music in 2013 than I have in a couple of years. I hit Noisetrade and Pandora hard this year, along with everything put out on the ISO50 blog (whose influence can be heavily seen below). Still slow to the Spotify game, but there's always 2014 to get into something "new." I still very much enjoy paying for good music, especially when it comes with good packaging and artwork! Below I present my song and album of the year, followed by a bunch of my favorite sounds from 2013. Enjoy! And please drop me a comment if you find something new.
  Beautiful Eulogy . You Can Save Me
Co-song of the year! I connect with everything about this song -- the lyrics, message, beats, rhymes and genre-defying production. From their sophomore release, Instruments Of Mercy, which also happens to be my co-album of the year. Each track weaves together into the next for a complete album experience. As I described to a friend (through a number of text messages): "Enjoy the first four tracks. Try to contain yourself on Track 5 and 6 (good luck) and then Track 7 is a complete dance party. Track 8 will drive you to your knees and you may as well stay there during Track 9. And then ride out the true hip-hop for the rest of the album. It's nuts bro. So good! A true Holy Spirit experience!! From their mouths and through your speakers." Put this album, which is freely given, in your ears.

 
Beautiful Eulogy . Release Me From This Snare
I won't waste more Internet space here going on about this song (or the album), just more solid gold from Instruments of Mercy.

 
Gungor . I Am Mountain
Co-song of the year! Soaringly beautiful title track from Gungor's I Am Mountain, which shares co-album of the year status with Instruments of Mercy. It's my prayer that this track be the soundtrack of my life. As for the album, Gungor seemlessly jump from one genre to another, artfully telling a collection of stories that somehow all make sense as an album.

 
Gungor . Wandering
A lot has been made of Gungor's heavy use of auto-tune on this track, but for me, it adds a complementary tension to a song that's long on searching (and short on finding). Simply beautiful.
  AKW . Evergreen
Perfect indie pop with a hint of Mumford & Sons sing-along!
  Bonobo . Cirrus
Bouncy and chill, but with a distinct harder edge that kept this one on repeat in 2013.
  Machinedrum . Gunshotta
Producer Travis Stewart (aka Machinedrum) incorporates all of my favorite genres of electronica on this track. If this is playing, pretty sure I'm dancing on whatever makeshift dance floor I can conjure.
  Bibio . A Tout A L'Heure
Lo-fi goodness that creates the perfect background for a sunny day.

 
Lily & Madeleine . Back To The River
Phew...chills-up-spine-inducing singer/songwriter track of the year. How exactly do a 15 and 18 year old from the suburbs write a song with such depth? You'd think they wouldn't yet have enough life behind them to shine in this, the most artistic of genres. But shine they do!

 
All Sons & Daughters - Great Are You Lord
It's your breath, in our lungs. So we pour out our praise to You, only.
Regardless of your faith/religious leanings, you simply can't deny the songwriting here. David Leonard and Leslie Jordan are at the top of their craft -- writing intimate songs that are best experienced in community. From All Sons & Daughters - Live, my worship album of the year.

 
Atoms For Peace . Default
Haunting vocals from Thom Yorke (Radiohead) over drowsy, glitchy, rolling electronica. Need I say more?

  Nitemoves . Ashe
Superb production on this downtempo track.
 
Vampire Weekend . Unbelievers
I'm not a Vampire Weekend fanboy by any means, but it's hard to deny the catchy sounds that come through the speakers on this one.
  Bora York . Waterfalls
Amazingly beautiful song from a band that is seemingly flying under the radar of anyone with musical clout (i.e. bloggers who actually influence mass amounts of people with ears). Bora York writes the definition of dream pop with this track, and takes you to another land in the process!
  brotherun . Maze
Standout track from another band that's flying too far under the radar of the general listening public. For fans of newer Radiohead and Atoms For Peace.
  Washed Out . It All Feels Right
My 2013 infatuation with lo-fi continues...you still feelin' it?
  Dauwd . Heat Division
A deep, deep house soundscape that lulls you in and then hits you over the head with some heavy synth.
  Four Tet . For These Times
This song is everything you wish your high school marching band would have been. #boomsauce
  BOY . This Is The Beginning
Catchy, delicate vocals over thoughtful instrumentation makes for quality indie pop.

 
Houses . The Beauty Surrounds
Love song? Tragic goodbye? Both? Not exactly sure, but the beautifully poetic lyrics on this one strike a chord, as does the instrumentation.
  Jon Hopkins . Open Eye Signal
A beautifully rich 8-minute gem that is all kinds of chopped up at the end from a well-versed electronica producer.
  Grizzly Bear . Will Calls (Diplo Remix)
A late addition to my list, as it was released in late-November. Diplo expertly remixes the indie leanings of Grizzly Bear. One listen and you'll be humming that bouncy bass line the rest of the day!

And for ease of listening: 2013 IN SOUND playlist (only includes tracks available on Soundcloud)


Previously: 2012 IN SOUND . 11 IN SOUND . twenty-ten in sound . 08 IN SOUND . 2007 In Song . Six for '06

silent night

Father, thank you for the ultimate gift of love. For your steadfastness to always pursue us. To rescue us from ourselves. May we come to better understand this love in the year that lies ahead. Amen.

Shepherd of Israel, 
may Jesus, Emmanuel and son of Mary, 
be more than just a dream in our hearts. 
With the apostles, prophets, and saints, 
save us, restore us, 
and lead us in the way of grace and peace, 
that we may bear your promise into the world. Amen.
[Revised Common Lectionary]

Illustration Credit: Roger Johnston

O God of Isaiah and John the Baptist, 
through all such faithful ones 
you proclaim the unfolding of future joy 
and renewed life. 
Strengthen our hearts to believe your advent promise 
that one day we will walk in the holy way of Christ, 
where sorrow and sighing will be no more 
and the journey of God's people will be joy. Amen.
[Revised Common Lectionary]

Laboring God, 
with axe and winnowing fork 
you clear a holy space 
where hurt and destruction have no place, 
and a little child holds sway. 
Clear our lives of hatred and despair, 
sow seeds of joy and peace, 
that shoots of hope may spring forth 
and we may live in harmony 
with one another. Amen.
[Revised Common Lectionary]

Photo Credit: Go.70°North

Unexpected God, 
your advent alarms us. 
Wake us from drowsy worship, 
from the sleep that neglects love, 
and the sedative of misdirected frenzy. 
Awaken us now to your coming, 
and bend our angers into your peace. Amen.
[Revised Common Lectionary]

[Image]