Music from the ruins of Mars Hill

“If you know anything about the story of Mars Hill,” says Bryan, “if you know the story of the downfall and disintegration of Mars Hill Church, the story of [the pastor’s] resignation, and the relationship between him and Dustin, then you’ll know what Dustin is singing about when you listen to ‘Gallows.’”


0 Comments1 Minutes

From the writer of Amazing Grace

"Our pleasure and our duty,
Though opposite before,
Since we have seen his beauty,
Are joined to part no more..."


0 Comments4 Minutes

Tomorrowland (2015): Tomorrow-bland?

I hoped that Brad Bird would experience a much more positive response to his own passion project — the long-anticipated Tomorrowland — than Andrew Stanton did for his passion project, "John Carter."


5 Comments8 Minutes

Josh Garrels goes Home

I admire Garrels’ willingness to sing honestly about the complicated journey of faith—that is, a journey of doubt, questions, and struggle, as well as hope and joy and gratitude.


1 Comment1 Minutes

The Empire Strikes 35

"Anger, fear, aggression. The dark side are they. Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny."


0 Comments1 Minutes

Milk Carton Kids, Muppets, vampires, and gothic fairy tales

New music from The Milk Carton Kids is streaming. The year's funniest comedy so far is now available for rent. The Muppets have a new TV-series trailer. And more...


0 Comments5 Minutes

First Take: Salt of the Earth, Clouds of Sils Maria, Predestination

I've seen three memorable movies in the last three weeks. Two of them come from world-renowned directors, and one of them is as crazy and strange as time-travel stories get.


0 Comments9 Minutes

Belle and Sebastian’s happy song about sadness

Want an injection of instant joy? I’ve just heard the most joyful song about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Thank you, Belle and Sebastian!


0 Comments1 Minute

Two Days, One Night & Something, Anything

I saw all of the Oscar hopefuls, and none of them have stayed with me as powerfully as these unpredictable, suspenseful, and richly rewarding films.


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Bruce Cockburn: Psalms in Seattle

Legendary guitarist and songwriter Bruce Cockburn spoke about the Psalms as he moved from song to song during his short, seven-song set on Thursday in Seattle.


0 Comments2 Minutes

Q&O: Galaxy Quest, 2015’s Best Record, & They Might Be Giants.

Are you excited about Galaxy Quest coming to television? What's your favorite album of 2015 so far? How about They Might Be Giants — what's your favorite album from their 31 years of recording?


1 Comment5 Minutes

Join me for a talk about 2015’s best records so far

What's your favorite record of 2015 so far? Let me know, and I'll try to make find time to mention it during the live podcast recording of the show.


2 Comments1 Minutes

Madonna, Bettye LaVette, Joe Henry: Whose version of Stop is best?

The new album by Bettye LaVette, produced by Joe Henry, features some excellent test cases when it comes to the subject of cover songs.


0 Comments2 Minutes

Harrison Ford is back in character!

We held our breath. The Lucasfilm logo came up. We cheered. Familiar music. Familiar sights. And then...


0 Comments1 Minutes

How to Get “Let It Go” Out of Your Head: The Hadestown Cure

I've spelled out some reasons why I think "Let It Go" caught on, and some reasons why we should question its widespread popularity. I've also recommended an alternative.


0 Comments1 Minutes

Looking Elsewhere: MFA Adventures, April Foolishness, and More

From April Fool's antics to coming attractions, this installment of "Looking Elsewhere" is loaded with goodness.


0 Comments6 Minutes

Up on my sweet-smelling soapbox

Soap A makes your hands smell fruity and fresh. Soap B has no scent at all. Which one makes your hands cleaner? And what does this have to do with movies?


0 Comments2 Minutes

Song of the Sea (2014): A Conversation With Animator and Author Ken Priebe

The Secret of Kells is gorgeous, dramatic, funny, moving, alive with mystery, and bursting with details that continue to emerge viewing after viewing. It's no surprise that it took so many years for Tomm Moore and his team to come up with another feature-length film: Song of the Sea.


0 Comments28 Minutes

Foxcatcher (2014)

In which three film enthusiasts — all named Jeff — discuss and debate Foxcatcher.


1 Comment16 Minutes

An Hour of Wisdom and Storytelling with Joe Henry

Joe Henry, who recorded my favorite record of 2014 (Invisible Hour), was the guest on the latest installment of the excellent podcast "On Being," with Krista Tippett.


0 Comments3 Minutes

Memento or Vertigo? What’s Your Favorite Film About Memory?

The long-running community of friends and colleagues called Arts and Faith has published their latest list of essential films: The Top 25 Films on Memory.


1 Comment1 Minutes

Looking Closer with Jeffrey Overstreet

(now the ears of my ears awake andnow the eyes of my eyes are opened)

– e. e. cummings, “i thank You God for most this amazing”