Patience is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
Not every worthwhile musical project will require patience from us. Some great albums are immediately accessible because our musical taste buds are primed for them.
And yet, there are many times when a degree of glory passes us by because we are too impatient to be delighted.
This can apply to being slow to enjoy tangible pleasures in life: the light coming through a window, how your kid sticks his tongue out when he colors, how your coffee tastes like blueberries.
It applies to the arts as well: learning an instrument, watching a slow film, reading a lengthy book, listening to an unknown album, observing a painting. If we only enjoy pieces of art that require no patience from us, we risk remaining at a certain level of immaturity, addicted to the quicker dopamine hits.
I’ve been listening to the below albums this week, amongst a handful of others. Each tested my patience when I first encountered them. That’s often the case for many of the records recommended here on Audio Deacon (and the three below will not be for everyone).
I have more to say on the topic of musical patience, but for now I’ll encourage all of us to have ears that manifest this crucial fruit of the Spirit. May our listening be patient. Enjoy!
Artist: MJ Lenderman
Album: Manning Fireworks
Date of Release: September 2024
Notes:
When this album began, I thought, “Oh, it’s one of these guys.” I was underwhelmed. Halfway through the record, I was settling into Lenderman’s way of looking at the world and telling us what he sees. His lyrical style, voice, and timbre began to settle in. When the final track ended, I happily restarted the record. This project is about deadbeats and a guy looking for his way. I mean, just look at the cover.
If you enjoy your alt country and homes-spun Americana, or acts such as Pavement, Ben Kweller, and Wilco - you’ll find something to enjoy here. Not an incredible record, but I’m glad it’s here.
For Parents:Lenderman dabbles in the crass here and there. Tracks 2 and 8 specifically contain lines about semen. But, he’s painting real-world portraits here and it doesn’t come off as self-congratulatory, overly immature, or smutty. IF your kids are going to listen with you, I’d recommend mid-teens and up (I skipped tracks 2 and 8 while listening with my teen). I imagine the college kids are enjoying this one.
Listen:
Apple Music | Spotify
Artist: Dorothy Carter
Album: Troubadour
Date of Release: 1976
Notes:
Dorothy Carter was a brilliant, yet lesser known musical gypsy of sorts. She experimented with a handful of instruments, adding a medieval and mystical flavor to the 70s folk scene.
Do hammered dulcimers, psalteries, and hurdy gurdies make your heart swell? No? (They should)
What if they are played at meditative, yet break-neck speeds with occasional Psalms verses and a hymn included? This project is for you, and it’s fantastic from start to finish.
For Parents:
Clean
Listen:
Apple Music | Spotify
Artist: Brian Eno
Album: Music for Airports
Date of Release: 1978
Notes:
A landmark record that I return to several times a year. This project from Eno defined the ambient genre, quite literally. Made up of four long, instrumental pieces, this work was originally conceived-of to be played in airports, lessening the effects of stress and anxiety that can come with travel while adding a layer of musical beauty to an otherwise hectic space.
I’ve enjoyed this record many times while reading, thinking, on long drives, and yes, in airports.
For Parents:
Clean (instrumental)
Listen:
Apple Music | Spotify
