Friday, December 16, 2011

Concet: Marvin Sapp

Dr. Marvin L. Sapp and the Lighthouse Full Life Center Church presents NYE 2011 - New Year’s Eve Celebration. Featuring the Williams Brothers and other special guests. Saturday December 31st at 9:30pm The Richard and Helen Devos Center for Arts & Worship, located, 2300 Plymouth Ave SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506.

VIP Tickets $25 in advance includes VIP reception for VIP tickets only or $30 At The Door and General Admission $5 in advance and $10 At The Door. For general admission, doors open at 8:30pm.
For ticket information contact the church office Tuesday-Friday 9am-4pm at 616.241.5448 or online at marvinsapp.com. Tickets are first come, first serve.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Pre-buy: David Crowder*Band's last album!

"Give Us Rest" releases January 10, 2012 and will be their last album as a band. You can pre-buy their last album at our website, calling us by phone, or by coming to our store. Here the David Crowder*Band says good bye to us as only they could:


The David Crowder*Band was formed in the year two thousand; it was the dawn of a millennium, Y2K was upon us, and out of this chaos was born the DC*B. That sounds way more epic than we intend it, but it is fact. We signed a 3 album deal with our friends at sixstepsrecords who are part of the EMI/CMG family. We didn’t want to be presumptuous, presuming there would be more than those first three albums, but we hoped. And so we began discussions about building a 6 album set, the second three, if we were ever to have the great privilege of recording them, would be loosely associated with the first three, you know, sort of like how in the creation story day one is related to day four, as in, first there is light, then on the fourth day the sun and moon and stars appear. We do these things because we are quite nerdy and also because we hope to inject meaning wherever and whenever we are able. We also like structure, and this seemed a pretty nifty structure to work within, since, well, it is one of the greatest stories ever. And sure enough, we have had the happy fortune to record five full-length albums and are hard at work on the 6th right now. 

The problem, or the beauty, is that we’ve never been able to see past album 6. In the meantime, a lot of life has happened. It is now 2011 (this is for anyone who may not have been paying attention) and in eleven years there have been many twists and turns. Each of us has gotten married. New humans have arrived as a result of these marriages, 5 to be exact. We have also lost some really good friends to death along the way and have gotten to celebrate together that death is not the end of things. It’s really crazy to think that we have lived over a decade of life together. And, in the middle of all this life, we have gotten to make music that was a reflection of what was happening among us. We have attempted, to the best of our ability, to insert all of these twists and turns into our music, hoping that our responses to God in the midst of these moments would be an aid to others. 

At the first of this year we began discussing what was next. For a long while, we have had a good idea what we were going to do for album number 6; we were going to record a Mass. Ambitious, maybe, but we had been working out the details of how it would connect to A Collision, you know the one with the boy and the atom on the cover. Mass happens to be a term used in physics, and this was exciting to us. But we also began conversations about what was to follow this sixth album. Some of us discussed maybe going back to school. Some of us talked about how great it might feel to be home with family more. Some mentioned maybe writing for a living, or at least getting to give more attention to it. Some talked about more music to be made and who they might enjoy making it with and how great it would be to have more diverse options open to them and the excitement they felt when thinking about those options (as in, if this was to be the period at the end of a sentence, they couldn’t wait to read the next paragraph!) And, out of these discussions, the decision was reached that this sixth album would be our last. None of us is sure what’s next, but we’re not afraid. We’re, in fact, really, really excited! And we’re sure that music will play a role in the future for most, if not all, of us, since, well, we wouldn’t know how to not have it a part of our lives. To what extent that will be, none of us is sure. We are hopeful and expecting, and praying that what is ahead of us deepens our need and experience of redemption and multiplies our ability and effectiveness in expressing the story of God in light of the call he has on each of our lives. 

We are forever grateful for the support we have had from our church community, both local and extended. Really. It has been beautiful, all of it. And we will most definitely keep you informed as things progress and life’s new twists and turns start to make themselves more apparent. 

In the meantime, as you can imagine, this album we’re working on is pretty special to us. Fittingly enough, it seems our little Mass has turned itself into a Requiem. We’d love your prayers as we endeavor to put a period at the end of this sentence. And obviously it was not overstated when we said The 7 Tour will be a thing you may not want to miss. We would love for you to join us for one last evening together, singing these songs that God has allowed us to carry. 

With Love and Gratitude, 
The DC*B

Monday, December 12, 2011

Advent: A Week of Joy

This third week of Advent is all about joy! Now there exists some varying traditions in the color of this candle. Traditionally, pink or rose is used; however, some churches use a purple candle here, and the Sunday before Christmas they would use the rose candle. The first two weeks of advent tend to be more subdued, while this candle reminds us that Christmas is a time for rejoicing and cheer. This candle sometimes is referred to as the shepherd candle. The shepherds were the first to be told about the birth of Christ from angels who told them to rejoice. Now, I know that many people teach that shepherds were the lowest of society, which is true; but the greatest, previous, king of Israel was a shepherd boy... interesting.
The song for this week is by Tenth Avenue North of "Deck the Halls." Now in my mind, Tenth Avenue North is not a band known for their silliness; however, their rendition of "Deck the Halls" embraces the idea of simple joy at Christmas. That and this video just makes me giggle. (Warning: For those who take things literally and seriously, be warned this video is neither of those things.)

Friday, December 9, 2011

Concert: Fred Hammond


“Don’t miss Michigan native Fred Hammond at DeVos Performance Hall on Friday, December 30th at 7 PM for a night of hand clapping, high-energy gospel music.

Tickets are $47.50 and on sale now at the box office, Ticketmaster ticket centers, 1-800-745-3000 and ticketmaster.com. Groups of 10 or more save at devosperformancehall.com.”

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Pre-buy: The Movie: Courageous

The movie Courageous is releasing January 17, 2012!
Pre-buy your copy today online, by phone, or in our store at the AMAZING price of $17.97!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Grammy News! - Mary Mary

The amazing year that multi-Grammy® Award-winning My Block/Columbia recording artists Mary Mary has had thus far refuses to slow down, moving full-steam ahead in a blessed and highly favored fashion. Their sixth studio album, released earlier this year and appropriately titled Something Big, has fueled one of the duo’s biggest, most successful years yet. Mary Mary – sisters Erica and Tina Campbell – have just been nominated for two 2012 Grammy® Awards: for Best Gospel Song (“Sitting With Me”) and Best Gospel Album (“Something Big”). Adding to the pair’s three previous Grammys®, these nominations for music’s highest award continue to acknowledge an act with incredible staying power, functioning at the very highest levels of the music industry.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Advent: A Week of Perparation

The second week of Advent uses the purple candle of preparation or the Bethlehem candle. This week is about preparing not only decorations, but preparing our selves spiritually for the coming of Christ. For this week I am reminded of the actions the old priests of the Old Testament would go through in order to purify themselves. Now I am aware that those were part of the system of works and outward cleansing, but they saw it more as an outward sign of inward cleansing. This raises the question of what in my life I need cleansing. Are my relationships hurting? Am I too wrapped up in the buying of presents that I forget the real reason of Christmas?
The song for this week is a classic by Jars of Clay, "The Little Drummer Boy."

Saturday, December 3, 2011

November Best Sellers

#1 - Wow Hits 2012 - Various                                    #2 - Christmas in Diverse City - tobyMac                #3 - How Great is Our God - Chris Tomlin               #4 - Songs Kids Really Love to Sing: Christmas - Various                                                                       #5 - Peace on Earth - Casting Crowns                       #6 - Oh for Joy - David Crowder*Band                        #7 - Wow Christmas 2011 - Various                          #8 - My Paper Heart - Francesca Battistelli               #9 - Blessings - Laura Story                                     #10 - Come to the Well - Casting Crowns



Friday, December 2, 2011

Gospel Radio in Grand Rapids!

Power 91.9 WDPW: The People's Choice is a sweet radio station plays amazing gospel music and has great DJs with great shows!

Their website is also a great resource to find new music videos, concerts in the area, and to find out their most played songs! You will be sad if you don't check it out!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Christmas Movie: The Heart of Christmas

This movie is based on a true story of a little boy's last Christmas.
WARNING: This movie WILL make you cry.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Advent: A Week of Hope

As we begin the Christmas season, I thought what better way than to participate in the church's liturgy of Advent. The first purple candle of Advent is the prophecy candle that represents hope and expectation. We are hoping for the Savior of prophecy to come and redeem us. Now I don't know about you, but when I have good news it is really hard to keep it to myself. David Crowder*Band has a new Christmas album this year and on that CD is the song "Go Tell It on the Mountain." The fun part of that song is that Crowder gives it some bluegrass flavor. Even better is that on their last tour as a band, 7 Tour, they performed that song. Yay!

LIVE CD & DVD RECORDING Featuring Nate Glasper Jr.


I Live to Praise Ministries presents: Confessions, Devotions & Worship a LIVE CD & DVD Recording featuring Nate Glasper Jr.
Friday December 2nd at the St. Nicholas Cultural Center. 2250 East Paris Ave SE Grand Rapids, MI. Admission only $10.00 per person. For more information, contact 616.974.9128 that’s 616.97439128
Nate Glasper is always a joy to have in our store and back in October he performed a small teaser of his upcoming live recording. Trust me when I say that going to any event with him leading worship is truly a joyful worship experience.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

A New Live Album Releases from Jesus Culture!

Recorded live over three days in Chicago at Jesus Culture's Awakening 2011 conference, this is Jesus Culture's 6th full-length album. This recording features worship songs by the Jesus Culture Band as well as songs from Jake Hamilton, Kristene DiMarco, and Byran & Katie Torwalt.Live From Chicago is highly a anticipated release and is sure to ignite a generation of passionate worshippers across the globe. 

Barbara Faith Jordan coming to Baker!

Traverse City's own, Barbara Faith Jordan will be coming and performing at Baker Book House this Saturday, December 3rd at 2pm. Come on out and enjoy some great Christmas music!

Monday, October 31, 2011

Best Sellers for October

#1 - WOW Hits 2012 - Various
#2 - Blessings - Laura Story
#3 - Tent Revival Homecoming - Gaither Homecoming
#4 - The Story: the Music and Film inspired by - Various
#5 - Come to the Well - Casting Crowns
#6 - Oh for Joy - David Crowder*Band
#7 - One Song at a Time - Jamie Grace
#8 - The Whole Truth - DA Truth
#9 - Rehab Deluxe Edition - Lacrae
#10 - Love Inbetween - Matt Maher

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Nate Glasper and iLive2Praize Ministries Visits 2

This Saturday afternoon Nate Glasper will be performing at our store!
October 29, 2011 at 4pm in our music department!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

October 25, 2011 - New Releases

Some hard rock bands and Christmas all in one awesome release tuesday!
Oct 25 Releases

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

October 18, 2011 - New Releases

Today is a large release day with releases from Jason Crabb, Casting Crowns, Kierra Sheard, Emery, Sara Groves, Sandi Patty, City Harmonic, Family Force 5, the Courageous Soundtrack, Mark Harris, Micah Stampley, and Shirley Murdock!
Oct 18 New Releases

October 11, 2011 - New Releases

New releases for Deas Vail, JJ Heller, a Christmas FFH, and The Film & Music inspired by the Story!
Oct 11 New Releases

October 4, 2011- New Releases

New releases time for Relient K, Shane & Shane, Phil Wickham, and Robin Mark! Christmas releases of tobyMac, David Crowder*Band, Matthew West, Phil Wickham, and Kutlesss!
Oct 4 New Releases

Monday, September 26, 2011

September 27, 2011 - New Releases

September 27's new releases include the WOW Hits 2012, Switchfoot's Vice Versus, Heather Williams, WOW Christmas, Andre Crouch, and many more. For more info. check it out below!

September 27 New Releases

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

September 20, 2011 - New Releases

NEEDTOBREATHE, Leeland, Matt Maher, Vick Yohe, Gungor, and Jamie Grace all have releases that come out today! See More info. below!
Sept 20 New Releases

Friday, September 16, 2011

This is Just So Awesome!

Vice Verses by Switchfoot releases September 27, but before then picture this ... college football and Switchfoot. Sweetness, I know right!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

September 13, 2011 - New Releases

So here are today's new releases that include the DVD the Shunning, Sanctus Real's Matt Hammitt's solo album, Gospel Rap's D.A. Truth, new comer Jessa Anderson, and MORE!
Sept 13 Friends

September 6, 2011 - New Releases

Better Late Than Never (one of my family's mottos)
And I have to warn you that it is some not ... refined pages of new releases.
Disclaimer: Andre Crouch's CD was postponed yet again.
Sept 6 Friends

Monday, September 12, 2011

Sanctus Real's Matt Hammitt's Solo Album

I am a fan of the group Sanctus Real. Their most recent album Pieces of a Real Heart is an amazing album that really characterizes where the individuals and the group as a whole are at in life. With songs like "Lead Me" and "Forgiven," this album was so encouraging. That being said I was excited to hear that the lead singer and songwriter, Matt Hammitt, was putting together a solo record. Recently with online video resources, us music lovers can hear the stories behind the different songs. The stories behind the different songs on Pieces of a Real Heart were so touching and deep. Matt was the main speaker for the different stories, so you can get the feeling of knowing him personally.
      Last year Matt's family was challenged with the unknown future of their third baby. This album was Matt's out pouring of his struggles. All I can think is that God gives us talents and when we use them for his glory, we find healing. Healing for us and for others. As a person who works in music, I see this as true. Many times a musician will write a song out of their sadness, and it in return helps many others. Like with Steven Curtis Chapman's Beauty Will Rise, he wrote that album after the heartache of losing his little girl. Like with Laura Story and her song "Blessings." Music is truly the language of the soul, where sometimes it is hard for us to find the right words.  Thankfully our Heavenly Father provides gifted individuals with songwriting, like Matt Hammitt.



"All of Me" from Ryan Lynch on Vimeo.

Monday, August 22, 2011

August 23, 2011 - New Releases

There are many new releases for Tuesday, August 23rd, including releases from Isaac Carre, Selah, Aaron Shust, Russ Taff, and more!
Ok so I do have two disclaimers. Both Micah Stampley and Lindsay McCaul are both being postponed to a later date. Sadness.

August 23 New Releases

Thursday, August 18, 2011

August 16, 2011 - New Releases

Here are the new releases for August 16!
August 16 new releases

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

August 9, 2011 - New Releases

Today is a Tuesday so that means we have some new releases! YAY!
Today is especially exciting due to Donald Lawrence's YRM: Your Righteous Mind is out today after months of waiting!
Today also marks the release from the Planet Shakers's Nothing is Impossible!
Today Steven Curtis Chapman release a greatest hits with a twist for a Re:creation!
Today the Gaither Vocal Band promises a youthful album with I am a Promise!


For more releases and information check it all out below!




August_09_nr

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

August 02, 2011 - New Releases

Here are the new releases of today!
We can finally bring Soul Surfer home!
Young Love by Mat Kearney should be amazing!
Perfect Game gives us a kids baseball movie based on a true story!
The female reggae musician Avion Blackmon come out with a new project!
There are more, but to see those in detail, you are going to have to look below!


August_2_nr

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Hillsong United coming to Grand Rapids


Don't Miss Hillsong UNITED coming to Grand Rapids 
August 15, 2011 at the Van Andel Arena. 
If you want more information: visit the Van Andel Arena website 
vanandel.arenacenter.org or call 1-866-614-4183 

What began as a bunch of teenagers playing music as a local church youth band, now Hillsong UNITED travels around the world playing to tens of thousands of different nations, cultures and challenges. As UNITED crisscross the globe they are confronted and ultimately overwhelmed by the stories of remarkable individuals facing injustice and the uncomfortable paradox of being united in worship yet divided in circumstance. If their entire focus is directed only to what happens on stage, then maybe they have missed the point altogether. Filmed over a period of 2 years, We're All In This Together follows the worship band, Hillsong UNITED, as they travel across 6 continents 42 nations and 93 cities in a cross-cultural journey of music, animation, interviews and live action documentary as they realize every story of hope, love, loss and sacrifice ultimately points to the one story. We're All In This Together includes the full 2 hour film documentary, 5 Hillsong UNITED music videos, plus a bonus CD of 10 Hillsong UNITED songs. 
        I have found this film heart moving and very relevant to what our world is going through today. While the film is geared toward teens and young adults, like their music, the message has a wider range of relevance and appeal. I have done some traveling to different parts of the world like Canada, Mexico, Ukraine, Romania, and Japan; but some of my travels have also been closer to home like from the large inter-cities to the small rural hamlets of our continent. There are many opportunities for the youth today to travel outside their comfortable bubbles and experience a different way and persecutive in living life. However, there are always those who don't or can't go for a number of reasons. This music and this DVD gives an opportunity to connect with people who are different and maybe far away geographically. Yet we can realize that there are similarities that connects us all like one large global family, and the sense that we are all in this together. 

The I Heart Revolution: "We're all in this together" AUS/NZ/SA Premiere from Hillsong United on Vimeo.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

July 26, 2011 - New Releases

Today's new releases include I'm All In by Robert Pierre, God is Able by Hillsong, The Best of Ricky Dillard and New Creation, and more check them all out below!

July_26_nr

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Soul Surfer - Awesome Pre-buy

Soul Surfer releases on DVD and BlueRay combo pack the AUGUST 2, 2011!
Don't miss the Soul Surfer Movie Night @ Baker Book House AUGUST 5 at 7pm!


Not only is our store offering it at an amazing price of $20.97 (retail $30.99)
But our store is also offering a $15.00 Value Card to our store
Now for those of us who have a little trouble with math, this means that the movie Soul Surfer becomes only $5.97!
HOW GREAT IS THIS DEAL!!

Friday, July 22, 2011

Some Exciting News To Look Forward To In August

We are little over a week left until August, and since there are so many exciting things happening, here is a preview to coming events...

August 2 - The HIT inspiring movie, SOUL SURFER, finally comes out on DVD
August 5 @ 7pm - Baker Book House is hosting a movie night and showing SOUL SURFER. This is going to                      
                              be an awesome FREE event with popcorn!
August 10 - Marks the beginning of UNITY MUSIC FESTIVAL and is also the FREE DAY
August 11-13 - UNITY MUSIC FESTIVAL in Muskegon, Mi also Baker Book House will be there!
August 15 - Hillsong United is playing at Van Andel Arena
August 16 - Grace Card releases on DVD
And much more, so check the What's Happening on the right side to see!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

10000 Reasons - Matt Redman - A Review

Matt Redman is passionate as he leads the listener in a worship experience. The album begins right away with energy. "We are Free" is a song that invites the listener not to remain still with foot tapping beats and awesome melodies. His talent of singing and song writing is displayed as he successfully joins the concept of contemporary and classic worship music. The song "Holy" is an excellent example of this with a classical piano piece dominate throughout the song, and then the contemporary drums, sweet bass guitar, and electric guitars for a full chorus sound. The title song "10000 Reasons" with the swell and ebb of musical melody is a simple song yet profound in its Biblical lyrics.

Redman and friends create songs can be both emotionally based, like a praise chorus and theologically or intellectually based like a hymn. Evidence that proves this is answered by the single question, in what type or denomination do we find people singing his songs? The answer is all, traditional and contemporary; Baptist and Pentecostal; small and large. In my opinion, God has given him an amazing talent to lead others in worship. Also I believe that this is one of his best albums that he has ever made. It has a quality to it that I can't find the words to describe, but maybe because it interacts with the listener so much that description becomes more relative then definitive. 
This album is for any fans of Hillsong, Chris Tomlin, and Jesus Culture.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

July 19, 2011 - New Releases

Today's new releases include Richard Smallwood's Promise, the reunited Burlap to Cashmere's Burlap to Cashmere, and more!
July_19_pg 1

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Matthew West's "More" wakes up the crew of Atlantis

The STS-135 Flight Day 5 wakeup call was "More" by Matthew West played for Mission Specialist Rex Walheim. This is so amazing to have such a glorifying song to our Creator. Just think, this song played on Earth and outside of our atmosphere. So Cool!

July 12, 2011 - New Releases

Here are new releases from Fernando Ortega, Ambassador, new comer Dara Maclean, and more check out below!
*To note the Kierra Sheard release has been postponed for a later release date.
nr_july_12

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Taking Chance Review

Dear Readers,

I am not sure you will ever see a review like this on this site again. Of course I can't say for sure because one never knows, but right now there isn't another like it. At least on this blog.

Taking Chance is actually a DVD not a book. I know, shocking, I actually do other things besides read. :-D It isn't one I expected to like, but it is one I recommend all the time here at the store and one day I thought I should write a review of it.

Our brave young men and woman have for hundreds of years have been willing to sacrifice themselves for our freedom. In recent years this has become something that is constantly on the news. Whether because a local person was killed or because there are people out there that believe they can capitalize from someone else's sadness, the news has made sure we always know what is going on. I hate to admit it, maybe am even ashamed to admit it, but in some ways it makes me not appreciate it as much as I should. This movie changed that.

Chance is a young PFC (private first class) fighting in Iraq when he is killed in a fire fight. Lt. Colonel Michael Strobl, played by Kevin Bacon, hears about it and volunteers to escort Chance home. This is the story of that trip home. It is the story of how Chance's story affects Michael, but also how the different people he meets along the way show respect and gratitude towards a fallen hero.

This movie is a wonderful look at the heart of America and the people who live there. It is a moving story of one man's rediscovery of why he loves his country.

There are no big secrets in this movie so I am not worried about giving anything away by talking about this scene. There is a scene filmed at one of the airports on the way home. Chance's body is being off loaded from the plane. Michael is standing by getting ready to salute and the men and women working in that area of the airport realize what is going on and stop what they are doing to stand quietly by the airplane while the body is being moved. They don't say anything they just stand there very respectfully watching. It was an very very amazing scene. There are several others like it in the film, but I don't want to mention them all as I want you to be able get the full impact of the movie.

I will admit I didn't think that a movie could move me everytime I watch it, and I have seen this one here at the store several times now, and every time I almost come to tears at certain parts. In fact there is one scene I still refuse to watch because I would be sitting in the middle of the store crying and I don't really want to do that.

Yes I did time this review to release on 4th of July weekend. It would be the perfect time to watch this movie, of course anytime would be a great time to watch this movie. If you are not proud of your country once you get done watching it, then maybe you should watch it again.

Happy (watching)

Chris

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

June 21, 2011 - New Releases

Today, there are many releases of Praise&Worship, Contemporary, Hard Rock, and some Hip Hop. The artists are John Michael Talbot, These Hearts, Peter Furler, The Martins, Casey Darnell, Aaron Keyes, Stuart Townend, August Burns Red, Shonlock, and Ronnie Freeman.

*Disclaimer: Richard Smallwood moved to a street date of July 19!

nr_june_21

Sunday, June 19, 2011

A Day Set Aside to Honour Fathers

      Studies have shown that having a father in one's life is a necessary element, even if they are 5 or 55. That necessary element has an impact that can be positive or negative.  Every person needs a father. Sadly for many, the only great father that they will ever have in their life is their Heavenly Father. 
     We all need a father who is more than just one in name. It is said that there are many fathers, but few "Daddys." Some men choose to be "fathers" to those that do not have one present in their lives. I salute all courageous fathers who step up to the plate and provide a positive impact in the lives of their children. What does a positive impact look like? Being a girl there is only so much that I can conclude, so I asked the father's of our store (on the spot I might add).
What does it mean to be a good father?
      "The predicable answer is that of a spiritual nature. Even though everyone says it, it is still important to leave a good spiritual legacy for our next generation to have. Also providing food, clothes, room and board is always essential in a safe environment." - Louis
     
      "To tell your children that you love them, and to tell them a lot" - Lanny
      
      "A father is something like a role model. To have a communication of love that is both vocal and seen in actions" - Greg
      
      "I would want my daughter to describe me as funny but there for me. To be dependable." - Josh (new father of a 9 month old)


      "I would protect my daughter and give her my support. Encouraging her when she faces the challenges of life." - Chase (new father of a 2 month old)
     
      The movie Courageous is coming to theaters September 30. It is a movie to inspire men and fathers especially to live with honor. This movie is one worth seeing, it will make you laugh and become slightly emotional.

Lastly, Thank You Dad for being a positive part of my life. Though miles may separate us this weekend, 
you are always in my heart.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Daniel Marsalese was Melodious!

Now I know that two weeks have passed since Daniel Marsalese can and did an acoustic set for our store. You would not believe the problems that I had with the video editing. To keep a long and emotional story short, there were problems with blonde moments, and then there were glorious, stress-relieving solutions.
      Daniel Marsalese is a talented musician who can play various instruments and can compose melodious sounding songs. Daniel played for us on his guitar and harmonica, while accompanying him was a talented cellist, Kayleigh. The song that they played was from his debut album, Pages of a Book. Needless to say my videos taken on my camera do not compare to the sound of a live performance. I encourage you if you ever get the chance to hear Daniel Marsalese live to do so. The impression that I get from Daniel is that he is not just playing music, but he is orchestrating a sound that is pleasing to the ear.


Now as a special treat here is another video...

Friday, June 17, 2011

All Things Bright and Beautiful by Owl City - A Review

Owl City is Adam Young...and friends


      With great song writing and bright composing, the music fits together "beautifully." What I have always enjoyed about Owl Cit is that it is electronica without sounding repetitive and is from "real" instruments like the violin, cello, vibraphone, and hand claps as performed on various songs. The songs have high and low rhythms that dance with the words sung.
      All Things Bright and Beautiful poses such a happy and "bright" sound; however, the subject matter is kinda melancholy and sober like the song "Galaxies." This song is a tribute to the tragedy of the Challenger explosion. This album is one of those occasions when just listening to the radio singles is a real shame. The track before "Galaxies" is called "January 28, 1986," and features a clip of the Ronald Reagon's speech to honor the crew of the Challenger. Now with the the album being called All Things Bright and Beautiful, but  most of the subject matter is of a tragic nature, one wonders if there is a deeper meaning to this pairing of title and song. Can tragedy be beautiful? Can humans cling to the hope of a brighter day after the dark of a passing storm? The song "Alligator Sky" is about two guys leaving behind a apocalyptic Earth for a new life elsewhere. The song could be sad; however, here the leaving of Earth is shown in a prespective that is opitmistic and adventurous. Now one should not worry, there is one fun light romantic song on the album called "Honey and Bees." It is such sweet love song.
      Adam Young lives in Minnesota were it snows about 6 months of the year and only reaches 90 F about 5 times in the 3 months of the summer. Where during t winter months, one could go days without seeing the sun, and when you see the sun it is only between the hours of 8:30am till 4:30pm. So Adam to be able to create such  bright and beautiful art, this Michigander removes her mittens, and then gloves, and applauds you. Your music is like the sun on a cold January day.


Tuesday, June 14, 2011

June 14, 2011 - New Releases

Today, there are only two new releases. The new releases are both the sophomore albums for Owl City and Jackie Evancho.
June 14 2011 Releases

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

The Road of Tricia Brock

If one likes the softer songs of Superchick and the worship music of Meredith Andrew, Laura Story, or the modern hymns of Keith and Kristyn Getty, then one will love the worship music of Tricia Brock.


Tricia is the lead singer of Superchick and has been for the last 13 years. This is her first solo album.
      "I love singing rock and always will. But going back to my roots, I grew up in a church where hymns were the worship norm, and I still have a love for them! For the reverance in the lyrics and the way they were written, not being afraid of keeping the thees and thous. There was just something special to me about How Great Thou Art, Amazing Grace, Leaning On the Everlasting Arms...so I wanted to bring that love into this album. More importantly I wanted lyrically to reflect my heart of worship and the place I find myself in my journey with God, my road to Holiness."


The Road is a reflection of the journey Tricia and her husband Nick have been travelling for the last few years. It hasn't been an easy path they found themselves on. They have been walking through an ongoing battle with cancer with Nick's mom, almost lost Tricia's mom to a heart attack 2 years ago, have had health scares of their own, all leading up to the start of the album. Next is her voice describing a part of her life's journey.
      "Anyone who has  walked through a wilderness of your own will know where I was last year. I just felt like we couldn't handle another disappointment, another closed door, another year of feeling like we had unanswered prayers. Not only us, but all around us we have family and friends affected by the economy, losing jobs, seeing dreams lost, trudging though this battle of their faith. And we have seen them make it through. It seems that sometimes God allows times where we don't see Him, we don't feel Him, we ask the hard questions...but always He has rescued us just in time. This album was my way of saying I will worship Him when I don't have all the answers, when I haven't seen my dreams fulfilled, when I might feel like there is no song left to sing. But I still believe He will rescue, He will heal what is broken in all of us, He will be faithful to make our lives what He knows they can be.
      So this winter we were mostly done and working on the final vocals for the album, I found out that I was pregnant, right around Christmas and couldn't have been happier. It felt like this baby was kind of an answer to so many prayers for so long, and my dream of being a mom was finally here. And then in January I found out I had lost the baby around 5 weeks. Finishing the record was one of the hardest thing I have ever done. I have gone through so many stages of dealing with the hardest loss I have ever known. I still have days where it is hard to accept and I am angry and confused with God. But I was able to look back at songs we had written months before and see that God knew. He knew the songs I would need to sing that would breathe some peace and some hope back into me. And I guess the comfort in that is that He has never left me. He sees our tears and our sorrows, and without answers to all my questions I just believe that one day it will make sense and that He will redeem all that was lost."


I hope that you will enjoy the album as I have enjoyed it. There is a real honest tone to the songs that pulls at the soul. Here is her first of many singles...

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

June 7, 2011 - New Releases

Today's new releases includes some live performances, new artists, artists going solo, and some next albums for some. These artists include Blindside, Planetshakers, Royal Tailor, Thousand Foot Krutch, Manafest, Tricia Brock, Jake Hamilton, Crystal Lewis, Texas in July, and Maranatha!
nr_june_07

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Daniel Marsalese: At Baker Book House

JUNE 4, 2011 @ 1:00PM
Live Acoustic Concert

Daniel Marsalese has released his first album Pages of a Book this May. His style is that of a artsy folk with some strong instrumental improvisation. Daniel and his band have played together so well that when it comes to writing the songs the different voices of vocals and instruments are present and accounted for. This relaxing and easy to listen to sound is excellent for any time.

Come check out this talented artist after your lunch on Saturday and be blessed with the great music.

May 31, 2011 - New Releases

Here are the awesome releases for today of Trin-i-tee and Tedashii!
May 31 Releases

Thursday, May 26, 2011

New Veggietale Movie! The Princess and the Pop Star! Coming August 13!

Princess Poppyseed’s life on her family’s farm is far from the glamorous but lonely world of her favorite pop singer Vanna Banana. On a chance meeting at a playground, Vanna and Princess cross paths and realize that they look almost exactly alike—which leads to the crazy secret plan where they decide to switch lives! As each girl realizes that the life they longed for doesn’t fulfill all of their dreams, they learn that the life God gave them is the one for which they were uniquely and lovingly designed.
      Featuring a lesson in “being yourself”—the DVD helps young girls understand that each of us are created unique and special with God-given talents, based on Jeremiah 1:5, which reads, “Before I formed you in your mother’s body, I chose you. Before you were born, I set you apart to serve me.” The DVD also includes the new song, “You Never Are,” written and performed by this year’s Dove Award-winning Artist of the Year, Francesca Battistelli.



New Release

Today's new release is from Jeremy Camp. His new cd "The Story's Not Over" is now in store. Stop on by and grab a copy. 😊...