I guess it’s a pretty good problem to have in that I’m getting introduced to so much great music I can’t keep up. The latest album for me to review comes from Sarah MacIntosh and the album “The Waiters, The Watchers, The Listeners, The Keepers & Me”.

Perhaps the longest album title I’ve ever seen, but perhaps it’s a reflection of the depth of good music on this album.

After doing some quick background searching about Sarah I’ve found that she used to be the lead singer for a group called “Chasing Furies”, which you may be familiar. If so, then you’re aware of the great voice that Sarah has to share with us on her own album. I don’t remember ever listening to Chasing Furies, so my experience in hearing Sarah on this album is as a completely new listener.

One of the first thing that hits me as I listen to this album is the crystal clear vocals from Sarah who sings with such an ethereal and angelic voice, it’s really captivating. It’s one of my favorite qualities in a female artist and Sarah delivers with force and emotion on this album.

If you’ve been reading this blog long, you also know that one of my other favorite qualities is the lyrics of songs and how they speak to me. I love listening to songs where the lyrics start feeling like an extension of my own consciousness.

Listening to this album by Sarah, which I’ve been listening to now for quite awhile, her lyrics have morphed themselves into my prayers and praise that I lift up during my daily commutes in the car or while I’m working on my computer.

Amazingly, each song on Sarah’s album connects with me in some way. The 12 songs on this album include:

1. Where You’ll Find Him
2. My Jesus
3. Did You Know
4. More Than Hands
5. Pick Up Your Cross
6. Sunshine
7. Be Glorified
8. Too Much
9. Keep Watch Over Me
10. Stop! Stop!
11. Just Tell Me
12. Father

If you’re curious about her sound, perhaps Sarah’s own words can help you with as these were on her MySpace page:

If you could hear my mother sing you would know how I came to sound like I do. My voice is most definitely hers. The music on the other hand might be described as Radiohead meets Sixpence None The Richer after listening to a bunch of Peter Gabriel.

Other artists that come to mind for me are Tiffany Arbuckle of Plumb, Sarah McLachlan, Jonatha Brooke, Christine Dente of Out of the Grey, Amy Grant, and Susan Ashton.

Here’s a video of her performing

It’s not the best video and audio quality but it gives you an idea. You can also listen to a few of her songs on her MySpace page.

Stukenberg’s “Mountain of Pieces” album is another one I’ve been listening to for the last couple of weeks and really enjoying. They’ll be performing at Cornerstone 2008 in Bushnell, IL the week of July 4th.

My first impression after popping the album in my computer was of a ska band on their initial song “Don’t Mind”, but after continuing through the album they’re so much more than that.

Stukenberg is a group out of Wisconsin that consists of five members all sharing their last name and an apparent love for engaging and uplifting music.

• David Stukenberg
• Kyle Stukenberg
• Steve Stukenberg
• Matt Stukenberg
• Thea Stukenberg

There are a few different songs that really remind me of the early work and old school music of The Newsboys and Audio Adrenaline. They could sure do worse than that right? Stukenberg really delivers some great music on this album.

Watch this video to learn about Stukenberg for yourself and hear their music.

Here’s the full track listing for the album and they’re all great songs!

1. Don’t Mind
2. Fights
3. Hide and Seek
4. I See
5. Feb 20th
6. Hypothesis
7. Half Empty
8. Senses
9. Starbuck Algeria
10. Mrs. Barker’s Pew
11. Backslide
12. Otherwise

There are a couple of songs where they work in this real angelic, vocal orchestration. On the track “Feb. 20th” it really works in well and adds so much to the song’s rhythm and energy. I’m listening to it now and just can’t keep my legs from bouncing and shaking to the beat.

Here’s the good news folks. With a big thanks to Machine Records, I’ve got two copies of this album to give away to some people. We’re going to make this really easy to try and win this album. Just leave me a comment on this post and I’ll randomly select someone. Be sure to include your e-mail address when you complete the comment form so I can contact you and let you know you’ve won and get your address.

I’m going to make a strong comment in this review but I’ve been thinking about it now for the last few weeks as I’ve listened to more and more albums.

Justin McRoberts is the absolute best independent Christian music male artist I’ve heard since I’ve been blogging here at Christian Music Fan.

I received his album “Deconstruction” for review a number of weeks ago and I just can’t stop playing it over and over and telling everyone I know about him and this album. His clean and clear vocals really remind me a lot of Derek Webb, and his straight to the heart and mind lyrics continue the similarities. The talent isn’t just a mirroring of Webb though. Justin really brings a folksy touch to the sound that’s just lovely.

It’s not going to sound like a compliment, but I’m going to say this because I think there will be a number of people that will immediately get the connection and sound description. His solo vocals and guitar playing in the folk music style really reminds me recent American Idol contestant Jason Castro. Obviously much more performance experience and talent than Jason, but the melody of his singing immediately brought that to mind.

The album consists of 13 tracks that all tell a wonderful story:

1. Done Living
2. America and the Soul
3. A Hope Deferred
4. Driving by the Accident
5. Deconstruction
6. When it Don’t Come Easy
7. Religion Poisons Everything
8. On the Night You Were Betrayed
9. Bullhorn Theory
10. Hope is Where We’re Starting From
11. Common Sense
12. Until There Is No More Tomorrow
13. My Only Victory

With lyrics like…

“..the question isn’t if you’re going to suffer anymore, but what will it have meant when you are through. The question isn’t if you’re gonna die, you’re gonna die. Will you be done living when you do?”

on the song Done Living

and

“you curse the very ground upon which you are walking, to prove the point that you’re no longer walking on the ground. If it’s absurdity you find in my believing, tell me more what’s more absurd than believing in your doubts.”

on the track Religion Poisons Everything.

If you get this album I think I can pretty clearly guarantee that you won’t be disappointed in what you receive.

To give you just a taste, here’s a video of Justin McRoberts performing “Religion Poisons Everything“. Now I’m off to review his concert schedule and see if there’s any way on earth I can make it to one of his shows.

To enjoy more videos of Justin performing songs from this album just follow this link to his profile on YouTube. He’s posted the video of each song from his entire album. You’ve got GOT to take advantage of this and experience the music of this guy. He is tremendous!

Another album I’ve been listening to is “This Is My Story” by David Frush.

David serves as the minister to junior high students and the student ministry worship leader at The Heights Baptist Church in Richardson, TX.

This album delivers and transports you to an atmosphere or worship, I’m sure he does a fantastic job of leading worship for the students at his church. The album is a collection of songs you’re both familiar with and new ones that will expand your love for our Savior and worship him with your own story.

As I listen to more and more albums, one thing I really appreciate in the production of an album is that the vocals aren’t lost in the music. David’s lyrics and singing of these great messages stand out loud and clear. I’m sure that’s a residual benefit of so much experience leading worship, but it’s very much appreciated in this album.

“This Is My Story” Track Listing

1. Here Is Love
2. Song of Creation
3. All I Know
4. Just As You Are
5. Wait
6. Your Mercy Falls
7. Amazing Grace / Hallelujah
8. Prodigal Son
9. Children of Zion
10. Speak to Me
11. Eye of A Child
12. This Is My Story
13. Bonus Track: Here Am I

Some of my favorite songs I’ve bolded above. This is not necessarily an album you want to listen to get yourself pumped up. But it’s the perfect album to have playing in the background while working or while you’re actively approaching a spirit of prayer and worship.

David’s guitar work is generally good throughout the album, but I specifically enjoy the tone and tempo of it on the title track “This Is My Story”. Also, for anyone that has children, you’ll probably love “Eye of A Child”.

More photos and video after the jump

The video below is of David Frush and Jourdan Burks leading worship at The Heights Baptist Church in Richardson, TX.

Pictures Used with Permission from Leann Callaway

If you’d like to learn more about David Frush you can visit his MySpace site at www.myspace.com/davidfrush and his website at www.davidfrush.com

These guys (Ryan Kirkland, Jeremy Butler, Josh Butler, Brad Kriebel, Wes Anderson) really produce some great music, but I’ll be honest, it’s taken me a bit to warm-up to them.

I’ve been listening to the album for a number of weeks now and it’s only been in the last week or so that I’ve really started cranking it up and enjoying it in my car on my daily commutes.

I’ve been trying to determine who they remind me of as far as sound, to me there’s a little bit of Maroon 5 and some OneRepublic maybe. Their sound is pretty interesting, it’s reminiscent of other songs and groups I’ve heard, but I can’t tie them down to anyone specifically really. I think that’s a good thing.

More of the review and Photos after the jump

One of their songs was perfect for a series we were doing at church related to heroes and we focused on moms for Mother’s Day. The song “She Is…” talks about his mom being his super hero. Just a perfect and upbeat new sound for a Mother’s Day tribute. Their songs “Words”, “The Way She Feels” and “A Time for Yohe” have very powerful lyrics as well.

The full track list from the album is listed below. The tracks in bold are available to listen to for free in their entirety on their MySpace page.

1. The Forward
2. White Lines & Red Lights
3. The Way She Feels
4. Words
5. The Greatest of These (A Little Love)
6. Darlin’
7. A Time For Yohe
8. She Is…
9. Fairweather
10. The Fort
11. You Cry A Tear To Start A River

Between the Trees has a number of concert dates coming up as part of the Vans Warped Tour, so they should be coming to a city near you fairly soon.

Enjoy the photos below and get to see the band, be sure and visit their website and MySpace page linked below as well.

Official Website: www.betweenthetrees.net
MySpace: myspace.com/betweenthetreesmusic
Photos w/ Permission: SpecialOpsMedia

Scott Wilder is another Christian music artist I’ve come across on twitter recently. He’s even here local in Indianapolis, so the opportunity to hear from a new AND local artist is always nice.

He recently released his “All I Need” album for purchase on Amazon.com. The album is self-produced and sounds great. You can listen to samples and purchase individual songs (or the entire album) at Amazon.com.

• Free
• You Speak to Me (Melissa’s Song)
• Follow You
• He’ll Be There
• Beloved Bridegroom
• You Said Yes
• Not Too Proud
• Well Done
• Glory to You Lord
• Holding On
• Be There for the Moment (Amy’s Song)
• Psalm 9

Scott does a great job of mixing his guitar playing and singing together with other musical accompaniment, all of which I fairly certain he’s doing himself. He’s also tracked additional layers of vocals and singing which adds good depth to the music.

There are a few tracks that are reminiscent of some Tom Petty vocals in my opinion. The music is a mix of praise and worship type themes and choruses as well as standard contemporary Christian songs that vocalize the search and struggle for learning more and being continually faithful to our Savior and beliefs.

If you like to hear some great music from some independent artists, Scott Wilder’s “All I Need” would be a great addition to your library.

Album Cover: Used with Permission from Scott Wilder

An artist I’ve been familiar with but haven’t really immersed myself in their music is Cindy Morgan. I’ve had the opportunity over the past week to get a sneak peek of her latest album “Beautiful Bird“. The album releases tomorrow, May 20th, and I’ve got to tell you, I wish I’d “immersed” myself long before now.

Her singing is almost angelic yet it’s got an earthly connection to it that I just can’t help but feeling moved, encouraged and challenged when I’m listening the this album.

I’ve been following Cindy on twitter so have been hearing about some of the work that’s been done on the album, so seeing this come to completion has been a fun journey.

The album consists of 11 beautifully written and sung songs from Cindy Morgan. This has got to be a must purchase on my list of great albums. I also think I need to go back and familiarize myself with Cindy’s earlier work as well.

Track List for “Beautiful Bird” Album by Cindy Morgan

1. Lay Me Down
2. When It’s Love
3. I Wish
4. Fine
5. The Sun Shines Through
6. Beautiful Bird
7. Two Roads
8. As A Child
9. Lion And The Lamb
10. Most of All
11. In These Rooms

Here are a couple of videos talking about the album:

Here Cindy talks about the inspiration for the song “Beautiful Bird”.

Dave Pettigrew is another artist I’ve been listening to lately and really enjoying. Sadly I’ve taken far too long to put my thoughts about the album down in type.

The tone of his message and lyrics are a refreshing breath of the basics of our beliefs and how we feel towards the blessings we’ve been given. His music and lyrics strongly remind me of Steven Curtis Chapman. I’m not the only person who thinks that either, as after reading other reviews of his music, others were stating the same thing.

His album “Every Minute Miracles” he weaves a tapestry of the various feelings and meanings behind this Christian life, while reminding us that the Christian life is a 24×7 one. Not something to be pulled out on the weekends and at the places we show it. Each song reminds me in a different way of what God means to me and how He impacts (or should be) every area of my life.

1. Change (Follow Me)
2. Big Enough
3. God’s TV
4. Proof of You
5. The Best That He Can Be
6. With My Faith
7. What Would I Do
8. Something More
9. All I Need Is You
10. Wonderful Maker

Some of my favorite songs on the album are bolded above. But I’ve got to mention the beautiful “All I Need Is You“. It’s such a warm ballad, but on the song there’s an amazing saxophone accompaniment that should be noted is played by Dave as well. The album closes with a familiar chorus of “Wonderful Maker”.

I’m not sure why we haven’t heard more of Dave Pettigrew. These are exactly the artists that I wish more Christian radio stations were bringing to the public’s attention. So, since you can’t rely on K-LOVE to share some new music with you, go visit Dave’s website at www.davepettigrew.net and get more information about him and his music.

I picked up a load of new CD’s from my local Christian book store this weekend. Here’s the list of albums I picked up. I got a great deal on them out of a bargain bin where they were packaged in bricks of 5 CD’s each.

1. Sanctus Real – the face of love
2. Jonny Lang – turn around
3. Go Fish – snow
4. The Cross Movement – Gift Rap: A Hip Hop Christmas
5. Derek Webb – one zero (acoustic)
6. Caedmon’s Call – In the Company of Angels II: the world will sing
7. Jill Parr – Me again
8. Leigh Nash – blue on blue
9. Paul Wright – Wright or wrong these songs are Paul’s
10. The Swift – Singing Back to You
11. Sullivan – Cover Your Eyes
12. the jtb – Everything is Nothing
13. pfr – The Very Best of PFR
14. Leslie Phillips – The Definitive Collection
15. David Meece – The Definitive Collection
16. Steve Camp – The Definitive Collection
17. Petra – The Definitive Collection
18. Wayne Watson – The Definitive Collection
19. Randy Stonehill – The Definitive Collection
20. Guardian – The Definitive Collection

I’m absolutely pumped for the albums I’ve bolded above. Some of my favorite artists or artists that I’ve been wanting to listen to more and get to know. Derek Webb and Caedmon’s Call are obvious, along with PFR. Love Sixpence None the Richer, so grabbing Leigh Nash’s solo project was a nice find. Always interested in Petra and Gaurdian, but can’t believe the Guardian album didn’t include “I Found Love”, “Sweet Mystery” and “The Captain” from their “Miracle Mile” album.

Some of the people I didn’t bold above I’m not real familiar with, anyone know some of the artists and let me know what I can expect from them?

Over the past year I’ve developed a new appreciation and enjoyment for the music of U2. I also have a few different contacts with musicians that have connections to Africa. When I heard about “In the Name of Love: Africa Celebrates U2” I knew I had to get the CD and listen to it.

As soon as I slid this disc into my CD player in the car, I knew I wasn’t going to be disappointed.

The music and rhythms and lyrics were comfortably familiar, but the voices and instruments were unique and beautiful all in their own right. The title track was even featured on Thursday night’s episode of American Idol. The song played during the segment with Forest Whitaker and his wife, Keisha Whitaker.

The rest of the album is filled out with these other favorites from U2. Although each song on the album connects with me in some way, the tracks I’ve bolded stuck out to me, they’re some of my favorite U2 songs in general as well:

1. Mysterious Ways – Angelique Kidjo
2. Bullet the Blue Sky – Vieux Farka Toure
3. Sunday Bloody Sunday – Ba Cissoko
4. Sometimes You Just Can’t Make It On Your Own – Vusi Mahlasela
5. Where the Streets Have No Name – Tony Allen
6. I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For – Cheikh Lo
7. One – Keziah Jones
8. With Or Without You – Les Nubians
9. Pride (In the Name of Love) – Soweto Gospel Choir
10. Seconds – Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars
11. Desire – African Underground All-Stars
12. Love Is Blindness – Waldemar Bastos

You can visit the “In the Name of Love: Africa Celebrates U2″ to purchase the album as well as hear the songs play through their site. You can also visit Amazon.com to listen to each track sample as you choose.

My wife and I just caught U23D at IMAX before it leaves town as well. That’s a great show if you’ve got the opportunity to see it.

I’m just enjoying the music of U2 more and more and this CD is absolutely fantastic if you like U2 and enjoy world music. It’s a great combination of the two and provides the opportunity to hear artists and musical groups from all over the continent of Africa.

It’s a definite purchase!