New Music Tuesday:Various Artists

Have you ever purchased an album and listened to it straight through? Have you ever done it twice…or even three times?

Normally, we find the songs we like and we find the songs we like skipping. By the third listen of an album we’ve gotten into a routine of how we listen to this particular album and rarely break the habit.

Well I have something amazing to report…the last 2 albums I bought – I listen to STRAIGHT THROUGH every time. And my listens have now hit the double digits. Now don’t get me wrong, there is some great music out there and these aren’t the only albums I listen to from start to finish…but I definitely think they’re worth recognizing as I was a bit surprised myself.

Album #1: Hawk Nelson’s “Live, Life, Loud”

It’s not much of a secret that I’m a fan of Hawk Nelson. I saw them 2 years ago at The Revolve Tour and own most of their albums. But let’s face it, they’re usually a bit on the teeny-bopper side. The music is fun and light (with the exception of their occasional “dark topic” song) and leaves you with a catchy chorus stuck in your head. But their 2009 release breaks the Hawk Nelson mold. Blame it on the fact that they’re now in their 20s or that they’ve been together since 2002, but this album is the best so far. It starts with the Live, Life, Loud party starter anthem, but makes its way to instruments never heard in their songs before (think violins) and lyrics that are deeper than their usual bounce in the car sing-a-long songs. Take a listen to these samples and then purchase their album – it really is good.

Album #2: Josh Garrels’ “Lost Animals”

I saw Josh at Cornerstone 2009 and was blown away by the depth of the lyrics he presented in his new music. I’m ashamed to say that it took me this long to buy his new album. This singer/songwriter took his usual eclectic style and turned it up to new levels. With lyrics that will bring your heart to the most humble place and instrument combinations that one wouldn’t expect to hear – Lost Animals is one of the most beautifully produced albums I’ve ever heard. The songs flow together and take you on a musical journey through the depths of his soul. Take a listen on his website: www.joshgarrels.com and then go support this amazing artist.  

New Music Tuesday:Various Artists

Have you ever purchased an album and listened to it straight through? Have you ever done it twice…or even three times?

Normally, we find the songs we like and we find the songs we like skipping. By the third listen of an album we’ve gotten into a routine of how we listen to this particular album and rarely break the habit.

Well I have something amazing to report…the last 2 albums I bought – I listen to STRAIGHT THROUGH every time. And my listens have now hit the double digits. Now don’t get me wrong, there is some great music out there and these aren’t the only albums I listen to from start to finish…but I definitely think they’re worth recognizing as I was a bit surprised myself.

Album #1: Hawk Nelson’s “Live, Life, Loud”

It’s not much of a secret that I’m a fan of Hawk Nelson. I saw them 2 years ago at The Revolve Tour and own most of their albums. But let’s face it, they’re usually a bit on the teeny-bopper side. The music is fun and light (with the exception of their occasional “dark topic” song) and leaves you with a catchy chorus stuck in your head. But their 2009 release breaks the Hawk Nelson mold. Blame it on the fact that they’re now in their 20s or that they’ve been together since 2002, but this album is the best so far. It starts with the Live, Life, Loud party starter anthem, but makes its way to instruments never heard in their songs before (think violins) and lyrics that are deeper than their usual bounce in the car sing-a-long songs. Take a listen to these samples and then purchase their album – it really is good.

Album #2: Josh Garrels’ “Lost Animals”

I saw Josh at Cornerstone 2009 and was blown away by the depth of the lyrics he presented in his new music. I’m ashamed to say that it took me this long to buy his new album. This singer/songwriter took his usual eclectic style and turned it up to new levels. With lyrics that will bring your heart to the most humble place and instrument combinations that one wouldn’t expect to hear – Lost Animals is one of the most beautifully produced albums I’ve ever heard. The songs flow together and take you on a musical journey through the depths of his soul. Take a listen on his website: www.joshgarrels.com and then go support this amazing artist.  

New Music Tuesday: Josh Garrels

Many of you have heard me mention the name Josh Garrels before but it’s come to my attention that he’s never actually been a “spotlight” in my blog…until now

For those who haven’t heard, Josh Garrels is a singer/songwriter out of the mid-west. I was first drawn to him because he was a young artist sitting on a stage with a guitar and a boombox. I was first drawn to his music when I heard him do an amazing cover of “Killing me Softly.” And I was first drawn to his albums when I heard the rest of his passionate, Christ-filled set.

Josh’s music is a mix of folk, indie acoustic rock and hip-hop and if you don’t know what that sounds like, then you sure better check him out! Along with a brand new website, he just released a new album entitled “Lost Animals” that is more developed musically than many bands I hear on a daily basis. The song “rainbow” brought me to tears at Cornerstone this past year and I know the rest of the album is just as amazing. So check him out. I plan on making his newest release a part of my Josh Garrels mp3 collection real soon

Oh the Memories…of Cornerstone 2009

So, it’s the much anticipated blog about my trip to Cornerstone. Maybe it’s not so anticipated but I’ve sure been anxious to write it. So much happened between the end of June and beginning of July that it’s actually been a real challenge to write this blog. So here we go…and I’m sure I’ll forget 50 things.

Top Moments on our trip:

• Seeing House of Heroes live again. Everytime I see them they get better and better. It touched me how genuine Tim said “thank you guys” after playing. I love when fans are truly appreciated and loved. And just a side note, Colin smiled the whole time. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a drummer smile so much. It’s so contagious.

• Seeing Bradley Hathaway upclose for his live set and then meeting him the day after.  What an amazingly true and humble guy. And soo talented.
• Discovering/visiting the Christmas Story house & museum in Cleveland, Ohio. What a surprisingly fun day.
• Talking to the guy at the Black and White Attire booth. I’m so excited to wear my new shirt. It’s such an amazing feeling knowing the company whos shirt you’re wearing and knowing the full story behind the design.
• Meeting the worship leaders of The Alive Band and getting to worship with them Saturday morning in the rain. I’ve listened to their cd 4 times already haha.
• Morning worship almost every day. It’s so exciting to be in a tent filled with the holy spirit and people craving a touch from God. Especially people from all different denominations and locations.
• Sitting around the campsite talking to my Cornerstone friends of old and new. Kairsie, Dave, Kevin, Fitzpatrick, Brooks, Tim, Joel, Adam, Dima, Jeremy, Alex, random band members of The Ember Days aannd I’m probably forgetting someone…sorry about that if I did.
• Spending hours and hours of quality time with Chris. We grow closer every year we go away. This year was even better than usual. I love you

• Watching Josh Garrels play and literally crying during his set. His music is so powerful.

• Meeting and then watching Everfound. This young band WILL be going very far if they stay close to God. They led great, genuine worship and carry a very powerful message. Please don’t turn into the Christian Jonas Brothers (haha, inside joke.)

• The music seminars with Ryot Entertainment and Traa from P.O.D. They really helped Chris and I get a focus for his next project and re-directed our vision. Then getting to talk to Traa for a while just topped it off. The future is looking SO good and exciting.
• Sneaking away to the Imaginarium to watch part of Lars and the Real Girl. Watching a movie under a tent while it’s raining was very romantic
• Learning common word mix-ups between the US and England and New Zealand. The world we live in is pretty funny sometimes.
• Sitting in the press tent listening to Grandfather Rock talk about Becky and the DCBoys haha. We learned a lot from him.
• Sitting outside with my blanket reading my bible and hearing from God. Man there is nothing like it. Then the humor of DJ Dima and I trying to light a candle for 20 minutes. Then joined by other boys. Insert a “how many people does it take” joke here.
• The fact that Tim was the only person to grab my camera and take a picture with me. It meant a lot to me – I spent the whole week taking pictures of them lol.
• Joel buying me tea when I didn’t feel good. The smallest thing really meant a lot to Chris and I. Thanks buddy!!
• Taking pictures of people doing what they love to do. I’m looking forward to sharing with everyone soon.
• And I saved the best memory for last…learning the meaning of grace. The entire week I felt God showing me, teaching me and demonstrating to me what the meaning of God’s grace is. It was everywhere and I cried every time I saw it. The true knowledge that we are who we are because of God’s grace is so overwhelming that there really are no words to describe it. I’m so amazed by the wonder and awe that our creator is.

Well..I know I have more memories to share but I’m a bit spent. If I feel the need to share more I will. Photos are on my facebook. If you aren’t my facebook friend then just send me an email or comment and I’ll send you some photos