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“Velvet Elvis” By Rob Bell
The subtitle to this book is “Repainting the Christian Faith” and this is indeed what Rob Bell, the star of the ‘Nooma’ series of videos, sets out to do in this easy to read yet very challenging book. He looks at 7 areas of the Christian faith and paints them in a new light making clear the context of where each idea has come from and its real importance for the Christian today. Bell covers such big ideas as the Belief systems of the church, the bible, who Jesus was, the role of church, our identity, our future etc. This is an excellent read; the style of writing is incredibly easy to follow and each chapter holds a new idea, new revelations and a personal challenge to your way of thinking and approach to life. Suited to all Christians, young, old, however long you have been a Christian their will be something that hits home, makes you think and turn to read God’s word in a new light. However, this is not an easy book to review the concepts are so varied.. so I guess you’ll just have to read it for your self!
Reviewed by Louise Martin
Book available to order from the Mustard Seed, or online at www.eden.co.uk |
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“Kingdom of Comfort”
By Delirious?
Delirious? Have launched their latest studio album, called Kingdom of Comfort. This new record has a powerful message, a bit different to their last album, and more reflective than before, but still great. Personally, World Service and The Mission Bell are far superior albums in terms of musical quality, but Kingdom Of Comfort's rich literature is what makes it stand out. |
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Veggietales– Tomato Sayer and Huckleberry Larrys Big River Rescue
For those that don't know, The VeggieTales series features animated vegetables that teach children bible stories and values while telling an entertaining story. This latest instalment works on the idea of helping others. the video opens with the vegetables meeting in book club fashion. Instead of reading the book, they all have been using "Norm's Notes" which gives a condensed version of classic books along with some criticism of the book for vegetables on the go. Bob the Tomato soon reads a question from a child who knows another child who is being picked on. The child wants to help, but is scared if he does, will get picked on too. If you want to find out what happens, then you can order a copy of this DVD from the Mustard Seed, or online at Christian bookshop websites. |
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“This is our God ”
Hillsong Music Australia
This is the latest album to come from the Australian mega church, Hillsong. Every year they gather both main congregations from Sydney to worship together. This year there were so many of them that they packed out the 20000 seat Acer arena! As with most Hillsong Albums they always give you value for money. The first track “Your Name High” you will know from Soul Survivor with punchy rhythms and high energy. The title track is chilled out but powerful- really helping you to enter in to worship to see how awesome our God really is. “With Everything”, the final track of the Album, is a resounding call to the church to be all that it is meant to be. Songs that declare that Jesus is Lord and that the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in us are all on this album. After listening to this, you cannot help but lift your hands and worship.
You can purchase the album directly from Australia at www.hillsongmusic.com or from a UK based retailer www.acorndirect.co.uk
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“Remedy”
By David Crowder Band
I think that this new album by the David Crowder Band is really modern sounding. it has lots of sound effects and techno aspects to some of the songs. however, it is still rocky and upbeat like the bands previous releases. i would recommend that you buy this CD, as it is really easy to listen to. I do think that we are going to see more of David Crowder in the next few years as he becomes more and more popular.
Reviewed by Chris Langlay-Smith
CD available from www.crossrhythyms.co.uk/direct |
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This album starts off with the Soul Survivor 2006 classic ‘Happy Day’. This song has been developed since we last heard it at Soul Survivor- still upbeat but there are some cool and catchy drum beats and bass lines. This flows into another Soul Survivor favorite ‘The Highest and Greatest’ which has also been added some new instrument parts, some cool chorus variations and a long bridge to finish it off. The track ‘Holding nothing back’ is a new one to Tim’s list and should soon become one of his favorites. There are some powerful lyrics within it…”Amazing grace how can it be, you gave everything for me.” Another new one is ‘Clinging to the cross’, featuring Brooke Fraser on vocals. One of my favorites is ‘Out of the darkness’ because it’s got some really cool chord variations and lyrics that fit along with a wicked bass line. I can see this one in the next Soul Survivor song book! ‘Center of it all’ is also a new song. This is an awesome song that really captures God’s glory in all the aspects of the song. I would say that this is one of Tim’s best ever albums. There is so much passion in his newest songs that you can feel when you listen to the tracks.
Reviewed by Chris Langlay– Smith
May 2007 |
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“See the Morning”
by Chris Tomlin
After 15 years of writing Christian songs, Chris Tomlin has gained a lot of experience. This, his sixth CD, ‘See the Morning’, has a lot of energy; lively new songs like ‘Glorious’ and ‘How can I keep from singing’ keep the listener exited as they listen through the tracks. Then quiet relaxed songs such as ‘Glory in the Highest’ and ‘Uncreated One’ follow. Tomlin puts a new twist on the classic song, ‘Amazing Grace’, and also gives a cover of Brenton Brown’s ‘Everlasting God’. Chris Tomlin’s smooth vocals help verses flow into choruses smoother than ever, especially in ‘Glory in the Highest’. This new release shows that he is still refining his work.
Reviewed by Chris Langlay– Smith
June 2007 |
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Greatest Hits
DC Talk
DC Talk are arguably one of the most influential Christian groups in the world. This three piece band are still recording and touring all around the world. Their genre is hard to define and this album is no exception because they have so many different styles. They range from rock, rap, hiphop to dance and pop, and probably more. This means that no matter what music you listen to, you will most likely enjoy listening to this album. Some songs are quite heavy, such as ‘supernatural’, however other songs are chilled out, relaxed and mellow, like ‘consume me’. It is a good album to have and you can easily listen to songs over and over again.
Reviewed by Chris Langlay– Smith
October 2007 |
