thanks to the live streaming on itunes radio (available through today only), and then thanks to the record label who sent me a copy of the album in the mail, i’ve been listening to Crowder’s new album, Neon Steeple, almost nonstop over the past week (a few little breaks to listen to the new Coldplay album and the new Conor Oberst album). the album releases on itunes, and everywhere else, tomorrow (tuesday, may 27).
i realize i’m biased, since i’ve loved Crowder’s music for a long time, and even more biased because i like him as a person. but it almost doesn’t matter which new direction david goes with his music: i love it musically, and love it lyrically. this album is, unquestionably, his most eccentric and eclectic, ranging from bluegrass and old-timey church songs that johnny cash could have sung, to alt-pop worship, and even a couple tracks i can only classify as “dance” numbers. neon steeple is the baby that marcus mumford and emmylou harris and johnny cash and hank williams and king david (the psalmist) and someone representing alt-pop (maybe the xx, or–OOH!–the ting-tings) would have, uh, birthed together. that just got weird; but, again, i love eclectic.
if you want the same old vanilla christian easy listening, this is not your music. but if you want honest lyrics, unwaveringly god-focused (as Crowder’s songs have always been), with a wild variety of musicality that leans to the down-homey (lotsa banjo, baby), you’ll be a happy listener.
and, i have two copies of the deluxe edition of the CD (17 tracks!) to give away. in the past when i’ve given these away, i’ve gotten a ton of comments, because i made it easy on you (which made it hard on me); so i’m going to inverse that equation this time around. if you want one of these FREE CDs, you must write a haiku about Crowder. that’s right: three lines, of 5, 7, and 5 syllables, respectively. i’ll pick the best two, email you for your address, and your CD will be mailed to you.
i mean, Crowder put quite a bit of creative energy into creating this baby, so a little creative effort on your part seems warranted, right?
whatcha got?
winner, winner, crowder dinner
hey, nice job, peeps. fun entries.
i’m sad to be forced to not consider a handful that don’t fit the required haiku form (3 lines, of 5 syllables, 7 syllable, and 5 syllables, in order). some of you don’t quite get that, or just didn’t care!
hands down, the winner is absolutely Rob, for his brilliant three word
Virtuosity
Interdisciplinary
Pogonology
(for those not in the know, “pogonology” is “the study of or a treatise to beards”)
the second winner was more difficult; but i’m going with Chuck’s for sheer randomness and absurdity:
I met Crowder once
He smelled like freedom and steak
No wait, that was me
thanks for playin’, everyone!
Crowder is the king
Music should always move you
The beard does not fail
Music moves us all,
Inspiration comes from God,
Crowder melds it well.
Crowder has a beard,
Marko has a beard,
Beardy can play the banjo.
David Crowder Band
Played YS Cincinnati
Called me Big Country
Lo, what could this be
Whoa, lotsa banjo baby
They call him Crowder
Mayer has neon
Neon Trees like to whisper
Steeple for people
Battle of the beards
It’s Marko versus Crowder
Who will reign supreme?
Crowder music can
Lighten the hard heart of man!
Listen, sing, then dance!
Marko’s beard is great
Crowder’s beard is greater
Babyface am I…..
Crowder loves Jesus
Jesus and Crowder have beards
I love bacon lots.
The Steeple is out
Now the Neon is aglow
Long time coming Dave
Crowder paints with sound
Dreams to life what is unheard
God is free to breathe
Virtuosity
Interdisciplinary
Pogonology
We seek to honor Vets
But Marko’s gift of swag makes
It All about Crowder
The critics love it!
So says Wikipedia
No chance I will win
He broke up the band
Recording neon steeple
Laid it out for all
Electronica, harmonica, safety.
Amazing Grace and turn-tables.
Ear-drum, explosion, fresh.
David Crowder’s beard
a thing of wondrous beauty
angels are jealous
Never left alone
Within His infinity
A Crowder spirit
Unique appearance
Divinely inspired man
A true worshiper
David has a beard.
It looks and smells pretty weird.
David. Wash your beard.
bearded man singing
banjo plucking and bluegrass
crowder is the one
Crowder Music Smile
My feet start moving dancing
No longer baptist.
This haiku will not
Mention any facial hair
Unless it just did
The love of Jesus
Flowing through this facial hair
Hope for all the world
Crowder loves Jesus
More than a Dr. Pepper.
Hippopotamus.
I’m not creative.
Crowder creates crazy well.
Jesus loves us both!
into seclusion.
we awaited his return,
now! the wait is over!
I met Crowder once
He smelled like freedom and steak
No wait, that was me
imagine how much
music must be lost within
david crowder’s beard
Crowder is eclectic
Beard, beats, banjo, guitar, drums
Lifting up Jesus
Did you say Crowder?
Hurry, turn it up louder!
Rockin’ praise to God
The Bearded Wonder
Ingenuity Within
His Neon Steeple
CONTEST CLOSED!
Chuck’s is amazing.
Under a large rock,
I must have been living there.
New Crowder album?
I know i’m late to the haiku party, but I figured it was worth it to keep to form! :)