If Nick Cave hadn't denied being
a Christian, many would consider him in the forefront of Christian Rock. The
Australian frontman of the alternative
rock band Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds elaborated in a Los Angeles Times
article: "I'm not religious, and I'm not a Christian, but I do reserve the
right to believe in the possibility of a god. It's kind of defending the
indefensible, though; I'm critical of what religions are becoming, the more
destructive they're becoming. But I think as an artist, particularly, it's a
necessary part of what I do, that there is some divine element going on
within my songs."
Nick's lyrics in the 17 songs of "Abattoir Blues/ The Lyre of Orpheus"
are obviously rooted in the King James Bible, although he is also influenced
by other poets such as W. H. Auden. Nick once explained that. "I try
to write in a very deliberate way, with a lot of thought to the way the
lines are constructed ... and in an almost outmoded language," he said.
"That doesn't really happen in rock 'n' roll music, and it shouldn't happen
in rock 'n' roll music, but it does in my rock 'n' roll music."
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds was
formed in late 1983 by Nick
and Mick Harvey who
were previously members of the group The Birthday Party (formerly named" The
Boys Next Door") in the early 1980s.
Nick has
released over a dozen albums with the Bad Seeds, in addition to his work as
a solo artist and film composer. His his songs have appeared in several
popular films including Batman Forever (1995), Shrek 2 (2004),
and Dumb & Dumber (1994). The band is still going strong and
remains one of he most influential in contemporary music history.
One of the best examples of the spiritual influence on his lyric
writing is in
"Tupelo" the band's second single
and the only single from their second album The Firstborn Is Dead.
Nick uses near Biblical imagery in describing the birth of Elvis
Presley during a heavy storm in Tupelo, Mississippi paralleling the birth of
Christ .he song is based on the John Lee Hooker song of the same
title, which also focuses on a flood in the same town.
"Tupelo"
was the inspiration for Nick's birthday celebration dinner which is Tupelo
Chicken Wings which we suggest enjoying while watching him as an actor
in Johnny Suede (1991) with Brad Pitt.
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Tupelo Chicken Wings
Adapted from the Tupelo
Honey Café: Spirited Recipes from Ashville’s New South Kitchen
(Andrews McMeel, 2011),
Elizabeth Sims and Brian Sonoskus
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- Heat the
canola oil in a large stockpot or deep fryer over medium heat until a
deep-fat thermometer registers 350°
F.
- In another
large pot, combine the wings, orange juice, and water and bring to a boil.
Boil the wings for about 10 minutes, or until the wings are cooked through
and no longer pink when pierced or to a temperature of 160°
F.
- Transfer
the wings with a slotted spoon to paper towels and pat dry. Using a slotted
spoon, carefully add the wings to the oil and fry for about 10 minutes, or
until crispy golden brown.
- While the
wings are frying, puree the honey, marmalade, hot pepper sauce and jalapenos
in a food processor until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan
over medium heat, bring to a simmer, add the butter and stir until melted.
- Remove the
wings from the oil and drain on paper towels. Place the wings in a large
bowl and add the sauce, stirring until well coated. Transfer the wings to a
serving platter and serve with bleu cheese dressing.
- To smoke
the jalapeños:
Place 2 cups of hickory chips in the bottom of a 4-inch deep heavy roasting
pan. Cover with water and let sit for 5 minutes. Drain the water and cover
the chips with foil. Place a single layer of whole jalapeños on the foil and
cover the pan tightly with additional foil, and place in a pre-heated 450°
F oven
for 20-30 minutes, or until the peppers are slightly browned. Let cool and
then remove the seeds and membranes. Keep refrigerated in an airtight
container for up to 1 week.
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