Nice piece Matt. Thanks for sharing. And thanks for adding Lavender Fields. Remarkably compelling and lovely, and, yes, luminous as well. I was not familiar with it so you sharing here was a special gift.
Thanks Matt, I have to admit my musical deficiency when it comes to Cave. Of course I’ve heard of him but my boomer proclivities limited my exposure and interest in post ‘85 rock. His faith journey does speak to me as a relatively new (5 years) follower of Jesus Christ. What I’ve been grappling with this past year or so is the same kind of doubt that Cave describes. For me, its belief, yes faith, tinged with a feeling of wonder and uncertainty about His presence in my life. Just heard a wonderful interview by Russell Moore with the poet Christian Wiman in which Wiman describes the genius of the Book of Job which most feel is a rumination on suffering but which Wimans more accurately describes as a journey to discover the presence of God in our lives. I’m rereading Job this week to see for myself but it rings true. Cave’s journey, though not exactly Jobs, has enough in it to lead to all kinds of questioning and doubt. Probably went over the the top here but that’s what is old boomers do sometimes, at least what my millennial nieces and nephews might say. Thanks as always
Not over the top at all. I actually have a book of Wiman's, and like it a lot.
And here's a Job video from Rob Bell that I quite like. Mostly recitations from the book, but he puts a little extra English on the ball that spoke to me once when I needed to hear it.
This was truly a great piece. Thanks for introducing me to Nick Cave.
On a completely different topic — and sorry for the dissonance with the mood that this column evokes — I wonder if you might consider writing about Spey casting/Skagit lines and such. I feel like there’s a useful metaphor for reaching beyond our current (sorry) circumstances for something truly sublime…
Thanks, Andre. And I hate to disappoint you, but I've never used a Spey rod! Though do have a Skagit line, so maybe I'll stew on it. Though I fear sometimes I'm not going beyond my natural casting distance as I should be with it when I watch the pros.
What a rich vein of thought. Faith and doubt. One of those conundrums that stays with me. This has reinforced my own conclusion that they were meant to coexist, for me anyway. And the last paragraph. About the possibility of it being a transformative moment. That kind of shocked me, because for some reason, I can’t shake that feeling also. At first, I just reminded myself that I’m a fool. But it keeps creeping back in. And now he has put it into words for me, far more elegantly than I ever could. Thanks for that piece.
For a gifted writer like yourself, Matt, to cede this much of your precious space to excerpts of the Cave interview seems on its face to be counter to the purpose of "Slack Tide". On further reflection, it is entirely consistent with what this space seems committed to. And thank you for that.
Thanks, Tim. But the space ain't that precious. I've got all the space I need, unlike back in my old print mag days, when space really was at a premium. So I figure since 99.7 percent of my readers wouldn't have a chance of seeing it otherwise, might as well share the bounty. If it hits me hard, it'll hit some of them...........
I've been lurking and occasionally reading the "teaser" articles that appear in my inbox. But, I have typically valued my cash over other's words. Damn, I didn't realize that Matt had become a part of the Borg. Resistance, is indeed futile. Who knew that Nick Cave or Shane MacGowan had such an influential power.
I am hereby assimilated despite my proclivity against cleverly written and provocative click-bait, I mean, high-brow journalistic articles.
I'm 66, and just finished a conversation with my 24 year old son who is an atheist. I am a believing Catholic. We have talked together for years now with humor, humility and respect. When he left a few minutes ago, I sat down and Matt's column was on my computer. I did nothing to put it there. I was not a subscriber, but I am now. My son and I had been discussing the difference between evidence and proof. From my perspective, there is evidence on both sides, and it can be nuanced and complex if you allow your pre-suppositions/assumptions to be open to hearing the other. I have never heard of Nick Cave or Shane MacGowan, but I was moved and will look forward to listening more. Thanks, Matt, and all the people who commented on Matt's excellent post. -Tim
I love your writing, and all the music references which keeps me super engaged. But I have to ask about the Shvitz box. What is your review on that? Is it worth it? Because I pretty much buy anything I see somebody say they like
Several people have asked me about that on the side, Kenny. Feel like I should get some product placement scratch for this. But even without that, it's pretty good. In a perfect world, it'd throw off a little more steam. But it does fill it somewhat, and gets things plenty hot. Just make sure the steam pot lid is latched all the way on, which takes a turn or two. Took me two or three times to figure that out -- steam was escaping on the outside. It's hot enough that if your leg was near the intake nozzle, it'd give you a good heat raspberry. Humidity droplets everywhere. You'll work up a very full sweat in no time. I'm drenched when I come out of it. Takes about ten minutes to set up. Even easier with an extra set of hands. Very easy to clean. Comes with a one-year warranty. And for under 300 bucks, it beats having to re-fit your bathroom and all the plumbing for 20 grand for a full-on steam room. (Which, if you ever use them in hotels or gyms, you know tend to break all the time anyway.) I might regret saying this down the line, months from now, but I'd buy it again. This is it, btw. Comes with a chair, too. And I believe there's also a two-person version. There are video reviews on the page which will give you the full flavor.
I'm firmly in the atheist camp here, although I don't think I'm "self-righteously certain" or "sanctimoniousness" about it (and I've said before, I acknowledge that the God I don't believe in might be stronger than my disbelief), but Cave says some interesting things here (much more complex and nuanced than I would have attributed to a British rocker) about grief and God that I can't just dismiss out of hand (although I never want to experience that level of grief).
But I'm in B May's camp here. If there is anything worth believing, organized religion has killed it.
Bring em on!! In all seriousness, please don't ask. I figure if I were creating enough of a stir I'd have been hit by a bolt by now. In the days of the Old Testament, God was angrier and more attentive to details, like flys in the holy water.
"I don’t know if you’ve noticed ... but our country has gone mental. If you yourself are a crazy person who takes umbrage at my use of “mental” as a pejorative, I’m not trying to gratuitously insult you." / To clear things up, it's "retarded" you can't say, dear.
Which is a retarded rule, I don't mind saying. A perfectly good word that should still be in wide circulation, as it has all manner of general-purpose uses.
Nice piece Matt. Thanks for sharing. And thanks for adding Lavender Fields. Remarkably compelling and lovely, and, yes, luminous as well. I was not familiar with it so you sharing here was a special gift.
Thanks Matt, I have to admit my musical deficiency when it comes to Cave. Of course I’ve heard of him but my boomer proclivities limited my exposure and interest in post ‘85 rock. His faith journey does speak to me as a relatively new (5 years) follower of Jesus Christ. What I’ve been grappling with this past year or so is the same kind of doubt that Cave describes. For me, its belief, yes faith, tinged with a feeling of wonder and uncertainty about His presence in my life. Just heard a wonderful interview by Russell Moore with the poet Christian Wiman in which Wiman describes the genius of the Book of Job which most feel is a rumination on suffering but which Wimans more accurately describes as a journey to discover the presence of God in our lives. I’m rereading Job this week to see for myself but it rings true. Cave’s journey, though not exactly Jobs, has enough in it to lead to all kinds of questioning and doubt. Probably went over the the top here but that’s what is old boomers do sometimes, at least what my millennial nieces and nephews might say. Thanks as always
Not over the top at all. I actually have a book of Wiman's, and like it a lot.
And here's a Job video from Rob Bell that I quite like. Mostly recitations from the book, but he puts a little extra English on the ball that spoke to me once when I needed to hear it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Oz1G0opCiA
I needed this. Thank you, Matt.
Matt,
This was truly a great piece. Thanks for introducing me to Nick Cave.
On a completely different topic — and sorry for the dissonance with the mood that this column evokes — I wonder if you might consider writing about Spey casting/Skagit lines and such. I feel like there’s a useful metaphor for reaching beyond our current (sorry) circumstances for something truly sublime…
Andre
Thanks, Andre. And I hate to disappoint you, but I've never used a Spey rod! Though do have a Skagit line, so maybe I'll stew on it. Though I fear sometimes I'm not going beyond my natural casting distance as I should be with it when I watch the pros.
I have long been Nick Cave adjacent in my tastes musically - liked some of his stuff but never dove into the deep end.
What crushing losses for him and what a depth of faith and engagement with that loss. Time for the deep dive and thanks for sharing!
What a rich vein of thought. Faith and doubt. One of those conundrums that stays with me. This has reinforced my own conclusion that they were meant to coexist, for me anyway. And the last paragraph. About the possibility of it being a transformative moment. That kind of shocked me, because for some reason, I can’t shake that feeling also. At first, I just reminded myself that I’m a fool. But it keeps creeping back in. And now he has put it into words for me, far more elegantly than I ever could. Thanks for that piece.
For a gifted writer like yourself, Matt, to cede this much of your precious space to excerpts of the Cave interview seems on its face to be counter to the purpose of "Slack Tide". On further reflection, it is entirely consistent with what this space seems committed to. And thank you for that.
Thanks, Tim. But the space ain't that precious. I've got all the space I need, unlike back in my old print mag days, when space really was at a premium. So I figure since 99.7 percent of my readers wouldn't have a chance of seeing it otherwise, might as well share the bounty. If it hits me hard, it'll hit some of them...........
And it did. Added benefit — read your piece on the same day I learned “Cast Iron Skillet” won a Grammy. Goodness in the world abounds!
This piece was worth the wait, Matt. You have fed my soul.
Yep.
I've been lurking and occasionally reading the "teaser" articles that appear in my inbox. But, I have typically valued my cash over other's words. Damn, I didn't realize that Matt had become a part of the Borg. Resistance, is indeed futile. Who knew that Nick Cave or Shane MacGowan had such an influential power.
I am hereby assimilated despite my proclivity against cleverly written and provocative click-bait, I mean, high-brow journalistic articles.
I salute your decision to give in, Greg.
Very meaningful and thought provoking. Thank you. It gives me hope.
I'm 66, and just finished a conversation with my 24 year old son who is an atheist. I am a believing Catholic. We have talked together for years now with humor, humility and respect. When he left a few minutes ago, I sat down and Matt's column was on my computer. I did nothing to put it there. I was not a subscriber, but I am now. My son and I had been discussing the difference between evidence and proof. From my perspective, there is evidence on both sides, and it can be nuanced and complex if you allow your pre-suppositions/assumptions to be open to hearing the other. I have never heard of Nick Cave or Shane MacGowan, but I was moved and will look forward to listening more. Thanks, Matt, and all the people who commented on Matt's excellent post. -Tim
Lovely to hear that, Tim. Sounds like you and your son have a good thing going.
I love your writing, and all the music references which keeps me super engaged. But I have to ask about the Shvitz box. What is your review on that? Is it worth it? Because I pretty much buy anything I see somebody say they like
Several people have asked me about that on the side, Kenny. Feel like I should get some product placement scratch for this. But even without that, it's pretty good. In a perfect world, it'd throw off a little more steam. But it does fill it somewhat, and gets things plenty hot. Just make sure the steam pot lid is latched all the way on, which takes a turn or two. Took me two or three times to figure that out -- steam was escaping on the outside. It's hot enough that if your leg was near the intake nozzle, it'd give you a good heat raspberry. Humidity droplets everywhere. You'll work up a very full sweat in no time. I'm drenched when I come out of it. Takes about ten minutes to set up. Even easier with an extra set of hands. Very easy to clean. Comes with a one-year warranty. And for under 300 bucks, it beats having to re-fit your bathroom and all the plumbing for 20 grand for a full-on steam room. (Which, if you ever use them in hotels or gyms, you know tend to break all the time anyway.) I might regret saying this down the line, months from now, but I'd buy it again. This is it, btw. Comes with a chair, too. And I believe there's also a two-person version. There are video reviews on the page which will give you the full flavor.
https://www.amazon.com/SereneLife-SLISAU35BK-Portable-Personal-Foldable/dp/B084GY5CHB/ref=sr_1_3?crid=334AJWN6ULKOS&keywords=portable+steam+room&qid=1707186383&sprefix=portable+steam+room%2Caps%2C869&sr=8-3
Thanks so much...and for the great writing as well...always look forward to hearing what you have to say
I'm firmly in the atheist camp here, although I don't think I'm "self-righteously certain" or "sanctimoniousness" about it (and I've said before, I acknowledge that the God I don't believe in might be stronger than my disbelief), but Cave says some interesting things here (much more complex and nuanced than I would have attributed to a British rocker) about grief and God that I can't just dismiss out of hand (although I never want to experience that level of grief).
But I'm in B May's camp here. If there is anything worth believing, organized religion has killed it.
Bring em on!! In all seriousness, please don't ask. I figure if I were creating enough of a stir I'd have been hit by a bolt by now. In the days of the Old Testament, God was angrier and more attentive to details, like flys in the holy water.
"I don’t know if you’ve noticed ... but our country has gone mental. If you yourself are a crazy person who takes umbrage at my use of “mental” as a pejorative, I’m not trying to gratuitously insult you." / To clear things up, it's "retarded" you can't say, dear.
Which is a retarded rule, I don't mind saying. A perfectly good word that should still be in wide circulation, as it has all manner of general-purpose uses.
Here, here! (Or is it "Hear, hear?" We should settle this once and for all.)
Hi Matt
Thank you so much. I just resubscribed and am sharing this with my family and encouraging them to subscribe as well. Kindest Regards, Alex