The Home of the Platinum Vinyl Awards. Reviews of New CD releases, mostly CCM but also mainstream releases that may interest the Christian Music listener. Music News and Commentary, especially when there's a CCM connection.
Aces and Eights don't scare me, nor black cats. I break the chain letter many many times. I happen to know for a fact that there were at least 83 people at the last supper. Color Theory takes a break from the usual relationship based 80's Synthpop to address the subject of Superstition with Lucky Ago. Brian Hazard is a musical genius. How do I know? How else can you explain putting out an album on Superstition which is happy and danceable. The phobias are abundant.
Chain Letters (Unsigned)
The Dead Mans Hand of Wild Bill Hickock (Hand)
Singular Magpies as harbingers of bad luck (Avian)
Graveyards (Dismembered)
The Number 13 (Phobiac)
There are 10 in all, broken up by the lovely instrumental piece Lore. It's hard to pick a favorite when reviewing these albums. This time I think it's Feral, the final track, which addresses Witches and Black Cats, which kind of Reminds Me of Bugs Bunny "Aren't they all witches inside." Which (sorry) brings me to the Cover. She's either a Witch or Lady Luck. Either Way she is absolutely alluring and gorgeous. The cover draws you in, the album seals the deal. I think its a safe bet that you will enjoy Lucky Ago by Color Theory. I did and I think it fits into my description of Therapy Music. While you wont conquer your phobias with a single listen, they say acknowledging your problems is the first step. This is the first step. And it is a 5 Emerald Step.
Walk Backward if you must, but you will play this at least 13 times. Wear it out, just don't wear out your welcome. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.
From now on all of our genres exceed the final bar of 7 entries. Adult Contemporary and its sister genre Inspirational accounted for 8 entries.
Adult Contemporary/Inspirational
Danny Gokey - Wanted EP
Jason Gray - Order EP
Paul and Hannah McClure - The Way Home (Deluxe)
Allan Scott - The Story
Greg Sykes - No Greater Love
Lauren Talley - Glorious God: Songs of Worship
Lauren Talley - Loudest Praise: Hymns of Mercy, Love and Grace
Big Daddy Weave - When The Light Comes
Don't get to nervous, the Talley albums are not Southern Gospel. Definitely inspo material here. I wouldn't do that to you or me. Another tie awaits and we begin with Pop. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.
Alternative had six entries this quarter. A very good showing, and nearly enough for its own finals if we had not other judging process.
Alternative Rock
Josh Garrels - Chrysaline
The Rocket Summer - Sweet Shivers
Strangeher - A Marginal Sea
Tenth Avenue North - No Shame
John Van Deusen - (I Am) Origami pt 3: A Catacomb Hymn
Wilder Woods - Wilder Woods
A pretty much veteran lineup (Wilder Woods is a side-project of Needtobreathe's Bear Rinehart). Next up is Adult Contemporary with 8 entries. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.
Time to Crank it Up. Heavy Metal and Hard Rock had five entries this quarter. That's a good showing for a quarter.
Hard Rock/Heavy Metal
As I Lay Dying - Shaped by Fire
Narnia - From Darkness to Light
Oh Sleeper - Bloodied/Unbowed
War of Ages - Void
Wolves at the Gate - Eclipse
It's good to have As I Lay Dying back in the fold. Forgiveness is at the root of Christianity. I am not making any predictions, but I wouldn't be surprised if the eventual winner comes from this quarter. It is that loaded. Rap is the final of the tie trio (that sounds like a bad Southern Gospel Group). Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.
