Title: Harvey
Author: Phil Rossi
Twitter: http://twitter.com/philrossi
Website: http://www.philrossi.net/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thephilrossi
Podiobook: http://www.podiobooks.com/title/harvey/
Awards: 2009 Podiobooks.com Founders Choice Awards

“Television singing sensation Calvin Hubbard has been caught with his hand in cookie jar. An illicit affair with a contest judge costs him not only the competition crown, but his musical credibility as well. Fleeing the media fallout, Calvin exiles himself to the backwoods town of Harvey, Virginia. With a little solitude and a lot of cheap beer, he plans to write the next great rock and roll album and resurrect his career. But Calvin doesn’t know that a man has just been buried alive in the woods outside of town, and that this quiet murder is just the first in a string of macabre events. As the town goes silently mad around him, Calvin is unable to abandon the record of his dreams. Drunk on inspiration and blinded by an inexplicable lust, he careens headlong into the maelstrom, only to discover that he may be the town’s only salvation. Something is alive in the trees—an ageless, nameless evil—and it’s coming for everyone in Harvey. Now Calvin has to decide whether to run or to stay and fight… if it isn’t already too late.”

“Harvey” is a horror novel written by Phil Rossi and it my favorite of the three novels he has released on Podiobooks.com, The other two “Eden” and “Cresent” are both set in space where “Harvey” is set in a town near the Potomac River and while I like Horror Novels and I am also a big fan of Space and Sci-Fi. For me they just aren’t two great tastes that taste great together.

“Harvey” on the other hand has just about everything you can ask for in a good horror story. The clueless stranger, the misunderstood townie, the love interest, the bad guys (got to have bad guys) The sex, the violence that makes you feel just a tad uncomfortable for reading it, and the Gore, lots and lots of Gore. Now just incase you read that last little bit with your eyes closed this book contains Graphic violence, Sex and Adult Language. The opening of each episode reminds you that this book contains these things. Please if you don’t like those things don’t download this book, and if you do download this book please don’t be surprised by the language, sex, or violence. So now on with the Review.

One of the things that Makes “Harvey” so enjoyable as a book is the fact that the author Phil Rossi never lets up on you during the entire story. There is always something important going on, and one of the main characters is in some kind of conflict at all times. Alas this is also the one thing that made it just a bit difficult to fully enjoy. I kept expecting there to be some breathing room tucked here and there during the book and I never found it. The book has a very fast pace and this is both good and bad, good in that you never really get a chance to get tired or bored, bad in that there were times I had a little trouble keeping some of the people straight. I believe this is a common problem in the difference between printed books and Podiobooks.

That small item aside, “Harvey” is a really good read that had me on the edge of my seat (so to speak) several times as well as giving me that uncomfortable closed in feeling I always get when reading a good horror tale. I’m giving “Harvey” by Phil Rossi 4 out of 5 stars and I hope you will head on over to podiobooks.com and check it out yourself.

Title: The Gearheart
Author: Alex White
Twitter: @thegearheart
Author Website: http://www.thegearheart.com/
Podiobook Link: http://www.podiobooks.com/title/the-gearheart/
Soundtrack available: http://www.thegearheart.com/?cat=122

“Jonathan Andrews, Initiate in the Seekers of the Arcane Unknown, joined the society two years ago with the hopes of protecting the secrets of magic from the greedy world beyond. However, a ravening shadow appears with a hunger for Seekers and Jonathan finds himself out of his depth. When Jonathan’s friend is attacked and the young initiate is assailed with apocalyptic visions of the future, he must find a way to uncover the past and stop the beast before it tears his group, and the world, asunder. It’s a ripping tale of magic, adventure and gunfights!”

I just have to say first thing that “The Gearheart” ranks as one of my favorite Podiobooks I have heard to date and perhaps the Podiobook I enjoyed listening to the most. This production pretty much has everything I love in an audio production as well as everything I love in a really good story. And a really good story is just what you are going to get in the steampunk/fantasy/adventure with 1930’s radio serial cliffhangers and old timey radio commercials thrown it.

“The Gearheart” is a wonderfully written adventure that comes to you in the form of an old time radio serial complete with weekly cliffhangers. As I would be listening to the story and just starting to get into the episode I would hear the ending music start to crank up and want to scream NOOOOOO! as the announcer would begin with “What will Jonathan do now that he knows the truth, and what menace is held in the shadowy figures. Tune in next week to “The Gearheart“. The only saving grace was that I didn’t have to wait until next week. (I was never any good at that) The Podiobook is complete.

Complete, however is a relative term, since I feel I should warn all of you that the production of “The Gearheart” comes loaded with an impressive amount of back story. Enough back story that at first I thought it was the second in a series, yeah that kind of back story. I kept expecting to find out that there was another podiobook I somehow missed that would clear things up. So if you begin to listen and feel a little like you came in halfway through the story, relax, don’t worry and just go with it enough of the back story gets explained that you won’t feel left out for long.

What will happen, just about the time you begin to feel comfortable with the cliff hangers and you figure out who everyone is and You know who the good guys are and who the bad guys are, well the book ends. Again in the style of 30’s radio serials we are left wondering “What now” (actually we are left thinking “Oh no you didn’t just end it like that you no good…) I have heard from good sources that more adventures are planned and we will just have to wait.

One of the things that impressed me the most was the soundtrack to the story, I was even more impressed when I found out that you can download the soundtrack at and it is something I would highly suggest you do, it will be something you want on your mp3 player.

Overall I really enjoyed “The Gearheart” and I would (and have) recommended this story to everyone I know who I think might remotely enjoy the story. So I am giving this story a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars and I encourage you to get the book and listen for yourself.

PodioBook Review of Beneath by Jeremy Robinson
http://www.podiobooks.com/title/beneath
http://media.podiobooks.com/pbpromos/BeneathPromoPB-01.mp3

Number of Episode – 17
Running Time – 12.1 Hours
Content Rating PG-13
Rating 4 out of 5 Stars

“Three thousand years after a chunk of iron the size of Khufu’s pyramid collides with Europa, Jupiter’s sixth moon, an asteroid borne of the collision crashes into Earth’s Arctic ice shelf carrying extraterrestrial microbial life. The first man to come into contact with the microbes hears voices—and then dies.

They search for life. They find death.”

This is the baited hook that dangles before your eyes as you try and decide what book to listen to over at podiobooks.com from reading the text above you would expect to taken on a thrill ride of action, adventure, and horror. You would be right, “Beneath” from Jeremy Robinson is just that. A thoroughly enjoyable story filled with action, adventure and just enough comedy to keep you off guard.

The audio version of the book is narrated by Jeffery Kafer who did an outstanding job, which is no surprise as he is the winner of the 2008 Voicey award for best new voice. As this is the first book/podiobook review I have written I am finding it dificult to review the book without giving away to much. I will say that while I thought parts of the book were telegraphed, there were several times when I found myself surprised by the direction the story took.

The book had a logical progression from start to finish with a group of shared and varied viewpoints from the crew of the Surveyor both in the ship and on (as well as under) the surface of Europa. You never had time to get bored with one viewpoint or forget what happen. The story on a whole was very fast paced and never had a slow moment. The end of the book did suffer from a bit of deus ex machina but I feel that this does not weaken the story, instead it strengthens parts of it.

One thing that did bother me with the Podiobook version of the book was the multiple introductions at the beginning of each episode. First an Ad for the Starter by Scott Sigler (yes I pre-ordered on opening day thank you very much) then an introduction stating book, author, narrator, and episode and then a message from the Author about his other books. All of this is understandable after all the ads and the printed book sales are what make the free podiobooks possible. I believe this and I support it. Just when I take my 90 min commute in the morning and evening to work and have to listen to 3 or 4 of these in a row I will admit to fast forwarding past them. (note from JTindie I just wanted to insert this here after hearing from Evo at Podiobooks.com – The ads from Scott Sigler are an insert that wont be there once that run of ads are over.)

All in all I have to say that I really enjoyed the book as well as his other Podiobook “Kronos” Which I will no doubt be reviewing in the future. Jeremy Robinson is without a doubt an author that you need to enjoy for yourself. I’m giving Beneath a 4 out of 5 stars.

Artist: Good News First
CD Title: Finding A way out
Style: Pop Punk – Rock
Website: http://www.myspace.com/goodnewsfirst
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars (Indie Rating)

Playlist
01. Never Look back
02. Just let Go
03. So Slow
04. And in the Morning
05. Set the Sun

Being the person I am, some days are just better than others. Today is one of those better days, and Good News First “Finding A Way Out” is one of the reasons. I stumbled across this band from Madison Wisconsin via their Myspace page and after listening to a couple of their songs I knew I was going to be playing them on my show. When I was lucky enough to get the entire CD I knew a review was in order.

“Good news First” lists themselves as Pop/Punk and that is a good description. Their music is upbeat and with lead vocal from Kacey Henkelmen the band has a sound that is both catchy without being kitsch and still somehow reminding me of early 90’s rock. The Music has a serious Blink182 sound and while it is clear that all 5 songs are the same band they are separate enough that I didn’t feel like I was listening to one long song. It is clear that this is a group of people who really enjoy playing together. Here is Video of the song Never look back.

One of the things that so many indie bands suffer from is that the recording quality of their music simply doesn’t stand up to those in major media. This is one of the reasons while I judge the indie CD’s on a different scale than a Skillet/TFK/Fireflight CD. There were a few times when the music overpowered the vocals. Other than this small matter the CD rather well put together, and I have often wondered just what bands with this kind of talent would sound like if the CD was produced by the likes of a Howard Benson. Overall I really enjoy the CD. I am looking forward to hearing more from this band and I am sure they would be well worth seeing live.

I am giving Finding A way out an Indie Rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 stars. Check out their Myspace Page and listen for yourself. I’m betting you’ll agree and add Good news First to your collection.

Artist: Todd Agnew
CD Title: Need
Style: Acoustic Worship
Website: www.toddagnew.com
Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars

Playlist
1. Joy Unspeakable
2. Written on the Wall
3. I need no Other
4. Give Me Jesus
5. High Ground
6. Tell Me the Story
7. Did you mean Me?
8. Gloria
9. The Love of God
10. Breakable
11. Deep Love of Jesus
12. Jesus the Hope of Glory
13. Way of the Cross (Bonus Track)
14. All the World (Bonus Track)
15. All that I have (Bonus Track)
16. Joy Unspeakable (Live Acoustic – Bonus track)

There is no question that I have been waiting for this CD since back in July when I Interviewed Todd Agnew and heard a bit about the CD. The other day I finally downloaded the album from I-Tunes (Yes I purchased it with my own money) After taking some time to listen to the CD over the past few days I can happily state that Todd Agnew’s Music just keeps getting better with each project he puts out. “God doesn’t need me to do anything, the Sunday school answer is still the answer and Jesus is all I need.” Todd states on the Video that comes with the album Download in I-Tunes.

Something unexpected happened while I listened to the CD. After a few times through I found that the idea of the music and the songs began to fade and I was left face to face with with the message. If you have never listened to Todd Agnew let me just say that His songs are messages. With each song I had another message driven home. I am reminded of Rich Mullins, Keith Green and Michael Card in the way that this CD strips me bare of self righteousness and self deception, and shows me the truth that I need know only Christ and Christ Crucified.

I know I usually prefer music that is a bit rockier (Skillet, TFK, Flyleaf) and that this Cd has none of the rocking testosterone of the other bands I know that there are people who arent going to like this CD just because of the style. “Need” is a gathering of laid back songs that make no claim other than “Your Sunday School Teacher was right.” As I re-read the interview I did with Todd last July I can’t help but notice just honest and passionate He is, and with songs like “Tell Me a Story”

Tell of the cross where they nailed Him
Writhing in anguish and pain
Tell of the grave where they laid Him
And how He’s living again

Tell me the story of Jesus
Write on my heart every Word
Tell me the Story so Precious
Sweetest that I ever heard

“Did you mean Me?”

But you said that all sins can be forgiven,
But when you said that, did you mean me?
Did you mean me?

You said that we could be more like you,
But did you know what I’d do? How I’d fall so short?
And you said confession leads to healing,
Do you see I’m here and kneeling, and I’m still not well?

Just to reference a few songs and an entire CD of songs like these is it any wonder that I find myself thinking less about Todd Agnew and More about the Christ that Saves us. I feel safe in saying that everyone can find something on this Cd that challenges them. I don’t mean challenge in that make yourself better, but instead in the drawing you nearer to Jesus that Calls us his friend, the Jesus that calls us out to walk on the water and to cling to him. Im giving this CD a 4.25 out of 5.0 and I am going to end this with a quote from Todd’s Song “Breakable”

You are glorious, infinite, and wise,
You are mighty, holy, there is none beside you,
But to save me from my brokenness you became breakable.

We were eventually let into the Venue and after strapping the Photo Pass onto my wrist I made my way into the converted sanctuary where the stage was set. Before the opening band begin, there was an announcement that if you bought the Memento Mori the band would sign the CD’s after the concert (yeah I bought another copy of the CD I got the extended version this time.)

Then it was time for the actual concert to begin. Paper Tongues http://www.myspace.com/papertongues took the stage. I have heard several of you in the comments and on twitter telling me to check out the band and I just didn’t have time to check them out. That was my bad. Paper Tongues was a great show on its own, The band, made up of 7 people, including 2 guitarists and 2 keyboards came out and began to pump the crowd up. Paper Tongues is a band that could easily be headlining shows. I found their music to be well layered and mature. I expect much more from the band in the future now that they seem to have their “Big Break” with touring with Flyleaf. They ended their set with the song “Ride to California” Aswan North, the lead singer opened this song by saying “One of the biggest problems in this country is that people have stopped singing.” while I don’t know if they are serious about the “Biggest” problem I will admit that I have noticed a lack of singing along. When the song ended the band got the crowd all pumped up for Flyleaf. I was able to pick up their EP “Ride to California” for 5$ as well as getting it signed from all the band members and I am working on getting their songs on the show. You can see more from Paper Tongues at my Flickr Page

When Flyleaf took the stage, they didn’t dither around, not that I expected them to. instead they began a hard hitting set of sound that assaulted my senses left my ears ringing, my chest heaving and my mind wanting more. After playing “Again” and “Beautiful Bride” from the new album, Lacey to a moment to speak for the first time from the stage. “This is our love song to Jesus.” she said simply, almost quietly. As quiet as a voice can be when projected through 2 ten foot high stacks of speakers. The song “All around me” began playing to the cheers and screams from the crowd. The scream were made a bit louder (I would like to think) by my own voice added to the cheers. Any Idea that Flyleaf is not a Christ Based Band (I know the band doesn’t think of themselves as a “Christian Band” and I can’t blame them for that) Was set aside first by the album itself which is more of a Christian album than many other albums that call themselves “Christian” and secondly by Lacey herself who took the time to talk to the crowd on several occasions, each of these occasions were marked by a message of hope. A one point she said “the only reason anyone of us is here is because God loves Each of us.” I found it refreshing.

This being my first Flyleaf concert (and for sure not my last) I was really impressed by the talent and showmanship of all of the members of the band. The Concert was a joy to attend and the sound work by the many behind the scenes people just goes to show you how things should work. Lights, sounds and performances were all spectacular, and if I went a bit deaf, that can only be expected from standing much to close to the aforementioned Speaker stacks while trying to get pictures worth showing.

The second to last song of the night surprised me, and I do love a surprise, by being what I can only define as worship – Flyleaf style. The crowd didn’t exactly go still, there was a marked change and I would like to imagine that the hands raised in the crowd were for a different and better reason. The Show ended with the song “Arise” and Lacey announced it as the last song saying “We don’t play encores so it really is the last song.” I like this idea while finding it strange at the same time.

After the show I did indeed get the CD signed by the band and I appreciated the fact that while they were signing the Cd the band not only took a moment to say something to each of the fans but also thanked them for showing up. I know it sounds like a small and simple thing, but it is neither small nor simple. Each of the members of the band made each of the fans who were standing in the long line feel welcome, and that is no small feat. Over all as concerts go this is one of the one I enjoyed the most this year. I look forward to getting to see Flyleaf again. You can Find more photos of the Flyleaf Concert at my Flickr Page.

Artist: Casting Crowns
CD Title: Until The Whole World Hears
Style: CCM / Pop-Worship
Website: castingcrowns.com
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Playlist
1. Until the Whole World Hears
2. If We’ve Ever Needed You
3. Always Enough
4. Joyful, Joyful
5. At Your Feet
6. Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)
7. Holy One
8. To Know You
9. Mercy
10. Jesus, Hold Me Now
11. Blessed Redeemer
12. Shadow Of Your Wings

When Dr Matt over at the Transformed Podcast (link) posted in our group that Casting Crowns was offering a listening room experience of their soon to be releases (November 17th) Album “Until the Whole World Hears” over at yahoo music’s Early Edition. I had a feeling I was going to be sitting here writing this review. I have always had a soft spot for Casting Crowns, even if I have a less than soft spot for the rest of the Pop Worship genre, and I was excited to be able to hear the New CD. After the first couple of songs I began to worry. The CD begins in a typical Casting Crowns Song, The Title song “Until the Whole World Hears” sounds like it belongs on their previous album “The Altar and the Door“. As I said I began to worry that this Cd was going to be nothing more than a continuation of the previous album. This isn’t quite the negative that it could be. Casting Crowns has a very set and distinctive sound that I find carrying through all of their albums. When done properly it gives the Band a signature sound. When done Improperly it simply makes all the songs sound the same. “Until the Whole World Hears” walks the thin line of “signature sound” while only crossing into the “What album is this again?” territory a couple of times.

That being said, The CD did redeem itself with songs that were just not the Casting Crowns sound. “Holy One” with a nice rockier beat and “Shadow of Your Wings” has a sound i can only describe as Rockabilly/punk meets Blue Rodeo (hows that for obscure musical references) sounds that makes it my instant favorite on the CD. The rest of the CD is filled with songs that are destined to be part of worship services all across the world. There is no discounting the fact that these songs are very well written and performed by a group of people who not only have the talent God has given them but (more importantly) the Gift to bring these songs to life.

I am sure that “Until the whole world hears” will be part of my music collection — Eventually — it isn’t a CD that I will be running out to buy. There are simply to many songs on the CD that sound just like every other Casting Crowns song. This isn’t a completely negative thing. Casting Crowns, live other artists (Third Day, Michael W Smith, Delirious) are simply so well know that their sound (for Good and Bad) Defines their Genre. The CD gave me everything I expected from a Casting Crowns CD. Perfectly produced music filled with life and emotion. I guess I just wanted to be surprised more than I was with single song on the CD that didn’t sound like it was run through the Casting Crowns Cookie Cutter. The CD is a very well made album but I am only giving it a 3.5 stars out of 5.0. While this CD is technically better than many of the CD’s that have gotten a higher score before it, I felt like I was listening to “The Altar and the Door” the Extended Cut.

Artist: About a Mile
CD Title: Find Yourself
Style: Rock / Indie
Website: www.aboutamile.com
Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars (Indie)
Purchase: I-Tunes Store

Playlist
1. Again
2. Send Me an Angel
3. Innocence
4. Promise Me
5. Find Yourself
6. My Mistake
7. Not Ashamed
8. From Me
9. Don’t Close Your Eyes
10. Prodigal
11. Not Alone
12. Tomorrow
13. Troy
14. Change

Not long ago I went to a CD release party for a band I have heard several times now. As I found out when I got there it was a CD release Party for two bands. About a Mile was the “Other Band” I had never heard them before that night and I had really showed up to support the other band. I was really surprised by About A Mile, from the time they took the stage I knew I was going to be writing this review. I am just sorry that it has taken me so long to do just that. About A Mile is made up of 3 brothers – Adam, Levi, and Luke. The name is taken from the Idea the Christ had to carry the Cross – About a Mile. I was lucky enough to get hold of a nice video camera and you can check out some of the video from that night and you can watch that below.

From the very beginning of the CD I am taken by the talent of these three brothers. With all First CD offerings, I don’t expect to be blown away. Talent is something that matures over time. While I wasn’t blown away I was surprised at just how enjoyable this CD is overall. With a good acoustic styling “About A Mile” lets you enjoy the music without feeling over-run by it. That is not to say that “Find yourself” is all lightness and rainbows. With their title track, “Find Yourself” the bands shows just a bit of the chops I saw in their live performance.

One thing that can be a downfall of this style of music is that the style itself can be rather narrow and I did find that several of the songs on the CD were similar to each other. I also noticed that while the guitarist and vocalist (Adam) is an incredibly talented guitarist (one go through the Cd will convince you of this) I feel that the CD is relying on his talent. This is not to say that the other brothers in the group, Levi and Luke are not talented, They are very talented in their own right, The Cd itself is a very guitar driven CD and i would of like to have heard more from the others in the way of Drum and Bass. this is something I believe is partly due to the youth of the members.

One of the things that always pleases me is that the music is overtly and un-ashamedly Christian. Even to the point of having a song on the CD called “Unashamed“. I took the time to transcribe a bit of the song so you can see for yourself.

Ill follow you where ever you may lead me
not afraid to be the servant I’ve become
now I stand alone before you in your grace
I want everyone to know I’m not ashamed

I’m not ashamed!

Overall I have to say that this CD is one of the Strongest freshmen Indie Cd’s I have heard. I look forward to hearing what these three can accomplish as they mature and grow into the Gifts and talents that they clearly posses.

I am giving this Cd a 3.75 out of 5.0 on the Indie Scale. The Cd itself is well produced and the talent of the band are clear. While Find Yourself may not be on the “Most Played” section of my MP3 player the Cd is something I find myself rediscovering on the Player and enjoying anew each time.

Artist: Kronicles
CD Title: Reset
Style: Alternative
Website: www.kronicles.ning.com
Store: kronicles.powweb.com/store.html
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Playlist:
1. Switch – 3:23
2. Reset – 3:53
3. My Dear – 4:13
4. Cali – 3:10
5. I Am A Man – 3:38
6. Gotta Be – 6:10
7. Silent – 1:50
8. Last Time – 3:03
9. Rediscover – 4:47
10. Miracles – 3:36

I had an opportunity recently to see Kronicles live. I have to say that they did not disappoint with their live show. That being the case I also decided to grab a copy of their CD, Reset. Again, Kronicles did not disappoint. Here is some video from the live concert.

Video of Kronicles – I am a Man

There are a lot of really good elements to this CD and it’s mixed very well. It’s a solid alternative rock album with plenty of energy and emotion. Switch kicks things off with a hard edge to both the music and the vocals. My Dear comes across very heavy with an intense bassline that I really love. And I am A Man comes down like a hammer with great guitar work and thundering percussion. Silent has an ethereal feel from strings and keys before breaking into Last Time. Rediscover and Miracles are both ballads that round out the overall intensity of the CD.

The only thing I didn’t like about the CD was the way so many of the songs seemed to have the same sound to them. Not that they all sound the same but that the techniques used in each song lend to a sense of commonality among them. They “feel” the same and you might not notice that you’re listening to the next track until you’ve reached the end.

In any event, Reset by Kronicles is worth picking up. You may not listen to it until you’ve worn it out, but you’ll like throwing it on to give it a listen every so often.

I give it 3 and a half stars.

Artist: Third from First
CD Title: Time
Style: Indie Alt Rock
Website: http://www.thirdfromfirst.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thirdfromfirst
Store: http://www.thirdfromfirst.com/store/
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Playlist
1. Live the Change – 5:11
2. Time – 5:50
3. Contagious – 4:42
4. Belong to You – 7:48
5. Break Away – 5:10

first off let me just say that I am no stranger to the guys of Third from First. I believe they were one of the first local bands I saw when I started to going to the shows at the NET outreach in butler. At the lat show I went to, which was a CD release Party for Third from First and About a Mile marked my fourth time seeing them perform live. Back in May I reviewed their previous Cd “The Beginning” and you can read that review here, but you’re not hear to read and old review, you are here to read a new review.

At first looks the CD was not what I expected. At 5 songs the CD sounded more like an EP Demo disc than a Full fledged album. This thought was was quickly set aside when I got to actually listen to the CD. With the shortest song coming it at almost 5 minutes and the longest one pushing 8 minutes, the CD is longer than you expect and filled with good music. I want to take a little time here to explain the name of the band since I believe that it will help you to understand the CD better. Steve Lowry, Lead Vocal explained to me that as Christians we need to put God first, others second and ourselves Third, so that makes us all Third from First. A sentiment I completely agree with. Here is Third from first playing their song Time live at the CD release Party.

The CD sounds professionally recorded and mixed, I mention this because with Indie Bands this is not usually the case. Having seen the band perform so many times I was aware of just how talented they all are as musicians and it is good to hear that reflected in the CD, Each of the songs on the Cd also stand on their own as individual songs. while the CD as a whole is without a doubt a Alt Rock Album the songs do not blend into each other. Likewise the CD still has the sound of the previous CD without sounding like just more of the same. I am pleased to end to find that this CD has neither of these weaknesses

I find myself comparing the CD to the many times I have seen the band play live and I am reminded about the one thing I found most striking during their live performance was that during the middle of the set, when the crowd was at its most lively and interactive the band just broke out into worship. They took all the energy in the room that was focused at them and directed it towards God. They do the same thing on the Album with “Belong to you”. The words of the song speak for themselves.

Take my heart
Take my mind
Take my will
Take my life
Take it all
Make me new
By your grace
I belong to you
River of life
pour down on me
I once was blind
But now I see
You took my hand
You called my name
In your flow
You drowned my shame

Overall “Time” is a rock solid album that if a bit longer I would have no problem putting it up against any of the popular big named bands. Third from first is clearly a band that should be playing on a much larger stage to much larger crowds. This is something I for one, expect to happen in the future. Until then however I am going to enjoy the concerts where I actually get to hang with the band and don’t have to watch from the cheap seats.

I’m giving “Time” 4 stars out of 5 with the only real minus being the length of the CD. Even with the longer songs, when the CD was over I found myself wanting a couple of more songs. As the second CD from “Third from First” I do find that it is a clear step up from their freshman CD and the songs show a good bit of maturity. You will be hearing more from the band on the podcast in the future and with the CD running at only 7$ on the bands store it is a no-brainer on picking up some good music.

Artist: Delirious?
CD Title: Delirious?’s History Makers: Greatest Hits CD (2 disc limited edition)
Style: Worship
Website: www.delirious.co.uk/html/
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Playlist Disc1
1. Did you Feel the Mountains
2. Raindown
3. History Maker
4. My Soul Sings
5. Happy Song
6. Shout to the North
7. Lord you Have My Heart
8. Obsession
9. Magesty
10. My Glorious
11. Find Me In The River
12. I Could Sing of Your Love Forever
13. We Give you Praise
14. What a Friend I’ve Found

Playlist Disc2
1. Deeper
2. Inside Outside
3. Bliss
4. Sanctify
5. It’s OK
6. Love Will Find A Way
7. Heaven
8. Stronger
9. Take Me Away
10. Every Little Thing
11. Investigate
12. All The Way
13. Promise
14. There Is An Angel
15. Paint The Town
16. Solid Rock
17. God Is Smiling

Imagine going to worship and the band leading the music was U2. It would be great, wouldn’t it? That is how blessed we have been over the last 16 years by the music of Delirious?, a band that grew out of the youth revival in the UK in the early 90’s to become, arguably, the world’s best worship band. History Makers, named after the song on the King of Fools CD, is the band’s final release and its parting gift to their fans. The CD includes 14 of their hits, sampled from 6 CD’s. All of the music will be familiar to fans of Delirious? and not worth the upgrade. However, for those who do not have any music by Delirious? in your playlist, this is an excellent sample of the music that powers our worship, with THE definitive cuts of such contemporary classics as Did You Feel the Mountain Tremble, Majesty, My Glorious, I Could Sing of Your Love Forever, and more. That makes this a must own CD for worship leaders and pastors.

For the true Delirious? fan, however, there will also be a limited edition release (12,000 copies) which includes a bonus CD with 17 more of your favorite cuts, a DVD with all 13 of the band’s music videos, and a 58 page booklet which covers the history of Delirious? The bonus CD includes a few surprises with which hardcore American fans may not be familiar (There Is an Angel and Take Me Away from Audio Lessonover, a CD that is not readily available in the US). The question, then, for the hardcore Delirious? fan: Is the $30 a worthwhile investment?

The first thing that impressed me when listening to the CD was the range of Delirious? While the band certainly gained popularity in the mid ’90’s due to their channeling of the aforementioned U2 (check out Bliss), it would be unfair to believe that they were a one note band. Delirious? developed their own sound, sampling from a broad spectrum of styles including Blue Grass (Happy Song), Celtic Rock (Shout to the North), pop (I Could Sing of Your Love Forever), Alternative Rock (God is Smiling) and more.

Second, the worship music of Delirious? is on par with the likes of Rich Mullins. So much of the worship music that is written today is “throw away” music, music which is used for a short time then discarded because the themes and music are dated and thin ( Does Lord, I Lift Your Name on High ring a bell, anyone?). Great worship music is difficult to write because it must be simple to sing, but must also stand up to repeated listening. Delirious? has given us many contemporary classics that we will still be singing in 20 to 30 years. They pack as much complexity into their words and musical themes as possible, all the while maintaining a sing-able melody for worship.

Lastly, the music videos give us a nice glimpse of the band, especially for those who never got the opportunity to see them perform live. (Their last concert is in London, November 29th. Lots of luck getting tickets, though… every concert is a sellout!) Especially poignant is the video Sanctify, filmed at a concert in a packed soccer stadium, showing the amazing popularity of the band in the UK that would rival the likes of The Rolling Stones… and, yes, I am serious about that assertion. Delirious?, however, has a touch that would make Mick Jagger jealous. Martin, the lead singer of Delirious?, comes to a dramatic, worshipful pause at the end of Sanctify, and for a beat of 5 seconds, 100,000 fans fall silent.

In conclusion, the quality and content of this limited edition CD/DVD is a must have for fans of Delirious? While you may own most of the music, complete your collection with History Makers and remember the band that transformed our worship.

The good people at Flyleaf sent me the lyrics to the Album when I was writing my review (which you can read here) and have given me permission to share them with you. So here are the lyrics.

Beautiful Bride

Unified diversity.
now.
functioning as one body.
Every part encouraged by the other.
no one independent of another.
Irreplaceable.
indispensable.
you’re incredible.
incredible.

beautiful bride. Body of grace. one flesh, abiding, strong and unifying. Fighting ends in forgiveness. Unite and fight all division. Beautiful bride.

strengthen your arms now.
Train your fingers for battle.
Urgency’s here now.
Train your fingers for battle.
Fighting this violence, with your feet wrapped in peace.
Sad tears and silence, now screams of joy!
Victory!

Beautiful bride body of grace. One flesh abiding strong and unifying. Fighting ends in forgiveness. unite and fight all division. beautiful bride.
Beautiful Bride body of Christ one flesh abiding strong and unifying…

we’re not gonna fall and forget how far you went to pick us up. If one part’s hurt the whole body’s sick, if one part mourns we all mourn with him, rejoice and we’ll sing with you, hallelujah, hallelujah.

Chasm

Break up already wake up now
walk away take it all back now
Don’t be quick to lick the scab off
your spitting in his face with the rest of them

Please give me something I’m so thirsty, I’m so thirsty
Oh please, let me warn them, Don’t you come here, don’t bring anyone here.

The chasm isn’t fixed yet. Take this water
Drinking ever deeper.. living water.

Please give me something I’m so thirsty
Oh, Please.. let me warn them. Don’t you come here, don’t bring anyone here

please…

This Close

Had a dream that we were dead, but we pretended that we still lived.
With no regrets we never bled and we took everything life could give
and came up broken empty handed in the end
in the hearts of the blind, something you’ll never find is a vision of light
With the voice of the dead, I’m screaming
I don’t know who I am anymore
Not once in life have I been real but I never felt this close before
I’ve been looking in your window I’ve been dressing in your clothes
I’ve been walking dead, watching you, long enough to know I can’t go on.
Had a dream that fire fell from an opening in the sky
Someone warned me of this hell, and I spit in his naive eye
And left him crying for my soul he said would die.
In the hearts of the blind something you’ll never find is a vision of light
With the voice of the dead I’m screaming, I don’t know who I am anymore.
Not once in life have I been real, but I’ve never felt this close before
I’ve been looking in your window, been dressing in your clothes,
I’ve been watching you long enough to know I can’t go on.

Missing

I saw the queen
swam out below her star on sea beneath
though I lifted up my hands to her
she never lifted me
Oh something’s missing in me
I felt it deep within me
as lovers left me to bleed alone
Found something sweet
on the island with daughters of eve
But through thick and thin they’ve gone away and only left their grief
Oh, something’s missing in me
I felt it deep within me
as lovers left me to bleed alone
something’s missing in me
something missing in me
down here love wasn’t’ meant to be
it wasn’t meant to be for me
All is vanity underneath the sun
all is vanity

The Kind

Its like being in love you rob your own mind and defile your bed
you ignore the fate of the players who both end up dead
and you pretend for us and you pretend for them
this fairytale will make them jealous of you
but its not the kind that you talked about
and its just the kind that rips the clothing off your mind
she is feeding you and you lie with her
and for the first time your right arm becomes useful
as you sin with it you wanna cut it off but instead you thank god for all of the wrong you do.
you cut the cord today with God’s hand to hold yours steady
He waits for you to apply the pressure
the warmth of His breath wrapped in His words
as He repeats His Truth after Truth after Truth after Truth
and its just the kind the kind you talked about and its just the kind
that clothes your mind with Christ
He is feeding you and you know the truth and I pray this is the last song I will sing to you
I’m sorry Father, I’m sorry sister, I’m sorry brother, I’m sorry everybody.

In The Dark

I’ve written songs in the dark
I’ve felt inspired in the dark
I hide myself in the dark
used to be afraid of the dark
those in the light know we die in the dark
there’s only artificial light
my flaws hide well here
I used to be afraid of cluttered noises
now I’m afraid of silence
fill this space Idle words
I’m scared to death of light and silence
Jesus kill me inside this
raise me up to live again
like you did, like you did.
Now I am mute despite myself
all of them are gone
the silence overtakes me
the idle words forsake me and I am left to face me
I’m held accountable
for every idle word
curse the idle words
I’m scared to death of light and silence
Jesus kill me inside this
Raise me up to live again
like you did, like you did.
glory shows up
exposes us
I’m naked here
forsaken here, by the dark, by the dark
I’m scared to death of light and silence
Jesus kill me in side this
raise me up to live again
like you did
like you did.

Swept Away

help help help
out out out out out out out now now now now now

the evil fell from your pretty mouth wrapped in your classic voice
angelic in your syntax, demonic in your motive your eyes don’t know
that the water flowing from this well isn’t fresh
demolish all that sets you up against your rising up
confessing all that’s broken and watch the healing come
spread out your open hands
admit you’ve held them shut
turn all the way around
be swept away by this.

Time for surrender
Spread out your open hands
and He will raise you up
confessing all that’s broken
and watch the healing come
spread out your open hands
admit you’ve held them shut
be swept away by this

Your clothes are smooth and spotless
the air is putrid sewage downwind of your pressed church clothes
your eyes are black and empty
your deeds are just for showing how big and bright your fake smile glows
I see you moving and their getting scared
their eyes are focusing on something else
your staring at me and I stare at you
I rage against everything that you do.

See them surrender
spread out your open hands
and he will raise you up
confessing all that’s broken
look at the healing come
spread out your open hands
admit you’ve held them shut
be swept away by this

I see you moving and their getting scared
their eyes are focusing on something else
your staring at me and I stare at you
I rage against everything that you do
get this hell out out of my way
there’s nothing more that you can say so
get this hell out get this hell out out out of my way

We spread our open hands
and he is rising up
repairing all that broken
look at the healing come
we spread our open hands
forgiveness holds them up
we’re swept away by this.

out out out out out out
now now now now now now

Treasure

Can I tell you a story as we dance while the sun starts to bleed
Song of songs love is calling daughter wake up from your sleep

Refined I’ll become the most dazzling precious treasure
I’ll be treasured over all the earth

Bearing the gift of a new heart
patience ablaze I’m slowly burning

Refined ill become the most dazzling precious treasure
Ill be treasured over all the earth

I am in awe and in shock
I’m in love and given away
I’m reserved with these words…

Can I tell you a story as we dance while the sun starts to bleed
Trees rejoice with the wind here
Hallelujah, Yes Shua

Tonight I’ve become the most dazzling precious
I am treasured over all the earth
just look at what he’s done
how he’s laying down his life
take this life
oh most dazzling precious treasure
Tonight I’ve become the most dazzling precious treasure
I am treasure over all the earth.

Again

I love the way that your heart breaks
with every injustice and deadly fate
praying it all will be new
and living like it all depends on you

Here you are down on your knees again
Trying to find air to breathe again
Only surrender will help you now
I love you please see and believe again

I love that you’re never satisfied
with face value wisdom and happy lies
you take what they say and go back and cry
you’re so close to me that you nearly died

Here you are down on your knees again
Trying to find air to breathe again
Only surrender will help you now
I love you please see and believe again

They don’t have to understand you, be still
Wait and know I understand you be, still

Here you are down on your knees again
trying to find air to breathe again
and only surrender will help you now
the floodgates are breaking I’m pouring out
here you are down on your knees
trying to find air to breath
right where I want you to breathe again
here you are down on your knees again
trying to find air to breathe again
right where I want you to be again
see and believe.

set apart this dream

close your eyes little girl
you’re a princess now
you own this world
twirling in your twirly dress
you’re the loveliest far above the rest
you build your castles in the skies
stars reflecting off your eyes
and angels sing on silver clouds
and no one cries screams or shouts’
oh set apart this dream
set apart this dream for me

close your eyes pretty girl cause its easier when you brace yourself
set your thoughts on a world far off
where we only cry from joy

oh set apart this dream
set apart this dream for me

oh lovely and beautiful
precious and priceless
you’re so much more than you know
heart of the purest gold
pure clean and white snow
clothed in such splendor
oh what a beauty for me.

oh set apart this dream
set apart this dream for me.

Tiny Heart

Tiny heart
stuck inside yourself
when you open up for me?
I love you so
I wanna meet you again
before one of us must go….
your lips touched every hand but mine
if you choose me I’m waiting for you
will you choose me I’m waiting for you
always waiting
Tiny heart
your not by yourself
when will you recognize the beat of my own heart
grieving in your hand
you crush me when you run that way
your lips touched every hand but mine
if you choose me I’m waiting for you
will you choose me I’m waiting for you
always waiting
you will never know
what you have done to me
You will never know losing love from me
and you will never know a single day alone
Tiny heart stuck inside yourself
when will you open up
Your lips touched every hand but mine
if you choose me I’m waiting for you
will you choose me I’m waiting for you.
Always waiting.

Circle

Circle encircles the earth
chance and choice break his heart
his innocent arm moves to save me and I am spared
his beautiful arm is bloody and cut off
his heart ripped out to show me he loved
but I would not believe him
he did all that he could
I still would not believe him

I left his arms empty and tied
out stretched for me until he died
I left his arms empty and tied
outstretched for me until he died
no man shows greater love
than when a man lays down his life
for his beloved
I left his arms empty and tied outstretched until he died

here I’m alive
and I don’t have the right
he gave me the right
costing him his life
new mercy’s in the morning

I believe! what if I believe you now
could it ever change this

Arise

Tell the swine
we will make it out alive
there’s a note
in the pages of a book
so sleep tonight
we’ll sleep dreamlessly this time
when we awake, we’ll know that everything’s alright.

Sing to me, about the end of the world, end of these hammers and needles for you.
Hold on to the world we all remember fighting for
there’s some strength left in us yet
hold on to the world we all remember dying for
there’s some hope left in it yet
there’s snow on your face
and your razorblade
twilight is bruised
and there you lie

Sing to me,
about the end of the world,
end of these hammers and needles for you.
we’ll cry to night

but in the morning we are new
stand in the sun will dry your eyes
Hold on to the world we all remember fighting for
there’s some strength left in us yet
Hold on to the world we all remember dying for
there’s some hope left in it yet
Sing, Sing

Arise.
Arise and be all that you dream,
all that you dream.

Artist: Flyleaf
CD Title: Memento Mori
Style: Post grunge
Website: www.flyleafmusic.com
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Release Date: November 10th 2009

Playlist
1. Beautiful Bride – 3:03
2. Again – 3:05
3. Chasm – 2:54
4. Missing – 2:55
5. This Close – 3:21
6. The Kind – 2:47
7. In the Dark – 3:47
8. Set Apart This Dream – 3:15
9. Swept Away – 4:09
10. Tiny Heart – 3:07
11. Melting – 0:57
12. Treasure – 3:24
13. Circle – 3:03
14. Arise – 4:18
15. Uncle Bobby – (Hidden Track not on Preview)

The other day I opened my E-mail to find a short, cryptic email from someone whose name I remembered but just couldn’t place. The email held nothing more than a web address, user name and password (and no I’m not going to share). Following the address I was rather pleased to see that it led me to a preview of Flyleaf’s new album which comes out November 10th , titled “Memento Mori” Which is a Latin Phrase meaning “Be mindful of death” or “Remember you will die”. The Sophomore album while clearly flyleaf shows a great deal of maturity. Each song is layered with enough separate dimensions to make a quantum physicist giggle with glee.

Straight out of the gate this album rocks with “Beautiful Bride“, a perfect opener. The song sets a fevered tempo for the rest of the album. As I started to listened to the album I had two fears. The first was that somewhere on the album I would find a poor remake of “all around me” from the previous self-titled album. Secondly I was afraid I would find of Cd full of music trying very hard to not sound like a poor remake of the previous self-titled album. At no point while listening to the Preview did I feel like I was listening to anything other than Flyleaf. Also while I listened i did hear reminders of the previous albums, the reminders serve to show just how the band’s sound has changed since their first album.

From the subtle strings in the background of “In the Dark” to later in the same song when the verse screams “Jesus kill me inside this, raise me up to live again like you did, like you did!” The songs on this album are clearly taking no prisoners as it also clear that the band has a serious statement to make. With songs like “Chasm” that I believe was written about the parable of “Lazarus and the Rich Man” (Luke 16:19-31) with a Chorus that rings out “Please give me something I’m so thirsty, I’m so thirsty Oh please, let me warn them, Don’t you come here, don’t bring anyone here.” Song after song I find the CD full of these references.

I find that “Memento Mori” to be far more of “Christ influenced” Album than their first album. While all the members of the band are professed Christians, they don’t refer to their music as “Christian Music” instead they simply allow their life experience to reflect in the music they make. That being said I was taken by surprise by the obvious references to Christ, faith, and belief. I am hoping that with the obvious success of their first album they were given a freer hand in what songs went onto the CD. While I have decided that Beautiful Bride is one of the best songs on the preview “Treasure” is easily the most powerful song on the CD. The Cd is So different from the previous one that I have to wonder just what happened between the creation of the first album and the second to cause such a change in the feeling of the individual CDs. I for one am ecstatic over the fact that while this CD is so much more than just music, it never forgets that it is first and foremost a Flyleaf album. While it is true that the Message and not the Method is what is important it as also true that The Method should not be overlooked either. This CD Rocks hard, Takes no prisoners and like life, leaves no survivors.

there are several songs on the Preview I am really looking forward to seeing live, as I believe they would make great concert songs. “Beautiful Bride” For its total rock-ablility along with “Set apart this Dream” for its sing-ability. I can already hear a couple thousand fans singing “Set Apart this dream for me..” There are just some songs that are perfect for audience participation segment of every concert. Other songs are destined to become one of the live show “must plays” The song that everyone is waiting to hear. “Swept Away” is destined to be one of those songs. From a distinct opening and verses that can be described as “Spoken Word” this song defines a style all it’s own.

I have to admit that there is very little about this CD to complain about, One of the things I noticed on the First CD that is repeated on this cd is that for the most part the Cd is split into two sections with a rockier front end and a mellower ending. I would of preferred the songs intermixed where the change of rock to mellow and mellow to rock can serve to make each song stand out even more. Still I understand that this is simply a personal preference and in the age of MP3 players and thousand song shuffles I have to wonder if song order even matters at all anymore?

You are probably expecting me to talk about the technical aspects of the CD, however since this an A&M/Octone production I expect the Technical aspects of the CD to be flawless. Lets face facts, a CD like this is on a whole different level from Indie Productions and cant really be compared to or analyzed like an Indie Production. All the Music is crisp and clean, and the vocals are clear in a way that leaves me envious. Even the 57 second Instrumental “Melting” makes for an interesting interlude between “Tiny Heart” and “Treasure“. Overall “Memento Mori” is easily one of the better CDs I have listened to for quite a while and is a strong step up for Flyleaf from their self-titled freshman album. I am giving this CD a solid 4.5 stars out of a possible 5 stars, and I am already looking forward to November 10th when the album drops and November 11th when Flyleaf plays a live concert in Pittsburgh. You know I’ll be there.. “Memento Mori” is in my opinion a must own album, your collection simply isn’t complete without it.

this review is put out under a creative commons, attribution, non commercial, no derivatives, 3.0 united states license.

1. Beautiful Bride – 3:03
My Favorite song on the CD. A truly hard rocking song, classic Flyleaf sound, this song will be a great live performance and as the First single released (available on Itunes) I would be very surprised if there wasn’t a music video in the making for this song even now as I write this. The songs sets the Tempo and structure of rest of the CD as Lacey sings
“Beautiful bride body of grace.
One flesh abiding strong and unifying.
Fighting ends in forgiveness.
unite and fight all division.
beautiful bride.
Beautiful Bride body of Christ
one flesh abiding strong and unifying”

2. Again – 3:05
The melodic beginning of this song belies it’s rocking core. Lacey’s voice is clearly the instrument that pushes this song. This song of all of them reminds me the most of the previous album.

3. Chasm – 2:54
Chasm begins with a thumping beat that becomes just a bit repetitive. This song is perhaps my least favorite on the Album. The song itself has a start stop feel that I find disconcerting.

4. Missing – 2:55
This song makes shows me the depth of the musical talent. I find that the music is the strength of this song. the depth and dimension of the instruments make for a song that I can listen to over and over again and find something new each time.

5. This Close – 3:21
after four songs a Power/Rock ballad was inevitable, I have to say if I am going to listen to a Power Ballad I want it to be by someone like Lacey. Here you find all of your typical angsty Ballad-dy goodness.

6. The Kind – 2:47
A hard song about sin and forgiveness. The song throbs and repeats, throwing in our faces how we sin and justify our own actions until we can’t lie to ourselves anymore and finally go to God in desperate need of healing.

7. In the Dark – 3:47
darkly melodic, this song opens with the words
“I’ve written songs in the dark
I’ve felt inspired in the dark
I hide myself in the dark
used to be afraid of the dark”
All through the song you will hear the haunting undertones of what might be a harp.This is one of those songs that clings to you. The words get a hold of you and demand your attention. The songs builds in intensity until the Climaxing silence, drawing even more attention to the chorus of:
“I’m scared to death of light and silence, Jesus kill me inside this, raise me up to live again like you did, like you did!”

8. Set Apart This Dream – 3:15
the dichotomy between this song and “In the Dark” just places both of them into such contrast. Like a sunrise after the long night, Set apart is a song full of hope. Easily the most singable song on the CD, sure to be a concert favorite for audience participation.

9. Swept Away – 4:09
A Song about fake faith and hypocrisy. The opening words say it all:
“The evil fell from your pretty mouth wrapped in your classic voice
angelic in your syntax, demonic in your motive your eyes don’t know
that the water flowing from this well isn’t fresh
demolish all that sets you up against your rising up
confessing all that’s broken and watch the healing come”

Taking on the current form of Traditional Church, while a pet peeve of mine I will admit that all to often the current form of the Traditional church has all to often made a target of itself.

10. Tiny Heart – 3:07
Very light and melodic opening, Lacey’s voice in the opening reminds me of Leigh Nash from Six Pence, Again I am taken by the feeling and emotion caught up in this Cd. The song could easily be written from the point of Jesus to all the people in this world He loves and is just waiting for them to realize just how much He loves them. Likewise the song could also be written from the point of one person to another. The metaphor of Jesus as boyfriend/girlfriend is pretty common in music.

11. Melting – 0:57
Instrumental that makes for a good transition from Melting to Treasure.

12. Treasure – 3:24
Easily the most powerful Song on the CD. Lacey begins the song by talking instead of singing. This sets this song apart from the rest at the very beginning when Lacey says “That night I felt like I’d become something treasured. different.” There is no metaphor in this song, but simply the statement that Jesus (named in the song as “Yes Shua“) and the meaning of the song is also clear
“I am treasured over all the earth
just look at what he’s done
how he’s laying down his life”

13. Circle – 3:03
Throbbing drums and melodic the music behind this song serve more to set the stage than on any other song on the cd. The song rips through emotions as the words take hold
“I left his arms empty and tied
outstretched for me until he died
no man shows greater love
than when a man lays down his life
for his beloved”
Again, taken straight from the Bible.

14. Arise – 4:18
This song almost sounds like an 80’s alt-pop song in the beginning. There isn’t a weak song in the bunch, Arise may be the least of the songs. While the rest of the songs on the CD seem to go out of their way to make their presence known, Arise is more of the wallflower in the corner waiting patiently for you discover just how intelligent and beautiful she actually is.

Artist: Hawk Nelson
CD Title: Live Life Loud
Style: pop/rock
Website: http://www.hawknelson.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/hawknelson
Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars

Playlist
1. Live Life Loud
2. Never Enough
3. Eggshells
4. Meaning of Life
5. Alive
6. Ode to Lord Stanley
7. Long Ago
8. The Job
9. Shaken
10. Lest We Forget
11. Tis So Sweet
12. The Final Toast

Well it isn’t often that I go into a review not knowing much about a band but hawk nelson is just one of those bands i never really got into before now. I can see now that this was my loss. “Live Life Loud” is a good mixture of soundscapes and styles that keeps the listener from ever getting close to bored. With a title of “Live Life Loud” I was smart enough not to expect the rock ballad to be a running theme in the album, and from the first song “Live Life Loud” the mood is set with a new shiny pop/punk sound that had my toes tapping from the first few measures.

The Style of this CD is rather difficult to define. Just when I am ready to use the term Pop-Punk I hear a song like “Never Enough” that pretty much reminds me of classic rock. This CD runs the genre of music, showing the versatility and talent of the band. I half expected that the strengths in one area to reveal a weakness in another. While I wont claim to be a big fan of their ballad skills, I found “Eggshells” to be the weakest song on the CD. After listening to the Album as a whole I would say that Pop-Punk/Rock probably describes the CD as whole.

While I was impressed with the use of strings and even bag pipes on the CD I felt that this CD never really coalesced as a complete project. While the Individual songs were all solid and many of them were really good, so many stylistic difference on a single project just didn’t really work for me. I know I usually complain that all the songs on a CD sound the same, and one would think that the more change you have on an album the more I would like it, that is simply not the way it is. Please understand, the Cd is a good Cd and a lot of fun to listen to. Everything from the more traditional songs, to the pop-punk rifts and semi power ballads. I do think that the second half of the CD is a more complete package than the First Half. Culminating in the song “Tis So Sweet” Complete with a bagpipe opening. I am always pleased when Bands remember the tradition of the past, with out being ruled by it.

One of the items I was happy to find was the songs are very clearly Christian, and not the fuzzy “Love God and everything will be OK” but the kind of Christianity that demands a change in your life. “We don’t have to embrace the lies that we’ve been told” and “The only thing were missing is a whole new state of mind!” both of these lyrics are from the Song “Alive”. Some of the songs are just fun. “Ode to Lord Stanley” is just one of these songs. Overall “Live Life Loud” is a roller coaster ride, complete with flashing lights stuffed animal and cotton candy at the end.

I’m giving this Cd a 4.25 out of 5.0 stars, in the end the whole thing jumped around just a little to much for my liking, still every song on the CD is well done and the CD as whole is well produced. I can say that it will be quite a while before it works it’s way off my mp3 player, even if I do skip over a song or two every now and then.

Artist: Matt Redman
CD Title: We will Not Be Shaken
Style: Worship
Website: http://www.mattredman.com/
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars

Playlist
01. This Is How We Know
02. We Shall Not Be Shaken
03. Through It All
04. You Alone Can Rescue
05. The Glory Of Our King
06. How Great Is Your Faithfulness
07. Remembrance
08. The More We See
09. For Your Glory
10. Gloria
11. All That Really Matters
12. My Hope

All Right I will start out this Review with a confession. I love the concept of worship music. I love the music that helps me to come into the presence of God. I do, however, have a problem with Worship music as well. It has always felt to me that worship music of today sounds very similar to the music of, oh say, 10 years ago. I don’t understand this but I still love Worship music anyway. That being said I will say that I liked most of the songs on “We Will Not be Shaken”. I even found a couple of them to be the kind of worship songs one would expect from the likes of Matt Redman. So I’m gonna start this review with a bit of weasel words. I have decided to rate this CD as a Worship CD and not my usual general consumpsion CD.

Over all I enjoy the music Matt is putting out on “We will not be shaken”. The music while simple is very catchy and I found that after hearing some of the songs only once I could sing along with the chorus. This is just what I would expect from a Good Worship CD. I will say that several of the songs on this CD are really good songs, not just as worship songs but songs in general. Despite that there is never a moment when you are listening to this CD that you don’t know that you are listening to Worship CD. Now let me make this clear, this is NOT a Negative Thing, (unless for some strange reason you pull out a Matt Redman CD thinking you are going to hear top 40 or some kind of bubble gum Pop. In the words of a rather famous clown “Homey don’t play that!”

What Matt Redman does so well, and the thing that moves me to give this CD a 4.0 out of 5.0 as a worship album is to take the yearnings of my heart and give them voice. On this CD there is a song called Remembrance (Communion Song) the words “By your grace you are making us faithful” just drives home the idea that we are truly helpless without Christ. This is something I have clung to for so long. I have always had a hard time taking communion with breaking down, I feel the same way about this song.

As a worship CD this Album really covers the whole gambit and provides music for an entire Worship Service. From the upbeat beginning, to the deepening of Worship, to the time of Prayer and communion. The songs are simple and catchy without being to kitchy in my opinion. So if your looking for new music for your worship service or just looking for a good CD for your home meditation time, I think “We will not be shaken” is a solid bet for both.

I will say that not all the songs struck my fancy. and one or two them did cross the line into kitsch, and as I said at the beginning the CD is hampered by the strange fact that all worship music seems to be eternally a decade out of style. The songs on the cd have a serious late 90’s sound that much as I would like to say is just part of the charm.. I really can’t. I understand that worship music by its nature has to be familar, People have to know, or be able to pick up the beat and words quickly. I understand it, but I don’t have to like it.