1 comments about History Makers: Collection.

1. Phil Keaggy's collection in the "History Makers" series covers his years with Sparrow Records spanning from 1980-1983 as well as 1994-1997. Many of Phil's classic hits are included in this collection such as his McCartney-esque "A Child in Everyone's Heart" and "Morning Light", the hard-rocking "Just A Moment Away" and "Full Circle", the Steely Dan-inspired "Play Thru Me" and the tender ballads "Spend My Life With You", "I Belong To You" and "Let Everything Else Go".
   For good measure, four tracks from Phil's later years close the compilation including the Celtic-rock stomp of "Highland" and the Beatles-influenced "River Of Life" which was recorded in collaboration with Wes King and Out of The Grey's Scott Dente.
   The CD booklet includes insightful reflections on each track from Phil Keaggy himself and the music itself is remastered with excellent sound quality.
   While the "History Makers" CD is not a definitive collection of Phil Keaggy's music, it is definitely an enjoyable and solid selection of tracks from one of Christian music's all-time greatest singer/songwriter/guitar players.
   An essential addition to your music collection.

4 comments about Squint.

1. I used to own this album. I loaned it out and never got it back. Finally I couldn't stand it anymore. I had to go out and buy another copy. Not many albums are worth buying twice, but Squint is worth it.
   
   This album carries Steve Taylor's trademark mix of satire, humor, and serious messages. Sock Heaven is about socks vanishing in the dryer, yet it carries a serious metaphor. Cash Cow is an almost cinematic thriller centered on the golden calf of the Israelites still haunting people today.
   Steve takes a break from humor to prove that he can write powerfully moving lyrics in Jesus Is For Losers and The Finish Line. And these are just a few of the highlights.
   
   Steve has typically gone with a light pop-rock sound. His time with the rock group Chagall Guevara seems to have changed him. Squint carries a much more edgy sound than his other albums with more of an alternative rock sound. His vocals remain pretty much the same, but the guitars are a lot thicker now.
   
   Steve carries a note of fun due to his humor and energy level, but his lyrics are so deep they might be over the heads of some. If you want music with substance, spiritual importance, catchy melodies, and a sense of fun look no further than Squint.



2. First off, I admit I'm not a sophisticated music critic. I enjoy many different artists and styles, but I simply don't have the vocabulary to describe them meaningfully. Thus, most of this will review will focus on Taylor's lyrics.
   
   And wow, what a thing to focus on. Steve Taylor creates the funniest and most piercing satire I've heard in a long time. Not content to sit pretty on our "good Christians" position, Taylor targets both the Church and the non-Christian world.
   
   The opening track is a confessional by certain Desmond R.G. Underwood Frederick IV about his shortly approaching death, backed by driving hard rock. Desmond (etc. etc.) has been very active in self-help and inner healing, but finds everything cut distressingly short. What good does all of this do him, as the chorus reminds: "Freddy, get ready to meet your maker."
   
   "Smug", another of the jewels on this album, is about depressingly self-righteous people freely scattered about the church today. Instead of loving people and showing them the way to God, Taylor charges that many churches seem bent on creating more people just as stuck-up as they are. Despite all of this, he admits, some people are able to find their way, "Hey, get off your knees/ that part don't come till later./ God will not be pleased."
   
   "Jesus Is for Losers" is a title bound to shock anyone who thought they were picking up a Christian album. Turning Ted Turner's comment on its head, Taylor admits that yes, Jesus is for people who are completely helpless and desperately in need. This quietly introspective tune is an appropriate follow-up to "Smug" as Taylor admits his own pride and how he repeatedly needs to be reoriented to God. "Just as I am./ I am stiff-necked and proud./ Jesus is for losers./ Why do I still play to the crowd?" As he says, if you're strong and self-sufficient, turn somewhere else. Jesus is for those who know they need him.
   
   Taylor finishes up the album with the ridiculous, yet pointed "Cash Cow". Over a weird musical background (I could picture They Might Be Giants performing this), Taylor warns of the dangers of materialism. He carefully points out that even if you're not rich, you can still easily fall victim to greed. He wraps the song up with the admission: "I too was hypnotized/ by those big cow eyes/ the last time I uttered/ those three little words:/ 'I deserve better!'"
   
   To keep this review short, I've skipped over several fantastic songs. If you have even the slightest interest in modern Christian music, you should pick this album up. Steve Taylor is one of the greats of the field, and this is his best work. Although he's done many wonderful things since, I'll always regret the day he stopped working as a performing artist.



3. This is one of the best albums I own, and that's saying quite a bit. Steve Taylor is a bit like combining the conviction of Keith Green with the satire of the Simpsons, and I think this is his best album. The production values are above his previous releases, and the songs don't sound musically so dated. But through the surface silliness of songs like "Cash Cow" and "The Lament of...etc. etc." comes powerful messages for the church of America to repent and the people of America to realize the empty philosophies they've invested in. Taylor even turns the satire on himself in "Sock Heaven", my least favorite track. Silly but never without a point, honest without being rude or sarcastic, Steve Taylor writes the kind of music Christians need--songs that probe deep and avoid cliches. I think The Finish Line is the most moving prodigal son type story I've ever heard (after Keith Green's Prodigal Son suite), Jesus is For Losers is as honest and blunt a portrayal of an oft-missing part of the gospel as you'll find, Bannerman manages to be both silly and respectful. Get this album, and get it now.



4. Steve Taylor challenges his listeners' minds, as well as their hearts, through his sarcastic, biting, and direct lyrics. His "heavier" musical styles on many of these songs make this a challenging CD, also. Taylor is funny, spiritually concious, and not afraid to put his message "in your face." This CD is relentless, from "The Lament. . ." right through "Cash Cow." "Sock Heaven," "Jesus is for Losers"--don't let the title fool you--and "Easy Listening." Taylor doesn't let you catch your breath, so don't even try. Pay attention and be ready to be challenged--maybe even shocked. Taylor doesn't mince words and doesn't mind making people feel very spiritually uncomfortable. His intentions are good, and, if you take his words to heart, your spiritual life can/will improve. He has been doing cutting edge work like this for years, going all the way back to his early albums (I WANT TO BE A CLONE, et al), and many have dismissed him as being crazy, fringe, or inappropriate. Don't let the sarcasm turn you off to his message . . .

5 comments about Great Day.

1. A number of these songs (#2,7,8,12,15,16,17 eventually,19,20,24,26) lean into the Funky Blues; an indication of the hard funk they would come to explore in the 70s. The rest are solid Folk arrangements, that intriguingly, could easily have been picked up by Elvis Presley for one of his Gospel albums. A young Mavis hits THAT note on "Old Time Religion," "I Know I've Been Changed" and "My Dying Bed"! While "Masters Of War" is one of Pops most impassioned vocal performances. Clocking in a few seconds shy of 79 minutes, this is essential Staples Singers, especially for those into their folk roots.



2. This is an outstanding CD. Although not every track is a gem, the best tracks are absolute classics. Highhlights include "New Born Soul", "I Know I've Been Changed", "Motherless Children", "Old Time Religion." This is actually a combination of two long out of print albums. Mavis Staples sings beautifully throughout, and when the songs and arrangements are good she shines even brighter. Heartfelt gospel harmonies, guitar accompaniment by Papa Staples, tasteful accompaniment by bass and drums on some tracks. This CD has long stood the test of time in my collection.



3. This album is the very best of the very best of the marvelous Staple Singers. Virtually every cut is jewel-like. They do Dylan's "Masters of War" better than he does. Much as I love how the Staple Singers do Dylan, this album is about gospel and it is a brilliant showcase. Listen especially to "A Dying Man's Plea" and the superb rendition of "Swing Down, Chariot." This is an album to be savored again and again over the years.



4. Great Day is the link between the Born-in-Bethlehem stone gospel " Vee-Jay" Staples (PRAY ON)... and their classic and timeless anthemic 60's FOLK-HIPPIE-SOUL message songs like Respect Yourself, and I'll Take You There
   Simply exquisite heavenly music. I found a CD copy in Japan ...probably 15 years ago now...after having worn out a few vinyl copies.
   This music will live on forever... Could angels in heaven sound any more beautiful than Pops, Mavis Staples, and her brother and sisters Pervis, Cleotha and Yvonne?
   There's a very strong secular raw blues and west african vibe here that takes the spiritual level far above expectations. In the lyric on "PRAYING TIME" Pops breaks into a riff singing "You go and I'll go with you" straight out of Howlin' Wolf, and Sonny Boy Williamson then the kids kick in an otherworldly backup: "My Lord!" Scary and riveting.
   Every song is a wonderful gem and they all segue into eachother beautifully, but I agree with the reviewer who singled out DYING MAN'S PLEA especially Pops guitar and delivery on that solo intro is so pure... Robert Pete Williams, Blind Willie Johnson...then the stone soul gospel groove kicks in.("one kind favor i'll ask of you... 'see that my grave is kept clean, dig my grave with a silver spade, ease me down with a golden chain...") Whee-ew!
   Oh yeah and have another listen to the organ on " I Can't Help from Cryin' Sometime" (played by Maceo Wood) Holy Smokes(!) this is some kind of FUNKY magic. Hypnotic and haunting. GREAT DAY just sounds better and better as time goes by.



5. Ho-boy, what a barn burner this one is. The instrumentation is not just good, it's supernaturally great. The haunting twangy guitar and the spare backup packs a big punch and sticks in the heart. Three tracks stand out: A Dying Man's Plea, Wish I Had Answered and Pop's masterful and superior cover of Dylan's Masters of War. Masters of War particularly makes the hair stand on the back of the neck.
   
   Too bad the amazon preview tracks don't include any of these, but no worries, since all of these songs are unbelievably great.

5 comments about Colors and Sounds.

1. I've been exploring Christian rock and alternative music (in addition to my traditional and urban contemporary gospel preferences) over the last few years, and recently ran into this group. Their music is fresh and 'colorful' (I'd attribute it to the violin and overall arrangements). This cd has some amazing material, not to mention heartfelt lyrics. I think it is a great sophomore album and can't wait to see what's next. Great CD! Thanks guys!



2. Colors and Sounds is one of the best CD's I have ever heard. I like the fact that the songs has the violin in them, in addition to the guitar, drums, etc. I play the violin, and Article One really has accomplished individuality by using it. Also this CD has 14 songs! I mean seriously, have you ever bought a CD that has more than ten songs for an inexpensive price? During the past, I have discovered that many CD's only have two or three songs that are great. However, Article One has beat the odds and every song is pleasant to hear. Okay, sooooo let's see what we have here. It has many songs. It's cheap. And it's great! And you also know anything Tedd T. has produced is awesome (i.e. Newsboys). So why are you still reading this? Go get a copy!!!



3. As a "boy band" fan, Article One is right up my alley. Some of the tunes remind me of the old Plus One, except a little more mature. I absolutely loved Plus One, so this is a good thing. I feel like Article One is a little more worshipful than Plus One was at times. I'm also a big fan of the violin action in this new Article One album. If you're a fan of Yellowcard's violin licks, then you may want to check out this album. I think that Article One is maybe a little Starfield sounding as well. All good things, because all the bands I've compared Article One to are amazing. Check out this album. You won't be sorry.



4. Article one steps it up with their second release and they dont disappoint. A great pop/rock group hailing from up north in Canada. They have a great sound that is a little differnt than your normal as they feature the violin in their music. Great songwriting with some great melodies. You can also definetly tell where their hearts lie with their faith based approach to rock. A must love for fans of great rock. I liked the songs Without You(im Not Alright) and the title song.



5. After a lackluster CD the last time around, Article One really got it right on this one. The music and the lyrics are great. There are even a couple of instrumentals on the CD for those who like to listen to music without the vocals. One of Article One's claims to fame is the fact that one of the band members plays the violin, and plays it well.
   
   The CD sounds great and the guys in the band are "good people" as we like to say in the South. Hooks, riffs, great lyrics, and fantastic vocals set this CD apart from the rest of the crowded Christian music scene. I highly recommend the CD.

1 comments about God Can.

1. Alvin Slaughter, in his unforgettable voice, will take you to the Mountaintop to worship God and bring you back down to the valley to walk with Him. This is full Gospel worship at its best. Your heart will soar with love for the Father as you sing along to a stiring rendition of Halleluliah and your tears will flow as Alvin sings direct to those whom are hurting and in need of not only peace but restoration within their own lives. Worship music at its soulful finest. Highly recommended.

5 comments about Live.

1. I knew this DVD would be good, but it was much more than I could have expected. It was incredibly awesome. The music is moving. Steven sharing from his heart about how his daughter wanted a little sister, and how God brought them to the place to see that this was His will, moved me to tears. It was also great to hear the story of Steve Saint and the missionaries who were killed in the 50's. Having Steve Saint and the man who killed his father on the DVD share about he is grandfather is a compelling story of not just forgiveness, but the greater challenge to love and reconcile... God's best, and only possible by His grace. You will not be disappointed with this one.



2. Steven Curtis Chapman Has sang at my Church at Pastor Chuck Smith I really like it a lot and love his music



3. I will admit I usually put Steven Curtis Chapman into the "cheesy Christian singer who I would never listen too" category, but this DVD is incredible. The theme of the DVD/Tour centers around the five missionaries that died in the 50s trying to bring the gospel to the Auca Indians in Ecuador. There is a 20 minute segment in the middle of the DVD that tells their story and watching it changed my life in the way I looked at missions and even my own walk with God. These five men had everything: their families, their careers, their youth, and they left it all to proclaim the gospel to a savage Indian tribe. I showed this clip to my youth group and they were glued... you could here a pin drop (and thats saying something for teens!). This is a great purchase!



4. The bonus features, containing "The Gates of Splendor", footage of and about the great missionary "Project Auca" and live concert presentations by Stephen Saint and Mincaye, an ex-Auca, now Waodani Ecuadorian tribesman ARE WORTH MORE THAN THE PRICE OF THE ALBUM. A MUST-SEE! I have shown this DVD to friends and coworkers (not all christian either, btw), and each and every person who viewed this was literally stunned; the story is an incredibly powerful message of love, faithfulness and forgiveness. I am purchasing several to give away to family, friends and neighbors.



5. the best part of this video is it's ministry element, that is, how steven uses multimedia and moving images to complement his concert. You will see lots of multimedia, footages, MTV as the songs move along for the purposes of telling you a great story. There are two big stories in the concert DVD. One is shaohannah, his adopted daughter from China, and the other is on the 5 missionaries who were killed by the Auca Indians back in the 1950s. These two stories unfold, as he sings various songs..and that is what connects you deeply with the grace of God.

   The weakest part of this video is the production quality of the concert itself. It has that edgy, rough look with the stage lights a way bit too dim for a concert. In short, it doesnt have the 'Great Adventure' studio-like quality of his earlier concert.

   Nevertheless, it's a 4 stars to me because a christian concert should be enjoyed not only for its production quality, but also for its ministry element. It should after all, touch you in a special and personal way such that you would want to respond to God positively. That to me, is the strength of the video.

1 comments about A Campfire Homecoming.

1. I bought this cd for 2 songs, but I love all the songs on it.

5 comments about WOW 2001.

1. This is a superb collection of contemporary Christian music. It features a variety of genres so there is something for everyone. These include pop, rock, Latin, rap, and more.
   
   Most of the songs on this two CD collection are great. There are a very few that I do not like, but those are a style preference issue. Some of the tracks on here are all time classics. Included in this category are the following: Redeemer by Nicole C. Mullen, King of Glory by Third Day, Beautiful Sound by the Newsboys, and Red Letters by dc Talk.
   
   As with all of the WOW series, this is a great way to get a broad sampler of Christian music for the year in question. I highly recommend it.



2. Contemporary Christian music involves such a varied range of styles and mood that to offer a fair and enjoyable sampling is a tough task. In the past, the songs released on WOW anthologies have been conservative at best, profiling mostly the mainstream pop samples of the industry's top artists. With WOW 2001 (and its equally enjoyable 2002 successor -- which is why my review of this and 2001's issue are pretty similar), listeners who prefer their music a little louder and more energetic are, at last, given attention! The heavier tunes are mostly centered within one disc, whereas the more mainstream pop tunes on the other. This is an excellent idea, as people can have a "favorite" of the two discs based on their style. The songs flow extremely well together, and you're left with the sense that much care was taken to make this an overall enjoyable, and educational experience. It's a nice feeling to be able to praise God while at the same time slapping your hands on the steering wheel!



3. I think this cd was kindof a dissapointment. Fo one thing, the dc talk song there. I ean, that song is ok but it was made in 1998. And the P.O.D. song? They should hve put more rocky songs on this cd. This cd is 2001's most forgotten hits to me. I mean,they could have at least put a better P.O.D. song on it. P.O.D. is second favorite band. And whenIheard they were on it, i was s excited. Then i got really mad when i heard it. I think wow 2002 is the best ne yet. I'm not sure about 2003 because i haven't heard it yet.



4. All I can say about this cd is WOW!! Another great mix of Christian songs. You will love it!!!



5. I ws looking at the cover of my mom's WOW 2001, and then I looked at the track listing. Then it hit me, something is wrong here. On the front it says, "The Year's 30 Top Chrisitan Arists & Hits." If you're going to be honest, call it The 30 best CCM (emphasized) hits. The hardest it gets is POD & Earthsuit. The two from them are ulrta-calm considering the rest of the albums that they came off of.

   Maybe they could sneak in "Treasure" from tree63, the 2000 Dove Rock Album of the Year winners.(its really pretty soft, though) How about something from Pillar's "Above," 2000 Hard Rock CD of the year? How about something like "Unsaid" from MXPX's "The Ever-Passing Moment."

   MORE ROCK TRACKS, & THESE WILL MAKE MY WISH LIST!!!
   -christianrockfreak

5 comments about Love Alive.

1. One of the main reasons I bought this cd was when I was a teen in church back in the Bronx,N.Y., our chior used to sing these same songs, and some years later, I discovered a cassette at my parent's home and it just brought back the memories. I recently bought this cd and Love Alive 2 since they bring back great memories, and I tell you, they are truly some of the very best gospel albums out there of all time. It makes you want to raise your hands in the air and give God the praise. Worth the listen and brings back good memories.



2. ...I hope to come back as Tramaine Hawkins, or at least be good enough to sing in Walter Hawkins' choir. "Goin Up Yonder" is one of my all-time favorite gospel songs, and on a bad day it's a good reminder to find joy in today. Tramaine's voice is enough to make it all better. Every track on this cd is wonderful. I absolutely adore "I Love the Lord" and "Changed". And "God Is Standing By" is some kind of contagious, house-shaking singing, especially the second half. This cd would have to come with me if I only had 5 to take.



3. I highly recommend Alive 1 & 2 to those of us who remember the days of the 70s when gospel songs came alive. The Hawkins Family sung their songs with an anointing. The words of their songs could be understood, and they touch my soul deeply. I had been searching for these old songs, and I was delighted to find them on Amazon. I have ordered my set, and will enjoy them another 20 years! Get them, you won't be sorry!



4. This was the first Gospel album I heard over 24 years ago even before I was saved. It touched me then and it touches me now. It's a classic in every sense of the word and each and every song still inspires and moves me to tears of joy. I highly recommend it for it's spontaneity, it's raw emotion and the best gospel singing I have ever heard. It's a must have for a true and true gospel fan's collection!



5. Great! Tramaine Hawkins has been one of my favorite Gospel singers of all time. "Changed" is a very special /favorite song to me and it is a classic for those who believe and for those wanting to. This CD is well worth it for this song alone. However, there are several songs "Follow me, Going up Yonder", that the Hawkins family have made memorable and everyone listening to the CD will be uplifted. Love Alive 1 is a Gospel Classic and a must have for everyone and every family.

1 comments about Compositions: A Decade of Songs.

1. i really dont know what to say, wow! u cant go wrong with daryl coley. i bought this cd fopr really two songs, come sunday, and standing on the promises, i couldnt find the cd, so i went on here and got it.. love it... love it... take a listen...