Music Monday: FREE Music from JJ Heller

Posted on 08.17.08 in Music Monday Music and there are 7 comments.

(This post is a part of Music Monday.)

JJ Heller: Painted Red

Even if it weren’t free, I would recommend, urge, implore, flat-out-tell-you to go get JJ Heller’s newest album, Painted Red. The fact that it’s FREE until November 1, makes it a no brainer for you to add it to your music collection.

Top 3 Reasons To Get JJ’s Album

1. She has a unique and mesmerizing voice.
I love her voice. A lot of people can sing pretty, but JJ’s voice has “character”. Just the sound of it tells a story. It “kind of” reminds me of Leigh Nash from Six Pence None the Richer, although I think JJ’s voice is a bit richer and not as feathery as Leigh’s. (All you musicians out there, please stop snickering at my lack of technical music terms.)

2. Great production
I’m not a musician, but even as just a listener, I know that production can enhance or dilute a song. It seems like there must be a “Automatic Christian Radio Single” button in that producers press based on what I hear on much (not all) of Christian Radio. So many songs sound the same. In my opinion humble opinion, they are way over produced.

On the other hand, Painted Red is really well produced. Mitch Dane (JJ Heller’s producer) kept things simple and enchanting. Every element adds a great layer to each song and helps enhance the message and mood.

3. BECAUSE I TOLD YOU SO
Sorry, that’s the mom in me…

Seriously, though, it’s a really great album. Download it.

You’re welcome.

Your Turn

Join in on the Music Monday fun. Write a post about music and add your link below:

Music Monday: FREE Phil WIckham

Posted on 08.10.08 in Music Monday Music and there are 4 comments.

(This post is a part of Music Monday. Join the fun. Write a post about music and add your link below.)

Thanks to some incredible web work from Brody and Randy, last Friday, Phil Wickham released an incredible live album for FREE* on his website.

Phil Wickham’s music is stunning. He has amazing vocals and he sings with an infectious passion.

Here he is singing his song, “Divine Romance”

You can get this album for the simple cost of signing up for his mailing list.

As your friend, I am telling you to go download the album and then go buy Phil’s other albums. You will thank me.

Your Turn

So, did you download Phil’s album?

Music Monday: Lyrics vs Music and Third Day News

Posted on 07.27.08 in Music Monday Music and there are 12 comments.

(This post is a part of Music Monday. Join the fun. Write a post about music and add your link below.)

No Lyrics. No Music.

I remember as a kid, complaining every time my grandmother took my Amy Grant tape out of the tape player (a travesty in and of itself) and turned the radio to the classical station.

“That’s not music. There aren’t any words...”

I’m a lyrics girl.

If a song has lame lyrics, I can’t listen to it. No matter how good the music is.

Now that I’m older, I do enjoy classical music and I even enjoy music performed in other languages, but if a song is in English and one line ends with “heart” and the next one ends with “we’ll never be apart...”

I throw up a little bit.

So, what about you? Are lyrics or music most important to you?

In Music News: Big Week For Third Day

It’s been a big week for blogger Mark Lee. He and his wife Stephanie had a little girl on Friday, on Tuesday morning Third Day’s new album Revelation will release and on Tuesday night they’ll perform on The Tonight Show.

The Tonight Show. How cool is that?

So, be sure to get yourself a copy of Revelation and tune in Tuesday night to watch Third Day’s performance.

Here’s a sneak peek of the album:

Your Turn

To participate in Music Monday, just write a post about music and add your link below.

Music Monday: I Heart Liner Notes

Posted on 07.20.08 in Music Monday Music and there are 11 comments.

(This post is a part of Music Monday. Join the fun. Write a post about music and add your link below.)

Liner Notes: My Long Lost Friends...

Does anyone else out there miss liner notes? You know, the little booklets that came in cd’s?

Whenever I’d buy a new album, I’d study the cover, pull out the liner notes and pour over them. I’d imagine how the music might sound (I bought albums blindly - just because I liked the artists - so often I never heard the music before I bought it.). Then, once I knew who all the players were, who produced each song and who wrote each song, I’d finally put the cd in and listen to it.

I miss that. I buy almost all my music on iTunes now. I realize I could buy cd’s, but 1) I’m too impatient to wait to have a cd mailed to me and 2) I worked in radio for years + I’m a packrat = I DO NOT NEED MORE CD’S IN MY HOUSE.

I know some artists are releasing digital booklets with their cd’s but very few of the albums I’ve bought have come with one of those.

So sad.

Anyone else out there miss liner notes? Any favorites?

Music Recommendation

I can’t let a Music Monday go by without recommending great music, so today I’m going to recommend Jimmy Needham’s new EP - Not Without Love.

If his name looks familiar, it’s because I’ve featured him before on Music Monday. Back when he was an indie. Now he’s signed. Coincidence? I think not.

Even though he’s an Aggie, he makes some incredible music. He’s a phenomenal singer and a solid guitar player with songs that have a definite bluesy edge. Here is a song called “Come Around” from his upcoming album.

Your Turn

Join the Music Monday fun. Write a post about music and add your link below.

Music Monday: The Artist Whose Name Makes My Kids Giggle And George Costanza’s Twin

Posted on 07.13.08 in Music Monday Music and there are 11 comments.

(This post is a part of Music Monday. Join the fun. Write a post about music and add your link below.)

My Ticket Master Trauma

I recently bought tickets to a concert that will feature this artist. So cool.

What wasn’t cool was the fact that the tickets were $11 and TicketMaster charged a $7 “convenience” fee. What?!

I think all stores should charge a convenience fee. After all, they did have to pay for their building so that I can come buy their stuff. I should be thankful they made it so “convenient.”

Actually, I think I’m going to start implementing a “convenience” charge for reading my blog. I mean, it’s about time. Sheesh. Nothing’s free people. It’s time I get mine.

Well, to soften the $7 blow, TicketMaster sent me a couple free songs from iTunes. It was the old “we’re-going-to-overcharge-you-so-we-give-you-free-stuff-and-make-it-look-like-we-didn’t-rip-you-off-ploy.”

Yeah, that one.

It worked.

I was pretty excited about my free $7 songs.

Yo-Yo

So, I went a-searchin’ for music on iTunes. I’ve been wanting more classical music because I’m getting old and that’s what old people listen to. I ended up buying a couple songs by Yo-Yo Ma and I didn’t realize that I get an extra bonus by buying Yo-Yo Ma’s music.

Not only do I get gorgeous, relaxing music to rock to in my rocking chair while watching the Price is Right, I also can entertain my kids for a good five minutes every time they ask who’s playing.

George Costanza’s Long Lost Twin

Seriously, what a cool name. Perhaps we’ll name our next kid something like that (and NO we are NOT expecting….that was a hypothetical statement.)

Here is a video of Yo-Yo Ma playing with Itzhak Perlman.

At about :28 I think it’s pretty clear and Perlman and George Costanza are one in the same…

Your Turn

Do you have a favorite classical music work or artist?

If you’d like to participate in Music Monday, just write a post about music and add your link below.

Music Monday Is Back: My Cindy Morgan Interview

Posted on 07.06.08 in Music Monday Music and there are 5 comments.

It’s Music Monday!

Music Monday is a blog thingy where we blog about music...on Mondays.

(My powers of communication are astounding. Clearly, I should be a technical writer...)

So write about music on your blog and add your link below. Simple, eh?

My Interview With Cindy Morgan

I was a Telecommunication major in college. Audio, Video, TV.

I don’t “telecommunicate” much as a stay at home mom. Except when the dvd player is broken and the kids (ok. fine...I) want to put a video on.

So when I did this phone interview with Cindy Morgan (2008 GMA Songwriter of the Year) I was excited be able to edit and show off my “telecommunication” fu.

(I don’t actually know what “fu” is, but I thought that sounded cool...and that’s what matters.)

I could finally put to use my “almost as much as our mortgage” college education.

But I didn’t. Because my speakers on my ibook went on the fritz. Because it was going to take f-o-r-e-v-e-r. Because I realized technology has
change a wee bit since my college days.

So, instead of a podcast, I present my first “Eavesdrop” with Cindy Morgan. Here is our conversation in all it’s unedited glory (don’t worry, it’s not long...).

We talk about music, technology, her new album Beautiful Bird and how she balances life as an award winning musician, wife and mother.

(If the player doesn’t work for you, here is a direct link to the mp3.)

This album is one of her best. Read my review of Beautiful Bird by Cindy Morgan here and then buy it from iTunes or from Cindy.

Listen to Beautiful Bird

Here is the video to her latest single. Her adorable girls are in it…

Your Turn

Participate in Music Monday. Just write a post about music on your blog and add your link below.

FYI - Giveaway Winner

The winner of the Cindy Morgan album I gave away here is Erin.

Music Monday: Cindy Morgan, Broken Speakers and FREE Music

Posted on 06.16.08 in Music Monday Music and there are 10 comments.

Howdy campers!

As I was getting ready to write up my post for Music Monday, I found that my speakers aren’t working on my ibook.

No, speakers.

On Music Monday.

I think there may be a camp gnome working against me.

So...if you have a Music Monday post of your own (it can be about anything related to music), please link to it in the comments.

I had been planning to post my interview with Cindy Morgan, but I need to edit it make myself sound cool. Trust me, that takes massive amounts of editing.

Win A FREE Cindy Morgan CD

Speaking of Cindy Morgan, I’m giving away one copy of her latest CD. Just tell us about your favorite Cindy Morgan song in the comments and you’ll be entered.

More Free Music

And for those of you who don’t win the cd, here are some links to great free music.

Hearitfirst.com
Sign up for the email newsletter. Every week they send out a free song and links to interesting videos and interview.

Freeccm.com
Freeccm.com is a venture of INO Records. They currently have songs from Fee, 33Miles and PCD. With artists like Sara Groves, Mercy Me and Addison Road on their roster, this is definitely a site to bookmark.

Downhere
Of course, for the month of June, Downhere is giving away their entire album. Go get it.

The Archives
I’ve got a free music category on my music blog. Check out the archives to find some great free music.

Do you know of any artists who are giving away a song or two? Please share it in the links.

DON’T FORGET

Since it’s TSLOK Camp Week, everyone who writes a Music Monday post or adds a comment to this post, will get a link to their blog (I’ll add them tonight). 

Music Monday: Cindy Morgan’s New Album Beautiful Bird

Posted on 05.18.08 in Music Monday Music and there are 3 comments.

I have always really like Cindy Morgan’s music. Her raw, passionate voice combined with her songwriting skill consistently produce songs that I listen to over and over and over.

Well, much to my joy, she has a new album, Beautiful Bird, releasing tomorrow, May 20, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to hear a preview of it.

The album as a whole is great. Its musically pretty diverse. She moves effortlessly between radio friendly pop songs, soulful blues/country songs and her classic gorgeous ballads.

After my first listen to the new album, my runaway favorite track is called Lion and Lamb.

They say a great song reminds you of a place you’ve never been. Well, this song is about heaven and needless to say, I’ve not been there. Yet. But the production is so rich and her voice is so haunting (in a good way) that it totally...um...reminds me of heaven. Ok. That sounds weird, but I trust you know what I mean.

Another favorite is The Sun Shines Through, a song about hope that is filled with gorgeous vocals. I love the simple instrumentation in it - mostly just a guitar and a bass (at least I think it’s a bass - I’m not a musician - so I could be wrong on that). Either way, it’s a great song…

I won’t do a song by song rundown like most album reviews do. I’ve never actually really liked album reviews. Musical tastes are so diverse.

What I like, you may not like and what I don’t like you may love. So I’ll just end this review by saying that I’ll be buying this album the day it releases (tomorrow).

I recommend you do the same.

Until then, check out more about Cindy Morgan here:
Website: http://cindymorganmusic.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/cindymorgan

Shaun Groves, Robbie Seay and TSLOK Summer Camp

Posted on 05.15.08 in Music Monday Music Blogging and there are 1 comments.

Robbie Seay Giveaway Winner

Contrary to what the above title might imply, I’m not actually giving away Robbie. Liz wouldn’t like that.

I am, however, giving away a copy of his latest album, ironically, titled Give Yourself Away.

I know you’re waiting on pins and needles, so without further ado, the winner of the album is:

MamasBoy

Thanks to everyone for participating. Stay tuned for more fun Music Mondays.

He Said What?!

Shaun is such a nice friend.

How do I know this? Because in his post on Monday (warning, there is a disturbing logo at the top. Ok, it’s not really disturbing. It’s actually funny. In a disturbing sort of way...), he listed me with 4 other bloggers.

(Begin singing, “Which of these is not like the others...?")

I don’t know how Sophie (Boomama), Kat, Shannon (RIMD), Melanie (Big Mama) and Ree (Pioneer Woman) do it.  I really don’t.  How does a mother - sans servants - have time to blog?

To give you a sense of the caliber of these other bloggers, may I tell you that Ree, had a post last week that had 14,000 comments.

14 THOUSAND.

(”...which of these just doesn’t belong...?")

Like I said, Shaun’s a nice friend.

Thanks Shaun for sneaking me into the big leagues. Hopefully, the blog police won’t arrest me for impersonating a real blogger.

Check out Shaun’s blog, buy his cd, and most importantly consider saving a child.

TSLOK Summer Camp

Speaking of blog friends, I want to throw out a teaser for something that’s going to happen here May 25-30. It’s called TSLOK Summer Camp.

It will be an entire week of getting to know each other, singing by the Camp Fire and eating gross camp food.

Or something like that. Stay tuned. 

Music Monday: What Was Your First Concert?

Posted on 05.11.08 in Music Monday Music and there are 24 comments.

Mine was…

Gee, can anyone guess?

I was probably about 6 years old and my dad and grandparents were taking my brother and I to a theme park in Wisconsin (we lived in Chicago at the time.)

As we were driving up, I saw a billboard that said “degarmoandkey with *********AMY GRANT********”

That’s not actually what the billboard looked like, but that’s how my little 6 year old eyes saw it.

When I floated back down to earth, I noticed my family all smiling at me. What a wonderful surprise.

The show was great even though it started raining halfway through (it was an outdoor ampitheater). I remember she made some joke about how we didn’t need to take showers since we were getting so wet. I laughed and laughed like only a 6 year old can when someone they think is cool says anything remotely resembling funny.

What was your first concert?

Robbie Seay Interview, Continued

Posted on 05.05.08 in Music Monday Music and there are 1 comments.

This is part two of my interview with Robbie Seay. Be sure to read part one and enter to win the latest album from the Robbie Seay Band.

What’s the story behind the song for New Day?

The song was supposed to be my token pop song.

I went to an Nsync concert a few years back..there, you have it. my musical influence confession of the day. That’s been weighing on me and now its finally in the open. (the ticket was free from a friend, if that makes it anymore digestable for your readers)

I saw girls waving their cell phones in the air like they just don’t care—I thought to myself, “I gotta do that”.

So a few months later I began writing New Day but it really turned into a song for Liz and our life together thus far. We used to dance in the kitchen, not very well i might add, in her parents home growing up.

I think her Dad thought that keeping us in the kitchen was better than us making out on the couch. True enough.

Its really a song about hope and though the world seems to be such a mess these last few years, love is strong and i’m thankful to have people in my life to share it with.

I’ve been thrilled about the response to the song thus far.

Oh, and its about coffee..we love coffee!

How do you manage your roles as a touring artist, a worship leader at your church, Ecclesia, as well as a husband and a father of 3?

It’s hard. That balance is always out of balance it seems.

Somebody usually suffers from most of the decisions I have to make in how i spend my time and energy.

The gift to me is that our church community is so giving and supportive of what we do.
My kids have come to know this life as normal, though i drive through the nights to get back to them - and time away from them is my greatest wrestle within.

Liz puts up with so much crap from me and my schedule, i owe her a thousand vacations to tropical places, with umbrellas drinks.

I truly never thought I’d ever be this busy in my lifetime, but I love every minute of it and I’ve been extended mountains of grace from everyone in my life to do this.

What artists are you listening to? Any indie artists you recommend?

Gatlin Elms will be a household name one day. I just produced his album with him and he’s fantastic. Look for his album “Oceans & Stars” on iTunes.

One of my favorite singers just did an album with me, Jill Paquette. It was such a thrill to produce music alongside such a talented musician. I haven’t heard a release date yet but hoping its soon. She’s amazing!

I really enjoy Chris Taylor’s new album as well. He’s a new artist on BEC and is a great young songwriter.

Of course when I"m driving, I listen to a lot of music—usually Jon Foreman, Amos Lee, Patty Griffin, John Mayer & Elliot Morris.

If you weren’t a musician what kind of career would you have?

Easy.
CIA.
quit laughing.
When the CIA comes looking for a college dropout musician with no espionage experience or skill—I’m their man and I’ll get my spy on 24/7.

What are your hobbies outside of music?

My days are full so I usually spend free time hanging with my 3 crazy punk kids and my much smarter, wiser, and all around better human of a wife - Liz. We watch The Office and eat Tex-Mex.

I love Astros baseball games, the beach & George Clooney movies (does that make me a wuss? my wife says its a man crush..)

If you were a Major League Baseball Player, what would your at-bat song be and who would you play for?

uh, the Astros..hello!

I would be baseball’s first reincarnated player, returning as a modern day Craig Biggio.

At bat song?

It would have to alternate between —‘Fly Me to the Moon’ by Frank Sinatra (this is my favorite song of all time, btw - it would be so out of place, the pitcher would be distracted, throw me a 90mph fastball down the middle and the rest would be Astros history)

Also, ‘Get Up’ by James Brown—i love this song.

More Info on RSB

Robbie Seay Band website
Robbie Seay Band blog
Robbie Seay Band on iTunes

And don’t forget to comment here to enter to win their latest cd.

If you haven’t heard their music yet, here’s a clip for your listening pleasure.

Music Monday: Robbie Seay Interview and a FREE Album

Posted on 05.04.08 in Music Monday Music and there are 23 comments.

I’ve written about the Robbie Seay Band before. Their album Give Yourself Away is incredible. I play it so much even my kids know the words.

They’ve been featured on American Idol commercials, Oprah’s show The Big Give and now they’ve reached the pinnacle of their career - an interview here on TSLOK.

Robbie, himself, acknowledges what a momentous occasion this is. Read on:

The Interview

What inspired the theme of Give Yourself Away?

(First off, thanks for the invite to your blog kingdom. Your reputation precedes this written exchange as one who is loved by thousands if not dozens of readers everywhere - and my wife likes you which carries value far beyond monetary measure.)

Give Yourself Away was supposed to be my album, with my songs and my vision. God told me to screw off, in a Godly way of course, and He began to cross my path repeatedly with those in great need in situations where i couldn’t turn my back and pretend all was well in happy land.

My life, my church and the music we were writing couldn’t escape the grasp of mission and the idea that Jesus calls us all to something bigger than just prosperity and peace.
The storms of poverty and illness is waiting for Jesus followers to drive in and take up residence under dark clouds of sacrifice and little reward - and those basic premises of faith became the foundation for the new album.

Based on the theme of the album (and many of your wife’s blog posts - one of which really resonated with me - How Can We Not Move?), there’s seems to be a lot of passion in your family for those in need. How has that affected the way you live and your daily perspective?

Well, I’m still a selfish pig, if that’s what you’re asking.

I wish it weren’t true.

I’m still fuming this morning as my skim milk latte was not to my liking and i considered sharing my deep frustration with the barista. Luckily I was rescued from myself in such a weak moment by Kanye West.

“i’ve never heard Kanye playing in a coffee shop,” i blurted aloud to no one in particular, though the unqualified young barista stared back with eternal blankness.

Kanye rarely leads to moral victories or even anger restraint in any scenario, however the unique combination of coffee and “Stronger” gave me reason to laugh aloud and recognize what a idiot I was becoming over a latte.

Truthfully, what has surfaced is a new tension in our lives - the collision of what is comfortable & self serving and what is giving & selfless.

Jesus has a call on each of our lives not to fill our pockets or fill our cups with lattes. Rather the call pulls us to the poor, the broken and requires us to extend the grace that has been life changing in our own lives.

If i wake up on days without that tension, i’m useless. I love reading about Peter. He embodied this tension in scripture and it seemed to follow him until his last days. He was a mess, much like myself, but on that struggle and ensuing honesty inside of an imperfect man, God built the church. So, maybe there’s hope for strugglers like me.

To Be Continued...

Get The RSB Album

I’m giving away a copy of Give Yourself Away. Just post a comment here to qualify. I’ll announce the winner next Monday.

Music Monday: If I Had A Record Label, I Would…

Posted on 04.27.08 in Music Monday Music and there are 3 comments.

It’s Music Monday!

Today’s theme is: If I Had A Record Label, I Would...

You can answer one or all of these questions (or make up your own):

1. Who would be on your roster?
2. How would you run it differently?
3. What would your company name be?

How Do I Participate?

Write a post on your blog telling us about “What You Would Do If You Had Your Own Record Label” (and why) and post the link (to that specific post - not your general blog URL) below.

If you don’t have a blog, share your answers in the comments.

This should be a pretty fun Music Monday. Be sure to jump in on the action. I look forward to reading everyone’s answers!

(FYI - Sara D. won last week’s iTunes GC. Thanks to everyone who participated!)

Music Monday: Katastrophic Records

Posted on 04.26.08 in Music Monday Music and there are 5 comments.

(This is my entry for Music Monday. Read the rest or submit your own here.)

What would my label name be?
I would name my label: Katostrophic Records.

Why? Because that’s the first thing that popped into my head.

Naturally.

How would I run it differently?
Everyone at the label would earn the same salary. From the President and CEO (that would be me - thank you very much) to the front desk secretary to all the artists and business people in between, we’d all make the same income (adjusted according to family size).

Each artist would have a cause that they supported and talked about on tour. All the money that they earn in excess of their base salary would be given to their cause.

I would hire Brody to set all my artists up with blogs, twitter accounts, you tube channels etc.

Which Artists Would Be on My Roster?
The first ones that come to mind are:
Shaun Groves
Sara Groves (no relation)
Brooke Fraser
Spur 58
The Robbie Seay Band
(all these artists, in one way or another, have deeply inspired me to live differently.)

Oh, and since this is imaginary and there are no limits, I’d also like these guys on my roster:

Keith Green
Rich Mullins

Speaking of Causes
Aaron, from the aforementioned Spur58, said that we’ve already raised $700 for them to buy food for people in Haiti when they go on their trip next week.

$700!! You all rock. That’s all I have to say. And if you haven’t donated yet, there’s still time to donate (and possibly win a Palm Zire 72 PDA). Here’s all the info.

Music Monday: Songs and Books and a FREE iTunes GC

Posted on 04.20.08 in Music Monday Music and there are 43 comments.

It’s Music Monday!

Today’s Music Monday will be a little different.

Since I’ve been working on my ebook all week, I thought I’d pose a book-related challenge to all you music aficionados:

--Name a song (or songs) with the word “book” in the lyrics.--

Whoever can name the most songs wins a $10 iTunes Gift Certificate.

(You are allowed to cheat by using Google as long as you let us know you used a search engine. Entries will be appropriately weighted.)

Have fun! (And if you like giveaways, there are more happening here.)

(Next week, we’ll be kicking Music Monday up a notch. The theme will be “If I ran a record label, I would...” Stay tuned for more info.)

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