Steven Curtis Chapman

Steven Curtis Chapman

Beauty Will Rise
Sparrow Records

The new CD from Steven Curtis Chapman is a collection of 12 new songs that deeply reflect on the theme of redemption and praise to God.  Nearly 15 months after tragedy struck the Chapman family as their daughter Maria went home to be with her father in heaven Chapman has given fans this collection of heartfelt feeling, emotion and praise.  It is no surprise that the songs focus on the the themes of hope and redemption with this tragedy.  I can almost hear the sadness is his voice as he sings but there is also a surprising amount of hope and anticipation as he sings about the day he and his daughter will be reunited.  As a father I cannot imagine the grief, anger, and despair one would go through at the loss of a child but I do find hope as I listen to Steven Curtis Chapman continually sing about trusting in God, holding on to His promises and praising Him because He is good.  These songs are truly "Chapman's personal Psalms".

The CD was written while on tour in the fall of 2009 and as Chapman writes, "We are in the middle part of the beauty that God is bringing from the pain and ashes of last year..."  This is reflected in the title track "Beauty Will Rise" which is about good things coming out of painful experiences.  The first single, "Heaven is the Face" is a song about the reality of heaven and his personal longing to be present with the father and to see his little girl once again.  One of the most moving songs is entitled "February 20th" which is about the day his daughter accepted Jesus into her heart and Chapman praises God that he and his wife were able to share with her the beauty of heaven and the life one can have through Jesus Christ.

"Beauty Will Rise" is Steven's most personal CD and is one that is hard to listen to without tearing up and reflecting on the blessing of life.  You will not hear any up tempo songs like Chapman's early hit "The Great Adventure" but you will hear songs that inspire and bring comfort to anyone who has tragically lost a child.  Whether you are a Christian, a non-Christian or a skeptic this CD will move you and challenge you to think about life and the wonderful gift of grace God has given us all through Jesus Christ.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Pops!

Katharine McPhee

Katharine McPhee

Unbroken

Verve Music Group

www.KatherineMcPhee.com

The multi-talented Katharine McPhee (originally known as a contestant on American Idol), returns with her sophomore album, Unbroken. The album is her first for The Verve Music Group, and she makes a big statement with the platinum blonde look that graces the album cover. This is not yesterday’s Katharine McPhee. The album is full of surprisingly superb songs co-written by the likes of Ingrid Michaelson, Paula Cole, and Rachel Yamagata, among others.

There are very few albums that I would honestly say that I can “feel” where they took place but this is definitely one of them. Written and recorded in Nashville, Los Angeles, and Boston, Unbroken is chock full of songs those areas are well known for but maintains a cohesiveness that few artists manage when they spread themselves far and wide. While the album attempts to kick into high gear from the opener, “It’s Not Right,” it’s not really until track three, “Keep Drivin’” that it really starts to soar. The midnight, rainy-drive lonesomeness and subtle bitterness McPhee captures here is pretty awesome. It’s got a slight Pop Country tinge that I’m usually not keen on but McPhee’s voice makes you a believer sooner rather than later. The piano-led “Say Goodbye” is another highlight and is somewhat reminiscent of her time on “that show.” It’s a song that fans that have been there since the beginning will easily connect with, as are “Surrender,” the subtly orchestrated, semi-epic title track, and maybe “How” as well.

I admit that I’m a bit surprised at how musically rich this album is but a spade is a spade. McPhee and company branch out in a lot of different directions and succeed at nearly every turn. Fans of Pop Country, Singer/Songwriter, and Pop that’s got a little bit o’soul will find a lot to enjoy about Katharine McPhee’s Unbroken.

By Mark Fisher

Orla Fallon

Orla Fallon

Distant Shore

Green Hill

www.OrlaFallon.com

Orla Fallon is best known for her work as vocalist and harpist for the wildly successful Celtic Woman franchise. You also may have seen her features alongside Jim Brickman this holiday season on the PBS Special, “Beautiful World.” Whether you are a potential fan or an already rabid one though, Distant Shore makes it easy to recognize Orla Fallon as a major star in the pantheon of World Music. The album was produced by multi-platinum producer Dan Shea (Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion, etc.) and Eoghan O’Neill (of Irish folk rockers Moving Hearts).

On Distant Shore, Fallon continues in an expected vein, while developing a poppier sensibility without “crossing over.” This album is all about gorgeous melodies, no matter what accompanies them. From the traditional sounds of the “Eleanor Plunkett” duo of songs to the smooth and soaring album opener “Who Knows?...” to the country pop tinge of “Voices on the Wind,” this album is built quite wonderfully around Fallon’s incredible voice. “Simple Love” is another gorgeous moment that will put you in a meditative mood from the first few notes. Fallon’s voice on both this song and the title track is more instrument than voice as a matter of fact. I dare say that she could be singing the phone book and I’d still enjoy it every bit as much.

There are few truly unique voices left in the modern music world, but Orla Fallon is certainly one of them. Distant Shore is absolutely stunning. It dares to move a little left of center here and there but provides more than enough material for longtime Celtic Woman fans to connect with, just in case they dislike the “daring” moments. This is a wonderful album from start to finish that anyone looking for some quieter, peace seeking moments should seek out.

By Mark Fisher

Glass Hammer

Glass Hammer
Three Cheers For the Broken Hearted
Arion Records
www.glasshammer.com

Glass Hammer is one of those bands that I have been of fan of since their concept CD "Lex Rex" was released in 2002.  Throughout the years I have watched the band gain more and more of a cult following and I have watched their sound become more fine tuned and refined altogether.  With their most recent release "Three Cheers For the Broken Hearted" the Glass Hammer gang has created a CD very different from their previous releases and it certainly has fans talking.

Known for their progressive rock sound Glass Hammer been compared to the likes of early Genesis, Yes and Kansas.  They have created some of the most intricate and complex epics in recent modern progressive rock history.  With the release of their most recent CD the trio known as Glass Hammer (Steve Babbs, Fred Schendel and Susie Bogdanowicz) have buried some of their progressive rock tendencies and have emerged, as their press release states, "a leaner, tighter Glass Hammer".  What is most different about this CD from previous ones is the songs are paired down to a more managable three to five minutes in length.  There is also a more edgy and harder rock sound with most (not all) of the vocals handled by Susie this time round. From the opening ethereal track "Come On, Come On" one would tend think this would be a softer and more adult contemporary sounding CD but that quickly changes with the second track "The Lure of Dreams".  The song lyrics tend to walk the line of a darker side but eventually brought back to the light again.  Which leads to another thing that is different from previous releases is blatantly apparent concept which runs through the album.  However according to the band, "the new album's lyrics still carry a theme throughout."

It took me some time to mull this CD over and it took at least a half a dozen listens until I was able to come to a final conclusion.  I do miss the traditional epics of the years past but I also appreciate the new direction the band is heading.  As with any band; the more years you play together the more apt you are to experiment and change your sound around to match with the times.  While I would consider "Three Cheers For the Broken Hearted" more "user-friendly" than previous CDs I do think it may attract new fans and appeal to longtime fans.

Overall, this is a great CD and it is one that is guaranteed to be a mile marker for the future of the band the years to come.  Bravo Glass Hammer for a job well done!

Rating:  4.5 out of 5 pops!

Let Them Know: The Story of Youth Brigade and BYO Records

Let Them Know
The Story of Youth Brigade and BYO Records
BYO Records
www.byorecords.com or www.letthemknowthemovie.com

Attention punk rock fans!  The box set of 2009 has just been released and it is a MUST HAVE for any old school (or new school for that matter) punk rock lover.  I just received this CD the other day in the mail and I LOVE IT!  Old school punk never sounded so good with a modern day sound.

This compilation CD and DVD set is a tribute of sorts to some of the bands that were instrumental in the success of BYO Records which include Alkaline Trio, 7 Seconds, Adolescents, Hep Cat, Bad Religion, Dillinger 4 and Youth Brigade.  The CD consists of 31 tracks with participating bands NOFX, Bouncing Souls, Pennywise, Dropkick Murphys, Antiflag, Pulley and many, many more.  Some highlights include "We're Gonna Fight" by Pennywise and originally recorded by 7 Seconds, "Fight To Unite" by Dropkick Murphys and originally recorded by Youth Brigade, and my personal favorite"It's Empty" performed by Filthy Thieving Bastards and originally recorded by One Man Army.

The accompanying DVD "Let Them Know:  The Story of Youth Brigade and BYO Records" is a 90 minute documentary on the history of BYO Records and the ensuing success and influence of Youth Brigade.  The label and band was founded by brothers Shawn and Mark Stern who began a movement to help punk rockers make a positive impact in the punk scene and in their own lives.  This documentary takes a look at how this independent label began and has survived and thrived over the decades.  The DVD includes interviews with members of Bouncing Souls, 7 Seconds, Ian McKaye (Fugazi, Minor Threat), Matt Skiba (Alkaline Trio) and many more artists who were part of the Southern California punk scene.

This box set would be a great gift for the punk rocker in your family or it would be a great addition to your own personal collection.  In a day and age where punk seems to be getting more polished and more commercialized it's nice to know that BYO Records still exists to support independent punk bands and continue to encourage and promote positive actions within the punk scene.

Rating:  4 out of 5 pops!

G-Force

 
G-Force
(Blu-Ray, DVD + Digital Copy)
Walt Disney Pictures

This is one of those movies that I was dreading to get for review but my kids have been begging to see this movie since it came out in the theaters.  Being the great dad I am my response to them was, let's wait until it comes out on DVD.  Well today as I opened our front door there laid a UPS package with this DVD in it.  So when my kids realized I got it they almost exploded with excitement in anticipation of watching it.  So, of course, being the great dad I am I did not hesitate to pop this puppy in the player.  Much to my surprise this was a very enjoyable movie and (SURPRISE!) my kids loved it!

The G-Force is an elite group of secret agent guinea pigs employed by the FBI.  On the eve of a budget review Ben, the G-Force human leader, orders an unauthorized raid on the home of a very wealthy home electronics business mogul.  After retrieving what was supposed to top secret information and instead was information on a coffee maker.  After this unsuccessful venture the government decides to shut down the G-Force unit and orders the guinea pigs to be terminated.  With the help of their human companions the guinea pigs escape and find themselves in the unlikeliest (or likeliest) places.  Unwilling to let the turn of events deter them the team will stop at nothing to end the evil schemes of Leonard Saber.  Eventually the team re-organizes and sets out on this mission but not without the narrowly escaping the clutches of the FBI who are hot on their trail.  Darwin, Blaster, Juarez and Hurley use all of their resources intellect to work together save the world from the evil clutches of Leonard Saber.

Overall this was a fun movie with a lot of action and many laughs for the whole family.  Included on both DVD and BluRay are tons of extras including "bloopers and flubs", deleted scenes, music videos and a couple of shorts about the inspiration behind the movie and a look at the G-Forces High Tech G-Force Training.  This is a must movie for any family with children and would be a great last minute Christmas gift or stocking stuffer.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Pops

Some Last Minute Christmas Gift Suggestions For 2009

Veggie Tales: Saint Nicholas: A Story of Joyful Giving

Big Idea

This is Christmas done Veggie style.  Anyone who is a fan of these fun loving vegetables will LOVE this wonderful DVD about the joys of giving and intertwining the story of God's love for humanity through giving.  The story itself is about a boy who came to be known as St. Nicholas as he learned the art and joy of creative giving when faced with heavy political oppression.  This sounds like a heavy story but it is filled with the zany antics of the veggies, fun and sing along (able) songs including "Silly Songs With Mr. Lundt" entitled "Donuts For Benny".  There are plenty of extras on the DVD plus a wonderful short/introduction to Operation Christmas Child and a music video featuring Amy Grant and Matthew West. 

I personally believe you cannot go wrong with this modern day tale of the legend of St. Nicholas.  These veggies are guaranteed to make your child smile and also teach them the moral lesson of the joys of giving.

Rating:  5 Out of 5 pops.

3-2-1 Penguins!  Escape From Planet Hold A Grudge

Big Idea

Big Ideas 3-2-1 Penguins never quite got the recognition the Veggie Tales received but this does not mean it is inferior in the least.  These fun loving Penguins have been tickling the funny bones of children for close to a decade all the while teaching values and lessons that will last a lifetime.  In their newest DVD the Penguins take journies with Michelle and Jason as they learn the importance of forgiveness, kindness and working together.  This DVD features three shorts entitled "Do Unto Brothers", "Oh Mercy!" and "Between an Asteroid in a Hard Place." 

Overall, my children enjoyed watching this latest DVD from the Penguins.  Even though they may not have found a place in their hearts as the Veggies do they do enjoy the shorts on this DVD.  Most of all they learned the valuable lessons on forgiveness and kindness to one another.

Rating 4 Out of 5 pops.

The Misunderstood God

By Darin Hufford

Windblown Media

As a Pastor I meet countless people who have had negative experiences with Christianity.  Unfortunately most of those people have experienced some sort of spiritual abuse by a church or individual or were just taught horrible things about God.   Apparently this is a common thing since author Darrin Hufford has devoted an entire book entitled "The Misunderstood God" to help individuals who have experienced some sort of negative encounters with the Church or God's people.  Hufford spends a good deal of time exposing some of the lies that we have been told about God and the Church and brings to light some truths that should be a healing salve to individuals who have turned their backs on him or the Church.  Darin attempts to clear the air that God is this angry old man in heaven just waiting to send individuals to hell and instead paints a picture of a God who is loving, just and wildly in love with His children. 

For me this was a decent read and one I will pass along to people I know who have had struggles with their faith.  This book is perfect for individuals who may have been hurt by the church or in particular a Christian who imposed legalism onto them.  The Misunderstood God should be a breath of fresh air for these individuals as they are shown the truth about a God  who is proud of his children and loves them very much.

Rating 4 Out of 5 pops. 

Family Guy Season 8

Family Guy - Season 8
20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

In all likelihood, those reading this specific review are fans of 'Family Guy' who watch the cartoon's television run, and are wondering the following; "Is 'Family Guy - Season 8', and the other seasons of 'Family Guy', worth buying on DVD?". One answer: yes. In truth, you've never genuinely experienced 'Family Guy''s full impact until you've watched it through DVD. Faithful to the cartoon's spirit, many more expletives surface than its television run allows, and each episode features deleted content the powers that be felt was too shocking to air. Where Stewie Griffin is shown the video of "Two girls, one cup" in "Back to the Woods" for instance, what wasn't shown on television was the fact that Stewie went on to search for "Two men, one cup" - something that, like other instances in past episodes, alludes to Stewie being homosexual. Where a naked Stewie passes through Brian's room while he's talking to his son Dylan, and says "Just passing through... if you see anything you like, speak up", this is further alluded to.

Besides this, other 'Family Guy' mainstays gloriously occur as ever, whether it be the show's vehemently non-PC attitude (for example, Chris Griffin suggesting Brian is as proud as the first cancer suffer to discover the "handkerchief look" in "Play It Again, Brian"), or its random cultural references to the likes of 'Flash Gordon' ("Road to Germany"), and especially 'Back to the Future' ("Road to Germany" and "The Juice Is Loose").

Yet again, Seth MacFarlane and company deliver the goods. 'Family Guy - Season 8' is an essential purchase this Christmas, and is an essential purchase any other time of the year. It's 'Family Guy' - what more can be said really?

Reviewed by Robert Gray

Ted DeKker's Tea With Hezbollah Press Release

Tea With Hezbollah
Ted DeKker & Carl Medearis

Is it really possible to love one’s enemies?

That’s the question that sparked Ted Dekker's fascinating and, at times, terrifying journey into the heart of the Middle East during the summer of 2008. It was a trip that began in Egypt, passed beneath the steel and glass high rises of Saudi Arabia, then wound through the bullet-pocked alleyways of Beirut and dusty streets of Damascus, before ending at the cradle of the world’s three major religions: Jerusalem.

Tea with Hezbollah (Doubleday Religion, January 26, 2010) combines nail-biting narrative with the texture of rich historical background, as readers join novelist Ted Dekker and his co-author and Middle East expert, Carl Medearis, on a hair-raising journey. They are with them in every rocky cab ride, late-night border crossing, and back-room conversation as they sit down one-on-one with some of the most notorious leaders of the Arab world. These candid discussions with leaders of Hezbollah and Hamas, with muftis, sheikhs, and ayatollahs, with Osama bin Laden’s brothers, reveal these men to be real people with emotions, fears, and hopes of their own. Along the way, Dekker and Medearis discover surprising answers and even more surprising questions that they could not have anticipated—questions that lead straight to the heart of Middle Eastern conflict.

Through powerful narrative Tea With Hezbollah will draw the West into a completely fresh understanding of those we call our enemies and the teaching that dares us to love them. A must read for all who see the looming threat rising in the Middle East.

About the Author
Ted Dekker is the author of many nationally best-selling novels, including Bone Man’s Daughters, The Circle Series, Thr3e, and House. His unique style of storytelling has captured the attention of millions worldwide. Visit him at TedDekker.com and Facebook.com/TedDekker.

Tinker Bell And the Lost Treasure

Tinker Bell And the Lost Treasure

Blu Ray and DVD Set

Walt Disney Pictures

Peter Pan’s loveable Tink comes back to us in her new direct to DVD movie Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure. This year a shimmering blue moon will arise allowing the fairies to use their moonstone which restores the magical Pixie Dust Tree. However Tinker Bell is asked to build a scepter for this moonstone and accidentally breaks the moonstone thus putting Pixie Hollow in danger of not being able to restore the tree that gives them their powers. So to make matters right Tinker Bell goes in search of a magic mirror that grants wishes. The search leads her out of Never Land and meets a new friend Blaze. Coming along with her on her journey is her friend Terrance and the two meet up with all sorts of mischief along the way. Along the way Tinker Bell learns the power of friendship and working together.

The set contains two discs, one is the Blu Ray version and the second features the DVD version. I do like how Disney offers this option in the packaging because with a family like ours we can take the DVD along with us on the road when we are on trips since we do not have Blu Ray capabilities in our car yet. The Blu Ray and DVD both contain a Magical Guide to Pixie Hollow short with Tink and Terence as your guides. There are deleted scenes, a music video featuring Demi Lovato singing “The Gift Of A Friend” and more.

Overall this movie is geared for girls 10 years or younger (although my 7 and 3 year old thought this one was more tolerable than the first Tinker Bell movie).

Rating 3 out of 5 pops!

Counterfeit Gods

Counterfeit Gods

Timothy Keller
Dutton Books

I picked this book up the other day because I really enjoy Tim Keller as a writer and speaker. Keller is the pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan which has over 5,000 members. He is also the New York Times Bestselling Author of THE REASON FOR GOD and THE PRODIGAL GOD (both books have made a huge impact in my life and theology and would recommend both books highly).

In his newest book COUNTERFEIT GODS Dr. Keller looks at the root of idolatry in our lives and more specifically the idols of Money, Sex, and Power. For many people in this country attaining the American dream has become the goal of their lives. Men and women pursue money, true love and the life that they’ve always wanted. Most will do whatever it takes to attain these things no matter what the cost. The sad thing is these people have made it such a goal to gain these things that they inevitably put their faith in them. However it is no wonder that when people finally have wealth, true love and the supposed life they’ve always wanted they end up realizing that they aren’t as satisfied as they through they would be. The truth is, we have made these things counterfeit gods and these gods cannot truly give us what we NEED. Only God can satisfy this deep need we all have. Keller writes, “What is an idol? It is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you see to give you what only God can give.” So the point of this book is to point out that not all of our idols are derived out of bad things. Many place their families as a higher priority than God (this is an idol), others seek to find a companion to share their lives with and will stop at nothing to find that person (this is an idol), while so many strive for wealth in this world and then either invest it in all kinds of stuff to make them feel happier or hoarding and storing it away for no one else to touch (this is an idol). The reality is money, sex and power are not necessarily bad things but they do have the potential to become an idol quickly and even inadvertently.

COUNTERFEIT GODS is an excellent book and I would recommend it highly to anyone. However do not fall into the trap and think, “I don’t have a problem with money, sex and power being idols in my life so this book isn’t for me.” Trust me I felt the same way when I started reading it but then I found it is more relevant that I could ever imagine.

Rating:  5 out of 5 pops!