My brother had a pre-release copy that he played for me back in June after the Pastors’ Conference.  From that quick listen, I knew I would not be disappointed with the new music. However, I am little bummed that my assistant, Hayley, has also had the CD for a number of weeks and has not even opened it. Not good.

For me, the first half is stronger than the back half. In fact, I believe the first four tracks are the strongest. They open with a great rocking tune called “This Is Who I Am” and follow it with “Slow Down” who has Chris Daughtry of Idol fame singing background vocals. The CD slows down for their current hit “Call My Name.” I love the guitar melodies in this song. Lacey Mosley of Flyleaf helps out with the next tune “Run to You” without any screaming.

Jesus Freak Hideout is currently having a listening party where you can stream the complete CD.  Have a listen and get the CD.

1) I still messed up another update of this site even after reading my own blog about backing up files.  There is a style file somewhere that I have to backup before upgrading.  Or I could copy the text out of the sidebar file before upgrading.  Either one would save me some time.

I upgraded to WordPress 2.5.RC1 release and like what I see so far.

2) This year’s ReFRESH conference was awesome.

3) My Princess turned 7 and the Strongman turned 4. Both kids had parties here at the house.  Dee did a great job planning and prepping for both parties.

4) The Fireproof website has officially launched. Check out the His & Hers video section.

5) Struggling to find great music this year. I am open to suggestions.

6) Getting ready for another trip to Passion.

7) I enjoyed our Easter holiday today.

The first was “Give Yourself Away” from the Robbie Seay Band. I have toyed with getting this CD since its release back in August. Amazon currently has it for $8. Favorite songs so far: Song of Hope, Stay and Beautiful, Scandalous Night.

The second was “Become Who You Are” by Mainstay. I was introduced to Mainstay when iTunes gave away the first song off the CD. The song, Become Who You Are, is still my favorite. I was a little disappointed at first listen; I thought the CD would be heavier than it turned out to be though I am hoping it will grow on me. Like “Give Yourself Away,” I have had my eye on getting this CD for a few months. The decision was sealed when Walmart offered it at $5.

Leading the way will be the David Crowder Band.  Their song “Come and Listen” is the most played song in my iTune collection with several more in the top ten. This will be a must get for me. Ted Nugget plays guitar on one of the songs.

Next comes the latest from Tree63. I love their “pop power rock ‘we are a trio’” sound. I passed on the last CD but enjoyed the 2003’s “The Answer to the Question.”

Last on the list will be the lastest from Steve Fee.  “Beautiful the Blood” & “What Else Can I Do” are my favorite songs off of his last two releases. It looks like Steve Fee will move from being a solo artist with a backing band into a full-time band called Fee. It also looks like INO has signed them to a major label.  I am hoping there is some new material and this is not just a re-release of older music.

As a side note, former 4-Him member Mark Harris is releasing his sophmore CD as well.

We (drumline) were very good my second year. I remember placing third in a state competition.

I recently found some sheet music from those days in some music books I saved. Here is the “Street Beat” from my sophmore year. The drumline used the street beat to march the band into the stadium and parades.

I plan to post them all soon. The above link is to a hi-res version that can be printed.

Special guest, Kanye West, joined the band on their ending song, Message in a Bottle. He came in near the end to add some rap and free form additions about “saving the earth.”  Kanye ruined the song. I don’t think it was his style of music but more of him being unprepared to perform with a band the caliber of The Police. It felt like he was out of step with the band. I thought the ending was a huge disappointment – kind of like watching your favorite TV show when the cable goes out at the key moment and you are left watching static.

The Police, on the other hand, were awesome.

Tonight, I picked up “Two Lefts Don’t Make a Right…But Three Do”, “Deck the Halls, Bruise Your Hand” and “MmHmm.” There was no disappointment to be found.

Story: Mark and Stephanie Lee invited Dee’s sister and us to come down to Tallahassee for the show last night (November 10). It has probably been six or seven years since we have seen Third Day in concert so we were excited about the opportunity.

Third Day put on a great show. They sang songs from their first CD (Consuming Fire, Thief, Love Song & Praise Song) which brought back great memories of seeing them in The Strand in Marietta. We worshiped the Lord with them (Blessed Assurance, God of Wonders, Show Me Your Glory, Cry Out To Jesus & Creed) and enjoyed a little rock-n-roll (Tunnel, Come Together, I Can Feel It & Come On Back To Me). The production lighting and sound was great.

Thanks Stephanie, Mark, Mac and rest of Third Day for a good evening in Florida.