Songs that I liked this year..

Here's a list of some of the songs I feel rose to the top this year.

Eric Hutchinson- Rock N' Roll

AC/DC- Rock N' Roll Train

Britney Spears- Womanizer

David Archuletta- Crush

Eagles- Too Busy Being Fabulous

Jason Mraz- I'm Yours

Leona Lewis- Bleeding Love

Guns N' Roses- Chinese Democracy

Lincoln Brewster- Today Is The Day

Matt Nathanson- Come on Get Higher

Natasha Bedingfield- Pocketful Of Sunshine

Nickelback- Gotta Be Somebody

Kings Of Leon- Use Somebody

Pink- So What

Snow Patrol- Take Back The City


Also, I left out one of my album picks for the year:



King's Of Leon
Only By The Night

Up until this record, I never really got into them. With this record, a friend of mine told me I should really take a listen to them, and I'm stoked that I did. "Only By The Night" has been a staple album in my collection this year. It's the perfect fall/ winter record. Memorable melodies that swim in your head and hooks that grab you early on.
Favorites: Sex on Fire, Revelry, Manhattan, Use Somebody

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCZfJ5ai07U

Look back at the year in music

As we near the end of the year, I thought I'd take a second to look back on some key releases for 2008.

Favorites:
ROCK


Extreme- Saudades De Rock
I spent my high school years wearing out the first three Extreme records. Everyone who listened to any radio during that time got barraged with the songs "More Than Words" and "Hole Hearted". My favorite became the III Sides to Every Story album, which I would wear out through the years. This album didn't sell quite as well as the others, with only "Rest In Peace" receiving minor "hit" status.
When I first heard about a new Extreme record, I was both excited and a little skeptical. Luckily, the band didn't let me down. Opening with the song "Star" (first single and video), the record held my attention. The more I listened to it, the more I couldn't get it out of my player. It stays true to who Extreme is, yet bringing a modern element to it (even a country tinged tune). I was lucky enough to see them live in August 2008 in Atlanta with King's X, easily one of the best shows I've seen in a long time.
Favorite cuts: Comfortably Dumb, Learn To Love, Take Us Alive

AC/DC "Black Ice"
Every red blooded American male can attest to riding down the road with the windows down and the stereo cranked up to 10 listening to "You Shook Me All Night Long" and "Back in Black". Odds are good if you like rock music, then you own "Back In Black", in fact worldwide sales of the record have reached over 42 million. Even listening to that album in 2008, one can hear the timeless production and songs that it contains.
Fast forward to 2008. AC/DC released "Black Ice" exclusively at Wal Mart. First week sales saw right at 800,000 sold, with first day sales at 193,000. In this day and age, that's a big accomplishment. Immediately when you push play on this disc and the opening chords of the first single "Rock 'N Roll Train" come blaring out, you know it's still the AC/DC you love, the AC/DC you grew up with. The album doesn't let up from that point till the end. All songs are driving mid-up tempo rockers without a ballad. Brendan O'brien's (Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilot's, Bruce Springsteen) production only enhances the art that AC/DC created.
Favorite cuts: Rock 'N Roll Train, Skies On Fire, Spoilin' For A Fight.

POP

Britney Spears "Circus"
Britney Spears first single "... Baby One More Time" hit # 1 out of the gate in October 1998. I actually had a chance to meet her briefly during this time, and from the few minutes I was around her, I found her to be likable and humble. Now over 83 million albums sold worldwide, movies and scandals galore, she's back.
I went into listening to "Circus" with skepticism, having not been a big fan of her last record "Blackout". I knew early on that I liked "Womanizer" (which took a few listens to grow on me), but would this be the only hit on the record? Through the first listen, it became apparent that Britney and the writers were able to capture what her life has been about the past year. "Circus" saw her pairing back up with Max Martin again on the possibly controversial "If U Seek Amy" which is one of the stronger songs on the record.
Favorite cuts: Womanizer, Shattered Glass, Out From Under, If U Seek Amy.


Christian:

Anberlin "New Surrender"
I didn't discover Anberlin until I heard a few cuts from their "Never Take Friendship Personal" record. Immediately I connected to the pop hooks, crunching guitars and the singable melodies. I had the chance to catch the band on their "Cities" tour last year, and left the show very impressed.
2008 saw Anberlin leaving their long time label home Tooth And Nail, and joining up with Universal Republic and releasing "New Surrender". The record is a little more "pop" leaning than the previous releases. After spending a few weeks with only "New Surrender" in my player, I had time to dissect the record. Most of the record is from a relationship perpective, including a re-recording of "Feel Good Drag" from "NTFP".
Favorite cuts: Breaking, Blame Me Blame Me, Breathe

DecembeRadio "Satisfied"
This one holds a special place for me. I helped "discover" this band in 2004 while visiting my friends Scotty Wilbanks at his home studio. He introduced me to 3 "good ole boys" from Virginia that he was producing, and let me hear some rough tracks of their demo. I chased Scotty down for 6-7 months to get a copy of this demo, finally finding one at the GMA convention in 2005. Immediately I went back to the label I was working with (Slanted) and told them we had to sign this band. After months of negotiations, we finally signed DecembeRadio. We released their debut album in 2006. Just months after the release, we found out this record was nominated for a Grammy award in the best Rock/ Gospel category. This afforded me my dream of attending the Grammy awards and the parties that surround it.
2008 brought their sophmore release, "Satisfied". The band once again delivered a "pedal to the metal roll down the windows and crank it up" record. One listen to the title track and you'll be hooked. They even ventured down the pop/country road with "Be Alright". Great job Dradio and Scotty! "I'm Glad I saw the Light, Hank Williams got it right!"
Favorite Cuts: Satisfy, Be Alright, Gasoline, Look For Me (should be a massive hit).

Honorable Mention:

After Edmund "Hello"
This is another record that is close to my heart, as they are another band I helped to "discover". This record was slated to be out in 2007, but the label allowed for more set up and touring and delayed it until Jan 2008. This record is so far outside the Christian bubble it isn't funny. If you like cookie cutter Christian albums, this one isn't for you. Similar to Coldplay, Keane, Snow Patrol with hints of Pink Floyd, don't miss it. It's Grammy Nominated this year!

Country:

Taylor Swift "Fearless"
On the first listen to "Love Story" I was sold. Then when Amazon ran it on their $3.99 special, I knew I couldn't go wrong. I'm glad I picked it up. This is one of those records that we'll be hearing singles from for quite a while.
Favorites: Love Story, White Horse, Fifteen

Phil Stacey "Phil Stacey"
After being a fan of his from American Idol, I was excited to hear this record. I received an advance copy in March this year and couldn't get it out of my CD player. I then had a chance to have lunch with him in April and was very impressed with his heart and what he was about. Unfortunately, the record didn't do well at all, which is a shame.
Favorites: It's Who You Know, If You Didn't Love Me, Looking Like Love.

Presidential Race

As I sit and watch the tail end of the election results, Obama is winning 207-138. For most of the day I've been almost in a state of depression about the election.
Tonight, as I took time away from watching the results and took a shower, I began to pray about it. The Lord really spoke to me during this time. He reminded me of a sermon I heard from Pastor Johnny Hunt at First Baptist Woodstock where I attended for many years. Johnny preached that we are instructed from the Bible to pray for our President and leaders of the country.

1 Timothy 2 :1-3 "The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live"

As much as it's in my flesh now to complain, and mope, I know I need to be obedient and pray for Obama as he takes on the leadership of this great nation of ours. It's been "easy" over these past 8 years as President Bush has been in office, a President that has been outspoken about his faith in Christ. Now, as Obama takes office we will begin to learn more about him and his spiritual walk. As Christians, it's our duty to pray for him daily.

Thoughts?

My Bday Weekend

My amazing wife Bonnie surprised me with the best birthday gift this past weekend. For those of you who know me, know that I'm a huge Auburn fan. (Yes, even in years like this one where they aren't doing as well as expected.)

On Friday Oct 10th, we departed Franklin and headed to a bed and breakfast/ lodge outside of Auburn. Then Saturday, we went to Auburn. We got in around 11 AM, and spent the day going in all the Auburn stores, spending time on campus, going to Tiger Walk and to the game. She got us tickets on the 35 yard line, about 11 rows up. Needless to say, this was an amazing gift. After the Auburn game, we made a trip to see my parents in Newnan GA for my mom's bday.



Thanks Bonnie for an amazing weekend. I'm blessed to have you in my life.




For my birthday, I was lucky enough to have many of my good friends join us for dinner and bowling, thanks everyone!

Eagles concert

Had the chance to see The Eagles last night here in Nashville. I must say it was one of the best sounding shows from a mix viewpoint that I've heard. Everything was A+, from production, songs etc. Here's the setlist if you're one of those who cares about that :)

Set 1

How Long

Busy Being Fabulous

I Don't Want To Hear Anymore

Guilty Of The Crime

Hotel California

Peaceful Easy Feelin'

I Can't Tell You Why

Witchy Woman

Lyin' Eyes

Boys Of Summer

In The City

The Long Run

Set 2

No More Walks In the Woods

Waiting In The Weeds

No More Cloudy Days

Love Will Keep Us Alive

Take It To The Limit

Long Road Out of Eden

Somebody

Walk Away

One Of These Nights

Life's Been Good 

Dirty Laundry

Rocky Mountain Way

Heartache Tonight

Life In The Fast Lane

ENCORE

Take It Easy

Desperado

New Post! Can you believe it?

Sorry for the 5 of you that read this, it's been 2 months since I've posted.  Quite a bit has happened! Trips to LA, Vegas, San Diego and Disney World have all happened. In addition to the start of the college and pro football seasons. I'm a huge Auburn fan, as well as having season tickets for the Vandy games. Also, I'm in 2 fantasy leagues, and my wife is in 2 also. 

I have managed to sneak in some great new music purchases in the last 2 months. 

First off the new Metallica "Death Magnetic"..wow this record sounds great so far. It's heads and tails better than their "St. Anger" record.

In the Christian market, definitely check out the latest from my friends DecembeRadio "Satisfied", to say the record will leave you satisfied is an understatement. Also, the new one from old buds Third Day, "Revelation". IMHO the best record they've turned in in quite a while. Good job Mark. Also spent some time with a friend at Word the other day and he hooked me up with 10 new releases. So far I've spent some time with the new Francesca Battistelli (if you're into piano powered pop ala Sara Bareilles, this one is for you) and Remedy Drive. 

More thoughts coming soon! Off to see The Eagles tomorrow and Third Day/ Switchfoot on Saturday and a visit from mom-in law and sis-in law. 

Surreal

Growing up as a child of the 80's, I developed a love for 80's hair bands. It was almost my way of being "rebellious" without being over the edge. Sure these bands were "hard rock" or "heavy metal", but really they just played pop songs wrapped up in guitars. Usually they were songs about love, women, cars or just being happy.

One of the bands that I got into in the late 80's was Poison. This was a band who had all the traits of a successful hair band. Great songs, big choruses, and the women loved them. I never got to see them during their "hey day", but since they reformed in '99 with the original lineup I've caught them at least 4x.

I have a good friend that lives in LA who has toured with Poison. He called me a year ago to tell me that CC Deville had just gotten saved. Then June 23rd of this year, he called to tell me that CC showed up at church on 6.22 and rededicated his life. The tour would be hitting Nashville on July 8th, so my friend called CC and put us on the list. I told him I'd love to encourage CC and bring him some books and music to help him in his walk.


Fast forward to last night, July 8th. Bonnie and I made our way down to the Sommet Center. After checking in at will call, we found out that Poison hadn't turned in their guest list yet. At 6:45, I received a call from CC on my cell wanting to know where we were. He sent up his personal assistant to get us and took us back to his dressing room.

This lead to a hour and half converstation about what God is doing in his life. To say this was surreal is an understatement. First off, I'm sitting in the dressing room of one of my favorite band members, then to top it off, he's talking about his salvation experience, and how he's getting chill bumps talking about what God is doing in his life. Then he's asking Bonnie and I questions on how he should handle things. After about an hour, my pastor Pete Wilson and Brian Alexander came down to spend some time with us and CC. CC asked us to watch the show and see if there was anytime we felt that he wasn't honoring God. Wow.

The show was pretty awesome. Filled with all the hits, fist pumping and pyro.


After the show, we went back and spent another 20 min with CC in his dressing room. We were able to share our thoughts on the show, and spend a few more minutes encouraging him. At the end, we all gathered around and prayed for our new brother in Christ. I told CC that Bonnie and I may try to go see them again in Atlanta in a few weeks, to which he asked me to make sure and hold him accountable when I see him.

All this to say, CC has had a wild ride with his life. He's sold over 25 million records, played to millions of people, and now he's made a new turn in his life for Christ. He's going to have a tough road ahead with the temptations that the road and the lifestyle that he leads brings. Please keep him in prayer as you read this, or hear a Poison song on your local Jack FM or classic rock station.

Below is a video I shot at the show, not the best quality but you can sense the excitement.