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

August 16, 2011 - New Releases

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

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!




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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!


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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.

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!

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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!!

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!

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.

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!
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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.
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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

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!

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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.

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...

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.

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

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...

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!
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