In our Year of Joy and the lead up to our 156th Convention, “A Joyful Noise: Celebrating the Work of God,” we’re sharing music and songs that bring joy to people in our diocese along with brief descriptions of why the songs matter to them. Join the fun! You can send your songs and stories to communications@cnyepiscopal.org. Don’t want to share a story? That’s fine, too! Just share your song(s) and we’ll add them to our already-very-eclectic playlist on Spotify!
Today’s contributor is Adam Eichelberger, Secretary of Convention and Program Coordinator
While I don’t come from a musical family, I grew up with people who definitely loved listening to music. My dad had a constant loop of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, The Beatles, and Marvin Gaye playing in our house. My mom loved Neil Diamond and The Beach Boys. While none of them played instruments, I took up the saxophone in elementary school since Lisa Simpson played one (The Simpsons was my favorite show, please don’t judge my parents). From there, I learned to play bass, some guitar, and drums. As I got older, I found how important music really was to me. In an age of Walkmans and Discmans, the mixtape was a pivotal part of my youth. I listened to lots of punk rock, metal, R&B, and jazz.
So when we started talking about music that brought us joy as we celebrate making “A Joyful Noise” at our upcoming diocesan convention, I remembered how much joy those mixtapes brought me. So, as best I could, I made a list of five songs that embody for me (at least right now) making a joyful noise.
When you think of joy, what music do you think of? I’d love to know your thoughts on my picks and can’t wait to hear yours so I can add them to my rotation as we look to October 19!
A Thousand Miles (Blink Style) – Alex Melton
I’m a massive fan of Blink-182. I recently took my family to see them play on their reunion tour at Citi Field in New York City. The first time I saw them was in a parking lot with a few hundred people, and it cost me $7. This time, it was considerably more, but worth every penny. While I would love to feature an actual Blink song on my list, I’m aware their music can be a little risque. I discovered Alex Melton on YouTube, and he does amazing covers (and originals), performing many popular songs in the style of bands I love, including Blink-182. “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton was an absolute banger that I remember fondly from my senior year of high school, and Alex’s version perfectly embodies the energy of Blink-182 and the nostalgia of pop music from the early 2000s.
Love Story – Taylor Swift
I can’t hide it anymore… I’m a Swiftie. My daughter is the one who brought me into the fold, and while I tried to fight it, I just can’t anymore. For those who know me, I may not look like the type on the surface who would be into this style of music. But a while back, I took my daughter to see the Eras Tour movie (tickets for the real thing were very sold out and VERRRRRY expensive), and in that theatre, I had a bit of a life-changing moment. I got it. Taylor’s music has grown and evolved from state fairs and simple country music to art that is shaping culture. “Love Story” is simply fun and heartfelt, coming from a place of youth and hope. I also fell in love with the TV show The Bear, and there is a great scene where one of the major characters finally makes the connection between food and people and belts out “Love Story” in the car on the way home. I love songs that give us the freedom to be loud and joyful without worrying about who’s watching.
Your Table – Ike Ndolo
Ike is an old friend of mine whom I have worked with and done ministry with for a long time. He has been in the Christian/worship music space for many years and has shared his amazing gifts with countless people. Much of the direction of his music has turned towards the need for introspection by us as believers and towards racial reconciliation and honesty. “Your Table” is the closest thing to a worship song I included on this list, but I love the heart of this song, echoing something I adopted a long time ago: building bigger tables, not higher walls.
Call to Arms – Angels and Airwaves
This is a solo project by Tom DeLonge of Blink-182 during an extended absence from the band (and another nod from me to Blink-182). His music with Angels & Airwaves is massive in scope, incorporating more electronic sounds and more mature themes. “Call to Arms” is a swelling anthem about dreaming big dreams in the midst of dealing with fear and anxiety. It’s impossible for me not to get excited and start moving during the lead-in.
Soul Meets Body – Death Cab for Cutie
Death Cab for Cutie is one of the major intersections of musical interest between my wife and me. When we met and were dating, our shared love of Death Cab was a big talking point. As we were all coming out of the pandemic, one of the first live shows we went to was Death Cab for Cutie at Beak & Skiff just outside of Syracuse. I’ve never felt more joy standing up and dancing with her and so many people who instantly went from strangers to friends. This song speaks to being present here and now and the connections one person builds with another.
