Very cool news. March 6, 2008

One of my Favorite musicians Andrew Peterson has written a new book called “On The Edge Of The Sea Of Darkness” and I have been chosen to review the book here on my blog.  My Blog will be linked over to his site and the publishers site for all the world to see.

Andrew is a great christian folk singer.  And he has a great site called The Rabbit Room.  Where he and various other singer, songwriter, authors, and pastors write articles on movies, books, music, life.  It is a great place to spend a couple hours.  

The problem is that after visiting there I become very aware that my writing skills are really nonexistent.  I am quite intimidated by it all.

The book is being mailed out to me today so look for the review around the 17th.

Later,

Billy

New Music January 24, 2008

I didn’t intend to write a ton of music reviews on here, but I find myself falling in love with a set of EP’s.  Jon Foreman (lead singer of Switchfoot) has released 2 EP’s called “Fall” and “Winter.”  They are released together in a 2 disc format.  This is NOT typical Switchfoot!  They are slow, acoustic, and as Jon describes on his website “deeply personal.”  He is also quick to say that he has not left Switchfoot, but rather the band encouraged him to release these songs on his own as they weren’t quite right for the band but songs that needed to be heard.  He Has another set of EP’s “Spring” and “Summer” Releasing this summer.

He tackles subjects like doubt, death, belonging, and how we as Christians are very good at doing evil.  He even talks about standing before his creator in judgment.  It is one of those albums that I can’t take out of my CD player for fear I might miss something.  At first listen it sounds very depressing and dark but as you listen you can sense that hope and change is on the horizon and then it hits.

Musically it is very simple.  Acoustic Guitar and one other instrument.  Sax on this song Cello on that song.  He melds the 2 instruments so well that you don’t miss whats missing.  It sounds full and complete.

Do yourselves a favor and pick this CD up.  Even if you aren’t a fan of Switchfoot or Christian music in General you will love this CD.

 Later,

Billy

Excellence January 15, 2008

I wrote a blog the other day in response to a blog about the lack of excellence in Christian music and Christian art as a whole.  Which has lead to more thoughts.

!st.  My Pastor Spoke a while back on the idea of excellence.  It is also a running theme in our staff meetings.  The idea of doing things with excellence can seem daunting, and unattainable.  However striving for excellence and doing things as excellently as WE can, is a spiritual act of worship.  If we skimp out on things and take the easy way out that is not only a reflection on us but also our Creator.  And I don’t think he took the easy road in creating us.

2nd.  I forgot to mention one of my favorite Christian artists.  He is Derek Webb, formerly(and i guess now currently) a member of Caedmon’s call.  He has several albums all with an acoustic folksy style.  He is NOT the typical Right wing christian.  In fact in one of his songs he says that the 2 biggest lies he has heard is first “if you eat of the fruit of this tree you WILL NOT surly Die” (the snake to eve) and second “that Jesus Christ was/is a white middle class republican.”  Talk about not mailing it in.  He constantly challenges “the way things are.”  There is no fluff with this cat, he is completely sold out to finding the heart of God where ever it may be.

3rd.  Check out my friend Jeff’s Blog.  he is a member of our church’s lead team and a thinker.  Picture the statue of the guy on the toilet entitled “the thinker.”  That is Jeff.  Anyway he sparked a little controversy and personally I think it is great.  He is seeking out some biblical truth and could use some input.  Who would of thought someone looking to the bible for answers would be so criticized?

Later,

Billy

Christian Music January 12, 2008

I read a Blog from “the New Guy” on the Team at my church http://jasonfoundthisinteresting.blogspot.com/.  In it he talks about his inner struggle with the fact that “christian Radio” one of his loves now sucks. (my words not his).  This is due largely to the fact that Christan Music artists all copy each others music and don’t make any attempt at breaking out into something new and diffrent.  I can understand the hesitancy of an artist to break with whats gotten them here.  But at some point you just stop being relevant.  sure people still like you and might even by your music.  But there is a segment of people out there that stop caring and start searching for something new.  Or in the case of Jason stop searching and “break up.”

I am going to take on a huge name in christian Music at show you why I can’t stand to listen to thier “music.”  Many of you I am sure love them and will disagree with me but really Casting Crowns is Horrible.  There Music is simple(no depth) 3 chords, and a relative minor do make a song but not an interesting one.  Their Lyrics are FULL of Cliche’ sayings and they even branded a new one “life song”  which if you listened to the entire album they used it in 4 different songs.  Some will say “the songs challenge me,” or “I like it because I can sing to it.”  Good for you.  The Problem is that you can sing along to the song even if it is your first time hearing it.  It’s predictable, and to quote the bare naked ladies “it’s all been done, woo hoo hoo it’s all been doooooone befoooore.”  They bore me.  People like Chris Tomlin in his book “the way I was made” confesses to writing songs that are catchy. 

Now I know these people love Jesus.  I don’t have a speck of doubt about that.  I am saying they aren’t trying hard enough to be excellent at what they are doing.  Stop copying “hit” songs from other albums.  Leave that to worship bands at churches (of which I am a member.)  Challenge us out of ourselves, into something bigger.  Don’t repeat the same sayings bring something fresh.  Hey even if you just change how it is said you have given it new breath.

Jason Morant on his album open (5 out of 5*)  writes on track 6 “With hearts aflame and voices raised they will celebrate, the day when lost will be found when every knee will…” 90% of christian songwriters out there would finish this line by saying the simple and easy “bow.”  Jason Morant say the same thing but paints a much diffrent picture. he finishes his line like this “With hearts aflame and voices raised they will celebrate, the day when lost will be found when every knee will hit the ground”  it is simple and profound.  Best of all When I was attempting to sing along with it the first time I heard it I was struck that he didn’t go with the safe easy way out he took it to a diffrent level.

so I leave you with a list of artists some that are truly new to the scene and some I have loved for years.

Jason Morant- Fryish with amazing musicianship.  He actually has a banjo player in a non bluegrass band.

Sara Groves- Next to my wife the only women I just want to hug and not let go.  She to me is the definition of a beautiful soul.  she writes with depth and an open sincere heart.  she is amazing.  folksy-poppy-and perfect.

Fernando Ortega- a mellow James Taylor with a piano.  He has 2 worship albums that are perfect for ushering you into an amazing time of an open heart and mind to God.

Red & Disciple- Both hard aggressive Rock bands that aren’t afraid to speak the name of Christ and then melt your face with kicking guitars.

Cross movement and the 116 clique- Rap taken to a higher level.  they acctually rap Bible lessons. and tell you to go out and by commentaries and a bible and study the word.  Hardcore Christians with an amazing God given gift.

Andrew Peterson- singer songwriter outstanding talent and depth.

RSB- The Robbie Seay(see) band If you have seen the comercials for the new season of American idol you have heard their song “rise.”  They are fresh and sing from the heart.  His voice is the perfect mix of raspy and passion.

MeWithoutYou-  Blue man group esque music with an edge meets spoken(almost yelled) word/ poetry.  Amazing lyrics and vocals meet off the hook musicianship.

Shane and Shane, Bethany Dillon(who is engaged to Shane #1), Phil Wickham, Matt Kearney,  Shawn McDonald, Watermark.  All amazing all the time.

1 last shout out to a CD that is all songs you have heard but the artists involved have given the new life “Sing over me.”  Christie Nockels, B. Dillon, Janna Long, Erin O’ Donnell, and Nicole Nordeman, take worship songs and bring them down to a basic acoustic guitar and piano level.  and then let their voice and heart do the rest.  Sit quietly and let God whisper to you while you listen to this Cd.  It will Change your view of Christian Music.

Later

Billy