This is Bigbulkyanglican's daughter, am sorry to inform you that my dad, the creative and friendly giant passed away last night. We know that your thoughts and prayers will be with us; Anne, sprog 1 and sprog 2.
Current Listening
Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes: Fleet Foxes
Rarely been of the Ipod or CD Player - a very special record which takes the Beach Boys tribute and acappella idom to new heightsI'll Be Lightning
Liam Finn: I'll Be Lightning
Everything that might be expected and more from the Finn offspring - if you heard his previous work and where disappointed - lay that disappointment aside and buy this distinctive album - and yes Crowded House fans will enjoy itVisiter
The Dodos: Visiter
Deserves all the praise that is being heaped on it by the critics - this US duo offer something refreshing to the indie guitar sceneFor Emma, Forever Ago
Bon Iver: For Emma, Forever Ago
Recorded in a log cabin, with the musical simplicity and integrity that is implied - that rare combination of a wordsmith with a distinctive voiceKonk
The Kooks: Konk
Just goes to show that there is talent and individuality in the indie genreJarvis
Jarvis Cocker: Jarvis
This rare talent produces an album of complete promise and delight
Books I'm reading
Stuart Murray: Post-Christendom: Church and Mission in a Strange New World (AfterChristendom) (AfterChristendom)
Re-reading what I consider to be the best book about the contemporary British Church and how it engages in mission in our strange new world and culture. Not sure why it does not get more attention, since its perceptions are hugely helpful - far more than those from a US background or others for whom a book is simply a pretence for promoting a particular approach or fresh expressionAndy (EDT)/ Shank, Barry (EDT)/ Toynbee, Jason (EDT) Bennett: The Popular Music Studies Reader
It is also a while since I read anything " serious" about popular music - far to long indeed - so here's to one of the best readers on Popular MusicBarry Shank: Dissonant Identities: The Rock'n'Roll Scene in Austin, Texas (Music Culture)
How does one place suddenly develop as the scene for new patterns of music - Austin Texas is one such placeDuncan B. Forrester: Christian Justice and Public Policy (Cambridge Studies in Ideology and Religion)
It's some while since I read anything serious on the "social gospel" - so a generous donation to the collection from MTS has given me a chance to read something by one of Scotland's finest
Great texts
John V. Taylor: The Christlike God (Scm Classics)
A serious theological book which is the companion to JVT's classic work "The Go-between God". Anyone who is frustrated by (fellow) Christians that choose to define God so tightly that faith seems impossible, or seem to align faith with "happiness" despite the evidence to the contrary should read how faith is really a mix of " wonder and comprehension, illumination and darkness, loss and possession, abasement and bliss". If you want to stop to "think" about God then this is a book to read thoughtfully in the company of one of great Christians of the 20th CenturyJean Vanier: Community and Growth: Our Pilgrimage Together Revised Edition
A revised collection of the thoughts and ideas of the founder of the L'arche Community - "faith without boundaries". This is a classic book - for everyone seeking faith and to grow in their faithRowan Williams: Anglican Identities
As someone who is both a passionate but frustrated Anglican - glimpsing sometimes all that Anglican could be and seeing on a daily basis all that it isn't, this book was a wonderful account of what liberal Anglicanism - tolerant, inclusive, supportive, intelligent and profoundly spiritual, just might be. Of course it is not an easy read - it takes time and effort to grasp what RW is saying but the effort is worthwhileJohn Drane : Do Christians Know How to Be Spiritual?
If you are a committed member of a local Church and wonder why others do not see the point - or wonder whether it might be possible to be more spiritual outside the confines then you could read this book which is a thoughtful introduction to what is meant by a post-christian society.Tom Wright: Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense
This is a detailed read from Tom Wright which makes the case for the Christian faith in contemporary society. Its thoughtful, challenging, and gentle.W.H. Vanstone: Farewell in Christ
Vanstone's final work, which explores the mystery of existence, the mystery of my soul, the mystery of meaning, - and none of this becomes possible without intellectual doubt. Is this what Dawkins et al will never understand?John Pritchard: The Life and Work of a Priest
This book should be compulsory reading for all enquirers, ordinands, and current clergy - perhaps adding in all elders and churchwardens for good measure. It charts in a profoundly hopeful way the joys and pressures of contemporary priesthood, and avoids the pitfalls of theological bias or the bland functional understandings of leadership.Timothy Radcliffe: What Is the Point of Being a Christian?
A prophetic introduction to the Christian faith for those who struggle to find God amid the complexities of lifeRobert Dimery: 1001 Albums you must hear before you die
Just a great read - extensive intelligent reviews which bring back memories, stimulate to seek out, and inspire to add to the wish list.
All time Top Ten albums
Bob Dylan: Blood on the Tracks
Probably the best single collection of orginal songs - performed by Bob with his inimitable non-music style - the best produced Dylan album into the bargainMiles Davis: Kind of Blue
I remember the first time I heard this - on a loaned Walkman on a very turbulent flight to Belfast - it has rightly been described as a milestone in 20th century jazz. I remember playing to a group of spell-bound 9/10 year olds in a Primary school music workshopPortishead: Dummy
Every once in while I listen to an album whose orginality leaves me instinctively knowing that music will never be the same - that the goalposts of repetoire have been changed for ever. Dummy is just one of those rare treatsPrefab Sprout: Andromeda Heights
In 1997 I escaped for the afternoon from the madhouse of an ordination training residential to the comparative sanity of my friend Tony's studio. During a tea break in a session, Tony said these imortal words " I've just found this amazing album" and my love affair with Andromeda Heights began - sanity was restored and I completed the residental and training.Moloko: Things to make and do
Brilliant music within the scope of the dance music genre. Crisp instrumentation, meets cool beats, and the voice of Roisin - how I love MolokoCraig Armstrong: Piano Works
If I were not Tom Allen ( artistically and musically speaking) I would be Craig Armstrong - from my discovery of him through Massive Attack I have loved and admired his work - and Piano Works covers his repetoire in stunning styleJoe Cocker: Sheffield Steel
The greatest album from the greatest rock intrepreter of them all - genius production meets some of the best songs of all time sung by that voice - I've confess that I have sampled the album to oblivionPaul Simon: Graceland
Had to be a Paul Simon album and it had to be Graceland. A epoch making album which opened African music to the world but seamlessly combined that music with western rock and pop with songs to die for.Cosmic Rough Riders: Enjoy the melodic sunshine
Glasgow's finest produce the ultimate guitar-song album of pure delight and of a quality that puts Athlete et al in the shade - shame it was two years too early and the lead singer left after this debut albumMassive Attack: Blue Lines
OK so Bristol has launched Portishead, Tricky and Roni Size, but it was the staggering impact of this debut which created a genre in trip-hop and a collective approach to song-writing, band membership which has influenced a generation and spawned so many other deriratives. From the low-fi paranoia of "Five Man Army" and the unrepeatable melancholic splendour of "Unfinished Sympathy", this is a 20th century classic.
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09 September 2008
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thoughts and prayers with you. Ben
Posted by: Ben Edson | 09 September 2008 at 08:20
this is such a shock - many thoughts and prayers for you all. Maggi
Posted by: Maggi | 09 September 2008 at 08:43
What a shock and a great loss to you and your family, and the community. A kind and passionate man.
Posted by: Ruth | 09 September 2008 at 08:53
Prayers to all of you, a loss to all. Steve
Posted by: Stephen Tyler | 09 September 2008 at 09:05
I'm shocked! My thoughts and prayers are with you. Andrew
Posted by: Andrew | 09 September 2008 at 10:05
As a council member of MtS Scotland my acquaintance with Tom was very brief but I was very privileged to meet him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all whom I have never met. Tom will be remembered in a future Holy Mass at St Mary's Metropolitan Cathedral, Edinburgh close to my home. Requiescat in pace.
Posted by: Jim McRae | 09 September 2008 at 12:11
I'm sorry to hear this. Such a shock. My thoughts are with you all.
Posted by: Dave Rattigan | 09 September 2008 at 12:21
Very sorry to hear this, praying for God's peace and strength for you.
Posted by: David Keen | 09 September 2008 at 12:30
Love and prayers for you all. You'll be remembered here in prayer and Tom, that God will bless and hold him always in his love (and yours). the prmose is sure — the blessing is for ever +A.
Posted by: Bishop Alan Wilson | 09 September 2008 at 12:44
Rest in peace, Tom, and rise in glory!
Prayers for you all. Tom will be missed more than he'd ever have guessed...
Posted by: Mike Farley | 09 September 2008 at 13:14
I am so very sorry...He gave so much, in so many ways. May he rest in peace and rise in glory - and may all of you feel God's love surrounding you as you face this.
Posted by: Kathryn | 09 September 2008 at 14:12
So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. A wise and caring priest. Our prayers are with you all at this time.
Posted by: Howard Jameson | 09 September 2008 at 14:15
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you from here in the US.
Posted by: dave paisley | 09 September 2008 at 14:46
Really sorry to hear such sad news. Will certainly be praying for you all.
Posted by: Judith Bland | 09 September 2008 at 15:20
This news has just broken in Bradford Diocese where Tom served in recent years. I ma sure that there will be many here who remember Tom with gratitude and fondness. Blessings and prayers to you all.
Posted by: Paul Walker | 09 September 2008 at 15:27
Very sorry to hear this news. You are very much in our prayers.
Posted by: Derek Walmsley | 09 September 2008 at 15:28
my thoughts and prayers are with you. He was a wise and insightful blogger. Peace.
Posted by: Mark Street | 09 September 2008 at 15:39
I was shocked to hear the news and offer my prayers for all the family for strength and comfort. May Tom rest in peace and rise in glory.
Posted by: Robin Figg | 09 September 2008 at 16:05
Your Dad was a wise, peaceful and gentle voice. My prayers are with you and all the family at this sad time.
Posted by: Paul Roberts | 09 September 2008 at 16:20
I didn't come here very often but I always enjoyed it when I did. I'm so sorry. As others have said, may he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Posted by: Tim | 09 September 2008 at 17:09
A real shock, I had only had brief words online with your Dad, and enjoyed his blog. I had been hoping to meet him in person because I live in Aberdeen and knew he travelled here occasionally, I look forward to meeting him at the resurection. Prayers and Comfort to you and your family. Liam Byrnes
Posted by: Liam Byrnes | 09 September 2008 at 17:13
So sorry to hear the news. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Alison
Posted by: Alison | 09 September 2008 at 17:14
So sorry and shocked to hear this news. Like others, I gained so much from his blog. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Posted by: Mary | 09 September 2008 at 17:22
Such a shock. I'm so sorry for the loss to those closest to Tom. May he be remembered well. He has inspired me and challenged me on several occasions: I am the better for having known him and thank God for him.
Posted by: andii | 09 September 2008 at 20:45
I am so sorry to hear of this loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Posted by: Gary Manders | 09 September 2008 at 21:25