alvin's space: December 2006

Sunday, December 31, 2006

United We Stand - Hillsong United

In recent years, the more interesting and engaging songs from the Aussie superchurch have been emerging from the youth wing, led by Joel Houston. Although it can sound formulaic at times, this year's offering from United can be regarded as one of their best yet. This album kicks off with the three part rocking medley of "The Time Has Come", "Take It All" and "From God Above". After you catch your breath, there are powerful declarations like "From The Inside Out" and "The Stand" and the beautiful "None But Jesus". I have been rather critical of Hillsong stuff for the past few years, but their youth wing has hardly disappointed, remaining very relevant and somewhat fresh ( These two can conflict with each other sometimes in the realm of worship). This recording gives hope to Hillsong fans for when Darlene Zschech co. decide to hand over the reigns to this talented group, they will be more than ready to fill those large shoes.

Flying Into Daybreak - Charlie Hall

The Passion movement's resident botak and contender for the largest goatee in the world, as opposed to David Crowder's strangest, released this album in January this year and it is evident he has gone from strength to strength in writing powerful lyrics and moving choruses. From the celebratory 'Marvellous Light' and All We Need" to the pensive 'Center' (written with Matt Redman' this is one very strong and very artistic album. A minor masterpiece from the most under-rated of the Passion family

My Saviour Lives - New Life Worship

A late entry into the marketplace, this album comes hot on the heels on the Ted Haggard saga. But the ugliness of that situation does not diminish what is a stirring and engaging worship album from Ross Parsley and the Desperation crew. Largely comprised of new songs (apart from 'Praises', 'Promises' and 'Your Name'), this Hillsong-like album is very listenable and enjoyable. Epics like 'Here In Your Presence' work well to create an atmosphere conducive for devotion and the trifecta punch of 'Glorious God' (complete with DJ scratching), 'Live to Worship' and 'This Is Our God' end the set of on a high note. Hillsong-lovers will love this addition to the worship pantheon.

Friday, December 29, 2006

Living For You - Gateway Church

Another sleeper album of the year. In my humble opinion, way better than the annual Hillsong album, because of the freshness it brings to the table. People, don't just buy or download Hillsongs, listen to these guys as well. Mostly graduates from Christ For The Nations Institute (CFNI) in Dallas, Texas, this album is really a tour de force. I was drawn in by the title track at first then went on to rediscover CFNI tracks like "You, You Are God", "Overtaken", the excellent "Revelation Song" (soon to be classic) and "When I Seek You". New tracks like "Bound" and "Pure" are catchy, relevant and fresh. Hillsong and gang better watch out, this album is heads and shoulders better than their Oz worship anytime. This is one of the most consistent albums you will find all year.

A Greater Song - Paul Baloche

When a veteran worship leader decides to pair up with other songwriters in order to freshen up his repertoire and style, you get a great album. From top to bottom, this is one of the best, most congregation-friendly albums this year. Teaming up with writers like Brenton Brown and Matt Redman, Baloche has re-invented himself for the modern worship crowd. From the opening "Hosanna" to the upbeat "I Will Boast", the declarative "What Can I Do" and the finale "Rising", you will like this completely accessible little album from one of the Christian world's best songwriters. I did.

buy buy buy

Not the N-sync song but what runs through my head when I hit a good sale!

Went down to Robinsons today to check out their sale and came away with 3 long-sleeved shirts, 1 short-sleeved shirt, 1 polo T, 1 round-neck T, 1 belt, 1 tie (orange) and 3 trousers for just over 300 bucks. Not a bad deal at all. Also managed to get 2 shirts from Zara at 109 which is very decent.

This is all in the vain hope of improving my fashion sense.

Now to get better socks (Thanks Dan)

Bring on 2007 and Alvin, the fashionista (not gay in a Bruno way) !!!

Haha

Thursday, December 28, 2006

See The Morning- Chris Tomlin

Its another original Tomlin project and its another homerun for the Texan worship leader. Although not as knockout as 2004's "Arriving", which featured its fair share of classic songs and worship anthems, this one doesnt fair too badly, especially considering that it has garnered 2 Grammy nominations in the Best Gospel (Pop/Rock) categories. I read that someone complained that this album is "too Tomlin", whatever that means, but I love it. From upbeat numbers like "Awesome Is The Lord Most High" to the meditative "Uncreated One" and anthemic "Made to Worship", this album will be keenly embraced by worshippers looking to add to their worshop repertoire. Tomlin might not be particularly innovative (like stablemates Charlie Hall and Dave Crowder) music-wise, but he brings a sincerity and earnestness to his writing and (much undervalued) singing that allows him to hold his own among the fellows at Sixsteps Records. Its just good worship music and very Biblical too! Yay!

My Favorite Albums

As many of you know, I buy more albums than almost anyone else I know. I add about 3 to my collection legitimately a week and these range from the secular (and occasionall,the profane) to the spriritual. Just going to blog about some of my favourite Christian music projects from this year.

Leeland- Sound of Melodies

One of the most exciting projects of the year, not because it is SO brilliant (although its Keane-ish sound is really qute sweet and Leeland Mooring's voice has the nice blend of calmness and emotion), but because Mooring himself, the lead singer and writer, is so young at 18. He was also asked to write for Michael W. Smith for Smith's own album "Stand", also released this year. Standout tracks for me include "Tears of the Saints" and "Carried to the Table". You won't really be singing these songs in a corporate settng but for quiet times of devotion, these are really quite suitable. Look for Leeland and his band in the years to come.

On the cusp of another year

Ah, Its good to be at the end of another 12 months of hectic work. Its been a rather fruitful year but in 2007, I have a few goals set out for myself to establish myself professionally, socially and spiritually. It will be a good year indeed

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

blog blog again

Blogger is out of Beta. Whee. But what are the differences? I have no idea

borat!

He is rude, brash and obnoxious but the people he interviews are the ones with the scarier views because at least Borat isn't for real. Watched the film today at Cine with a pretty packed house. 1st screening at 3pm. The hall was filled with laughter as Borat's buffoonery filled the screen. The man takes a dump in front of Trump Towers, wreaks havoc in an antique shop, shows inappropriate photographs to his etiquette coach and wrestles his "director" into various positions in his hotel room. It really is a classic piece of satire but on some levels, it is mean and demeaning to the unsuspecting Americans who happen to be his subjects in a twisted social expose.

Borat really makes you question where the lines of good taste and decency should be drawn, even in the name of satire. That said, my favourite gag was when Borat sounds the horn on his ice-cream truck and a group of small children eagerly scamper towards his vehicle, presumedly to buy some frozen treats, only to find Borat's pet bear (!) growling at them. Needless to say, the children get out of there screaming in terror. I laughed till it hurt.

Its a worthwhile film to invest 85 minutes of your life in but if you are easily offended (even Pentecostals aren't spared) then give it a miss.

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