music
The Sapphire in Hildegard’s Wine
On the frontispiece of Hildegard von Bingen’s Scivias, the nun is propping her feet on a stool—perhaps to elevate her knees high enough to compose the first strokes of her…
The Taqwacores Book Launch in DUMBO
We just got word that there’s a new book about the Muslim-American punk scene, featuring photographs by Kim Badawi and a foreword by KtB contributor Michael Muhammad Knight. There’s going…
Corpse Posing to ‘Beat It’
Some of my best thoughts have happened when I was supposed to be emptying my mind. Like yesterday, lying on my back, limbs limp, ankles and shoulders trying to relax…
The Supreme Love and Revolutionary Funk of Dr. Cornel West, Philosopher of the Blues
(A version of this article first appeared in the May 28, 2009 Rolling Stone.) Cornel West is a slender man, but he hugs like a sumo wrestler: crouch, grab, wrap…
Resounding through Manhattan
Today I had the great privilege to join members of Resonanda, Brown University’s medieval music ensemble, for their one-day, unannounced New York tour (before you continue, go to Resonanda’s MySpace…
Heartland Liturgy
Rocking out to hymns and ordaining gay pastors: an interview with Lutheran singer-songwriter Jonathan Rundman.
Enlightenment through rock n roll
We got a thoughtful letter today from Satya Krishna Dass: Hey, Why can’t we have enlightenment through rock ‘n roll? It may originate from the lower chakras but it travels…
The Best Books Media of 2008
Forget the standard litany of the best-selling books and most popular movies…
Happy Ethiopian New Year!
Yes, we know that it is also Rosh Hashanah, but we’ve published so much already about the Jewish High Holidays that we thought it was time to blow another new…
God and Guitars
Christian rock might not have all the answers, but for one fan and one band, it’s the questions that matter.
