You can download Denison Witmer’s new EP, Life Before Aesthetics, from My Old Kentucky Blog for Free!
There is something about album art that makes me want to “judge a book by its cover”. I almost think you can. But besides that little note, I love this album’s album art. No particular reason why I am sharing this 
( Digsby! )
I’ve always been frustrated that I’ve had to use multiple instant messaging services to talk to all the different people I may know. Some use Msn, others AIM, and there are always people on Facebook. So I found Digsby – an instant messaging service that allows you to integrate a whole bunch of different chatting programs into one!
The full potential of Digsby includes integration of AIM, MSN, Yahoo, ICQ, Google Talk, and Jabber. You can also add email accounts and social networks. It’s a nice little tool that is very customizable. I know this is not the typical kind of things I would post about on this site, but it’s just so great I have to share it. Here are some snapshots: Read More »
The Hymns Unleashed
The other day I found out about a project that is focused on bringing older hymns to the forefront of musical appeal for youth today. Here is their statement:
“The Hymns Unleashed Project is all about trying to introduce some of those wonderful melodies found in famous hymns to those who would not otherwise know them. We want talented musicians to take a priceless hymn (of praise, worship, adoration, prayer) and make them uniquely your own, much like Jesse did with “It Is Well With My Soul”. Let these songs inspire you, possibly leading you in a way that will utilize your own God-given talents in a way that might even suprise you! “
What’s interesting about this site is that it invites other Christian indie artists to rearrange, rework, and share their hymns that may never “have never been heard on anything but a piano or organ.” Here is a sample of what the site is getting at:
This site has potential, and if you are a Christian Inide artist out there who wants to or has already rearranged some older hymns, you may want to give this site a second look.
{House of Heroes}
The End is Not the End
House of Heroes has stepped off on a new foot with their release of The End is Not the End. Their former release, Serial Sleepers, didn’t do a whole lot to really impact the music industry, but this album is pretty good. The style House of Heroes puts forth in this album is quite different from their first, but yet it manages to keep the band’s identity.
Strengths
Strong and catchy rhythms are the single most improved feature of The End is Not the End for House of Heroes. I generally can get bored with some music very quickly, especially if it all sounds the same. But with this album, the style and direction of many songs change multiple times through the length of a single track. For example, “In the valley of the Dying Sun” starts out in a moderate tempo with a nice guitar background. Then it quickly changes to a melodic falsetto that adds so much complexity to the song — yet it remains simple. A tricky thing to do. Read More »
{Phil Wickham}
Cannons
I don’t know what is more impressive: Phil Wickham’s vocals or his guitar playing. I’ve had the privilege to see Phil in concert two times already and I have not been disappointed. Although both venues could have used some better acoustics, the sound from this guy is unique. Along with this album, Phil’s first album, Phil Wickahm, holds another spot in my list of favorite albums (although I’m not going to count it as one of my “20″). Specifically form his previous album, standout tracks include “Divine Romance”, “Crumble to Pieces”, “Holy Holy Holy”, “Grace”, and “Always Forever”.
Strengths:
The album starts off almost dark, mysterious, and bass-driven with “Must I wait”. The only thing that carries through the rest of the songs form the description in the previous sentence would probably be the bass. The mystery of the song is lifted when Phil starts in with his vocals. It all seems to come together at this point; the lyrics add to the overall clarity and beauty of the song. There are transitions from driven guitar, to more subtle controlled vocals. This is an example of the strength of the album, not necessarily in the song itself, but what elements it portrays. The vocals are by no doubt some of the most powerful, subtle, beautiful, and fully enticing vocals I’ve ever heard (seeing him in person also adds another layer to his depth). I would say that this element of the album is certainly one of the strongest. Read More »
{Needtobreathe}
The Heat
Needtobreathe has always been one of my favorite bands. With their first release, Daylight, I’ve been eagerly watching the band, and as they have progressed in style, they have moved up on my list. I am relieved that needtobreathe’s sophomore album is not a “slump” and shows the band can change but remain itself.
_
Strengths:
The vocals of needtobreathe’s lead singer, Bear Rinehart, are outstanding. They are not going to suit every person’s particular taste, but if you like smooth, strong, southern rock vocals, you’ll love this band. The melodies and blend of the band is also a highlight. The instruments are in balance and we hear what we are supposed to hear and when we’re suppose to hear it (always a bonus). Read More »
