Stryper – Murder By Pride
Aug 7, 2009 CD Reviews
Stryper
Murder By Pride
Big 3 Records
Grade – B+
Murder By Pride marks the full reunion of the original Stryper. The album along with a 25th Anniversary Tour is a triumphant return of the historic crossover hair-band of the 80’s. Listening to the CD it is like they just picked up right where they left off, as they stick closely to the traditional Stryper sound. Lots of guitar solos and plenty of vocal high-notes pervade the entire album.
While they built the entire album around their roots, two of the most notable tracks along the traditional lines are the title track, “Murder By Pride,” and “My Love.” I love that classic sound and especially the screeching guitar solos. That’s something that seems to be left out by artist today.
The proven formula works great throughout, with awesome solos in “Eclipse For the Son,” “4 Leaf Clover,” and “Murder By Pride.” Another guitar great is the cover of Boston’s “Peace of Mind” that features Tom Scholz of Boston. I am not sure of the original connection, or how he was initially became involved with Boston, but since the death of Boston’s Brad Delp, Michael Sweet has been performing and recording with the band. It will be interesting to see how this all develops as well.
Back to Murder By Pride, the themes or topics of interest on the album include misplaced trust (“4 Leaf Clover”), forgiveness (“Mercy Over Blame”), and of course, pride (“Murder By Pride”). While they have stuck to their roots the new songs are still fresh and original. With all this new material and nine other Stryper albums to draw from, the reunion tour should be amazing.
The new album is hot. Old Stryper fans finally have something to put on their iPod’s that their children may actually listen to as well.
- Ken W.
Tags: Murder By Pride, Stryper
Skillet – Awake
Aug 7, 2009 CD Reviews
Skillet
Awake
Ardent Records
Grade – A
It’s hard to believe that it has been 3 years since Comatose was released. Comatose was/is a huge success for Skillet and to follow that up with anything less than a phenomenal CD would be a shame. No need to worry though, Awake is a mighty strong follow-up with just as much power and potential as Comatose. The first two singles include “Hero,” and on the mainstream side, it’s “Monster.” Both are cutting edge hard-rock tunes of epic proportions.
Another highlight on the album is the addition of drummer Jen Ledger. Aside from drumming, Jen offers her voice on a few of the lead tracks. Her voice is angelic and it adds a whole new dimension to the sounds of Skillet. I can also say from experience that she can carry the same tune live while she is drumming, just as well as it can be done in the studio.
The best part of all this is the spiritual content of the album. Skillet could easily have watered down its substance but that is not the case with Awake. While the music is reaching beyond the Christian boundaries, the content has remained true to a greater cause. Like “Hero,” which is about seeking Christ as our ultimate hero, while “Monster” deals with the conflicting nature of sin and spirituality, becoming a new person in Christ, and lastly, “Forgiven,” an overtly Christian song about forgiveness.
If they don’t tire out too much from the hardcore touring of Comatose, the latest album is going to further energize their live show and please panheads all the more.
- Ken W.
MIKESCHAIR
Aug 7, 2009 CD Reviews
MIKESCHAIR
Self-Titled
Curb Records
Grade – B+
The self-titled debut from MIKESCHAIR is a finely crafted piece of work. It is quite a statement to list four sounds on the CD case as “hits.” Right now however, the only individual song I see on the Billboard charts is “Can’t Take Away” and it is at #25. The album itself does not show in the Top 25 on Billboard. Surely that will change as charts always do, and I do not think it is overly presumptuous to assume MIKESCHAIR will be all over the charts.
Like I said, the album is finely crafted and thus tuned for radio play. It’s a good mix of rock with a twist of modern rock (keys/synth). There is a steady grove throughout the album and you could almost successfully release any of the songs as a single. A few of the contributing writers that helped out with the album are veterans Jason Ingram and Matt Bronleewe. This collaboration may have a lot to do with the success of the album.
The band met at Belmont University in Tennessee and together they worked their way into a recording contract with Curb records. Furthermore, the band members also received degrees from the “Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business” at Belmont. Interesting connection.
The album is widely accessible and it will be a big boost in the bands charge summed up in “Keep Changing the World.” Music can be a viable tool when it comes to inspiring social action. Combine that with worship and the gospel message and you have a real winner.
- Ken W.
Tags: MIKESCHAIR
VeggieTales – Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Noah’s Umbrella
Aug 7, 2009 DVD Reviews
VeggieTales
Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Noah’s Umbrella
Big Idea
The Search for Noah’s Umbrella is the second Indiana Jones-like adventure for Minnesota Cuke. This adventure centers on a lesson in confidence and it is inspired by the Biblical tale of Noah’s Ark. While there is no ark involved the new episode, it does draw an important lesson from Noah’s story. That being the fact that considering no one knew anything of floods in Noah’s time, Noah still listened to God and built an ark. It’s easy to imagine the taunting and ridicule that Noah would have faced. In the face of that pressure Noah continued to do what was right and what God commanded.
For Minnesota Cuke there is an internal battle to do what is right in spite of how people perceive him. Minnesota Cuke was embarrassed to do certain things that were directed and because of it he missed out on important clues. Cuke also learns that doing things the easy way may not always be the right way. There are other positive elements in the current tale, including some decent facts about the ark and good examples of friends helping friends. Many examples could be drawn from this lesson considering today’s cultural climate. It has to be particularly hard to live an upright and righteous lifestyle in the face of so much antagonism towards Christian morals and standards.
The Search for Noah’s Umbrella is a respectable addition to the Veggie series and Minnesota Cuke may well be on the way to being a well loved character like LarryBoy.
The next Veggie-venture is already lined up for Christmas (Saint Nicholas: A Story of Joyful Giving). You can also find the new VeggieTales iPhone/iTouch application on the iTunes website.
- Ken W.
Tags: Minnesota Cuke, VeggieTales
Glory Revealed II – The Word of God in Worship
Aug 7, 2009 CD Reviews
Glory Revealed II
The Word of God in Worship
Reunion Records
Grade – A
The second in a series of collaboration albums, Glory Revealed: The Word of God in Worship, includes contributions by 21 different artist. The album was produced in a retreat-like atmosphere at a remote location called “The Lodge.” Collectively, the contributors set out to create a project that is anchored in scripture. The overall sound of the collection is described as “organic.” In essence it is all worship oriented, but sonically it bounces al over the place from southern gospel to coffee shop acoustic. A few of my favorites include the lively gospel tune “Wake Up, Oh Sleeper,” the country styled “How Great,” and “Praise the Lord” a duo sung by Natalie Grant and Laura Story. Aside from the inspiring music, there are additional resources like a corresponding Bible study written by speaker and author David Nasser. For more information visit www.gloryrevealed.com.
- Ken W.
pureNRG – The Real Thing
Aug 7, 2009 CD Reviews
pureNRG
The Real Thing
Fervent Records
Grade – B
Having started with a negative impression of tween Disney-inspired music, I am glad that I put that all aside and gave this album a listen. The Real Thing goes deep and presents a stronger gospel message than what I have heard in this genre generally. That was a real plus for me. One of the best examples is the funky “Savior” which is both entertaining and straightforward. Along with “Live to Worship,” and “Sweet Jesus” it all gives the project a very focused message. While the message is strong, the delivery is still focused at the tween generation, but they include a fun rendition of “Footloose” for the parents.
- Ken W.
Tags: pureNRG
Jeff Johnson – Amazed
Aug 7, 2009 CD Reviews
Jeff Johnson
Amazed
Independent
Grade – B
The 5-song EP Amazed is a respectable sample of passionate worship fitting for personal and corporate worship. Will Hunt, a familiar name in the area of worship music, produced the album. Jeff Johnson himself has been working the worship field at least since 2003 with the start of the Jeff John Ministries. Jeff also appeared on the famed American Idol during the shows fourth season in 2005.
As a worship artist, Jeff’s passion is evident in the songs on this EP. The songs have a strong corporate worship band sound, but they could easily be played out in a more acoustical setting as well. For sure, the lyrical content is solid and the EP should certainly expand the reach of the Jeff Johnson Band.
For more on Jeff Johnson and the Amazed EP check out http://www.myspace.com/jeffjohnsonmusic.
- Ken W.
Tags: Jeff Johnson
Mr. Del – Thrilla
Aug 7, 2009 CD Reviews
Mr. Del
Thrilla
Holy South Records
Grade – B+
The field of rap and hip-hop is narrow when it comes to the Christian market. Personally, I have very little exposure to the genre aside from the review copies that happen across my desk. Even though I may not be able to appreciate the genre I feel I need to be an advocate for the artist. There is no other genre, of music that has a greater field of resistance both from the general public and from the “Christian” church. Those listening to this genre are in need of the Gospel as much as any other.
That being said, Thrilla is an epic album when it comes to carrying out this mission. With a strong dose of gospel and a high-impact and energetic soundtrack, Mr Del lays out over an hour of sweet rhymes. A former member of the hardcore rap group Three 6 Mafia, Mr Del is a well-seasoned emcee. Thrilla is his third solo release and the first on the Holy South Label.
Thrilla is more accessible than underground or hardcore rap, as it tends to center around a more rock/rap soundtrack. The lyrics are clear and easily discernable. Regarding the lyrics, Mr Del describes it well in his bio when he states, “My lyrics aren’t just for entertaining, but for piercing the heart of the listener and igniting life-changing actions.”
As I mentioned, there is over an hour of playing time on Thrilla, spanning over 20 individual tracks. One of my favorites is “More Than a Conqueror” which has this really cool integration of scripture, an opera-like chorus, and Mr. Del’s rhymes. The album also features fellow artist like Canton Jones, Irocc Williams, and Beckah Shae among others.
The album ends with an edifying “Indescribable,” summing up, as I see it, the ultimate mission of the album – to proclaim the name of God.
Check out Mr. Del on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/mrdelholysouth.
- Ken W.
Tags: Mr Del
Phillips Craig Dean – “Fearless”
Aug 7, 2009 CD Reviews
Phillips Craig Dean
“fearless’
INO Records
10 tracks @ 44:04
Grade = A-
The last time I reviewed a PCD record, I thought it sounded too familiar. The three ministers push themselves on their tenth record, opening the door to expanding their fan base.
“Revelation Song” is a sonic treat with its atmospheric open while the progressive sound of “Let God Be God” rocks along the lines of Natalie Grant. Of the latter, Dan Dean says, “This is the perfect time to say, Don’t panic, God is in control. Jesus asks in Luke 12:15, ‘Who of you by worrying can add a single our to his life?’”
Lyrically, the record has a unified theme. Randy Phillips explains, “We were talking about how afraid our church members are. Finances. . .and so on. The fear that brings can be so paralyzing, it puts you in a cage. But then we asked ourselves, shouldn’t believers who have the heart of eternity in them be different?” We’ve written or chosen songs that say Break out, Live large.
”If you keep your eyes on the Dow Jones or nuclear weapons in North Korea, you’ll always be nervous. Look to the awesomeness of God instead.”
There is plenty here to appeal to current fans, including the hopeful “When Grace Walks In” and “Name Above all Names.”
Phillips adds, “If you told me we’d still have an audience after all thee years, I’d be stunned. That’s just God. We’re so grateful.”
- Rob S.
Tags: PCD, Phillips Craig and Dean
Mahalia Jackson – “Timeless”
Aug 7, 2009 CD Reviews
Mahalia Jackson
“Timeless”
20 @ 1:11:46
Direct Source Special Products
Grade = Classic
You can occasionally unearth a nugget when digging through the music “value section” of a big box store.
This is a repackaging of two records from the Queen of Gospel; “He’s Here With Me and “God is Good,” and even though those two records are themselves repackages (from what I can tell), both are excellent.
Mahalia’s voice rises above the schlock version of “Rock of Ages,” the other tracks on the first disk have very simple instrumentation. The foot tapping “Down by the River” and reverent “Lord’s Prayer” are worth the price of admission. While the fidelity of some of the live tracks isn’t quite up to standards for modern ears, Mahalia’s passion still shines through.
Her uplifting interpretation of “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen” is unique and a highlight.
- Rob S.
http://www.directsource-sp.com/en/
