5 comments about Neal Morse - Testimony Live.

1. Testimony is a brilliant DVD. Neal Morse is a musical genius.
   Lots of beautifull , melodic songs with awesome solos by Neal and Mike Portnoy. They are strung together very well. Progressive music at its best.
   I am jewish and enjoy this "christian" music very much because Neal, beyond his creative music, is not trying to inject you his belief.
   All the musicians here are top notch musicians and I am having a hard time believing they only met (as a group) 3 weeks prior to that tour.
   They seem to have a fantastic time doing it.



2. I got this dvd from blockbuster, and didnt check the track listing. I put it on and part one seemed good, great prog music and some catchy hooks. I was really enthusiastic for part 2. Then part 2 starts and all of a sudden the show has turned into preaching religion. As another reviewer mentioned, the whole thing seemed out of place. I wouldve appreciated a good prog rock/metal dvd without religious overtones, and GOD channel like songs.
   
   I have nothing against religion, infact I prefer positive and optimistic lyrics to sadistic, pessimistic lyrics. But there is a line you need to draw, and not try to impose your beliefs on the viewers unless the viewer is aware of it and intentionally sits through it. It does appear as though the majority of the crowd is going "HUH???"
   
   I just feel he took it too far, and made the whole show like watching GOD channel (after part I ofcourse, Part I is still a good show).Looking at the calibre of the musicians on stage, its just sad that he tried to take things in this direction.



3. The second disc almost justifies the price. The "covers" of Transatlantic cuts are better than the original. Video quality is not that great but the sound is excellent (2-Ch). If you are not a Christian, you better love music more than you disagree with Christianity in order to enjoy these discs.



4. In short, this music dvd is the only music dvd that I've ever watched that held me riveted, completely enthralled throughout. Even now, on my 10th viewing, it amazes me. The whole testimony album is here - live and impeccably performed.
   
   2nd disc is very cool also - Behind the scenes footage, and also a spock's tune and a 2 TA tunes. I always get my money's worth when I buy Neal's stuff!



5. i was so amazed at this performance (depth, complexity, quality of the music, talent of the musicians, sincerity of the christian message) that i watched it 4 times in a row over 4 consecutive nights. the songs span a wide range of styles (something for everyone), but especially excellent cprog (christian-progressive). i can't believe all this great music pours out of neal morse's head. i'm a fan.

No comments about Whatever It Takes.

5 comments about The Waiting.

1. Waiting on the Waiting, I was recently invited to go to a super progressive church service that Brad Olson was leading at a small church in an industrial park in Lawrenceville, GA (of all places)...but the music was incredible. This guy Ti, who was playing a small body guitar with a Dylanesque sound was leading the music. This guy's sound was absolutely moving. The dude was finger picking and cupping a pick in his playing hand...what, just in case? I've never seen anyone do that and play well at the same time. He was on it like cold on beer and these weren't beer drinking people. I met with Brad for lunch afterwards to ask him about the sound, etc. He told me that he has some new material coming out that compliments his vintage material. What do you say--Amen. As in, let it be said, let it be done. I've said it before...the lives that men lead often times bleed over into your own...even without asking permission. It is what it is...



2. I have had this CD since high school and it is as powerful now as it was ten years ago. The music is upbeat and catchy, perfect for singing along in the car, but the strength of The Waiting is their lyrics. This is a thinking Christian's album, full of thought-provoking images and convicting themes. Listen to it often; you'll find a new gem every time. I have many favorite tracks on the CD, but two standouts are "Hands in the Air" (which brings me to tears every time I hear it) and "Better Off As Friends". I highly reccomend The Waiting to people searching for mature, enjoyable Christian rock/ pop.



3. You must understand what I mean when I say "all-time-favorites." Albums that make it on this list for me are those albums that I love every song on the album and that even after I have had the album for years (as is the case with this one) I still come back over and over again and the songs never get old. This album is incredible, lots of upbeat songs, and a few good balads as well, round it out so there is something for everyone. As some have said before me, the lyrics are amazingly powerful. These are the kind of lyrics that you can truly worship God to, and yet the album is not a "worship" album. My favorite songs, well I like them all but I will mention a couple. The first song, "Never Dim" is an incredible song about our condition as sinful human beings, how we choose the wrong way all the time. However, God's glory will always be the same throughout our mistakes. "But I look at You, Your eyes are clear and bright/ I see Your face,it's an amazing sight/ Your glory Lord, is still a burning light/ Light that all our faithless hands could never dim." Another of my favorites is "My Pride" because pride is one of my biggest issues, and to hear how Jesus took my place when I just could never be strong enough, "He sure has affected my pride." Amazing album! You'd be missing out not to buy it.



4. I have never written a review of a cd before, but feel compelled to write one about "The Waiting". Ever since I heard them at Estes Park, Colorado in 1998, I have loved them! This album is my favorite of their's! I cannot listen to "My Pride" or "Hands in the Air" without being moved. Each of the songs has a message filled with "Truth", but without being "preachy". The lyrics as well as the music truly capture the spirit of our Savior's love. Brad Olson's voice is one of the best, and he sings the songs with such sincerity and conviction. Every song in this album is wonderful!



5. Part folk, part southern rock, this band crafts songs with substance and spirituality. This album isn't preachy, but subtle and stylish, worthy to sit on the shelf next to the best that Christian OR secular music has to offer.

   This is an underrated album by an underrated band. In order for an album to make it on the top of my personal "Best of All Time" list, EVERY song has to be good, and this album is one of the few in existence that delivers on that.

   This album is comparable to Jars of Clay's debut album ("Jars of Clay"), or any album by U2 or REM.

4 comments about In the Light: The Very Best of Charlie Peacock.

1. I have to agree that it is a shame that Love Light is no longer available, but this one definitely has some of his best!



2. If you surfed into this site then you did so most likely on purpose. You have already heard of Charlie and everthing on his mind. The enigma or mystery is why just you and I know about him. You already know that Charlie Peacock is probably the most unique and gifted songwriter of this age, yet very few have even heard of him or his music. You know that his music is so cutting edge that his musical stylings predated and predicted the Minneapolis sound made popular by Prince in the 80s and the alternapop sound of so many bands that we hear in the 90s. His lyrics are thoughtful and intelligent. His songcraft is impeccable and is reminiscent of Sting drawing on many musical styles and influences. First and foremost his music centers on the human existence and "the thirst to be made whole". He is as close as this generation will ever get to C.S. Lewis. Charlie's music is proof that "Christian" music can be creative, different, thought provoking, evangelical, yet not filled with formula, cliches, and victory speeches. His music bears witness to authentic Christianity. This "best of" compilation is a good introduction for anyone who has ears to hear.



3. Pure Charlie Peacock at his finest. Charlie's unique ability to inspire through his music is overwhelming. This CD is a must.



4. Charlie Peacock is musically awesome, and produces many well known artists. In the Light was a #1 hit twice. First by Charlie then by DC Talk. This is a great album although I would have chose other songs to have put on a 'best of' collection. 'Love Life' the great discontinued album should be in production again! I'd buy it!

1 comments about Mountain Homecoming.

1. I got my videos this past week. And they are just great. They really touch a person's heart. There is a little of all kinds of gospel music, but variety is the spice of life. The setting really helps to enhance the music. This reminds me of what I grew up with in Mo. All my family has been involved with gospel music all my life. These videos and music are for everyone, whether you think you like gospel music or not. Words are not adequate to describe the feelings these videos put into your heart and very being.

4 comments about Steps of Faith 1987-1991.

1. Margret Becker is one of the premier artists of our times. She doesn't get the credit her music deserves. This collection of songs is typical of the quality music she creates. Its a must add to your collection if you can find it.



2. I can only say that this album of songs represented a zenith point in margaret Beckers wordsmith skills. Also, the track "this love", well, in a word, is absolutely sublime. I can't say enough about the sincerity of this sweet poem. The purity of the track is timeless and strikes deep. I am always left in a quiet stupor with a gladness beyond words.



3. Back in the late 80's/early 90's I was a fence straddling professional backslider Christian and felt like an illegal alien as a young adult in my church gatherings. My tastes were different, my experiences were different, my style of dress, my family wasn't saved - I found myself not relating at all to anyone around me who liked to saccharin coat everything in life with soundbytes and logos sold for $30.00 at the back table after every service. I felt really alone. Christianity seemed to be based purley on how you looked, which family you came from and how well you could mindlessly reapeat scripture verse verbatim weather you understood/believed what you were saying or not. On top of all that I live in a part of the US where there is litterally NO exposure to Contemporary Christian music outside of the advertising hype you read in print and what you are told by kids with mullets and marijuana who type in all caps. For the most part I've always found most Christian music to be the equivalent of canned laughter on a TV sitcom: very gimmicky, one dimensional and a cheap immitation of whatever mainstream 'flavor of the month' happens to be playing on the top 40 chart. When the gore of it all got too much, I'd dissapear for a while from church to detox.
   
   Ordinarily I would have never spent my money on Christian filler merchandise and I can't quite remember what posessed me to buy Margaret Becker's greatest hits cassette but it was the BEST move ever!! (Thank you strange lady who urged me to make this purchase) What a Godsend it was at that time in my life. I wept through every song - the songs seemed to speak directly to my soul in a way that I had been missing for so long. Other than my rabidly prayerful search for Truth and revelation in the pages of the bible, I credit this tape for being the spark that spurred me on to pursue a deeper relationship with Christ.
   
   I brought it along on a retreat once to play in my walkman and left it in one of the church leader's cars. I freaked out! I called all around and finally reached the harried mother who promised to return it to me next time she saw me. It took her two months to return it to me because she had been listening to it over and over again herself in her car as she was going through a very difficult time. She returned it to me with a vow to order one for herself to keep. The songs are soulful, heartfelt and Margaret Becker sings them with expert voice and with an intimate understanding of what the words truly mean.
   
   I'm teetering precariously close toward 40 now and I slowly drifted away from contemporary Christian music once I became a professional classical vocalist. two years ago I was robbed during a move and my beat up old "Steps of Faith" cassette was a casualty. I finally thought to replace this out of print treasure on CD through ebay a week ago and gave it a spin when I took it out of the packing. The music is just as fresh and just as meaningful and relevant as the first day I heard it almost 15 years ago. Once again, it's a mainstay in my 'play often' pile near my CD player along with a few 'new' Margaret Becker CD's I've never heard before. Ms. Becker never disappoints. I'm in awe of the work of God in her ministry and in her life.
   
   If you can find this edition, buy it. It's an excellent intro to her music and you won't be sorry.



4. I seem to have a love/hate relationship with Margaret Becker's music. I absolutely love the honesty in some of her songs, but I don't like the style of her late 80's/early 90's rock on others. This best of collection provides the perfect compromise from me.

   Maybe it's because I became familiar with her music via the radio, but this collection has most of my all time favorite songs from her early career.

   "Look Me in the Eye" and "Never be an Angel" were favorites from the moment I first heard them. Margaret is very transparent in these songs about her desire to become more like Christ and her struggle to do so.

   Somewhere along the line, I had missed songs from the CD "Immigrant's Daughter," but I was completely struck with the reminder of forgiveness in "Just Come In" and the fun reminder about wealth that is "Solomon's Shoes."

   "Who Am I" has to be one of my all time favorite Margaret Becker songs. The lyrics capture exactly the feeling of wonder I get looking at the night sky and remembering that the God who created all this with a word knows me and loves me. I've used it in private worship times for years.

   There is only one new song on here. "This Love" opens the album and captures the joys of being found by Jesus' love.

   Like any best of, there are great songs left out. Personally, this CD always feels empty without "You Remain Unchanged." Frankly, I didn't buy this CD for years because of it. Trust me, that was a very stupid mistake. I'm surprised I haven't worn it out with how much I've listened to it since I bought it.

   If you are interested in honest, uplifting, and challenging lyrics, look no further then this CD. It is worth every penny spent and every bit of time spent trying to track it down.

2 comments about Songs from the Penalty Box, Vol. 3.

1. This is a very good C.D., when I bought it, it introduced me to my new 2nd fav. band: Squad Five-o. It is a really good, Christian, Punk and EMO style music, a great sampler, for punk fans, at a great price. One thing that I would rather not have on this album is that, Blindside and Frodus really stand out, they sound different than the rest of the album



2. This a a great CD to buy to preview a bunch of awesome christian punk bands.

3 comments about Past Remains.

1. I love this Cd! It plain rocks! I am not dissappointed although I had my doubts, but they were wrong. Tracks 2-7 are a bit repetitive but the rest plain rocks. Definate buy for fans of Pennywise!



2. This is my favorite CD of 2001. I got it when it was released and I'm still playing it all the time. SWS is the best band on Tooth and Nail records. If you like punk, you need to get this CD.



3. This CD is great. As a matter of fact I am listening to it right now.'Princess' and 'Past Remains' are the best songs on the album but the whole CD really rocks. For fans of pennywise, mxpx, and nofx.

No comments about Bethany Dillon/Imagination.

5 comments about Apparitions of Melody.

1. 3 stars just because they don't suck. They have a few good songs,but the rest are lacking.
   
   Kids in the way have amazing potential. If you have heard "Fiction" or the titled song "Apparitions of Melody" You would know it. like their debut album they have "Love,Kids in the way, and phonix with a heartache".
   
   Each a great song, and I mean it, 1 out of 10 they would all fall in between 8 to 10 ratings.
   
   They have a exellant singer who has a very different voice, very unique, rare voice. His screams I could tell from a hundred others. Once you hear it, you would know how unique it is.
   
   [...]
   
   
   They're only able to bring the magic on those songs. The rest are just plain. Ulimatly this is a fair cd. Some great songs but not a great cd.



2. From the minute I put this disc in my car's stereo I was hooked. From the first track, Last Day of 1888 to the last "real song" Burt Rutan Kids in the Way sounds amazing with their own brand of alternative maybe post-punk rock or something like that, whatever it is its great. The last two tracks include a cover of Head Over Heels and a slow song that could very well be the song that changes your heart. In addition to a good sound the lyrics are astounding and deal with deep and dark issues while conveying a sense of hope through Christ.
   
   This album is amazing as is their othe rwork "Safe From the lsoing Fight"



3. emo fan is absolutly right this is like my chemicle romance but this band dosent need to swear, this is prly the perfect cd if u like emo/rock with screaming fuse in as well.



4. i seen these guys in concert last week there very good. the lead singer sounds like my chemicle romanced lead singer alot with screams that sound like underoath, my dad, who hates screaming music actually enjoyed hearing these guys so thats says something right there. very powerful emotional rock that deserves radio time. compare to my chemicle romance



5. this cd is great :D it's lovely music in true kids in the way style. the sound has improved since their last cd "safe from the losing fight", but still there is something missing. there are some great classic songs here, but the whole cd is missing something. i can't put my finger on what. still a very great cd :D