CCM Reviews

Considering giving up this blog

2009-08-03T16:17:00.004-04:00

Hello,

Since I apparently have lost interest, I am considering giving up this blog.

If you are interested in it, please convince me as to why I should turn it over to you ...

When I feel that I have found a responsible and respectable person to take over this blog, I will then make the change.

I may not end up giving it up if there are no quality takers.

NOTE: you also will need a GMail account in order to have the account transferred to you...

Thanks,
Scott

Panda at the National Zoo in Washington DC

2009-07-15T13:56:00.001-04:00

Panda at the National Zoo in Washington DC

US Capital

Lincoln Memorial

see the whole set of pictures from Washington DC here.

Enjoy!
- Scott

My picture used in NH Magazine article

2009-04-02T16:18:00.004-04:00

My picture

was used in the NH Magazine article "18 Miles 18 Walks" now online.

- Scott

Ice cream! homemade Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Chunk

2009-03-26T16:05:00.003-04:00

My new hobby is making ice cream at home. My latest creation is homemade Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Chunk ice cream - check it out: http://scotts-scoop.blogspot.com/2009/03/homemade-ice-cream-cinnamon.html - mmmm it was good!

- Scott

Favorite Christmas Song of the Day December 24, 2008

2008-12-24T18:09:00.004-05:00

My favorite Christmas Song of the Day for today, December 24, 2008 is a long-time favorite: "Christmas Bells", a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, arranged and performed by John Gorka on the Windham Hill release "A Winter Solstice III"

Released in 1990, A Winter's Solstice III is a new age compilation that also happened to include this gem from John Gorka. The arrangement is for acoustic guitar, expressively played by John, and the vocal melody is just a little different in a unique in an interesting way.

Here are the lyrics

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play
And wild and sweet, the words re peat
Of peace on earth, good will to men
Peace on earth, good will to men

I thought how, as the day had come
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the un broken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men
Peace on earth, good will to men

And in despair, I bowed my head
"There is no peace on earth," I said
For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men
Peace on earth, good will to men

Then pealed the bells, more loud and deep
God is not dead, nor doth he sleep
The wrong shall fail, the right pre vail
With peace on earth, good will to men
Peace on earth, good will to men

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play
Wild and sweet, the words re peat
Of peace on earth, good will to men
Peace on earth, good will to men
Peace on earth, good will to men

I always loved the poem, and I especially love this version of "Christmas Bells". I think you would enjoy it too!

Merry Christmas!

Enjoy!

- Scott
tag: christian music

Favorite Christmas Song of the Day December 23, 2008

2008-12-23T07:29:00.004-05:00

My favorite Christmas song of the day for December 23rd, 2008 is from the new CD "Glory in the Highest" by Shane and Shane ... and is called "O Holy Night"

For me, whenever an artist records their version of "O Holy Night" I am usually disappointed with the arrangement. I play a pretty traditional version on the piano, so I tend to like the traditional arrangements better. But this time, thanks to the interesting acoustic rock stylings of Shane and Shane, I've found a new version that I like. This version would work well in any church that plays modern worship music and is a great addition to any Christmas playlist you may have.

Also, because I like to give out links to chords, should you like to play along on guitar, check out this page. and finally, here is a link to a review, and a link to another review with samples.

Enjoy!

- Scott
tag: christian music

Favorite Christmas Song of the Day December 21, 2008

2008-12-21T19:43:00.004-05:00

Today my favorite Christmas song is "Carol of the Bells" performed by Los Lonely Boys from their new CD "Christmas Spirit".

The Garza brothers turn each of the Christmas songs on this release into a song of their own, fusing their own style and making each quite fun. To me, the stand-out song on the CD, though, is "Carol of the Bells" ... Think Santana meets Christmas!

Check out a review here, here and here.

Enjoy!
- Scott
tag: christian music

Favorite Christmas Song of the Day December 19 2008

2008-12-19T09:48:00.005-05:00

Each day during Christmas I am featuring a "Christmas Song of the Day" Yesterday it was Selah "Light Of The Stable". Today's Christmas Song is "Child Of Love" by Sara Groves.

Part of the excellent City on a Hill: It's Christmas Time CD released in September, 2002 ...

... Sara sings the role of Mary comforting her new born baby ...

Child of wonder, close Your eyes
Rest here in my arms tonight
Someday You will save the world
But tonight I'll hold You, right here in my arms

Precious miracle of life, child of love
Gift of hope, the gift of light
From the Father above
And You were made for all mankind
But You will always be mine, child of love

Gabriel's promise has come true
God has blessed this world with You
And as I humbly hold You now
In my heart I know I'm holding heaven's child

Precious miracle of life, child of love
Gift of hope, the gift of light
From the Father above
And You were made for all mankind
But You will always be mine, child of love

Precious miracle of life, child of love
Gift of hope, the gift of light
From the Father above
And You were made for all mankind
But You will always be mine, child of love

Child of wonder, close Your eyes...

The song is vocally interesting and as a guitarist I also find it musically interesting. If you'd like to learn to play the song on guitar, check out the guitar tab.

Sara has a new Christmas CD out. Check out my review here.

Enjoy!
- Scott

tag: christian music

Favorite Christmas Song of the Day - December 18 2008

2008-12-18T07:54:00.004-05:00

Each day until Christmas (or maybe even for a day or two after Christmas) I will highlight one of my favorite Christmas songs. Today's song is by the band Selah from their 2002 release Rose of Bethlehem.

The song is Light Of The Stable, originally written by Steve and Elizabeth Rhymer and originally recorded by Emmylou Harris in 1975 with backup harmonies by Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton and Neil Young. Later in 1998 it was covered by Tara MacLean and in 2002, Selah recorded it.

The version by Selah is excellent. You can read my full review of Rose of Bethlehem here.

Merry Christmas!
- Scott
tag: christian music

Shane & Shane "Glory in the Highest"

2008-11-07T13:51:00.005-05:00

Many web sites describe them as Christian music's favorite song writing duo ... or dynamic acoustic pop ... or passionate praisers of God. Whatever your take on them, you might like to know they have a new Christmas CD out. If you want a sample, download a free MP3 of Away In A Manger from the Inpop website.

They also do a great version (in my opinion) of O Holy Night. The CD overall is very enjoyable and I'd highly recommend getting it!

Enjoy!

- Scott
tag: christian music

Stumble It!

Free Christmas MP3s and upcoming new releases

2008-10-16T14:03:00.000-04:00

It's October, and you know what that means ... Christmas Music! Well, really it does, since many artists and record companies release new Christmas music this month.

Available on October 7, 2008:
- Annie Moses Band - This Glorious Christmas
- Casting Crowns - Peace On Earth

- Sixpence None The Richer - The Dawn of Grace

Available on October 14, 2008:
- Sara Groves - The Christmas Story

Available on November 11, 2008:
- Shane and Shane - Glory In The Highest

Out now:
- Barlow Girls - Home for Christmas

Enter to win new Christmas music from Casting Crowns, BarlowGirl, Sixpence None The Richer, Sara Groves and Mandisa.

Also download free Christmas MP3s from

Barlow Girl: http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/stories/11582348/
Sara Groves: http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/stories/11582353/
Annie Moses Band: http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/stories/11582418/
Sixpence None the Richer: http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/stories/11582354/
Casting Crowns: http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/stories/11582508/archive1/
Shane and Shane: http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/stories/11582351/archive1/

Enjoy
- Scott
tag: christian music

Stumble It!

Review of Chris Tomlin "Hello Love" and winner announced

2008-09-25T06:30:00.000-04:00

In the liner notes of the new Chris Tomlin CD "Hello Love", Chris thanks "the all-star band ... Jesse Reeves, Daniel Carson, Travis Nunn, and Matt Gilder." Live, the band certainly is tight having toured together extensively since 2005 (when I saw them in Portland, ME) headlining their own tours and on the Passion tour world wide. On Hello Love it is apparent how comfortable the band is with one another...

With two songs in the top 5 in the CCLI list of Top 25 Songs, Chris is no stranger to having his songs played in church on Sunday mornings. Expand the list to the top 15 and he has five songs (as of August 2008) on the list.

Chris and the band receiving awards for past efforts:

Appropriately Hello Love starts off with Sing, Sing, Sing - an upbeat anthem that, like Tomlin songs in the past, will be sure to get you on your feet.

Jesus Messiah, the first radio single on the CD, builds musically and lyrically. This song, and indeed the whole CD, gets better with each listen. God Of This City originates from the Passion CD of the same name. This song is more introspective, but no less interesting than the rest of the songs so far.

The tempo remains calm with I Will Rise, but singing along with it from the included lyric book proves easy, and when the song builds you can just imagine it being a popular sing along.

Love, near the middle of the disk, changes direction and includes the Watoto Children's Choir. Chris had this to say about the song and the kids:

“With ‘Love’, I wrote it with Cary Pierce, and then Ed Cash said it would be great to make this a more ‘world music’ kind of sound. I felt that way, too, and we thought ‘what if we had an African children’s choir on it?’” he says. “We get a text not too long after that saying the Watoto Children’s Choir from Uganda was in Nashville with a day off the same week we were recording that song. I couldn’t believe it. It was one of those things where God just said, ‘Here you go. I’m making the way.’ It’s just beautiful to see these orphan kids, and to watch them come into a studio and just light the place up. It was more of God breathing wind into what this music is about, the heart of what worship is.”

While the song Praise The Father, Praise The Son evokes memories of Chris's adaptation of Amazing Grace I think that the lyrics are strong enough to make up for the familar melody ...

After all, Chris strives for sing-ability first, to help people move towards worship ...

“I always come to songwriting always thinking about God and people. There’s something that is stirring in me about God, so how do I get that out so that it’s maybe a voice for everybody? How do I write that so it can be sung by anyone anywhere? I love it when people think, after the first time they’ve heard a song, that they can really sing it,” Tomlin says. “At the end of the day, what’s going to last is who’s causing people to say and sing, and that is response to Him. Worship is responding to God for who he is, what he has done for us, and that’s what we’re trying to do with these songs: help people respond to God for who He is and for what he’s done in their lives.”

As a guitar player, I was glad to hear that the tones Daniel Carson gets from his gear continue to be ear candy. Overall I enjoyed this disc, and though it didn't impress me as much as 2004's Arriving did, with each listen I liked it more. Hello Love debuted on the Billboard Top 200 at number 9 and holds strong at 28 on its second week.

TODD P. HAS WON A COPY OF HELLO LOVE!

EMICMG and SixStep Records have given me the opportunity to give away one copy of "Hello Love" by Chris Tomlin. Todd was the tenth person to send me an email and he has won the CD.

You can also check out samples from the new CD here.

Enjoy
- Scott
tag: christian music

Stumble It!

Chris Tomlin Hello Love debuts 9 on the Billboard Top 200 chart

2008-09-12T09:06:00.004-04:00

Look who's number 9 in the Billboard Top 200 albums for this week (Issue Date: 2008-09-20)!!!
Chris Tomlin's new CD Hello Love is #9 on the overall chart ...

Here is the Top 10 of the chart ...

1. Young Jeezy - The Recession
2. New Kids On The Block - The Block
3. The Game - LAX
4. Kid Rock - Rock N Roll Jesus
5. Slipknot - All Hope Is Gone
6. Jonas Brothers - A Little Bit Longer
7. Soundtrack - Mamma Mia!
8. Underoath - Lost In The Sound Of Separation
9. Chris Tomlin - Hello Love
10. Lil Wayne - The Carter III

Keep an eye on this blog for your chance to win a copy of the new CD, courtesy of EMICMG and Chris Tomlin! Details and a review of the CD will be posted in the next couple days.

Enjoy!
- Scott
tag: christian music

Stumble It!

Sara Groves set to release her first Christmas CD

2008-09-11T13:56:00.006-04:00

Maybe you have heard Sara Groves sing "Child of Love" on the City On A Hill Christmas CD from 2002 (Where she sings as Mary to her new born baby) and wondered whether any other Christmas songs by her were available.

“I’ve always dreamed of doing a Christmas album,” Groves says. “Christmas music was such a part of life growing up. We had a huge stack of records that only get played for one month of the year. Ultimately I wanted to convey this story of Christ that’s been told so many times with as much artistry and creativity as possibly because it bears repeating,”

she says.

The CD includes 4 original songs:

To Be With You - about Groves’ family Christmas, a sentimental snapshot of their gathering at her grandma’s house.

Toy Packaging - a fun song any parent who’s stayed up late on Christmas eve can relate to, which mimics how manufacturers twisty-tie and rivet everything to pieces of cardboard, saying, “my self-esteem is in the can, trying to open the robot man.”

Peace Peace - Sara says "wrote “Peace Peace” with my band on our bus. One of my favorite lines from any Christmas song is from “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem” where is says that “all our hopes and fears are met in Him tonight.” Our peace comes in a child who meets all of our hopes and all of our fears. Peace is hard to find – impossible to find – outside of that context. This song was based on that idea." - from The Story Behind The Songs In Sara’s Words

It’s True - "I originally wrote it for a Blood:Water Mission Christmas benefit, and I wanted to rerecord it. In a post-modern world, the story of Christ can seem bizarre. I think that people deep down wish that God was the lover of our souls who came down from on high and left the prince who came to save us. Sometimes it can seem like a fairy tale. This song just says that it’s true. The thing that you hope is true really is." - from The Story Behind The Songs In Sara’s Words

The CD will be released on Oct 14, 2008

There are some samples to listen to on the ChristianBook.com page for the new CD.

Press release from INO Records:

It has been a question for years. When is Sara going to record a Christmas Record? Well, we've done it and couldn't be more pleased. We were honored to have Ben Shive involved as producer. And, for the first time, we got to record with our road band. Minnesota's own Zach Miller (drums), Aaron Fabbrini (bass) and Tyler Burkum (guitars) did a fantastic job. It turned out to be such a special project.

The best way to describe the music was from a friend who said 'It's just what you would want from a Sara Groves Christmas album'.

The record consists of 4 original songs, 6 classics with Sara's own arrangements and 2 traditional songs. Here's the first peek at the song list:

1 - Star of Wonder
2 - It's True (featuring Toby Groves)
3 - It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
4 - O Holy Night
5 - To Be With You
6 - Angels We Have Heard On High
7 - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
8 - Toy Packaging
9 - Peace Peace
10 - Cradle In Bethlehem
11 - Silent Night
12 - Go Tell It On The Mountain

The press release is below.

Thank you all for letting us do music. Hope to see you on the road this Fall.

Peace,

The Groves

Enjoy!
- Scott
tag: christian music

Stumble It!

Bookmark this on Delicious

Don't forget, Maeve perform live September 13th

2008-09-11T12:53:00.008-04:00

The CD Release party for the new Maeve CD "And the World Became Kind" is this Saturday, September 13th. They will be opening for Sam Phillips at the Somerville Theater, 55 Davis Square, Somerville, MA. Tickets are still available ... through their website www.maevemusic.com or through TicketMaster.

Check out my previous post for more information on their new CD.

- Scott
tag: christian music

Stumble It!

Watch this blog for a chance to win a copy of the new Chris Tomlin CD Hello Love!

2008-09-09T12:11:00.004-04:00

EMICMG (the parent company of Chris Tomlin's label Six Steps Records) is working with me to give you a chance to win a copy of his CD. Watch this spot for an update and a review of the new CD!

- Scott
tag: christian music

Maeve has a new CD out entitled "And the World Became Kind"

2008-08-21T10:23:00.005-04:00

Maeve, the great 3 piece band from Marblehead, MA that blends acoustic music with amazing vocal harmonies, has just released a new CD "And the World Became Kind"

The new CD was produced by Grammy-award-winning-producer Charlie Peacock ... and you can preview three of their new songs on their Myspace page.

You can also check them out September 10th, 2008 at noon performing live on WERS 88.9 FM in Boston or streaming live on the web at www.wers.org that same day.

They will have a CD Release party on September 13th, 8 pm where they will be opening for Sam Phillips at the Somerville Theater, 55 Davis Square, Somerville, MA.

In their latest email newsletter they say:

"We are also thrilled to get to share the stage with Sam Phillips again. We caught her set at the Soul Festival in NH in August and couldn't get enough of her unearthly vocals and haunting melodies. She'll have her band with her at the Somerville Theater, some of whom just got off the road with Alison Krauss and Robert Plant. Give a listen to some songs on her website, www.samphillips.com. You will not want to miss this night!"

Also, check out their new Facebook page for some recent pictures from SoulFest.

Enjoy!
- Scott
tag: christian music

Stumble It!

Where are YOU from? (updated)

2008-08-20T12:10:00.004-04:00

Every day people from all over the world find their way to this blog. And while most site visitors are from the US, many do come from places all over the world.

In the last month, web surfers have visited from places like ...

Canada - Burnaby, British Columbia
Indonesia - Jember, Jawa Timur
Pakistan - Lahore, Punjab
South Africa - Midrand, Gauteng
Australia - Brisbane, Queensland
New Zealand - Tauranga
Canada - Surrey, British Columbia
Indonesia - Jakarta, Jawa Barat
New Zealand - Auckland
Philippines - Meycauayan, Bulacan
Australia - Sydney, New South Wales
United States - Apo, Armed Forces Pacific
Korea, Republic of
United Kingdom - Chelmsford, Essex
South Africa - Pretoria, Gauteng
United Kingdom - Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
Philippines - Sulucan, Bulacan
Australia - Canberra, Australian Capital Ter...
Canada - Milton, Ontario
Mauritius - Curepipe, Plaines Wilhems
South Africa - Johannesburg, Gauteng
Brazil - Joo Pessoa, Paraiba
Netherlands - Utrecht

and these are just some of the locations! It is great to know there are so many Christians throughout the world interested in Christian music. Welcome all of you, near and far, and thanks for stopping by!

Feel free to leave a comment or email me and let me know where YOU are from!

And by the way, if you haven't already noticed, I am from New Hampshire, US.

- Scott
tag: christian music

some of the newest countries include:

Singapore - Singapore
Philippines - Manila
Romania - Arad
Australia - Sydney, New South Wales
Costa Rica - San Jos, San Jose
Japan - Atami, Shizuoka
South Africa - Midrand, Gauteng
Australia - Brisbane, Queensland
Romania - Agigea, Constanta
New Zealand - Havelock
Taiwan - Taipei, T'ai-pei
Korea, Republic of - Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi
Guam - Barrigada
Australia - Melbourne, Victoria
Puerto Rico
Spain - Elche, Comunidad Valenciana
Brazil - Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul
Pakistan - Lahore, Punjab
Japan - Tokyo
Korea, Republic of - Pusan, Pusan-jikhalsi
Canada - Hamilton, Ontario
Brazil - So Bernardo Do Campo, Sao Paulo
Botswana - Gaborone, South-East
Kenya - Nairobi, Nairobi Area
Thailand - Bangkok, Krung Thep
Malaysia - Petaling Jaya, Wilayah Persekutuan
Peru - Lima
United Kingdom - Huddersfield, Kirklees

Stumble It!

Ten Shekel Shirt concert and CD Release party

2008-08-13T09:33:00.005-04:00

The Elm City Vineyard blog reports that Ten Shekel Shirt will play live on Tuesday August 19, 2008 at Crash Mansion in New York City. It is also their CD release party for Jubilee!

Get your tickets here.

Related Ten Shekel Shirt Jubilee posts:
Review of Jubilee
Song by song through the new CD
review of Ten Shekel Shirt live
new Ten Shekel Shirt CD Jubilee

Enjoy!

- Scott
tag: christian music

Stumble It!

Review of the new Ten Shekel Shirt CD Jubilee

2008-08-12T12:15:00.007-04:00

The new Ten Shekel Shirt CD Jubilee comes out next week (on August 19, 2008). ChristianMusicToday.com just posted their review of the CD, giving it 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

Offering a bit more than just the press releases from their new label, Rounder Records ... the review describes Jubilee as a singer - songwriter effort and a welcome return:

Since Hiebert is now a one-man band—he has opted to continue with the Ten Shekel Shirt moniker just to keep things consistent—that explains why Jubilee feels more like a singer/songwriter disc than a band project. The byproduct of that is stronger lyricism: unlike Hiebert's previous worship-centric work, Jubilee isn't just context-less praise thoughts, but a strong case for faith in action, beautifully summarized in this lyric from "Higher Ground": "Plant my feet in Your world so I can live unselfishly/Where possessions are not loved but rather used to love the least, please."

It all makes Jubilee a welcome return for Ten Shekel Shirt. More importantly, it serves as an apropos digest of where Hiebert has been in the last half decade—a sacred ground where more worshippers ought to dare to tread.

cmcentral.com also has posted a review where they also give the CD 3 1/2 stars out of 5. They describe the CD as a "fantastic return". They compare the songs to Vertical Horizon and Switchfoot ...

The theme of freedom pervades this return to form entitled Jubilee. “I’m walking up to your tomb to call your name/To give you a new start/Remove your shame,” sings Hiebert on “Surprised.” It’s an acoustic ebb and flow that yearns like Vertical Horizon’s slower tracks. “You Rescue” continues the lyrical thread with lines like “You will never stop restoring what’s been lost.” All the while, Hiebert makes certain the musicianship matches the lyrics, especially on “You Rescue” whose chorus is immediately memorable.

“Spark” ups the ante and tempo as a solid pop/rock radio tune that includes Hiebert’s falsetto and slight Brit-rock builds. “En Garde” is an album highlight complete with slight street-beat-sampling and a perfectly placed string section. It’s a darker number that grabs your attention immediately. Album closer “It’s Slavery” kick starts the end with a Switchfoot-esque twist.

Also, in case you missed it, be sure to check out the song - by - song run through Lamont gives over on his blog:

http://lamontsongs.blogspot.com/

One more week to go!

- Scott
tag: christian music

Stumble It!

Song by song through the new Ten Shekel Shirt CD Jubilee

2008-08-08T16:12:00.004-04:00

Lamont Hiebert (of Ten Shekel Shirt) takes us through the new CD Jubilee song by song on his blog...

http://lamontsongs.blogspot.com/

The CD will be out on August 19, 2008

- Scott
tag: christian music

Stumble It!

Chris Tomlin Hello Love CD

2008-08-07T16:30:00.005-04:00

The new Chris Tomlin CD 'Hello Love' will be released on September 2, 2008.

Over on the Cross Rhythms site in the UK there is an article where Chris gives a song-by-song rundown of the 'Hello Love' album.

For example, about the song "God Almighty" he says ...

My producer, Ed Cash, is one those guys who constantly amazes you with his unending talent. Not only does he do a great job of getting what I have in my head onto the CD, but he is an extremely talented musician, singer and songwriter in his own right. Over the past three records we have enjoyed writing songs together. "God Almighty" was a song that Ed initially sent to me as a chorus and I took it from there. I especially like the bridge on this one and how it expresses a picture of just who we are before this massive, Almighty God. You can sense this awe of God as you sing that refrain. "I hide my eyes with my face to the ground in the presence of your majesty/I clap my hands and lay my crowns in the presence of Your majesty. There is no other response but to fall on our face when we truly get even a glimpse of the holiness of God.

Check out the article for Chris's description of all the new songs.

Enjoy!
- Scott
tag: christian music

Stumble It!

Free Jars of Clay MP3 download

2008-08-06T11:12:00.004-04:00

Jars of Clay has released an EP to hold us over until thier new full-length CD comes out next year...

From the Jars website :

We're proud to announce the release of our new EP "Closer!"

Here's the scoop: 3 new songs - including the full track of the recently released as a sneak peak "Closer." A new song called "Safe to Land" and "Prisoner of Hope," which we used as end title credits to the movie "Sons of Lwala."
Also included are 2 favorites that we've re-worked. "Flood" and "Lovesong for a Savior" have been given new life with this re-recording. It's something we've wanted to do for some time, to give the songs some different production, while keeping the soul of the songs we've loved for many years now. We hope you dig the re-interpretations!
Lastly, check out the art work - it's a collaboration between our fine lead singer Dan and our extremely talented friend Christie Little who worked on the artwork for the "Christmas Songs" album.

Download the free MP3 of Closer here.

Enjoy!
- Scott
tag: christian music

Stumble It!

Cool review of Ten Shekel Shirt live at Soulfest (July 30, 2008)

2008-07-31T16:06:00.003-04:00

Over on the Indie Vision Music blog there is a good review of a recent live performance by Ten Shekel Shirt ...

After reading this great review I am looking even more forward to the release of Jubilee on August 19, 2008.

Check out the review here.

- Scott
tag: christian music

Stumble It!

Chris Daughtry adds his voice to the new CD by Third Day, Revelation

2008-07-25T09:53:00.008-04:00

On Third Day's web site, they say :

Success has also earned them respect and admiration from other artists, and Revelation, the band’s 11th studio album, features some intriguing collaborations. Pedal steel guitar phenomenon Robert Randolph adds his distinctive flair to the raucous Southern-fried anthem “Otherside.” Chris Daughtry, a longtime Third Day fan, adds his unique voice on “Slow Down,” and Flyleaf’s Lacey Mosely lends her beautiful vocal the poignant ballad “Born Again.”

CCM Magazine says about ... the new effort :

The production on Revelation showcases a seasoned band working with a new-yet-veteran producer in Howard Benson (Flyleaf, P.O.D.). And the results are perhaps the band’s best work to date. It’s an industry legend stretching its wings, a sure-handed group choosing to experiment just enough. In other words, it’s the perfect combination.

Background vocals from Chris Daughtry and Lacey Mosley of Flyleaf deliver equally compelling moments on “Slow Down” and “Born Again” respectively

That's not all the band has been able to accomplish. They recently were on the cover of Billboard :

A recent cover of Billboard is the latest prize for Third Day—a first-ever accomplishment for a Christian band. It’s a sign that the band won’t have to worry too much about rejection in the future. And for a band already as big as they are, that’s an exciting proposition.

they were able to get big time mixer Brendan O'Brien :

“What was funny with this record is that we got everything we could have wanted,” says Anderson. “We’ve learned that the limitations that people feel for Christian music are self-imposed. We can prevent our own progression. If we could just be bold enough to go for what we really want, we might actually get it. We’ve learned this over the years. We wanted Brendan O’Brien [Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Train] to mix our albums for years, and we were told that it couldn’t happen. So finally, I just picked up the phone, called him myself and he said, ‘Oh yeah, I love the band. I’d love to do it.’ Along the way, people were just assuming he wouldn’t do it."

On working with Third Day and Chris Daughtry, Producer Howard Benson [ well-known for his work with Hoobastank, Daughtry, P.O.D. and Flyleaf ] says :

Benson says he wanted to work with Third Day because of the quality of Powell’s voice. “[The person] who really turned me on to Mac was Chris Daughtry,” Benson says. “I think Chris has one of the best voices in rock’n’roll right now and he kept telling me how great Mac was. He was right.

I am looking forward to picking up this one when it releases on July 29, 2008.

- Scott
tag: christian music

Stumble It!