New Releases - 8/19/08

There are more releases today than you can safely shake a stick at. So many, in fact, that I'm not even going to put a picture up for every release. But know this: Every release will probably go multi-platinum. Or if not, you may like it anyway. So stop in this week and check them out.

Casting Crowns - The Altar and the Door Live CD/DVD

Experience Grammy Award-winning artist Casting Crowns on the most popular Christian tour of 2007/2008 reaching 450,000 people in 83 markets. This 2-disc set features eight live songs both on CD and DVD from Casting Crowns best-selling The Altar and The Door album, including the No. 1 hits “East to West” and “Every Man.” Bonus content includes a behind-the-scenes documentary, the new “Slow Fade” music video, and four five-minute teaching videos from lead-singer/songwriter and pastor Mark Hall specifically geared for personal use or in church services and bibles studies.

Brooke Barrettsmith - Brooke Barrettsmith

Brooke Barrettsmith captivates audiences with her passionate vocals and straightforward lyrics about faith and relationships. Growing up in Chicago, Brooke first started singing in church with her siblings. Since then, she has shared the stage with artists such as Toby Mac, Audio Adrenaline, Jeremy Camp and Steven Curtis Chapman. As a top 40 finalist on "American Idol Season 5" in 2006, Brooke has been championed by local Chicago TV and print outlets and has received hometown support performing at various local events. She has also had the honor of performing the National Anthem at both Chicago Cubs and White Sox games.

Bart Millard - Hymned Again
Bart Millard, the voice of MercyMe, crafts one of the most musically innovative CDs of the year with Hymned Again. Following in the footsteps of his successful debut release, Hymned No. 1., Bart delivers bold interpretations of familiar hymns with a fun, up-tempo and spirited musical journey showcasing his signature vocals.

Family Force 5 - Dance Or Die
Widely considered one of the most significant bands in the CCM market, Family Force 5 is positioned to move to the next level with the release of Dance Or Die. This has been a story of artist development that has been rooted in the modern day fundamentals of great songs, non-stop touring and a commitment to the bands deeply held beliefs.

The Jonas Brothers – A Little Bit Longer

The Jonas Brothers have come hard and fast onto the Tween Scene with their '07 Hollywood Records Debut Jonas Brothers with the support of the Disney Channel, Radio Disney, and Top 40 radio these Brothers from NJ have quickly become Superstars and Teen Heartthrobs. Joe Jonas (as well as Nick and Kevin) star in the Highly Promoted Disney Original movie "Camp Rock" airing now on the Disney Channel. The Boys will also have their own Disney Channel TV show called J.O.N.A.S. scheduled to start airing this summer- ala Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus.

Brandon Heath - What If We
It’s a simple but powerful question. What if we? What if we take a risk? What if we choose to follow our hearts, what if we don’t? What if we sit in the quiet and truly listen to God’s voice, what if we continue to fill our lives with noisy clutter? What if we look at others through the eyes of Jesus? Singer songwriter Brandon Heath continues to inspire the possibilities on the follow up to his Dove nominated Song of the Year “I’m Not Who I Was” from debut album “Don’t Get Comfortable”. Featuring “Give Me Your Eyes”, “Love Never Fails” and “Sunrise”, Brandon’s latest offering is an honest, heart-spoken journey that further solidifies his voice in our community of believers.

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.

David Crowder Band - Remedy Club Tour Edition CD/DVD
Continuing the excitement of last fall’s “REMEDY Club Tour” and full-length CD release, which produced the Top 5 Christian single “Everything Glorious,” and garnered three 2008 Dove Awards, fans will soon be able to pick up David Crowder*Band’s first ever live DVD & CD. The REMEDY Club Tour Edition DVD & CD will include more than 85 minutes of live music shot in high definition from the “REMEDY Club Tour,” which boasted 19 sold-out dates in historic venues nationwide and whose “Surely We Can Change Something” campaign collected thousands of towels and socks for local shelters, while encouraging attendees to “be the Remedy” in their local communities.

Gaither Gospel Series - Bill Gaither/Vince Gill Bluegrass #1 CD/DVD
Gaither Gospel Series - Bill Gaither/Vince Gill Bluegrass #2 CD/DVD

This Country Bluegrass Homecoming brings together the very best of gospel, bluegrass and country music for a star-studded celebration of faith. This historic musical event, hosted by Bill Gaither, is packed with unforgettable performances by legendary artists who got their start singing in church. Featuring a perfect mix of great old hymns, southern gospel classics and newer favorites, this extraordinary gathering highlights the world-class talent of: Vince Gill, the Gaither Vocal Band, The Isaacs, Marty Stuart, Ralph Stanley, George Jones, The Grascals, Dailey & Vincent, Cherryholmes, Gordon Mote, Jimmy Fortune, Rhonda Vincent, Larry Sparks, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Jeff & Sheri Easter and many others.

Charlie Hall - The Bright Sadness
Creating music for the sole purpose of making God’s name renown, celebrated worship artist Charlie Hall follows up his acclaimed 2006 release, Flying Into Daybreak, with a fourth studio project, The Bright Sadness. A collection of songs that reflect his spiritual journaling these last few years, the album, according to Hall, “comes from me understanding my ordinary human condition and my deep love for Jesus.” Recorded in Oklahoma City & LA, the project reflects real life struggles, among those themes addressed are brokenness and Christ’s free fellowship, redemption and compassion. Hall is currently debuting music from his new record on the first-ever Passion World Tour this summer and fall.

The Showdown - Back Breaker
Southern Metal favorites, The Showdown, are back to what they do best. Pummeling riffs, explosive breakdowns, and hooks that will stick in your head for weeks. Back Breaker is the band at its finest, with years on the road, they have matured in their songwriting, their performances and their passion for all things heavy. Back Breaker covers all the bases, from Southern Metal, to Hardcore, to a hint of sludge. Cutting new ground, and perfecting the tried and true style of "The Showdown" is what Back Breaker is all about.

This Beautiful Republic - Perceptions
Fueled by grinding guitar riffs and dynamic vocal performances, This Beautiful Republic emerges from the studio delivering their highly anticipated sophomore release Perceptions. With a debut album under their belt, success at radio and multiple tours across the country the band has fashioned the experienced they’ve gained with their natural art and created the album Perceptions. Highlighted by the tracks “Learning To Fall”, “No Turning Back”, “Beautifully Broken” and “Surrender Saved My Life”, Perceptions showcases the rock-n-roll side of This Beautiful Republic that continues to win fans over live and the massive choruses that etch themselves in your mind, leaving you reciting lines day after day.

Jimmy Needham - Not Without Love

Houston, Texas-based singer/songwriter Jimmy Needham’s Inpop Records debut, Speak, released August 2006, showcasing his down-to-earth lyrics while exposing the rock, pop and gospel-influenced side of his art as well. The album produced a No. 2 single at Christian Hit Radio with “Lost At Sea,” and its song “Dearly Loved” also broke the Top 10 on CHR. Last fall Needham was featured on tour with NewSong, Echoing Angels and Nate Sallie, while he also joined labelmate Superchick for a special Christmas tour. Produced by Will Hunt (Bethany Dillon, Ginny Owens, Shane & Shane) at acoustic duo Shane & Shane’s very own Spaceway Studios, Needham’s sophomore album, Not Without Love, is a fitting continuation of his first project and includes tracks like “A Breath Or Two,” “Come Around,” “Tossed By The Wind,” “I am Yours,” as well as “Home From War,” the record’s debut radio single. Needham will perform songs from Not Without Love as a special guest on female vocalist Natalie Grant’s headlining tour this spring.

Ten Shekel Shirt - Jubilee
Ten Shekel Shirt is a band with a message. Through two album releases, a # 1 hit at Christian CHR radio, and 150,000 album sales, lead singer/songwriter Lamont Hiebert has watched as his songs of revolution and rejuvenation have impacted listeners across the globe. But sometimes actions speak louder than words, and after hearing reports about child slavery and exploitation, Lamont had a life altering experience when he traveled to Southeast Asia and witnessed the sale of children first-hand. Not content to simply write songs about the issue, Lamont co-founded the organization Love146 to help end child slavery and exploitation. Love 146 quickly gained national recognition for their work, earning the MySpace Impact Award for Social Justice, and they were named an "Agent of Change" by GQ magazine. Lamont's experiences as a modern day abolitionist are at the heart of many of the songs on Ten Shekel Shirt's new album Jubilee, easily the strongest album in the band's career. Though the album's songs deal with weighty subject matter, Lamont and Ten Shekel Shirt bring a strong message of hope throughout.

Jon Michael Talbot - The Troubadour Years 2CD
In 1990, John Michael Talbot began a new direction in recording the music God gave him by starting his own label, Troubadour for the Lord. This change came after 14 years as a top selling artist with Sparrow Records. This compilation represents the best of John Michael’s music throughout these recent years, as he continues to tour, perform, and create new music in the wake of a devastating fire that destroyed his Little Portion Hermitage Monastery.

The Wrecking - A New Abolition
With A New Abolition, The Wrecking has cultivated a truly unique sound that is readily accessible and notably fresh. By interlocking hook-driven rock with urban grooves and futuristic adventurism, this band has emerged from the East Coast music scene as one of the most talked-about new acts. From the pounding anthem "Inside" to the earthy remake of Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes," A New Abolition is both gritty and smooth, offering listeners inventive and memorable tunes passionately rendered.

Tonya Backer - Special Friend
Tonya Baker is a gifted songwriter and an anointed artist, as exemplified in her album Special Friend. Tonya has appeared on TBN & the Stellar Awards Music Showcase and counts it an honor to minister the good news of Jesus Christ in every opportunity. As she performs across the globe, this young lady will not be satisfied until she reaches the nations with the Gospel.

Niyoki – Rest

Rest is the life-enhancing, praise-filled sophomore release from anointed gospel vocalist Niyoki. Rest builds upon Niyoki’s strong vocal talents and exceptional delivery while ably showcasing her ability to fully inhabit a song with heart and soul. Each song on the 13-track collection has a different sound and feel; the album crosses all musical genres to incorporate R&B, jazz, rock and even hip-hop. The stunningly beautiful and soothing “I Will Rest,” the high-energy and driven “Joy,” the praise filled “Where Would I Be” and the prayerful “All That I Have” are just a few of the highlights featured on Rest.

Gene Autry - Cowboy Hymns and Songs of Inspiration
Gene Autry, America’s Favorite (and best selling) Singing Cowboy, sang and recorded hundreds of songs during his lifetime, including many best-loved Cowboy Hymns and Songs of Inspiration. This first ever collection of Cowboy Hymns by Gene Autry is taken from his popular radio show and Western films.

The Sons of the Pioneers - Western Hymns and Spirituals
The Sons of the Pioneers are the definitive vocal and instrumental group in western music history. Although they specialized in songs of the west, cowboy hymns and spirituals have always been an important part of their repertoire. The greatest achievement of The Sons of the Pioneers lay with the sheer quality of their work. Their superb harmonies and brilliant arrangements have delighted three generations of listeners and inspired numerous performers.

The Katinas – Still

The Katinas are back with a sound that will amaze the listener from all aspects of production to the style of worship on their new album entitled Still. From the excited anthem "Alive" to the heartfelt song "Praying For You," Still is both fun and worshipful, offering listeners a sense of joy and memorable tunes passionately rendered.