May has traditionally been an emotional month for me. This week, in fact, marks 12 years since I lost my father to depression and suicide. Every May 6th since has a surreal quality to it; as if the day should have been retired for all its wear and tear. But this May has a different shade to it than the past 11, as my first child, a son, is due May 31.
Up to now, what I have known of fatherhood I have only known as a son; a son who lost his father at that. May 2010 represents the end of that era and the beginning one in which I have the privilege of being a father. So, I’m releasing a special collection of songs through Noisetrade (see the widget below). I’ve re-arranged four songs from the album “Father”, which I wrote about my dad and the experience of losing him.
Recorded mostly at my home, the collection is entitled “Father Revisited” and it will be available for limited time as a way to celebrate this new era and the passing of the last. As a bonus, if you use the Twitter feature to tell your friends about the project, we’ll send you a coupon code good for $3 off my covers project, Through Songs I Was First Undone.
Thanks for your support over the years, I hope you enjoy this special project.
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Long-time fan. I actually think your Grace Must Wound Before It Heals is my favorite – though admittedly haven’t heard all of your albums (including Father).
Enjoyed watching the FIF DVD and seeing the story about you being the lead singer for a day!
Love the new song. I actually went back and downloaded the original on iTunes for perspective.
You guys should think about some more collaberations, great job! Just finished reading Donald Miller’s To Own a Dragon as well, really related some of that book to your song too.
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[...] These songs explore his father and the experience of losing him. But this time around there’s something deeper: “Every May 6th since has a surreal quality to it; as if the day should have been retired for [...]
Father is one of my favorite records. Congrats on your impending fatherhood!
randy
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I said a prayer for you concerning your Dad. I have a number of your albums which I purchased at full price, but I admit to buying a copy of ‘Father’ off of ebay. It is excellent like all your albums. The thing that strikes me about your music is the passion with which you sing. I have great admiration and respect for you as an artist. I am sure it is simply a reflection of you, the person. God bless.
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Thanks for the gift, sir.
Partially relevant: I remember a concert in 2006 when you said the phrase “and when we have kids…” and thinking that it was a big shift from previous concerts when you would say in the same story “and if we ever have kids…” So, congratulations on the new phase of learning about the word “Father.”
Our son was born on May 31st last year, so we recommend that date.
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I look forward to hearing this collection and your next visit out to the Sacramento area. Your Father album is one of my favorites. And congrats on your new son!
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