New Releases - 9/30/08

Newsboys - Live: Houston We Are Go CD/DVD

International pop/rock phenomenon newsboys commits the best of its explosive spring 2007 sell-out GO Tour to tape with Newsboys Live: Houston We Are Go, releasing September 2, 2008. The groundbreaking GO Tour, which set record attendances, is evidence that newsboys continue to innovate its live show, offering fans an amazing entertainment experience that changes lives. This live album/DVD set recorded and filmed in front of a packed out crowd, showcases hits from both the current critically- and commercially-acclaimed release, GO (“I Am Free,” “Wherever We Go,” “Something Beautiful,” “In Wonder”), as well as classic newsboys tunes including “Shine,” “He Reigns” and “It Is You,” all from gold-selling albums. With Newboys Live: Houston We Are Go, newsboys bring the energy from the arena into your stereo and TV.

GRITS - Reiterate
While GRITS knows how to handle the thought-provoking stuff, it’s the party numbers, the bangers, that have defined a large portion of their legacy. In honor of their Southern heritage, the deep-fried “Let’s Get It” is as crunk as they come, while the ferocious, club-ready beat of “Livin’ Dreams” is bound to join “Here We Go,” “They All Fall Down,” and “Hittin’ Curves” in the pantheon of classic GRITS.

In the end, the duo understands accessibility is key to leaving a mark, but they acknowledge is not the be-all-end-all of their methodology. If anything, they want all of their exploits—whether that be Reiterate, Revolution Art, or their lifestyles—to go much deeper.

“People are still going to hear the catchy hook,” Coffee says. “We understand at the end of the day that’s the business, that’s what people tend to latch on to. But we’re still going to be spitting that truth, man. Not to be cliché, but it’s coming from the heart. We’re sticking to the essence that we’re doing music because we love it, not because it’s a business.”

Oak Ridge Boys - The Gospel Sessions
The Oak Ridge Boys are considered one of the greatest groups in Country
Music history. Long before their many hits like Elvira and Bobbie Sue,
they dominated the world of Gospel Music. Originally known as The Oak
Ridge Quartet, they began performing in the early 1940s and Time
Magazine dubbed them one of the “top drawing gospel groups in the nation.”

Breaking all barriers, the Oaks brought their Gospel music to the
mainstream with a pop-country sounding style. By the late 70s, the group
had reached the top of the Gospel Music world. The long-haired,
bell-bottom wearing group now known as The Oak Ridge Boys soon branched
out to cross-over stardom, dominating both the Country and Pop music scene.

Today, the Oak Ridge Boys continue to wow audiences with their
high-energy stage show, performing more than 150 dates a year. Gospel
Music gave the Oaks their roots with a foundation to stand and sing on
for more than 50 years and now New Haven Records is proud to unveil its
latest addition to The Gospel Legacy Series, The Oak Ridge Boys: The
Gospel Sessions.

Faith Hill - Joy To The World
Produced by Dan Huff, Byron Gallimore and Faith Hill herself, Joy To The World combines the holiday season’s most beloved classics with one of America’s most respected vocalists. Well worth the two years in the making, the recording features The Nashville Orchestra as well as the London-based choirs, Metro Voices and The London Oratory School Boys Choir. Grammy® Award winner David Campbell (Paul McCartney, Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash) provides a newly composed full orchestration for Joy, which gives classics such as “Joy To The World,” “Away In A Manger,” “O Holy Night” & “Silent Night” a fresh, yet timeless sound. The highlight of the album is the original song “A Baby Changes Everything.” This powerful and emotional story song will be the lead single to Country and Christian radio during the Christmas season.

Gaither Vocal Band - Christmas Gaither Vocal Band Style
In their brand new musical masterpiece, the Gaither Vocal Band captures the wonder and beauty of Christmas as never before in this breathtaking recording of Christmas classics. Featuring smooth, intricate harmonies, majestic orchestration and songs that transport us to the heart of Christmas, the Gaither Vocal Band finally releases the ideal CD to enhance any celebration. This release is sure to calm the shop-weary, soothe the frenzied and ignite hope in anyone.

Anberlin - New Surrender
Central Florida pop-rock stalwarts Anberlin will release their major label debut, New Surrender, on September 30th. The new album features 13 tracks that further expand on Anberlin’s signature sound. Stephen Christian’s distinct vocals backed by Joseph Milligan and Christian McAlhaney’s driving guitars and the rhythm section comprised of Deon Rexroat and Nathan Young on bass and drums respectively is the foundation for the band’s success.

New Surrender, produced by Neal Avron (Fall Out Boy, Yellowcard, New Found Glory), demonstrates the band’s natural progression as musicians as well as solidifying their place as some of music’s most creative songwriters. Universal Republic signed the band off of the success of their highly lauded breakthrough indie pop scorcher, Cities. The record debuted on Billboard’s Top Albums chart in February 2007 at #19, and passed the coveted 100,000 indie-sales milestone fueled by their riveting hit single “Godspeed.” Cited by many critics as indispensable to the modern rock scene, rock forecasters have bookmarked their upcoming album New Surrender as one of the truly viable indie-to-major success stories ready to blow in 2008.

Amy Grant - The Christmas Collection

Christmas music is synonymous with Amy Grant. Her classic arrangements, stirring original Christmas songs, TV specials, and widely attended Christmas tours over the years have all contributed to over 5 MILLION Christmas albums sold.

In 2007, all 3 of Amy’s classic Christmas albums were digitally re-mastered and sold over 50,000 albums in just 3 months. This year, Amy is pulling out all of the stops with a NEW collection of the best Christmas songs from all 3 catalog albums PLUS FOUR NEW SONGS.

Amy will bring back her highly acclaimed Christmas Tour with Vince Gill in December which has traditionally played to sell-out audiences. Also, look for TV appearances, radio specials, and a TV campaign that will drive retail traffic and sales of the new Christmas collection.

Anne Murray - What A Wonderful Christmas (Repackage)
With Anne Murray's legendary voice, stellar arrangements, and a track listing of Christmas standards, this single disc collection is sure to be another Christmas classic. Christmas includes 10 tracks from her 2001 best-selling double-disc release What A Wonderful Christmas and 4 new songs. This new collection will delight Anne Murray fans everywhere!

The Becoming - Volume 1
With sharp infectious hooks most bands would kill for, The Becoming comes out with a debut that showcases creativity and ability most bands will never achieve. In the vein of swedish-dark-pop meets My Chemical Romance and AFI, Volume 1 is an album packed with anthems of love, loss, redemption, and hope. The amount of blood, sweat and tears shed over each song can be felt from the opening lines to the closing verses of the album. Bridging the gaps between Rock, Pop, Emo, and Metal this is a record for the masses that are tired of the cookie-cutter Rock and Pop, who are ready for something new.

Trin-i-tee 5:7 - T57 (Deluxe Edition)

T57 (Deluxe Edition) is the enhanced CD version of the Dove Award winning and Grammy nominated T57 by contemporary Gospel group, Trin-i-tee 5:7. Three new songs, produced by renowned hitmakers, give the T57 (Deluxe Edition) an urban flavor that will have multi-format appeal;"Get Away," produced by multiple Grammy Award winner, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins (Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige, Britney Spears), "Your Holy," produced by the Music World Entertainment production team, The Bama Boyz (Beyonce, Solange) and "It Wasn't Me," produced by "The Beat General," Armando Colon (Shaggy, Das EFX). Three videos showcase Trin-i-tee 5:7's charasmatic performance and visual appeal and remind us why they are the best-selling female trio in Gospel music

Mannheim Steamroller - Candlelight Christmas
This holiday season, American Gramaphone will release a collection of Chip Davis favorites. Tracks include "The First Noel" & "Away in a Manger", as well as select Chip Davis originals. Mannheim Steamroller is the largest brand in holiday music and has sold 26 million Christmas albums - more than any other artist in music history!

Take 6 - The Standard
With its roots in gospel, doo-wop, and the sophisticated jazz-influenced singing groups of mid-century America, the a cappella vocal group Take 6 returns with an impactful collection of tunes entitled The Standard. Since the group’s inception in Alabama in the 1980s, Take 6 has ultimately become one of the biggest brands in a cappella, selling over 1.2 million records. The Standard includes an A+ guest list, including Aaron Neville, Brian McKnight, George Benson, Al Jarreau, Ella Fitzgerald and many others.

Terry Dexter - Listen
"Terry Dexter is a voice that many have heard, enjoyed and looked for more of…She is sincerely a voice and artist whose time has come and all should sweetly prepare to enjoy!! ADRIAN – TRIN-I-TEE 5:7

Listen is the long awaited vocal journey of Terry Dexter’s years of experience, passion and soul. Within her vision and vocals, you’ll discover music that penetrates the soul and touches the spirit!! With a voice that shines beyond her years and a talent the world needs to hear, Terry Dexter is a diamond in the rough, who finally gets her time to shine!

Dan Evans - Goin' All Out
Dan Evans from NBC’s The Biggest Loser is making his musical debut with his album entitled Goin' All Out! Recorded in Nashville, the album is a composition from select songwriters and musicians responsible for Keith Urban’s album “Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing” as well as Rascal Flatts’ “Still Feels Good”. Interlocking both Pop music with Country arrangements and honest lyrics depicting Dan’s life experiences is the motivation behind the album, Goin' All Out.

Various Artists – Peace on Earth

This collection of peaceful holiday songs recorded by some of music’s top artists will help you slow down during the holidays, wind down with your family and relieve the stresses of the busy season. Rediscover the Peace Of Christmas.

A Couple Videos - Lincoln Brewster & Brandon Heath

I thought maybe you'd like a couple of videos.

So here they are.

Enjoy.

Apologies

My apologies to those of you who check the blog regularly for new release info and so on. I could blame the lack of updates on being busy, but I thought it'd be more fun to blame it on marshmallows. So, it's because of marshmallows that I haven't updated things in a while.

Cursed marshmallows!

Okay, now that that's over with, we have a lot of great things that just came in. Here's the quick list:
Lincoln Brewster - Today Is The Day
BarlowGirl - Home For Christmas
pureNRG - A purNRG Christmas
David Phelps - O Holy Night CD/DVD
Point Of Grace - Tennessee Christmas: A Holiday Collection
Downhere - Ending Is Beginning
Various - World's Greatest Christmas
Sean Simmonds - It's Over
Arkansas Gospel Mass Choir - Hold On For Life
New Life Worship - Counting On God
Various - And There Was Christmas
The Ambassador - The Chop Chop: From Milk To Meat
Group 1 Crew - Ordinary Dreamers
Rush of Fools - Wonder of the World
Joy Whitlock - God and a Girl
Nevertheless - In the Making
33Miles - One Life
Trenches - The Tide Will Swallow Us Whole
Bebo Norman - Bebo Norman
Jonezetta - Cruel To Be Young
Various - WOW Gospel Essentials
Various - Deeper
Phil Tarver - Be Pleased
Dottie Peoples - Do It

Quite a list, huh? Were you surprised to see Christmas CD's released already? I was. It's too early for Christmas displays. Nonetheless, we've got em'. Check them out by coming into the store and reacquainting yourself with our listening stations. They're pretty awesome.

Just like you.

Interview with Brian "Head" Welch

Here's part one of three posts I found online that share Welch's testimony. The other two parts are linked below if you want to see them. Even if it isn't your favorite music, you have to admit that God is awesome and can use anyone anytime anywhere for any purpose that gives him glory. And personally, I think that the weaker the vessel, the greater God can show his power.

But without further ado...

The other two vids can be found here.

Part 2 of 3

Part 3 of 3

New Releases - 9/9/08

Michael Gungor Band - Ancient Skies

Recruited at just 20-years-old to oversee the worship ministry at Grand Rapids mega-church Resurrection Life, Michael is also an accomplished songwriter, co-penning the popular worship song “Friend Of God” with Israel Houghton. After a six-year tenure at Resurrection Life, Michael is now fronting a band of friends and family who share a unified mission. Rooted in the progressive worship vein of David Crowder*Band or Hillsong United, the Michael Gungor Band’s unique musical identity is further shaped by such diverse influences as Pete Yorn, Sigur Ros, and Chris Thile.

Krystal Meyers - Make Some Noise

Having toured extensively and making fans, literally around the world, this striking, international star has progressed musically and spiritually over the last couple of years, and is ready to release her high-energy music, and solid message to a growing audience. The project, primarily written by Meyers, and produced by Doubledutch (Mat Kearney, TobyMac), elicits energetic, fun, 80’s-style dance music, while Meyers delivers commanding vocals. As you listen to her sing “this is who we are, we won’t be ignored, we were born to make some noise,” on the title-track, you will undoubtedly want to make some noise of your own.

David Phelps - The Voice

Releasing two projects last fall, garnering a GOLD certification for 2006’s Legacy of Love DVD, “fitting in” a performance taping on ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover and being nominated for two 2008 Dove Awards, the past year has been great for David Phelps! He just completed what will prove to be his most amazing project yet. Working again with producer Monroe Jones, The Voice features well-known covers with two new recordings and boasts epic string orchestrations with David’s dramatic, one-of-a-kind vocal delivery. This is a moving and cinematic experience for the listener and a highlight is the new song, “Mine,” (written by David) which you must hear to believe! These are the songs you know and love by one of the greatest singers of all time. The Songs – The Passion – The Voice; The project David Phelps was born to make.

Ayiesha Woods - Love Like This

With only one album, celebrated singer/songwriter Ayiesha Woods accomplished more than most artists achieve in a lifetime. Its title was unassuming and self-explanatory, but Introducing Ayiesha Woods did more than merely introduce her: it established her as one of the most precocious and promising new artists in Christian music. A GRAMMY® nomination, a Dove Award nod for New Artist of the Year, appearances in a number of high-pro­file tours, and universal acclaim were some of the highlights of Woods’ initial time in the limelight. It’s a winning streak that is bound to continue with Love Like This, her second Gotee Records release.

Brian "Head" Welch - Save Me From Myself

Brian Welch, better known by his nickname Head, is one of the founding members of KoRn, a multi-platinum, Grammy award winning metal band and a major influence in the rise of the heavy metal movement. While with KoRn, Head won two Grammy's and sold over 30 million albums to date. Head is also a successful author and released a book in July 2007 through Harper Collins. The book also titled "Save Me From Myself" spent many weeks on the New York Times Best Seller's List.

Various - Incredible Praise

Introducing Incredible Praise, includes and hour of on-your-feet praise! This release boasts more than a dozen tracks that communicate the passion and exuberance of a live praise service! Each song will bring the listener to their feet in thanks to God for all he's done. Incredible Praise is packed with 18 powerful, popular praise songs sure to awaken a praise celebration!

Sonicflood - A Heart Like Yours

Modern Worship pioneers SONICFLOOD return with their latest studio release, A Heart Like Yours. The new album features 10 uplifting praise anthems, centered on changing our hearts to be more like Christ's, and living courageously for Him.

New Releases - 9/2/08

Chris Tomlin - Hello Love

Following his 2006 RIAA Gold-certified record, See the Morning, Chris Tomlin’s fifth studio release, Hello Love, communicates what he describes as the “need to introduce ourselves to love again.” Produced by Ed Cash (Steven Curtis Chapman, Amy Grant, Bebo Norman), the record endeavors to give voice to the Church to worship their Creator. Songs including “Love,” “God of This City,” “Sing, Sing, Sing,” and “I Will Rise,” are already impacting worshippers across the globe, as Tomlin debuts his new music on Passion’s first ever world tour. The project’s first single “Jesus Messiah” is finding a home among American listeners as well, receiving more adds its debut week than any other single in Christian radio history. It’s no wonder that Tomlin continues to be the most-sung artist in churches around the world


Underoath - Lost In The Sound Of Separation
Very rarely does a monumental record find itself matched with the promise of commercial success. But the strength, intensity and explosive lure of Define The Great Line Underoath’s follow up to its over 420,000 selling 2004 breakthrough They’re Only Chasing Safety--is undeniable. With over 98,000 units scanned first week at charting at an unprecedented # 2 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, Underoath are here to stay.

“We went into the studio wanting to make this record count,” says guitarist Tim McTague. “We wanted to make it life-changing for the people who heard it. We knew it had the potential to do well, but we weren’t basing our future on that. We feel we’ve written the best album that any of us will probably ever be a part of and above all else, we’re super proud of it.”

Crafted with the help of Atlanta-based producer/drummer Matt Goldman–who helped pour the rhythmic foundation–and Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz–who lent his experience to help capture the guitars and vocals and encouraged these Warped Tour veterans to use E-bows, reel bows and experiment with delays and effects pedals–the resulting Lost In The Sound of Separation is a mind-blowing song-cycle that resets the notion of what hardcore, screamo or whatever you want to call it, can be.

Deitrick Haddon - Revealed
Deitrick Haddon is celebrated as one of the most diverse and versatile artists in modern Gospel music, and with his latest CD offering, he further exemplifies exactly why this is! On the heels of the aggressive and staunchly urban-skewed 7 Days, Haddon returns with an equally heavy-hitting pop/rock-tinged soundtrack of intense praise and sincere worship. In this career-defining move, Haddon sows the seeds for another branch in his ever-growing and expansive tree of ministry. While not forsaking the bass and strong rhythms that his listeners have grown accustomed to and quite fond of, Haddon incorporates new sounds, manifest in the prominent guitar licks, big drum sequences, and sustained notes.

Haddon's latest recordings are indicative of worldwide ministry; limitless genre-shattering and universal. His vocals are as passionate as ever, as exemplified in "The Lord's Prayer" and "The Word;" his lyrics filled with profundities, as in "Jesus 4 Prez," and his messages remain relatable and redeeming, as in "Save Yourself."

Produced by Haddon, along with his brother, Gerald Haddon, as well as heavy-hitters Warryn Campbell, and Dre & Vidal, this collection of songs is compelling, progressive, and masterfully conceived. Tracks like "God's Love," "I Need Your Help," and "I'm Alive," are sure to establish themselves as genre-furthering, bar-setters to which all future contemporary Gospel music will aspire. Haddon has outdone himself and continues to demolish any box that he finds trying to encapsulate his ministry, or most importantly...God!

Various - The Best of Messianic Praise & Worship
Galilee of the Nation Music, the world leader in Messianic Praise & Worship is celebrating its 10th Anniversary with The Best of ­Messianic Praise & Worship, 1998-2008. This CD features recording Artists like LAMB, Marty Goetz, Paul Wilbur, Karen Davis, Joel ­Chernoff, Ted Pearce, Barry & Batya Segal and many more. It has songs like Kadosh, Jew & Gentile, Baruch Adonai, Zealous Over Zion, He is my Defense and On Your Walls O Jerusalem. 17 songs and 78 minutes of the Best of Messianic Praise and Worship.

Various - 51 Must Have Worship Classics

The 3rd release in Integrity Music’s best-selling 51 Must Have series, this collection features 51 timeless, enduring and modern classics performed by the original artists. 51 Must Have Worship Classics features top artists such as Don Moen, Paul Baloche, Robin Mark, Darlene Zschech, Brian Doerksen and Lenny LeBlanc, all for only $16.98. Of course, with our Music Made Simple program, the price is only $15.97.