Rules for Red Box

As most of you know, I've recently become a rabid fan of this new device found at McDonald's and Wal-Marts all across the United States - Red Box. (OK, so I'm not a recent convert or anything - I've been renting from Red Box for almost two years now, but that's beside the point.)

Anyway - I'm only bringing up Red Box for one reason: etiquette when using a Red Box while other people are present.

I'm well aware that if you are at a Red Box and no one else is around - then all rules are off. There's no one to offend or tick off - so you're pretty safe. However, I did want to run over a few things that I've noticed should be "standard procedure" when using a Red Box and others are standing in line waiting to use one as well.

RULE #1:
You have to actually get out of your car to "wait in line" for use of a Red Box machine. I don't care if it's raining, snowing, sleeting, or pouring down fish from the heavens - if I have to stand outside in the inclement weather - so do you. If I walk up and get in line while you're sitting in your car waiting for the person ahead of you to get finished with the machine - don't get all huffy and drive off and give me the finger. It's not my fault that you're too lazy to get our of your car for a few minutes.

RULE #2:
It is never cool to stand in front of the Red Box and read the synopsis of every movie that there is available to rent. I don't care if you're the world's fastest reader - if there's a line behind you - don't stand there and read about the movies. I don't mind people reading about one or two (TOPS!) - but anymore than that and the people behind you are cursing at you under your breath. (Except me - cause I'm a good Christian...) You can go to the Red Box website and read all about the movies there if you want to.

RULE #3:
This kind of pertains to rule #2 - but warrants its own entry as well. It is not cool under any circumstance to call your party asking what they want to rent and then proceed to list off all the movies. (Again, if you are the only one at a machine - feel free!) First of all - we don't want to hear your conversation or your opinion about each movie - nor do we want to hear you read the synopsis to the other person on the phone either.

RULE #4:
If at all possible - reserve your movie online before getting to the machine. That way you're guaranteed to get the movie you want - and you don't have to make the people standing behind you wait for 20 minutes while you decide what movie you want to rent.

RULE #5:
Don't smoke. I know you're outside and all - but other people are standing by you. That's just rude.

RULE #6:
If you're standing at a Red Box machine with your significant other - it is never appropriate to have a make-out session while standing in line. Whispering in one another's ears and making googly eyes at each other is acceptable - but still annoying.

RULE #7:
It's totally acceptable to talk to the other people in line - especially to get their take on certain movies. It's also a good way to find out if the person is renting a movie or just returning.

RULE #8:
After said conversation you find out that the person behind is only returning a rental and you want to rent 4 movies - it's only polite that you let that person behind you to return theirs before you start searching for movies. I wouldn't offer the person after them - because, well - you can only be so nice. Am I right?

RULE #9:
Have your credit card ready to swipe before you get to the machine. We don't want to see you rummage through your purse or have to run back to your car to get your wallet. Let's think ahead people.

RULE #10:
If there is not anyone behind you or the person directly behind you is being a jerk and a half - all rules are off. Take your time!

I hope this list was beneficial to those who read it. Feel free to pass it on - but please give credit where credit is due!

Chris

Between Jesus & John Wayne…

Daniel Britt has posted a very interesting blog entry over at David Bruce Murray's Musicscribe.com regarding the Gaither Vocal Band's latest single "Jesus & John Wayne." (With that and Kyle Boreing's cool little note about studio hiccups, DBM's blog is becoming one of my favorite places to visit lately...)

I have to admit that I'm not a huge fan of the song. That's not because of the lyrical content of the song. I actually think it's a pretty clever lyric describing man's inner struggle of flesh vs. faith - and it's a great song that seems to fit Guy Penrod's image both on stage and off. My main gripes about the song are purely musical. I feel like the melody could have been a bit stronger, and the arrangement is just kind of there for me.

However, the main gripes of the Joy-FM listeners about the song were purely lyrical. This is a classic case of listeners only hearing the hook of the song and not listening to the whole thing. Why do people do this? I mean really, how do you get the entire grasp of a song without listening to the whole story?

Anyway - I didn't bring this up to make a huge argument for or against the song. There have been lots and lots of songs written regarding this topic (someone's already mentioned Mike Bowling's "Solid Rock & Shifting Sand" - one of my personal favorites!), so what makes this song so different? Any thoughts?

What Do You Want to Read?

So, I'm kind of at a loss of things to talk about right now, but I'm being pestered by folks to update more often.

Since I'm not exactly sure what to talk about - why don't you tell me what you'd like to hear my thoughts on...

It doesn't have to be Southern Gospel related. I'm open to discussing what you'd like to hear about...

2009 SGN Music Awards - Who did I vote for?

Now the voting is over in the 2009 SGN Music Awards, I thought I'd fill everyone in on who I voted for personally. These were my personal favorites of the year, outside of company affiliations, friendships, etc. (These are not the winners - just who I voted for. Winners will be announced at a special Awards Celebration on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 in Smyrna, Tennessee.)

SONG OF THE YEAR: "Your Cries Have Awoken the Master" - Mike & Kelly Bowling
Commentary: It was a very tough category - and honestly - I feel like it was one of the strongest years, if not the strongest year, that this category has seen since the inception of the SGN Music Awards in 2002. I ultimately went with Mike & Kelly over other FANTASTIC songs like "The Broken Ones," "Whispered Prayers," "When God Ran," and "Preach the Word." Very tough decision - but it's a fantastic song and Mike & Kelly Bowling pulled out a fantastic performance on it.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Faith to Believe - Mike & Kelly Bowling
Commentary: I stated in my review of this album that this was the best Southern Gospel album released this year - and I stand by that statement. Song selection, performances, arrangements - it was all just stellar. The Mike LeFevre Quartet's Nothin' But Good was a close second to me though.

PACESETTER: Canaan Records
Commentary: This was the first year that the Pacesetter nominees did not include an artist. I had a hard time deciding between all five nominees here. Christian Voice is a great new magazine that's really starting to make a name for itself. Chuck Peters is hands down the best journalist in Southern Gospel, and "The Southern Styles Show" is helping to take SG radio into the 21st century. Also, with the recent changes made to the National Quartet Convention this last year, they are also a viable contender. I ultimately went with Canaan Records. They released not only the best CD of the year to me, the also released the second best CD of the year to me (Mike LeFevre Quartet's Nothin' But Good and a stellar album from Kim Hopper. Plus, their podcasts are really a great way of thinking outside of the box.

BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Eighth Day
Commentary: Talk about another really tough category. Crabb Revival or Aaron & Amanda Crabb seemed the obvious choices here, but ultimately I couldn't pick one over the other - because I love them both so much. I ultimately went with Eighth Day - because they've worked very hard over the last few years, they have a great sound, and they are just super nice people. Plus, their album, Everything Holy, sounds fantastic.

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR: Jim Brady (Booth Brothers)
Commentary: Man, talk about a tough category. Mike Bowling released, like I said, the best CD of the year with his wife, but Jim Brady had the edge for me. His solo album is just plain awesome, and his work on the Booth Brothers' Room For More really stood out.

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR: Karen Peck Gooch (Karen Peck & New River)
Commentary: It's funny that I think Mike & Kelly Bowling released the best CD of the year, but didn't vote for either one of them in their respective vocal categories. I ultimately went with Karen on this because of her 4 back-to-back #1s. The gal's on fire - why not vote for her?

MALE GROUP OF THE YEAR: Dove Brothers
Commentary: These guys are continuing to have great years one right after the other. I don't think their Life recording was as good as Never Be the Same - but it's doing its job in helping to define in the new Dove Brothers sound. Mike LeFevre Quartet was a close second for me.

FEMALE GROUP OF THE YEAR: Amazed
Commentary: Much like the Dove Brothers, these girls are on a role...

MIXED GROUP OF THE YEAR: Karen Peck & New River
Commentary: Four back-to-back #1s and another great album release. That put them over the edge for me.

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR (Artist): Becky & Sonya Isaacs
Commentary: Another tough category. The Isaacs sisters, Jim Brady, and Joseph Habedank are all on a role writing hit songs. I ultimately went with the songwriters of my Song of the Year choice...

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR (Artist): David Staton (Mike LeFevre Quartet)
Commentary: Staton does a great job of helping in the recording process for those on the Song Garden labels.

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR: Micah Schweinsberg (Crabb Revival)
Commentary: The only non-piano player in the batch. If you've ever seen Micah live, you know he's one of the best.

BEST LIVE PERFORMER: Booth Brothers
Commentary: They do a great job of mixing entertainment and ministry in their concerts. They're on top right now, and this is a really big reason for it.

TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN SONG OF THE YEAR: "Hello After Goodbye" - Legacy Five
Commentary: I'm usually not a huge fan of L5's sound - but this was a great song and tribute to one of Southern Gospel's most popular artists (Roger Bennett). I was also a HUGE fan of "The Great I Am Still Is" by Triumphant Quartet - but ultimately went with L5 here.

TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Moment of Truth - Gold City
Commentary: Gold City continues to do a fantastic job of stretching the boundaries of traditional southern Gospel.

PROGRESSIVE SOUTHERN SONG OF THE YEAR: "Your Cries Have Awoken the Master" - Mike & Kelly Bowling
Commentary: My overall pick for Song of the Year would easily translate into a vote in the breakaway categories as well.

PROGRESSIVE SOUTHERN ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Nothin' But Good - Mike LeFevre Quartet
Commentary: I finally got my chance to vote for this album. It was just a really really great album.

COUNTRY/BLUEGRASS SONG OF THE YEAR: "Cinderella" - Misty Freeman
Commentary: Extremely strong melody and a lyric that easily tugs at your heartstrings. Misty hit a homerun with this one.

COUNTRY/BLUEGRASS ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Faith to Believe - Mike & Kelly Bowling
Commentary: Again, my overall pick for Album of the Year should receive a vote in this breakaway category.

SPECIAL EVENT PROJECT OF THE YEAR: December: Hymns Where the Story Began, Chapter 2 - Mercy's Well
Commentary: This was a great Christmas album from one of Southern Gospel's most talented new artists. If you haven't heard this, you need to.

FAN FAVORITE ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Karen Peck & New River
Commentary: I get to vote for my favorite artist here. I did just that.

Who did you vote for?

2008: A Year In Review

I did this last year, so I figured I should do it again this year.

Here are a few lists of my favorite things from 2008. These are not what I think are the BEST - rather my favorites - including everything that I find near and dear to my heart (music, TV, movies, etc.).

MUSIC
2008 saw the release of some really great stuff - but when I say great - I mean fun, easy going stuff that is great to listen to during long car rides. Their weren't really what I would consider a lot of truly "great" records. In terms of albums that I continually came back to day after day - there weren't many - but here are what I would consider my favorites.

Top 13 Albums (Because Everyone Does Top 10)


1. Beautiful Bird - Cindy Morgan
Cindy Morgan returns with an even more roots/country sound than her last album - Postcards. Beautiful Bird features some of Cindy's most striking songwriting to date. "Most of All" took her six years to write, and the sampling of her mother, Lola, on "Two Roads" is an album highlight. "Beautiful Bird" was a great anthem for 2008.

Read my original review of Beautiful Bird here

Read the interview I did with Cindy about the new record here.


2. What If We - Brandon Heath
Brandon Heath's debut album - Don't Get Comfortable - was a slow build for me, but his sophomore outing - What If We - was an instant hit with me. Heath is easily one of the strongest writers of his generation. Songs like "Give Me Your Eyes", "No Not One", and "London" were on constant repeat with me this year.

Read my original review of What If We here.

Read the interview I did with Brandon about the new record here.


3. Colors & Sounds - Article One
Unlike Brandon Heath, I was not a fan of Article One's debut album, AO, at all. However, the band returned with one of the catchiest and fun records of the year - Colors & Sounds. To me, the band recalls the old Reunion Records band Jake with a more updated sound - lots of euro-pop and electronic influences.

Read my original review of Colors & Sounds here.


4. Dance or Die - Family Force 5 Much like Article One, I wasn't a fan of this band's first record, but Dance or Die had from the opening beats of tracks like the extremely catchy "Dance or Die", crazy "Fever", roaring guitars on "D-I-E-4-Y-O-U". This was a great album for my 10 hour drive to Virginia which I had to make along this year.

Read my original review of Dance or Die here.


5. Opposite Way - Leeland
I've been a fan of Leeland since their debut released in 2006, but the band really won me over with 2007's smash hit "Tears of the Saints". The band's sophomore album - Opposite Way - even though not as good as their debut - still ranked as one of my favorites of last year. "Count Me In" was one of my favorite tracks of last year.

Read my original review of Opposite Way here.


6. Ending Is Beginning - Downhere
It's Downhere. What else do I need to say?

Read my original review of Ending Is Beginning here.



7. A Little Bit Longer - Jonas Brothers
Yes, it's true. This 28 year old man like the Jonas Brothers. They're catchy, fun, and most importantly - they're clean and great role models. "Burnin' Up" and "Lovebug" were great fall jams for me.


8. Faith to Believe - Mike & Kelly Bowling
This is the only Southern Gospel album of mine to make the list - mainly because I didn't feel like there were a whole lot of stand out SG albums this year. Mike & Kelly (along with Jeff Snyder) released one of my favorite albums of the year. "Your Cries Have Awoken the Master" and "We Have a Saviour" were consistent favorites of mine this year.

Read my original review of Faith to Believe here.


9. Spirit - Leona Lewis
Thanks to Simon Cowell and the British TV show X Factor - the US has been blessed by the soulful sounds of Leona Lewis. Fans of Whitney Houston, Whitney Houston, and Jordin Sparks will love this record. "Bleeding Love" is such a fun song to sing at the top of your lungs to while driving down the road.


10. One Life - 33Miles
I love 33Miles. Yes, I know they aren't the most brilliant lyrically, but darn it if they don't write some of the most catchy country/pop you've ever heard.

Read my original review of One Life here.


11. My Paper Heart - Francesca Battistelli
My Paper Heart was a great summer record. Battistelli has a bright future ahead of her.

Read my original review of My Paper Heart here.


12. Resurrection Letters, Vol. 2 - Andrew Peterson
It may not be his best - but even his worst album is better than most artists' best efforts. Another great record from Christian music's finest songwriter. Can't wait to hear Vol. 1.

Read my original review of Resurrection Letters, Vol. 2 here.


13. Til We See the Shore - Seabird
Seabird is definitely the band that caught me off-guard this year. A great jam band that sounds like a cross between Needtobreathe, The Fray, and Coldplay - Seabird's debut album was an instant favorite for me.

Read my original review of Til I See the Shore here.

Other notable albums:
Roots Run Deep - Jadon Lavik
Enchanted Soundtrack
Revelation - Third Day
Relentless - Natalie Grant
Roots - Shawn McDonald
Something to Say - Matthew West
Make Some Noise - Krystal Meyers
Trying to Fit the Ocean In a Cup - Josh Wilson
Gold & the Sand - Corey Crowder

Top 13 Favorite Songs (Non-Singles)
1. God of This City - Chris Tomlin
2. So Close - Jon McLaughlin
3. Another Layer - Jon McLaughlin
4. Punch Lines & Ironies - Chris Rice
5. Beautiful Bird - Cindy Morgan
6. Alright - Elliott Yamin
7. London - Brandon Heath
8. Heavenly Day - Brandon Heath
9. Dance or Die - Family Force 5
10. I Need Thee Every Hour - Jadon Lavik
11. Homeless - Leona Lewis
12. Popular - Kristin Chenoweth (Wicked Soundtrack)
13. That's How You Know - Amy Adams

Top 13 Songs (Singles)
1. Love Is Not a Fight - Warren Barfield
2. Feels Like Redemption - Michael English
3. Most of All - Cindy Morgan
4. Give Me Your Eyes - Brandon Heath
5. Without You (I'm Not Alright) - Article One
6. Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis
7. Suspicions - Tim McGraw
8. Love Is Here - Tenth Avenue North
9. Invisibly Shaken - Rodney Atkins
10. Britney - Bebo Norman
11. Lovebug - Jonas Brothers
12. Keep Coming Back - Marc Broussard
13. Count Me In - Leeland

According to the fantastic site, Last.fm - these were most most played artists and songs for 2008.

Top Artists
1. Cindy Morgan (809 plays)
2. Leona Lewis (643 plays)
3. Article One (493 plays)
4. Elliott Yamin (474 plays)
5. Brandon Heath (458 plays)
6. Chris Tomlin (426 plays)
7. Jon Foreman (418 plays)
8. Third Day (415 plays)
9. Jon McLaughlin (402 plays)
10. Warren Barfield (380 plays)
11. Tenth Avenue North (373 plays)
12. DecembeRadio (369 plays)
13. Krystal Meyers (368 plays)
14. Relient K (347 plays)
15. Phil Wickham (334 plays)
16. CeCe Winans (333 plays)
17. Natalie Grant (331 plays)
18. Sanctus Real (324 plays)
19. Hawk Nelson (315 plays)
20. Carrie Underwood (314 plays)
21. Chris Taylor (313 plays)
22. Shawn McDonald (306 plays)
23. Jonas Brothers (305 plays)

Top Tracks
1. Warren Barfield - Love Is Not a Fight (174 plays)
2. Michael English - Feels Like Redemption (163)
3. Jon McLaughlin - So Close (133)
4. Rodney Atkins - Invisibly Shaken (131)
5. Elliott Yamin - Alright (121)
6. Red - Lost (118)
7. Tenth Avenue North - Love Is Here (111)
8. Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love (110)
9. Augustana - Sweet & Low (109)
10. Leona Lewis - Better In Time (104)
11. Kristin Chenoweth - Popular (101)
12. Idina Menzel - I'm Not That Girl (100)
13. Bebo Norman - Britney (99)
14. Jon McLaughlin with Jason Mraz and Van Hunt - Something to Believe In (97)
15. Hawk Nelson - One Little Miracle (96)
16. Article One - Taken By the Storm (96)
17. Cindy Morgan - Most of All (93)
18. Third Day - Revelation (92)
19. Brandon Heath - Give Me Your Eyes (91)
20. Coldplay - Violet Hill (90)
21. Leona Lewis - Homeless (89)
(tie) Elliott Yamin - Free (89)
(tie) The Lost Trailers - Holler Back (89)

Movies:
Saw less movies this year in the theaters, but thanks to Red Box - I got to see more than last year. I saw 54 movies this year, but only 17 of them got the full movie theater experience.

Here are my favorite movies of the year (that is the movies that I actually saw this year, there may be some from late 2007 that I caught this year). Titles with a star (*) denotes movies I saw in the theaters.

Top 23 Favorite Movies of 2008

1. Wall-E
2. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian*
3. Iron Man*
4. Kung-Fu Panda*
5. Quantum of Solace*
6. Get Smart*
7. The Kite Runner
8. National Treasure: Book of Secrets*
9. Ghost Town*
10. 10,000 B.C.
11. The Dark Knight*
12. Tropic Thunder
13. Four Christmases*
14. Hellboy 2: Rise of the Golden Army
15. Vantage Point*
16. Dr. Suess' Horton Hears a Who!*
17. Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull*
18. Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
19. Hancock*
20. The Spiderwick Chronicles
21. The Incredible Hulk
22. Juno*
23. No Country For Old Men

TELEVISION:

I don't know how I lived life before the DVR. Man, that is easily the single best invention in the entire world. These are my favorite TV shows from 2008.

Top 23 Favorite Shows of 2008

1. The Office
2. Dexter
3. Survivor: Micronesia
4. The New Adventures of Old Christine
5. Big Bang Theory
6. How I Met Your Mother
7. Survivor: Gabon
8. Big Brother 10
9. House, M.D.
10. True Blood
11. Reno! 911
12. 30 Rock
13. Entourage
14. Fringe
15. Pushing Daises
16. Worst Week
17. Big Brother 9
18. Jericho
19. Gary Unmarried
20. Rules of Engagement
21. Numb3rs
22. Summer Heights High
23. American Idol

The Office takes the #1 spot this year. Last year's #1 (Kid Nation) didn't make its way back to TV. The New Adventures of Old Christine makes a big jump this year (was #16 last year), and Survivor ranks two in the Top 10 this year. 30 Rock re-enters after I lost interest last year (I don't know what that was all about). Due to some of my favorites from last year either falling off because of a lack of interest (My Name Is Earl, South Park) and cancellations (Rome, Extras), there are some notable new shows that I've enjoyed this year - like True Blood, Fringe, Worst Week, Gary Unmarried, and Summer Heights High (though the last two are teetering on the edge of dropping off the list, as well as Numb3rs). American Idol has to really step it up this year, or I could drop the show.
v Shows I lost interest in: My Name Is Earl, Man Vs. Wild, Survivor Man, South Park

BOOKS:


Thanks to joining a book club in August, my love for reading has kicked into high gear. I always knew it would - it just needed a little motivation. My favorite book I read this year was easily Chaim Potok's The Chosen - followed closely by Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockinbird and E.M. Bounds' The Power of Prayer (the only non-fiction book I read all the way through this year.)

List of Books Read This Year:
A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens)
Broken Angel (Brouwer)
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Rowling)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Rowling)
House of Wolves (Brownleewe)
Next (Crichton)
Obsessed (Dekker)
Saint (Dekker)
Sinner (Dekker)
Skin (Dekker)
The Chosen (Potok)
The Count of Monte Cristo (Dumas)
The Power of Prayer (Bounds)
To Kill a Mockingbird (Hines)

I already have a stack of books waiting for me to dig into for 2009. I can't wait.

2009 looks to be promising with loads of time in the studio the first part of the year (with the solo record, new Sunday Edition worship album, and another album that I don't know if I'm allowed to disclose any information about).

Thanks to everyone who helped make 2008 a great year - though one that went by way too fast!

It’s Almost October?

So time for an update for all my internet friends and real life friends who I only get to see on the internet now.

Life is fantastic, other than this nasty little head cold that my dad gave me last weekend (thank you Lord for Mucinex D).

NQC came and went much faster than I would have liked. I absolutely loved getting to hang out with some of my favorite people in the whole world - people like Vertical Praise (that includes you Grandpa Johnny and Mama Betty Jo), Amazed, Tony & Wendy Word, Adam & Kathy Glover, Sharron Kay, Chuck, and countless others. None of you can stop going to NQC, you hear me?

The new record seems to have come to a halt. Hopefully when I get to feeling better I can finish things up there. I've found yet another song, bringing my total to 12. I'll be recording Chris Binion's "One Good Reason". That song is just a fantastic thought about God's all knowing power in our situations. Plus, it fits the album, both stylistically and musically.

Sunday Edition will be going into the studio very soon to record vocals for our new album - Sunday Worship. We are super excited about this album - which will feature 6 hymns and 6 worship songs in a piano-only setting. One of the worship songs is a brand new song from my friend Leah, "Love Song", and the track was recorded by our praise band at church. We got the tracks back a couple weeks ago, and we have never been more excited about a recording.

I've got a lot of traveling coming up - both with the group and by myself. We're singing in Belleville, Illinois next weekend, then 2 weeks after that my sister, Leah, Noel, and Tosha, and I will be taking a short vacation to the St. Louis area just to get away. In November, I have the EVS 40th Anniversary Concert (which I'm super excited about), and then Tony (Vertical Praise) and Pam's wedding in Virginia a couple weeks later. After that it will be Thanksgiving, then Christmas. This year has flown by.

Amy's big birthday bash is this coming Saturday. She'll be turning the big 3-0! I would give her a harder time about it - but it just means that in 18 months I will be turning 30 as well, so I've decided to leave those jokes out for now. Please come if you can!

I joined a book club with some folks from my church. It's been interesting so far. We've already read The Chosen by Chaim Potok (which I absolutely loved) and A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (which was tough at times to get though, but overall enjoyable). Now, we're reading Jane Austen's Emma - and man is this one boring read. I'm sure the girls are loving it - but I'm having a hard time just picking it up.

So here's some new music that I've been into since I last blogged:

Karen Peck & New River, Ephesians One
Article One, Colors & Sounds
Andrew Peterson, Resurrection Letters, Vol. 2
Downhere, Ending Is Beginning
Mike LeFevre Quartet, Nothin' But Good
33Miles, One Life
Family Force 5, Dance or Die
DecembeRadio, Satisfied
Booth Brothers, Room For More
Brandon Heath, What If We
Gold City, Moment of Truth
Seabird, Til We See the Shore
Mike & Kelly Bowling, Faith to Believe

Plus, new Christmas music already that I've fallen in love with from Sara Groves, Shane & Shane, Sixpence None the Richer, Faith Hill, Mandisa, and many more!

That's it for now. Magnum is still the best dog in the world, and Chester is, well, Chester. Hopefully I'll blog again soon rather than later!

Unthank, OUT!

Why NQC Matters to Me

I know it's been a while since I posted a blog. However, with what is now my 7th NQC to attend now over, I wanted to post a recap of my week in Louisville, as well tell you why this week is so important to me as a member of the industry, artist, and fan.

My week during the National Quartet Convention is all about building relationships. I find that some of my most cherished memories and friends come from the time I spend on the floor of the exhibition hall. I've grown to love people like Wendy Word + forgiven, The Allens, Vertical Praise, Eighth Day, The Glovers, The Dills, Chuck Peters (SGShowPrep), Hearts of Faith, Rob Patz (SGMRadio.com), Family Legacy, Amazed, and a host of others just from the time I spend with them at NQC. Some of these people I have a privilege of working with every day - others I just call friend. Some of these people I only see once a year - so it means the world to me that I get 6 whole days to spend with them - those are the times you can't pass up.

I wouldn't trade this week for the world.

Like all NQCs - this one was fantastic. I didn't get to catch a single performance in Freedom Hall this year - but I got to hear a lot of fantastic talent. Some of the best performers in all of Southern Gospel are performing on showcases both at NQC or in one of the ballrooms in the Executive Inn. I got to see people like Calvary's Voice, 2nd Generation, the Childress Family, The Quicks, the English Family, Heartland Harmony, Misty Freeman, Matt Throgmorton, Rejoice!, Three Bridges, Voices Won, and the Living Waters Trio give show stopping performances. Be on the look out for these artists - you'll be hearing from them very soon.

The Singing News Fan Awards seemed a bit more low-key this year - but it worked for them - and I couldn't help but feel like the fans got it right this time as my friends the Booth Brothers walked on the stage over and over again to claim their very deserved Fan Awards.

But just the day before - the fans got it right as well as The Isaacs won a truck load of Diamond Awards. It was a great year for some of the industry's finest people.

And how can you go to NQC without laughing hysterically at least once a day. My dose of comedy usually came from Holly Carden (of Vertical Praise). This year's greatest memory has to be drawing on the faces of Jim and Melissa Brady on what had to be a very expensive flyer they were passing out. Sorry guys - but it was just too much fun to pass up! (To Holly: "You really should develop a relationship with them").

All in all it was another memorable year that went by entirely too fast. I'm still shocked that I'm sitting at home after another year has passed. Hopefully it won't take too long for the 52nd Annual National Quartet Convention to make its way around.

New Blogs Rock!

This is a personal blog, so if you don't want to read anything about the daily ins and outs about my life, you probably shouldn't read any further...

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So, it's been a while hasn't it? My apologies. I always come back on and tell you that I'm gonna be better at this blogging thing - but it never happens. I do have good intentions - honestly - but sometimes life happens, you know?

Since my last blog entry, a lot of stuff has been going on. I started working on the new solo album which I am so excited about. Like the PR that I posted said, this has been a life long dream - ever since I was a teenager. The funny thing is, there was always this batch of songs that I just knew I was going to record when I finally did my first solo record. However, when the time came for me to actually decide on songs - none of them made the cut for one reason or another. I really feel like God literally threw these songs at me and said "here, do these instead." So, I'm doing them instead. People have been asking if this album will be Southern Gospel - no not really. It's not really pop, nor is it country or inspirational or anything like that. It's just me. I can't really describe it at this point other than it's a culmination of all the different styles and likes that are me. They'll be some pop and inspo and black gospel and southern gospel as well as some light rock and folk influenced stuff. It will be a hodge-podge of styles, yet at the same time very much "me."

Other than that - I've just been working and enjoying God's grace and favor in my life. The awards program majorly exceeded my expectations. It was standing room only - and we exceeded our crowd by a couple hundred people this year. God blessed the event far beyond my wildest expectations.

Work has been going good - we just signed two new artists that I will be working with - The Walkers and the Southern Brothers. I'm excited about that. We lost a client, and it saddened my heart that they didn't stay with us, but God blessed us with not only one replacement - but two. He really does continue to blow my mind.

Next week is camp - I can't believe it's already upon us. We're going a week early due to the 2nd week being full. The one good thing about that is that it's usually a bit cooler and less crowded, though I don't know how much less crowded it will be this year with how fast the camps filled up. We'll see. I'm excited about it very much - and my friend Tosha will be going for the first time this year as a chaperone alone with Pastor Nathan and Noel. It's gonna be great - God's gonna move mightily there.

Speaking of God - I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am about what God is doing in my church. It's hard to put into words, especially for those who don't come from a pentecostal background. Pastor preached a sermon about a year ago that said something to the affect of allowing God to do things in us that he's always wanted to do but we've never given him that opportunity. That's been my prayer this past year, and I know that I'm going to get those opportunities very soon. I've been reading up on prayer from a series that E.M. Bounds wrote over 100 years. Isn't it amazing how God's truth never fails, and the same things that worked back then in terms of spiritual growth work today as well? God has just been blowing my mind lately - and if any of you have the chance to attend one my church's services - please do. You won't regret it.

Well, I'm not sure what else to talk about. I'm sure I'll have lots of stories after camp and service on Sunday with Dr. Jay Morse (can't wait for that!).

So, until then, go buy the new Cindy Morgan record, watch some The Office reruns, and go see Prince Caspian.

Unthank, OUT!

Do you twitter?

So I just got a twitter account. Not sure if I'll keep it up - but I have two whole followers at this point - Cindy Morgan and Natalie Grant.

Check me out - and if you want - follow me!

A major confession, Vol. 2…

Since my last blog entry about how I loathe sports was such a big hit, I decided that it was indeed time for another major confession in my life.

Most of my closest friends in life already know this about me (much like the sports issue), but I figured that it was time that even my acquaintances got acquainted (get it?) with this aspect of my life. You never know when we're going to need this information or when we will be together again - so this tidbit about my life may come into play later down the road.

Are you ready for it? You know you want to keep reading...

I. HATE. THE. BEACH.



I know. I can hear you all gasping in disbelief all the way around the world (yes, I have MySpace friends all the way around the world. What up, Adam?) I know it is hard to believe that I would hate something that so many people love and enjoy. Most people I know love the beach and love to spend their vacation around some beach or coastal area. That's great. Have at it.

Here are some reasons that I'm none to fond of the beach...

1. I can't walk on the beach. For those of you with solid ankles and good muscles in you feet - this isn't an issue. For someone like me who has trouble standing on solid ground, much less walking across uneven ground, it's pretty much torture.

2. It's too hot. Yes, I know what you're saying - "it's not that hot, and if you do get hot, you can just do a hop, skip, and jump over to the water." Well - first, I can't walk on the beach, so that kind of defeats the purpose. Second, for someone like me who thinks camping is staying at the Holiday Inn, being in the sun is too hot whether it's 70 degrees or 107 degrees. Third, I can't stand in the water. Which bring me to my third reason for hating the beach...

3. I can't just stand in the ocean and watch the waves. Now you think I'm being unreasonable. Perhaps - but this brings me back to my first point. With someone who has no balance on solid ground, is it that much of a stretch to understand that the waves and the water at my feet going in opposite directions makes me dizzy? I didn't think so. If I want to stand in the ocean, I have to turn around and face the beach, which we all know isn't a pleasant experience most of the time. Which brings me to point four...

4. Everybody thinks they look good at the beach, when in reality, only .01% of the people at the beach actually look good. Don't bother arguing this point. You know I'm right. And don't think you're a part of that .01% either. You're not.

5. Sand gets everywhere. Again, another point you can't argue. When I go the beach it feels like I'm finding sand in places I never even knew existed - plus I'm finding it for days. Who likes that?


So come one - who else out there hates the beach? I know I'm not the only one. You all hate it too, I just helped you realize it.

That's all for now, kiddos. Have fun.

P.S. I actually went to a hockey game with some friends a couple weeks back and actually enjoyed myself. I may have to make an addendum to my post about hating sports.

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