DAY IN SUN

Over the Rhine - The Long Surrender

2010-12-31T20:37:00.000-08:00

The Long Surrender

Artist: Over the Rhine
Label: Great Speckled Dog
Release Date: February 8, 2011
Duration: 13 tracks, 55:34

For those unacquainted with Over the Rhine (OtR) The Long Surrender is a soft, wonderful adventure. For the veteran this album is that and more. This collection of songs is reminiscent of Drunkards Prayer and most of their double CD Ohio. The album showcases the piano of Linford Detweiler, the vocals of Karin Bergquist, and the song writing of both. Made possible with the financial support of fans, this offering injects saxophone highlighting the haunting melodies always apparent in OTR music. Also, rare duets are found on this LP. Mixing is crisp and clear, production by Joe Henry is artistic and very well done.

The Long Surrender is mainly a collection of ballads telling of life’s tales in a beautiful, artful way. “The Laugh of Recognition” has a gypsy melody with soft, sensuous lyrics. The full emotion and velocity of Bergquist’s vocals can be found on “Rave On”. “Infamous Love Song” harkens back to earlier songs with haunting lyrics ‘Baby, our love song must survive’ accompanied by Detweiler’s signature piano. Bergquist shines in a familiar way with “Only God Can Save Us Now” with backing chorus and underlying acoustic guitar. Beyond the ballads, “The King Knows How” rocks with a reference to the memory of Elvis Presley’s offerings. “All My Favorite People” is a wonderful song of faith, friends, and our times supported by the soft, languid vocals of Bergquist, Detweiler’s rambling blues piano, and well seasoned with a spattering of sax and guitar. Finally, the all too short instrumental “Unspoken” ceremoniously concludes a great, great offering by OtR.

While The Long Surrender is a wonderful, soulful additional to OtR’s catalogue filled with gems, many fans will hope for the next album to again offer the off-beat stories of life with greater emphasis on guitar and percussion. Whether laying out a smooth, soul-filled ballad or romping to a frolicking melody, Over The Rhine is and always has been about quality underpinned by their faith, with a sound all their own which only the richness of time spent together over years of refinement can offer.

http://www.overtherhine.com/

SS Mertens

FM Static - 3 Out Of 4 Ain't Bad

2010-12-31T20:11:00.000-08:00

3 Out Of 4 Ain’t Bad!

Artist: FM Static
Label: Tooth & Nail Records
Release Date: November 22, 2010
Duration:
Disc 1 - What Are You Waiting For 11 tracks, 40:00
Disc 2 - Critically Ashamed 12 tracks, 38:06
Disc 3 - Dear Diary 10 tracks, 32:28

FM Static is the California punk pop rock offspring of Thousand Foot Krutch singer Trevor McNevan and drummer Steve Augustine. 3 Out Of 4 Ain’t Bad! is an anthology containing FM Static’s first three albums in their entirety, plowing the road for an upcoming fourth release.

The FM Static anthology provides the tale of today’s teenagers, done in power punk and low lying anthems. Lyrics portray youth’s relationships, experiences, and emotions of growing up in the world today. Listening to this collection in the order the LPs were released follows youthful life experiences from high school to college age with all the highs and lows that come with these times. Stories are filled with wonder, doubt, love, and loss against a backdrop of Christian faith.

In succession, the set is comprised of
• What Are You Waiting For? (2003), songs keying the success of FM Static include “ Crazy Mary” and “Hey Now (What are You Waiting For?”).
• Critically Ashamed (2006), “Six Candles” and “Nice Piece of Art” highlight.
• Dear Diary (2009), teen anthems “The Unavoidable Battle of Feeling on the Outside” and “Take Me as I Am” set the mark high for FM Static’s fourth release.

For the uninitiated or veteran, this anthology provides the story of teen angst in current American culture, as well told and colorful as it comes. Well worth more than a brief listen, the trio of albums paints a spot-on picture of youth with a story ranging from brokenness with residual sadness, to the confusion and fun of youth.

http://www.fmstatic.com/

SS Mertens

Mike Reeb - Breaking

2010-12-31T19:54:00.000-08:00

Breaking

Artist: Mike Reeb
Label: Midwest Analog Music
Release Date: November 19, 2010
Duration: 10 tracks, 28:53

Mike Reeb’s second CD Breaking is an acoustic folk rock album of mainly relationship based songs. Like some of the better candies of our time, there is a surprise in the middle!

Solid instrumentation is found throughout with heartfelt lyrics and well placed, well sung choruses. The title track, “Breaking” is an acoustic tribute to love lost, the majority of the album’s songs follow this lead. However, “What Are You Fighting For?” gives a different light. This is the hallmark of the album with a strong beat and posing a set of hard questions poised at our world’s fixation with war.

‘What are you livin’ for? You got all you need behind those doors. What are you dyin’ for? We ain’t got that long, that I’m sure. What are you fightin’ for? Some may say that it’s just war, but what are you fightin’ for?’

“It’s Been A Real Hard Year” is another truthful tale of hardships in our country with unemployment, family issues, war, and a protest against a government sometimes blind to the people it represents.

Both “What Are You Waiting For?” and “It’s Been a Real Hard Year” stand head and shoulders above the rest with the message they provide. While the majority of songs are well written, country folk songs of relationship woes, Reeb’s true forte may be in edgier acoustic-based offerings drawing out his artistic soul.

http://www.mikereeb.com/

SS Mertens

Holly Starr - Tapestry

2010-12-31T16:57:00.001-08:00

In process.

1/1/11

2010-12-31T16:37:00.000-08:00

What's in a name? What's in a series of numbers? Meanings can run deep dependent on the action behind the name or number. As New Year's Eve came into focus over the last few weeks I've often thought about this relationship. Could 1/1/11 have something good in store or bad?

Following the terrorist attack on the United States on 9/11 I often wondered if the parties in back of this evil plot thought about the relationship between 9/11 and 911, our nation's accepted telephone number for reporting emergencies. If there is any credence to this thought, what is the next number they might use - 411, 511? No. This would be so far in our future that our means of communication should completely change by that time. That is if the human race is still functioning or God and his nature take over to start all things new due to man's spoiling His great gift.

So, what will happen on 1/1/11? A new evil plot? A new disaster? Or anything at all? Let's hope for a calm first day in a new year where we, as the human race, take a first step toward peace, love, and careful stewardship of this great gift of God's.

The Civil Wars - Poison & Wine, Live At Eddie's Attic

2010-12-26T17:47:00.000-08:00

Poison & Wine

Artist: The Civil Wars
Label: Sensibility Music LLC
Release Date: November 15, 2009
Duration 4 tracks, 12:31

Live At Eddie’s Attic
(Free 9 song download)

Creative collaborations have been born out of changes to the music industry in the past decade. Recently two have been prominently placed among recent tunes I play often. One is The Civil Wars and the other is Fistful of Mercy found in another of my reviews this month.

The Civil Wars collaboration consists of Joy Williams (vocals, keyboards) and John Paul White (vocals, acoustic guitar). Here, Joy’s maturity in music finds a partner in John Paul White’s soulful style with melancholy songs of life and its relationships. The songs flow with strong emotion, are easy to listen to while complicated in message, musically light and airy, yet lyrically heavy.

“Poison & Wine”, the EP’s namesake, has a hint of Damien Rice inherit in the refrain ‘I don’t love you, I always will.’ Where this song stands on its own is in the sorrowful lyrics of relationship, powerful in the combined voices of this duet. “Go” and “Pressing Flowers” display a great play of lyrics and voices accompanied by soft acoustic guitar. “Tip of My Tongue” romps along with brilliant acoustic guitar, sharp and pointed vocals, and very well placed breaks making this a fun and fresh experience.

For a free taste of The Civil Wars, download Live At Eddie’s Attic at http://www.myspace.com/thecivilwars. Here you will find 8 songs recorded live ending with a demo version of the song “Falling”. This is a great introduction to the fresh sound of The Civil Wars with:

• “20 Years”, showing a good guitar intro leading to smooth harmonies
• Live versions of “Poison & Wine” and “Tip of My Tongue”
• A great cover of Sade’s “No Ordinary Love”. The offering is fresh and smooth, crisp with Joy’s voice and haunting with John’s additions to vocals on refrains
• “Dance Me to the End of Love” highlights the flow of Joy’s and John’s vocals holding the listener hostage in the rapture of this very emotional song

While Poison & Wine was released in 2009 and Live At Eddie’s Attic has been offered for free download for months, these efforts offered only a taste of what is to come. The Civil Wars current North American tour is leading into their first full length album, Barton Hollow due out in February, 2001. In The Civil Wars, Joy and John have bred great chemistry with a passion and pulse in each song performed.

http://www.myspace.com/thecivilwars

http://www.facebook.com/thecivilwars?v=info

SS Mertens

Post-publication note: The Civil Wars has offered a free download of their Christmas song “Track in the Snow” and “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” available at their myspace site listed above.

Fistful Of Mercy - As I Call You Down

2010-12-26T17:43:00.000-08:00

As I Call You Down

Artist: Fistful of Mercy
Label: Hot Records
Release Date: October 5, 2010
Duration: 9 tracks, 39:34

There is an extraordinary amount of music produced today in which indies are flourishing and major labels are floundering. Out of this maze is born many new and little known bands competing with big names forcing new sounds and new discoveries in music. And fruitful collaborations. Two of which I’ve recently discovered, both sharing amazing harmonies and unique directions in music. The first is Fistful of Mercy and in another review this month, The Civil Wars.

Fistful of Mercy is the collaboration Ben Harper (vocals and guitar), Joseph Arthur (vocals, guitar, keyboards, and bass), and Dhani Harrison (vocals, guitar, keyboards, and bass). To add the cherry on top, Jim Keltner the ‘king’ among current rock drummers, was added to the sessions. As I Call You Down could loosely be categorized as shoe gaze, but there is something entirely new and overwhelming in this grouping’s lyrics and sound. There is a Beatles-like aura (no play intended on Dhani’s lineage) in the chemistry which shows through in their music. Acoustic guitars lay the foundation throughout while great harmony is found per song occasionally sounding like America.

The opener “In Vain or True” slips into “I Don’t Want to Waste Your Time”, both with haunting harmony and dream-like qualities. The album’s namesake “As I Call You Down” begins with ‘You love like I love’ setting the tone for the song’s soulful message. “Father’s Son” has a touch of deep-south knee slapping showing the band’s versatility while the band’s name sake “Fistful of Mercy” showcases strings backing folk-like guitar strumming. The instrumental “30 Bones,” highlights Arthur’s acoustic guitar prowess against the backdrop of a violin providing an interlude leading to “Restore Me”. The only change that would make “Things Go ‘Round” sound more like a Yellow Submarine tune would be to have Ringo Starr joining on vocals and drums. The album’s conclusion shines as “With Whom You Belong” leaves the listener with a message of importance of friendships, ‘And come what may, I hope you find friends with whom you belong’.

What Fistful of Mercy brings to the table is a meaningful musical journey with a uniqueness making music fun again. It doesn’t ‘rock your socks off’, have a provocative message, or bring one-hit-wonder material. This is good, solid fare from a group whose popularity as a team is evident in their North American concerts being sold out prior to release of the album with a European tour yet to come. What beats in the heart of this team is chemistry, this is what makes the difference on As I Call You Down. Looking into the making of this trio and the how the songs and recording quickly came together, it proof of this chemistry is very strong. A chemistry which reaches out to the listener, is hauntingly beautiful, and shared by the band.

http://fistfulofmercy.com/

SS Mertens

Jars Of Clay Presents The Shelter

2010-12-26T15:42:00.000-08:00

Jars Of Clay Presents The Shelter

Artist: Jars Of Clay
Label: Provident
Release Date: October 5, 2010
Duration: 11 tracks, 48:41

Christian collaborations, and there have been many, are often very good and are often soon forgotten. Not the case with Jars Of Clay Presents The Shelter. Why? Crisp, clean production, orchestration, well matched harmonies, and the magical lyrics and music of Jars Of Clay as a foundation. What stands out for _...The Shelter_ are collaborations with Brandon Heath, Audry Assad, Mac Powell, Derek Webb, Sara Groves, Burlap To Cashmere, Leah Nash, and many others.

As with all great Jars tunes, the refrains grab and retain while musical innovation continues from song to song. There’s a magic to this writing and to this music found in few band’s offerings, Christian or secular, similar to the musical history of The Beatles (is it any wonder why so many refer to Jars Of Clay as the Christian ‘Beatles’?). …The Shelter’s song collection is in the vein of pre-Who We Are Instead. Showing the style and grace of Jars past musical offerings, this effort shines in so many ways. Here is a well mixed group of songs ranging from acoustic and folk to rock with songs of praise, hope, community, and the human condition.

“Small Rebellions” sets the tone with a message of Christian daily life with the refrain ‘If our days could be filled with small rebellions, senseless brutal acts of kindness from us all’. The song is supported by strong musical accompaniment and features Brandon Heath sharing vocals with Dan Haseltine. “We Will Follow” features a great flow between lyrics and lead guitar with Lisa Gungor sharing vocals. The album’s ‘eye opener’ is “Eyes Wide Open” with a great play of voices from Dan Haseltine of Jars, Mac Powell of Third Day, Derek Webb, and Burlap To Cashmere in a song underlined by simple, yet highly expressive percussion and strong acoustic guitar work.

“Shelter”, a signature Jars piece and the album’s namesake, features Brandon Heath, Audrey Assad, and TobyMac highlighting the album’s community concept with lyrics ‘In the shelter of each other we will live’. A soft, sticky Jars song, ” Run in the Night (Psalm 27)” will stay in memory long after the song has ended, in part due to the haunting refrain ‘By You I Can Run in the Night’. Something here pushes the listener to press replay – many times. Rockers include “Lay It Down” offering the triad of Haseltine, David Crowder, and Dawn Richardson bringing great harmony. “Out of My Hands” provides good pop rock featuring Mike Donehey and Leigh Nash. Softer ballads include “Love Will Find Us” with Sara Groves and Matt Maher, and “Benediction” with Amy Grant.

Overall, this is a terrific collaboration of artists on each song with Jars personnel laying the foundation and leading the way. The song list brings us back to the shine and glimmer of earlier releases with thought provoking lyrics, ever evolving musical experimentation, and strong choruses. While similar to the ‘City On A Hill series’, ...The Shelter brings a greater sense of continuity.

Jars of Clay Presents The Shelter is a topical piece much like Derek Webb’s recently released LPs, this time expressing the need for community. For the most part, this release stands strong with earlier Jars greats. This is most definitely a purchase for your collection. Beginning with Monsters, then The Long Fall…, Jars is back on top. The again, have they ever really left?

http://www.jarsofclay.com/

SS Mertens

The Essential Christmas Collection

2010-12-26T15:06:00.001-08:00

The Essential Christmas Collection

Artist: (Various)
Label: Provident
Release Date: October 19, 2010
Duration: 12 tracks, 44:51

Ah! ‘Tis the Season to praise our Lord, welcome family friends, share feast and fare, and dig up past year’s Christmas tunes to salute the season. What’s this? The Essential Christmas Collection! ‘Essential’ depends on you the listener. This is by no means a ‘Bah Humbug’ review. While some of the songs have appeared elsewhere in the past, certainly the artistry found here is wonderful. The selection is essentially some of the best Christmas tunes of all time performed by wonderfully talented Christian musicians, and if you don’t have a vast collection of Christmas tunes I suggest you definitely start here!

Essential… greets the season with understated music highlighting the signature voice of Mac Powell on “Angels We Have Heard On High”, an awesome rendition. “Go Tell It On The Mountain” by Tenth Avenue North has a great roving, country-ish melody complete with a wonderfully light horn solo. Brandon Heath once again amazes with “The Night Before Christmas” making great use of strings combined with Brandon’s soaring vocals. Only Building 429 could build a substantial rocker with grace out of “What Child Is This?” – very well done. Michael W. Smith’s “All Is Well” shines here as it has on previous releases. Finally, a light and gentle rendering of “It Came Upon The Midnight Clear” is presented as Jars Of Clay once again comes through with a Christmas jewel.

One for the collection - definitely. Most tunes are wonderful and will become part of your Christmas for seasons to come. Others, not so much. As a collective, this is a very nice addition to anyone’s Christmas collection with each artist providing a wonderful contribution.

http://providentpress.com/artists.php?id=25

SS Mertens

Yancy - Stars Guitars and Megaphone Dreams

2010-12-26T13:59:00.000-08:00

Stars Guitars & Megaphone Dreams

Artist: Yancy
Label: Yancy Ministries, Inc.
Release Date: November 2, 2010
Duration: 12 tracks, 43:34

Stars Guitars & Megaphone Dreams contains straight ahead guitar rock with pop sensibility amidst soft praise and worship ballads. For those unfamiliar with Yancy, she is a performer/song writer/praise leader of many talents with multiple releases and successes. Having a voice similar to Bonnie Raitt and Sheryl Crow while her style occasionally has glimpses of Jennifer Knapp and Pat Benatar, she has wide range. Soft, acoustic praise and worship springs from deep within this artist, the pop rock explodes with unbridled enthusiasm well suited for a festival or other large Christian gathering.

A hot rocker, “Make it Loud”, opens as the CDs signature song, giving a great segue to perhaps the best rocker of the group “Love God Hate Sin” shining with great percussion and hot lead guitar, and Sheryl Crow-like vocals. Throughout the album, Yancy easily bridges between fast-paced pop rock to soft ballads each supporting praise and worship lyrics. “Forever and Ever” is a well written rocker, similar to early Jennifer Knapp. The highlight is in Yancy’s remake of the Fleetwood Mac favorite “Don’t’ Stop”. This excellent, rocking rendition is slated as the first radio single from Stars, Guitars and Megaphone Dreams.

Yancy continues to show great talent as both a writer and performer of solid Christian CCM. With Stars Guitars & Megaphone Dreams she has successfully taken her next step to reaching many.

http://www.yancynotnancy.com/

SS Mertens

Last Lungs - Look At That Old Grizzly Bear

2010-09-29T11:19:00.000-07:00

Look At That Old Grizzly Bear

Last Lungs
Label: Deep Elm
Released: July 30, 2010
Duration 10 tracks, 48:02

Among today’s indie instrumentalists, Last Lungs clearly stands front and center in providing an offering in Look At That Old Grizzly Bear with roots as deep as ‘70s progressive pych rock’s Jade Warrior and as impactful as Jeff Beck’s seminal works of Blow by Blow and Wired. Surprisingly, this is the debut album for the Preston, England based five piece band.

As a collective, this instrumental pop offering is excessively clean and airy with guitar interplay washing over percussion and bass. The album’s storyline paints an expansive musical adventure ranging from calming waters to storming seas. This is an awesome first effort giving their all - heart and soul.

The opener, “Oh, Good Morning”, is progressively emotional setting the mood for what is to come. “33” continues the hot pace with multi-layered guitars and a charge of musical energy while the title track “Look at that Old Grizzly Bear” builds, settles, and builds passion again. This could be a soundtrack for an epic medieval battle, immense in its message. “Inglend” (a trilogy) begins slowly and purposely with an echoing which haunts throughout, like beginning a journey down a quiet path to the unknown. Part two provides a steady reign of energy in its rhythm with a heavy bass line accompanied by light guitar and synth dancing in and out of the percussion. The occasional high strains of a lead guitar replace the rhythmic steadiness providing the songs momentum. Energy is sustained in the trilogy’s finale with a distorted guitar-leading climax giving way to heavy bass and percussion trailing to an end. The haunting electric guitar underlined by heavy bass and light rhythm guitar initiates, the pace quickens, and at nearly three minutes in the song explodes as the lead guitar paints a rainbow of sound giving way to quiet pastures of rhythm. Inglend is what this collection is all about, successfully painting an emotional picture of sound in one’s mind.

The album seems to have a second operatic act as “Wax & Wane” invites us to the remainder of the collective with a single guitar on reverb taking us on a slow, casual stroll through the woods. Have you ever lifted a kaleidoscope to an eye, slowing turning the outer tube to produce patterns, then slowing down to take in the parts of the pattern only to begin turning the tube faster to bring the pattern to life? This is “Kaleidoscope”, a song musically well painted. “Now Against the Staircase, Part 1 is a powerful musical image of leaving a calm lagoon while moving out to the ocean’s pounding waves. The song gives way to Part 2 which gently rolls along with the albums only vocals. The band’s rudimentary chorus layers its vocals adding a sense of helplessly hoping to the song’s story - ’ Here I step out of the sailing ride, and heel by heel take the hallway in my stride, and shed our clothes, a torn up paper lantern glows, and swing into the dark’. The vocals fade, followed by a gentle instrumental discourse again rising to a crescendo which plateaus to a low and peaceful place.

These songs are emotionally charged indie alt-rock, so well written and performed one can slip on the headphones, close his / her eyes and wonder off into adventure. Listening to Look At That Old Grizzly Bear brings me back to the days of listening closely, and I mean really listening closely without distraction. As in days of old with song lists of Pink Floyd on a good set of headphones, this music compels you to listen, to feel, to be a part of the music.

http://www.myspace.com/lastlungs

SS Mertens

Cup 'O Joy 21st Anniversary

2010-09-29T11:10:00.000-07:00

Cup ‘O Joy 21st Anniversary, 1989-2010

A 21st birthday conveys a coming of age, a test of time, maturity, and respect earned.

While many ministries have sustained the test of time, few acting as a Christian concert venue can claim the same. Imagine a concert venue offering 104 concerts a year, 103 of which ask only a free will offering. All concerts are smoke free, alcohol free, family friendly, hosting everything from blues to gospel, mellow acoustic to hard rock. Now imagine this concert venue in its 21st consecutive year of operation in a moderately sized Midwest city. This hidden jewel does exist, waiting for you to come to its next offering. Located on one of the oldest streets in of the oldest cities in America’s Midwest, the Cup ‘O Joy concert venue can be found at 232 South Broadway Street in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Of humble beginnings, The Cup, as it is lovingly called today, began in September, 1989 housed in a rundown brick building of the late 1800’s which had served as a shoe store and a later a print shop. With the help of many volunteers and a good share of patience the Cup began to gain momentum. In 1999 The Cup moved to a new location, a former Salvation Army and Knights of Columbus building built in 1950, converted to a bar, then abandoned. Today the venue has state of the art sound, video, and creature comforts.

Over time, the Cup transitioned from a coffeehouse atmosphere to a concert venue.
The first 5 to 7 years as an outreach saw the inclusion of music in the form of local talent. Then ‘Eli’ performed as the first national act, building a relationship with the Cup. John Cox, The Crossing and others began performing at the Cup. The list continued to grow with Super Chick, Sara Groves, Disciple, Building 429, Shawn McDonald, December Radio and others. Today, major acts come to perform on the Cup stage, with every style of music represented. Concerts are held every Friday and Saturday night, and admission is by free will offering only with one inexpensive benefit concert annually to help keep the lights on. No funds are received from the city, a church, or major sponsorships.

Here, artists find they can truly connect with people. The venue’s atmosphere lends itself to a close, one-on-one artist / audience relationship building a true channel of communication where both artist and audience share a mutual level of respect. Friendships thrive when the audience is physically next to the performer, seeing them live and sharing their art. This is what ministry is all about, building relationships by sharing Christian faith.

The venue, the artists, and the audience owe a vote of thanks to the volunteers. The unpaid staff, from the manager with 21 year tenure to those providing meals for the artists, maintenance, and administration, every one has a function and is a blessing. Roughly 100 volunteers representing 35 different faiths and all walks of life serve in various capacities. Sustainability is made possible by the volunteers - people bringing their gifts to the table with a love to serve. Each brings his or her talents willingly without reservation creating a sense of community too often lost in today’s culture.

The Cup has a ministry built with a greater focus than a small outreach. One that builds lasting relationships, crossing the borders of denominations forming Christ’s church. The
focus is faith-based entertainment for all comers providing an opportunity to grow closer to God and community. Reaching out to all with a commonly understood mode of communication – music. In the spirit of love and faith, the Cup reaches this goal. The audience grows in their relationship to Christ, sharing this relationship with family and friends, and planting seeds with others.

The Cup builds relationships and keeps relationships growing on an intimate basis. These relationships and friendships continue to evolve between individuals, artists, and volunteers. Their relationship with Christ is the focus of this ministry and will continue to be its focus for its 25th anniversary and on into the distant future. Join us at The Cup!

There Came A Lion

2010-09-07T18:24:00.000-07:00

There Came a Lion

Ivoryline
Tooth & Nail Records
Release Date: February 5, 2008
Duration 11 tracks, 44:14

There Came A Lion represents Ivoryline’s first major release, which hit the streets in early February, 2008. This album fit the mold of power pop Christian rock of the time falling in with Storyside: B, Everyday Sunday, and Stellar Kart. And like others, they hit the charts hard with “Be Still and Breathe” and “Remind Me I’m Alive” while hitting the tour scene with the same velocity.

With a clean, hard rock-pop sound this LP is technically great with good production and song writing. ‘He will deliver, failure is not an option’ and ‘Our complacency won’t last much longer’ lead good lyrics framed by strong guitar work for the lead song “Days End”. The Storyside:B-like sound of “We Both Know” provides great radio fodder. “The Last Words”, the last song on the album, shows a change in direction, tempo, and message. Perhaps this is evidence of growth.

Despite its early success, There Came A Lion doesn’t provide a need to replay beyond once or twice. Why? The answer is found in the repetitiveness of its content. Hot guitars, singular vocal range and message don’t make for multi-play. The sound is spacious, but not dynamic. After two years, changes in personnel, and related seasoning Ivoryline may provide a new and improved sound with its next effort, Vessels, out July 27, 2010. Change is good.

www.myspace.com/ivoryline

SS Mertens

Who Needs Johnny Review

2010-08-26T17:35:00.000-07:00

Who Needs Johnny

Who Needs Johnny
Direct Music Distribution
Release Date: June 1, 2010
Duration 10, Tracks, 31:33

With a target audience of teenage girls, Who Needs Johnny offers an album of related relationship songs amid hard driving thrash. These teen anthems are set to raw power punk with a fresh sound. Samantha Haedrich provides lead vocals, backing guitar, and bass with a youthful voice similar to Joan Jett and a style like Pat Benator without the full range of either at the young age of 17. Lead guitar and background vocals are supplied by Alyssa Clotfelter showing simple, yet sharp guitar play with occasional flash. Jeremy Colson is the band’s solid foundation on drums.

Amid the consistent theme of teenage relationship, a number of songs shine. “Poison”, the consensus highlight of the set, has a good overall beat with lyrics relating to ‘the pain inside’ of a relationship, ‘The pain inside is killing me, will someone please suck out the poison’. “Pray for Brian” is actually a plea for help with ‘if you want to leave then go, just don’t pray for me anymore’. A great song standing alone in its simplicity is the finale “Without You”. Solid with a single guitar as the only instrument for the entire ballad, the vocalist extends true remorse with ‘the world keeps spinning without you, if you are gone I might as well be too’. In its simplicity, this song has a strong message of loss and need.

As a freshman release, Who Needs Johnny is a solid effort with hard hitting percussion and clean, fast paced guitar all lead by a strong youthful voice. The lyrics of this set center on youthful relationships experienced by the band members which focuses on a concentrated segment of teenage listeners. With experience lending itself to extend the band’s lyrical storyline and musical experimentation we can look for Who Needs Johnny to offer greater substance by their junior release.

www.myspace.com/whoneedsjohnny

www.facebook.com/pages/Who-Needs-Johnny

SS Mertens

December Radio in Concert

2010-08-11T18:39:00.000-07:00

December Radio

Concert Review
Cup ‘O Joy Concert Venue
Saturday, July 25, 2010
Green Bay, WI

A long, meandering line of concert goers stretched across the Cup parking lot as DecembeRadio fans patiently waited on a hot and humid July night for the sound check to complete. The doors flew open at 6:30 pm to a capacity crowd revving up for an evening of high energy southern rock.

DecembeRadio is a Grammy and Dove award winning rocker from the deep the south. From their first LP, they hit the ground running and never locked back adding hit after hit. Surpassing their string of hits is their live performance - this band is pure energy. The minute they step on stage lead singer and bassist Josh Reedy taps the NOS and this band flies taking all in the audience with them. If you’re not pumped after a DecembeRadio concert you’re not among the living.

With few breaks between songs and most songs blending together the pace was fast and furious. The set list hit hard from the onset with “Believer” blending into the crowd favorite “Love Found Me”, which cut into a short cover of “Wayward Son” by Kansas.
The melodic “Find You Waiting” broke into the classic “Saving Grace’ with the audience providing vocals, then into an extended lead guitar jam reminiscent of the early '70s Allman Brothers’ Duane Allman and Dickey Betts. With lead guitarist Brian Bunn switching to banjo, “Drifter” provided a heart felt moment. “Give Me Wings” introduced a new tune in a country vain. Though out the set, band members were introduced, each performing unique solos adding to the night’s performance, including Hammond organ, awesome bass slapping, soaring guitar solos by both the lead and rhythm guitarists, and the popping fireworks of an awesome drum solo.

By the end of their set, the audience was too charged to let the band go for the evening. With the entire audience on its feet, collectively stomping amid high volume chants for more, DecembeRadio returned for “Mighty to Save”. Again the audience was not to be denied. With a few young members of the audience asked to join the band on cow bell and tambourine, the rocker “Satisfy Me” gave the audience something to recall long after the night’s excitement subsided.

This hard driving rock group is indeed a crowd favorite, leaving an audience reeling and rocking. DecembeRadio is the quintessential southern rock group with hot rocks, moving ballads, a little blues, a lot rock, and southern hospitality mixed in a molotov cocktail of a live performance. The audience was lucky to have an internationally acclaimed band provide an up close and personal performance the likes of which can only be had at Green Bay’s Cup ‘O Joy.

http://www.decemberadio.com/

SS Mertens

Lifest 2010

2010-08-10T17:46:00.000-07:00

Lifest 2010

A Christian Festival
July 7 – 11, 2010
Oshkosh, WI
Production: Life Promotions, Inc.

Excitement builds as the opening date for Lifest, a five day, six stage Christian festival looms on the horizon. News of bands and speakers signed for the event trickles in over the months leading up to the festival. Suddenly, the date is near, gear is packed, plans are hurriedly put into action. YES, we’re riding down the well worn path to Lifest. We enter the gates, wait amid long lines of cars, then picking our way to our campsites we set up camp. Friends, smiling faces old and new, and wonderful experiences are about to take off. With over 150 bands, comedians, and speakers we plan our week of festival activities.

The Lifest festival held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin is produced by Life Promotions, a faith-base, youth centered ministry. In its twelfth consecutive year, the festival has a daily attendance of nearly 15,000 and a total attendance of roughly 70,000 over its five day duration. Lifest is family oriented with camping, activities for youth of all ages, daily seminars, keynote speakers, market place, food court resembling a miniature Las Vegas with its night lights, and Christian entertainment – lots of it, held on 6 stages. The festival is held from the second Wednesday of July through that week’s Sunday.

Wednesday, July 7

The temp’s are in the mid-80s with high humidity as small cities of tents begin to emerge over the course of a few hours. Anxious youth are walking through exhibits and finding adventure for the week. With rain in the forecast, fewer people than usual are at the gates for the noon opening making for a more organized entry. Suddenly, it is nearly the time for the first act to appear and like ants to honey, hoards of humanity move toward the Grandstand stage with chairs in hand and children in arm.

Sara Groves opens the festival with her angelic smile, friendly voice and stories of family and friends. ‘Setting up the Pins’ telling the story of our everyday lives gives way to ‘Love Wash Over all Things’ and ‘Different Kinds of Happy’. As Tenth Avenue North is in mid-set the clouds break giving a timely entry for their song ‘My Hands are Holding You’.

The first keynote speaker of the festival, Shane Claiborne takes the mic speaking to love and Christ’s teaching. Claiborne, author and advocate to the homeless, speaks of our common need to serve while conveying his related background of working with Mother Theresa and the homeless in Philadelphia.

Family Force Five takes the Grandstand stage with their unique blend of southern rock mixed with a good measure of rap, heavily laden with synth. The crowd is into it and the first night has kicked off. With a hard rain after midnight, I stumble into my tent, falling asleep knowing the Lord is watching over us tonight.

Thursday, July 8

Day breaks hot but less humid. Nothing but sunshine and friends in sight all day!
33 Miles lit up the day’s activity with great lead guitar, including dynamic solos and a soaring instrumental. Their sound is classic rock with faith-based lyrics. Presented on the small Café stage, this performance was close to the audience who responded with great participation. “One Life to Live (One Time Around)” provides an example of their hopeful message.

Andrew Marin, founder of the Marin Foundation whose ministry is to bridge the gap between Christianity, and Gays and Lesbians, talked of building a bridge between God and self then building a second bridge between self and those in need. This model is intended to support both the person in need, as well as, the person serving. This message again highlighted the call to all Christians to reach out and serve.

FM Static provided a rare appearance on the Edge stage to a capacity crowd. TFK (Thousand Foot Krutch) lead singer Trevor McNeven and drummer Steve Augustine founded this band with a southern Californian pop punk sound. The set list included songs from three current albums and ‘Cinnamon and Lipstick’ from their upcoming CD. Opening with ‘One Thing We Know’ and closing with ‘Crazy Mary’ and ‘Take Me as I Am’. Sanctus Real gathered a huge crowd on the Grandstand grounds. After 14 years together, the band remains true to its name, ‘Sanctus’ meaning sanctuary, ‘Real’ meaning authentic. With great narration and crowd interaction, lead singer Matt Hammitt worked effortlessly through a heart moving set including “The Face of Love”, “We Need Each Other”, and the heart rendering “Lead Me”.

TFK put a cap on this awesome day at the Edge stage. Trevor was in high spirits stoking the crowd to new levels kinetic energy between each song. In a standing room only crowd they opened with “Welcome to the Masquerade”, and plowed the road with “Move”, “Absolute”, and “Scream”. A new offering “I’m Already Gone” had the audience moving steady and lead to “Falls Apart”, and the seminal “Rawk Fist”. Another new tune “Fire It Up” fired up the audience for the encore “Puppet”. This was big time, every time - TFK!

Friday, July 9

A quieter Friday led to great times around the camp and market areas meeting old and new friends alike. The venue was mellower than the previous lay with highlights by a young female soloist in Holly Starr who will make a mark in the CCM industry with her upcoming release ‘Threads of Tapestry’.

A sparkling jewel was found when Ilia returned to Lifest at the Pit stage. I was stoked to attend, front and center of stage. This all female fronted band has recently returned after a year plus hiatus with a new lead singer / rhythm guitarist. Their five song set, four from first EP, and encore ‘The Rescue’ from the upcoming LP coming out as indie late in the year had the crowd reeling and pleading more. This was heart felt smash with a message. It had been a long, long wait for Ilia fans but worth every lost moment to witness the energy of their songs and stage performance with new tune with a sharper technical edge. Bring it back, bring it on!

As evening rolled in the key note speaker of the day, Jim Wallis, took the stage amid a few fundamentalist boos. For weeks prior to the festival, a few local Christian organizations created a stir by taking a stance against Wallis’ liberal views fearing his effect on youth. The founder of Sojourners, Wallis was not nearly as political as these organizations made him out to be. He spoke of his past service to the poor and needy, challenging all, especially youth, to serve the poor. Wallis spoke engagingly of restoring the Bible to modern society and provided the best quote of the festival in ‘Don’t go to the left, don’t go to the right, GO DEEPER (in your faith).’

The Newsboys capped the night in their new form with only the drummer from the original band and Michael Tate at the helm. I was curious and hesitant at the same time, after all, The Newsboys without Peter Furler – hmmmmm. The band was tight, Tate added a little reggae to the sound, and the visual experience was outstanding! New songs and old songs presented in medleys were excitedly received by a capacity crowd at the Grandstand stage. The set list included a few DC Talk favorites (“Be in the Light” ) and covers (“Mighty to Save”) capped by two encores, “One Shot” and “Jesus Freak”. The annual Friday night fireworks were well placed after this extravaganza. I made my way to a late night show seeing Laura Story at the Café stage. On acoustic guitar with accompaniment the song list included sincere songs of praise segmented by Laura’s very funny stories and audience connections. What a great way to end the evening.

Saturday, July 10

Stormy Saturday! Every festival has some ‘gift of weather’ and this one had a day with two huge rain falls. Not to worry, youth found a way this day with Woodstock-like glee making a 100 foot-long mudslide on a campground road. Through delays and rescheduling of bands the crowd remained unscathed as each storm’s low rolling, dark lined cloud formations came ever closer with strong winds and steady rains.

At last, Need to Breathe took the Grandstand stage to a rain soaked crowd. Despite a few sound issues the set went off without a hitch. The band is a tight southern classic rocker with the lead vocalist / guitarist also chiming in with occasional harmonica. Most of the set include songs from their latest LP including “Outsiders”, “Prisoner”, and “Something Beautiful”. The band had some fun with the weather by dragging up many rain-related songs as introductions to some of their own, “Have you Ever Seen The Rain” gave way to “Washed by the Water” and the band gave an unbelievable cover of Led Zeppelin’s “When the Levee Breaks” in its entirety. “Let Us Love” closed their set with a message for the entire festival.

Due to rain provoked rescheduling a number of headliners were playing simultaneously at the 6 stages but not one in attendance missed the evening’s finale of Skillet on the Grandstand stage. Skillet has played at each of Lifest’s twelve festivals. They began their set with the deep voiced countdown to “Hero” and continued through “Comatose”, “Awake”, “The Last Night”, “Savior”, and “Monster”. Theatrics, colored flames, and fantastic lighting abound as bassist and lead singer John Cooper provided comedic moments and crowd surging banter between songs, at one point doing an acoustic cover of ‘Jesus Freak’ before playing ‘Live Without You’. The addition of a cellist and violinist brings class to this rocker and crowd favorite. The set ended with ‘Rebirthing’ as the crowd went wild.

As the night wore on many headed for camp and an early night’s sleep after a day of heavy rain and three days of fun in the sun. I slowly packed a few items intending to get an early start home on Sunday morning but could not resist spending time in solitude at the campsite pondering the many wonderful moments of Lifest – a refreshing break in a hectic life. One of so few moments we can come closer to the Lord while taking in the quiet of the moment.

Only a few people milled about. at 1:30 AM Sunday morning. Far in the distance I heard bits and pieces of a song giving way to a jam the likes of early ‘70s Santa / Buddy Miles. As if lifted and floating to the sound, I made my way to various stages – all shutting down for the night. At the Grandstand stage under a few working lights was a band playing away at the jam with a half dozen onlookers taking in this rare site. I arrived to watch Kutless jamming at 2:00 AM in a sound check for the next day’s finale. This was truly a gift as each band member took up their solo while other filled in the rhythm making for a unique moment. The sound check wound down, the lights faded out, and I crawled into my sleeping bag with a smile on my face enjoying the quiet of the last night.

Sunday, July 11

As Sunday’s sun entered my tent I felt the sadness of another festival ending. While many stayed and new faces arrived for the Sunday services and closing by Luis Palau and Kutless, I packed up to hit the highway early. I said my goodbyes with one last peek at our campsite and the stages as I hit the road full of memories and refreshed for another year.

Despite the rain, this was again a moment captured and to be enjoyed for time to come. Warm thoughts and excitement, like a warm coal, will be fanned by the winds of memory and hints of what is to come for Lifest 2011. Refreshed by the grace of the week, I have gained traction to keep growing.

http://www.lifest.com/
http://www.lifepromotions.com/

http://www.tollbooth.org/2010/creviews/lifest.html

SS Mertens

Author Biography: Scott Mertens

2010-08-09T18:41:00.000-07:00

Writing & Me

My initiation to writing is as clear today as when it occurred. At the inquisitive age of 10, riding our stingrays home from McKinley Grade School in our hometown of Manitowoc, Wisconsin a close friend explained the virtues of reading and writing. At that magical moment, riding low on our banana seats with arms outstretched to our elevated handle bars, I had a desire to write.

As years passed, providing exposure to both personal experiences and various styles of written format, I became interested in the written word as a form of self expression. So I would try to express myself, and try, and try… Although for years I have faithfully retained notes, outlines, and memorized story lines, a single written work of mine was never completed. I needed a push!

While recently visiting area churches, we attended Spring Lake Church in Green Bay, Wisconsin at the suggestion of friends. During one of our initial visits, my wife Kathi pointed out a church bulletin describing ‘Write Path’, a group of church members interested in Christianity and writing. Just the jumpstart a wanna-be writer like me might need. Early in 2008 I joined the Write Path group searching for like-minded individuals with the drive and a desire to write. I found what I had been searching for! Or quite possibly the Lord lead me to this encounter. Finally I might find the drive and desire to express myself in a written work.

We all strive to express ourselves. The root of ones expression defines their individualism, which also defines an artist and their art. Using our experiences, imagination, dreams and wishes we express ourselves. No matter the reason or format, whether in words, visuals, speech, dance, or the plethora of other devices, we desire to express ourselves.

Some of us, however, have a difficult time ‘expressing’. This haunting desire

to express has led me to write. As I look back, I was published in a January, 1976 publication of Milwaukee’s ‘Bugle American’ underground newspaper, in an editorial railing against those tabloid columnists who focused on the personal life of musicians of the era rather than their art. Well, with that minor start in mind and with a little help from my Write Path friends, I will continue. As I’ve stated in my blog, I hope to provide in writing my observances based on experiences and interests. Since they represent the fabric of my life, I share my lessons learned, my views on our world, my spiritual growth, and the interests I hold dear.

Please enjoy and never hold back.

Jennifer Knapp - Letting Go

2010-07-07T03:58:00.000-07:00

Letting Go

Jennifer Knapp
Grayline Records
Released May 11, 2010
Tracks: 10

Duration: 34:51

Jennifer Knapp, the Dove award winning and Grammy nominated artist, has returned after a long sabbatical with a soul searching, lay-it-out-on-the-line album. Over this time, her signature voice, lyrics, and song writing skills have matured. This album’s song collection has slid up a few notches compared to previous offerings showing greater personal expression in acoustic lead ballads and angst in edgier rockers. With a new label and recent life changes have come a new message and a new beginning.

Knapp’s newest and long awaited collection of songs ranges from heart and soul ballads of love and longing to angst-ridden hard rockers all coming straight from deep inside of the artist. It is easy to acknowledge Knapp’s personnel growth, faith and life experiences by following her music from her early indie releases ‘Wishing Well’ and ‘Circle Back’ to her hit albums, and at long last to this collection of very personalized songs. Letting Go does just that for Knapp, who in this release continues her musical journey of growth by letting go of her past and bravely entering a new world baring her soul to her audience through her art – the trade mark of every great artist in every artistic venue. These offerings clearly show the hurt and pain of an artist living with the expectations of her public and the industry / media she works in.

The opener, ‘Dive In’, is a rocker giving the listener an insight to life’s personal struggles - “I’m so tired of standing on the edge of myself, You know I’m longing for it, Dive in. You know your walls will push me over the edge, Dive in.” Rockers are well mixed with acoustic ballads such as ‘Fallen’ with lyrics of true love “Even though they say we have fallen, Doesn’t mean that I won’t do it twice, Given every second chance, I choose again to be with you tonight” and ‘On Love’ driven by strong acoustic guitar rhythm and soft lyrics. The title track ‘Letting Go’ is a strong rocker and archetypical Knapp, telling of relationships and change. The collection ends with the wonderful acoustic ballad ‘Stone to the River’.

Although Letting Go is a departure from the Christian focus of Knapp’s past, her spirituality remains embedded in these lyrics and their story. Knapp has journeyed further than most Christian artists, sharing her faith while sharing her life’s truths. A Christian artist’s genius includes their faith and their personal experiences, in this way Knapp’s life and music are similar to the late Judie Sill’s message which was baked into her songs from her personal story. Like all truly great artists, Knapp has grown, presenting in her art both her personal emotions and experiences – the mark of a truly great artist.

To the Knapp aficionado, Letting Go retains her long honed acoustic foundation while breaking away from folk rock with orchestral arrangements and adding new, raw electric rockers to the mix. Whether a song of love or pain, raw emotional lyrics are found throughout the album. Knapp’s song writing remains strong , growing with more well rounded, personally defined offerings simplistic in message despite having an overall larger sound. Although not strictly a Christian offering, Letting Go will appeal to a broader audience which is a disciple’s destination and focus. This offering is very worthy of addition to your musical library.

http://www.jenniferknapp.com/

http://www.tollbooth.org/2010/reviews/knapp.html

SS Mertens

Future of Forestry - Travel III

2010-07-07T03:55:00.000-07:00

Travel III

Future of Forestry
Label: Credential Records
Release Date: June 29, 2010
Tracks: 6
Duration: 24:50

Hard and fast by land is the mode travel found within Travel III, the third in a series of three EP offerings by Future of Forestry. The continuation of this set is again adventurous and experimental with one-man band member Eric Owyoung moving on to new musical ground. Like the first two EPs, Travel III is at times spacious and moody, and at others light and airy. The collective sound is new and fresh with an ethereal quality. Owyoung again performs most instruments, provides vocals, production and mixing only to share the artwork with his wife. This is a work of love by a true musical artist.

Although lyrically expressive, and musically fresh and experimental the collection is very bass heavy and at times difficult to clearly understand the lyrics for both the bass and percussion. The title cut “Bold and Underlined” highlights with heavy guitar and signature percussion. Subdued vocals promote the songs story, ‘I wonder how you live, I wonder how you drive your demons away’. “Working to be Loved” does a 180 with a great acoustic guitar intro and light, lively lyrics contributing to a bouncy romp keeping the song floating along at a good pace. The melancholy “Did You Lose Yourself?” asks ‘Did you lose yourself, did you leave yourself behind, did you lose yourself, did you let your heart rewind’ with mellow synth and electonica laying its foundation. The dramatic “Protection” has great story with vocals unfortunately at times lost in heavy bass. Weighty drums, echoed vocals and low lying guitar plow the road for “Horizon Rainfall”. Finally, “Your Day’s Not Over” brings a message of hope and love with ‘Come with me, we could be lovers, there’s hope for us all, your day’s not over’.

The richness of Owyoung’s lyrics and vocals are sometimes lost in heavy bass and synth while the percussion, generally understated guitar, and soft lyrics continue to provide the signature expressive and dream-like qualities that are Future of Forestry. Travel III lacks the punch the first two offerings of the set have with high water marks “Traveler’s Song”, “Hills of Indigo Blue”, and “Holiday” but continues to give fresh, experimental sound. This EP set, like recent sets offered by Sarah Masen and Jon Foreman are must adds for your collection.

http://www.futureofforestry.com/

http://www.tollbooth.org/2010/reviews/fof3a.html

SS Mertens

Building 429 in Concert

2010-07-07T03:43:00.000-07:00

Building 429 / MereSide West Concert
Cup ‘O Joy
Friday, June 25, 2010
Green Bay, Wisconsin

Celebrating ten years of Christian ministry nearly to the date, Building 429 gave a praise-filled performance to a capacity audience at the Cup ‘O Joy in Green Bay, Wisconsin amidst the heat and humidity of a mid-summers night. The band’s history at the Cup includes four visits beginning before the band had a contract and toured by van across the country performing to small audiences, and continues today while touring around the world to large audiences at festivals and concert halls.

MereSide West opened the night with rarely heard Christian jazz. The set opened with two covers of Ben Folds songs, closing with two original offerings. The first, an instrumental written by band leader Taylor Henzen, ‘Take Ten’ presented a great platform for two keyboards (Taylor on one and Justin Wrezinski on the second) playing off of each other. Another original, lively and rocking, ‘Steal Your Identity’ was written by Justin who performed lead vocals and keys. Alex Degener on bass and Mike Henzen on drums formed the foundation of this solid, jazz-based group.

Building 429 lead singer, Jason Roy, opened the set with lead guitarist Jesse Garcia on keys performing an acoustic rendition of ‘I Believe’ to end an impassioned plea for continued aid for Haiti. Michael Anderson on drums and a session bassist joined to kick the concert into high gear with a cover of Phil Collins’ ‘I Can Feel it in the Air Tonight’ segueing into ‘Fearless’. A calmer, softer version of ‘Coming Home’ lead to Jason’s gifted story telling and ministry, continuing with ‘End of Me’. The band punched it up a degree with ‘Glory Defined’ ending with Jason’s addition to the original lyrics “You’ll have to catch me, I’ll be gone!” Seamlessly, the band flowed directly into ‘You Carried Me’ which gave way to a darkened stage and sting arrangement opening for ‘Always’ with strong backing vocals by Garcia. The first verse of ‘Amazing Grace’ lead to a surprising cover of the Newsboys ‘I Am Free’. Hot guitar work flowed through ‘Singing Over Me’ while the pace slowed for the audience to come to its feet, joining in for the majestic ‘Oh, Happy Day’. The encore gripped the audience with ‘The Space in Between Us’ again having the audience join the band to end the evening singing ‘Nothing But the Blood of Jesus’.

Ten years have passed with a multitude of changes, ups and downs, for Building 429. My curiosity peaked for this concert after not having seen the band live for two years and only a ‘best hits’ release in the last three. Clearly the heat of the rockers with the depth and breadth of praise proves once again Building 429 is one of the most gifted, proven Christian rock bands touring today.

http://building429.com/

http://www.tollbooth.org/2010/creviews/b429.html

SS Mertens

Fjord Rowboat - Under Cover of Brightness

2010-07-07T03:30:00.000-07:00

Under Cover of Brightness

Fjord Rowboat
Label: Roxton Records
Release date: June 15, 2010
Tracks: 10, Duration 43:29

Under Cover of Brightness, the recent release by Toronto’s ‘Fjord Rowboat’ provides a good mix of electronica laced shoegaze. A little like ‘Future of Forestry’, a little like ‘Anchors’, a lot like ‘The Clash’ on valium. Like most music of this genre, most of the songs meld together being both moody and dreamlike.

This is well written shoegaze showcasing lyrics which moderate the emotional increase shown though music. “Even You Out” is a fine example with steady vocals and increasing crescendo. “We Are on Time” takes a somber look at our world and culture with the cutting chorus,

‘We are on time, for the last reconstruction of our minds’.

Lyrical gems continue to flow with ‘The Only Ones” presenting a story of despair, accountability, and hope with,

‘Gotta take ‘em all head on before you go and loss your own, maybe we’re the only ones that still have them screwed on’.

“Cottonwood Glacier” provides master shoegaze,

‘I turned my back on hell when hell turned its back on me, I grabbed a better seat at that distant shining sea’.

“When I Speak of Violence” turns it up a notch having a life of its own as the rhythm romps along providing foundation for lyrics and guitar,

‘When I speak of violence I’m thinking of you, ‘Cause when I speak of violence you better know I’m talking to you, when I speak of silence I’m speaking of you, when I speak in silence you best know I’m talking to you’.

The album is a solid effort, this is shoegaze zone-out at its best. The more you listen the more you’ll find yourself turning back to this LP. Post-punk lives on in Under Cover of Brightness.

http://www.myspace.com/fjordrowboat

http://www.tollbooth.org/2010/reviews/frb.html

SS Mertens

The Road

2010-07-07T03:25:00.000-07:00

The Road

Main Cast: Viggo Mortensen, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Robert Duvall, Charlize Theron
Director: John Hillcoat
Release Date: 12/2/2009
Street Date: 5/25/2010
Run Time: 111 minutes
Released By: Dimension Films, The Weinstein Company

Yet another recent release dealing with the apocalypse, this post-apocalyptic tale tells the story of a man (Viggo Mortensen) and son (Kodi Smit-McPhee) travelling south to the ocean while dealing with lack of food and water, protection, violence, and illness. The movie does not deal with the source of the apocalypse, but focuses on the father / son relationship while they deal with the world around them fraught with desolation and despair. The duo moves through starvation, adverse environments, cannibalistic gangs, loneliness, loss of family and community to reach their goal of a better life only to experience loss, risk, and change at movie’s climax.

Early indications of an Oscar nomination for Mortensen were erased when the film was not widely advertised and distributed. Rumors of similarities to another post-apocalyptic movie, The Book of Eli, and lack of funding / support by the studio abounded as Oscar nominations were announced without Mortensen on the ticket. For interested movie goers not within easy access to the few movie houses presenting this picture, the wait persisted until the May 25 street release date.

While not a family film (violence – cannibalism , some language) the story line defines the love inherent between a parent and child. Hope is prevalent in the story line as the father and son press on through plight after plight. The movie is generally dark and occasionally slow. Early kudos was rightfully given to Mortensen for a fine and revealing portrait of a man and parent. Greater attention should be given to Kodi Smit-McPhee, who portrays Mortensen’s son, for a believable and enduring role. Cameo appearances by Robert Duvall and Charlize Theron are spot-on but short and somewhat disconnected to the original story line.

Overall, The Road is good adult fodder showing hope and faith for those who can stomach the dark underlying current of the story. Of interest is how this film truly portrays a post-apocalyptic world without wasting valuable story line on presenting the actual apocalypse. In this light, it becomes clear how critical great acting is to pull of this type of film without adding an hour of special effects to tell the story.

http://www.theroad-movie.com/

http://www.tollbooth.org/2010/movies/road.html

SS Mertens

Hillsong Live - A Beautiful Exchange

2010-07-07T03:22:00.000-07:00

A Beautiful Exchange

Hillsong Live
Label: Sparrow Records, Hillsong / EMI CMG
Released: June 29, 2010
Duration: 13 tracks, 75:06

A Beautiful Exchange marks the 19th worship album released by Hillsong Live. Annually, the Hillsong churches select their top worship songs for public release. This 12 song collection was recorded with the help of their Sydney, Australia congregation.

Of this collection, ‘Forever Reign’ is first radio single, with strong lyrics ‘Running to Your arms, the riches of Your love will always be enough’ supported by good percussion. The title track ‘Beautiful Exchange’ depicts the sacrifice of Jesus in exchange for our souls - 'You gave your life, what a beautiful exchange'. Of note is the song ‘Like Incense / Sometimes By Step.’ with a wonderful female vocal lead. The cracking in her voice as the audience takes over singing the first chorus couldn’t depict greater meaning in the song’s message. Midway through the song a break leads to a distant, somber lead guitar giving way to praise-backed audience vocals - very memorable as an anthem of praise.

A Beautiful Exchange nears the excitement of the ‘Passion’ worship series with understated melodies, percussion driven crescendos, and a good mix of lead vocals and audience participation. As a collection of worship-based songs, the album does drifts off, lacking collective cohesiveness.

http://live.hillsong.com/

http://www.tollbooth.org/2010/reviews/hillsong.html

SS Mertens

The Literary Greats - Ocean, Meet the Valley

2010-07-07T03:10:00.000-07:00

Ocean, Meet the Valley

The Literary Greats
Label: (self-released)
Released: October, 2009
Duration 10 tracks, 34:10

With a name like ‘The Literary Greats’ you might be expecting fresh Brooklyn / Greenwich Village indie. Not so. The sophomore release of this Houston based band is a bit of post-modern country rock, a bit of loud lead guitar, and a touch of Americana / pop. In some ways I am reminded of ‘Satellite Soul’ when listening to Ocean, Meet the Valley, but without the Christian framing.

The band’s foundation is what holds the complete work together in Darin Lee’s bass and Chris Ginsbach’s percussion. Harmonies by Taylor Lee and Brandon Elam provide another highlight. The addition of Kris Becker on keyboards adds volumes to the package. But something is missing in the ebb and flow of the album. The lead guitar has a hard, protruding edge in nearly every song taking away from the overall message and emotion. At times, somber lyrics do not match up with a whaling lead guitar losing the pace of the song. Overall, the lead guitar and drums could be toned down a notch to allow the lyrics and rhythm to provide direction.

The album opens hard and fast with ‘That Mountain Yonder’ storying life’s materialistic woes. “All that I have is what I believe, you’ve got to believe, I fill my heart with things that break, I’m not OK”. The opener has good build up, breaks, and is a good rocker. The spacey country-acoustic based ‘Dreadnought’ shows some life but the remainder of the album slowly drifts in obscurity with a mix of country rock and a forgettable pop rock attempt in ‘Ocean Side’.

In The Literary Greats there lies a talented band with a fresh sound badly in need of good production. The collection of songs that is Ocean, Meet the Valley lacks collective cohesiveness with a mix of hard breaks, heavy leads, and lost lyrics.

http://theliterarygreats.com/

http://www.myspace.com/theliterarygreats

http://www.tollbooth.org/2010/reviews/lgreats.html

SS Mertens

Sixteen Cities - s/t

2010-04-29T19:45:00.000-07:00

Sixteen Cities
Centricity Records
11 Songs, 39 minutes and 17 seconds
Release Date: April 20, 2010

Sixteen Cities is the freshman release of a band sharing the same name. Hailing from Portland, Oregon, the four man group began Christian ministry to fellow public high school students, soon after finding themselves forming a band and performing in the local indie music scene. Word-of-mouth and a demo circulated, and “Sixteen Cities” was soon touring as an opening act for some of CCM’s biggest acts.

Among this collection of Christian praise / pop rock there are gems. “Innocent” is a piano led ballad with a youthful sound underscored by well timed string accompaniment. Synth and vocal echo used in the calmer moments of the mild rocker “Someone’s Work of Art” provide the foundation for the song’s message of each person’s worth. “Winter” concludes the album with a piano led testimony of straying from our faith with the well written refrain:

‘Cause I’ve been searchin’ for the sun but I don’t know if anyone could tell me how to find my way home.
All the things that I’ve become are all the things I’m runnin’ from.
I don’t want my heart to turn to stone.
This cold has been so bitter, can you save me from this winter?’

Listening to Sixteen Cities, it is easy to hear there love for worship. With a Christian pop-rock sound much like Reliant K, “Sixteen Cities” is sure to be charting on Christian AM radio in the very near future. Among these gems there lies a wonderful message.

http://sixteencities.com/

http://www.tollbooth.org/2010/reviews/16cities.html

SS Mertens

Amber Rubarth - Good Mystery

2010-04-29T19:39:00.000-07:00

Amber Rubarth
(Independent release)
12 Songs, 40 minutes and 43 seconds
Release Date: January 19, 2010

In Amber Rubarth there is an artist performing simplistically beautiful song writing, with accomplished acoustic guitar and piano, capped with a wonderfully innocent voice. In Good Mystery Rubarth combines these attributes to produce an alchemy which resembles the love and innocence of Joy Williams, but with an edge.

With a song collection which is light and fun, the listener is easily swept away to a listening station somewhere amid the high soft clouds of a sunny Sunday afternoon in summer. “Edge of My Seat” sets the stage with a light arrangement of acoustic guitar, strings, and Rubarth’s innocent voice followed by the album’s namesake with garage percussion, acoustic guitar, and low hanging strings laying the foundation for a fun lyrical ride. Amid a host of relationship songs shared with wonderfully light locals, acoustic guitar and strings are the bouncing “Wish We’d Gotten Drunk” just for fun and the poignant ballad to a daughter ‘Song to Thank the Stars’. Percussion meets piano in ‘Pilot’ with lyrics ‘I need a spark to ignite my pilot light’. To round out the smorgasbord, the special edition release includes “Golden Ratio of Silence’ which provides just that with reflective dead air as a prelude to the finale ‘The Stairwell’, a piano instrumental showcasing one of the many of Rubarth’s talents.

Playful and fun to serious and thoughtful Good Mystery is just that. A mystery which connects to its audience with lyrics meaningful, melodies simple, and innocence remembered.

http://www.amberrubarth.com/

http://www.tollbooth.org/2010/reviews/arub.html

SS Mertens

Anchors - Music from the Future

2010-04-29T19:21:00.000-07:00

Anchors
Self-released
5 Songs, 18 minutes and 13 seconds
Release Date: February 16, 2010

Music from the Future by “Anchors” could be more aptly named ‘Music from the Past’ with a sound reminiscent of a mix of late ‘70s “Sparks” and early ‘80s “Spandau Ballet”. Where the electro-pop / emo offering excels is the song writing and the operatic-like tenor vocals of lead singer Seth Hecox. With a mix of acoustic and electric, the synth-heavy song collection is in the mold of early “Future of Forestry” offerings.

The five song EP is highlighted by the initial offering “Airplane”, a tale of love lost with the searching refrain ‘And now I’m just a subway underneath the busy city road. And baby, you’re an airplane 40 miles outside the east coast.” “Where the Houses Glow” is a piano driven rocker with a solid break to group harmony. The final “Virtue and Violence” provides interesting play between an echoed guitar, synth, and harmonies.

The EP leaves us wondering what a full offering by “Anchors” might bring, songs of the future or sounds from the past? In either case, we wait for more.

www.facebook.com/anchorsmusic

http://www.tollbooth.org/2010/reviews/anchors.html

SS Mertens

Dave Madden - Open-Eyed, Broken Wide

2010-04-29T19:05:00.000-07:00

Dave Madden
(Independent release)
24 song double album
Release Date: March 9, 2010

Over years of experiencing many types of music I’ve found that those albums that I cannot put a finger on, that I cannot immediately judge as loved / liked / disliked / couldn’t stand, are those that slowly grow on me becoming cap stones in my ever growing music library. This is true of Dave Madden’s latest offering Open- Eyed, Broken Wide. This is witnessed by my having had to listen to the entire two album song collection over 30 times prior to being able to finish this review.

The independently released two album set is written and produced by Madden, who supplies lead vocals, guitars, and keyboards for his sophomore effort. All tracks are recorded in 96k HD audio digital studio quality format providing a very clear, crisp sound. Hastening back to the great old days of vinyl, the album’s purchase comes with a glossy 9x9 bi-fold print supplement taking us back to the great days of album artwork. The pamphlet includes song information, artist’s stories, additional information, and art providing a great gate fold album-like cover.

The two album set is divided into ‘Open-Eyed’ a fourteen song collection of rockers and polished offerings, and ‘Broken Wide’ a ten song collection with more of an acoustic, raw feel. Both share varying musical styles of which Madden moves effortlessly from one to another showcasing his talent and poetic lyrics. Most songs are masterfully written with many containing a delicate use of strings. Listen carefully for the well written lyrics, well placed breaks, and occasionally spoken stanzas of Alan Ginsberg’s ‘A Footnote to Howl’. Among the ballads and the rockers you will hear some jazz overtones and even a Broadway-like jingle. A number of the songs are presented on both the acoustic and rocker albums, always with one posturing better than the other, leading one to think one album of the best cuts might have been a better choice.

Open-Eyed is the more ‘polished’ sounding of the two albums with songs ranging from solid guitar driven rockers to beautiful piano lead ballads. The lead song “Open-Eyed” has solid orchestration underlying a story of the pain involved in personal change and growth. “Neon Signs”, tells the story of America’s culture of gluttony, and is a slowly building ‘80s rocker blending well into “Tomorrow Today”, another wild ride showcasing great lyrics telling of the fast pace of our culture - ‘it’s not new unless it comes from next year’. “Believe” shines with the story of the modern life of a Christian and “The new New Testament” is a testament to today’s Christians. “Dirty Feet” tells us it’s ok to live with the weight of life - you can be a little dirty while “This Is Love” shines as a new ‘John Lennon-ish’ anthem to peace, love, and hope.

Broken Wide, the second of the two album set is an acoustically based album with a textured feeling present in its simplified approach to many of its songs and their recording. Some of the voice tracks are quite rough. The opening track “Broken Wide” is the raw, pared down twin of “Open-Wide” having a string arrangement accompanying an acoustic guitar lead. “Aware”, is a hot jazz-based rocker with a great break to a fuzzy lead guitar. “A Beautiful Night” is a piano-lead ballad beautiful in its simplicity. My vote for best song of the set, “Rain”, is a great piece of modern surf music with California style reverb guitar and drums, vocals and backing vocals are well timed - ‘God made the world and saw that it was good. Not fair, not happy, not perfect, but good. And little understood, like rain.’ “Dirty Feet” combines strings and acoustic guitar providing a slow ballad reminding us to find the simplicity in life.

Open-Eyed, Broken Wide represents Madden’s growth as a song writer with his personalized spiritual faith embedded in his lyrics, call to social justice in his stories, and ability to move his audience with distinctive song styling. Most arrangements are simple, not complex, but the simplest things tend to be most beautiful and appreciated longest. If you relax in a quiet place and just let the music rush over you, then the words settle into a beautiful, meaningful moment. This is worth more than one listen.

www.davemaddenmusic.com

http://www.tollbooth.org/2010/reviews/madden.html

SS Mertens

Blake McKibben - Haze

2010-04-29T19:00:00.000-07:00

Blake McKibben
Label: Independent
14 Songs, 41 minutes and 5 seconds
Release Date: February 2, 2010

Blake McKibben’s Haze is a very well crafted initial entry into the music scene. This collection of fourteen short songs includes everything from a soft ballad to heavy shoe gaze, folk to pop-rock and a little hip hop. All instruments and vocals are McKibben’s alone, as well as the writing, production, and recording. This solo project is reminiscent of Todd Rundgren’s famous ‘Something / Anything’ project while the theatrical story-structured content is similar to early Alan Parsons Project work. The song collection does not have a singular style, but a collection of styles. Individually, each song stands on its own while together they converge to support the album’s theme proving once again that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

The stage is set with “Intro”, a short, synth-heavy, shoreline-esque instrumental which breaks to the shoe gaze title track “Haze” telling of lost communication in a lightly echoed voice. “I See your Ghost”, showcases great lyrics, ‘…once in a while I see your ghost, once in a while I feel you close…’ “Floating” flashes back to a ‘80s ‘new wave’ rocker and gives way to the acoustic guitar based ballad ‘Nothing More Than Anything Is” with whispery vocals telling of relationship woes. The well written “We All Face The Fate” theatrically fades from sirens and voices to lyrically telling a story of loss, ‘…so go ahead and fall, and put away that gun, cause we all make mistakes, yeah we all face the fate…’ ‘I think we ought to run and kick it in the sun’ leads off the heavy percussion and synth foundation for “Two”. The bright and bouncy “You Lift Me Up” provides an uplifting moment while “Black Laughter” begins with a laugh track giving way to a solemn synth and piano lead instrumental. “Another Day Another Dollar” tells the story of the day-to-day drudgery of life sounding much like INXS of the ‘80s.

Covering every emotion, Haze is a great listen and easy to relate to with a string of songs ranging from the serious to the light hearted moments of life. McKibben’s offering succeeds in putting the listener in a place warm and far away, a very nice place to be. This haunting, easy to love, well crafted ‘story’ album also manages to be a great ‘headphone’ album. Without reserve, this is one of the best ‘whole albums’ I have heard in a long time - exciting to listen to, great fun and very replayable.

http://www.myspace.com/blakemckibben

http://www.tollbooth.org/2010/reviews/blakemck.html

SS Mertens

John Cox in Concert

2010-04-29T18:55:00.000-07:00

John Cox Live
February 27, 2010
Cup ‘O Joy, Green Bay, Wisconsin

John Cox is a performer who, for many, has slipped under the radar. Gifted as a song writer, John has five albums to his credit and has written many Christian songs of praise and hope for other performers over more than a decade. While seldom performing live elsewhere in recent years, John performs annually at the Cup ‘O Joy in Green Bay, Wisconsin. This year’s concert was not only rare but one of the best the audience will witness in 2010.

Cox’s live performance pushes each song to new heights, making the song list always fresh from performance to performance. Bolstered by a band sharing fifteen year tenure, the set list includes jams with ‘unique changes’, all without missing a beat. Band members have varying backgrounds including many of the members making up Sonic Flood from 2000 through 2004 and now managing Zodlounge, a recording studio in Nashville, Tennessee. While Cox continues as a prolific Christian song writer, he also continues to hold a true connection to the audience while performing. Together, the band working as a single unit easily holds the ebb and flow of the concert through their shared experience.

Band members include John Cox on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, Todd Shay on lead guitar, Tom Michael on bass and backing vocals, and Brett Vargason on drums and percussion. From ballads to rock, lyrics show deep personal expression. The lead electric guitar is ethereal, floating and full of song-to-song expressionism. The bass is solid, seamlessly moving in and out of the background. Drums and percussion spark and fire, rocking solid with a living beat. Watching the combined effort of the band song-to-song shows each member so involved in the music as to give more of themselves to the moment than most bands.

The set list began with “Not as Brave”, an unrecorded gem, followed by “All You Need” (Sunny Day). New songs were introduced including “The Son You Always Wanted”, “You’re Gonna Make It” dedicated to his son, and “A Little Wild”, a new country rocker with a great acoustic / lead guitar intro feeding the song. John’s first radio hit “Sunny Day” (Sunny Day) continues to impress with consistency in performance time and again elongated in live performances to include a reggae break with guitar reverb underlying the lyric ‘pull me out of the wreckage’. The set included “With His Love” (Worth Dying For) and “You Are Loved” (All Is Forgiven), a ballad dedicated to his daughter. “Pull You Into My World” (80 Years) a song about a loved one suffering from substance abuse is highlighted by percussion and flowing guitar rising to soaring flight. “Beautiful Savior” (Sanctuary) is a pop rock song with great roving bass providing the foundation for floating guitar, acoustic rhythm and percussion elevating the song’s lyrics. “I Need You” (Sunny Day) and “Child Again” (80 years) capped the evening with Cox becoming so engrossed in the song that he held the guitar pick in his mouth while strumming his guitar, then continued singing without pause despite the pick remaining in his mouth! Band member’s solos end the song and the evening with Todd first on lead guitar giving great riffs, Tom with a jazzed bass solo, and Brett with a spirited drum / percussion mix.

The evening leaves the audience drained from the performance’s emotions yet wanting more. Cox’s lyrics are story driven from personal experiences and are extremely well written Christian praise-rock. Clearly he is one of few who can write solid praise to a great pop rock beat without losing the lyric’s meaning. Faith is ever present and very strong in John’s music. And a seed was planted in every one of the audience’s heart that night.

http://www.myspace.com/johnbcox

http://www.cupojoy.com/reviews/johncox2010.asp

SS Mertens

Lifehouse - Smoke and Mirrors

2010-04-29T18:50:00.000-07:00

Artist: Lifehouse
Label: Geffen Records
Length: 12 Songs, 45minutes, 24 seconds
Release Date: March 2, 2009

Lifehouse has passed the test of time with a distinctive sound and ever-growing popularity spanning over ten years. Accomplished with lyrics relating to personal issues and relational problems which bridge the gap from secular to Christian, Lifehouse has found a home in this popular cross over niche providing wide appeal to a varying audience. Highlighted by another change in band members, guitarist Ben Carey on guitar and backing vocals joins Bryce Soderberg on bass and founding members Jason Wade lead vocals, guitar, and drummer Ricky Woolstenhulme Jr, the band moves toward a more polished pop-oriented sound on their fifth album Smoke and Mirrors.

Most songs are flavored by Jason Wade’s signature voice with many having keyboards, Hammond organ, and synth in the background providing a more well rounded and mature sound. Lead song “All In” has the classic Lifehouse sound while “Nerve Damage” provides a new sound beginning as a slow ballad and progressing with hot breaks and blazing rhythm followed by smooth, soft lyrical passages. With a personal message, this is a mood setter emotionally ranging from sad realities to angst highlighted by a smooth blues guitar solo showing a new dimension. Chris Daughtry co-wrote and provides harmony on “Had Enough”, relating a relationship in need of a new beginning. “Smoke & Mirrors” is the albums anthem with great guitar interplay and solid drum foundation. Classic ‘Lifehouse’ rocker “Wrecking Ball” showcases bassist Soderberg's first lead vocal with the band. “Here Tomorrow Gone Today” changes up from lyrics based on relational issues to a justice-based, anti-war lyric.

Smoke and Mirrors is well crafted with an intention to move to more of a radio-ready sound while still resonating with classic Lifehouse rock. While this is a solid effort to continue a long string of very successful efforts, we are waiting for another breakout in the footprint of “Stanley Climbfall”.

http://www.lifehousemusic.com/

http://www.tollbooth.org/2010/reviews/lhouse.html

SS Mertens

Sanctus Real - Pieces of a Real Heart

2010-04-29T18:46:00.000-07:00

Artist: Sanctus Real
Label: Sparrow Records
Length: 11 Tracks, 39 minutes, 24 seconds
Release Date: March 9, 2009

With Pieces of a Real Heart, Sanctus Real remains a cut above similar popular Christian pop-rockers with superior lyrics, and clear, sharp production. Similar in message to their first four releases, this song collection may not rock harder than others but the effort goes yard with message and pop sensibility certain to find a home in the ever widening Sanctus audience.

Lead singer Matt Hammitt’s voice continues to dominate each song letting the message work rather than the music. Ever maturing with improved instrumentation while keeping it simple in presentation, the band continues to provide solid supporting base and drums while guitars and occasional keyboards highlight the lyrics. The lead track, “Forgiven” provides a playful introduction giving way to classic Sanctus. Perhaps the album’s highlights are back to back in “The Way The World Turns” with great chorus and building emotion, while “Lead Me” hits home with lyrics asking for strong hands and love to support family relationships. Rockers “Take Over Me” and “ I Want To Get Lost” have guitar-lead highlights and provide great headphone moments. The album’s final songs provide slow rockers and ballads of Christian faith and hope. Pay attention to the inclusion of occasional banjo and nice orchestration showing the continual experimentation and maturing of the band.

It is no wonder why Sanctus Real has such a wide and deep fan base – they are likeable, rock hard in concert, and speak directly to our hearts. With each album building on the next, this is Christian pop-rock at its best!

http://www.sanctusreal.com/

http://www.tollbooth.org/2010/reviews/sreal.html

SS Mertens

The Cove

2010-04-29T18:32:00.000-07:00

Directed by: Louie Psihoyos
Produced by Fisher Stevens, Paula DuPre Pesmen
Written by: Mark Monroe
Distributed by: Lionsgate
Rating: PG13
Running Length: 91 minutes
Release Date: July 31, 2009
Street Date: December 8, 2009

If you care about God’s creation, support animal rights, have an interest in nature, or are just concerned about our world in general then this is a film which will enrage and possibly spur you into action. The Cove is a documentary focusing on the enslavement and slaying of dolphins by the Japanese fishing industry. The Cove, an American documentary, is also extremely well crafted providing a story with intrigue, history, and results.

As the story unfolds, bottle nose dolphins in Taiji, Japan are entrapped during their annual migration and sold or slaughtered by locals involved in the fishing industry. History is captured through interviews with former ‘Flipper’ dolphin trainer Rick O’Barry, including his life changing story of saving Dolphins from exploitation and death. Fast forward to Louie Psihoyos, National Geographic photographer and co-founder of the Ocean Preservation Society (OPS), meeting O’Barry and learning of the dolphins plight n Taiji. The dolphin’s devastation in Taiji is told amid the backdrop of Japan’s corrupt fishing industry. Psihoyos recruits a highly specialized team who must go ‘under cover’ to document the plight of the Taiji dolphins despite the deliberate acts of the local dolphin ‘fishing’ industry and local authority thwarting their efforts.

Migrating dolphins are herded into a local park’s ocean-facing cove where prospective buyers from the worldwide multi-billion dollar dolphin entertainment industry pay top dollar for dolphins. Remaining dolphins are later mercilessly driven into an adjoining cove hidden from the public eye where they are brutally slain and sold to the Japanese public as various types of ‘safe’ whale meat not containing high doses of mercury. Dolphins that are slain literally turn the killing-field cove blood red by boatmen using spears and knives, stabbing at dolphins of all ages who are packed tightly toward shore in large nets. The number of dolphins killed nears 23,000 annually. The brutal slaying of this intelligent, peaceful mammal is representative of Nazi Germany’s ethnic cleansing, keeping the strong for work detail and committing genocide of the rest.

While the city of Taiji provides a much publicized public image supporting the dolphin, it is only a rue to hide the savage slaying of this peaceful and intelligent mammal. Japan’s insatiable thirst for the ocean’s foray has been well documented. What has not been documented is the brutality of its hunt and selfishness of its gluttony. The film shows not only those embarrassingly caught exercising the crime and representing Japan’s interest in the ocean’s fisheries but those few who are trying to change Japan’s related history. A history which includes a fishing industry providing fish heavily tainted in mercury resulting in the retardation and physical abnormalities of many newborns in Japan.

Amid the espionage-like intrigue of the documentary’s crew in recording the story lies the savage plight of the dolphin in Japan’s fishing industry making this one of the more intense and worthwhile documentaries in recent times. This is an eye-opening experience and worthy of close attention but is not for the faint of heart or children due to the overt cruelty shown to this peaceful animal. The Cove won the Oscar for best documentary at the 2010 Academy Awards and the U.S. Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival. This is a must see file whether you love creation and the animals who populate it or are just a concerned citizen of this world.

http://www.thecovemovie.com/

Mainsail

2010-02-18T18:24:00.001-08:00

Mainsail
Artist: Mainsail
Label: (self-released)
Length: 10 tracks / 33 min, 58 sec
Release Date 01/01/2010

By SS Mertens

“Mainsail” is an effort by Joel C. Bennett to meld the sunshine and beaches of Ventura, California, indie rock, and a dash of shoegaze to create a new and updated form of surf music. To a great extent he succeeds in combining surf, beach, and ‘80s brit-rock. All songs are written and played by Bennett with the exception of drums. “Mainsail” follows his previous albums “Blue Shade Witness” and “Give Away Your Hearts”.

The album’s ten compact songs provide a touch of sun and surf. “Endless Summer”, the album’s first cut, gives the lay of the land with a heavy drum foundation and synth laden melody. “Clean Line” sets the lyrical tone for the album. “13 Miles” strikes home with a sold lyrical refrain, while other songs add to the surf story line. “Better Days” is shoegaze at its best, dream-like and possibly the best of the album. The final song “Wave Hymn” gives a solemn, hard end to the CD providing requiem for a surfer.

“Mainsail” succeeds in creating surf mood music but misses the mark on providing a meaningful message. The song list provides continuity and is just plain fun for a listen with dreamy, post-modern “Beach Boys” sound. This is a niche album, but then again, it probably wasn’t meant to be anything more than that.

http://www.tollbooth.org/2010/reviews/msail.html

The Drawing Room

2010-02-18T18:17:00.000-08:00

The Drawing Room
Artist: The Drawing Room
Label: Tooth & Nail Records
Length: 12 tracks: 33 minutes, 21 seconds

By SS Mertens

There is something about The Drawing Room that keeps me coming back for another listen. Is it the haunting melodies and lively lyrics, or the albums adventurous character? This is one of those albums that confuses on the first listen, keeps pulling the listener back in, and becomes a regular on their pallet of favorites.

Admittedly, at first I agreed with the majority of critics that the album lacked focus and flow. But being a project of a TFK (Thousand Foot Krutch) member was enough to add this LP to my collection and provide a serious listen. TFK bassist Joel Bruyere collected thoughts, lyrics, and chords over time to create this surprising collection of songs.

Evocative, bright, and bouncing in content, the music pulls the listener into the various moods created. With lyrics for the serious listener and melodies that grab our attention, the combination provides a haunting experience. Songs are driven by acoustic guitar working together with percussion to create a clear, crisp sound. Each song provides a story reminiscent of early Genesis (sans Peter Gabriel) albums ‘Wind and Wuthering’ and ‘A Trick of the Tail’. Where the album’s down side may be a lack of continuity or flow from song to song the overall effect is light, clear, and full of energy creating an overall great listen.

The opening song “Keys (The Liaison)” features tight lyrics and guitar. “Trip” and “Garden of Even”’ follow with crisp acoustic guitar and percussion playing off the lyrics. Upbeat songs give way to darker, melancholy stories in “The Hounds of Winter” and ‘”Windsor for the Winter”, both showing a change of pace and tempo. “Skeleton Key” again provides the unique play between vocals and guitar that is present in a number of this LP's songs, but the heavy bass drum takes away from songs continuity. “Pocketwatch” and “Peddle” complete the album with the unique play between vocals and guitar.

Where The Drawing Room is a side project of Bruyere’s, excelling in his individual musical direction and experimentation, the overall effect leaves the listener asking “Where will this go?” and “What is next?". Here’s hoping for Drawing Room 2.

http://www.tollbooth.org/2010/reviews/droom.html

Seabird - Rocks Into Rivers

2010-02-18T18:11:00.000-08:00

Rocks Into Rivers
Artist: Seabird
Label: Credential Recordings / EMI
Length: 12 tracks / 43.05 min
Release Date 12/15/2009

By SS Mertens

“Rocks Into Rivers” is the sophomore release of Seabird, a piano driven pop rock band out of Cincinnati, Ohio. With this release, Seabird hopes to build on its successful debut LP, “‘Til We See the Shore”, which received rave reviews in 2008. “Rocks Into Rivers” continues in the footprint of their debut release, its only departure in the form of additional ballads with lyrics based on personal experiences of main singer / songwriter Aaron Morgan. Like the debut album, songs have catchy lyrics and many hooks.

The title track and pilot release “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful” stories a young girl’s trials when her world is crushed by divorcing parents. “Believe Me”, “The Good King”, and “Baby I’m In Love” are built around lyrics focused on Morgan’s recent family experiences. “Trust” provides the LP’s first rocker separating itself from the album’s previous ballads. “This Ain’t Home” is a good, solid ballad highlighted by two vocals alternating between lead and background. “Finally Done Right” finally gives the album a rocker with much needed lead guitar. The album’s name sake “Rocks Into Rivers” is the highlight of this LP with heavy bass drum laying the foundation for excellent lead vocals, piano, guitars, and percussion.

“Rocks Into Rivers” lacks song-to-song continuity and could use less piano-pounding leads, and more guitar and percussion to mark a move forward from “Seabird’s” debut release. While there is little on this album to improve on their debut release, there is hope in the rockers found on this album.

http://www.tollbooth.org/2010/reviews/fflight.html

Fireflight - For Those Who Wait

2010-02-18T18:03:00.000-08:00

For Those Who Wait
Fireflight
Release Date: February 9, 2009

By SS Mertens

For those unfamiliar with Fireflight, think Skillet meets Super Chick. Ten year plus veterans of Christian rock, this band has a solid foundation of both message and music. Providing a mix of hard rock anthems and soul wrenching ballads aimed at those weathered by these disparaging days and times, For Those Who Wait marks the third major release for Fireflight.

From past efforts “Healing of Harms” and “Unbreakable” to ‘For Those Who Wait”, orchestration, engineering, and production continue to improve to the point where this release shows the musical growth and maturity of a band about to break into the realm of the top Christian rockers. Beyond the accolades of “Unbreakable”, this new LP promises to be a very strong junior release, with powerful lyrics and resilient voices, solid lead guitar, hard hitting rhythm and percussion.

Although the song “Desperate” is planned as the pilot single, others show greater strength and character. “Recovery Begins” is a misty, dreamlike promise of change with awesome musical backdrop for angelic yet dark lyrical narrative. “Core of My Addiction” is a hard charging mover with meaningful lyrics taking advantage of great breaks and harmony. The albums title track, “For Those Who Wait” and “Name” show extensive growth as a band. “All I Need To Be” is a gem among the remaining tunes with a good gothic fairytale story line, great harmony, instrument flow and break, and good bass. Remaining tunes are cut from the bands rock anthem roots.

“For Those Who Wait” is a landmark for Fireflight by showing maturity in song writing by providing orchestral arrangements and ballads to their hard rock anthem anthology. This is a CD worth acquiring and wearing out for a number of reasons – all of them good.

It has always been considered a key indicator to an artist’s success to win with a big sophomore release. With the high speed of new music reaching the general public today, it is a big win to make it past the sophomore release and have bigger success with the junior or third major release. Time will tell if _For Those Who Wait_ will have this success, propelling Fireflight on their run forward and eventually hitting their stride like Skillet, Disciple, and Kutless.

http://www.tollbooth.org/2010/reviews/fflight.html

Sara Groves / Melody Olson Concert Review

2009-12-31T08:37:00.000-08:00

Sara Groves, December 11, 2009
Cup ‘O Joy

By SS Mertens

A breath of heaven, to use one of her lyrics and song titles, is an accurate description of a Sara Groves concert. Complex in arrangement yet simple in message. Multi-faceted in content yet singular in substance. Overwhelming in capacity yet simplistically focused in effect. The message, the music, the art is untainted, innocent, and virtuous.

Sara’s ‘O Holy Night Christmas Tour’ recently made a stop at the Cup ‘O Joy in Green Bay, Wisconsin providing two shows to capacity plus crowds. The tour included selections from her ‘O Holy Night’ Christmas album and her recently released ‘Fireflies and Songs’ album. As always, the Dove nominated musician gave of herself without reserve.

On many levels a Sara Groves concert is a family affair. Sara’s husband opened the concert with an ice breaker to pull the audience into the event. The opening song ‘It’s True’ had son Toby Groves providing the opening lines to the song. The band, a family of its own, contributed on many levels. The ‘O Holy Night Christmas Tour’ set list included new songs providing a window into everyone’s everyday life with ‘Setting Up The Pins’ to a view of Sara’s childhood in ‘This Old House’. Holiday tunes included the comedic ‘Toy Packaging’ with Troy’s mix of percussion from an electric drill drilling to boxes banged on to a hammer hammering, and a medley / sing along of ‘Silent Night’ / ‘Away In The Manger’ / ‘Come All Ye Faithful‘/ ‘He Alone Is Worthy’.

Throughout the set, synchronized video ranged from cartoons, to old family still photos, to lyrics for audience participation. Long time band member Melody Olson shared two songs from her upcoming debut LP including ‘All These Things’ and ‘Keep Me Close’ with Sara providing harmony. The concert concluded with a customized version of ‘O Holy Night’ with melodic percussion, the unmatched harmony of Sara and Melody, flowing acoustic guitar, and a band / audience a cappella version of ‘Go Tell It On The Mountain’.

As the concert house lights went up the audience felt a true sense of community with the very real people contributing to this band of musicians. Having shared her personal life and discipleship one feels the truth and peace given freely in Sara’s offerings. A crowd favorite – yes. A wonderful story teller – yes. A memorable night and a wonderful Christmas gift – most emphatically yes.

http://www.tollbooth.org/2010/creviews/groves.html

http://www.cupojoy.com/reviews/sarahgroves09.asp

Paul Coleman Concert Review

2009-12-17T16:13:00.000-08:00

Paul Coleman, November 13, 2009
Cup ‘O Joy

By SS Mertens

Paul Coleman provides a night of entertainment which cannot be matched by many! This crowd favorite crafts a solo acoustic performance bringing together praise, comedy, masterful acoustic guitar, moving allegories, and shared audience experiences that remain memorable long after the concert lights have dimmed. The founding member of the Dove Award winning and Grammy nominated ‘Paul Coleman Trio’, published soloist, and recently lead guitarist for ‘The Newsboys’, Paul has a large repertoire to leverage.

Recently, Paul performed at the Cup ‘O Joy concert venue in Green Bay, Wisconsin providing two shows to a near capacity crowd. His solo acoustic performance pulls the audience into his world and subjects the audience to Paul’s Aussie sense of humor. An Australian by-way-of the U.K., Paul comes complete with a ‘down under’ accent and cultural difference he loves to share with his audience through dialog sprinkled between songs of praise, love, and the occasional comedic flair.

The evening’s set list ranged from old to new and unpublished. Like his demeanor, the songs also ranged from praise to a sprinkling of comedic moments. “Gloria (All God’s Children)”, the ‘Paul Coleman Trio’s’ breakout hit mixed well with the new “Run”. ‘The Newsboys’ hit “Something Beautiful”, co-written by Peter Furler and Paul was beautifully offered in a mellow acoustic rendition. Showing his mastery as a musician, when a guitar string broke during the initial chords of “The Real Jesus” Paul did not drop a beat, singing the entire song without the accompaniment of his guitar while changing the guitar string!

During breaks between songs, it is not uncommon for Paul to read his lyrics to the audience as a poetic refrain giving another element to his art. He is animated during performance, improvising and providing some comedic relief. While his message is truly faith-based, his method of interlacing a story and an occasional laugh is a breath of fresh air for Christian music and is Paul’s style of discipleship

Paul Coleman is a story teller who brings out the truth in his faith-based songs. Having a large stage presence, he connects easily with his audience, proven by his ever growing following. This artist is very comfortable with his role as a performer, welcoming the audience to share his life experiences through music and word. As a warning, be aware that Paul’s humor can occasionally border toward the secular but is never truly off-color. While this night did not portray Paul at his liveliest, he again captured the audience while providing yet another performance to remember.

http://www.cupojoy.com/reviews/paulcoleman.asp

“The Imposter” movie review

2009-12-15T16:24:00.000-08:00

Written & directed by Daniel Millican
Serendipitous Films
Rating: No rating at this time but could be PG-13 for drug use and sexual innuendo
Running Length: 120 minutes
Cast:

Kevin Max as Johnny C
Kerry Livgren as Proff
Jeff Deyo as James
Tom Wright as Homeless Man
Arianne Martin as Tara
Troy Baker as Jerome
Daniel Millican as Tony
Meredith Mauldin as Sydney

As the title implies, “The Imposter” depicts a rock star that has fallen from his faith, due to the high cost of fame. The twist here is the rock star is a Christian rock star setting this story line apart from the stereotypical lost-and-found Christian story. The acting, soundtrack, and conclusion put this movie a ‘touch’ above most in its genre.

Starring Kevin Mac (solo musician, actor, and former member of dcTalk), Kerry Livgren (former lead guitarist of the rock band Kansas), and Jeff Deyo (solo musician, and former member of Sonic Flood), the story focuses on the fall from grace of ‘Johnny C’, the lead singer of a hot Christian rock band. The story depicts of a rock star’s fall from faith - cheating on his wife, addition to oxycodone and liquor, with a narcissistic bent. Together they cause Johnny C to lose control, separating him from his band, family, friends, and faith. But rather than ‘finding’ his faith through the outreach of friends, family and others at stories’ end the story follows Johnny as he continues to spiral out of control despite his efforts and those of others close to him. When he reaches ‘bottom’ he starts over in the most rudimentary way – a completely different lifestyle than where he started from.. Johnny loses all, including family and fame, but holds the rough beginnings of faith found anew. The ending shows a much more realistic picture of those defeated by fame and fortune but finding a new start than the typical story book ending. The story’s centering on a Christian with fame who makes all the wrong choices makes this movie hit home – none of us are perfect, we are all sinners.

While the movie has the typical low budget production look and feel of so many Christian films, surprisingly the acting rises above the fray. Occasionally over the top, Kevin Max’ portrayal of the fallen Christian rock star pulls through as believable in the role of Johnny C. Kerry Livgren provides the stalwart Christian friend and mentor, although we never are quite sure of his history with the movies’ characters. Jeff Deyo does well as Johnny’s friend and band leader. Tom Wright, co-starring as bag person befriended by Johnny, is less believable in a role that adds little to the film. Arianne Martin, co-starring as Johnny’s wife, does not rise above the typical roll of a sad, defeated spouse.

Another redeeming quality of “The Imposter” is a very solid Christian rock soundtrack, highlighted by the inclusion of songs by Downhere, Kevin Max, Jeff Deyo, and Kerry Livgren providing the movie with a deeper insight. Atop the soundtrack’s collection is the rewritten Kansas staple “Wayward Son” originally authored and rewritten for the movie by Kerry Livgren. The movie’s rendition of “Wayward Son” has Kevin Max providing lead vocals. This is truly a treat for Christian music enthusiasts which should not be missed.

Although the story is at times choppy and drawn out, “The Imposter” shines in showing personal issues also exists in the Christian world and not all attempts to reclaim faith by the fallen have a happy ending. The overall message is truthful and grounded in reality – faith saves and provides for an abundant live if you work at your faith and your lifestyle. Also rising above the norm for a current period Christian film is the acting and soundtrack. “The Imposter” is worth seeing for these reasons and for the message it successfully provides.

Note: “The Imposter” will be distributed in March, 2010 by Pure Flix. See link below for additional information.

http://www.theimpostermovie.com/

http://www.cupojoy.com/reviews/imposter.asp

Cup ‘O Joy 20th Anniversary Benefit Concert

2009-10-14T15:54:00.000-07:00

Cup ‘O Joy
20th Anniversary
Benefit Concert

Shawn McDonald & Joy Williams
Meyer Theatre, Green Bay, WI September 12, 2009

SS Mertens

http://www.cupojoy.com/reviews/20years3.asp
http://www.tollbooth.org/2009/creviews/joy.html

Slivers

2009-10-12T18:15:00.000-07:00

A sliver, commonly in the form of small, thin, pointy piece of wood or metal, plunges into the skin. Often imbedding itself with no trace outside the skin, only a small barely visible dark spot. Oh, but the pain makes it much more visible in our mind. This is a physical sliver, but in many ways an emotional sliver is little different.

Many times both are caused by an inadvertent action, whether the action is our own or someone else’s. Some slivers provide immediate pain while others wait for a point of pressure to provide their notice. Those enduring the pain must make a decision whether to tolerate the immediate sharp pain of removal or the slow pain, persistent dull pain of letting Mother Nature take her course.

When the old remedy of removing a sliver by applying pine pitch is used to pull the sliver out to a point where it can be removed, time alone will expose the sliver so it can be removed. Time alone will also remove the effect of an emotional sliver. In either case a mark remains.

And so it is, similarities exist between a physical sliver and an emotional sliver.

A series of short stories relating to emotional slivers follow this introduction. The pain on a child’s face from verbal and / or emotional abuse, the hidden hurt of an elder knowing they are no longer valued, the living pain of someone you love being unloved by your actions, or the feeling of those not touched by the love of others. Finally, the guilt and lasting pain of those having inflicted these feelings, meaningfully or not.

Hopefully, for most of us these writings will bring up true emotions, welling up in us through our hearts to start the healing and to reach out to those in pain that are in need of healing. To others not having personal emotional wealth this may be a wake up call. May we all heal together.

S.S. Mertens

2009/10/12

2009-09-16T18:58:00.000-07:00

Danen Kane Concert Review

SS Mertens

Cup 'O Joy
August 1, 2009

http://www.cupojoy.com/reviews/danenkane09.asp
http://www.tollbooth.org/2009/creviews/kane.html
http://www.gbnightlife.com/danen-kane.html

Oil & Water: Politics & Christianity

2009-09-16T18:23:00.000-07:00

Oil & Water: Politics & Christianity

Can Oil Mix with Water? Slowly poor a small amount of oil in a cup of water. What happens? The oil pools together in small droplets of varying size, floating on the body of water. Now, with spoon in hand, blend the two like there is no tomorrow. What happens? The oil pools together, albeit in smaller groupings, in the body of water. Over a small period of time the small groupings once again re-group into larger droplets. After all the spent energy of attempting to blend, the oil simply refuses to blend with the water. Nothing accomplished despite our best efforts, they will never come together. This is the story of oil and water; this is the story of politics and Christianity.

I have recently had a number of disparaging politically centered conversations, very one-sided indeed, where only one party’s opinion could be correct. Conversations where either you were on the far Christian right without any allowance or you were mislead, not having an intelligible thought, badly influenced if not evil incarnate. Each conversation focused on current politics, political leaders, and political choices.

To be fair, I have had related conversations with those on the far left where my faith and convictions were not given the time of day. Tossed away without a second thought, seen as a waste of breath in a world where anything goes, and where one lives only for today without a thought for tomorrow or its effect on your neighbor.

While I consider myself to be a liberal in thought and deed, I am also a Christian. I believe in the one and only triune God, that we are born into sin and Jesus alone is the only way to salvation from sin, and that the Bible is the word of God. Must this mixture of lifestyle and faith be an experience in polar opposites? If anything this is a typical picture of a Christian today. We are not all liberals. We are not all conservatives. We are not all the same but a mixture of backgrounds and experiences.

So, if the above is truly a picture of an American Christian, why must we disagree to the point of anger and violence? And what is its root cause? Is the media edging it’s way into out collective thoughts? Has big business bought its way into fashioning our future? Have the rich found a way to guarantee only they will be at the top of the hill? Certainly my far-right wing friends have been greatly influenced by the Rush Limbaughs of this world who are paid well by big business, caring only for big ratings and big cigars. I’m sure the same can be said for factions on the far left.

The far right and the far left. Christians being politically influenced on the far right by a party bought and paid for by big business while the far left often stretches the freedom our nation provides far beyond recognizable Christian and American values. Can we work together? Isn’t the ability to unite and work together toward a goal what America was / is built on? Or, are we in a partisan war with ourselves, destroying what our ancestors had worked so hard to pass on to their children. Indeed, some might refer to this as North America’s next civil war.

We’ve become a nation of opinionated individuals who will not work toward a new start but stand on individual principle, not working toward a shared, bipartisan solution and caring only for our selfish opinions. In a time of world wide poverty, hunger, disease, violence, pollution and discrimination, why can’t the most powerful nation in the world pave the way for peace and harmony? Can we find a middle-road to resolve our differences and ultimately those of our world? Can we lead by example?

Like all great historical empires, will the United Status of America implode under the weight of its own politics? We are unable to move forward with two opposing parties debating without reasonable bipartisan resolve for the benefit of its people. Why not rise above the selfishness, learn from history, find a place somewhere in the middle to start anew? No resolution to dispute or disagreement is ever perfect onto its original state. Settle on an initial direction and keep improving on it.

Why not work together in peace, not as separate, angry entities. Why not work in a bipartisan way to come to a working solution, shouldn’t this be our goal. Why not find a place to begin then use Dr. W. Edwards Deming’s quality principle of PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act – also know as the Shewhart cycle) to continuously improve on a process, or in this case a solution to an issue. All we have to do is find a starting place realizing that we will work together to continually change and improve what we have started. Isn’t this the American way – in a number of ways!
Shouldn’t we work together in peace to resolve current issues? Let us not forget that Jesus Christ was not only given on the cross for our salvation but was also the greatest of all teachers. Among other things, he taught love and tolerance. A great example is The Beatitudes, Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God”.

As a great nation, let us lead by example, let us work peacefully together in a moderate, bipartisan fashion, and not stall at a time when leadership is crucial or constrain by example when the world needs change. But above all, let us work together and stall no longer.

SS Mertens
September 16, 2009

Who Is S.S. Mertens

2009-06-16T18:27:00.000-07:00

Who Am I?

There may be three distinct eras in one’s life where each of us would ask the definitive question ‘Who am I?’. Initially in that difficult period of adolescence as we flail about, figuratively and literally, at life. Then again in mid-life, that period of crisis when youth is past and time goes past faster than ever before. The last may be as we are ‘relaxed’ into an older age-state, when we’ve let go of life’s disappointments and regrets.

Who am I? Scott Mertens:
· a Christian, a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a friend
· interested in music, the outdoors, baseball, and fun
· having hobbies of sailing, x-country skiing, biking, art, and an assortment of minor interests
· raised to have an appreciation for ecology, art, fun, fairness, friendliness, and faith

A native of Wisconsin and son of an outdoorsman, I grew up spending much of my youth outdoors camping, hiking, fishing and hunting. I was blessed with a wonderful mother who could cook and bake like no other, a father who was the model of a mid-20th century man and a very loving sister. Having spent an adolescence in the late ‘60s / early ‘70s I sported long hair, bell bottom jeans and an old double breasted gray suit coat. My friends and I met in the local park dowtown which we called our home, walked barefoot in the rain, saw many bands of the era in concert, experienced hitch hiking across 20 states while it was still safe to do so, and generally lived the free life offered by the time period.

This period of ‘sideways’ growth gave way to romance and marriage culminating in the birth of my son during the ‘80s. While my son began his life mine continued through the 90’s with my parents passing on, a period of job loss and job change, friends and interests coming and going.

The 21st century ushered in change. Physical change as I reached 50 and began to slow. Emotional change as I became more liberal in my thoughts. Spiritual change as I grew in my Christian faith. These changes restarted growth after the mid-life doldrums by providing new direction!

New direction in the form of spiritual rebirth. The living light in one’s life that reclaims the joy of living fully and abundantly.

Also new direction in a focus of who I am, what has made me who I am, and the knowledge that in this last third of my life Earth my focus must be refined to make the most of each day.

Who Am I? I am a colorful blur of life’s eras and the experiences. A blur we all share, combing to create the rainbow of life. In this blog I hope to provide observances based on experiences and interests. Since they represent the fabric of my life, I share my lessons learned and views on our world, spiritual growth, and the interests I hold dear.

And why this blog? To share, to improve, to build community!