Hoszia Hinds – “Can’t Live Without You”

So I know that I’ve never featured any reggae on the site, but there is definitely a first time for everything.

I came across an artist named Hoszia Hinds, who is making an art of combining his love for God with a love for island music.    Being a minister from the island of Barbados has definitely had an impact on his vision of worship.  Not to mention his relationship with Christ, and his service to him.

The single off his first EP is called “Can’t Live Without You,” and is an outpouring to God.  He shares his dependence on God, and how God is responsible for everything in his life.  All set to a super chilled out island vibe.  It’s definitely cool seeing people worship Christ in their own personal flavors, instead of boxing God into my own idea of worship.

This track is worth checking out, and I look forward on seeing all that Hoszia accomplishes through Christ.

Ascend the Hill – “The Fall”

The last few days I have rediscovered how the great Ascend the Hill’s self-titled album is.  I also have a new favorite track off the album.

It’s this beautiful acoustic track entitled, “The Fall.”  You can just really hear the passion and plea in how the lyrics are sung, as the lead singer finds himself at Jesus’ feet.  Simply unable to continue on their own, and desperate for an encounter for God.

How often we find ourselves at the end of our ropes, unable to go through life on our own.  Thankfully, we don’t need to do it on our own.  In fact, we are supposed to do it relying upon God.

Thanks for reminding me of this ever important truth Ascend the Hill.

Top 5 Albums of 2012

Now that Christmas is over I thought I’d finally get around to putting together a Best of 2012 list.  This is my top 5 albums, in no particular order.  I also picked one of my favorite tracks from each respective album.  These five have been on heavy rotation for me much of the year, in a year filled with some great releases.  Hope you enjoy!

Tanlines – Mixed Emotions

Japandroids – Celebration Rock

Loud Harp – Self Titled

Teen Daze – The Inner Mansions

Beach House – Bloom

25 Days of Christmas, Day 23

Another version of “Silent Night.”  Today it’s from master of chill wave Teendaze.  This kind of reminds me of his song “Harvest,” lush with lot’s of beautiful synth, but nothing to make this sound artificial.  Still holds true to the meaning of the song, focusing on the beauty of Christmas.  And it’s a free download, Merry Christmas Teendaze.

25 Days of Christmas, Day 17

I know that I have already posted a version of “O Emmanuel O Emmanuel,” but this version is so good I just had to include it in the 25 Days of Christmas.

It’s by one of my favorite Come & Live artists Dave Swanson, who goes by the pseudonym The Frozen Ocean.  Equal parts modern rock and classic hymn, this version does a great job shifting between musical styles through the song.  This track is sure to remind us that God really is with us, and how amazing that fact really is.

25 Days of Christmas, Day 1

With the beginning of December comes my favorite time of year, the holiday season.  I just love Christmas time.  I’m not sure if it’s the Christmas trees, Christmas lights, or the holiday spirit.  Mostly I think it’s how amazing it is know that Christmas is a time of celebrating the amazing sacrifice of love and selflessness that God showed when Jesus was born on earth.

One thing I haven’t been crazy about this time of year has been Christmas music.  Much of it is the same old recycled stuff from generations.  So this year I’ve decided to compile a list of 25 modern and relevant Christmas tunes, one for each day of December leading up to Christmas with a bit of an indie emphasis.  I hope you enjoy coming with me on this journey, and hopefully it points you towards what the season is truly all about and some awesome new music.

For my first selection I have picked the song “O Holy Night” from Kings Kaleidoscope off their album Joy Has Dawned.  It’s a super fresh take on a beautiful song, with a bit of a laid back Shawn McDonald vibe to it.  I really enjoy the softly played piano, and the build towards the end adding some strings and horns.  It’s really great stuff.

Enjoy!

The Modern Post – “Before the Throne”

If you’re looking for some worship tinged with some modern rock, then The Modern Post is a band you need to check out.

The Modern Post have an EP released via Mars Hill Church’s record label entitled Grace Alone, and it definitely delivers.  While they are definitely inspired by 90’s guitar driven rock.  As shown by their track “Before the Throne.”  Filled with plenty of drum fills and guitar riffs, and led by former Thrice front-man Dustin Kensrue.  While this isn’t Thrice, there is plenty to enjoy!

The Modern Post also find themselves equally inspired by the love of God, worshiping God with their own unique musical taste.  It’s certainly refreshing to hear about God’s love in a more relevant musical context, with some hymnal type lyrics.  Check out this EP, you won’t be disappointed.

Glorious Unseen – “The Love of God”

One of my favorite worship groups, Glorious Unseen is soon to release a brand new album.  It’s called Lovesick, and it’s due out on October 9th.

The track “The Love of God” was released via BEC Recordings Soundcloud account.  It continues with some heartfelt, real lyrics.  It’s been said that Glorious Unseen’s songs are like prayers set to music, and this track sounds like exactly that.  Something that anyone who has been desperate to reach out to God can relate to.

Musically, “The Love of God” seems to leave off where The Hope That Lies In You left off.  Basing their sounds around a tight piano riff, and relying upon the dynamic of the entire band entering into the song to build the dynamic between quiet and loud.  While at the same time, working some truly creative thoughts via the electric guitar.

Glorious Unseen continue to prove that you can write creative, thoughtful songs to worship the one and true God.  I can’t wait until the new album comes out!

Nonparell – “Salvation Came”

Another Tuesday had rolled by, and Come&Live had delivered on yet another great new worship album.  I know that Nonparell’s album Heaven Came Down was released a few weeks ago, but I am finally getting around to posting it.

Nonparell is a worship band from Daytona Beach, Florida, and they are definitely worth checking out.  You can find a free download for the full album right here.

One of the stand out tracks off their new album is called “Salvation Came.”  Acoustic guitar, some impressive lead guitar, tight rhythm section, and great breakdown really provide the formula for a great worship track here.

The lyrics take the song to another level, taking up how God brought down the walls when he came down to earth.

You can check out a live video of “Salvation Came,” right here.

Civil Parish – “Beautiful Step”

Yet another amazing new band added to Come&Live.  It’s just so cool how they are connecting some amazing bands to people through music, and doing it for free.  It’s so opposite of how the world works, and a great example of Christ’s love for the world.  A selfless love.

Speaking of selfless love, is a band who loves to sing about it, and their name is Civil Parish.  They are Jon, Micah, Cory, and Michael and they are from Orlando, Fl.  The album is entitled Abolition’s Well, and it’s been bouncing around the Internet for a few months now on sites like Noisetrade and Come&Live.  The album reminds me a little bit of Glorious Unseen and Chasen.  Two bands I definitely love listening to.

One of my favorite tracks off the album is called “Beautiful Step”.  It features some delayed guitar to kick off the song, and an infectious drum beat.  It definitely has a nice feel to it.  Especially with some high quality production.  The band just sounds super tight, and with the addition of some strings and other elements really helps the song to take off.

The lyrics are also great, as the leader singer asks God to, “Teach me to dance , invite my soul, to this beautiful step.”  It’s a nice reminder about how we need to constantly be asking God to lead us through life, as we so easily forgot, or lose track of him.

So check out Abolition’s Well for free right here.