Veggie Tales: Robin Good and His Not-So-Merry Men
Feb 22, 2012 DVD Reviews
Veggie Tales: Robin Good and His Not-So-Merry Men
Big Idea
The newest story from Big Idea tackles the difficult subject of forgiveness and dealing with hurt. In a world of broken families and a degradation of the family overall it is a very pertinent subject. There is certainly no shortage of hurt these days and anything that helps to bring healing is a good idea. The fundamentals of this story are also something that can be taught in advance as a way to equip your children.
Per their usual MO, the Veggie Tales use a good bit of humor to make the lesson interesting. In this case it starts with a cleaver “Leap Year” episode called “Larry and the Lost Birthday.” A timely video this leap year that makes for a comical drama that follows the theme of hurt and dealing with hurt feelings.
The main feature, “Robin Good,” teaches that no hurt is too big for God. It shows the struggle that the main character goes through as he tries to forgive and get over some deep hurts and then the benefit – to himself and to others – that comes when we give this over to the Lord. I love the story and more importantly the message.
You can never go wrong with the Veggie series when it comes to reaching children at their level. It almost never fails to that there is something in the humor that connects with parents as well.
- Ken W.
VeggieTales presents: The Robin Good and His Not-So-Merry Men DVD!
Far away in Bethlingham, a greedy prince starts stealing from the poor. When Robin Good’s men retaliate by robbing from the rich, he refuses to join them. But then the prince captures his friends! Can he overcome his hurt in time to rescue them—and restore the townspeople’s hope? Includes a bonus episode, “Lenny & the Lost Birthday.”
- Leapin’ Leap Year Lesson
- “Fun”-Raising with Larry
- “Things Will Get Better” – Singalong Song
- “Prince of Ham” – Singalong Song
- Robin Good’s Guide to Handling Hurt – Discussion Guide
- 5.1 Surround Sound
- English and Spanish Subtitles
Plus! An all new Silly Song!
Running Time: Approx. 50 min.
Veggie Tales: If I Sang a Silly Song
Feb 22, 2012 DVD Reviews
Veggie Tales: If I Sang a Silly Song
Big Idea
In this video compilation, Big Idea presents the best of 20 years worth of silliness. The DVD has two main parts with the top 10 from the first and second decades respectively. The presentation is an enjoyable play on a telethon, in this case “The Silly Song Telethon,” hosted by Larry the Cucumber. The interludes are just as entertaining as the videos themselves.
“If I Sang a Silly Song” is loaded with goodies that accumulate to more than an hour of entertainment, including “sing a-long” karaoke style versions of each silly song.
The video also includes a new fan-based video called “Bubble Rap,” which was released on the official website and it is also included on the upcoming “Robin Good” feature. The idea for this silly song was taken from a collection of “fan-inspired” ideas.
“If I Sing a Silly Song” is highly interactive and it has been fun to watch the children enjoy the collection of songs that predate their own births. For long drives the DVD has already come in handy as a traveling distraction. “If I Sang a Silly Song” can be purchased directly from the official Veggie Tales website: http://store.veggietales.com/dvds-shows/veggietales.html.
- Ken W.
- Includes 20 great Silly Songs:
- I Love My Lips
- The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything
- Belly Button
- His Cheeseburger
- Endangered Love
- The Water Buffalo Song
- The Song of the Cebu
- Dance of the Cucumber
- Yodeling Veterinarian of the Alps
- Monkey
- The Hairbrush Song
- Biscuit of Zazzamarandabo
- The SUV Song
- Lance the Turtle
- Gated Community
- Where Have All The Staplers Gone?
- Sippy Cup
- Pants
- Pizza Angel
- Goodnight Junior
Plus an All New Silly Song! Witness the debut of an all-new, sure-to-be-favorite Silly Song picked from thousands of fan submitted entries!
Running Time Approx. 72 min.
Andre Crouch – “The Journey”
Feb 22, 2012 CD Reviews
Andre Crouch
“The Journey”
Riverphlo Entertainment, LLC
15 tracks @ 77:21
Grade = A
It only takes one listen to understand why Andrea Crouch’s 18th release (and first since 2005) earned a Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Record. I love this modern gospel sound with its big choirs, big horns, a snippet of a sitar, and other interesting instrumentation
Outstanding tracks include the uplifting “Somebody Told Me About Jesus,” the funky “Good Times,” the ragtime “He Has a Plan for Me” and I just loved “Heaven Bound.”
Excellent new CD.
- Rob S.
Jon Bauer – “For Ever More”
Feb 22, 2012 CD Reviews
Jon Bauer
“For Ever More”
Independent
10 tracks @ 37:34
Grade = A-
Jon Bauer is a worship leader from Canada. His current release, reviewed here, is up for a Juno Award for “Contemporary Christian Album of the Year.” Bauer will also join Michael W. Smith on tour during that singer’s swing through Canada. This is his fifth CD but according to his web site it’s his U.S. debut.
On his web site Bauer says, “My heart is to encourage people that worship is more than music. It’s a lifestyle, and it’s a choice,” Jon explains. “We need to look for ways to serve God and serve others, representing Him to this hurting world.”
Bauer’s sound is along the lines of Lincoln Brewster and Jeremy Camp. I hope “Light of Another World” finds wide use amongst the church-at-large. I also liked the lyric “No wonder why I feel so tired from escaping” in the song “Chasing After Me.”
Overall, “Fore Ever More” is fairly typical for the genre, but with his history, Jon Bauer has earned a fair amount of credibility that sets him apart from the majority of the field.
- Rob S.
Spiritual Warfare: Christians, Demonization, and Deliverance
Feb 22, 2012 Book Reviews
Spiritual Warfare:
Christians, Demonization, and Deliverance
Dr. Karl I. Payne
WND Books
Admittedly, this is the first book I have read on the subject of spiritual warfare. More and more the subject has been coming up in my interactions with other Christians and at home. I have always a more skeptical approach to the subject and never considered it much more than a character of the more charismatic individuals. I had nothing against it but I did not see myself in a daily battle as I was hearing described to me.
While I am not purporting that Dr. Payne’s book radically changed my view on the subject, I would say that it has enlightened me in many ways. Dr. Payne’s presentation of spiritual warfare and scripture has helped to demystify the subject and it has been a key piece in the puzzle of my understanding of the battle. The book is clearly written and soundly scriptural.
I found that Dr. Payne’s style of writing was very descriptive and it was easy to understand the basic tenants of spiritual warfare from a biblical viewpoint. The only downside is that at times I feel Dr. Payne is too “prescriptive.” In the confrontation chapter Dr. Payne actually includes scripts to follow when conducting spiritual warfare. Dr. Payne does however provide qualifiers that should discourage the amateur (or spiritual immature) from practicing spiritual counseling or more intercessory practices.
Truly, the subject is too important to ignore, and “Spiritual Warfare” is a solid resources to arm you for the battle. I highly recommend Dr. Payne’s book as long as you prayerfully consider the confrontation chapter before engaging in a regular practice of confronting the demonic world head on.
- Ken W.
Appologetix – Wise Up and Rock
Feb 17, 2012 CD Reviews
Appologetix
Wise Up and Rock
Grade – A
With an impressive back catalog of parodies, it is so amazing how the ApologetiX continue to out-do themselves. Reading reviews on the web, the general consensus is that “Wise Up and Rock” is their best album to date. I have to agree, but I also have to admit that this comes from a limited experience as I only own a few of the 30 or so projects the ApologetiX have released. Just a small sampling indeed.
However, I can say with confidence that this is their best, as they always strive to give their best. The ApologetiX are a hard working group that are not willing to just sit back and make up a few witty songs every now and then. There is a lot of creativity in the lyrics and their apparent work ethic and persistent touring are a credit to the band.
Speaking of “Wise Up and Rock” more specifically, the album is a definite grab for the 80’s generation. The 16-track CD is a trip through memory lane featuring parodies from Van Halen, Styx, Loverboy, Rush, Aerosmith, and the 80’s heartthrobs Bon Jovi (and more). If the 16 -songs are not enough there is a near 9 min medley of 80’s tunes starting from Frankie Goes to Hollywood and ending at Devo.
My favorites include “Don’t Stop Till Egypt,” “Too Much Grime on My Hands,” and “Timeline.” The three parodies that I believe were drawn from some of the best rock of the era. That really explains the draw for me too. The AppologetiX may hack the lyrics, but they do not hack the soundtrack. The classic guitar solos and general tones of the songs are all intact and solid.
Some last thoughts, if you’re one us who remember the 80’s as the height of your youth and you’re now raising teen-agers of your own, you’ll find that many of these “oldies” are being used in TV and movies. Recently, on the Rock and Worship Road Show, the band Hawk Nelson was playing on this fad while they were leading the crowd in a rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing.” So the point is if the popular media is going to exploit our youth, we might as well fire back with something biblically sound.
Pick up a copy of “Wise Up and Rock,” you’ll enjoy the memories and have fun embarrassing your children as you try to sing the high notes from a-ha or The Outfield.
- Ken W.
Worth Dying For – Live Riot
Feb 15, 2012 CD Reviews
Worth Dying For
Live Riot
Grade = A-
“Worth Dying For” is a worship band. Their first album titled “Ammunition” was released in 2007, and since then they’ve been busting out music. Their newest album “Live Riot” was, as the title suggests, was recorded live.
“Worth Dying For” has multiple lead singers, which includes Christy Johnson, Josh O’haire and Sean Loche, Dalisha Turner, Deanna Joven, Nick Morris, Rochelle Leguern and Sarah Agbayan. Having so many people, the group is able to have a lot of variety of styles in their music. Mixing some pop, rock, techno, and hip hop into their worship music, it’s anything but boring.
So why record a live album, you may be asking. Sean Loche says “The last thing we want with this album is to feel like it was a concert and just a lot of fun. We want people to encounter the power of God, fall more in love with Him and change their life for the better.”
Overall, the members have awesome voices, talents, and a big love for God.
- Kristy
Audrey Assad – Heart
Feb 15, 2012 CD Reviews
Audrey Assad
Heart
Grade – A+
As Audrey Assad’s gentle voice flowed through the final notes of her critically-acclaimed debut album “The House You’re Building”, I was speechless. Audrey’s first project was a strong, solid album spun with eloquent, thought-provoking melodies. Her hauntingly beautiful closer, “Show Me” only left listeners wanting more. I was overjoyed to discover that Audrey’s second offering “Heart” expanded on the poetry and prose she graced listeners with in her first effort.
Audrey’s piano talents shine through each track as she trades the typical “CCM” sound in for a simple, stripped-down style. This style works in her favor as each song brings something new to the table. From a lyrical standpoint, Audrey’s prayerful songs tend to be written “to God”, as opposed to being “about God”. This unique writing style really draws listeners into the songs and transforms them into worshipful experiences.
“Even The Winter” is an infectious, upbeat track of hope. Audrey compares life’s hardships to seasons, specifically winter with (what if the days grow short and lose their light? / What if the coals burn black and the embers die?) The chorus resounds with the hopeful lines (Even the winter won’t last forever / we’ll see the morning; we’ll feel the sun. We’ll wake up in April – ready and able).
“Sparrow”, “Heart”’s first single, served as a harbinger for greater things to come. (I sing because I’m happy / I sing because I’m free! His eye is on the sparrow / And I know He’s watching me.) Audrey masterfully retooled the timeless hymn’s melody and turned it into one of the album’s highlights.
In “Breaking You” and “O My Soul”, Audrey’s gentle voice soars over a deep, mournful piano backdrop. “Slow” features some of the most profound lyrics on the album – pure poetry. (I know faith is not a fire as much as it’s a glow / a steady, humble lamplight in the window. And it’s not too much. It’s just enough to give me hope / Love moves slow.) Once more, Audrey’s soft voice flutters around the deep accompaniment – it’s a beautiful contrast.
“Heart” is an outstanding release from a truly gifted musician. Audrey has a lovely voice and a profound, poetic writing style. “Heart” is a brilliant album and the perfect followup to Audrey’s critically-acclaimed debut. She’s grown as a musician and she’s grown in her faith. Her conversational songs are guaranteed to tug at the heart strings of listeners both great and small. I’m excited to see what God has in store for Audrey, and I’m thankful she’s chosen to share her gifts and talents with the world.
Tom F.
V.Rose
Feb 15, 2012 CD Reviews
V.Rose
Self-Titled
Clear Sight Music
The self-titled debut by V.Rose is a well-produced album with meaningful but somewhat simplistic lyrics and a very contemporary R&B and pop soundtrack. While it does not break any grounds for musical intervention, I am content to say that the Christ-centered lyrics are strong enough to forgive it for any other short falls. Besides that it’s a fun album and is more suitable for young girls than most everything else mainstream. V.Rose has the coolness factor dialed in and the message is wholesome. There is no doubt that she’s going to make a positive impact with her music.
- Ken W.
http://clearsightmusic.com/artists/v-rose/
Phil Keaggy – Live From Kegworth Studio
Feb 15, 2012 CD Reviews
Phil Keaggy
Live From Kegworth Studio
Phil Keaggy is a master guitarist and he has a rich history of music in his repertoire. The latest addition is “Live From Kegworth Studio” a mix of Keaggy originals and covers played out live. I would call the new album “relaxed” or “casual” and maybe even “intimate,” but mostly casual as it is like he sat down in my living room and played from the heart.
To hear Keaggy sing Keith Green’s “Your Love Broke Through” is heartwarming and pleasurable, just as his rendition of “Here Comes the Sun.” Much more is his portrayal of heaven in “What A Day.”
The album overall has a nice warmhearted feeling. While the album was supposedly recorded live, it is missing an integral part of a singer/songwriter performance – the dialog. I would love to hear the conversations between songs.
I would be remiss if I did not give praise to the instrumental track “Legacy,” because that is really what Keaggy is known for. Not sure of the origins of the song, but in some ways his stylish guitar playing is a big part of Keaggy’s legacy so it is a fitting title.
With an already impressive catalog, Phil Keaggy fans will not be disappointed by this new addition.
- Ken W.
