Although A Complete Unknown is not a great film, without limitations worth noting, it is more than solid. Its high points are outstanding, and it is excellent for sparking thought about major issues. You should definitely watch A Complete Unknown if you haven’t thought about Bob Dylan lately and/or you care about how music relates to cultural critique. However, I will suggest that the film should be more a starting point for reflection than an end point. 

I made some key revisions to my translation/paraphrase of a beautiful Danish hymn lyric (nearly unknown in the US) and I have a not-too-terr

I am pleased to share a new English translation—or singable free paraphrase—of an iconic Danish hymn, Dejlig Er Jorden. This is the tune...

While talking with my friend Ron as he drove through Nebraska, I quoted him a James McMurtry song: “Out here in the middle where the...

Little by little, I have come to a realization that (as someone I read on youtube articulated it) “Holy shit, I think I’m a Miley Cyrus...

If you are the sort of person who has become wary about my suggestions because they seem too gloomy or ironic, this is your day to click with no fear. This will be one of the most joyful songs you will ever hear... I share it in a hope that my version can help introduce this terrific song to more people, advancing a folk process that has a great deal to gain from carrying it forward.

First things first: in this essay I introduce my new lyrics and adapted tune for an underrated song by the underrated British songwriter,...

Here, in honor of the solstice just passed, are some new lyrics for one of the most beautiful song I know: Björk’s “Vökuró” from her...

You who philosophize disgrace, and criticize all fear Bury the rag deep in your face, now's the time for your tears. In the strange world...

I published this at Sacred Matters a few weeks ago, and I want to see how it looks here.  Click on the picture to access it. Meanwhile I...