Falling Up – Fangs!
Apr 6, 2009 CD Reviews
Falling Up
Fangs!
BEC Recordings
Grade – B-
Upon the first listen, I immediately felt the “coolness” of this project called Fangs!. I knew from the sounds of “Lotus and the Languorous” that this was going to be different. What I did not know was that it was a concept album based on a sort of science-fiction theme. I just assumed that Falling Up was into using mysterious titles and lyrics as an artistic expression. Which actually is the case, if you consider the premises of telling a sci-fi story through music. However, my first few weeks listening to the project was via the iPod shuffle and without the assistance of the liner notes or biography. When I was completely baffled by the titles and meanings, I began to search a little deeper. That is when I read the bio page on BEC’s web site and all of it started to make more sense.
So you have this wildly imaginative story and some really cool background music. To use a few of the bands self-proclaimed comparisons (from the bio) it is like a Pink Floyd album meets a Lord of the Rings tale. I myself would not go as far as comparing it to Pink Floyd. It’s not quite as abstract or weird as PF. The music is however very cool and multi-layered. The over arching sound is atmospheric with a lot of synthesizer and guitar mixed with spacey vocals. Another part of the multi-layered sound are the numerous instrumental parts that the band admits may be hard to replicate live.
I am drawn to the project more because the music and less because of the story. However, over time, and with a little research on the story, I am sure that it will grow on me. Much like the Reese Roper lead Brave Saint Saturn concept albums, Fangs! makes you think. If you don’t like to work your intellect while listening to music, then just enjoy the sound and forget about the story. The listener is not left completely hanging either. The CD comes with extensive liner notes helping to explain the characters and the story in general.
It will be interesting to see if the band continues with this new style. It is completely possible that they will alienate some of their former fan base or at least turn off potential new fans by taking a chance with a concept album. That may just be a gamble Falling Up (and BEC really) is willing to take in order to make a unique artistic expression as Fangs! is.
- Ken W.
http://www.myspace.com/fallingup
Tags: Falling Up, Fangs!
Phillip LaRue – Let the Road Pave Itself
Apr 6, 2009 CD Reviews
Phillip LaRue
Let the Road Pave Itself
BEC Recordings
Grade – B+
As you may recall, Phillip LaRue was half of the sibling duo aptly known as “LaRue.” Phillip and his sister Natalie recorded three projects together as “LaRue” and did some extensive touring as well. The duo was in their teens at the time and this particular endeavor ended after Natalie was later wed. Phillip went on working on music in the background by both producing and writing songs for others. Let the Road Pave Itself then marks Phillips’ return to the forefront of the music business.
The coolest thing about this whole process is that it is very evident that Phillip has grown and matured as an artist. In some ways it is a survival story. I say that because being thrust into a life on the road at age 16 can be very difficult and in some ways destructive. The duo had their fair share of difficulties as they recorded and toured. It is easy to tell from Phillip’s solo debut that he has grown musically out of all this.
The recording process of Let the Road Pave Itself also shows a bit of confidence as Phillip choose to stay with a more organic format, recording live in the studio with a band instead of mixing tracks and using digital trickery to make the final product.
The total accumulation of his experiences, growth and confidence has given new life to the singer/songwriter genre. There is an evident urgency in his voice as he sings deeply personal songs about life – the painful and the joyful – all with an impending hope – “I want to chase the daylight like it’s the last day of my life” (“Chasing the Daylight”).
It is to his credit that Phillip has chosen to come back to the forefront of recording and that he was willing to take a risk in focusing on the creative process instead of following market trends. I highly recommend checking out Let the Road Pave Itself by starting at Phillip LaRue’s official website.
- Ken W.
Tags: Phillip LaRue
Delirious? – My Soul Sings
Apr 6, 2009 CD Reviews
Delirious?
My Soul Sings
Sparrow Records
Grade – A
Not too long ago Delirious? announced their intentions to “take a break” from touring and recording. The scheduled break comes at the end of 2009 as the band makes its final rounds of a multi-country tour. The current release, My Soul Sings, is a live compilation of the history of the band including hits from 1997 – 2008. The new project is also being packaged as a CD/DVD combo.
I have always agreed that Delirious? is one of the best live bands – period – and therefore the new project is a nice addition to my collection of CD’s. However, I would imagine that as they wrap up the year they would be making a live recording of their farewell tour. I’m not sure then if My Soul Sings is it and as they play the last show, they will just wrap it up and put it all away in storage.
From what I can tell the current DVD is only of the concert and does not include any extras. I think that any farewell project deserves more than that and I have to believe that there will be another DVD with a few more behind the scene extras.
It’s a toss up really, is it worth the purchase now or would it be better to wait and see if there is a “final” live recording. Either way, there is no denying the fact that the current project is meaningful for Delirious? fans, but it seems to be out of time or order. Keep an eye on their official website for updates and final tour dates.
- Ken W.
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=36052381&blogId=412942840
http://www.delirious.co.uk/html/
Tags: Delirious?
Mercy Me – 10
Apr 6, 2009 CD Reviews
Mercy Me
“10”
INO Records
Grade – A
This recording marks the 10th anniversary of the “writing” of Mercy Me’s signature song, “I Can Only Imagine.” The CD/DVD set is loaded with #1 songs and videos from the span of their career. The videos are a mix of concept videos and live concert footage. The concert footage is the best as it includes commentary and some testimony from the band. There is also a copy of the bands appearance on the Gospel Music Channel’s “Faith and Fame” program and a behind the scenes look at the song “I Can Only Imagine.” The CD portion of the project also contains some new materials with a new orchestrated version of “I Can Only Imagine.”
Typically I would not consider scoring a greatest hits CD, as it is not a totally original piece of work. However, I do believe this compilation goes beyond the usual best-of project. The addition of the videodisc is a huge plus and a must have for Mercy Me fans. As I was listening to the music I was reminded of how deep the songs have touched myself and I am sure many others. Like I said, this is a must for any Mercy Me fan as it is more than just a compilation of songs. It’s a history of the band.
Ken W.
Tags: Mercy Me
Ronnie Milsap – Then Sings My Soul
Apr 6, 2009 CD Reviews
Ronnie Milsap
Then Sings My Soul
Star Song Music
Grade – A
As a child, my father was the master and commander of the radio, whether it be in the house or the car. Therefore, I grew up listening to country and western music, or what I would now call “classic” country. The kind of country that often sang of the Gospel. One of the artist I remember listing to during this time was Ronnie Milsap. When I first saw Milsap on TV promoting his new CD, Then Sings My Soul, it brought back a flood of memories from that time. I thought immediately how awesome it was that Milsap was now recording a Gospel album.
Like I said, many a country singer would sing the Gospel while their private lives were either contradictory or not really known (or promoted). I do not remember anything negative about Milsap’s lifestyle so that kind of puts him in the second realm of my statement. With this release, Ronnie is professing that his faith has always remained an important part of his life.
In his bio, Ronnie recalls an interesting story of how his parents would take him to revival after revival hoping to have him cured of his blindness. When the intervention did not cure him, his parents assumed that it was a lack of faith on his part. However, as I noted, Ronnie states that his faith was “unwavering.”
While the new CD contains classic hymns the arrangements are new and interesting. This is evident from the start of CD 1 with “I’ll Fly Away” which has been recorded at a much slower tempo than usual. There are also a couple of mainstream songs that show up on the album including “What a Difference You Made In My Life,” and “Stand By Me,” the later of which has new lyrics tagged to it that make it a fitting praise song. There are also at least three newer songs, including “Up To Zion” which has a revival type sound.
Overall I love the traditional songs and the new arrangements. The combination of the vocals of legendary Ronnie Milsap, the new songs, and the new renditions of the two secular songs, all together add character to the album that in turn reignites the classic hymns in a new and interesting way. For more information check out www.ronniemilsap.com.
- Ken W.
Tags: Ronnie Milsap
Kari Jobe
Apr 6, 2009 CD Reviews
Kari Jobe
Self-Titled
Integrity Music
Grade – B+
Kari Jobe is a worship pastor at the Gateway Church located near the Dallas/Fort Worth area and she has previously been featured on the Gateway Church CD’s also released on Integrity Music. Kari has lived a life inside the church as a missionary’s daughter and the music of the church caught her attention early. Her desire was so strong for music that she decided to pursue this avenue and eventually landed a full-time position leading worship at Gateway.
The self-titled debut contains a number of original songs that are either written or co-written by Kari Jobe. Some of the noted co-writers on the project include Ed Cash, Chris Tomlin, Paul Baloche, Mia Fields and Klaus Kuehn. The songs have a reflective airy sound that is intimate and touching. The intimacy of the songs is further highlighted by the sweet voice of Kari Jobi. I found that as I listened to the songs I was absorbed in the worship and lyrics. These are the right songs for many occasions whether that is a quite time of solitude or a time of corporate worship.
Kari Jobe is quite authentic and the freshness of her blend of pop/worship is commendable. I highly recommend checking out her new project and listening to her testimony on her official website http://www.karijobe.com/.
- Ken W.
Tags: Kari Jobe
RED – Innocence & Instinct
Apr 6, 2009 CD Reviews
RED
Innocence & Instinct
Essential
Grade – B
Innocence & Instinct is the sophomore project from Christian rock band RED. The album is already doing well on the charts as the first single “Fight Inside” debuted at No. 1 on Radio & Records Christian Rock chart back in November 2007.
While there are at least a half-dozen catchy rock-radio-formatted songs, the one that I like the most is the Duran Duran remake, “Ordinary World.” It’s a survival song that goes well with the theme of the album. As described by the band, “A lifetime is spent in this internal tug of war between who we really are and who we hope to be.”
Personally the sophomore album has not had as big an impact on me as their debut, probably because of the familiarity of the sound from their debut (which is still high on my favorites list). However, that’s not to say that the new CD is not fresh. The new songs are just as powerful with their big sound and redemptive message. The big guitars and added orchestrations are very moving when combined with the commanding vocals. I think Innocence & Instinct is a solid project and a great addition to RED’s repertoire.
- Ken W.
Tags: RED
Randy Travis – Three Wooden Crosses
Apr 6, 2009 CD Reviews
Randy Travis
Three Wooden Crosses
Word Records
Three Wooden Crosses is a greatest hits compilation from one of Country music’s most prolific voices. A lot of time has passed since “Diggin’ Up Bones” hit the charts over 20 years ago, but one thing is for certain, Randy Travis’ voice is still highly recognizable. Travis’ more recent history however has him singing a different tune, as he sticks primarily to Gospel music. Three Wooden Crosses is a 20-song collection from more recent Gospel projects.
You could list page after page of accolades, hits, and accomplishments of Randy’s (and his web site does) and all of it could hardly be summed up in one project, however, the inspirational side of this project is as close as you can get to that goal. I think Travis may even question all the accolades himself when he sings the lyrics of “Faith In You.”
A few of the highlights of the album include duets with fellow country singer John Anderson, the equally recognizable voice of Mac Powell and a combo with the Blind Boys of Alabama. For a complete listing of songs check out Randy Travis’ official website at http://www.randytravis.com/.
- Ken W.
Tags: Randy Travis
Revive – Chorus of the Saints
Apr 6, 2009 CD Reviews
Revive
Chorus of the Saints
Essential
Grade – C+
Chorus of the Saints is the debut release from Essential pop/rock band Revive. The new CD combines a healthy dose of rock and Gospel. The band has been together for a few years playing schools and churches in their homeland of Sydney, Australia. While on an overseas tour the band caught the ear of Third Day front man Mac Powell. With a bit of mentoring and encouragement from Mac, the bands eventually relocated to Atlanta, Georgia and then subsequently were signed to Essential Records (the label home of Third Day).
The music is vibrant and catchy, and the major benefits of this CD are the fresh new tracks that have a strong worship theme. I have had a hard time finding something other than the new songs that make the band stick out, as the music is somewhat generalized to the genre. It is fairly common otherwise, but the catchy sound did initially grab my attention. I think that for a debut it is going to prove to be a strong release, reassuring the band that making the big step of moving to Atlanta well worth the sacrifice and effort.
As they say, this is one to keep an eye on.
- Ken W.
http://reviveband.com
Tags: Revive
Can Can – All Hell
Apr 6, 2009 CD Reviews
Can Can
All Hell
Stick Figure
Grade = C+
The band Can Can is defined as a Jewish Punk Rock band although only 1/3 of the band is of the Jewish faith. However, the lyrics are heavily influenced by the Jewish religion and the themes are spiritual in nature. Admittedly, the lyrics are a bit cryptic, but the point of the band is not to play to the church or in the church. Their intent is to just play good music while at the same time letting their faith clandestinely emanate from their music.
The debut album, All Hell, is a decent recording, the music is tight and the production is as well. The music is interesting and full of power chords and all out jams. The lyrics flow effortless with rhythmic palpitations that jam as well. The song lyrics were available on the bands MySpace page. I found that it helped to have the lyrics, while at the same time the vocals are clear enough and the production is done well enough that they are not necessary to get the point of the songs.
Overall I thought that the debut was a great CD and the only reason I would not give it a higher mark is because of the genre (not a big fan myself). The punk genre is to me somewhat limited in its reach beyond the youth. Also, there is no indication of the extent of the bands Jewish faith or if it they are Messianic Jews, just something that would matter to me personally.
Each generation has to have its own and for the youth of today I think they are fortunate to have quality music and if your youth is into punk then Can Can is worth looking into. Check out their official MySpace page at www.myspace.com/cancanband.
- Ken W.
Tags: Can Can
