Relient K.

I've been listening to Relient K for years, and they've remained one of my favorite Christian bands. Although Relient K is not strictly Christian, a lot of their music includes really good messages.


Relient K: the band got it's name from their guitarist's car.


Originated in: Canton, Ohio.


Genre: Rock, Christian Rock, Christian punk, and Alternative; you may determine for yourself.


Albums: Relient K (2000), The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek (2001), Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...But Three Do (2003), Deck the Halls, Bruise Your Hand (2003), Mmhmm (2004), Five Score and Seven Years Ago (2007), Let it Snow Baby...Let it Reindeer (2007), The Bird and the Bee Sides (2008), Forget and Not Slow Down (2009). I may have forgotten a few; Relient K has also put out a lot of EPs.


I can't decide what my favorite Relient K album is; all of them are equally good, and equally different. I loved all of Five Score and Seven Years Ago. Mmhmm is fabulous, with songs like "Who I am Hates Who I've Been" and "Be My Escape" (pretty popular ones), "More Than Useless", and one of my favorites, "When I Go Down". The Bird and the Bee Sides has a lot of good songs on it like "Hope for Every Fallen Man" and "The Lining is Silver". My favorite songs off of their latest CD, Forget and Not Slow Down would be "Candlelight", "Sahara", and "Savannah". Take a listen to them, if you've never listened to them before :). 


Mission: Relient K's main focus is to make good music. A few of the band's members such as lead singer Matt Thiessen and former drummer Dave Douglas are working on their own side projects, producing music. Relient K also starred in the film "Natural High 4", a drug prevention video teaching teens to stay off of drugs and to do their best.


Tour: Starting December 1st, Relient K will begin a Christmas tour, featuring the band Deas Vail (who I have seen play with Mae before, and are very good). The tour will begin in Iowa and will run til December 17th; sadly there will be no venues closer than North Carolina and Ohio to here :(.


Website: http://relientk.com/ ; follow their blogs, see their tour dates, and view their store.


The Christian Aspect?: One of my all time favorite Relient K songs has to be Deathbed, an 11 minute-long song off of their album "Five Score and Seven Years Ago". It took me a while to get through the entire song, just because it's so long. But the song tells a story about a man who is lying on his death bed, and he regales his past and everything that brought him to where he is now. At the end of the song, Jesus comes to take the man away, and the man repents of all his sins that he had committed throughout his life. The song is very sad, but very hopeful in the end. My favorite part though, is when the lead singer from the band Switchfoot, Jon Foreman, comes in at the end, singing as the voice of Jesus. This is what he says: 


I am the Way
Follow Me
And take My hand
And I am the Truth
Embrace Me and you'll understand
And I am the Life
And for Me you'll live again
For I am Love
I am Love
I, I am Love 


The song is fantastic, and I really encourage you to listen to it in the youtube clip posted below this blog. Thanks for reading :) God Bless.

Deathbed-Relient K

Mae Concert Report!

In my first blog, I wrote about my favorite band, Mae. I mentioned that I had been to two of their shows before, and that I had tickets to go to one in October. Well, that concert was this past Friday!


Mae was formed in 2001, and since then, they have put out three CDs and three EPs, entitled: Destination: Beautiful, The Everglow, Singularity, (m)orning, (a)fternoon, and (e)vening. When the band first started, there were five members. As the years went on though, two of the members dropped. But for this last tour titled "Goodbye, Goodnight", Mae came together again with the original five members that produced Destination: Beautiful and The Everglow. 


Mae has been my favorite band since I first started listening to them in 9th grade. Their music has held a special place in my life for all those years. As amazing as this last concert was though, I couldn't help thinking the entire time that this would be the last time I would see them preform live. This is Mae's last tour; after the "Goodbye, Goodnight" tour is finished in Norfolk, VA on November 27, they will be finished touring together "for the indefinite future".


The knowledge that this was their last show in Philadelphia did not keep Mae from delivering a killer performance, however. Before Mae came on, three different bands opened for them. The first band was called "The Panic Years". Musically, they were very good. Rarely do you ever see female guitar players in bands, but the girl playing electric in The Panic Years was amazing. They also had a kick-butt cellist who performed in a few of their songs. However, I was not a huge fan of the lead singer's voice, or their lyrics. But I appreciated them musically. The next band to come on was called "Windsor Drive", who was also very good musically. I liked the lead singer's voice, and I liked that they included an electric piano in their music. I liked them more than I liked The Panic Years, but I still wasn't a huge fan of them. The last band to perform before Mae was a band called "Terrible Things". They had just put out their first CD, and I enjoyed them the most out of all of the opening acts. Their lyrics were relative, the singer's voice was good, and they interacted with the crowd. By the time that the tree bands were finished though, I was more than ready to hear Mae.


When Mae came on, everyone went crazy. They opened with a song off of their new EP, (e)vening. Throughout the concert, they played almost all of my favorites. They played a lot of songs off of The Everglow, including my favorite song, Suspension. They also included a bunch of songs from Desination: Beautiful, and a few from (m)orning. Mae was amazing. What especially blew me away was the piano player, Rob, who was one of the two to join back up with Mae for this last tour. He was sick (in the "amazing" form of the word).


The last song that Mae played was Tisbury Lane, one of my all-time favorites, until they went off stage and the crowd started chanting "ONE MORE SONG!" And with that, the band came back out and played the perfect last two songs; We're So Far Away, and Someone Else's Arms. 


We're So Far Away has a line that says, "Did you know how you would move me, did you know? Did you know how you would move me well, I don't really think so. And the moment's magic swept us away..." All I could think of during this song was how much Mae has come to mean to me during these past years. I've listened to Mae during the tough times in my life, and their lyrics have helped me get through some of those times. I've gone to these three Mae concerts with my best friend, Jill. It came to be a tradition of ours; when Mae came to Philly to tour their first EP, (m)orning, we immediately bought tickets. We've gone to the past two concerts, and carried on that tradition. It was a bonding experience for us. Knowing that these concerts together were over though, was sad. I'm sure Mae didn't know how they would move me in my life. But they did. They really did. 


Out of all these Mae tours I have been to, (m)orning, (a)fternoon, and (e)vening ("Goodbye, Goodnight"), this last one will always be my favorite. It was sad, yes, but it was my favorite because Jill and I rocked out harder than we ever had for any previous show. This show was special, knowing that it was the last one we would go to. Even though I won't get to see my favorite band play live again, I'll never stop listening to their music, and I'll always have the memories from these concerts with my best friend for the rest of my life.


In the link below I included a video clip from the show. The song is "All Deliberate Speed"; listen, and enjoy :). 


Thanks, God Bless.

Mae; All Deliberate Speed.

"All Deliberate Speed" Lyrics:

You said you'd meet us in the middle of the afternoon,
And we said we're frustrated. 
And you tried to take us. 
"Go on, get ready, cause it's coming soon", 
Well no thanks, we'll make it.

So it brings us back to this. 
Something's got to give. 
So are you listening? 
Or are you coming around again?

All deliberate speed- Lately you've been contemplating. 
Is this real or is this fading? What brought you here in the first place? 
Everyone around us screams "It's got to be and it's got to hit you." 
Well, you and me, well we could change the world.

Switchfoot.

One of the highlights of my life was meeting Switchfoot by sneaking into a meet-and-greet after a concert in Baltimore, two summers ago. More specifically, one of the highlights of my life was sitting 3 feet in front of Jon Foreman during an acoustic performance on a random street corner in Baltimore, two summers ago. My friend Jess and I sat outside of Switchfoot's tour bus, waiting for Jon Foreman to come out and play for a group of about 30 to 40 people. He asked us to make set lists for him, and he played whatever we asked him to. It was one of the most awesome experiences of my life.


Switchfoot is one of the most popular Christian bands out today. They have received various music awards, including Dove awards and Top In Rock's 2009 Best Christian Artist. Switchfoot tours all around the country, and in my opinion, they put on a heck of a good show. Here's the lowdown:


Switchfoot: The term "Switchfoot" comes from surfing. Switchfoot's band members all enjoy surfing, and the name, for them, stuck.


Originated in: San Diego, CA. 


Genre: Switchfoot has been categorized as Alternative Rock, Christian Rock, and Pop-punk, to name a few; it's your distinction.


Albums: The Legend of Chin (1997), New Way to be Human (1999), Learning to Breathe (2000), The Beautiful Letdown (2003), Nothing is Sound (2005), Oh! Gravity (2006), and Hello Hurricane (2009). Switchfoot's newest album, Vice Verses, is due out in 2011 (Rethink, Columbia, Sony BMG, lowercase people, and Atlantic records).


Mission: Other than producing Christian music, Switchfoot is involved in a lot of side projects. One of their biggest and most popular contributions has been to the organization To Write Love On Her Arms. TWLOHA is an organization aiming to help people struggling with depression, self mutilation, suicide, and addiction. TWLOHA's aim is to get people with these kinds of problems to realize that someone out there cares for them. Switchfoot supports various other causes like the ONE Campaign and Habitat for Humanity, and also works raising money for homeless organizations and child's foundations. Above all, Switchfoot aims to produce music with an open mind, and to reach not only Christians, but everyone else in between.


Tour: Switchfoot is curently touring, supporting their latest album "Hello Hurricane". Unfortunately, their last concert in the area for this tour was this past Sunday at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia, which sadly, I missed *tear*. For a list of the rest of the venues for their tour, visit http://www.switchfoot.com/switchfoot/c/tourdates. If you've never seen Switchfoot live, I encourage you to; it will be one show you won't soon forget. Switchfoot never disappoints; they put on an awesome, moving, entertaining show. 


Website: http://www.switchfoot.com/switchfoot/index.php: View videos, pictures, tour dates, buy merch, and keep up with Switchfoot's latest projects.


The Christian Aspect?: The title of my blog is "Your Love is a Song", which, as I mentioned in my first blog post, is a song by Switchfoot. For me, music is very moving. And that is why I chose to name my blog "Your Love is a Song"; God's love is a song. His love is moving, beautiful, and we are so undeserving of it.


"Your Love is a Song" is one of my favorite songs off of "Hello Hurricane". The song itself is pretty self-explanatory. To me, it talks about waking up every day with your eyes wide open, seeing all the beauty that God has created. Here are the lyrics:


I hear you breathing in
Another day begins
The stars are falling out
My dreams are fading now, fading out

I've been keeping my eyes wide open
I've been keeping my eyes wide open

Oh, your love is a symphony
All around me
Running through me
Oh, your love is a melody
Underneath me
Running to me
All your love is a song

The dawn is fire bright
Against the city light
The clouds are glowing now
The moon is blacking out, blacking out

So I've been keeping my mind wide open
I've been keeping my mind wide open
Yeah

Oh, your love is a symphony
All around me
Running through me
Oh, your love is a melody
Underneath me
Running to me

Oh, your love is a song
Your love is a song
Oh, your love is a song
Your love is strong

With my eyes wide open
I've got my eyes wide open
I've been keeping my hopes unbroken
Yeah, yeah

Oh, your love is a symphony
All around me
Running through me
Oh, your love is a melody
Underneath me
Running to me
Your love is a song

Yeah, yeah

Your love is my remedy
All your love is a song


My favorite part of the song is the chorus: "Oh, your love is a symphony, All around me, Running through me. Oh, your love is a melody, Underneath me, Running to me; oh, your love is a song." God's love is just like a symphony; it's LOUD. I see God's love wherever I go; it's so apparent to me, and so strong. And God's love is like a melody. A melody, in music, is the part of a song that is the boldest, the part that everyone sings along to. God's love is bold; it stands out, like the melody in a song. This song saying that God's love is everywhere; around you, in you, and flowing through you.  This song just dictates that: that God's love is everywhere; we just have to keep our eyes open for it.


I encourage you to listen to "Your Love is a Song" in the video posted below. Comment and tell me what you think.


Enjoy :) God bless.

Switchfoot - Your Love Is A Song Lyrics :)

Anberlin.

Anberlin is a Christian band that I personally don't listen to very often. But they have a great sound and a great message in their music, so that is why I chose them as my next Christian band to cover.

Anberlin: There are a few reasons as to why Anberlin's name is in fact, Anberlin. But, the name was formed by lead singer Stephen Christian. Christian says that the band was sitting around trying to think of names, when he mentioned that he wanted to name his daughter Anberlin. The band was named Anberlin under the pretense that someone would think of a better name sooner or later; no one ever did, and the name stuck.

Originated in: Winter Haven, Florida.

Genre: Alternative.

Albums: Blueprints for the Black Market (2003), Never Take Friendship Personal (2005), Cities (2007), New Surrender (2008), Dark is The Way, Light is a Place (2010) (Tooth & Nail Records/Universal Republic Records).

Mission: A lot of the media has classified Anberlin over the years as a Christian-rock band. Anberlin, though, does not classify themselves as a strictly-Christian band. Though, some song lyrics contain Christian references. Stephen Christian says, ". I don't care who listens to our records. If it helps people in whatever circumstances they're in, that's amazing..." and also remarks, "[My faith] affects every single aspect of my life, but I'm not a preacher, I'm an entertainer" (Wikipedia 2010). The band members are Christians, and live their lives in a Christ-like manner. Anberlin is out to make good music with a good message.

Tour: Anberlin is currently on tour promoting their newest album "Dark is The Way, Light is a Place". Bands featured include Crash Kings and Civil Twilight. The closest venue is at the TLA in Philadelphia on October 29th. A list of tour dates is online at http://www.anberlin.com/. Tickets are on sale now.

Website: http://www.anberlin.com/. Log on to see a list of tour dates and to buy tickets. 

The Christian Aspect?: Music for me, is extremely powerful. When I hear something that I really like, like an acoustic guitar or a bluesy harmonica, I can't stop listening to it. In my life, there are rare instances where I hear a song and it just strikes a chord with me, and I can feel it down into my soul. "The Unwinding Cable Car" by Anberlin, is one of those songs. 

My boyfriend is constantly making me mix CD's, trying to expand my taste in music, and the last CD included The Unwinding Cable Car. He had previously told me that it was one of his favorite songs, and after listening to it, I can see why. The first time I heard it, it came close to breaking my heart. It's strange how music touches me sometimes; it doesn't have to be anything special or complex. The Unwinding Cable Car starts off with two acoustic guitars harmonizing, and it is the most beautiful thing I have ever heard. The lyrics, as well as the music, are extremely touching. 

The lyrics of The Unwinding Cable Car definitely contain a Christian aspect. To me, the lyrics talk about someone who is going through some sort of trouble in their life. They have a decision to make; they need to choose, but they don't know which way to turn. The person feels alone; like they're not worth anything. The song goes on to say that the person has been deceived, that they are worth more than they know. Here are the lyrics:

Emotive unstable you're like an unwinding cable car
Listening for voices, but it's the choices that make us who we are
Go your own way, even seasons have changed just burn those new leaves over
So self-absorbed you've seemed to ignore the prayers that have already come about

This is the correlation of salvation and love
Don't drop your arms
Don't drop your arms, I'll guard your heart
With quiet words I'll lead you in

La lalalala, la la la, la lala, la
La lalalala, la la la, la lala, la

Backing away from the problem of pain you never had a home
You've been misguided, you're hiding in shadows for so very long
Don't you believe that you've been deceived? that you're no better than...
The hair in your eyes, it never disguised what you're really thinking of

This is the correlation of salvation and love
Don't drop your arms
Don't drop your arms, I'll guard your heart
With quiet words I'll lead you in

This is the correlation of salvation and love
(Don't drop your arms)
Don't drop your arms, I'll guard your heart
With quiet words I'll lead you in

You're so brilliant, don't soon forget
You're so brilliant, grace marks your heart
You're so brilliant, don't soon forget
You're so brilliant, grace marks your heart
You're so brilliant (This is the correlation)
Don't soon forget (Between salvation and love, don't drop your arms)
You're so brilliant (I'll guard your heart)
Grace marked your heart (With quiet words I'll lead you in and out of the dark)

La lalalala, la la la, la lala, la
Don't drop your arms
La lalalala, la la la, la lala, la

This is the correlation of salvation and love (La lalalala, la la la, la lala, la)
(Don't drop your arms)
Don't drop your arms, I'll guard your heart (La lalalala, la la la, la lala, la)
With quiet words I'll lead you in

This is the correlation of salvation and love (La lalalala, la la la, la lala, la)
(Don't drop your arms)
Don't drop your arms, I'll guard your heart (La lalalala, la la la, la lala, la)
With quiet words I'll lead you in

The lyrics are beautiful, and I feel like Jesus is the one speaking, specifically in the chorus and bridge. In the chorus He's saying not to give up, that He'll protect you and catch you when you fall. Many people try to hear God, thinking that He'll speak to them in a loud voice. So many times though, God speaks to us in a gentle whisper. He's saying in this song that with "quiet words" He'll lead you in. In your troubles, God will lead you through. The bridge is God reminding us that we are brilliant and full of grace: if we mess up or make a mistake on our walk, God gives us grace. God provides us with infinite grace, so that we no longer have to live in sin. He doesn't want us to forget that. He tells us that we are brilliant, and we are: we are fearfully and wonderfully made. In God's eyes, we are beautifully created, and so often we tend to forget that.

This song is beautiful, with so much meaning. I encourage you to listen to it, in the youtube video posted in the blog below. 

Thanks for reading :). God Bless.