I cannot say enough about Marcus “Flame” Gray’s new album, “Captured.” Once again, he has put together an album that combines musical and creative excellence with profound theological depth. As far as I’m concerned, Flame is a genius, and this album is a must-buy both for hip-hop fans and for all those others who might need to broaden their horizons. My favorite tracks on here are “Nonsense,” “Alive,” “All I Need,” and “Move.” The cameo by MC Ryan Fullerton is also at the top of my list, so be sure to listen to “Daniel 10.”
-
-
Christmas Music – Pop
This third category is a bit of a catch-all. In short, the “Pop” category includes recent-ish holiday tunes that we have come to enjoy. Some of the items in this category are well-received by a wide audience and are on their way to moving into the “traditional” list. Some of the others may never make it there, though we still really enjoy them around our house. Once again, each album cover links to an Amazon.com page where you can order or download the music.
-
Christmas Music – Traditional
Here is the second part of my post from yesterday. The main criterion for being included in my “traditional” category is the music’s ability to evoke nostalgia. Some of these are sacred music, but some of them are not. Once again, I am eager to hear what music you would have included on this list. Tomorrow we’ll finish with “pop” favorites.
-
Christmas Music – Sacred
A world without music would be a world in black and white. With all the color removed, it just wouldn’t be as beautiful as it was meant to be. Music is so much a part of this season of the year that I thought it would be worth a few posts to talk about the music that my family listens to most at Christmas time. I’m certain you’ll find some items here that you are already well-acquainted with. Perhaps there will be some other items that are new to you or that you had forgotten about and are glad to be reminded of. So for what it’s worth, here it…
-
Moore on Music
As I was driving in to work this morning, I was listening to Miranda Lambert’s song “The House that Built Me.” I’d heard the song before, but today I actually paid attention to the words for the first time. It wasn’t long before I felt like someone would need to pass me a hanky. I experienced then what many of you have experienced before too. Music has the ability to reach inside your guts and communicate like no other medium can.
-
Owl City does “In Christ Alone”
I just saw that Owl City has recorded a new version of “In Christ Alone.” You can download it here or listen below. (HT: Brad Jones) [audio:http://owlcityblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/In-Christ-Alone.mp3] UPDATE: Tim Challies pointed out something in the comments below that I didn’t notice when I posted this earlier today. This version leaves out the verse that talks about the cross. I have no idea why the second verse is omitted. Perhaps he left it out because all four verses push the song past the three and half minute time limit for pop songs. Whatever the reason, it’s too bad he omitted it. Nevertheless, I’m grateful that he recorded the song. I think…
-
Beats and Babbles
Flame graduated last May, but hip-hop is still alive and well on the campus of Boyce College. Boyce College student Spencer Harmon (not to be confused with Where’s Waldo) fronts a new group called “Beats and Babbles,” and he has just released a new self-titled album. With song titles like “What Hoekma Said” and “Nerds By Day, Rappers By Night,” how can you go wrong? You can download the album now from iTunes. Check it out. You might also take a look at their website BeatsandBabbles.com. In other news, the artist formerly known as “Crossword” is now a faculty member at Boyce College. His 2004 album is available for free…
-
Denny Burk Jumps the Shark
I got snookered! That last @CaedmonsCall Tweet was not from the real Cliff Young at all. Sorry, Caedmon’s! I was wrong in substance and tone, and I apologize. I repent in sackcloth and ashes. Going to go listen to this song for a while.
-
Animal Drummer
You don’t see this much anymore, but what this drummer is doing used to be pretty big with the 80’s hair bands. This guy, however, has hair like Jerry Lee Lewis, and he kind of dresses like him too. File this one under “vintage spectacle.” It’s a classic.
-
This Means War
I just heard the news that the Christian rock band Petra is getting back together for a reunion tour. This is beyond belief, but I say more power to them. Greg Volz not John Schlitt will be lead singer. For those of you who can’t remember or haven’t heard of Petra, you can check them out below. You will see that, for some unexplained reason, tortured and confused teenager dude was a running motif in their videos from the late 80’s.