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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we are so sorry to hear your sad news and pray that god will strengthen you in the days ahead helen and danny smith
Posted by: helen and danny smith | 09 September 2008 at 21:52
we are so sorry to hear of your sad loss and pray that god will strengthen you in the days ahead helen and danny smith
Posted by: helen and danny smith | 09 September 2008 at 21:55
Bigbulkyanglican was always the first blog I opened when I check my Bloglines. His love of life and its Giver cannot be forgotten.
"As in Adam all die, so in Christ will all be made alive"
Posted by: David Hodgson | 09 September 2008 at 22:00
So sorry to hear of your terrible loss. Thoughts and prayers with you all: the wit, wisdom and insight of "BigBulkyAnglican" will be greatly missed around the world.
Posted by: David | 09 September 2008 at 22:09
utter shock to hear this. your dad once commented on my blog, a real insight, a real gentleness, something i really needed at that moment. i was so thankful for his words. i will pray for you all.
Posted by: jody | 09 September 2008 at 23:13
This is so sad. i have never met Tom, but have so appreciated his blog - his creativity, his spirituality, his intellect, his speaking on behalf of pastors and people.
I will light a candle tonight, for a man I never met, for his family and for those whom he influenced. And I will give thanks for Tom and for blogs, and the way they have connected me to a man who has enriched my life.
steve taylor
Posted by: steve | 10 September 2008 at 03:21
Indeed, a real shock! I so appreciated the thoughts shared here and though we clearly crossed paths at numerous Greenbelt sessions over the years, never managed to meet "for real". God's peace be with family and friends at this time.....Richard
Posted by: Richard Sudworth | 10 September 2008 at 11:45
Indeed, a real shock! I so appreciated the thoughts shared here and though we clearly crossed paths at numerous Greenbelt sessions over the years, never managed to meet "for real". God's peace be with family and friends at this time.....Richard
Posted by: Richard Sudworth | 10 September 2008 at 11:46
So sorry to hear the news - we never met but I found inspiration amongst his blogs.
adrian copping
Posted by: adrian | 10 September 2008 at 15:01
Really sad news! A fantastic and creative thinker ... many prayers and thoughts with you all!
Posted by: Lee Barnes | 10 September 2008 at 16:03
Stunned. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of such a wonderful witness and spirit of God's love. May light perpetual shine upon him...until we see him again!
Posted by: Catherine+ | 10 September 2008 at 16:05
So, so sorry to hear this - as others have said, a real shock. Will pray for you all....Mark
Posted by: hopeful amphibian | 10 September 2008 at 17:05
What incredibly sad news. Like others, above, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I shall light a candle in the Anglican Cathedral down here and shall remember his bigness of perspective and his warmth.
Posted by: Paul Fromont | 10 September 2008 at 19:57
We've just read about Tom in the Keighley News, we can't believe it. Tom married us 5 years ago and christened our youngest daughter, OJ, 2 1/2 years ago. Megan and OJ loved to see Tom about the village and stop and have a chat with him. We were all sad to see Tom leave but thought that we would see him again when he visited the village.....how wrong. A lovely kind gentle giant.
Our thoughts go to Tom and his family.
Posted by: andrea & graham watts | 10 September 2008 at 21:57
Great shock! I never met Tom, but we have spoken "virtually"... Our (safespace) prayers are with you all. Shalom
Posted by: Mark | 10 September 2008 at 23:23
Im sorry to hear that. Rest assured my prayers and thoughts are with and for you and the rest of the family. God bless. Brother Tadhg
Posted by: Brother Tadhg | 10 September 2008 at 23:47
Met Tom again at Greenbelt - we were due to meet up soon - only just realised he had moved to Scotland. Someone I liked and respected enormously - so sad for you all - peace be with you.
Posted by: Doug Gay | 11 September 2008 at 00:17
I am saddened by this news and my thoughts and prayers are with you
Posted by: rodney neill | 11 September 2008 at 09:33
So sorry to hear this; peace be with you all. I'll miss Tom's voice.
Posted by: Sam Norton | 11 September 2008 at 11:56
My thoughts and prayers for the family. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Posted by: PamBG | 12 September 2008 at 13:12
What else can I say but echo the blogging host? Thoughts and prayers heading your way, and memories of insight. Peace be with you all at this time. Stuart.
Posted by: Dr Moose | 12 September 2008 at 13:14
I'm so sorry to hear that, a real loss. You are in my prayers and close to my thoughts,
Jason
Posted by: Jason Clark | 12 September 2008 at 17:09
What sad and shocking news. Tom was a frequent contributor to my blog and I was often stimulated and assisted by his writing, in particular his recent comments on his own blog about Lambeth and his excellent coverage of Greenbelt which I was unable to attend this year. My thoughts are with his family.
(ps - not for publication - if any of the family wish to write an obit for publication on the blog email me at ruth.gledhill@thetimes.co.uk)
Posted by: Ruth Gledhill | 14 September 2008 at 11:29
Tom is remembered with such fondness by many of us in Mirfield. We had some good laughs and he was so supportive. You are, all of you, in our prayers love Helen, Steve, Sophie and Alex
Posted by: Helen Butler | 14 September 2008 at 19:50
Very sad to read this. Tom's writing and virtual friendship meant a great deal to many. My sincere condolences to your family.
Rick Lord
Posted by: Rick Lord | 15 September 2008 at 12:24