Short Bits

God of This City
Artist: Bluetree
Label: Lucid Artists
Tracks: 13 Tracks/70.46 Minutes
Armed with a mighty hope-filled purpose and some interesting stories (including the title track inspired by a performance in a bar in Thailand), Bluetree has quickly blazed a name for themselves in modern worship circles.  God of This City by Belfast, Ireland based Bluetree features the title track made famous by Chris Tomlin at the Passion Worship events (and featured on his Hello Love CD).  Fans of David Crowder*Band, Chris Tomlin and other modern worship stalwarts will enjoy this winning release.  The music veers away from the standard worship sounds enough to stand apart from the worship crowd and introduces some interesting and unique alternative rock elements.  And the lyrics paint a hope filled message pointed in the direction of the Heavenly Father.  Looking for an engaging worship project to help you focus?  Bluetree’s God of This City is a great place to start.  (Barry Nothstine*)

Download a free song here: http://givmusic.com/bluetree/

Visit Bluetree online: http://www.myspace.com/bluetreeonline 

Another Review: Bluetree - Greater Things 

Songs From the Storm
Artist: Phillips Carter & SOV
URL: http://sovministries.com
Traditional gospel, and praise and worship, that celebrate the process of getting through life's tough situations with a full gospel choir backing you up. The album started out a little unsure of itself but quickly picked up speed.  If you are into gospel, this will be a nice, well-rounded addition to your collection. (Shari Lloyd and Linda LaFianza)

The Sleeping House
Artist: Cool Hand Luke
Label: Lujo Records
Tracks: 12 Tracks/47.24 Minutes
It is always nice to stumble onto solid Christian rock that is off the beaten path…Cool Hand Luke offers just that on their engaging release The Sleeping House.  Wrapped in a nicely illustrated Sci-Fi themed cover, The Sleeping House offers a winning mix of challenging and open Christian lyrics along with a flavor of art rock/alternative rock not often heard in the Christian music scene.  Cool Hand Luke manages to reach for the mind and soul in a thoughtful manner on House. And it is refreshing that the listener can hear where these guys are coming from!  The lyrics touch on themes of death, freedom from sin, and songs that are framed in prayer.  Fans of The Choir, Radiohead, Sigur Ros, and Starflyer 59 will enjoy the musical vibe present on the CD. The Sleeping House is recommended – try to set some time to take in the whole album, preferably with headphones.  You won’t be sorry!   (Barry Nothstine*)

Check out Cool Hand Luke on the web:  http://www.myspace.com/therealcoolhandluke

Attention
Artist: Kristian Stanfill
Label: sixsteprecords
11 Tracks
Kristian Stanfill’s debut on sixsteprecords is aptly named:  Attention charges right out the gate with big ol’ crowd pleasing arena sized worship songs that will please fans of Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, and other Passion artists.  The album sounds great production-wise and rocks mightily (perhaps too mightily at times, some variation could help the CD). And it would be nice to see Mr. Stanfill push himself lyrically; there is some repetition in the songs.  But these are minor criticisms of a CD that is full of praise, tasty hooks and power.  Highlights include the classic “Beautiful Jesus” (familiar to Passion fans) and the poignant closer “You Will Always Be.”  Fans of modern worship music should pick this one up. (Barry Nothstine*)

Visit Kristian Stanfill online: http://www.kristianstanfill.com/

* Barry Nothstine hosts Soul Frequency ( http://www.soulfrequency.com ) a weekly FM radio show showcasing progressive rock, instrumental rock, power-pop, psychedelic rock, rock classics and more­great rock for the ages!