As always, this post is part of Fred McKinnon's Sunday Set List Project, now in it's 24th week!

Centerpoint Church 1/4/09

Opening Set:
    -Hallelujah (Your Love Is Amazing) (Brenton Brown, Brian Doerkson)
    -Blessed Be Your Name (Matt Redman, Beth Redman)
    -You Are My King (Amazing Love) (Billy Foote)

Closing Song:
    -How Great Is Our God (Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, Jesse Reeves)

We had a great service this morning at Centerpoint!  I felt humbled to be a part of it.  We took a slightly different approach musically today, going with an all acoustic set-up (congas, bass, acoustic guitar, ukulele, and vocals).  I always get excited when I get a chance to use the uke in worship!  We picked songs that we could really groove with in that acoustic setting, and the band sounded great!  We did the Seven Places arrangement of "Your Are My King" - definitely gives that song some new life!

We launched a new message series this morning on spiritual truths, and we had a rather hilarious drama to go along with that.  The two guys that did it knocked it out of the park, I was rolling on the floor in the back.

We had a delightfully glitch-free service today, a breath of fresh air after several weeks of technical issues.  All in all a great day at Centerpoint!

Seems appropriate as I am still catching up from a couple of days away and answering emails at 2:46 AM!

The new year has arrived... 2008 is history and 2009 is here to stay (well, at least for the next 365 days).  I'm not much of a New Year's resolution person.  It's no secret that most of them don't get kept (at least not for very long!), and it's always seemed a little silly to me that we needed a specific date as an excuse to make positive changes in our lives.  So I won't be making any resolutions tonight, but I will make the same pledge I've made the last several years: I hope to make 2009 a better year than 2008 and come out the end a better person than I am tonight.  Happy New Year to all!

It's the end of the year, which means it's once again time for my "Top 10 Albums Of The Year".  This is the fourth (I think) year I've done this, and my list is going to look a little different this year.  The music industry is changing, and the way music is released is changing with it.  The traditional album, for good or for bad, is starting to "go the way of the buffalo".  Artists, with and without the backing of major labels, are releasing EPs (always online, and more and more often ONLY online), individual tracks, acoustic versions, and remix albums.   Because of that reality, there are fewer full LPs of all new, studio recorded music on my list this year.  Beyond that, all of my criteria are the same as they've been in the past: which is to say there are none but that the record must have been released in 2008 and that I must have purchased the entire record.  So without any further ado, may I present: Eric's Top 10 Albums of 2008!

10.  Hillsong United - The I Heart Revolution

This is the first full Hillsong record I've purchased (though I have a huge library of individual tracks).  When I saw the track listing for this double disc set, though, I just couldn't help myself.  First of all, it's an incredible collection of songs that spans the entire lifespan of the United band.  Beyond that, the energy of these live recordings is really amazing.  Each song was recorded at a different concert in a different part of the world in front of thousands of worshipers singing their hearts out.  It's a beautiful sound, and enough to put this record at #10.

Standout Track: "Hosanna"

9.  Joshua Radin - Simple Times

I got really into Joshua Radin last year, and his debut record, "We Were Here" is one of my overall favorites, so needless to say I was quite excited when I found out that Joshua had a new album coming out.  Maybe my expectations were unreasonable, but "Simple Times" just didn't quite stack up.  Don't get me wrong, it's a great record (otherwise it wouldn't be on this list!), but it departs from the style of the debut in some pretty significant ways.  Great music, but not what I was expecting from this particular artist, which is why it doesn't land higher on this list.

Standout Track: "Brand New Day"

8.  Skillet - Comatose Comes Alive

Another live set, but a completely different concept from the Hillsong set.  "Comatose Comes Alive" is a CD/DVD package that documents a single show on Skillet's recent Comatose Tour.  I saw the tour when it came through town last spring (it was the fourth time I had seen Skillet), so I was excited to pick this one up and see if it really captured the energy from the show I was at.  The verdict: absolutely!  Skillet is an amazing live band, and the live video and audio recordings do an excellent job of translating that experience for repeat listening.  A solid project in at #8.

Standout Track: "Forsaken"

7.  Jars Of Clay - Closer EP

It's no secret that Jars Of Clay is my favorite band, period, and they land on this list perenially.  All biases aside, though, this 5 track, digital only EP makes a great addition to the Jars library.  It features three new songs which blend the older and newer sounds that the band has had over the years very nicely, as well as reworked (and excellent) versions of two songs from their self-titled debut: "Love Song For A Savior" and "Flood".  Obviously, this is a great little collection for any Jars fan, but it's also a solid addition for anyone who enjoys good music, which puts it squarely at #7.

Standout Track: "Love Song For A Savior (2008)"

6.  Philmont - Oh Snap EP

Let me make one thing very clear: if Philmont had released a full record this year, they would likely have landed even higher on this list.  "Oh Snap" is their major label debut (a 5 song EP), and it has me very excited about what this band will have to offer down the road.  Philmont provides fun, poppy punk while avoiding the shallow lyricism that so often accompanies the style.  Excellent!

Standout Track: "The Difference"

5.  Sixpence None The Richer - My Dear Machine EP

The newly reformed Sixpence released two projects this year: a full-length Christmas record and this EP.  "My Dear Machine" is clearly the standout of the two.  I was never a big Sixpence fan, but these four tracks hooked me from the very first listen.  This band is coming back with a depth that they didn't have in the past, and Leigh Nash's oh-so-recognizable voice has never had better songs to sing.  I'm looking forward to more (non-Christmas) music from this group.

Standout Track: "Sooner Than Later"

4.  Search The City - A Fire So Big The Heavens Can See It

Search The City snuck in under my radar for most of the year.  They had a killer single on the radio: "Clocks And Timepieces", but I never heard anything else about them.  Then, a few weeks ago, their second single came out, a song called "The Rescue" and I was sold.  I downloaded the rest of the album immediately and have been very impressed.  Their music is catchy, but intelligent, and has a musical complexity that you don't usually find in straight ahead modern rock projects.  This is a band to watch for great things, and a solid debut that lands them at #4 on this year's list.

Standout Track: "Clocks And Timepieces"
   

3.  Matthew West - Something To Say

I've been a Matthew West fan since the beginning, but this most recent record captures a new side of this talented singer-songwriter.  There's a quite a story behind it: not long ago, West wasn't sure he'd ever be able to sing again.  I don't know if it's because of that fact or not, but his singing carries a certain urgency to his singing on this project, and his songwriting talent shines through as bright as ever.  This is a record you simply have to own.

Standout Track: "Life Inside You"

2. Ivoryline - There Came A Lion

I've been pumped for this record ever since February, when "Be Still And Breathe" first showed up on the radio.  The album does not disappoint.  Heavy without being too heavy for my tastes, very melodic, and some of the best rock vocals I've heard in quite a while!  Every track is great.  Best rock album of the year hands down and in at #2 on my list.

Standout Track: "Left Us Falling"

1.  Jon Foreman - "Seasons" EPs

Jon's "Spring" and "Summer" EPs came out this year to completel the 4 disc set.  Jon then released "Limbs And Branches", a full-length collection of his favorites from the 4 EPs plus 2 new tracks.  Taking the entire 26 songs together as one package, this is quite possibly the best project I've ever heard.  I'm not a huge Switchfoot fan, but Jon has made some truly wonderful music here, and I can't get enough.  Hopefully there is more to be heard from this frontman.  #1!

Standout Tracks: "Fall" - "My Love Goes Free"                               
                           "Winter" - Learning To Die"                               
                           "Spring" - "Your Love Is Strong"                              
                           "Summer" - "Again"

So there you have it!  My favorites from '08!  Let me know what you think... do you like these?  Do you hate them?  Is there something I'm completely missing out on that I HAVE to listen to (and please don't say Coldplay)?

Check out more set lists on Fred McKinnon's Sunday Set List Project.

Centerpoint Church 12/28/08

Opening Set:
    -Not To Us (Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves)
    -Your Love Is Deep (Dan Collins, Jami Smith, Susanna Bussey)
    -Unashamed Love (Lamont Heibert)

Closing Song:
    -Everlasting God (Glenn Packiam)

We kept things simple this week... familiar music that the team wouldn't have to spend too much time with during Christmas week.  We're also between message series right now (having finished our Advent series on Wednesday night).  Our pastor's message this morning was titled "New Year, Same God", and it was really refreshing.  New Life's "Everlasting God" was a perfect way to close the service.  We also ran a photo slideshow to recap the year that came out really nicely.  Not much else to say today... had to deal with some computer issues before the service again this morning (getting really tired of that!), but no interruptions once we started.  Seems like lots of folks had computer problems today, so at least I know we weren't alone!

Christmas Eve.  A night that often focuses on quiet reflection and meditation.  We talk about the tiny baby born in Bethlehem.  We focus on his innocence.  We sing songs like "Away In A Manger", and, of course, "Silent Night".  But was it a silent night?  I don't think so.  Jesus was born in a stable.  Animals.  Donkeys, Cows, Sheep.  He was laid in a manger.  Hay.  Feed.  Manure.   All is calm?  I hardly think so.  A great choir of the heavenly host came to the shepherds in the fields, proclaiming the good news of the Savior's birth.  I can't imagine what kind of "silent" night that must have been!  The truth is, Christ's entry into this world was not gentle, it was not calm, it was not silent.  It was rude, difficult, dirty, and loud, just like the world He came to redeem.  It was NOT what the world expected for the arrival of the King of Kings, but it was an excellent prelude to the way they would treat Him, the way He would live, and the way He would die.

Do take time this Christmas season for meditation.  Do take time for quiet.  Ponder the mystery of the arrival of God's Son who came to take away the sins of the world.  Wonder at the reality of Emmanuel, God With Us.  But remember why He came.  Remember how He came.  He truly was the Man of Sorrows (or as Rich Mullins so elegantly said it, the "Man of No Reputation"), even from His birth.

I'm going "off grid" for a couple of days to travel for time with my family.  It is my prayer that each of you will be able to do the same.  Treasure the time you have with friends and family, celebrate the arrival and sacrifice of our Savior, and have a blessed Christmas, everyone!

I've been on the road quite a bit the last few weeks.  In fact, I've spent at least one night away from home each week of the last month.  I'll be leaving again on Thursday morning for Christmas with my family.  I've spent a great deal of time traveling these last few years (much of it to camps and camp-related events) and I've grown accustomed to traveling light.  I don't have a lot of stuff anyways, and I don't like to take much of what I do have with me when I go.  That said, there are a few things that are almost ALWAYS with me, especially when I'm on the road.  I've seen a lot of people talking about their Everyday Carry (or "EDC") items lately, so I figured I'd give it a shot... I can think of five things I NEVER travel without:

1.) Bible - I don't read much, but I do try very hard to get into the Word
      every day, no matter where I am.  Right now I'm carrying a small "pocket
      sized" (though I don't think it would fit in any of my pockets) NLT that I've
      had for about 6 years.

2.) Pocket Knife - I have a small Swiss Army Knife that I carry all the time
      (unless I'm in an airport).  It's only got a couple of basic functions (phillips
      and flathead screwdrivers, nailfile, plus the obvious knife), but it has
      proven to be an invaluable tool.  When I travel, I often take a larger SAK
      with several other functions, as well.  Great for gigs as well as "real life".

3.) Flashlight - I've been a bit of a flashlight junkie for some time now.  I
      used to be a die-hard Maglite fan (and the bigger the better, at that!),
      but I recently found the other "flashaholics" (as they call themselves) that
      hang out on CandlePowerForums and had my eyes opened to a whole
      new world of lights.  Through that website, I tracked down a Fenix L0D
      Q4.  This little light is amazingly bright (but has three different brightness
      settings) and only uses one AAA battery.  What a find!  This little wonder
      goes everywhere with me now while the big Mags sit at home.

4.) Cell Phone - This one might seem obvious, but my cell is absolutely my
      lifeline when I'm on the road.  I hate traveling with a laptop, but I'm
      wholly addicted to communication and connection.  I email, Twitter,
      Facebook, read RSS feeds, blog, and do so many other things, all of them
      constantly.  My cell is my way of doing that when I'm not at home with my
      laptop.  Right now I've got a Motorola W385 and a great deal on
      Verizon's MobileWeb service, which in my mind is as good as it gets
      unless you've got an iPhone or one of the other fancy (and way out of my
      price range) new phones out there.  Again, invaluable to me on the road
      (and in everyday life).

5.) MP3 Player - Music is my life (you all know that), and I always have a
      little music with me.  Right now I have a couple little players I sometimes
      carry, none more than 2GB of storage.  Makes me really think about what
      I want to listen to on a trip.

So there you have it.  Not to be cliche, but if I was stranded on a desert island (or just about anywhere else) and could only take a few things - this is what it would be.  90% of the time, all of these items are on my person anyways.  So let me ask you: what are your essential "EDC" items?

As always, this post is part of Fred McKinnon's Sunday Set List Carnival.  You can click here to read more sets from this past Sunday.

Centerpoint Church 12/21/08

Pre-Service
    -God With Us (MercyMe)

Opening Set
    -O Come, All Ye Faithful
    -Your Grace Is Enough (Matt Maher, Chris Tomlin)
    -The First Noel
    -Away In A Manger

Closing Song
    -What Child Is This

We hit the Christmas music full force this week.  As I mentioned in my previous post, I actually really like Christmas music, but haven't done much of it yet this year for a variety of reasons.  This week, we decided it was time.  We opened with MercyMe's "God With Us", which is explicitly a "Christmas" song, but nailed our series theme head on.  We played a pretty straightforward version of "O Come, All Ye Faithful" and repeated "Your Grace Is Enough" from last week.  Then things got fun... I worked up a new arrangement this week of "The First Noel" which included the tune of "Away In A Manger" and then flowed into that song (with a key change, of course :-P )  We had a little trouble getting it started (had to switch out a mic), but once we got it going, the band nailed it and it sounded great.  Hopefully we've worked out all of these technical things (as one guy told me after church - "seems like you should be good for a while with equipment problems after these last few weeks")  We closed with a very upbeat version of "What Child Is This". 

This was the third week in our "Searching For More Than Santa" series (which ends Wednesday evening at our Christmas Eve service) and we used another of our Jesus vs. Santa (think Mac vs. PC) "ads" - our congregation has really responded well to these clips, and they've done a great job of setting the scene for our pastor's messages.

We're switching gears a little bit and going with a very intimate, scaled back approach, which should sit in a nice contrast to yesterday's service (at least that's what I'm hoping)... challenging though, since every song we're doing that night required a new arrangement from me!  But more on that later this week...

I've read a lot of strange news.  But this might take the cake:

NEW YORK (AP) – Burger King has launched a new men's body spray called "Flame," which it describes as "the scent of seduction with a hint of flame-broiled meat." The fast food chain is marketing the product through a Web site featuring a photo of its King character reclining fireside and naked, except for an animal fur strategically placed to not offend.

Now don't get me wrong, I love Burger King.  In fact, Burger King is some of my favorite food on the planet... but this has to be one of the strangest things I've ever heard of!  Just because it tastes good doesn't mean I want to smell like the stuff!  What do you think?

I suppose this comes up every year, but this year it seems to be an even more hotly debated issue: Christmas music.  A lot of us music and worship folks who are on the more contemporary end of things have trouble with how much and what kind of Christmas music to use in our Advent worship services.  A lot of folks have shared their opinions in interesting ways this season, and while the world probably doesn't really need my 2 cents on this... I'm going to throw them in the fountain anyways:

First off, I should say that I love Christmas music.  It holds a special place in my musical heart, and I'm careful to protect that (I refuse to listen to it except in the period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve).  It's on pretty much nonstop at our house at this time of year.  That said, I don't usually program a ton of Christmas tunes for worship during Advent.  Why?  Because they don't fit the thematic and stylistic elements of our services.  Christmas tunes tend to be very horizontal, story-telling types of songs, and on top of that, the story that the vast majority of them are telling doesn't take place until Christmas Eve.  I also find that Christmas tunes can also be tough to reinterpret musically, not so much because they're hard to work with, but because the folks in the seats on Sundays have a very specific way that they've heard them all their lives.  It's hard to break away from that.  Last Sunday we did Third Day's rather raucous version of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel", but that's all I've done so far this year.

Having said all of that - this Sunday I'll be doing an almost all Christmas set.  Christmas Eve will obviously be the same.  We'll be playing fairly traditional, straightforward arrangements, and that's ok.  Because now it's time to tell the story.  It's a story that was and is as simple as it is profound, and I see nothing wrong with pulling out the acoustic guitars and pianos and ukuleles (yeah, I said it!) and telling that story simply.  I'm really excited for what we have planned for this week, and I think we've found ways to present these old songs that will keep them fresh for folks, without losing the qualities that have always made them so endearing.  And that's the fine line we as church musicians walk: respecting the past while shaping the future.