The Joint – Hillsong United a_CROSS//the_EARTH Tear Down the Walls …nuff said!

Hillsong United. New CD. Enough said! We reviewed a_CROSS//the_EARTH: Tear Down the Walls so sit tight and enjoy!

Hillsong United – a_CROSS//the_EARTH: Tear Down the Walls

Get it everywhere but it’d be sweet to kick Eminem off the #1 spot and boost United to the top of iTunes so go get it there!

Conner Byrd - Yours truly, stick around here

Synopsis:
I’m going to assume you’ve heard of the worship CD churning machine called Hillsong. I’m not going to assume you’re aware that Hillsong United is the “Youth Band” segment of their team because (I’ve said it before) the lines seemed to have been blurred over the past 2 years as to who’s making what. WELL the line is no longer blurred! With a_CROSS//the_EARTH it is clear that United is back to making music for the Youth. We’ve got an official introduction from the ‘under 21′ worship crew (you might have picked up In a Valley By the Sea but you probably didn’t) but here we have some of that crew making their big time debut. It’s great to have some fresh voices and such on such a stable and incredible team like United! I do dare you to count how many times you sing/yell “Woah oh Oh oh!” Haha, I mean but it is for a corporate setting and what gets you going more than yelling!
As always, you get your money’s worth with 12 tracks in a live setting that’s pushing you from one song to the next as if you’re really there!

Bottom Line:
This CD’s not for your typical church worship setting. It is however for your youth setting! Yours Forever is what I’ve been talking about in regards to Post-RockBand-Worship-Music! It’s busy, it’s loud, it’s anthematic, it’s what I see the multitude of youth who have ravaged these games on their consoles at home craving for in the church. However, the great thing is that there are also tracks like the sweet and beautiful Soon that is angelic. And of course everything inbetween!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5!

Must have:
Yours Forever – yes its ridiculous and over the top and it’s exactly why I love it! Soon – it’s everything that Yours Forever isn’t! Freedom is Here – for it’s Angels & Airwaves vibe. You Hold Me Now – I just love the chorus lyrics and how they roll off my tongue! King of All Days!! Yes, King of All Days is a must have!

Church Songs:
Depends on your church. With your congregation, you might not be able to get away with all of them But these are definitely worship songs. I’d start you with: King of All Days, No Reason to Hide, Oh You Bring is a delicious worship tune that just sits there in your pocket, and Soon…mmm….Soon.

Alastair Vance – Go to Live to Worship

Synopsis:
I’ve always been excited about the release of a new Hillsong United album and this time was no exception.  However, on my first listen through the songs the only word I had to describe it was ‘bleh’.  After a few listens there are some definitely some gems on there but for the most part my thoughts about it are still ‘bleh’ (ref: http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/bleh).

The album is energetic, the style is spot on and it sounds really great, but to be honest I was a little disappointed.  I was really listening out for some ‘killer’ songs I could use in church but nothing really stands out or connects with me immediately.

Here’s a question.  Am I being too much of a consumer-focused Christian expecting that immediate worship high?  Or are Hillsong manufacturing albums simply to meet consumer demand rather than a natural outpouring of their hearts?  Or both?  Hmmm. 

Bottom Line:
Fist pumping pop, sung with attitude and lots of WhaaOoO, oOo OoO and Yoooo.  OK, now I’ve had enough.  I’m going back to listen to Aslan Worship again (ref: http://www.myspace.com/theaslanworship).

Rating: 2.5 out of 5!

Must Have Songs:
The gems I talk about are King Of All Days, Oh You Bring, Soon and Arms Wide Open.

Church Songs:
All the songs are crafted for contemporary worship, so if you like the song, use it.  Remember one thing.  Your task as a worship leader is to lead people to that place where they are released to worship God uninhibited.  Therefore, when introducing new songs pick songs you connect with and believe will encourage that.

Joel Klampert – Go to Klampert.com

Synopsis:
United? Who in the world…Well if you haven’t heard of United then you are currently living under a rock or in a “VAN DOWN BY THE RIVER!”. Folks they are back and with a new live CD. Complete with more Woah’s and ooo’s that may make you think 90’s RnB and boys 2 men are back.
I listened to this CD a few times at first after i got the pre-release and I was having a real hard time getting into it. Nothing really jumped out at me and I have no clue why. However I am glad I didn’t throw it on the shelf and give up on it cus it has some real gems that don’t disappoint. I am still working through this CD many listens over now, but I encourage you to do the same.
I think ultimately with a band like united who has basically shaped worship into their own mold and everybody on the planet is trying to mimic their sound that a new CD comes with preconceived expectations. It is really hard to listen to this CD and not have every one of their other ones in your head.
It still has that signature United sound, but I am excited to see there are trying new things. It was really needed.

Bottom Line:
If you love worship then you need to listen to this CD. I urge you though pretend this is a new band and listen to it like that. Listen to the heart of it and get trapped by the spirit. If you go in with thinking you will have an entire CD of what we have had before then you will miss the gems. The gems are my must haves.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5!

Must Haves:
King of All Days has a brilliant Chorus. I love the redone version of Desert song. That song gets me every time. Tear Down the walls is epic. My first listen the only song that gripped me was Soon. If you are not a United fan buy this CD just for that song. It’s worth it. Your Name High reminds me of U2 and I absolutely love this song. Yes even though it is chock full of “O’s” it is awesome. Last but not least is Yours Forever. This song has a new feel for United and it’s kinda off the wall. It’s a great youth service song and WAY over the top. Reminded me of the Raconteurs.

In Church:
This is a tough call. Depending on how adventurous your church is, if you have 35 guitarists, and killer vocalists most of these songs can be done. I am pretty sure I will attempt a few, but most of these would work best in a youth/college setting. I think on this CD United really made it clear the age group they lead.

Sunday Setlist May 17th – FINAL Video

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So this week finished our Volunteer Recruitment push with the last Real Men of Jesus video. I’ve got to say, I LOVE CREATING VIDEOS but man I feel like I’ve beaten a dead horse! I’m so glad I’m done with these. So much for for a minute long video

I’m terribly conflicted about this video because I didn’t get enough footage for what I needed and had to go to some stock photography as well as my narrator spoke too slow and had to do some tweaking of his vocals. I think in the end it came out just fine for those enjoying the show:

This week we sang:

• Great is He Who’s the King of Kings – ?
• Awesome is the Lord Most High – Tomlin
• O Worship the King – Tomlinish
• I Will Lift Your Name - ?
• Sermon
• Forever – Tomlin

This week was interesting because while we did a lot of Tomlin songs and we had 2 electric guitars, we didn’t feel very Tomlinish. I’m very glad our Mandolin player got a acoustic/electric mandolin with a pick up in it because we can now here what he’s playing and it makes great use of turnarounds.

I did announcements again this week and MAN THAT’S TOUGH! Ugh. I have tremendous respect for everyone giving announcements at their churches! Kudos!

All a part of Fred’s Sunday Setlist Blog carnival!

Even Lifeway likes Bluetree

Yeah we finally got The Joint out this week reviewing Bluetree and when I got home today I see that our timing was actually impeccable! It seems Lifeway is excited about Bluetree as well and has featured them in their get2know… segment. They’re also selling their CD God of This City, for the very low low price of $5.00. The fun thing is that it’s actually a physical CD! Wow, remember what those were like!?!

WHO WERE/ARE YOUR BIGGEST MUSICAL INFLUENCES?
Steven – Seven Day Jesus, Tears for Fears, MuteMath, U2
Bryan – Copeland, Death Cab for Cutie, Mae, Thrice, Newsboys
Justin – Delirious?, Switchfoot, Acceptance, Seabird, Paper Route
Dave – MuteMath, Julianna Theory, Anberlin
Josh – dcTalk, Coldplay, Sanctus Real

WHO HAS A SIMILAR SOUND TO YOURS?
Coldplay, The Killers, MuteMath, and U2

WHAT ARE YOUR MUSICAL GOALS?
To influence the world and not be influenced by the world, to encourage believers and reach out to the lost, and to show the love of Christ to everyone that we encounter – by living out the example of the life of Christ given to us in the Gospels.

WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ALBUM?
We want everyone that listens to be affected in an individual way. Themes throughout are hope, life issues, and compassion for the unloved.

So I see from this get2know you on Bluetree that I share many of the same musical influences as the guys which explains why I probably like their CD! Also, that they may have printed one of the worlds longest run on sentences

The Joint review of Bluetree’s God of this City

It took a band from Ireland to get all 3 Joint reviewers on board! By now, you’re probably familiar with the song God of this City but don’t miss out on the band who put it in the hands of Chris Tomlin and company.

Bluetree – God of this City

Find it to listen and purchase at iTunes (it’s only $7.99) and Amazon (it’s only $6.99!!)

Alastair Vance – go to Live to Worship
Synopsis: I picked up Bluetree’s album on Amazon for the bargin price of $5.  These guys used to play in a church close to where I lived in Ireland.  However, it wasn’t until Tomlin broke with ‘God Of This City’ that I actually heard of them.
I can hear lot of musical influences in here.  Slight influences from bands like Snow Patrol and even Ash are apparent, but obvious influences include Duke Special in ‘God’s Plan’ (~3:18-) and Delirious in tracks ‘Your Love’ and ‘Oh My God’.

Bottom Line: Aside from using the word ‘Great’ a lot, I love this album.  I can’t really say otherwise as they might arrange to have my knees done if I ever return home.  It’s a great great album.  Really great, so it is.

4 out of 5!

Must Have Songs: God’s Plan, For You, God Of This City, Your Love, Standing Out and Great Is Your Name.

Church Songs: For You, God Of This City (I much prefer this version), Your Love, Each Day and When I Survey.

Joel Klampert – go to Klampert.com
Synopsis: Bluetree…Wow. They totally stole a song from Tomlin. Wait. What? They wrote God of This City? Here we have what happened when Chris Tomlin did “Your Grace is Enough” Matt Maher’s version is way better yet it isn’t until recent that people have even heard it. Bluetree’s version of the song is so much better. That aside this CD isn’t just a one hit wonder. It is a beautiful, rockin, out of the mold CD that interweaves in worship. This band is fantastic and they really deserve to make a mark on the industry. I honstly went into it thinking I was going to get a odd “chieftan’s” version of God of this City and intstead my ears were treated to pure goodness.

Bottom Line: If you Love Tomlin and think God of this City should not have been messed with then not only should you skip that song but you really have issues. This band is fantastic and even though at times you find yourself dreamin’ of Alastair due to the accents You need to get this CD.

4 out of 5!

Must Haves: When I survey is brilliant! Great is your name has a real airy feel to it similar to the Ian Mcintosh CD. God’s Plan to me is the best all around track on the CD. God of this City is awesome. I love this version so much and I can’t wait to be able to do it like that.

In Church: Honestly most of the songs here are doable in church. At first listen a bunch of the songs in the middle of the CD seemed kinda lacking, but the worshipful aspect of them on my second listen over took that and I am finding that I am really into those songs.

Conner Byrd – stick around and show me some love:
Synopsis: Ever since I heard the story behind the song God of This City, I’ve been dying to get a hold of Bluetree and I’m so glad we had the chance here on The Joint. I love that Bluetree’s been able to write and create some songs that work well for a listener and a worshiper. Right from the start of things with songs like Life’s Noise that’s crazy and wild and in your face, strip it down and it could be a worship song as well! I like hearing what’s coming across the pond. There’s a great mix of variety of songs including Brit-pop, rock, melodic contemplative, and a truly worthy revamped hymn!

Bottom Line: I think I’d LOVE this CD if it was trimmed down by at least 2 or 3 songs and arranged in a better flow. Out of the gate, the first 4 songs hit and then there’s a lull until the end, which I almost didn’t get to. I’m glad I did because 2 of my favorites are the last 2 tracks! That being said, I really like it!

4 out of 5!

Must have: Great is Your Name just captivates me! It’s like a real smooth Death Cab sound and I listen to it repeatedly! I think you need When I Survey because it sneaks up on you and it’s a truly worthy revamp. Life’s Noise because it’s fun and God of This City because you’ll love the musicality of it and either hate or love his vocal line over Tomlin’s.

Church Songs: Basically the Must Haves! But really, this is a dynamic CD that like I said, can be listened to or worshipped with!

iPhoto photo tips and tricks made easy

I spent some time last week putting together a Senior Montage video for our graduates. In doing so, I found some quick easy steps to enhance your photos (and videos) in iPhoto and iMovie. The controls for these 2 applications are smooth and easy to use but as simple as they are, you can still get bogged down and carried away. I find the Enhance feature usually works OK but sometimes it just doesn’t do it.

I found these 3-5 steps can take less than 60 seconds and make a huge difference on your photos or videos:

1. Saturation: Slide it towards the right to enhance your colors to look full and rich. Don’t worry about if it gets too dark because next:
2. Level Slider: Slide the middle one to the left to brighten up your photo if the saturation has made it too dark. (It’s the little triangle beneath those 3 colors inbetween 0-100%)
3. Contrast: Slide it towards the right to enhance focus
4. Reduce Noise: Slide it towards the right to smooth out any potential rough patches
5. Sharpness: Slide it towards the right for final edges. It’s like a focused Contrast slider.

So there you go. Have fun and go nuts! I noticed that when projecting something like in church from a projector (espeically a front lit one) that you need to almost need to oversaturate the colors becuase they look much more faded up there than thay do on your LCD computer monitor.

Sunday Setlist May 10th – Mothers and Graduates

[RSS Readers Video Below!]

How do you celebrate Mother’s Day and Graduates?
We recognize them all on the same day and create mass teary eyed-ness

I made a Senior Graduation Video Montage and am pretty stoked about it! I think it’s the best one I’ve ever done, which really isn’t saying much because I haven’t done too many but I’m really proud of the whole feel of this video. I spent a TON of time on it and I’m glad I found the perfect soundtrack (I think) from Addison Road! Love them and got to meet them a while back. Check it out:

I learned some tricks of the trade during the picture/video editing that I’m working up to share with you later today.

We sang:

• Famous One – Chris Tomlin
• Salvation – Charlie Hall
• My Hope is You – Third Day
• Offering
• Sermon
• Indescribable – Tomlin
• Holy, Holy, Holy – Public Domain? Is that how you say that?

How was your Mother’s Day? Senior Graduation recognition day?

All a part of the blog carnival happening at Fred’s Sunday Setlists!

Sunday Setlist May 3rd – KidStuf & Video 3

[RSS Feeders there's a video embeded]

So the first Sunday of the month is always River KidStuf! Yay!! So we cut the services back by fifteen minutes and insert our Family Focuses Worship environment taken from NPCC’s KidStuf in the middle of them.

So here’s worship for the adults:

1. Prelude/Gathering Song – Holy is the Lord – Tomlin
2. Announcements
3. I will Worship – yeah you know the song but I don’t know who it’s by
4. We Will Dance – David Ruis
5. Offering – Psalm 73
6. Sermon
7. Communion – I will lift Your name
8. Closing – Blessed be Your name – Redman

Here’s the River KidStuf worship songs:

1. Get this party started – Big Stuf
2. Get it started – Hillsong Kids
3. My Number One – Hillsong Kids

I love KidStuf days, they are crazy go nuts but wicked awesome! Pics hopefully coming your way soon.

And here’s my killer 3rd video. We figured that since we’ve done 2 already that people figured they’d know what to expect so I went a little kooky:

As always, incredible fun being part of Fred’s Blog Carnival!

My Offline Time-line

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, so….did you miss me? The past 2 weekends have been  crazy go nuts and I’ve been out of touch here on the blog but having tons of fun and I know you’re just dying to find out what you’ve been missing out on!

Let’s start with this past weekend shall we?

Wednesday

• I ran over my cat backing into the driveway. It was already crazy because I had a loong day at work and had to be back to River KidStuf practice that night. I saw the cats moving as I backed into the driveway like they always do and then my truck went WHOMP. I’m pretty sure I said something I wasn’t supposed to outloud with my kids with me but I knew exactly what happened. A couple hours later and $140 we found out that our cat is made of steel and appeared not to have any broken bones. He’s recuperating in our bathroom.

Thursday

• Crammed 5 days of work into 3 so that on Thursday we could take off to Atlanta
• 6am the band met up at my house to take off to ATL
• We stopped off at a gas station and found some awfully suspicious Spiderman paraphenalia.
• Lunch that day was the Arby’s Roastburger. Delicious but vapors kept filling the SUV
• 4pm we roll into my cousin’s house South of the city. I’d never seen my cousin’s house or apartment or anything before. The family always comes here for stuff so it was great to see his pad!
• We freshened up and took off to the city!
• Smith’s Olde Bar is wicked awesome! Pool tables and restaurant downstairs with a happening club venue upstairs.
• The show was STELLAR! We hung around all night. After we injected Heart’s What About Love with some Lindsay Rae Spurlock style they asked Lindsay to do Sarah Mclachlan’s Posession and then Justin and Tully hopped on with the last act to do a Grand Master Flash song. It was sick!

Friday

• On the way home from the show we needed sustenance and hit up a McDonald’s 24hr drive thru. DO NOT EVER GO TO MCD’S AT 3 AM. Ugh…I still feel sick from that.
• We grabbed some ‘breakfast/lunch’ at Chili’s and rolled up into ATL to pick up some of Lindsay’s CDs
• Back in the SUV and home again home again jiggity jig.
• We happened to find the world’s worst Burger King in Alabama. They kept 2 doors locked and only have 1 open. They were out of bar-b-que sauce. Out of Dr. Pepper. Out of Coke and the Coke she got me from the drive thru felt off as well. They gave my order to Justin and took a day to get him his. As we were leaving some other customer brought their order back b/c it was wrong. The only upside was the free crowns
• Discovered Mafia Wars app on the iPhone and some crazy great music on this trip! St. Vincent…mmm…
• Home and sleeping in my own bed was amazing!

Saturday

• We took a nice and lazy morning.
• The family and I met up with a good buddy of mine (who should blog more) for Free Comic Book Day. It was so great to pass along some of my great geek heritage to Chloe! 
• After the kiddos got up we enjoyed some incredible weather downtown for Baton Rouge’s Fest For All. We had fun wearing the kids (and me and Rae) on the hills on the old State Capitol.
• Dinner was at Gram and Gramps where we always eat too much!
• Bed time was early

Sunday

• Started at 4:30am wake up
• Brewing coffee at 5:40am at the church
• Finished capturing video and setting levels for KidStuf and noticed that the sanctuary wasn’t set back up from the women’s retreat held there. So we ended up stacking and restacking chairs which was a beating.
• We had the last River KidStuf of the season and it was insane!
• Family lunch and nap time and then I was back up at the church for a little after 3pm
• Youth played Stuffed Animal Dodgeball again!
• 6:30 I was heading home. 10 hours at church are such a beating. A great beating! But a beating

I’ve got a ton more to catch up on so hold on to your butts. It’ll be a good week!