The Velveteen Rabbit (DVD Review)
Mar 8, 2009 DVD Reviews
The Velveteen Rabbit
Anchor Bay Entertainment
Director Michael Landon Jr. revisits a classic childhood story in this new rendition of The Velveteen Rabbit. The new movie made a short appearance in the theaters this past February and it will be available on DVD mid March (2009). The story line follows a young lad (Toby) who has lost his mother, and his father, who is hiding in his work, sends him away to live with his overly proper grandmother. It is at the grandmother’s home, which was also his father’s childhood home, that Toby befriends a fluffy Velveteen Rabbit. The adventure follows as Toby looses himself in an animated world of make believe.
The story is both heartbreaking and uplifting as the drama unfolds. The acting is excellent and the overall quality of the production is equally impressive. I was particularly impressed with how the animation had a classic appearance as well. As a family friendly movie, I was highly impressed with the overall quality of the movie.
I would highly recommend The Velveteen Rabbit for families, however, although the movie is rated G, there are moments of peril that may be difficult for younger children to either deal with or understand. While previewing the movie I had a varied audience of a 2yr old, a 5yr old, 14yrs old, and the adults. All but the 2yr old were captivated from beginning to end, and I would not expect a 2yr old to really pay attention to anything other than Barney for that length of time.
- Ken W.
www.thevelveteenrabbitmovie.com
U2 – “No Line on the Horizon”
Mar 8, 2009 CD Reviews
U2
“No Line on the Horizon”
Universal Island Records
11 tracks @ 53:45
Grade = A-
How do you like your Christian music?
Do you like musicians that openly claim, “we’re a Christian band” and get played all over Christian radio? But as occasionally happens, musicians who wear the Christian label will release a record that, upon studying the lyrics, you have to wonder, “where is God in all of this?”
With their twelfth, and newest, studio release “No Line on the Horizon,” I dare claim that U-2 has made yet another record that is more “Christian” in its message than the work of quite a few Christian artists.
If there’s any doubt to my claim, please read the lyrics to “Magnificent,” “Moment of Surrender,” “Breathe,” “Cedars of Lebanon” and in particular “White as Snow.”
“White as Snow” is particularly fascinating because the tune is an arrangement of the Christmas song “O Come O Come Emmanuel.” I wonder how many secular music critics will pick up on that? In listening to the arrangement, I also wonder if U-2 was inspired by Kevin Max’s version of that song. If you do not understand the reference to “the lamb,” you haven’t been paying attention.
“Magnificent” has a reference to the “stations of the cross,” a throw-back to Bono’s Irish/Catholic background. There are many more clear Christian references in this record.
I can also see “I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight” becoming a “stadium rock” staple but also being as misconstrued as Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA.”
Now, is this going to rank as one of my faves from U-2? Lyrically, “No Line on the Horizon” is right up there with the band’s last studio effort, 2004′s “How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.” Sonically, however, it harkens back to “Zooropa,” a record that I don’t even own. I like my U-2 to rock. The new record is very atmospheric. Adam Clayton’s bass work is, however, outstanding.
The record is very worthwhile.
- Rob S.
Tags: No Line on the Horizon, U2
Seventh Day Slumber – Take Everything
Mar 8, 2009 CD Reviews
Seventh Day Slumber
Take Everything
BEC Recordings
Grade – A
Take Everything is the latest release from Seventh Day Slumber and the bands first worship album. I was pleasantly surprised as I started to listen to this CD. Right from the start with “How Great Is Our God,” I was wholly impressed with the quality of the new renditions of the ancient hymns and modern worship classics. The new arrangements are laden with huge guitar riffs making some rockin’ tunes.
One of the more modern tunes they take on is “Mighty To Save,” which still maintains its heartfelt worship moments along with the new more edgy soundtrack. The one song that I did not feel so good about was “I Can Only Imagine.” It just did not have as a natural feel with the SDS sound as the other songs did.
The story behind front man Joseph Roja has always been a key factor in the ministry of the band. More recently though the story has taken a new twist as, according to their MySpace information, Roja’s estranged father reinitiated contact with him again and eventually committed his life to Christ at a SDS concert. Another story that stuck out is how Roja realized as a father himself, his children were listening to his music and singing what he sings – which now includes praise and worship, songs pointing to the great God who has saved – and continues to save.
The new album is very exciting and probably the coolest thing to happen in the praise and worship genre for some time. For song samples and more information check out the SDS official web site at http://www.seventhdayslumber.com/.
- Ken W.
Bluetree – “God of This City”
Mar 8, 2009 CD Reviews
Bluetree
“God of This City”
Lucid Artist
13 tracks @ 70:46
Grade = B+
This is an excellent straight-ahead rock record in the tradition of delirous? and
U-2.
According to the band’s PR material, Bluetree has never been interested in writing feel-good worship songs that may incite a few goosebumps on Sunday morning, but don’t exactly inspire change and action once the church service has ended. The band confesses that the long history of bloodshed in Belfast once made their hearts grow numb, but no longer. Armed with encouraging words for a hurting world, Bluetree has made it a priority to live lives focused on missions.
A mission trip to Pattaya, Thailand, known for its sex-slave industry, inspired the song “God of This City.”
Vocalist Aaron Boyd says, “Growing up in Belfast means that we’ve grown used to people crying in church, begging God to change out city. I don’t know whether you become numb to it all, but I do know that I had never really had those kinds of feelings for a particular place. It all changed in Pattaya. The feelings of compassion took over and I started to just sing out what I knew was true about who God is to the people of the city. And that was when it felt like things started to happen.
“There’s so much pushing us into ourselves these days that I think we need daily reminders that we are called to be God’s hands and feet, that we are called to practically change people’s lives, that we are called to actually be hope in a hopeless situation.”
Standout tracks include the simple “For You.” The band demonstrates a range of musical styles, including several tone shifts in “God’s Plan.”
I hope this band and their message catches on in the states.
- Rob S.
www.bluetreeonline.co.uk
www.myspace.com/bluetreeonline
Tags: Bluetree
Sarah Kelly – “Live”
Mar 8, 2009 CD Reviews, DVD Reviews
Sarah Kelly
“Live”
Gotee Records
10 tracks @ 49:53
Grade = A-
Two-time Grammy nominee Sarah Kelly is in excellent form in this concert recorded during a performance in The Netherlands. The DVD that comes with this release also has an interview where Sarah talks about surviving 14 years of physical abuse.
Her interpretation of “Amazing Grace” is simply stunning. “Take Me Away” shines.
If you are not familiar with Sarah’s music or her background, this is a wonderful introduction. While the DVD has a few weird continuity errors, I enjoyed it more than the CD version of the concert.
- Rob S.
Tags: Sarah Kelly
The Fray
Mar 8, 2009 CD Reviews
The Fray
Self Titled
INO Records//Epic
Grade – B
I am not all that familiar with The Fray or their debut How to Save a Life, nor the fact that it was so wildly popular in 2005. Most likely because I do not listen to mainstream radio or watch a lot of network TV, but none-the-less, reading about their remarkable debut and the commercial success of the album, I am impressed. I am also thinking they have a lot to say to the CBA market about dealing with such success in their personal lives.
The new self-titled album seems to be full of struggles and uncertainty that I am sure was influenced by the events since the debut release. The main song that sticks out to me is “You Found Me,” which reads like a psalm of David – full of doubt and unending questions. We all struggle with life and faith and this song is a fair representation of that battle. As it is explained in the biographical information, the album is heavily influenced by disappointment, heartache, and the general struggle of keeping the faith.
For the most part, I can enjoy the music, especially the piano driven songs, but I was not overly impressed with the style. I just did not think it was all that different or stood out much. However, the power side to the album is most likely the lyrics and the brutal honesty that they display. I just wish though that there were a stronger message of hope. It is normal and perfectly acceptable to doubt and grieve, but there is hope and we should sing aloud about that as well.
- Ken W.
Tags: The Fray
Daniel Kirkley – As Tomorrow Comes
Mar 8, 2009 CD Reviews
Daniel Kirkley
As Tomorrow Comes
Centricity
Grade – B
The second EP from vocalist Daniel Kirkley is a small collection of songs that are a reflection of a life of worship. The song selection speaks of grace, hope, and the love of Christ. The style is quaint with Kirkley on the piano and some additional strings backing him up. Mostly it is just Kirkley at the piano and a cello.
Kirkley does a respectable job of rendering new (and personal) versions of songs by the likes of Matt Redman (“God of Our Yesterday”), Fernando Ortega (“Give Me Jesus”), and Nicole Nordeman (“Let Love Win”), and there is also an original song, “All Is Well,” co-written by Kirkley and Tony Wood.
This past Christmas season I was lucky to see Daniel Kirkley in concert on the Bethlehem Skyline tour. Because of this experience I would be more apt to pick up his latest release. Aside from that experience though, I do not believe that I have had much exposure to his music (via radio). It’s not my usual genre of choice, but if you’re looking for an acoustic style worship/inspirational album, then “As Tomorrow Comes” is a good place to start. The simplicity of the piano and cello along with the heartfelt singing bond the listener to the lyrics in a moving moment of worship.
- Ken W.
Tags: Daniel Kirkley
Israel Houghton – The Power of One
Mar 8, 2009 CD Reviews
Israel Houghton
The Power of One
Integrity Music
Grade – B+
Israel Houghton, the front leader of award winning Israel and New Breed, has a rich history of energetic and inspirational hits and his new solo CD, The Power of One, is no less remarkable and moving. The varieties of musical styles are commanding and the message is as powerful. The music ranges anywhere from gospel choir to reggae, funk and rock. The message is a call to action and a call to worship.
What if it all depended on me to change the world
What if my responsibility were to change the world…
…The Power of One
Joining the hundreds of millions of people
Believing in One – The Power of One
The soundtrack is really all over the place and there are several key individuals that make guest appearances on the album. Most notably, according to my taste, are TobyMac and Chevelle Franklin (a purported reggae vocal queen). With this much energy and variety, the album is bound to attract a varied audience. For song samples and more information check out http://www.myspace.com/israelandnewbreedofficial.
- Ken W.
Tags: Israel Houghton
Jeanne T. Arrigo & Friends – Favorite Hymns Live!
Mar 8, 2009 CD Reviews
Jeanne T. Arrigo & Friends
Favorite Hymns Live!
Independent
Grade – B
Favorite Hymns is a double cd set of ancient hymns recorded live at Jeanne Arrigo’s home church, the First Congregational Church of Wilmette. The “friends” portion of the band includes a variety of string players that add a nice country feel to many of the hymns.
The instruments include mandolin, violin, ukulele, a tin whistle, and guitar and piano to name a few. The varied combination really adds to the quality of the music selection. All of this of course is highlighted by the tender vocals of Jeanne T. Arrigo. Jeanne is a natural talent who has a heart for music and having been personally impacted by music, she knows how important music is in impacting others.
My only negative comment about the album is related to the introduction from the FCCW pastor. The pastor makes comments asserting the United Church of Christ’s opinions on marriage that other denomination or persons would not necessarily agree with – myself included. What impact this has on the music is debatable and the least of my complaints. However, as a product (in this case the CD), having a bold proclamation inserted and forever tied to it does have an impact on your audience. With the ultimate goal of impacting others through music the project would have been better served without the message.
Again, the album contains moving hymns and great musicianship and singing that make it stand out in many positive ways. More information can be found on Jeanne’s web site at http://www.jeannetarrigo.com.
- Ken W.
Tags: Favorite Hymns, Jeanne T. Arrigo
The Fine Line (Part 2)
Mar 8, 2009 Book Reviews
The Fine Line (Part 2)
Kary Oberbrunner
Zondervan
I have to admit since having written the introduction to this particular book review, I have only completed half the book. However, I have already found it to be a powerful weapon in my arsenal of instructional tools. Having recently given a three-part talk on culture and youth The Fine Line was an invaluable tool in helping to prepare for the discussion.
I have found that Kary’s writing helps the reader relate more personally to the issues. In some ways it moves you more emotionally and helps to give you a charge. The Fine Line helps to change the way you think and live. I look forward to completing the book and to using it further to make me “look” smart and “all-knowing” in front of the Jr. High and High School youth.
As a side note, when teaching I like to use multiple sources that compliment each other and a good compliment to this book is Unchristian by Kinnaman and Lyons (Baker Books).
- Ken W.
Tags: Kary Oberbrunner
