Exclusive interview with Newsboys' Duncan Phillips

On August 21st, I had the chance to sit with Duncan Phillips of the Newsboys right before their amazing performance at Ocean Grove, NJ. I must say, interviewing him was a blast and he was very generous with his time. And now, for your viewing pleasure is the entire interview. Check it out!

Newsboys - Live @ Ocean Grove, NJ 8/21/2010

If you're like me and have your reservations about the new direction the Newsboys are heading, then seeing them live should squash any doubts you may have. Recently they passed through NJ, and my son and I went to see them play at the Great Auditorium in historic Ocean Grove. Overall, it was an electrifying performance that had me reeling for a couple days afterwards. They played most songs from their new album along with oldies like Shine, He Reigns, and Breakfast. The audience was captivated by a phenomenal show, and I can't wait to see them pass through this area again. To give you a taste of the performance, here's a video I took of the song Miracles from that night's show. Also, stay tuned for a video I took of the song Born Again, and an exclusive interview I did with drummer Duncan Phillips. Enjoy!

Matt Maher - Alive Again

Here's another review by Amica Paige...






Matt Maher’s album, ALIVE AGAIN, so aptly named, is a breath of fresh air in today’s polluted airwaves, wherein “cool tunes”, per se, rule over substance, and mere noise have replaced real music, as these misguided and image-driven artists, in blind pursuit of relevance, continue to embrace bland formulas and popularity over their God-given talents and musical integrity. This unpretentious, stripped-down music displays a genuine balance between substance and creativity, without the latter running amok for its own sake; take note of Maher’s vocal ease and Audrey Assad’s cool harmony in a couple of tracks, especially in Garden. With its lyrical and melodic strength, this album is solid and certainly deserves some serious airtime in its entirety, though my favorites are Alive Again, Sing Over Your Children, Hold Us Together, Love Comes Down, Letting Go, You Were on the Cross, Christ is Risen, and Garden. Each track eloquently delivers a message that turns your thoughts to our glorious Creator who richly blesses, even with eternal life, which many of us would rather reject, instead of actively seek or even honestly question God.

Pick up the album, if you care to nourish your spirit. The music is a gem for the jaded listener, and may very well make you feel alive again. Plainly put, it is food for the soul and the lyrics are included in the no fuss, yet artful insert.

“I was looking outside
As if love would ever want to hide”

“No scheme of man
…separates
Us from Your hand…”

“I flirt with the world…
But Your gaze stops my heart”

“Glorious beyond measure
Bending low to wash His traitor’s feet…
Why would a king do such a thing?”

“Where were you when all that I’ve hoped for
Came crashing down in shambles around me”

“O death, where is your sting?
O hell, where is your victory?
O church come stand in the light
Our God is not dead
He’s alive! He’s alive!”

“Your love’s so strong
I can’t recall
What was this thing
They called the fall?
…The mournful rejoicing
Seeing through tears
Of peace overflowing…”

Stellar Kart - Everything is Different Now

If frenzied pop-punk is your thing, then you’d probably dig the latest album put out by Stellar Kart.

Lately, the term “worship” has developed into a style or genre, instead of an act of reverence. So I do have my reservations when I hear an album (or anything for that matter) described as “worship”. I honestly wish that the term would be done away with. But for the time being, I’ll use it here since that’s the word used for the theme of this album.

Stellar Kart, if you haven’t already noticed from my intro, is a Christian band. As a believer myself, when I listen to the songs on this CD, I understand the connection they sing about. As for the style, I really haven’t been into the pop-punk sound since the Blink-182 days, with the exception of Relient K (which lately has evolved to a much more mature sound). However, after saying all that, I like these guys. It’s a fun album with a lot of heart behind it. I played it a few times driving home in traffic to give me that extra jolt of energy I needed. The standout track for me would have to be their cover of "Spirit In the Sky". It’s definitely unlike any other version of the song you ever heard. Overall, it’s an album that gives you the pleasure of indulging in some frenetic sounds while contemplating on life and God.

FFH - Wide Open Spaces

The name "FFH" may not mean anything to you, unless you are familiar with this veteran CCM band. Whether you're a fan or not, I think this is one of the most surprising albums I heard recently. In a nutshell, these songs were born out of pain. After the band went on a hiatus, singer Jeromy Deibler was diagnosed with MS. I'll spare the details here since you can look up other interviews online that cover his story. This album is worth checking out, especially to hear some very honest songwriting that doesn't hide the pain that comes in life. And yet, the album still leaves room for hope. I honestly didn't expect to be writing about a FFH album, but this one was a nice surprise.

Great Comfort Records

With Christmas fast approaching, a lot of us can probably use some good music to chill out to. Something to warm and comfort your soul. I would like to recommend two albums that I believe are destined to be classics. These are Salvation Is Created and ‘Come O Spirit!’ Anthology of Hymns, and Spiritual Songs Volume 1. Under the new Great Comfort Records, who’s founder is Lenny Smith (yep, Danielson’s dad) these two albums have some of the most creative spiritual tunes that you’ll get a chance to hear. If you’ve ever longed for the day when you’d hear some real creative songs rich with spiritual themes, then look no further than these albums.

‘Come O Spirit!’ Anthology of Hymns, and Spiritual Songs Volume 1
Track List
1. I Sought the Lord
2. It Is Finished
3. Come, O Spirit!
4. Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me
5. Just A Closer Walk
6. Open Thou Mine Eyes
7. The Mourner's Prayer
8. Hard Times
9. Kyrie
10. Be Still My Soul
11. How Calm And Beautiful the Morn
12. Lord, I Believe
13. He Never Said A Mumblin' Word

Salvation Is Created
Track List
1. O Come, O Come Emmanuel
2. Joy Joy!!! (featuring Devon Sproule and Paul Curreri)
3. Bring A Torch Jeanette, Isabella (featuring Ben + Vesper)
4. O Little Town Of Bethlehem (featuring Sarah Fullen)
5. Let All Mortal Flesh (featuring Elin K. Smith)
6. Messiah (featuring Robert Heiskel)
7. Silent Night (featuring Diane Birch)
8. Out Of Heaven (featuring Derek Webb and Evan Gregory)
9. Veiled In Darkness (featuring Matt Bauer and Maeve)
10. Salvation Is Created (featuring Aimee Wilson)

Lily Allen - It's Not Me, It's You

Here's another review by Amica Paige...





Lily Allen has graduated from mere flippancy in her sophomoric first album to a classier, more composed cheek with such melodic ease and lyrical wit in conveying her insights in It’s Not Me, It’s You. This time, she confronts societal norms, conformity, youth, relationships, and self-absorption of all sorts—in short, life—and calls for an openness that’s evocative of the late George Carlin, unapologetic, but that’s altogether chic, sassy, and melodious. With its delightfully varied sound that’s intermittently indie, jazzy, retro, as well as country, this album is a complete fare that’s entirely seasoned with sophisticated sarcasm for those finer, contemplative moments.

With the opening track’s, “Everyone’s At It”, sobering message about drug prevalence which infect all of society, “from grown politicians to adolescents”, and that could only be solved by admission, the song is in sheer contrast to its breezy melody, easy synth, and subtle beats,

Likewise, “The Fear” has a contradictory upbeat sound for such grave lyrics describing a human frailty caused by worldliness:

“I want to be rich and I want lots of money
I don’t care about clever…about funny
I want loads of clothes…diamonds
…people die while trying to find them
…take my clothes off…
…that’s how you get famous…
I don’t know what’s right or real anymore
…how I’m meant to feel anymore
...cause I’m being taken over by the fear
Life’s about film stars and less about mothers
…all about fast cars and cussing each other
But it doesn’t matter ‘cause I’m packing plastic
…makes my life so f**king fantastic
And I am a weapon of massive consumption
…how I’m programmed to function
I’ll look at the Sun and I’ll look in the mirror…
…I’m not a saint but I’m not a sinner
…everything’s cool…I’m getting thinner
…I’m being taken over by fear”

“Not Fair” is a galloping western bop that’s in sardonic contrast to what’s being sung, which is the utter dilemma of being in a relationship fraught with mounting discontent over the kind of sexual intimacy one is engaged in.

“22” is an 80’s jingle reminiscent of Belinda Carlisle’s “Circle in the Sand” or Madonna’s “Cherish”, but where they cooed about a seeming frivolity, Allen coolly croons about the difficult feat of confronting societal standards which declares that the only thing left for a 30 year old lady to do is to wait for the “man of her dreams”.

“I Could Say” is a song of liberation from that certain “chip” on the shoulder, wherein Allen cheekily chirps, “Since you’ve gone, I’ve lost that chip on my shoulder… I’ve gotten older…the whole wide world is my stage… …I’ve been let out of my cage”.

“Back to the Start” has perhaps the fastest danceable rhythm, as in the 80’s new wave with a subtle chime-like synth, that conversely plays a message of apology for one’s past jealousies and an appeal to start over.

“F**k You” sweetly expresses defiance against intolerance, with a kick in the air, joined arms a la the Rockettes, repeated chanting of “F***k you very very much”, and sticking both tongue and lollipop in the cheek, while jumping to the tune’s pulsing beats.

The following tracks have similarly breezy melodies, but with slightly slower tempos:
While “Never Gonna Happen” relates an unsteady relationship, “Who’d Have Known” examines a growing affection. And “Chinese” is quite the song, as well as the food, to have around when thinking about cuddling in front of the TV with a dear one. And whereas Allen blithely questions god in “Him” with unquestionable cynicism, she airily hoots about a father’s neglect and desertion with unmistakable sarcasm in “He Wasn’t There”.

Have this album for easy, thoughtful listening with a bit of shake. It’s especially soothing for those inspired moments when you’re itching to break out the paint, write, or simply be creative in other ways.

The Ting Tings - We Started Nothing

Here's a review of The Ting Tings by my associate, Amica Paige...






The Ting-tings.

Have you heard their ting? That you haven’t heard their tunes is very unlikely since their debut album was released sometime last summer, topping the U.K. chart and sending the tireless Madonna to rest then. Here are my two cents on yet another grand act to emerge from Big Ben’s soil: upbeat and offbeat. Fresh is hard to come by these days even in a highly advanced society, and the irony is we’ve been there, done that, seen and heard it all, and recycled, revised, and repackaged so heavily as we’ve figured out the formulas, that there seems to be very little left to be discovered as original, especially in music. Hence, it’s always refreshing to see those who manage to reinvent and rise above the crowd every now and then, regardless of how long they stay up. And when one creates a distinct sound, it’s got a certain ring, or ting, that will cause you to listen again and again. And this dynamic duo’s certainly got it. They most certainly have that “ting” factor. The funky fusion of Jules De Martino’s dominant drumbeats and Katie White’s sometimes brazen, sometimes fragile, and frequently distressed or defiant vocals merged with their various other musical elements and influences, one of which echoes a pared-down, 80’s new-wave among others, power the invisible machine behind their playful sound. Their music is a little fresher and groovier than most of its contemporaries that currently saturate our airwaves. Even as the duo chant “We Started Nothing” incessantly in their finale, the 8-tract album can serve as an instant tonic to get you started in those days needing a bit of jolt, with Great DJ, That’s Not My Name, Fruit Machine, Shut Up…, Keep Your Head, We Walk, Impacilla Carpisung, along with the title tract, or just keep you coolly on your feet, with the Traffic Light and Be The One, even if only for a little more than half an hour, unless you have it on repeat.

Skillet - Awake

Veteran hard rockers known as Skillet are out with a new album called Awake. Notice I used the word “veteran”, because well, they’ve been around the Christian rock scene for some time. However, recently they started getting more recognition in the music industry. I remember seeing them featured not too long ago for Awake in a Best Buy circular under the hot new acts section. It’s funny though because Skillet isn’t really a new act. Like I said, they’ve been around for some time. Well, I guess they’re new if you’re not too familiar with Christian rock. Anyway, if you never heard them, Awake is a great album to start with. I’d say if there’s an album that will thrust them into the limelight, this will be the one. Skillet is one of those bands who’s at their best when their rocking hard AND playing sweet ballads. It’s hard to pull off songs on both extremes like that, but Skillet does it quite well here. For example, one of the album’s harder tracks called Monster is trademark Skillet. It’s an aggressive song that deals the internal struggles that most of us can relate to. On the other hand there is the slower song Don't Wake Me, which is the perfect example of how they can pull off a nice ballad. Overall, this is an album worth checking out whether you’re a long time fan, or just finding out about Skillet.

David Crowder Band - Church Music

There’s much more to David Crowder than the beard.

David Crowder Band is one of the most creative bands you’d hear these days. The thing is, they make music for the church (Christian). So chances are if you’re not a Christian, you probably haven’t had the chance to hear this great band. There’s been this ongoing debate about what defines “Christian” music, and whether or not it simply all sucks. There is the “Christian version of a mainstream act”, which usually equates to a lack of creativity from an artist where they see their music strictly to share their faith. While I can see where they are coming from, the quality of the music is usually low. Now here’s the kicker with David Crowder Band. They are definitely “Christian” as far as the messages in their songs. That part is clear so you know where they stand with that. But the quality of their sound is definitely original and I would even say better than some mainstream acts. The thought just popped in my head if there’ll be a day when we’ll see a mainstream version of a Christian band. One thing is sure, if that day ever comes, David Crowder Band would be the band that people copy from. Take their latest album Church Music for example. If I had to choose one word to describe it, I would say EPIC. From start to finish this is a well produced, hypnotic album that takes you away with each track. With this band, you never know what to expect with their wide range of influences. Here, they incorporate everything from rock to electronica to create probably their best album to date. Another nice surprise is the guest appearances by the band Eisley and Lacey from Flyleaf on various tracks. So if you’re already a fan of the DCB, then you’ll see they upped their standard a bit more on this release. And I must say, even if you’re not a believer, give this album a try. You’ll be in for a surprise. Trust me.

Elvis Costello - Secret, Profane & Sugarcane

I am NOT a fan of country music. But when I hear that music legend Elvis Costello made a country album, it's enough to make me tune in. You may be saying, "Elvis Costello playing country??? Who's next? David Bowie?" Yep, I was just as baffled myself. But playing Costello's album Secret, Profane & Sugarcane has at least allowed me to see country in a whole new light. I'm still not a big fan, but I can appreciate the style just a little more. Elvis really went all out in creating an album that is way outside his usual genre. The end result is an album that is pleasing to hear, even for someone like myself who NEVER enjoyed country.

Relient K

I had more appreciation for Relient K's music after seeing them live at the RevGen festival in NJ last month. Fans got their money's worth as the band put on a superb show, playing tracks from their first album up until now. After hearing how well they played live, I got interested in digging into some of their latest albums. The two that I wound up checking out were Five Score and Seven Years Ago and The Bird and the Bee Sides.












Starting with Five Score and Seven Years Ago, I must say this album is one that shows a much more mature band compared to their days of chanting "Sadie Hawkins". They still have their "tongue-in-cheek" style, but overall this album definitely shows their progression as a band to be taken seriously. From beginning to end, it's an album that you can play on repeat and be totally satisfied. The ending song Deathbed is an epic track that will bring you to tears, if you pay close attention. That was the song they finished their set with at RevGen and it was a very moving experience.












Next is The Bird and the Bee Sides. Released in 2008, this album is packed with all kinds of goodies for fans to indulge in. The band stretched their style a bit more here as there are songs containing country and ska influences. It's probably more enjoyable to listen to if you've followed the band for a while, especially since there are some rare tracks on here. Overall it’s an album that shows Relient K isn't destined to be a washed-up pop-punk band. These guys actually got skills!

SOUL-JUNK - 1960

Aint no junk on this album!

For anyone who’s familiar with Soul-Junk, you know that you can never expect what Glen Galaxy and friends will throw at you. For those that aren’t familiar, I suggest you pick up a copy of 1960 right now. Produced by Daniel Smith (yes, THAT one from Danielson), 1960 is Soul-Junk’s eleventh album, and one of the finest pieces of music you’d hear this year. If you don’t find yourself scratching your head sometimes while listening to Soul-Junk, then you’re not listening hard enough. Make no mistake about it, Glen Galaxy sings loud and clear about his faith. However this is not the “Christian music” that you think it would be. Listening to a few of SJ’s albums is enough to convince you that Soul-Junk is all about making true ART. And 1960 is no exception when it comes to great art. Listening to Glen sing his heart out over some really creative instrumentals on this album is a very moving experience. No doubt, this is one of the must-hear albums of the year, whether you’re a believer or not.

MUTEMATH - ARMISTICE

I’ve waited too long for this release. For most MuteMath fans, the anticipation for their second album was crazy. Now, we finally have Armistice. When I first got the album, I had to play it a few times to let it sink in. I expected a much more energetic album that was going to blow away the first. I wouldn’t go as far as saying that Armistice blew away their debut, but it is a more mature sound for a band that has a reputation for pushing boundaries. It’s hard to live up to ANY high expectation that is either put on you by others, or by yourself. With Armistice, I think MuteMath knew all eyes were on them leading up to its release. No matter what you think of their debut album, you shouldn’t compare it to Armistice. Why? Well you’ll miss out on a well produced, solid album from one of the industry’s most talented artists. Standout tracks for me were The Nerve, Backfire, Armistice and the amazing closing track Burden.

Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown

It's been a while, but Green Day is back with a new album. 21st Century Breakdown is their latest album since American Idiot came out about 5 years ago. The guys have been around for a while and 21st Century Breakdown shows that they haven’t lost their touch. Listening to it, it sounds like most other Green Day albums. But hey, we’re talking about Green Day here! On all of their albums you’re guaranteed to hear that trademark pop-punk sound of theirs. Overall, while it’s not the best Green Day album, 21st Century Breakdown has plenty of fresh material to make it a hit.

Mute Math - Spotlight EP

Mute Math fans have been hungry for some new material. As we wait for the new album to be released, the band has put out the Spotlight EP to hold us off. While it only contains 4 tracks, it’s one that shows that the band’s creative juices are still flowing. If you have the Twilight soundtrack, then you already heard Spotlight. The track Clockwork is one that the band played at various shows during their last tour. I heard them perform it at their Gramercy Theater show in NYC and I remember being impressed. Since then, I’ve waited to hear it on an album and now I got the chance here. Since I only heard it played live, I must say that the album track lacks the energy that you’d get from their show. But it’s still a great song nonetheless. The Son Lux remix of Spotlight has got some pretty slamming beats on it that get stuck in my head every time I hear it. Overall this is one EP that has some great tracks, although I wish it had more. I guess I’ll just have to wait for ARMISTICE.

Track Listing for the Spotlight EP:
1. Spotlight
2. Clockwork
3. Earlylight
4. Spotlight (Son Lux Remix)

Filter - The Very Best Things (1995-2008)

It's about time.

One of the most innovative (and underrated) rock bands from the 90's up until today finally released a "Greatest Hits" album. Filter, the band best known for hits such as Hey Man Nice Shot and Take a Picture have released "The Very Best Things (1995-2008)". This album is truly a collection of the Filter's "very best" with 14 awesome tracks. This is an album I've been waiting for, and Rhino Records picked just the right songs to show Filter's best work over the years.

Track Listing for "The Very Best Things (1995-2008)":

- Hey Man Nice Shot
- Welcome To The Fold -
- Jurrasitol
- (Can't You) Trip Like I Do
- Take A Picture
- Soldiers Of Misfortune
- Where Do We Go From Here
- Dose
- I'm Not The Only One
- Skinny
- One (Is The Loneliest Number)
- The Best Things
- The Only Way (Is The Wrong Way)
- Thanks Bro

Jars of Clay - The Long Fall Back To Earth

After more than 2 years since their last album release (besides the Closer EP), Jars of Clay is back with The Long Fall Back To Earth. This album, I believe, is truly their best as it picks up where Good Monsters left off. It’s one that will probably surprise naysayers that have brushed them off as a band floating around in a Christian music ghetto. For sure, The Long Fall Back To Earth shows this is the same talented band that surprised the music industry back when 90’s alternative rock dominated the scene. Only now they rock a little bit harder and really embrace a sound that’s influenced by 80’s music. The last few albums by Jars show that they like to pull out surprises in their musical bag of tricks. And this latest album has lots of good surprises. For older fans still not used to their new sound, give the album a few listens and really let it sink in. And for skeptical critics of their older sound, this album should make it loud and clear that this is not the same Jars of Clay you heard before.

The Long Fall Back To Earth comes out on April 21.

Switchfoot - The Best Yet

Switchfoot has always been a band that’s worked hard to move beyond stereotypes and just create good music. Whether it’s the “Christian band” label or something else being slapped on them, their music always speaks for itself. Whenever a new album of theirs is released, you know you’re about to hear something fresh from these guys. To get a taste of some of their best tracks, look no further than The Best Yet. This album doesn’t cover all of their best songs, but it has just enough to satisfy any fan out there. I was disappointed to see that “We Are One Tonight” was left off. That was definitely one that I thought would be included. Other than that, this greatest hits compilation pretty much has most of the essentials from this innovative band.

Track list for The Best Yet:

Dare You To Move
Meant To Live
Stars
Oh! Gravity
This Is Home
Learning To Breathe
Awakening
This Is Your Life
On Fire
Only Hope
Dirty Second Hands
Love Is The Movement
Company Car
Lonely Nation
The Shadow Proves The Sunshine
Concrete Girl
Twenty-four
The Beautiful Letdown

Encyclopedia Asthmatica Vol 1 (DVD)

For an experiment into the odd and eclectic musical world of Asthmatic Kitty Records, look no further than Encyclopedia Asthmatica Vol 1. This DVD is a compilation of the artists on the Asthmatic Kitty roster. From Sufjan Stevens to the artist known as Rafter, all the best of Asthmatic Kitty is presented on this DVD. With the variety of artists on this DVD, Encyclopedia Asthmatica Vol 1 is a great set to own for any fan of all things Asthmatic Kitty.

Track List

BUNKY
Hippopotamus (Live, SXSW 2005)
Baba
Space Alien

CASTANETS
A Song is not the Song of the World
Smallest Bones
Good Friend, Yr Hunger (Live, SXSW 2007)

HALF-HANDED CLOUD
You Wouldn't Embarass Me Would You?
Tongues Possess the Earth Instead
Think/Dance Collective performance

LIZ JANES
Jesus is a Dying Bed Maker
All the Pretty Horses

MY BRIGHTEST DIAMOND
Freak Out!
Live @ Northsix
Dragonfly
Gone Away
Magic Rabbit

RAFTER
Adventurers
ZZZPenchant
Gentlemen
Hope
Monsters
Encouragement

SHAPES AND SIZES
Teller/Seller
Jinker/That Fat Hand
Can't Stop that (Sinking) Feeling

SUFJAN STEVENS
Jacksonville (Live, Calvin College 2007)
Palm Sunday Tornado Hits Crystal Lake
The Undivided Self (for Eppie & Popo)
The Vivian Girls...
Put the Lights on the Tree

THE CURTAINS
Go Lucky
Spinning Top