New Kid on Campus

By:
On:
In: Random Thoughts
Tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,
With: 0 Comments

Hey, incoming college freshmen … I love all these pictures of you arriving on campus with your parents, decorating your dorm rooms, all that stuff. Keep posting. Brings back memories. What a big day in your lives. What a rush! I am so excited for you. Look, you’ve received a ton of advice already, but I want to offer some of my own. Take it or leave it, but at least think about it. Parents, feel free to share it with your kids if you’re too busy crying to tell them yourselves. 1. Congratulations! You are a (somewhat) independent adult now. Know what that means. ForRead More →

By:
On:
In: Christian Album Reviews
Tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,
With: 2 Comments

I popped in Hello Industry’s MaryAnn CD, and for a few glorious seconds I thought I was listening to 1980’s Petra. Sure, I’m probably the only one who heard it, but this album is chock full of subjective comparisons, though usually to other pop alternative bands: “Kinda reminds me of early U2.” “I think I heard a little Daft Punk in there.” “Sounds like Coldplay.” And that’s OK. Hello Industry has all kinds of influences, but that doesn’t mean Nathan Peterson and gang aren’t their own band. They are, and they’re quite good. Not everybody has to be a pioneer. Or are they? Thanks toRead More →

By:
On:
In: Christian Album Reviews
Tagged: , , , ,
With: 0 Comments

Amanda Stott has a great voice, and her 2011 album, Place to Start Again, showcases it well. The Canadian singer moved to Nashville a few years ago to pursue a solo career, following a self-titled country debut (2000) and pop follow-up (Chasing the Sky, 2005). Released independently, Place to Start Again takes Stott in a new direction, artistically and creatively. It’s the right direction. This faith-centered collection of songs is a simple affair, framed mostly by piano and strings. Stott takes listeners on a tour of the highs and not-too-lows of her spiritual journey (even when singing about tough times, she never gets too downbeat – an alternateRead More →