Our Rising Sound » music

ORS Music: “The Love of God Is Greater Far” Live at Life Connection Church

Kyle — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 02:52:49 +0000

This was just one of my favorite times of worship ever, I don’t think that’s over stating it. First off this song is one of the greatest hymns ever written, lyrically unmatched in both creativity and power. It’s almost hard for me to believe it was written by man. Second, God was moving so powerfully amongst our body, we tried to end the song as planned and as you can hear the church didn’t let it end. So we end up bringing it back and singing it one more time through, it was just insane.

The mics that are picking up the church singing aren’t even meant to pickup crowd noise, they are in the back of the room pointing towards the stage for our in ear “house” mix. It was LOUD. Once again the performance is far from flawless, but I know there are many in our church that will want to have this moment captured. Love my church.

Frederick M. Lehman wrote Love of God in 1917, but borrowed portions from a very old Jewish poem(Haddamut) that was found written on the inside wall of once of the cells in an insane asylum in 1050. Out of the most desperate physical place came one of the most beautiful texts we have to sing.

The Love of God is Greater Far (Live) (Extended) by Our Rising Sound

Vocals: Kyle Campos, Kendra Rohl, Caleb Dailey, Life Connection Church
Guitars: Kyle Campos, Caleb Dailey
Bass: Josh Dailey
Drums: Jon Utter
Percussion: Kendra Rohl

Trying to catch the deluge in a paper cup

Kyle — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:51:10 +0000

The great Neil Finn opens his hit song “Don’t Dream It’s Over” (during his Crowded House tenure) with this lyric:

There is freedom within, there is freedom without

Try to catch the deluge in a paper cup

I was listening to this as I drove to work and the lyric resonated with me in a fresh way on many diverse levels. Here are some of the thoughts that came to mind…

deluge is God’s goodness and blessing — paper cup is this fragile, breath of a life
deluge is the weight and depth of scripture — paper cup is my slow and shallow mind
deluge is the mission God’s placed me and my church on — paper cup are these weak and incapable hands
deluge is God’s strength and empowerment for mission — paper cup is this desperate heart and these weak and incapable hands
deluge is God’s mercy on my life — paper cup is this stubborn and sinful heart
deluge is God’s calling on my life — paper cup is my prideful mind telling me I deserve more
deluge is God’s provision on my life — paper cup is my selfish heart telling me I deserve more
deluge is God’s sovereign reign — paper cup is everything

Where we get into trouble is when the deluge and paper cup trade places. Then all of a sudden God’s goodness, blessing, mission, strength, mercy, provision, sovereignty all become small and weak, and then my fragility, my prideful and weak mind, incapable hands, desperate stubborn selfish and sinful heart become the deluge.

Don’t get it twisted. God is a deluge and we’re paper cups.

New music from John Mark McMillan: “Sheet of Night” video

Kyle — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:29:15 +0000

As John Mark McMillan’s new album approaches he’ll be releasing live performances, take away shows, each week of the new songs filmed around the country. Here is the first one filmed in Seattle, the song is called “Sheet of Night.” Enjoy, I sure did.

Video: Homemade PVC instrument plays the hits

Kyle — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 15:27:00 +0000

This kid made this instrument, sounds like he got the intonation pretty spot on, impressive.

[via @JonUtter]

Using iPads as digital music stands and instruments

Kyle — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 17:42:01 +0000

Recently my church, literally the people of the church, gifted me an iPad 2. This was an incredible surprise and blessing as I’ve wanted one for a LONG time. Now that my band is armed with a couple iPads it seemed appropriate to explore how these devices could help organize us on stage and also open up some new avenues instrumentally.

Music Stand

First thing we did was turn on the Music Stand option in Planning Center so that we could use our iPads as digital music stands and rid ourselves of the paper music shuffle. Not only is this more visually attractive as far as removal of stage clutter, it reduces song transition time and is of course eco-friendly(not really).

Side note: Please spare me the “you shouldn’t have any music stand digital or not, you should have every song memorized” jazz. We have a song rotation of 30+ songs and try and keep bringing in fresh songs pretty regularly, we all have full time non-music jobs. Memorizing over 30 songs isn’t in the cards.

iPad Synth

My bass player and I have been talking about setting him up with a synth/loop station similar to mine which is a MacBook Pro + Reason + Ableton + a small keys controller. We wanted to him to have the option of using some synth bass in addition to his acoustic bass for some songs and also have the option to chip in on some keys when necessary.

The cost to duplicate this setup was our barrier, but with the iPad the need for all that equipment really goes away since you have the hardware, application and controller all in one. Our first instrumental app purchase for the iPad was the Korg iMS-20 for $32.99. It’s a recreation of the Korg MS-20 synth, has an analog sequencer, drum machine and a Kaoss Pad which is wicked fun. This app had incredible reviews so it seemed like a perfect place to start and certainly afforded us the sounds we were looking for.

Configuration / Hardware

The device we use to hold the iPad is the iKlip which works for both iPad and iPad2 and attaches to your existing mic stand. So far so good, we have an iPad1 and iPad 2 and the adapters for the iPad2 worked perfectly.

Since my bass player won’t only be playing his iPad as a synth bass, but we want him to have the freedom to play other iPad instruments as well I don’t feel comfortable only routing the iPad through the bass amp. So what I think we’ll do is go out of the iPad into the Stereo DI, into a A/B box which routes either direct to the board or first to the Bass Amp then the board. My current plan looks like this:

If any one has comments, questions or suggestions on a better setup please let me know in the comments.

Weekly Music Thirst: Bon Iver – “Bon Iver” a masterpiece

Kyle — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 17:52:43 +0000

Bon Iver’s self titled album is one of this year’s most anticipated albums and it doesn’t disappoint. When this album start streaming for free a couple weeks before it’s June 21st release date I had my browser looping the album almost non stop. Now that I have the album I’m still listening to it on repeat.

This is one of the most moving and sonically brilliant records I’ve ever heard. It inspires, saddens, excites…you can be sure that you will be unable to listen in a pedestrian nature. Bon Iver brings you into each song and when it’s over it’s nearly impossible to shake, you want to start it all over.

I don’t know where Bon Iver might go from here, but it’s hard to see how this record isn’t the pinnacle of the band’s career. This record is quite simply a masterpiece that’s only outdone by the live performances. Buy the record, watch the live performance below and let your ears thank you later.

ORS Music: “My Jesus I Love Thee” Live at Life Connection Church

Kyle — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 17:33:53 +0000

This was recorded live at Life Connection Church on 6/19/11 and is our take on the popular hymn My Jesus I Love Thee.

My Jesus I Love Thee (Live) by Our Rising Sound

Video: Lessons in how to rock, taught by The Raconteurs

Kyle — Mon, 23 May 2011 22:22:01 +0000

Take notes kids…

Weekly Music Thirst: Seryn – This is Where We Are

Kyle — Fri, 13 May 2011 18:27:52 +0000

Seryn is a small “folk-pop” band from Denton, TX that despite being fresh on the scene is making quite the waves, and for good reason. They are about to make a lot more waves in the Christian scene because they just played Catalyst 2011 and from the tweets, they seemed to have killed it. Seryn has the folk sensibility in their harmonies of a band like Fleet Foxes, but brings in some more rock/pop elements with the guitars and instrumental arrangements that are more reminiscent of Arcade Fire. The melodies don’t tend to follow a strict folk styling either.

The songs are a bit formulaic, but it’s a good formula at least. It’s a refreshing record that is produced beautifully, the sound of the record is really incredible. I can’t wait to get this on vinyl. Instead of wasting a lot of time on describing the sound you can watch the video below.

If you’re in Phoenix these guys are coming to play a few shows that my friend Brent Thomas is helping organize. Check out the dates here.

Buy Seryn’s record “This is Where We Are”

Twitter: @serynsounds

Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) sings how the church misses the gospel on homosexuality

Kyle — Wed, 11 May 2011 18:50:00 +0000

I recently heard for the first time Justin Vernon’s (Bon Iver) song “Sides” and it is incredibly moving. It’s a story of a gay guy coming to the church hurt, coming each Sunday and finally confessing his past trauma (beaten up) and sexual sin. The priest turns the guy away saying he can’t help him and that his beating was him “paying for his sins.” Sad. Frustrating.

The good news of the gospel is that payment was made for us on the cross. The good news is that in Jesus we not only have forgiveness of sin but he intercedes for us and has sent his Holy Spirit to work in our hearts to change us, no matter how deep or pervasive the sin. Old desires die, new ones come to life. Regeneration.

This song is a good reminder of how not to do it, and how way too many do. I’m not saying this song does a good job of communicating the gospel in response to the church, it doesn’t, but it does expose how bad of a job we often do.

Lyrics

Weekly Music Thirst: Wye Oak – Civilian

Kyle — Fri, 06 May 2011 19:02:04 +0000

I have a soft spot in my heart for 2 person bands, Wye Oak certainly does the configuration proud. Most every 2 person band I know uses loops in some way for bass, keys and other instrumentation, but Wye Oak’s drummer, Andy Stack, thinks 1 hand is plenty to play the drums and uses the other for keys(which carry the low end). Impressive! You have to at least admire the moxie.

Lead vocalist/guitarist Jenn Wasner not only has killer vocals but she is hands down my favorite female guitarist. I’ve not heard many other female guitarist that have the feel and tone she has. Certainly there are other female guitarists more technically gifted but Jenn’s feel is unmatched in my opinion.

Their latest record Civilian, much like it’s predecessor, The Knot, is full of rich vocals, warm guitars and great songs like “Holy, Holy” and “We Were Health” among others. This record, as opposed to The Knot, has crisper vocals and I think Jenn honed in on her guitar tone a bit more, much better clarity in tone. The songwriting hasn’t appeared to venture to far from their earlier stuff, which is great.

It’s a great vibe record, you can’t chop this one up and take singles, so get the whole album for only $5.00.

ORS Music: “Nothing But the Blood” Live at Life Connection Church

Kyle — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 16:00:07 +0000

This was recorded live at Life Connection Church’s Easter Service on 4/24/11. Feel free to download for free and share if you’re into that kind of thing.

Nothing But the Blood (Live) by Our Rising Sound

Credits:

Lead Vocals: Kyle Campos
Backing Vocals: Kendra Rohl
Keys: Kendra Rohl
Guitars: Caleb Dailey, Kyle Campos
Drums: Jon Utter
Bass: Josh Dailey

Video: Schools in…Prince absolutely killing it on guitar

Kyle — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 19:58:18 +0000

Video from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 with Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, Dhani Harrison and Prince paying tribute to George Harrison with While My Guitar Gently Weeps. Prince absolutely wrecks the place. I love the look on Petty’s face as Prince shreds right in front of him. Unbelievable.

Music Review: Luke Parker – “Home”

Kyle — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:53:30 +0000

When I opened up the Music Review Submission form here on ORS I was hopeful, maybe not optimistic, but hopeful about the mini flood of music that came through. Boy was I relieved and excited to hear New Zealand singer/songwriter Luke Parker. His album Home is a stripped down acoustic EP with beautifully simple production that doesn’t feel lacking but rather just the right vehicle to deliver these 6 songs in a very powerful way.

The opening title track is a perfect introduction to everything you’ll find in the rest of the record, rich warm vocals, beautiful harmonies layered on top of a relatively simple acoustic guitar progression, with just the right amount of supporting instrumentation. The song Home gets just about everything right, I just wish the kick drum that came in was EQ’d better, I know I’m nit picking here but that’s the most powerful moment in the song and each time I hear that song I feel a little let down by that kick.

As the record progresses it’s clear that Luke is able to consistently deliver creative vocal hooks that aren’t cliche Christian melodies, which is the Grand Canyon sized trap that most Christian artists fall in, especially when delivering a “worship” album. In songs like In Quietness and Chase the World Luke does an incredible job with the melody carving out his own vocal styling and hooks. In Chase the World specifically the first time I heard it I thought I already knew exactly where the melody was heading but it changed directions on me, thankfully and beautifully so.

One of the most surprising and enjoyable moments of the record is found in the song Selah. There are certain expectations one has on a song with that title, namely that it’s relaxed and calm, maybe even just an instrumental…this track doesn’t meet any of those expectations and it’s these kind of surprises that I love in records. In fact, ironically this song is probably the most dynamically powerful song on the entire EP.

This record is a wonderful departure from your typical Christian acoustic worship album. Luke’s vocals, melodic sensibility and heart felt lyrics make this record a truly beautiful collection of worship songs that won’t be lost amongst its peers. Luke has been nice enough to share a free download of one of the singles Sweet Surrender here on ORS. Trust me though, you need to download the rest of the album, which you can listen to below as well. Enjoy.

Download full “Home” EP on Bandcamp.

Video: Guy from Mortal Kombat plays a mean acoustic

Kyle — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 17:34:50 +0000

One of the more creative uses of dotted 8th delay I’ve heard. Certainly the best dressed acoustic guitar player I’ve seen. I’m just glad he didn’t copy all the Edge riffs which seems to be the law of the land when using dotted 8th delays.

Weekly Music Thirst: The Civil Wars – Barton Hollow

Kyle — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:28:35 +0000

The Civil Wars – Barton Hollow

There’s been a lot of commotion about this band in the indie-folk scene and rightfully so. When I heard the early release of the title track I dug the song but wasn’t convinced the record would be great. After listening to the entire record I can safely say the title track didn’t capture much of the melodic creativity the rest of the record has to offer and that’s really the magic here. The melody and harmony choices made in songs like I’ve Got This Friend and To Whom It May Concern among others are what make this record great.

You aren’t going to hear complex guitar riffs, or rhythms here. All the instrumentation is straight ahead and quite simple, which I think gives a clear runway for the vocals to shine through. Not only are the vocals beautiful but they are quite stirring, you can hear and sense the conviction in their voices and that’s special.

This entire month the full record is $5.00 on Amazon. Cut out 1 Starbucks trip and get this record!

Weekly Music Thirst: Bear Hands – Burning Bush Supper Club

Kyle — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:02:45 +0000

Bear Hands – Burning Bush Supper Club

I first heard of these guys when I saw them live, opening for We Were Promised Jetpacks (another good band if you’re into angry Scottish rock). To be honest Bear Hands stole the show for me. Really interesting songwriting and the vocals from Dylan Rau reminded me a lot of MGMT’s early/good stuff. The drummer, TJ Orscher, keys in on some real unique and interesting drum patterns.

After I heard the opening song Crime Pays from their latest record, it was clear they’d matured a lot musically and I nabbed the record. They’ve added some synth/electronic elements to their existing alt punk vibe and it feels like they just completed what had been a rough draft as far as their instrumental arrangements. I love seeing young guys play their own music with conviction and these guys do it. Refreshing to hear and see. Video of one of their performances below.

Go buy it!

Weekly Music Thirst: Latest from Cardinals and Decembrists

Kyle — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:28:56 +0000

Since this is a music blog I should probably have a weekly post of some kind that talks about the latest music deals/purchases I’ve made. Kinda dumb that 3 years into this blog I’m just starting that out. No point crying over spilled milk, let’s get to it…

Ryan Adams & The Cardinals – “III/IV“

I’m somewhat of a Ryan Adams freak, I have I think every record, live bootlegs from his his former soundguy, you name it. I don’t know how I missed this record’s release last month (Dec 13, 2010) but I did. Turns out it was for the best though, because the double album of 21 tracks was only $3.99 on Amazon , but you missed that deal.

If you are a fan of Ryan’s more rocky stuff you’ll love this album. I think the production on this record is stellar, the guitars sound phenomenal! This album is a collection of previously unreleased Cardinals tracks. I’ve missed Ryan since his recent retirement so it’s a welcomed release. Ryan describes this record as a “concept rock opera about the 80′s, ninjas, cigarettes, sex, and pizza” … can’t pass that up can you? There are some killer track names as well: The Crystal Skull, Sewer At The Bottom Of The Wishing Well, Death and Rats

The Decembrists – “The King Is Dead“

Historically The Decembrists have been hit or miss for me. This record is a big hit for me. It seems pretty clear that R.E.M’s Peter Buck had a heavy influence with his guitar playing and that’s a good thing. The songs play wonderfully, killer melodies, beautiful harmonies, simple instrumentation. It’s a “no tricks” album and I appreciate that, a perfect record to get on vinyl.

The record is sort of the Avett Brothers on downers with fuller instrumentation. Trust me it works.

Live looping from El Ten Eleven – “My Only Swerving” (Video)

Kyle — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 17:39:14 +0000

Cool instrumental piece and some nice live looping from El Ten Eleven. Dig the double neck too.

ORS Music: Come Thou Fount (Acoustic) – 1 Take, 1 Mic Sessions

Kyle — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 17:55:27 +0000

A couple Sundays ago my band came up with a new arrangement to Come Thou Fount before service. I really liked the feel and I had an idea of doing these live recording sessions where we’d do it acoustically gathered around a single mic. So last night all us family folk had a few hours at night, we setup a mic and pressed record. The take is far from perfect but I think still captures the heart and idea. I’m not sure where these “1 Take, 1 Mic Sessions” will take us, but I love the organic feel and it’s good for our band to unplug and sing as a family like this.

Hope you enjoy. You can listen and download below. Feel free to share any comments/questions/critique you have.

Credits:

Kyle Campos: guitar, vocals
Josh Dailey: bass, vocals
Caleb Dailey: guitar, vocals
Kendra Rohl: vocals, percussion
Jon Utter: drums

Loop Tips: How a drummer plays with a rhythmic sequence

Kyle — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 22:46:26 +0000

In my mind the thing that makes or breaks a great live arrangement that uses a loop is the rhythm section. From a feel perspective nothing is better than when my drummer locks in tight with one of our loops that has some complex rhythmic sequencing. But using a loop with a heavy rhythmic sequence can be a daunting task for drummers to find space or complimentary groove. What this has led to in the worship loop scene are a lot loops that use very simple rhythmic components, like just a shaker or straight quarter beats, or more complex rhythmic sequences where the live drummer just cuts out and lets the loop take lead.

Very rarely do you hear great rhythmic sequences marrying with great complimentary live drumming. Here are some tips on what to think about when trying to bring rhythmic sequences and live drumming together.

Watch the ghost notes. If played right this will lock you in, if they clash however, this is what gives the feeling of the loop falling off the tracks.
Listen to your live drum pattern with the loop. Seems like a no brainer, but some drummers have a tendency to turn down the loop track in their headset so they can concentrate on their parts. Not a good idea. Also in rehearsal make sure to record yourself and play back your pattern with the loop.
Play consistent. When you find the groove, memorize that stinkin pattern! Practice until it’s impossible for you to get wrong. Then when you play live, no surprises please, play the pattern that works. Again, maybe a no brainer but I’ve heard and played with a lot of worship bands, it’s a problem.
Accented beats. You don’t have to avoid every beat that the loop hits. Choose which to accent, which you ghost around and which you leave totally open. Which notes you accent will have a lot to do with the actual instrumentation the loop uses on that beat. Sometimes accenting a weird digitized snare with the live snare can give you monster snare hits. I intentionally program my loops with some samples that can be accented live.

Helio Sequence inspired me to start messing with loops. They have only 2 guys in the band and their live shows are incredible. Here’s a great example from them on how to lock in a killer drum pattern with a complex rhythmic sequence.

The Johnny Cash Project – crowd sourced music video

Kyle — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 18:07:44 +0000

The Johnny Cash Project is one of the coolest examples of crowd-sourcing, as well as music videos I’ve seen. Apparently others agree since it’s been nominated for a Grammy (Best Short Form Music Video). Pulling for it.

Lee Green debut album “One” (Video)

Kyle — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 21:22:46 +0000

Without a doubt, one of the most talented and humble cats I know is Lee Green. I had the pleasure of meeting and becoming friends with him at my church (Life Connection Church) in Phoenix a couple years back. This guy loves Jesus, loves the church and it’s an honor to be able to serve Jesus along side him. This New Year’s day, Life Connection Church will be hosting Lee Green’s album pre-release party. Lee will be performing live along with some other friends. If you are in the area you gotta check it out, trust me.

Where: Life Connection Church
When: Jan 1, 2011 8-11pm

Starting my LP collection…show me yo rekkids!

Kyle — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 18:58:34 +0000

I’m moving into a new house this weekend and this new house will have an additional living area we didn’t have before. So we’re going to make one of those areas a tv-less music/reading/hang out type room. Perfect time for me to start my record collection. I’m on the hunt for LPs, but I need to ease my way in responsibly because this could be really financially dangerous for me. Could sink the family savings into it in a heartbeat. (We have a family savings??? anyway…)

What are some of your most prized LPs? Any online stores that I should know about? Please share. Here’s what I’m looking at out of the gate.

Jack White’s new “Triple Decker Record” invention (Video)

Kyle — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 18:13:38 +0000

Jack White is a genius on many levels, and this is a great example of his marketing genius.

White recently revealed that the newest Dead Weather single will be released on a “Triple Decker Record.” The triple decker consists of a 7″ single embedded inside of a 12″.

Only 300 copies of the single, “Blue Blood Blues” off of Sea of Cowards, will be pressed. The first 100 will be available for purchase at White’s Third Man Records store in Nashville, while the next 200 will be randomly distributed to various independent record stores. Very Willy Wonka of you, Mr. White.

[via Paste]

Loop making process, Part 1: main groove (audio)

Kyle — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 21:02:04 +0000

I’ve always wanted to blog through the process of creating a loop and include folks along the way to get feedback at each portion. Then look back and see the evolution of the song as I made changes. So this post starts that journey.

Part 1. Main Groove

I’ve started to write a loop for an original arrangement of In Christ Alone by Stuart Townend. This arrangement may be pretty far out for those that know the traditional arrangements, but I hear it all coming together in my head well and if you’re a worth anything as a writer, you gotta trust that inner head arrangement. At this point I just have the main groove looping over the verse progression. This was done all in one session, total session time was probably 6 hours or so. I think I spent 3 hours on the drums alone, finding the right kick/snares and making tone adjustments and such. Spending time on each individual instrument’s (drums having many instruments -> kick, snare, toms, etc…) tone is so important.

Here’s how I organize my thoughts when searching for drum sounds. I make a list of all the candidates (all that I think may work) for each sound and then I go through each one comparing one to another and selecting the better of the 2. Repeat process until you only have one left and last sample standing wins!

So here’s what I have so far, just a few measures looped over. From here I’ll peel it back and get the instrumentation for the verse with vocals.

Download audio file (InChristAlone-sample.mp3)

Alberta Cross: “Ghost of City Life” (Live at Electraplay)

Kyle — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:00:33 +0000

One of my favorite new(ish) rock bands is Alberta Cross. They have an incredible record out called Broken Side of Time, make sure you pick that up, it’s fantastic. They recently did an interview and live session at Electraplay and here’s the video from one of my favorite not so rockish tunes called Ghost of City Life.

John Mark McMillan’s re-release of “The Medicine” now available!

Kyle — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:35:52 +0000

Review: John Mark McMillan – “The Medicine”

Kyle — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 10:33:23 +0000

UPDATE: Re-published today for the re-release

I’ve been listening to The Medicine for a couple weeks solid. I don’t like doing first impression reviews because most of the time my favorite songs end up being those that took a while to grow on me. My ears start hearing things on the 10th listen that I didn’t hear the 9 times previous. So what did I hear?

The album starts off with Reckoning Day and I’m blown away by John Mark’s vocals. His voice sounds better than I’ve ever heard it, not only in presence but tonally I think his voice is just spot on. You can also hear exactly what John Mark was talking about in the natural reverb recording techniques they were experimenting with. The warmth of the verb is a tone carried throughout the album and really ties each song together and I think creates a great atmosphere for the heart of the album which is a story resurrection.

John Mark tells the story of Christ’ resurrection with intense language and vivid imagery, fitting for the story that’s told. This is demonstrated in songs like Skeleton Bones,

Skeleton bones stand at the sound of eternity on the lips of the found
Graves stones roll to the rhythm of the sound of you
Skeleton bones stand at the sound of eternity on the lips of the found
Yeah so separate those doors and let the sun of resurrection in

One of the greatest songs on the album, and one I can’t wait to do on Easter, is Death In His Grave. The imagery and phrasing used in that song is so incredibly moving, the chorus says:

On Friday a thief, on Sunday a King, laid down in grief
But awoke with the keys, of hell on that day
The first born of the slain
The Man Jesus Christ laid death in his grave

The resurrection theme not only deals with the historic moment but also addresses our own personal death to sin and resurrection in Christ as shown in songs like Carbon Ribs, Dress Us Up, Out of the Ground and Ten Thousand. In our previous interview I asked John Mark if there were any he could see being used in corporate worship, and I think there are quite a few here that will be used. Dress Us Up is one that jumps out as something an entire congregation could get behind and sing without trouble. The song proclaims the power of God’s love over death.

Dress us up in the blood of a son
Who opened up His veins so that we would overcome
Hell and the grave and the power of his love
After 3 dark days he showed us how it’s done
and he still does

I don’t think there can be any question this is John Mark’s finest work. This is certainly a step forward musically, lyrically and in his songwriting. The songwriting still has the exposed emotions John Mark is known for but this record comes across as a more matured presentation, not quite as raw as before. It’s truly a storyteller album and the story is captivating and beautiful. Go buy this album now!

originally posted 10/7/08

Frankenstein piano + looping = beautiful music

Kyle — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 23:46:51 +0000

Our Rising Sound » music

ORS Music: “The Love of God Is Greater Far” Live at Life Connection Church

Related posts

Trying to catch the deluge in a paper cup

Related posts

New music from John Mark McMillan: “Sheet of Night” video

Related posts

Video: Homemade PVC instrument plays the hits

Related posts

Using iPads as digital music stands and instruments

Music Stand

iPad Synth

Configuration / Hardware

Related posts

Weekly Music Thirst: Bon Iver – “Bon Iver” a masterpiece

Related posts

ORS Music: “My Jesus I Love Thee” Live at Life Connection Church

Related posts

Video: Lessons in how to rock, taught by The Raconteurs

Related posts

Weekly Music Thirst: Seryn – This is Where We Are

Related posts

Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) sings how the church misses the gospel on homosexuality

Related posts

Weekly Music Thirst: Wye Oak – Civilian

Related posts

ORS Music: “Nothing But the Blood” Live at Life Connection Church

Credits:

Related posts

Video: Schools in…Prince absolutely killing it on guitar

Related posts

Music Review: Luke Parker – “Home”

Related posts

Video: Guy from Mortal Kombat plays a mean acoustic

Related posts

Weekly Music Thirst: The Civil Wars – Barton Hollow

The Civil Wars – Barton Hollow

Related posts

Weekly Music Thirst: Bear Hands – Burning Bush Supper Club

Bear Hands – Burning Bush Supper Club

Related posts

Weekly Music Thirst: Latest from Cardinals and Decembrists

Ryan Adams & The Cardinals – “III/IV“

The Decembrists – “The King Is Dead“

Related posts

Live looping from El Ten Eleven – “My Only Swerving” (Video)

Related posts

ORS Music: Come Thou Fount (Acoustic) – 1 Take, 1 Mic Sessions

Credits:

Related posts

Loop Tips: How a drummer plays with a rhythmic sequence

Related posts

The Johnny Cash Project – crowd sourced music video

Related posts

Lee Green debut album “One” (Video)

Related posts

Starting my LP collection…show me yo rekkids!

Related posts

Jack White’s new “Triple Decker Record” invention (Video)

[via Paste]

Related posts

Loop making process, Part 1: main groove (audio)

Part 1. Main Groove

Related posts

Alberta Cross: “Ghost of City Life” (Live at Electraplay)

Related posts

John Mark McMillan’s re-release of “The Medicine” now available!

Related posts

Review: John Mark McMillan – “The Medicine”

UPDATE: Re-published today for the re-release

originally posted 10/7/08

Related posts

Frankenstein piano + looping = beautiful music

[via thereifixedit.com]

Related posts