2009 May | - Part 2

One21 Guide To Christian Music Festivals:July

May 23, 2009 By ian Leave a Comment

So Summer time is is around the bend, and for music lovers that means one thing: Music Festivals! In the world of Christian music, summer festivals are a big deal, there are many artists who only play these once a year mega-events. For audience members, festivals are a great way to experience music that may have never come into focus until they saw it live. In our lives, mewithoutYou, La Dispute, Josh Garrels, Anathallo, Enter The Worship Circle, RedCloud, and Cool Hand Luke would never have hit our radar if we hadn’t wandered into a tent at Cornerstone Festival over the years. Even though we at One21 think Cornerstone is great, it is only one of the many around the country. Maybe you want to hit one, or tour them of all (we have met people who do), so we have put this little schedule together of all the Christian music festivals in 2009. You are welcome:

If you missed our last post, view the Christian Music Festival guide for June 2009

Lifefest 2009 (July 8th-12th):
Oshcosh, WI
Lifefest is a true all-in-one experience. They have not only music, but art fairs, kid camp, skate parks, bonfires, tons of game, and interactive prayer journeys. Camping is the main way to experience the fest, but the website has a link to a nearby Radisson Hotel. The music is a good mix of styles, along with quite a few speakers and comedians. The fest seems to be more geared to towards families and large youth groups. There is really something for everyone, young and old, at this festival.
Website:www.lifest.com
Line-up Highlights:
Skillet (here we go)
Salvador
Ilia
tobyMac
The Afters
Secret & Whisper
Pillar
Third Day
Shane & Shane
War Of Ages

Sonshine Fesival (July15th-18th)
Willmar, MN
Sonshine is another outdoor, camp at the site festival, but cuts out all the fluff. None of this “other stuff to do” thing going, Sonshine is all about the music. Three days, and from the looks of it there are a few hundred acts performing on three stages (along with a kids stage, and a extreme sports tent). Most of the mainstream acts hit the main stage, but a whole lot of heavy music is going on the side stages, along with what looks like an entire day of hip-hop. Sonshine are looking pretty good with pleasing just about ANY music lover.
Website:www.sonshinefestival.com
Line-up Highlights:
Switchfoot
Family Force 5
Skillet (oh yea)
Relient K
Tal & Acacia
For Today
Living Sacrifice
Kaboose
As I Lay Dying
Barlow Girl

Hills Alive (July 18th, 19th)
Rapid City, SD
This is a little smaller than some of the other festivals we have listed, but with two of music on tow stages, it is pretty amazing that this one is completely free. Yep, that’s what I said, free. I wish I lived on that side of the country, ’cause I love free stuff, and so should you.
Website: http://hillsalive.com
Line-Up Highlights:
Kutless
Casting Crowns
Skillet (maybe they will be at every one I list today)
Abandon
Remedy Drive
The Afters
Krystal Meyers
Avalon
Big Daddy Weave
The Fold

Creation Northwest 09 (July 22nd-25th)
George, WA
Hey remember Creation Northeast that happened in June? No? Well here is my write up on that because this is an identical set-up: “Creation is a huge outdoor event geared towards youth pastors. It claims to be the largest Christian music festival, with tons of music, activities and stuff for kids. Creation also features themed stages, with a main stage reserved for the bigger acts, the fringe stage for lesser known bands, and a stage completely reserved for worship. There is a lot of music crammed in to three days, so come ready!”
Website: www.creationfest.com
Line-up Highlights:
Skillet (you know it)
Chris Tomlin
Relient K
Casting Crowns
Hawk Nelson
Worth Dying For
The Showdown
Ivoryline
House Of Heroes
Lecrae

Soulfest (July 29th-Aug 1rst)
Gilford, NH
Soulfest is a huge outdoor festival that has a more of a focus on the worship aspect of the music scene. There are lots of rock bans, activities, and what not, but many of the bigger names are worship leaders. From what I can tell, there isn’t camping, so they provide a ton of local hotels on their website so you can be best served. The fest seems a little more lighthearted, although as I said before, it’s not ALL worship.
Website: www.thesoulfest.com
Line-up Highlights:
Jason Upton (plays twice)
Derek Webb
Natalie Grant
Phil Wickam
The Afters
A Plea For Purging
Oceana
Casting Crowns
Fireflight
Skillet (ha, you thought they had missed one)

Spirit West Coast (July 30th-Aug 1rst)
Monterey, CA
Going on at the same time is Spirit West Coast. This is more like a mini-Cornerstone, there is a ton of kids stuff, games, sports going on at the same time as the music. They are putting up a lot for just a few days of festivities. Camping and hotels are available, and this one seems to be very family friendly, no one should get bored. The music part is the who’s who of Christian rock, so it will be loud and fun for sure.
Website:http://monterey.spiritwestcoast.org
Line-up Highlights:
Jeremy Camp
David Crowder Band
MercyMe
Kutless
Family Force 5
Seabird
House Of Heroes
Wavorly
Thousand Foot Krutch
Steller Kart

Alright, that’s it for July, come back next week, and we will have your line-up for September.

The One21 Interviews Red Letter Rock Fest

May 22, 2009 By ian 1 Comment

In early June, The (ONE)21 will be headed up to Snyder, TX to cover Red Letter Rock Festival 2009. We were very fortunate to get to have a behind the scenes look at this awesome two day event that is kicking off the summer Christian music festival season. Despite it’s size, Red Letter Fest is packing quite a line-up, filling every minute they have with great music, interesting talks, and overall fun.

We got a chance to ask festival director Reid Johnson a few questions about the history of this event and what things are going to be like this year. If you are anywhere near Texas in early June, you may want to see what he has to say.

The(ONE)21 Music: Obvious question first ,what is Red Letter Rock Fest ?

Reid Johnson: Red Letter Rock Fest is an annual Christian music festival held the first weekend in June. We aim to book an eclectic mix of artists from the genres of rock, adult contemporary, metal, and even hip hop. Our theory is, “You may not like every band, but you’re going to LOVE some bands.” The event is indoors at The Coliseum in Snyder, Texas. Snyder is in West Texas, located approximately 1.5 hours from Abilene, Lubbock, Midland, Odessa, and San Angelo. Snyder is also approximately 4 hours from Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio. This year’s event is June 5-6, tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door; they may be purchased online at www.itickets.com/RedLetterRock.

RED

(ONE)21: How did Red Letter Rock Fest get started?

Reid: Red Letter Rock Fest birthed from a radio show my business partner and I started in 2003: Red Letter Rock 20. Red Letter Rock 20 was an internationally-syndicated Christian rock countdown that was broadcast weekly on 63 stations all across North America and New Zealand. During each show, we would interview in-studio artists, and over the course of time, we built really strong relationships with many of them. In June 2006, we decided to take our radio show to the main stage with the first annual festival, inviting many of our new friends to perform: Skillet, Pillar, RED, Seventh Day Slumber, KJ-52, etc. Every year the festival has gotten bigger by both number of bands and number of attendees.

(ONE)21: Does the name mean anything?

Reid: Most translations of the Bible use red letters to identify when the Lord is speaking. We hope that through Red Letter Rock Fest, the Lord will speak to its attendees.

Superchick

(ONE)21: Who is playing Red Letter Rock Fest this year?

Reid: Performing artists include Skillet, Family Force 5, Audio Adrenaline Talks, Hawk Nelson, RED, Superchick, Disciple, Norma Jean, Haste The Day, Maylene And The Sons Of Disaster, Spoken, Decyfer Down, Children 18:3, The Glorious Unseen, Stars Go Dim, White Collar Sideshow, and a special mystery artist. Previous mystery artists were Pillar and The Wedding.

Maylene & The Sons Of Disaster

(ONE)21: What other bands have played there in the past?

Reid: We have had the following artists perform in 2006-2008: Jeremy Camp, Skillet, BarlowGirl, Thousand Foot Krutch, Demon Hunter, Living Sacrifice, Kutless, Pillar, MXPX, Project 86, RED, Disciple, Sanctus Real, The Afters, KJ-52, Falling Up, Day Of Fire, Kids In The Way, Spoken, Seventh Day Slumber, TAIT, Salvador, By The Tree, Decyfer Down, Fireflight, The Wedding, Ruth, Wavorly, and many more.

Kids In The Way

(ONE)21: What is your favorite performance at Red Letter Rock Fest since you have been organizing it?

Reid: Kids In The Way put on an amazing show, and at the time, we had no idea it would be the last of their career. I wish I would’ve known that ahead of time and we would promoted it to their fanbase so much more than we did. I also think Skillet is the best live show in the country, no matter the genre. They are the only band that has played all four years of Red Letter Rock Fest.

Skillet

(ONE)21: Is there anything different about this year’s Fest?

Reid: This year’s event is two days (June 5-6), whereas previous years have been one day. Because of the increase in days, we have also increased the number of performing acts.

(ONE)21: What is the purpose of Red Letter Fest?

Reid: Originally, I wanted to do something positive for the kids, the community of Snyder, and the Kingdom of God. I wanted to see lives eternally changed by the message within the music. Since then, my purpose has changed slightly; my hope is that if God the Father peered across this planet on June 5-6 and asked himself, “Which place is worshipping me the loudest today?” He would say, “Snyder, Texas!”

Last words:
Reid: I’d like to thank One21 Magazine for their help in spreading the word, and I’d like to invite all your readers to our event. If you’re looking for great music, great food, and an encounter with our Creator, you’ll find all three at Red Letter Rock Fest.

Here is a little promo video featuring some of bands from last year’s line-up
RED LETTER ROCK FEST 2009 PROMO

You can visit Red Letter Rock Fest‘s Myspace to get any other info you would need. Visit Red Letter Rock Fest Myspace

Filed Under: Interviews Tagged With: Christian Music Fesivals, Kids In The Way, KJ-52, Maylene and the Sons Of Disaster, Norma Jean, Red, Red Letter Rock Fest, Skillet, SuperChick

Christian Music News 5/22/09

May 22, 2009 By ian Leave a Comment

So next week will be a little strange. I’m not going to be working Monday, and Chuck will be out of town for the remainder of the week. Most importantly, no more AI, so we will be filling your days with lots of Essential Songs, Artist profiles, free music, and much more. Don’t worry. Here are your headlines:

Tooth & Nail’s Far-Less have decided to go on hiatus….again. They arn’t breaking up though. Read Far-Less announcement.

MXPX updated fans on their goings on via a video blog entry. Watch MXPX update.

Eisley posted a little update from their studio time. C’mon, it’s got lots of pictures. Read Eisley update.

This Providence got interviewed over at MTV. Watch This Providence interview.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Christian Music News, Eisley, Far-Less, MXPX, This Providence

Essential Songs: Rescue by Seabird

May 22, 2009 By chuck Leave a Comment

Seabird

This soaring song of redemptiom from Christian music progressive rock band Seabird was used as the theme for the short-lived but critically acclaimed ABC televison show Pushing Daisies.

Rescue
I’m pushing up daisies, I wish they were roses
I feel like I’m drowning but nobody knows it
I’m pushing up daisies, I wish they were roses
I feel like I’m dying, just want you to notice

somehow the grave has captured me
show me the man I used to be
just when I feel my breath is running out

the earth moves and you find me, alive but unworthy
broken and empty, but you don’t care
cuz you are my rapture, you are my savior
when all my hope is gone, I reach for you
you are my rescue
you are my rescue

I’m swimming to safety, but even with my best
if I don’t see that rope soon, this might be my last breath

somehow the grave has captured me
show me the man I used to be
just when I feel my breath is running out

the earth moves and you find me, alive but unworthy
broken and empty, but you don’t care
because you are my rapture, you are my savior
when all my hope is gone, I reach for you
you are my rescue

don’t let me drown
can you hear me
cuz I am
“drawlin out” (not sure)
I’m underground
won’t you pull me out

the earth moves and you find me, alive but unworthy
broken and empty, but you don’t care
because you are my rapture, you are my savior
when all my hope is gone, I reach for you
you are my rescue
you are my rescue
yeah, you are my REScue
yeah! you are MY resCUE

I’m pushing up daisies, I wish they were roses
I feel like I’m dying, just want you to notice…

You can add this amazing song to your collection by downloading it from here .

Have you ever expreinced this sort of heroic rescue when you were drowning or felt as if you were dead?
Have you ever experienced someone on Earth who, when you were “alive but unworthy” or “broken and empty”, loved you all the more for your surrender?

Filed Under: Essentials Tagged With: Pushing Up Daises, Rescue, Seabird

Voices Of The Underground Pt.11

May 21, 2009 By ian Leave a Comment

voicesoftheundergroundlogo-copy2

Several weeks ago One21 Music posed fifteen questions to a number of music artists in the Christian music scene, ranging from the light-hearted to the deeply spiritual. We received many responses, some very helpful, and some…. not so much. Some of the answers were short and sweet, some were extensive and eloquent. Many expressed frustrations with the current landscape of the music industry, while others were hopeful for a future of uncertainty. We heard from guys who had been performing for years, and bands that are just now starting to get their names heard. From indie rock to hip-hop, from hardcore to worship, the Christian music scene spoke back to us. Realize that these answers are by the people making the music that you are listening to, and these are un-edited and real. The opinions expressed don’t always reflect ours, but we aren’t perfect, right?

Need to catch up?

Read Pt.1: What Do You Love About Music?
Read Pt.2: What Are Some Of Your Favorite Albums/CDs?
Read Pt.3: What Is The Best Thing About Making Music?
Read Pt.4: What Is Your Opinion Of The Music Industry?
Read Pt.5: What Impact Has The Digital Age Of Music Had On The Industry?
Read Pt.6: Who Is Jesus Christ To You?
Read Pt.7: What Is Christian Music?
Read Pt.8: What Is Your Opinion On The Christian Music Industry?
Read Pt.9: Do You Think The Christian Music Scene Is Still Important?
Read Pt.10: Do You Think People Are More Receptive Or Resistant to Artists Of Faith Today?

If you have been reading this series at all, our question this week may seem a bit redundant. After all, it is hard to imagine that many of the people who have been talking with us on this series wouldn’t consider themselves Christian artists. Many of the topics we have been covering seem to make that point obvious, but as we (The (ONE)21 Music) have been doing research to find new music for you guys, we have found that the next question is either extremely resented or not ever asked of anybody anymore. We wanted to find out why no one seems to be comfortable being called a Christian musician anymore, so we decided to ask ourselves.

Do you consider yourself a Christian musician? In what way does this affect your music?

Dewey Lybecker( independent solo singer/songwriter)

I’m not sure if I consider myself a “Christian musician,” but maybe more of a musician that happens to be a Christian. I feel like if you label yourself as a Christian musician, then there’s this expectation that everything you write or release has to be about God. For me, I just want to sing about life and the struggles I have, or the dreams I want to achieve… If that happens to be about God, then it is… but if it’s not, then that’s ok too.

Jarrod(guitarist/singer from Victory Records metal band Corpus Christi)

Yes. It affects you because you realize that your songs are not entirely yours. God’s hand is in your songs, and it comes through in the way you write and the lyrical themes thay show up in your music.

John (guitarist for Solid State Records metal band Inhale/Exhale)

No. Because I have to say I would write music for anyone. Not just Christians. But I do believe in God and I do have a faith in Jesus Christ which I am willing to share.

David (singer for independent nu-metal band Echocast)

I consider myself a Christian and I consider myself a musician… I’m not a worship leader though… That’s the problem that I’ve come across through the Christian music industry, so I’m not really sure anymore… Different people have different definitions of what being a “Christian Musician” means… I am a Christian and I pour myself into all of my songs, so I believe Christian views and values come out in all of them, but at the same time, I don’t have the calling to be a worship leader and when we play a show at a church, we play our set and that’s it…

Dave (half of Holdfast Records electro-house duo Poorly Built Parachute)

I am a Christian that plays music. I try to walk the Christian walk as best as I can. I’m not perfect however. I do pray over our shows sometimes, hoping that the music moves in a spiritual way through people. We really don’t have lyrics at all so our emotions are the only thing that speaks through the music. But yes, our CD is available at Christian bookstores because we’re good Christian dudes… most of the time

Vito(half of Asthamic Kitty indie/folk band The Welcome Wagon)

“Christian musician” is not a label I use or seek out, but it’s certainly not a label I’m ashamed of, or that I would deny. I am a Christian, and my vocation is as a Christian pastor, and my band plays music that is primarily about Christ. So anyone who says we are “Christian musicians” certainly has a lot of valid reasons to do so.

Jon (lead singer/guitarist for independent pop/rock band Hyland)

I am definitely a Christian musician. This makes me focus on my craft even more. I have to be that much better. If there is a cliche’ I’m going to break it. My music needs to have double meanings, word play is even more important.

Bryan (bass player for Forefront Records pop/rock band Abandon)
Do you call a plumber who happens to be a Christian a Christian plumber…? NO. You call him a plumber. If he is living out his life in a Christ like way, you will see that and it will be evident that he is living for something more than this world. So we are most certainly Christians who are musicians, and our music most certainly is about our Lord and savior. But me personally, I think labeling someone a Christian version of whatever career they have is pointless. Christ is alive in me and every member of our band. Everything that we do is for Him alone!

Amy Courts (independent pop/folk artist)

I’m a Christian. Everything I am is, because of that faith, seasoned with Christ. So whether I’m writing about love, work, social justice, or spirituality, it is a “Christian” work. I can no sooner escape that defining part of me than I could escape my humanity.

Johanna Miller(keyboardist/singer for South Pawl pop/rock band Fellow)

Yes, I consider myself a Christian musician. I want God to use me to minister to others. After praying over a new song, I try to let Him speak what He wants to get out instead of only my own feelings.

Daniel(guitarist for Facedown Records hardcore band Take It Back!)

Absolutely I do. This affects my music because everything in my life is based around that, so it shines through in our music because it is the most important thing in the world to us.

DIRT(underground hip-hop artist and founder of Shadow Of The Locust)

I consider myself a musician. If you find Inspiration to better yourself and, more importantly, move yourself closer to God in my soundscapes then I consider myself a musician that accomplished my goal.

Seth (singer for independent hard rock band Endeverance)

I guess first off “Christian” is not a genre of music…to me. It is my personal belief and my faith. Does my faith and beliefs affect my music? You bet, but my band doesn’t promote ourselves as a “Christian Band” we are a band who sing songs about everything. Our beliefs, struggles, and even so called “secular” topics…But I don’t think this is wrong I think this is the right way to go about it…

David (lead singer/guitarist for Tooth & Nail pop/rock band Run Kid Run)

I hate this battle people put too much emphasis on this sure Christan musician whatever you want to call me..I’m a christian I play music our band plays tons of Christian events churches etc. So I guess you would say yes…but you wouldn’t label a doctor or a roofer saying yes I’m a Christian roofer..not that it’s a bad thing see it doesn’t matter people can call me a Christian musician or not it doesn’t matter.

Chris Taylor (BEC solo artist/song writer)

Yes. More importantly I am a disciple of Jesus. I was called to Him before I knew what or how to sing unto the Him. It affects me every time I go to write or sing publicly. I cannot shake what the Lord has done for His people. I want my life and music to reflect the Greatness of the Glory of His Grace.

In the end, it is up to the artists themselves to choose how they wish to be perceived. Many of the artists will disagree with each other, but we know God is using them to create His sweet, sweet sound.

Join us next week when we talk about what is the hardest part about being a musician today.

Filed Under: Interviews Tagged With: Abandon, Amy Courts, Chris Taylor, Corpus Christi, Dewey Lybecker, Dirt, Echocast, Enderverance, Fellow, Hyland, Inhale/Exhale, Interviews, Poorly Built Parachute, Run Kid Run, Take It Back

Christian Music News 5/21/09

May 21, 2009 By ian Leave a Comment

So, remember the girl fronted alternative band Plumb? Well they are back, and they have posted a blog updating everyone on what is going on with them. Read Plumb update.

Until June has got new video for their song “The Man Who Lost His Soul”. Watch The Man Who Lost His Soul by Until June.

Umm, in case you haven’t been reading this site or have been living under a rock lately, worship-leader Kris Allen, viewed as the underdog for most of the competition, took the American Idol crown last night. Congrats man!

According to Tyler over at Christian Music Zine, Living Sacrifice is now recording their first new album in over 6 years. Read the Living Sacrifice announcement. Follow Living Sacrifice’s progress

AKissForJersey has disbanded. Read AKissForJersey announcement.

Sleep For the Sleepers‘ new disc, The Clearing, was reviewed over at Mixed Reviews. Read Sleep For The Sleepers review.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: AKissForJersey, Kris Allen, Living Sacrifice, News, Plumb, Sleep For The Sleepers

Essential Songs:Norma Jean-Memphis Will Be Laid To Waste

May 21, 2009 By ian 1 Comment

norma_jean-band

So this is our first heavy song on our Essential Songs series, and many would agree that this is a classic in its own right. I do need to explain something, actually a few things. The band pictured above and the one that recorded “Memphis Will Be Laid To Waste” was fronted by Josh Scogin, who is now the frontman for The Chariot. Which means that the vocalist for the band now (Cory) is different than the voice on this song. Oh, and the guy in the video, is neither Josh nor Cory. So its Josh’s voice with some other guy performing, who is no longer the vocals for the band. Got it? Oh, and this song features Aaron from mewithoutYou. Watch, read, answer questions:

Waltz around the room, with a glaze in your stare
In your tuxedo suit
I’ll give it a name!
Lower defenses
I’ll lower the casket
Open the door and open the grave

Murder

Now you’re doing the waltz with your murderer

Waltz around the room, with a glaze in your stare
In your tuxedo suit
I’ll give it a name!
Lower defenses
I’ll lower the casket
Open the door and open the grave

Mediocrity is the killer

You find yourself helpless
Christ is not a fashion, fleeting away
Fashion, fashion

He laid emeralds in her eyes, but I’d already tried
a bracelet made of gold and a scarlet thread around her wrist.
And everything was wrong, so we sang sentimental songs.
Oh how seldom we belong, but how elegant our kiss.
and we paint big crooked lines
but we danced in perfect time to a love so much refined, we know not what it is.
so like the dullen wine, we poor into a grief we’d known before,
but never quite like this, never quite like this!
all i know now is regret she follows, like a silhouette, of a cobblestone behind me.
she has nothing left to say except to innocently ask, her voice delicate as glass. “do you see me when we pass?”
but I continue on my way.

You can buy this song on and AmazonMP3

This song’s intention was to talk about spiritual apathy, in what ways does this song express that idea?

Did having the words to this song allow you understand the message better?

Filed Under: Essentials Tagged With: Christian underground, Essential Songs, hardcore, Josh Scogin, metal, metalcore, mewithoutYou, Norma Jean, The Chariot

American Idol Season 8- Crown The American Idol

May 20, 2009 By chuck 11 Comments

Tonight is the night and we are live blogging the American Idol Season 8 Finale.. The votes are in and we find out if Kris Allen or Adam Lambert is the Season 8 American Idol. Last night’s performance show proved nothing and everything (see our Top 2 Performance Review). Adam Lambert had more good performances and Kris Allen’s “Ain’t No Sunshine” was the best of the night. According to dialidol, the voting is a virtual dead heat, the closest final vote since dialidol started tracking votes.

Rod Stewart, Steve Martin,, Queen Latifah, Black Eyed Peas, Carlos Santanta and Jason Mraz are rumored to perform .

According to MJ, Idol duets will feature Allison Iraheta with Cyndi Lauper, Kris Allen with Keith Urban, Danny Gokey with Lionel Richie.. There is a rumor that Adam Lambert will perform with Kiss.

David Cook is set to perform “Permanent” as a tribute to his late brother Adam. The single will be released right after after the finale. The proceeds will fund David’s cancer charity.

It will be a long night, let’s hope it is fun. We are here until the end.

We start the night with both Kris and Adam in all white. Are they doing a duet or do they have a pact? Many celebrities in the house and I don’t recognize many of them. Just under 100 million votes last night. It was a record setting 624 million votes this year.

Randy looks extra goofy tonight with a red velvet bow tie. They are doing a collage of each of the judges. Randy says “for you/for me”. Kara uses “sweety/honey”. Paula has huge vocabulary of words we don’t know. Simon doesn’t pay attention so we have a train of “what?”

We can’t here the interviews of Kris and Adam because their mikes don’t work so we go to the watch parties in Conway and San Diego.

We kick off the might with a Top 13 performance of Pink’s “So What”. The group seems very loose tonight and they having fun. That wasn’t bad, except when Adam Lambert lost Scott MacIntyre in the middle of the stage.

David Cook is singing a tribute to his brother “Permanent”. Bathed in green and white light, with a black armband, David Cook delivers a moving tribute to his brother. This will be available later tonight on iTunes. See our icon below. It will benefit David Cook’s cancer foundation ABC2.

Now we pay tribute for the making fun of bad audition awards. No point in writing about this. Except they put Norman Gentle in this category. Of course, Norman Gentle wins. Encore, encore! Yes, he is singing THIS IS AWESOME.

Lil rounds is doing a duet with Queen Latifah. Lil Rounds looks like a child next to Queen Latifah. I think the song is “Que The Rain”? Big, fun, funky, R&B number with dancers and Lil Rounds is singing pretty well. It is the most relaxed we have seen Lil Rounds.

Anoop Desai and Alexis Grace are singing “I’m Yours” with Jason Mraz. Here come the rest of the American Idol Season 8 Top 13 to act as back-up singers.

We now see Kris Allen’s journey from his Churchill Downs audition to the Top 2. It looks like he is goinf to fulfill his dream of playing to huge crowds in big stadiums. Kris Allen is singing “Kiss A Girl” with Keith Urban. This is perfect song for Kris and he seems very happy. Urban is ripping off a guitar solo, he is considered one of the best guitar players in country music.

The girls of the Top 13 are doing their Pussycat Dolls impression singing “Glamorous” and Fergie joins them. She can’t sing very well and then the Black Eyed Peas take the stage. I can’t keep up and we lost the feed for a second. This song is “Boom Boom Pow”. This is more visual than musical.

Another Golden Idol moment. Bikini Girl is a nominee. Of course she wins and accepts the award in a bikini. She sings Vision of lOve and Kara comes out and joins her and takes over the song. This is fun and funny.

Time for Allison Iraheta to sing with Cindy Lauper. Allison has a better vocie than Cindy Lauper. Sitting around a group of acoustic instruments, this is a quiet but spirited cover of “Time After Time”. Very cool vocal interaction between the two. Cindy doesn’t hold back, does she? That was the best of the night.

Danny Gokey takes the stage singing Lionel Richie’s “Hello” and then Lionel richie joins him to sing some song I have never heard. Good singing but not my cup of tea. They break inot the calypso beat of “All Night Long” and Danny gets to let loose his vocals. That was fun.

We now follow Adam’s journey from his audition in San Francisco. In Hollywood he promised to surprise. He did that didn’t he? Here is in some leather outfit with cagey thingies on his shoulders. He is singing “Beth” so tonight he is a part of Kiss. This will be the best vocals they have ever had on ther songs. Full Kiss treament with smoke and explosions singing a medley of Kiss hits. Adam fits with Kiss. if you consider Kiss a legitamite rock band then Adam is a rocker. I am having fun tonight.

The best moment of the night so far is the Cindy Lauper/Allison Iraheta duet. True rock artistry. Download that performance.

Carlos Santana is starting a 2 year run at the Hard Rock in Vegas, but tonight he is playing “Black Magic Woman”. I love this guy. Matt Giraud is singing the song with Santana. The rest of the Top 13 join him for “Hold On”. Jorge is loving this.

David Cooke give Adam and Kris a car.

Meagan and Michael sing with Steve Martin, playing his banjo. There is a full bluegrass band backing them. Listne to Meagan singing the back country. She sounds really good. Michael carries the song and Meagan was rich.

The Top 13 guys are busting out Rod Stewart’s “Do Ya think I’am Sexy” so Rod can’t be far behind. Matt Giraud is really good. He stands out in this crowd. Here comes Rod and they are singing his best song ever “Maggie May”. It is odd to hear a 60 year old man sining about his cougar girlfriend. Rod seems as old as he is. This would have been better as a group song.

One more Golden Idol. Outstanding female and this has to be Tatiana. Of course it is. The, “I won’t stop singing” skit is not that funny.

Before we get to the results they will sing “We Are The Champions” together, with Queen and a big choir and the Top 13. Kris really held his own in this song.

CAN WE PLEASE GET SOME RESULTS? No, we get commercials.

Okay so here we go. Simon says both were both brilliant and he thinks both should both be proud of their journey. A new world record with almost 100 million votes. Christian music artist Kris Allen comes from nowhere to win Americam Idol Season 8. Kris is flabbergasted.

Kris won this with heart and sensitivity.

A very good show tonight. Download tonight’s performances and all of this season’s best on iTunes.

Filed Under: American Idol Tagged With: Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta, American Idol, Danny Gokey, Kris Allen, Season 8

Free MP3 Album Download: Now Hear This 09

May 20, 2009 By ian 1 Comment

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So, I was really sweating this week because I didnt have a free download for you guys. I honestly thought that I was going to have to write a little note saying “check back next week”. BUT NO!! I log into our Amazon account this morning and BAM! They have this huge sampler from Sparrow Records for your listening enjoyment.

The artists featured include:
Sara Reeves
Future In Forestry
Abandon
Capital Lights
Phillip LaRue
Kristian Stanfill
and many more….

Now, this is AmazonMP3, so you have to download this little MP3 program from them, but dont worry, it is free, easy to use, and you can convert the tracks over your iTunes or Zune (uck) jukeboxes with no problems.

The sampler is actually in two parts. Follow the links and enjoy!
Download: Now Hear This: Discover New Music part 1
Download: Now Hear This: Discover New Music part 2

Filed Under: MP3 Tagged With: Abandon, album, Capital Lights, free, free download, Future In Forestry, Kristian Stanfill, MP3, Phillip LaRue, Sara Reeves

American Idol Season 8- Top 2 Performance Review

May 19, 2009 By chuck 4 Comments

Well, American Idol Season 8 is done. All the auditions, good and bad; all the drama of Hollywood Week; all great, mediocre and (few) bad live performances are done. America has voted. It is all over but the counting.

The American Idol Season 8 finale was pretty good tonight. Not great, but pretty good. After we went back to back, with Kris Allen’s performance of “Ain’t No Sunshine” and Adam Lambert’s “A Change Is Gonna Come”, I thought we may have a classic, but not so much. Adam Lambert was slightly better tonight but Kris Allen had the best performance of the night. I am adding several of these performances to my American Idol Season 8 playlist.

Three thoughts before I rate the performances:

Did you hear Carrie Underwood sing “Home Sweet Home” at the end? I think that is the best vocal performance I have ever heard from her. I know it was better than anything I have heard from her since she became a country superstar. Beautiful nuanced, powerful, tender singing.
Okay, so we watched Glee after the American Idol Season 8 final performances. Completely surreal, over the top weird in a wonderful kind of way. Like the best of Will Ferrell’s work without so much potty humor. That is until the schmaltzy ending made me want to take an insulin shot.
Jim Richardson, thank you for helping me launch my American Idol blog. I know you sent a lot of visitors to the site and you comments made it fun for me. Cindy Swanson thanks for getting interested, the interview was fun. Martin, my buddy, thanks for jumping in at the end with some great insight.

American Idol Top 2 Performance Rankings

Kris Allen gave us a longer mix of his “Ain’t No Sunshine” with a more passionate but quiet performance. It was captivating and enthralling. This small guy sat in the middle of the stage, dwarfed by his baby grand, and turned the Kodak Theater into his living room. It was masterful. Did you notice that he never looked at the audience throughout the entire performance?
Don’t hate me. Adam Lambert’s performance of the American Idol Season 8 single “No Boundaries” was really, really good. His ambient, synth pop arrangement masked the song’s weaknesses. The thing is, I believe he really connected with the lyrics. He made me believe that he was singing of his journey.
Adam Lambert’s performance of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” was an incredible vocal display. He took this song everywhere it could go and probably some places it hasn’t. It seemed he really found himself in the song. The performance was just a little too screamy for my taste.
Kris Allen’s delivery of “No Boundaries” was a real struggle. It looked like he was straining throughout the song. However, Kris’s vocal struggle made the song about struggling to make it all that more believable. It was sort of like watching Neil Young deliver one of his agonizing classics like “Needle and The Damage Done” . It wasn’t his best vocal performance but he did deliver an emotional punch.
Kris Allen took on Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On”. I think he listened too much to the cool percussive rhythms of Gaye’s original. It came off as too laid back and light. He would have been much better served to slow it down and focus on the gut wrenching plea to turn our backs on hate and violence. Check out the Los Lobos cover of this song to see what I am talking about.
Adam Lambert tried to recreate his breakthrough performance of “Mad World” but missed. Earlier in the season Adam made a deep emotional connection with his quiet, intimate delivery of this song. Tonight he was “big stage” Adam with a long leather jacket and dry ice smoke. The result was an empty performance.

American Idol Season 8 Winner Predictions

I think it was a close victory for Adam Lambert, but not enough to sway the season. Kris Allen’s re-telling of “Ain’t No Sunshine” was, by far, the most stunning moment of the night.

I think Kris Allen’s clean cut image, his faith background and less dramatic performance style will cause most of Danny Gokey’s voters to go him.

Kris Allen wins American Idol Season 8.

These performances and all of tomorrow night’s American Idol Season 8 performances will be available on Thursday morning on iTunes.

Filed Under: American Idol

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American Idol Season 8- Crown The American Idol

Free MP3 Album Download: Now Hear This 09

American Idol Season 8- Top 2 Performance Review

American Idol Top 2 Performance Rankings

American Idol Season 8 Winner Predictions

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