5 comments about God's Outlaw - DVD - ALL REGIONS.

1. After reading all the great reviews, I was anxious to receive this DVD. I love religious history, especially of the reformation. I love the stories of Wycliffe and Tyndale, and the books I have read about them I couldn't put down. This DVD lacks the intrigue and suspense of the story. I fell asleep about two-thirds of the way through it. The date says 2004, but it appears to be much older. I think that must be the date that the DVD was released, and probably it was actually filmed in the 80s (just my guess). The background music is very annoying. (An attempt, I think at using period music, but it doesn't work for setting the tone and emotional feel of the film.) Maybe my expectations were too high, but I thought this would be of the same caliber as the recent Luther DVD starring Fiennes. Unfortunately it wasn't even close.



2. Excellent and meaningful story on so many levels. It gave me a new appreciation for how fortunate we are to be able to click on Amazon and buy a Bible in English or borrow a copy from the library. My hope is that it will inspire the church to open their hearts and minds and read the Bible.



3. Very well acted glimpse into the life of an extraordinary man. Seems to be historically accurate as far as events and period costumes, etc.
   Truly William Tyndale was the product of his beliefs in the words that he gave his life to bring to people such as us. What a humble, selfless, caring, faithful man - an inspiration! I hope to see him at the resurrection.



4. This was a pretty good movie. The history was right on target. It always helps to watch a movie about a true story. This will forever help me visualize the history.



5. I watched this with my children to supplement our study of history and the Reformation. This film is well-done, and historically gets you into the time period. What stood out most to me was the superb characterization of the man William Tyndale. The acting was top-notch, riveting! I was impacted by the passion of Tyndale for common people to have the Word of God in their own language- he was martyred for this passion and stood firmly and joyfully to the end. I was deeply moved. Great for discussion with your family. Highly recommended!

1 comments about Daniel O'Donnell Through the Years: A Collection of Treasured Classics.

1. My 86 year old Mom is a huge fan of Daniel O'Donnell and she absolutely loves this CD. She listens almost every day and delights in the memories it evokes. I am so happy that I was able to find this for her. It arrived so quickly and I am sure will bring her many many hours of happiness.

5 comments about Good Monsters.

1. I've been a huge Jars of Clay fan since I first heard Flood over 10 years ago and I credit them for leading me to become a Christian. The self-titled debut album is one of the all-time best, and I've loved everything in-between, but Good Monsters is my 2nd favorite overall by Jars of Clay and one of the top 10 albums of the decade in my opinion.
   
   What I love most is that Jars of Clay has managed to keep growing as a band. From the opening guitar riff of Work, I've been hooked by this album for the last 2 years. I just listened to the album for at least the 20th time and between Dead Man (Carry Me), All My Tears, Good Monsters, There Is A River and Oh My God, this is the strongest album since the amazing debut. You can't help but be challenged by the introspective lyrics and uplifted by the alternative folksy rock that Jars of Clay pioneered.



2. Good Monsters has better musical compositions and poetry than any preceeding Jars of Clay albums. If you don't want to buy the full CD, I highly recommend purchasing these individual tracks: "Light Gives Heat" and "Water Under the Bridge".



3. Well crafted and constructed. Lot's of emotional intensity. More instructive than sing song. More message than feeling good. Very grown up. Not a praise album. Songs about confliction. ...that being a christian is often a difficult process. This seems to me to be what the CD is speaking to. It's a process that is ...sometimes really a struggle. I enjoy the CD. I think it deserves the positive reaction.



4. It sounds like they don't care what they used to sound like - or, maybe I should say what people think they should sound like. So the song writing, the mix, the overall feel, is fresh, a bit edgy, and overall great.



5. This is the record that Jars Of Clay was destined to make. All of their previous records showed glimpses of their brilliance, but as good as they were they all had some fatal flaw that kept them reaching the upper echelons. Good Monsters is the culmination of over a decade of experimentation, touring, and downright trial and error. Where past records heavily borrowed musical vocabulary from Toad The Wet Sprocket, R.E.M., U2, The Eagles, et al, Good Monsters finds Jars seamlessly integrating those elements into their set without wearing the influences on their sleeves. (Though "Carry Me" does borrow heavily from The Killers and the post-punk revivalist movement.) The songcraft has reached a new high. The arrangements are carefully textured and balanced to perfection - never over the top and never too sparse. And every song has a hook. What more could you ask for? How about a thematic maturity not seen since U2's Achtung Baby? Dan Haseltine's lyrics are world-weary, laden with experience, doubt, honesty, and faith and are delivered with heart aching earnesty. "O My God" with its brooding start slowly crescendos to a tense yet cathartic emotional climax. "Work" and "Carry Me" are the hardest rockers ever seen on a Jars record, and are crafted to perfection. Every track is a standout. On the outside this may seem like a dark record. It is in many aspects. But faith, hope, love and redemption are peeking around every corner which makes the journey ultimately rewarding. This is Jars Of Clay without the boyish college facade. This is the sound of a band in its maturity. They've been around the block a few times and the results are consistently stunning.

5 comments about Jars of Clay.

1. im not going to do a in depth review, all im going to say is its a classic you must own.



2. Jars of Clay hit the music scene at a time in my life when I had graduated from college and I loved the alternative rock bands Collective Soul, Toad The Wet Sprocket and Weezer (I still do) but I didn't know Jesus. I grew up thinking being faithful was Jesus+church, works, etc. The song Flood came out on the radio and MTV and I needed to hear more by this new band, similar to how I felt about The Fray's debut album in 2005.
   
   The first few seconds of Liquid had me hooked on Jars of Clay (and ultimately Jesus) forever. The Gregorian Chant, the driving beat and then the completely spiritual lyrics floored me and made me want to know Jesus as did my other favorite songs Love Song For A Savior, which really is my story as I longed to fall in love with Jesus, and Worlds Apart, an all-time classic which just wrecks you if you really pray along with the song.
   
   Ultimately this is one of the all-time best albums in the history of Christian music and it led me to seek Christ for which I'm eternally grateful.



3. This is one of the best acoustic albumns ever! Even after 13 years I still love listening to these songs, and they don't feel outdated at all. If you have never heard this albumn I suggest you get a hold of it and have a listen because you are in for a real treat. Full of clever, meaningful lyrics, interesting melodies, with strings used extensively for delightful countermelodies. You won't be let down by this one!



4. Saw them in concert with my daughter. Recognized "Flood". My daughter asked for the cd for X-Mas. We all love it!



5. The debut by Jars of Clay is an album that seems to get better the more one listens to it.
   
   When I first got it, I really liked a couple of the songs. As I began listening to it more, I started liking more and more of them. It is really a CD packed with very good songs. Some notable standouts include the following: Flood, Liquid, Sinking, Love Song For a Savior, and Like A Child.
   
   This CD has really become a classic. I consider it a must have for any fan of Christian rock.

5 comments about One Day At A Time, Vol. 1 & 2: 22 All Time Favorites.

1. Cristy's CD's came into my life at a time after I lost my wife of 63 years. Her "One Day At a Time", is now my motto through my grieving process. I've also fallen in love with all of her CD's and covers pretty much the story of my own life. God Bless her and keep her.
   
   Roland



2. If you like Christian Country music, this is it. My Mom loves the music and it puts her in such a happy mood.



3. The person who received this music was surprised & grateful.



4. We bought this for a relative whose husband passed away suddenly. She had always liked Cristy Lane and in particular "One Day At A Time". Cristy sings with such feeling and my friend has truly gotten comfort from the CD. It was just the perfect CD. Thanks Amazon for having such a variety of music.



5. The way Christy Lane ,sings these, great old time gospel songs. gives a blessing every time One hears them.

5 comments about A Collision.

1. It's an eccentric mix of tracks, but it's certainly not a random one. With some pop artists, the listener can tell that the songs have little to no relationship to each other, and they're assembled in some marketable order. Not so with this album, or any of David Crowder's work. The album is a flowing whole, and is probably meant to be taken in as such. As is characteristic of some of the band's other albums, there are short tracks in between some of the featured songs; these shorts I think the band hopes will be taken as seriously as some of the larger songs, because they help the piece flow (the shorter tracks are actually addressed in 20 "A Conversation").
   An example of the interconnectedness of the songs in their arrangement is the movement from tracks 12-14. The lyric of 12 "(B Quiet Interlude)" is "Be more quiet, now, and wait for a voice to say, 'Be more quiet.'" Then 13 "Do Not Move" acts as a kind of appoggiatura building on the mysterious lyric from the preceding song (and is also a well done track in itself). And then in 14 "Come Awake" the lyric is more or less repeated as an introduction to the chorus: "Be quiet and wait for a voice that will say / Come awake / From sleep, arise / You were dead / You've come alive / Wake up wake up / Open your eyes / Climb from your grave / Into the light / Bring us back to life." The effect here is noticeable to anyone who's listening to the lyrics, but not childishly obvious and cute. The album is filled with thoughtful lyrical moves, and also a kind of repeated musical theme in several of the songs, including the last one.
   The album is arranged into parts, and there's a noticeable difference between the songs in them. As I said, they're connected, but there's certainly a "movement" in the groupings of songs. With this, my only big criticism of the album is the ending. The C Part, which contains great songs like "Our Happy Home" and "You Are My Joy," is really well done, but the last part leaves a lot to be desired. The disappointment doesn't bother me enough to take any stars off the rating, though.
   If you're new to the David Crowder world, this may not be the best album to start with. I would recommend their Illuminate project for a first taste, unless you're sure that there are some songs on this album that you'll like. If you like Illuminate, be warned that there are only a handful of songs at the beginning of this that have a remotely similar pop sound, and the rest of the songs are generally unclassifiable rock/pop/bluegrass/electronic alternative. I happen to enjoy the change in sound from other albums. The eccentricity of it is just enough to keep me sure that I'm listening to the same ol' band.



2. Sufjan Stevens is influential. This album follows in his suit, and even takes one of his songs. But hey, nothing wrong with taking a cue from the indie master. However, Crowder changes it to reflect just praise and worship, instead of just random thoughts about a state. The result is a hit or miss.
   
   The song that majorly hits is "We Win!". After all, how can you not like a well-crafted victory song? The song is rockin', and the people are talkin'.
   
   What makes this a concept album is that it's divided into themes. The first theme is the safe, radio friendly theme. If you've listened to radio for the past couple of years, you've heard this whole section. Which isn't bad, but it feels familiar.
   
   But, the weirdest collection of tracks in years is in segment three. This is supposed to be the future worship category. Now, with the theme of future in a music album you know it's going to be different. "Do Not Move" is officially the weirdest song ever. You have to hear to to believe it. What's even weirder is it starts growing on you after a few listens.
   
   Overall, an interesting album. David Crowder dares to be different, taking a cue from the guy that has mainstreamed this type of album. But, like all concept albums, it does have it's hit and misses. Which is expected. Just know what you're buying, before you buy.



3. I just don't care for the flow of the music on this disk. The songs are just not too catchy. Found myself skipping many. Listen to all the samples before you buy. Probably better off just buying the couple of songs that you really like.



4. This David Crowder Band delight is stunning with the varied and robust styles. It is an absolute masterpiece. Absolutely amazing.. I get something new out of it each time I listen. True Worship - honoring God not people.



5. I purchased this CD in an attempt to broaden my musical taste. I like jazz and rock primarily. But when I listened to this CD I encountered God very intensely. Once I surrendered my preferences, I found this CD is incredibly anointed. I've listened to it more times than I want to admit, and I've already purchased another CD by the David Crowder Band. Sample some of the songs, and see if you meet God. It'll be worth it.

2 comments about Cedarmont Worship for Kids, Vol. 2.

1. The greatest praise that I have for this series of CDs is that they are not annoying. As a parent, I want my children to grow up hearing these songs but when the usual kids cds make you want to drink yourself to sleep, it is hard to take more than a few songs. These are very well produced and done in a manner that has the entire family in mind. I highly suggest all volumes of this series.



2. I love ALL the songs on this cd. I play them sometimes early in the morning to start my day off with a cheerful mood. Great to listen to at the end of a hectic day as well. If you love Jesus and love praise and worship songs then you will love this selection, too. Be blessed!

5 comments about Alone But Not Alone.

1. This album is a"throwback"to the days when Gospel music was Spirit-filled and could minister to a believers soul!! The title track is a wonderfully beautiful song where a saint recognizes that Jesus is ALWAYS with us(albeit unseen)even when we feel the WORST as we endure lifes' many trials and tribulations,exactly as He PROMISED He would be!! To the unbelievers' eyes,we are"suffering"all alone,but to the believers"spiritual eyes"we SEE Jesus,and KNOW,that we are NEVER alone!!"My Story"is a song/testimony about a saints(many)experiences(failures and successes)in his spiritual walk..These powerful "confessions"made me pause and contemplate how NONE of we believers are perfect in our walk:"I've made a MESS,I need a WAY OUT!" "I've been a WRECK,left like a plane-CRASH!!" "Just Dont Wanna Know"is a sort of melancholy song featuring a very real(thought-provoking) never-before touched-on topic that I personally can truly EMPATHIZE with!!"I Shall Never"is POWERFUL in its' account of believers declaring that they will always TRUST Jesus to bring resolution to any and all difficulties in their lives,and NEVER lose faith in the Lords ability(and willingness)to handle their affairs FOR them to a POSITIVE and VICTORIOUS end!! This annointed song debuts the BEAUTIFUL vocals of one Deshondra Rideout as she perfectly compliments Marvins strong vocals on this track!! I've a feeling that Deshondra Rideout will definitely become a force in Gospel music in the near future!!"Still Believe"is a wonderful song where a saint holds fast to God-ordained attributes and virtues that the world-at-large considers to be"outdated"/"old-fashioned"concepts.."He Brought Joy"is a song that deals with a saint basking in the MANIFESTATION of Gods blessings..Even a lot of believers fail to embrace the concept that Jesus has usually(victoriously)dealt with a problem LONG before we actually witness the manifestation of His deed!!"I Will Try"is a GREAT song where Marvin is musing on how to be the MOST effective in spreading the Gospel of Jesus through whatever medium available...Marvin readily admits that he doesn't yet know,exactly HOW,this can be done,but he asserts that he is DETERMINED to TRY and sucessfully accomplish thiscrucial task.."Over It Now"is a very"deep"and touching song with MASTERFUL lyrical content addressing the pain and arduous trials involved in being a"Child of the Most High"!!" Marvin has made a MASTERPIECE that any lover of annointed music would be effectively DEFRAUDING themselves by not purchasing PROMPTLY!! This album is LIGHT-YEARS ahead of your"standard Gospel offering!! GET IT NOW!!



2. This CD was purchased as a Mother's Day gift to inspire someone who daily displays strength and courage. Marvin Winans exhibits all that a Gospel singer should and with excellence. On this CD he harmoniously shares the leads with Kim Burrell, the late Ronald Winans as well as others displaying vocal maturity and adaptability. He approaches Contempary Gospel from different angles yet remains true to what we expect from him.



3. My wife and I heard "Sinner's Prayer" on the interstate this weekend and we both almost cried! I sing in my church choir and I believe that you should allow the hearers feel what you're singing. When we heard "Sinner's Prayer" we almost cried because Marvin put his soul into the song. He wasn't putting words through a microphone. Marvin was allowing us to see the regrets that haunted him in the past and asking God to forgive him for his sin's and not to let his children pay for his transgressions. The song forces you to look at your own self. This is especially true if you're a parent. Even though I just heard this song 8 months after it first came out I look at this song as one of the life changing songs that has come into my life. Thank you Marvin! Thanks to the late great Ron also because he changed my life with "Jesus Saves" on Ron Winans Friend's and Family. God has touched you. Let Him use you!



4. This is one of the best among the top three choices I have since buying any of the Winan's music. This delivers all the spiritual elements needed in a person's soul to remind us of just who we are in Christ Jesus.
   With the CD you don't have to wait 2 whole minutes in the songs to hear Jesus' name like with some other artist. This CD is standing "rooted and grounded" to their Gospel Heritage. Some of the "world's so-called Gospel music" aint fit for nothing but the PIT OF HELL!
   Winans' family NEVER COMPRISE THE GOSPEL WHICH HAS FAVORED YOU IN WELL-DOING!!! THE LORD GIVETH AND THE LORD TAKETH AWAY!!! Excellent CD!
   One Among millions,
   A Loyal Fan



5. This CD is off the chain! Thanks Marvin for putting faith back in Gospel Music. I was getting disappointed with the Gospel Music that was on the market. Your CD gave me faith in Gospel Music again. Can't wait for your next project.

5 comments about Worship Together: I Could Sing of Your Love Forever.

1. Bought this CD to replace my previous one that I absolutely wore out! Great music, good range of different styles.



2. I love this 2 set CD of great contemporary Christian songs. We still sing many of these in our Church each week so good Christian music lives on.



3. This CD has a great compilation of songs and artists. I highly recommend it!



4. I received an email saying my CD had shipped, and then I received it very soon. Nice gesture to let me know. It arrived in the same condition it had been described. I recommend this seller!



5. This is a must have CD for Christian families. We play this CD over and over on long car rides and sing and praise the Lord. Even the little ones know the words to the songs by heart now.

5 comments about The Best of Sixpence None the Richer.

1. I'm a bit of a completist, but I don't buy "best ofs" or "greatest hits" collections for the songs I already have. I get them (used, whenever possible) for the bonus material they add to get suckers like me to buy something again I already have 90% of it. This one is different though.
   
   I welcomed this release as an opportunity to make space on my CD rack by removing many compilations which I had only purchased for the exclusive 6pence track. Goodbye "Dick" soundtrack, no more having to explain your presence. But there are still plenty of CDs that I could have parted with as well, had the songs been included here. The "Bounce" soundtrack, the single for "Us" live on the Today Show(!) are two off the top of my head.
   
   This is far from a "best of" collection, but who needs that anyway? There are already enough Sixpence collections that if you only wanted the early years and the Top 40 years, you could do so with only two or three discs. It would have been better to leave off the album tracks altogether and focus on adding more obscure songs. There are already enough covers, but "Bouquet," "Road to Zion," and even "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" would have been great instead of "There She Goes" and "Don't Dream It's Over." "Rainy Day Assembly" from Tess Wiley's first EP had her singing lead with 6pence backing her up. Incredible song, and not really out of place since she had been in the band. A bit more of a stretch may have been Leigh with Jason Martin of Starflyer 59, performing together as Starflyer 2000 for one brilliant song. Other great extracuricular songs with just Leigh include those from "Canticle of the Plains," and the incredible "Need to Be Next to You." Of course, this is just a wish list, the legal issues may have been an obstacle. The many great B-sides have been mentioned (and missed). Alternate recordings and demos would have been more interesting than album tracks. Newer fans may have appreciated songs from the rare and long out of print "the Original Demos" EP.
   
   Collections like this always suffer from fans saying what REALLY should have been on the CD. Had the focus been more specific, like a true "greatest hits / best of" (gauged not just by radio, but concert favourites as well), or a true "rarities" collection, this CD would not be as big a let down. Which is not to say that it is a letdown, just that it could have been much more.
   
   Oh, and for the other completists, there are at least two different versions of the cover art.



2. It might be worth just buying their albums one by one as most of the songs are good and you wouldn't want to buy this and then double back later. Matt's guitarwork has the power to make me happy no matter what, it's articulated so well. The vocals are very smooth and pretty and fun. The guitar in "us" can stay in my head for days. There's so much more than kiss me, these people know what their doing, no "one hit wonder".



3. I love this CD. Though I am not a regular buyer of pop groups I couldn't help but get this one.
   I listen to it when I get a tad grumpy and it brings me back to a happy place. Her voice is so pretty it couldn't do anything else.
   Love all the covers.



4. Leigh Nash has just an amazing voice. You'll enjoy this Best Of!



5. This CD has a "catch": the surprisingly beautiful voice of Leigh Nash.
   
   I am usually reluctant to hits covers, but in this case I would suggest to give a special try to SNTR performance of The La's "There She Goes", Crowded House's superhit "Don't Dream It's Over", and even Abba's "Dancing Queen". Special mention to that wonderful tune titled "Kiss Me". Leigh Nash's voice reinvents these songs and provides a new dimension to the meaning of "Cover version".
   
   Believe me... this CD is a serious improvement for your music collection!