The Edge of Divine – by Sandi Patty
Aug 6, 2010 Book Reviews
The Edge of the Divine
Sandi Patty
Sandi Patty is an award-winning singer, author, and inspirational speaker. Over the past twenty years, she has written six books; her seventh and latest book, The Edge of the Divine, is an encouraging book about God’s faithfulness when we take the first step of faith.
The book begins by describing Sandi’s struggle with her weight. She uses her taking a risk to potentially save her life as a vivid example of the choice each of us faces to take a risk and follow God’s direction to accomplish His plan. The story begins with that first step off the “edge between despair and the Divine”. From there, several different aspects of the struggle are covered – finding one’s value in God, giving up one’s own devices of comfort in place of the Holy Spirit’s comforting, trusting God’s promises, and relying on Him to be enough.
The Edge of the Divine was inspiring and encouraging with enough common sense and honesty to be very applicable to the life of the reader as well as be an enjoyable story of God’s faithfulness through the struggles of life. I recommend the book to women looking for an easy read with a few laughs, and many little lessons to learn along the way.
- Elise
Tags: Sandi Patty
The Museum – Let Love Win
Aug 6, 2010 CD Reviews
The Museum
Let Love Win
BEC Recordings
Grade – B
Based out of Atlanta, GA, The Museum is diving forward with their sophomore release while at the same time maintaining an anchor in their home church leading worship. The band name comes from an experience they had while on an overseas mission to Romania. They were in an area where there was a museum that displayed a former communist country and they were in awe about being able to be there now with other Christians celebrating Crhist. As drummer Josh Kirk explains, “We decided the band would be called The Museum, because we hope our music and those we share it with can be the evidence that Christ has done a revolution in our hearts.” A history of change for the sake of the kingdom.
The songs are compelling and focused on the edification of the local church that in turn will have an impact on the world – a mission focus that starts locally. The band is also involved with missions globally, including working with Overlooked. Overlooked is a multifaceted mission focused on providing clean water in Africa and other global issues like child slavery and providing assistance for disaster victims.
“My Help Comes From the Lord” is my favorite track as it moves me deeply and it reinforces what I already know from scripture. The opening track, “Never Look Away,” is also a song that immediately tunnels into your heart with uplifting lyrics and a catchy musical hooks. More revelations come with “Buy This” and
“The Call” both of which are poignant tunes with meaningful lyrics. The focus always remains on the redemptive message of life in Christ and the album inspires the listener to live for something more.
Between the catchy sound and the uplifting subject matter, “Let Love Win” is respectable new release. Check out http://themuseummusic.com/ for more information and musical samples.
- Ken W.
Tags: The Museum
Bradley Hathaway – A Thousand Angry Panthers
Aug 6, 2010 CD Reviews
Bradley Hathaway
A Thousand Angry Panthers
Independent
Grade – A
I feel too inferior to even begin to express how meaningful these 16 plus minutes of time with Bradley Hathaway can be. Hathaway originally started performing poetry on stage and his odd ball poems connected to a new audience. While doing the poetry gig Hathaway shared the stage with some hardcore acts like Blindside, The Chariot and As Cities Burn. My first experience seeing Hathaway perform was on the same stage as Project 86, and I was blown away by his unusual delivery of the spoken word. Some of which was captured in the companion CD to the book “All The Hits So Far.”
By the next time I had seen Hathaway perform he had picked up a guitar and put his words to music. At this particular encounter Hathaway gave me a copy of his CD “The Things That Poets Write About,” and I sat in my driveway at 3:30am (after a 3 hour drive home) listening to the last precious minutes of this hour long project.
That brings me to today, where I struggle to describe the depth and beauty crafted into four simple songs on “A Thousand Angry Panthers.” The soundtrack is subdued but powerful and the lyrics are deeply personal and yet accessible. I think we all know the pains of a broken world and that is what the EP focuses on. Starting with “She Was Raised By A Man With a Sickness.” This is a heartfelt song with subtle strings and emotive lyrics that truly convey the brokenness of the subject.
This closing song, “The World Is Screaming,” dramatically expresses the mixed emotions of seeing a world full of hate, starvation, death and evil and yet knowing that there is hope in things to come. It’s easy to be discouraged when we see all the ugliness in the world. We’re left screaming why, why, why, and we tend to miss the peace of God by resting in His promises. Abraham did not get to enjoy the full promises of God, but he patiently waited for them, a lesson that is conveyed in this song. The soundtrack and the lyrics ultimately build up to a climatic ending where Christ triumphs over evil and while this is hard for us to believe at times, it is a hope worth waiting for.
The brevity of the album is a testament to just how well Hathaway can write. While I was left wanting more, I also knew that what was said was enough. Check out http://www.myspace.com/bradleyhathaway for more information and for less than $4 you can purchase the EP from iTunes. Honestly, I cannot think of a better pay back for a few bucks – it’s more edifying than a $4 mocha for sure.
- Ken W.
Tags: Bradley Hathaway
Andrew Peterson – Counting Stars
Aug 6, 2010 CD Reviews
Andrew Peterson
“Counting Stars”
Centricity Records
12 tracks @ 43:44
Grade = A
Andrew Peterson performed at my church a year ago. Some travelled well over an hour to the show. This in spite of Andrew’s own admission on the opening track “Many Roads” that “I’ll sing my biggest hits, which don’t exist.”
On his newest record “Counting Stars,” Andrew focuses on rootedness. He says, “God gave music the power to carry light into the darkness. That’s a mighty privilege. It means intentionally telling stories and writing songs that bear truth that outlasts the songs themselves. There are moments on stage when I sense our stories intersect and suddenly we’re wading through an ancient river. Suddenly the song is secondary to the greater story being told through each of us.”
I listened to this record while sitting in a hospital as my daughter recovers from major surgery. Andrew’s song “Planting Trees,” about the gift of children, was spot on.
I found that the record also has a recurring theme of the journey, with a focus on the past, “God of Our Fathers,” which by the way is a wonderful song about family history and faith, and not a cover of the classic hymn; present, “Dancing in the Minefields;” and future, “Planting Trees.”
Andrew says, Instead of starting with concept and following it like a map, I just wrote whatever found its way out of my heart and head. I walked into the creative process with a sense of expectation, wondering what God was going to teach me, and because of that, I think these songs reveal something to me as well as the listener.”
Overall, this is an organic, acoustic record, very simple yet beautiful. Despite its depth of lyrical truth, sadly conservative Christian radio, which in many ways is more similar to secular radio than something actually unique, won’t touch this truly wonderful record.
Rob S.
Tags: Andrew Peterson
Josh Wilson
Aug 6, 2010 CD Reviews
Josh Wilson
Self-Titled
Sparrow Records
Grade-A
Debut albums often serve as a good indication of how successful an artists’ career is. While this is not, by any means, always an accurate means of determining “success”, it often holds true in the mind of the listener. Josh Wilson burst into the music scene with his debut album “Trying To Fit The Ocean In A Cup” in 2008, and made a big splash with listeners across the country. Several of his songs from both his debut album and his recent EP “Life Is Not A Snapshot” have become favorite radio hits and have even shown up churches, being used in worship services. He’s taken the CCM world by storm, and fans are in for a treat this summer, with “Josh Wilson”, a compilation of Josh’s most popular songs! While there is only one new track on the album, an instrumental take on the hymn “Amazing Grace”, old and new fans alike will find that there is something for everybody on this release.
The album opens with “Before The Morning”, a current radio hit from Josh’s recent EP. With a catchy melody and inspirational words of hope, the song speaks to listeners encouraging them that hard times will pass and God will ultimately bring a “better ending, someday, somehow”.
“Sing” a worshipful yet pop-sounding song shares the joy and excitement of Christ’s birth, and the true meaning of Christmas. With a catchy sound, the song has been enjoyed by fans year-round.
“Savior Please” a cry for help from a broken life, resounded in the hearts of many listeners who heard it on Josh’s debut album. “I try to be good enough/ but I’m nothing without your love/ Savior, please, keep saving me.” The track not only has inspirational and uplifting lyrics, but also brings a soaring, worshipful sound to match.
Josh’s talent is really demonstrated in “3 Minute Song”. Listeners have seen his profound writing style through tracks such as “Savior Please” and “Something’s Got To Change” but his comedy and creative stand out in the track. The singer attempts to write a 3 minute song about God but finds it impossible to find the words when all he’s has is a “3 minute song”.
Josh Wilson fans have a lot to be excited about this year, not only with his best-hits CD, but with the news that Josh is busy recording a brand new album! His talent and creativity is shown in each song, making it difficult to determine exactly what his best songs are! Each one brings a fresh, catchy, and often profound view on life, love, and God. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for him!
Tom
Tags: Josh Wilson
Tenth Avenue North – The Light Meets The Dark
Aug 6, 2010 CD Reviews
Tenth Avenue North
The Light Meets The Dark
Reunion Records
Grade-A
Tenth Avenue North’s debut album “Over and Underneath” left listeners craving for more. “The Light Meets The Dark”, the band’s second release, certainly doesn’t disappoint! The album carries a relevant theme for today-brokenness. The band, realizing the fact that we are all imperfect people, created songs of forgiveness, hope, and ultimately healing.
The album opens with the powerful track, “Healing Begins”, a song encouraging ordinary people to stop hiding their brokenness and allow Jesus to let his “healing begin”.
“The Truth Is Who You Are” speaks of the trials Christians face when following Christ. At the same time it encourages them to persevere in Christ, because they will be rewarded for it in the end.
“All The Pretty Things” also covers the challenges Christians face in life, and inspires them to focus on God when all else fails. This is one of the more energetic and upbeat tracks the band has released, and brings a fresh and unique offering to the album.
“House Of Mirrors”, possibly the most powerful piece on the album, talks about the trap so many of us walk into. We tend to fall for the lie that we are alone in the things we go through. Many people can’t see past themselves to find that Christ has already won the battle for them, and ultimately end up in a “house of mirrors”.
“The Light Meets The Dark” is filled with hope and encouragements for Christians everywhere. With its soft rock sound, and recurring theme of forgiveness and hope, it’s sure to be a favorite this summer. The band is back and better than ever. I look forward to seeing what God has in store for them.
Tom
Tags: Tenth Avenue North
Rapture Ruckus
Aug 6, 2010 CD Reviews
Rapture Ruckus
Self-Titled
BEC Recordings
Grade – B
Rapture Ruckus hails from the country of New Zealand and the group is lead by Brad Dring who dove into music as a means of expressing his newfound faith about 10 years ago. Parachute Records signed rapture Ruckus after their indie debut became quite popular and the Ruckus continued to win awards in the region.
The band now has its sights set on our shores with the 2010 self-titled release through BEC Recordings. The music is a combination of euro-pop, hip-hop, and dance – like a party mix with a holy message. The title track is easily a song that can be adapted as a personal theme song. Its edifying message instantly brings encouragement and the rousing soundtrack wholly extinguishes the dull drums of life, awakening the senses to the presence of God.
Having had the opportunity to see the band live and talk to Brad personally, I can highly recommend Rapture Ruckus to anyone looking for a real pick-me-up. It’s a party with a kingdom purpose.
Ken W.
http://www.myspace.com/raptureruckusmusic
Tags: Rapture Ruckus
Children 18:3 – Rains a Comin
Aug 6, 2010 CD Reviews
Children 18:3
Rains a Comin
Tooth & Nail
Grade – C+
While the band may not have listened to the criticts early on, suggesting that they change their name, they apparently have listened to them now with their sophomore release “Rains a Comin.” I noticed immediately that the sound was a little less progressive and punk and more mainstream. Just listen to “Oh Honestly!” and you’ll know what I am talking about.
Personally, I still like the dual leads when brother David and sister LeeMarie both contribute equally to the song – a good example is “Stronger” a more progressive rock track. Honestly, I prefer when LeeMarie takes the lead, like she does on “Oh Bravo.” Overall the album is more refined than their earlier releases, and intentionally more accessible. Not really a sell out as much as it is a change of focus and a new direction, besides it never hurts to have a wider audience.
Check out http://www.myspace.com/children183 for more on Children 18:3.
- Ken W.
Tags: Children 18:3
Runaway City – Armored Heart
Aug 6, 2010 CD Reviews
Runaway City
Armored Heart
Vertusent
Grade – C+
I have enjoyed listening to this new project from Runaway City, the music is catchy and spirit filled, however, at the same time, it sounds too familiar. They blend in too well with the majority of popular radio today. It’s that all to common format that has kept me from digging deeper into the project. Their key track, “Fade,” is currently available for download so you can get a taste of the project yourself. Surely, their encouraging message and accessible sound will land them some positive recognition via radio, but most likely I will be filing this one away in a sea of CD’s quite similar.
- Ken W.
Tags: Runaway City
Robert Randolph and the Family Band
Aug 6, 2010 CD Reviews
Robert Randolph and the Family Band
“We Walk This Road”
Warner Brothers Records
17 tracks @ 56:02
Grade = A+
One of the few records that I’ve purchased this year and it is more than worth it. Christianity Today gives it a rare five-out-of-five stars and I’m not going to argue.
With his pedal steel guitar, Robert breathes new life into old gospel tunes and also current artists such as Bob Dylan, John Lennon and Prince. The late Beatle would get his groove on with “I Don’t Wanna Be A Soldier Mamma.”
“If I Had My Way” and “Dry Bones” are killer and both should be “Song of the Year.”
In the linear notes, Robert says that some of these songs are songs he grew up on, or his grandparents grew up on. He says, “What ties these songs together is their message of hope, their ability to uplift.”
This disk makes my rear view mirror vibrate. ‘Nuff said.
Rob S.
Tags: Robert Randolph
