Pa rum pum pum pum

On Tuesday, November 25, 2008, The Almost released their five song EP, titled "No Gift to Bring."  Around 12:30 a.m. on the 25th, half an hour after it had been released, I had it purchased from iTunes and sitting in my music library.

I must say, I was very pleased with what I heard.  The track listing is as follows:

1. Awful Direction
2. Little Drummer Boy
3. Amazing (Because it is) Full Version
4. Your Love is Extravagant
5. Dirty and Left Out (McTague-Lectro Version)

Awful Direction is their only new song on the album.  It is entirely acoustic (a simple guitar and drum set) which sets the mood for the rest of the album.  Lines like, "I've been wrong, I've been right, but tonight, I just want to be Yours," are straight from the heart and reflect the struggles of a life faithful to God.

The Little Drummer Boy version is one of the best I've heard (I guess I really haven't heard that many versions, but you catch my drift).  It has a unique rhythm and Aaron Gillespie's voice adds a new flavor.

Tracks 3 and 5 were on the previous album, Southern Weather, but this time with a new twist.  The electric sensation of Dirty and Left Out caught me off guard but I am really warming up to it.  

Your Love is Extravagant has always been one of my favorite praise songs, so to see The Almost cover it this Christmas season is very refreshing.

Well done guys.

photo courtesy of fye.com

Christmas With the Shanes

I don't know that I've ever listened to an entire Christmas album.  For the most part, they're all the same songs, just a different person singing them.  Well, I finally found one that does Christmas remakes justice - Shane and Shane's "Glory in the Highest."

The newly released Christmas record is the first of the kind in nearly a decade of 

playing from Shane Bernard and Shane Everett.  On the album, the acoustic duo covers several popular tunes, such as "Silent Night," "Away in a Manger," and "O' Come Let Us Adore Him."  Most people who have heard the Shane's sing would

 agree with me that they can cover just about any song and take it up an extra step.  Some of the songs are a bit unusual sounding, simply because an upbeat style is not associated with some of the hymns.

The track that stands out most to me is the opener - an upbeat, spunky version of "O, Holy Night."  When they sing "fall on your knees, O hear the angels' voices.  O night divine, O, night when Christ was born," the soaring harmonies are hard to describe.  (Please watch the video link in here.  It's incredible.)  I still don't understand how two guys can sing that high and that beautifully.

If you're looking for a Christmas record that still gives you the true message of the season, but is unique in sound and filled with great harmonies, this is a must get.