Todd Recommends...

Together For The Gospel Live
Found this record from Sovereign Grace a couple of weeks ago. Recorded in April 2008, Together For The Gospel Live is a collection of tunes led by Bob Kauflin and over 5,000 pastors.

But this is unlike any live record I've heard in a long, long time.

First of all, it's just Bob Kauflin and piano. No percussion, no additional vocalists on stage. No overdubs. Now a live record with just one person on stage isn't necessarily all that uncommon. But this record has mixed the congregation mics so hot that in almost every song, Bob is overpowered by 5,000 voices singing these hymns. Sure, Bob is great, but for the first time in my life, I'm listening to a live record of the congregation and not the guy on stage.

Secondly, the piano stuff on here is extraordinary. The transitions are effortless and the amount of energy and variety that Kauflin puts into these songs is extremely impressive. This is definitely a record that makes you say, "Man, I wish I could play like that."

Third, the worship leading here is so very good. Bob is excellent. Lots of worship leaders "call out" things in between lines - to cue the band, to change the order, to help the congregation if projection is lagging, etc. But Kauflin often says what's already been sung...instead of predicting what's coming in the next phrase, he's punctuating what's already been said. At first, it's kinda' tricky on the ear, but after awhile, it's a nice effect. His use of scripture and story are so skillfull here. One of the best things that worship leaders can do is listen and learn from other, better people and Kauflin is definitely one of those.

Lastly, the song selection is stellar. Mostly older hymns, but some newer "hymns" fill out the record. There's nothing better than good hymns done well and this record is all that and more.

The Medicine - John Mark McMillan
You may remember McMillan's tune, "Death In His Grave" from a Good Friday video I posted recently.

This is without a doubt my new favorite record. McMillan is writing some of the coolest stuff I've heard in a long time. It's mostly lo-fi Americana stuff and the songwriting is really good. The rocking stuff sounds like Pete Yorn/Springsteen and the slow stuff has all the cool swagger of David Gray or Mat Kearney or even Chris Whitley.

Great acoustic guitar work combined with a nice laid-back production approach don't just support these songs - it makes the tunes come alive! This guy is writing gutsy, honest poetry that swings from outright worship to confessional peeks into broken lives and what happens when redemption finds them.

I can't stop telling people about this record - it's so good. If you dig artsy, roots rock stuff fantastic lyrical precision, "The Medicine" is your record.

MUSIC TUESDAY

I know this picture looks like some strange photoshop jumble of characters.
The current-day model on the far left, Olivia Newton-John on the right and a former member of Blind Melon down front.

But it's not.
This is Jypsi...one of my new favorite country bands.
All siblings, the Rische kids have found a way to blend bluegrass, folk and honky-tonk country into a perfect mix. Comparisons are sometimes lame, but consider Jypsi to be the new fix for all those who miss the Dixie Chicks.

All four siblings play (two fiddlers, one mandolin player and a bad-to-the-bone guitarist.) They all sing (girls are awesome, brother is really better at BGVs.) And the songwriting is outstanding, proving once again that country songwriting is some of the most clever stuff around.

In all honesty, Jypsi is struggling to find its place on country radio. I'd encourage you to give them a try and maybe even call your local country station and request them.

If you're a country music fan, you will dig Jypsi. (Songwriters, regardless of your personal preference, you'll love digging into these tunes.)

MUSIC TUESDAY (or "Todd Recommends...)

If you're like me, you're sick of the whole acoustic-guitar looping thing. Yes, it's impressive. And old news.

However, Zoe Keating is a breath of fresh air. Her music is really super good. With sampling, she's creating something much more "musical" in a classical sense...creating quartets/quintets/orchestras rather than just building a beat and a bass line.



via: Wil Wheaton
link: Zoe Keating

Todd Recommends...

I finally got a chance to watch Primer.

I first heard of the movie through http://www.independentbands.com/. It was released in 2004 and was written, produced, directed and funded by Shane Carruth. If that name sounds familiar, it's because he's the brother of Caleb Carruth, who used to be in a band called "Shane and Caleb." Caleb eventually left that group to do some solo stuff and then later founded independentbands.com. The "Shane" of "Shane and Caleb" found another Shane and became Shane & Shane.

Exhausted yet?

Primer went on to win the 2004 Grand Jury Prize at the acclaimed Sundance Film Festival (among other prizes and nominations.) But what seemed to make this film such a standout was it's humble funding - the movie was shot, edited and produced for $7000.

I had forgotten about it, but last week I noticed it was available through our Netflix Online deal. (So a few days ago, I fired it up and I've been watching it in pieces this week.)

Let me first say that this is really one of the most suspenseful movies I've seen in a long while. It's not scary, but there definitely is a sense that something much bigger is going on. Initially, I was a bit disappointed that there wasn't some sort of "big reveal" at the end. But it was so intriguing that I couldn't dislike it.

I did a little research and soon discovered that there are thousands of theories about this film - its timeline and storyline and characters are still widely debated four years later!

If you dig sci-fi and like movies that leave you with more questions than answers, you should give Primer a try.

TODD RECOMMENDS...

Listed below are some things I've recently discovered. I think they are cool. I think you will agree with me.

The King Of Kong
A documentary about the "hardest video game ever created" and two men obsessed with holding the world record.

This is a great look at obsession and what it can do to a person. And even though a documentary, there are some fantastic characters in this film.

It's really, really good.

Aerotone
Aerotone is a netlabel that focuses on "melancholy music." And most of it is free!

In addition to the overall hipness of a "web-label," the music is actually really good. (If you dig such spacey, mellow things.) As best I can tell, these artists are posting their stuff for free. This seems very cool to me. Songs are perfect for chilling out or even cool videos or contemplative services.

Julios
I've already blogged about these chips, but they continue to impress me.
I am discovering, however, that they may induce some of the worst "chip breath" known to man. (Think Funyuns-meets-Doritos Cool Ranch-meets-Olive Garden Breadsticks.)

Just started reading hypebot. It's a sort of new reader/blog that focuses on music industry developments - primarily related to digital distribution. (Which is pretty much all the industry is, these days.) So far, I really dig it.

There are mine...what about you?
Got any "recommends" for us?

Special thanks to Jonny Baker for the aerotone info.