Extra Wednesday Update!

Okay...So there I was checking my Facebook page when all of the sudden a friend tracked down Relient K's upcoming album "Forget and Not Slow Down" available as a stream at AbsolutePunk.net

That said...If you're interested to hear what the upcoming album sounds like, HIT THIS LINK!

You can't download any of it, but you can at least listen through the album free. Oh...Only catch, you do need a free account. I signed up...Took a listen. Fun stuff. Not bad. Need more time with it, since even at the end of this post I haven't made it through the first song all the way through!

GO! Listen...Enjoy!

~j
themusictest@gmail.com

Ahh...Testing Results! Yippie!

I like Wednesday's. It's the middle of the week, which means we ride down the proverbial "Thursday/Friday" hill, right on into the weekend, AND, once in a while, I have Music Test results to mull over...Today's Wednesday is one of those days!

Here are the Top 5's from the most recent test:

(Filtered)

1. Skillet - "Hero"
2. FM Static - "Take Me As I Am"
3. The Afters - "Ocean Wide"
4. Fireflight - "Unbreakable"
5. NeedtoBreathe - "Lay 'em Down"

(Non-Filtered)

1. Fireflight - "Unbreakable"
2. NeedtoBreathe - "Lay 'em Down"
3. FM Static - "Take Me As I Am"
4. The Afters - "Ocean Wide"
5. Skillet - "Hero"

What I found interesting is that they're the same 5 songs, just in a different order. However...There was one consistency...The lowest testing song. Yes, this lowest testing song, has actually been the lowest testing song for a couple of weeks now, so...That means it's time to shelve it for a while. Which one is it?

Group1Crew - "Movin'"

Sorry guys...Would love to keep your high energy around, but I need to 'rest' you for a while so people don't get completely burned on you.

Now...That opens up a slot in my Total Axxess/CHR song category...Who is the lucky winner to fill that slot?

Sanctus Real - "Forgiven"

Solid song...I think you'll really enjoy it. It'll make it's debut during Total Axxess on Friday. Listen for it...Get to know it, because soon, it'll show up in a Music Test and I'll need to know what you think!

Also...Yesterday I set aside some time with the latest Shane & Shane song, "My Hope is Built". It's okay. I'm not in love with it yet, nor am I convinced that you'd love it on Total Axxess either. So...We'll see. I'll spend more time with it and see where it goes!

As I wrap things up for today...I showed up this morning with a note on my desk about an upcoming concert that you might be interested in:

Matthew West
The Motions Tour wsg. Josh Wilson
Sunday, November 1st @ 6:30p
(Doors open @ 5:30p)
Olivet Evangelical Free Church - Muskegon, Mi
Tickets available through iTickets.com
VIP Meet 'n Greet Ticket packages also available.
More details at: UnityChristianEvents.com

*Note: Little known fact about Matthew West. My wife, Annie, went to school with him. She calls him "Matt" West. Fun!

Well...That's it for today. Have a good one!

~j
themusictest@gmail.com

New Releases!

Ha...Once again it's Tuesday, which means new music. HOWEVER...today's another dud. Nothing really notable to pass along...BUT...NEXT WEEK is going to bring a whole bunch of new music. To get you ready, let's talk about some of it!

Here's the 'trimmed down' list:

• WOW HITS 2010 CD/DVD
• Relient K - "Forget and Not Slow Down"
• Chris Tomlin - "Glory in the Highest: Christmas Songs of Worship"
• Todd Agnew - "Need"
• Fee - "Hope Rising"
• Downhere - "How Many Kings: Songs for Christmas"

That's just the biggies!

Now..Because he recently visited the station, and last week he gave away the first single from his new album as a Free Download, I thought I'd highlight Todd Agnew's - "Need" album that releases next week.

NewReleaseTuesday.com will have Todd's entire album available for previewing all this week for free*. Here's the link!

*Must be a NRTeam Member...which is free as well.

As I look to the Music Test's inbox, I received notification that Shane & Shane have a new song coming out for radio called, "My Hope Is Built". They want me to listen to it, so I'll give it a spin and let you know my thoughts.

In the meantime, might I suggest that you track down your all time favorite album, listen to it, and suggest one song from it to me. Send me your suggestion at: themusictest@gmail.com! Do it...Please?! I'm always interested in new music!

~j
themusictest@gmail.com

Results and more 'Behind the Scenes'!

Okay...So middle of the week last week, I put together a little "Battle of the Songs". The two songs up for the fight were, Kutless - "What Faith Can Do" and Phil Stacey - "You're Not Shaken". The result...Kutless came out swinging as the winner with 80% of the votes. Sorry Phil.

We'll try that whole "Battle of the Songs" thing again...I think it's fun!

Anyway...Also recently...Someone suggested I take a listen to VOTA's - "Honestly". I've spent more time with it and it gets better each and every time I listen to it! I posted a YouTube video with the song, but today, I'd like to post a YouTube video to give you a "Behind the Song" outlook. Here you go!

While were at it...Building 429, who is currently on tour with Todd Agnew, has a new radio hit out there called, "Overcome". I've been listening to it, and it's growing on me. Here's Jason from Building 429, giving a little insight into the song.

Thanks Jason, we appreciate your time!

Well...Let's see...I guess I'll wrap up for today...take care of yourself (and others), and if you have any music suggestions...Let me know!

~j
themusictest@gmail.com

Headline Makers...

A little short on the news side of things...So...I'll give you a link for another FREE song download!

A Tree vs. Addison Road's Van

Driving back to their managers house earlier this week, Addison Road was coming around a blind curve, when to their surprise, there was a huge tree that had just fallen across the road. There were only two in the van at the time of the crash, no injuries, just a crumpled van. Now Addison Road faces the challenge of finding reliable transportation as they get ready to hit the road with Sanctus Real next week.

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Top 5 Albums of the Week

1. Skillet - "Awake"
2. Thousand Foot Krutch - "Welcome to the Masquerade"
3. NeedtoBreathe - "The Outsiders"
4. Barlow Girl - "Love & War"
5. Selah - "You Deliver Me"

###

We'll wrap today's post up with another FREE song download. The only catch is that you do need to sign up to be a member of the web site, but it's a good web site to be a part of, and each and every Tuesday, they give out a FREE song download...So that's worth it right?

Anyway...This past Tuesday's FREE song download at NewReleaseTuesday.com is David Crowder* Band - "How He Loves".

Yesterday I shared a 'behind the scenes' video about the song...Now you can download it FREE...HERE!

~j
themusictest@gmail.com

FREE Music again, behind the scenes...and...a little more

FREE music seems to be popular this week! So...Without much delay...Here's another FREE download for you:

Phil Wickham - "Eden"
(Right-Click and Save)

Okay, so...Earlier this week, Tuesday, David Crowder* Band released a new album entitled, "Church Music". On this new album, you can find their upcoming radio hit, "How He Loves"...it's track #10. Anyway...I guess it was originally written by John Mark McMillan. The story behind the song seemed pretty amazing, and it'd be a shame if I didn't share it with you today. So...Here's a kind of 'behind the scenes' of "How He Loves".
UPDATE: YouTube Video has been removed due to copyright issues. Sorry. 9/29/09
Good Stuff huh?

I've got one more thing to share with you, since it kind of fits the mood after watching that YouTube video. Every once in a while...maybe once a week...I get a devotion in my email. It's not a standard, read this and reference the Bible, kind of devotion, it's all based around the a song that I may be listening to. Check out the most recent devo I received:

Song:
"Hero" by Skillet

Lyrics:
"I need a hero, to save my life.
A hero'll save me, Just in Time."

Devo:
Have you ever seen a good superhero movie? What happens? The heroine gets kidnapped or caught in a very dangerous situation with the bad guys, and the superhero swoops in at just the right moment to rescue her. Have you ever felt like the heroine, standing on the edge of a cliff, just waiting for someone to come and save you?

Sometimes it feels like God plays the part of a superhero. Sometimes we walk into dangerous situations, sometimes bad things happen to us, but he allows us to go just so far. He allows us to get to the point where all we can do is rely on him. But we find out that instead of swooping in at the last second, he was really there all the time. When we were standing on the cliff, he had his hand on our back, holding us up until it was the right time for him to fix the situation.

Scripture:
Psalm 138:7-8 - "Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me. The Lord will work out his plans for my life - for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don't abandon men, for you made me."

~j
themusictest@gmail.com

Which one?

In an effort to be more engaging with those of you actually viewing this blog, I thought I put together a little "Battle of the Songs" for you to choose your favorite. So...Without further delay...Here are the candidates:

Candidate #1: Kutless - "What Faith Can Do"



Candidate #2: Phil Stacey - "You're Not Shaken"



There they are...now...for the voting. After listening to the songs...Just head HERE and "Click to Vote!"

Oh...and I disabled the results, so...That means you won't know which one's winning. That's a secret for the time being. I'll reveal the results soon!

I'll be putting together a new Music Test, so next week we'll have I'll have some results to share, but I thought in the mean time, having two songs duke it out would be fun! Enjoy!

~j
themusictest@gmail.com

New Releases!

It's Tuesday...and that means, New Music is to be found at your favorite music retailer! Here are some to look for!

David Crowder* Band - "Church Music"

Hawk Nelson - "Live Life Loud"

KJ-52 - "Five-Two Television"

Lincoln Brewster - "Today is the Day" CD/DVD

Matt Maher - "Alive Again"

Pillar - "Confessions"

and finally...for those of you looking for Christmas music...

Big Daddy Weave - "Christ is Come"

Moving on...Yesterday I provided a link that gave you some Free music. Let's keep milking this gravy train! Here's a link for 4 FREE songs from B.Reith! What?! You've never heard of him...Well there's no better way to find out more about him than listening to his music. So...Hit up the link for 4 FREE song downloads via Amazon.com. Let's just say if you like tobyMac, KJ-52, or even Jason Mraz, you'll be in good company!

B.Reith - "Now and Forever" EP

Well...I think that about does it for today! Enjoy the FREE music! As always...If you have an Artist/Song suggestion, send 'em my way!

~j
themusictest@gmail.com

Free Music? Sure!

Happy Monday...First and foremost.

Second...How about some free music? That's unheard of nowadays! Well...at least that's what we think, but apparently that's not the case:

You go Todd Agnew! Way to do things just a little differently!

Alright...Now that the cool free song is out of the way...What else can I talk about? Hmm. What about a little "Behind the Music"? Coming this November, Phil Wickham will be releasing a new album, "Heaven and Earth". That new album will feature a song, "Safe" that not only has the talents of Phil Wickham, but also Bart Millard from MercyMe! Let's learn a little more about the song...

I think that can conclude today. Well...Unless of course I run across something that just can't wait until tomorrow. Speaking of tomorrow...New Releases break tomorrow! Fun stuff! Have a great day.

~j
themusictest@gmail.com

Headline makers...

Yep...it's Friday. Time to take a look and see who's making news!

Kirk Franklin Caught Up in Uganda Riots

Gospel artist Kirk Franklin was caught up in riots in Kampala, Uganda on September 10th after leaving the home of the Ugandan Vice President. The riot started around midday when civilians fought with security operatives. Franklin had just paid the Vice President a courtesy call ahead of his show at Nakivubo Stadium. The fleet of cars, in which Franklin was traveling, was forced to seek refuge at a nearby police station.

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WOW Hits 2010 is Coming

October 6th. That's the release date for WOW Hits 2010! With (7) #1's, (11) Top 5, and (3) Top 10 Christian radio songs, WOW Hits 2010 marks the 15th two-disc release of the platinum-selling series. Here's what you can expect to hear:

Disc 1:

• The Motions - Matthew West
• There Will Be A Day - Jeremy Camp
• Slow Fade - Casting Crowns
• I Will Rise - Chris Tomlin
• I Will Not Be Moved - Natalie Grant
• In the Hands of God - Newsboys
• Wait and See - Brandon Heath
• A New Hallelujah - Michael W. Smith
• Yours - Steven Curtis Chapman
• My Deliverer - Mandisa
• How He Loves - David Crowder* Band
• What Life Would Be Like - Big Daddy Weave
• He Is - Mark Schultz
• You're Not Shaken - Phil Stacey

Disc 2:

• City on our Knees - tobyMac
• Revelation - Third Day
• Free to Be Me - Francesca Battistelli
• By Your Side - Tenth Avenue North
• The Lost Get Found - Britt Nicole
• Keys to the Kingdom - Group1Crew
• Beautiful Ending - Barlow Girl
• Whatever You're Doing - Sanctus Real
• The Meaning of Life - Hawk Nelson
• Two Hands - Jars of Clay
• All Along - Remedy Drive
• Forever - Fireflight
• Forgiven and Loved - Jimmy Needham

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Top 5 Selling Albums (as of 9-13-09)

1. Skillet - "Awake"
2. Thousand Foot Krutch - "Welcome to the Masquerade"
3. Barlow Girl - "Love & War"
4. NeedtoBreathe - "The Outsiders"
5. Tenth Avenue North - "Over & Underneath"

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New Releases for Tuesday, September 22nd

• Pillar - "Confessions"
• Big Daddy Weave - "Christ is Come" (Christmas)
• Steven Curtis Chapman - "Heaven is the Face" (Single)
• David Crowder* Band - "Church Music"
• Hawk Nelson - "Live Life Loud"
• KJ-52 - "Five Two Television"
• Lincoln Brewster - "Today is the Day" CD/DVD
• Matt Maher - "Alive Again"

###

That's it for this week. Tune in next time when...uh...we talk about more music!

~j

themusictest@gmail.com

What I'm listening to...

Each and every Thursday...so far...on this blog I recap what I've been listening to all week and rate each one's chance of being played (as a percentage). So...Here's this week's list.

1. Kutless - "What Faith Can Do" - 80%
2. Chasen - "On and On" - 80%
3. Phil Stacey - "You're Not Shaken" - 75%
4. Mikeschair - "Can't Take Away" - 75%
5. VOTA - "Honestly" 70%
6. Sanctus Real - "Forgiven" - 70%
7. Remedy Drive - "Heartbeat" - 65%
8. Building 429 - "Overcome" - 60%
9. Robbie Seay Band - "Miracle" - 60%
10. Mikeschair - "Let the Waters Rise" - 60%

I've gotten a little more 'scientific' with this whole process. Here's what I do. I load these songs into iTunes as a playlist and listen through the playlist a couple times each day. Then as they play...I alter the percent, effectively refining my choices each and every day. Also...I've added several songs in the last week.

One last thing...You'll noticed that I now have an email account. This is for whatever you want it to be. Email song suggestions, event information, etc. Just keep it clean please.

Thanks!

~j
themusictest@gmail.com

Test Results and more!

Alright...Good 'ole Wednesday...The day when Music Test's finish up. Here are last time's results:

1. The Fray - "You Found Me"
2. Bluetree - "God of this City"
3. Fireflight - "Unbreakable"
4. FM Static - "Take Me As I Am"
5. The Afters - "Ocean Wide"

And this week's results:

1. The Fray - "You Found Me"
2. Fireflight - "Unbreakable"
3. Skillet - "Hero"
4. FM Static - "Take Me As I Am"
5. NeedtoBreathe - "Lay 'em Down"

Note...Bluetree - "God of this City" was removed from the test due to being moved into regular rotation. The next test will not consist of The Fray - "You Found Me" because of the same situation. In face...Just in case I didn't mention it, Barlow Girl - "Beautiful Ending" ended up dropping into Total Axxess this week, so you should see that in the next test.

Moving away from testing for the moment, had a fellow radio dude suggest that everyone (including me) take a listen to VOTA* - "Honestly". *VOTA...Formally known as Casting Pearls. I took a listen...and 'honestly'...I like it. I don't love it...yet...but it's still a very solid song. One of the things that sticks out most is the fact that there are no drums in the song. It's a little slower and more of a ballad, but it's solid and very pleasant to listen to. The message is also solid.

Here...Take a listen. Someone posted the song with lyrics up on YouTube:

(I did not put this video together, and there are typos...Sorry.)

If you'd like to see/hear a live version...Here's the link to VOTA performing it live!

Outside of that...Not much else to share. As always...Pass your suggestions on, I'd love to hear what you like listening to!

~j

New Releases...

One word...Blah. No notable New Releases this week, sorry. If you disagree, please let me know. On that note...Someone did pass along a song suggestion:

Mikeschair - "Let the Waters Rise"

Here are my thoughts:

• Although slower and more 'balady' than "Can't take Away", the audio picture that this song paints is full.
• Closing my eyes I can picture a Church...not mine...with the band up front and the congregation singing along praising to their hearts content.
• The chorus is strong, but not catchy enough for me to love it on the first couple of listens...that aside...it's still a good chorus.
  
• Question...Does it fit my station? Need more time with it. Gut reaction...I think it could fit with Total Axxess, but not necessarily the rest of the day. We'll see where time take us.
  

If you'd like to hear what I heard and maybe pull something else out...Here's a YouTube video someone put together featuring the song:

Thanks to Charles for today's suggestion of Mikeschair - "Let the Waters Rise"! Remember...If you have a music suggestion, give me a shout and let me know. Up next to review...Building 429 - "Overcome"...That's tomorrow.

~j

Someone just shared this with me...

Skillet - "Hero"

*Love the pyrotechnics by the way.

~j

"Mess"in' around...

Weekend's over. Mine was good, how was yours? I had some quality time with family, friends, and even the golf course. I even got a little sun too. My wife wasn't too happy with me, she's always telling me to put on sunscreen. I don't like the way it feels on my skin. Funny non-music related story.

Went to the skin doctor once, I told the 'nurse' that I didn't like how sunscreen feels on my skin and she asked me if I like the feel of skin cancer. Hmm...Not the best customer service I ever received, but I guess she's right.

Moving on to music...

I closed out last week with some "Headline makers...", well Switchfoot was one of those, talking about their upcoming album, "Hello Hurricane" that's releasing in the next month in a half or so. Well, after doing some browsing around on Facebook and the internets, yes I say internets...it's funny that way, I ran across Switchfoot's new single off of that album, "Mess of Me", check it out:

Not bad guys...Not bad. Can't wait to head what else you have to share with this new album.

What else is going on...Tomorrow is "New Release Tuesday", but sadly...nothing great is coming up, so I'll have to find some other fun things to talk about. If you have ideas of some things you'd like to see me cover on this wonderful blog, let me know. Oh...and as always, if you have some music you'd like me to listen to...Send it my way! I'll always give it a courtesy spin!

That's all for today, make it a good Monday!

~j

Check this out...

Someone passed this along via Twitter...It's a live version of Bluetree's - "God of this City", I'm assuming done by the P&W team at this Church. Nicely done guys!

~j

Headline makers...

Here is what's making news this week:

Say, "Hello!" to "Hello Hurricane" this November

Switchfoot it set to release their 7th full-length album, "Hello Hurricane" on November 10th. It's the first studio album since 2006's "Oh! Gravity". Frontman Jon Foreman views the album as 'a new beginning', allowing the band to depart from the past and build on Switchfoot's foundation puctuated by hard-hitting instrumentation and soaring choruses, elevating the music to a new level.

"Hello Hurricane acknowledges the storms that tear through our lives," said Foreman. "This album is an attempt to respond to those storms with an element of hope, trying to understand what it means to be hopeful in a world that keeps on spinning."

Side note: Switchfood will be opening for my all time favorite band, Dave Matthews Band, this Saturday and Sunday in Southern California.

###

Top 5 Albums of the Week:

1. Skillet - "Awake"
2. NeedtoBreathe - "The Outsiders"
3. Mark Schultz - "Come Alive"
4. Selah - "You Deliver Me"
5. Leeland - "Love is on the Move"

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Vote for your Favorite Music Video

The nomination section (phase 1) for the 2009 Gospel Music Channel Video Awards is already underway, and continues through Thursday, October 8th. Visit GMC's website: GospelMusicChannel.com/gmcva and select your Top 6 videos per category from a list of eligible nominees. The six videos that receive the most votes in each category will then become the 2009 GMCVA nominees and will air on the Gospel Music Channel periodically.

Phase 2 voting, where viewers choose the winning videos in each of the seven genre categories, will begin on Monday, October 19th and will continue through Friday, November 13th. So hurry and pick your favorites!

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New Christmas song debuting in Video

It's not too early to talk Christmas Music right? Well...The upcoming holiday release of "VeggieTales: Saint Nicholas - A Story of Joyful Giving" will exclusively feature "Give This Christmas Away", a song written by Matthew West and sung by Amy Grant.

The song is actually already available online at BigIdea.com or SamaritansPurse.org/OCC

###

That's the news.

~j

Kind of on topic...

Okay...So yeah...I'm not only a D.J., Web Dude, and Music Guy, but I'm also a dad. Out of those 4 things...Being a dad is my favorite. That said...I got a little choked up after watching/listening to the latest song from Steven Curtis Chapman:

Love you Emerson! Hope you have a great day celebrating being 11 months old today!

See...Kind of on topic for music. Now...Here's what I'm listening to this week:

• BarlowGirl - "Beautiful Ending" (90%)
• Chasen - "On and On" (80%)
• Phil Stacey - "You're Not Shaken" (75%)
  
• Above the Golden State - "I Am Loved" (60%)
• Mike's Chair - "Can't Take Away" (75%) By recommendation.

Remember...Those percentages are my gut feelings about that song's potential during Total Axxess on JQ99. If you take that and combine it with the most recent test results, here's what's coming your way.

Testing showed that The Fray - "You Found Me" was huge all over the place. So...It filters into the rest of the day, now allowing me to add a new song for the Total Axxess part of the day. Filling that slot...BarlowGirl - "Beautiful Ending". A couple weeks on the charts and it's Top 15, it's also a really solid tune, check it out when you get a chance!

And finally...Categorize this under "F" for "Fun". Ever wonder why birds sit on telephone wires in the way they do? Here's the answer...They're composers!

That's all for today!

~j

iPhone Apps!

I'm a Mac. I haven't always been a Mac...but I have been for a number of years now. Over those years I have developed a Mac "Fan-Boy" attitude. As such...I own an iPhone and I love it. It's an AMAZING tool.

That said, the other day I was on an 'App' called "Pandora Box". No this "Pandora" the music genome project..."Pandora Box" is an 'App' that tracks the new 'Apps' that land on the 'App' Store...Free and otherwise.

As I was perusing the free 'apps' I ran across a SLEW of Christian Music Artist 'apps' that I thought I would bring to your attention, in the event that you to, have some Mac "Fan-Boy" tendencies.

Here's the list of ones I found:

• Addison Road
• Brandon Heath
• Casting Crowns
• Fireflight
• Jars of Clay
• Leeland
• Lincoln Brewster
• Matthew West
• Michael W. Smith
• Paul Baloche
• Phil Stacey
• Pillar
• Tal & Acacia
• and Tenth Avenue North

I've conveniently collected them and displayed them in "Mac-Fashion" on the right side of the blog...Check it out! (I will try and update as often as possible, so check back!)

Oh...There's currently a new Music Test available on JQ Family Rewards that's going to town, I think there's some change in the wind, but I'll share that with you in the days ahead. For the time being...Enjoy the apps and have a great day!

~j

New Releases and MORE!

Here are your New Release for today!

Barlow Girl - "Love & War"

Thousand Foot Krutch - "Welcome to the Masquerade"

Bethany Dillon - "Stop & Listen"

Also...To make up for yesterday's lack of posting because of the holiday, here's some entertaining stuff.

Remember a couple of posts ago I mentioned a song, "On and On" by a group called Chasen? Well...Here's a short little video from Chasen just sharing a little bit of background about the song:


"The Music Test" blog is on Facebook and Twitter. Chances are you are too. Well...We aren't the only ones, so I spent some time collecting Artist Facebook & Twitter links so you don't have to do the digging. What I'll do, is every time I talk about an artist, I'll make sure to update the list. The list can be found over on the right side of the blog...It's the section with all the blue "t's" and "f's".

And...Finally...Categorize this stuff in the FYI department:

• Big Daddy Weave are finishing up their Christmas record.
• Chris Tomlin's first Christmas record, "Glory in the Highest" will release October 6th.
  
• Jonny Diaz's brother is the left fielder for the Atlanta Braves.
• and...Third Day will be inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame on September 19th.
  

That's it for today!

~j

Labor Day...

This is as much of a post as you're going to get on a Holiday. I'll post more tomorrow. Check back!

~j

Headline makers...

Here's what is making news today...

Relient K Announces New CD

Coming up on October 6th, Relient K will ask fans to "Forget and Not Slow Down", the name up their upcoming album. Here's what Guitarist Matt Hoopes had to say,

"The songs that tend to be the fan favorites in the past are the ones about making mistakes but ultimately moving past them, and this record has a lot of that feeling. No matter what trials and tribulation you encounter in your life, it doesn't have to be the end of your story. You can move on and be happy and experience joy."

Lead singer Matt Thiessen retreated to a remote house in Winchester, TN for months of isolation, while writing material for "Forget and Not Slow Down". During his retreat, Thiessen stayed in contact with the rest of the band, sharing song ideas and planning out the direction of the album.

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Downhere Racked Up Nominations Up North

Canadian 4-man group Downhere racked up a leading 11 Covenant Award Nominations for 2009 from the Gospel Music Association of Canada. The 31st Annual Covenant Awards will be handed out on October 23rd. Among their nominations:

• Album of the Year
• Artist of the Year
• Group of the Year
• Recorded Song of the Year
• Song of the Year
• Seasonal Song of the Year - "How Many Kings"
• Rock Song of the Year - "My Last Amen"
• Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year - "Ending is Beginning"
• Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year - "Here I Am"
• Modern Worship Song of the Year - "Live For You"
• Inspirational Song of the Year - "The Beggar Who Gives Alms"

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Here's the Top 10 Selling Christian Music CD's
(week ending August 30th)

1. Skillet - "Awake"
2. NeedtoBreate - "The Outsiders"
3. Mark Schultz - "Come Alive"
4. Selah - "You Deliver Me"
5. J Moss - "Just James"
6. Leeland - "Love is on the Move"
7. James Roberson - "Everybody Dance"
8. Hillsong - "Faith+Hope+Love"
9. Oh, Sleeper - "Son of the Morning"
10. Vickie Winans - "How I Got Over"

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New Music for Tuesday, September 8th

• Barlow Girl - "Love & War"
• Thousand Foot Krutch - "Welcome to the Masquerade"
• Bethany Dillon - "Stop & Listen"

###

~j

What I'm listening to...

Sorry about the delay in yesterday's post...Forgot to click the "Publish Post" button before closing out the browser. Oops!

Here's what I'm listening to this week.

• Chasen - "On and On" (80%)
• Kutless - "What Faith Can Do" (80%)
• Phil Stacey - "You're Not Shaken" (70%)
• Sanctus Real - "Forgiven" (70%)
• Robbie Seay Band - "Miracle" (70%)
• Barlow Girl - "Beautiful Ending" (70%)
• Remedy Drive - "Heartbeat" (65%)

Those percentages by the way indicate the chance that particular song has of being played on Total Axxess, in my humble opinion. However...As always, I leave it to the Test Results! Now...Not all of the songs I'm listening to this week were tested, only Chasen. I'll be filtering in the others over the coming weeks.

By the way...If you have a suggestion of a song/album/whatever, for me to listen to, leave me a comment with details!

~j

Test Results!

Last week's Total Axxess Music Test provided me with the following Top 5 Testing Songs:

1. The Fray - "You Found Me"
2. Bluetree - "God of This City"
3. Fireflight - "Unbreakable"
4. The Afters - "Ocean Wide"
5. FM Static - "Take Me As I Am"

This week, here are the Top 5 Testing Songs:

1. The Fray - "You Found Me"
2. Bluetree - "God of This City"
3. Fireflight - "Unbreakable"
4. FM Static - "Take Me As I Am"
5. The Afters - "Ocean Wide"

So...FM Static and The Afters switch spots...Still...Last week's Top 5 Testing Songs hold on for another week!

~j

New Release!

Happy Tuesday!

It's always good when a Tuesday rolls around, because that means NEW MUSIC! Here's a couple of notable albums worth picking up when you get a chance:

Jason Gray - "Everything Sad is Coming Untrue"

Derek Webb - "Stockholm Syndrome"

That's it...Kind of a quiet New Release Tuesday.

Oh...Read this little blurb from someone asking Phil Wickham a bunch of questions, thought it was entertaining and worth sharing, so...Here you go!

Q&A with Phil Wickham:

What's the most played song on your iPod? "Use Somebody" by Kings of Leon

What are you reading right now? "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn

Your favorite summertime activity? Going to the beach!

What sports teams do you root for? The San Diego Chargers when they are in the playoffs.

What's your go to Starbucks order? A grande coffee.

Your favorite Bible verse? Revelation 21-22

What's the name of your new album and when does it come out? It's called "Heaven & Earth," and it releases Nov. 17.

If you weren't a musician, what would you be? A backup dancer for TobyMac

Do you twitter? Yup! Follow me @philwickham

That's it for today. Short and Sweet!

~j