The Modern Country Gentleman

Canada eh?

Well, I’m in Canada as of tomorrow for three weeks. I’m playing some music for my friend at Young Life’s Malibu Camp. 

I’ll post pics and new news soon. 

So take off you hoosiers!

OH CANADA!!!

Ramble on,

sp

Top 30 Favorite Records (thus far)

Hello friends,

Well, it took me long enough but I think I’ve filed down an blunt unending list of my favorite records into a short and sharp synopsis. I picked these albums according to these characteristics…

A. How much I’ve listened to them

B. How they have influenced me in my music

C. How they have influenced my life as a whole

D. How dumbfounded and awestruck I am when I listen to them 

Now for any of my musician friends who are reading this to see if your record made the list… I didn’t choose any of my personal friends records, though some of you could have made it. Maybe I’ll to a top 10 of my friends music next. Good idea Seth. Thank you Seth, that means a lot coming from somebody as talented, as rich, and as handsome as you. 

I would encourage you to listen to any of these albums in whatever way you can. They are so good that I’d possibly, maybe, almost quasi encourage illegal actions in order for these records to hopefully impact your life as they have mine! For those who don’t have the time I’ve also created a playlist where you can get a taste of these records.

So here it goes; Seth’s Top 30 favorite records. (Most to Least Most favorite)

1. She by Harry Connick Jr.** 
2. Exile on Main Street by The Rolling Stones**
3. Mule Variations by Tom Waits****
4. Tupelo Honey by Van Morrison**
5. Stardust by Willie Nelson****
6. A Message From the People by Ray Charles****
7. Rainy Season by Marc Cohn***
8. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot by Wilco**
9. Music From The Big Pink by The Band
10. Slow Train Coming by Bob Dylan
11. Let It Be by The Beatles**
12. Bon Iver by Bon Iver*
13. Pneumonia by Whiskeytown
14. Gold by Ryan Adams**
15. Living With Ghosts by Patty Griffin****
16. Bad Love by Randy Newman***
17. Want One by Rufus Wainwright**
18. Grace by Jeff Buckley
19. Ash Wednesday Blues by Anders Osborne* 
20. Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys*
21. Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen*
22. I Love Everybody by Lyle Lovett**
23. Fresh by Sly and the Family Stone
24. Inspiration Information by Shuggie Otis
25. Voodoo by D’Angelo
26. Peace and Love by Tommy Sims
27. Wildflowers by Tom Petty**
28. Joshua Tree by U2*
29. Long Gone Before Daylight by The Cardigans
30. Turn It Upside Down by The Spin Doctors

*Indicates there are more records by this artist that are equally influential in my life.

30 Songs from Seth Philpott’s Top 30 Records

I’m up for any conversation on any of these records… please feel free to share or ask anything.

Ramble on,

Seth

Thoughts and Lessons on How to be A Professional Human

A few thoughts and lessons on how to be a PROFESSIONAL human

I know there are a freaking ton of books, blogs, and thoughts on how to interact with others. I know there are the same on how to be professional in all areas of a persons life. I know some people crave separation from one thing to the next. We all need down time to focus on what we’re doing. I understand that completely. That’s why we compartmentalize. However, I think that compartmentalizing is a double edge sword. Its as good as it is bad. But if it allows you to encourage positive growth in your life as a whole, (all the different boxes) and in others (and their boxes), keep at it. But for fun let us say that if you are compartmentalizing life, it requires you to have more than one box for where you place life’s different wonders and blunders, work and play, art and commerce, loved ones and not-so-loved-ones, spouses and children, happy and sad, gratitude and greed. All of that stuff and more make up these “boxes” of life. So let’s say that there can be many boxes in life, but let’s define the foundation underneath our boxes. These lessons are just that, what is underneath the boxes. Come on people, THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!

Here are some lessons I found that I have used on how you treat others with respect and love and how you can respect and love yourself. It to me is how you define professionalism. And it is a two way street. Once we as humans define our foundation, once we know where we stand and that makes all we do matter more. All of a sudden the way you create things relates to your happiness, the way you conduct business relates to respect for your spouse, the way you love your kids relates to the hard work you do, the way you find happiness relates to how you shine your light on the world. The foundation connects the boxes. Jobs, hobbies, love can all be separate boxes, but their authenticity will suffer if they are too far apart. You will suffer. You will spread yourself too thin. Life isn’t easy but it is a gift. So, whether you like it or not it all becomes one big box. Sure there are some walls, but those walls are just there so you can see when you are transitioning. Walls aren’t always for protection. Or objects to hide behind. They can become billboards for the truths in your life. Reminders and encouragements to the way you came into this world. Just make sure your walls have door you can open and shut (and maybe lock every once in a while). Just try not to slam them in anybody’s face. Doing that is not very professional at all. 

Anyway, take it or leave it these lessons are just a part of how to live life richly. Whether you believe in God like or do or your don’t, treating everybody with respect and consideration is a just ability. So don’t be all up in arms about these coming from the bible. I just believe these can work for you and they did me and many others. That is, if you let it that is… easier said that done I assume. But why waste time assuming. GO! DO!

Matthew 5:3-12 (2 versions)

The Message

³“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

⁴“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

⁵“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.

⁶“You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.

⁷“You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.

⁸“You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

⁹“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.

¹⁰“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.

^11-12“Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

NIV 

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit, 
   for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn, 
   for they will be comforted. 
⁵ Blessed are the meek, 
   for they will inherit the earth. 
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 
   for they will be filled. 
⁷ Blessed are the merciful, 
   for they will be shown mercy. 
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart, 
   for they will see God. 
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers, 
   for they will be called children of God. 
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, 
   for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

   ¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Ramble On,

Seth 

New Music

I’m recording new music. That’s the facts people… just the facts.

ramble on,

sp

Too Much Eggnog