Jon Foreman – Summer

Jon Foreman’s fourth and final EP in his solo project, Summer, was released yesterday. As with the previous EP’s Fall, Winter, and Spring, this album is chock full of soulful reflection.

1. A Mirror Is Harder to Hold

“I could try to point the finger but the glass points in my direction.”

2. Resurrect Me

“I’ve become an empty shell of a man I liked so well.”

3. Deep In Your Eyes

“There’s a river in my veins. It’s been looking for you.”

4. Instead of a Show

“Quit playing religion games. There’s blood on your hands.”

5. The House of God Forever

“God is my Shepherd. I won’t be wanting.”

6. Again

“You are God of the present tense.”

I’ve really enjoyed this side project by Jon. Summer could be the best of the four when it’s all said and done. After listening through a few times I really enjoy the flow. Every track has a feel of its own. Resurrect Me might be my favorite of the entire project with its uptempo feel. It could easily be on a Switchfoot album. And the final song of the final EP, Again, wraps it all up beautifully as we are “turning our hearts back You, again.” The only thing that feels awkward is the fifth track, Instead of a Show. But then again, I’m not sure it would feel comfortable in any lineup.

As a matter of fact, let’s use that song as a catalyst for your opportunity to own this EP for FREE. Leave me a comment with your feelings on Instead of a Show. You can listen to and read the lyrics here. On Monday night I’ll chose a random comment and mail you your own copy of Summer.

Filed under: Jon Foreman, Lyrics, Music, Reviews, Switchfoot

Friday Quickies

1. I’ve completed the 2007 Mud Puppy Media Consumption List. I went ahead and added concerts too, just for fun. That project was well worth the effort! 2008 won’t be so tough though, since I’ll be starting from day one.

2. Download Jon Foreman’s song The Cure for Pain FREE, courtesy of Zune, here. It’s from his new Fall EP. (ht: Driveby Media)

**UPDATE**
3. Looks like the Mud Puppy just scored a ticket and backstage pass to THIS!!! (Courtesy of Roy Mitchell-Cárdenas!)

Filed under: Books, Concerts, Jon Foreman, Media, Movies, Music

The Music of 2007

Here’s a quick recap of the music that rocked my face off this year.

Mute Math — Their self-titled album didn’t come out in 2007, but they’ve been the number one thing reverberating through my ears this year. I’ve been lucky enough to see them live thrice, with a very real possibility of getting on the guest list for their show on December 17. Their new album can’t come out quick enough!

The Cinematics — I discovered these guys when they opened for Mute Math earlier this year. Since then they shot up to one of my favorite bands. Their first album, A Strange Education, is great from top to bottom. I really hope they get huge because I’d love to say I was there when it all started. Do yourself a huge favor and go buy their album!

Robbie Seay Band — These guys have been around for awhile, but it wasn’t until the free download of their newest release, Give Yourself Away, that I became a huge fan. I can honestly say that this is one of the best CCM albums I own. And that’s saying a lot coming from me.

Lifehouse —  Jason kept pumping us up about the impending release of Who We Are. So much so that you’d expect a let down. Well, not only was I not let down, but like Lebron James exceeded the hype in Cleveland, this new album is amazingly better than expected.

Here are a few things to look out for in 2008.

Jon Foreman — Jon has been releasing some softer solo stuff on EP’s recently, with plans for a couple more. I’m waiting for the entire album but, from the stuff I’ve heard so far, this stuff will be getting heavy rotation on my iTunes.

Northern Room — Accidentally discovered this group last week and I’m loving what I’m hearing. The similarities to Switchfoot are eery. I can see these guys taking off quickly! There’s very little out there on them now, but check out The Blah Blah for a little history.

Renovaudio — My boy Blake just returned from a recording session in Nashville. They’re working with a guy that helped produce Mute Math. As a matter of fact, Roy Mitchell-Cárdenas played bass for them while they were recording. Blake said their new stuff has strong influences from Muse. I expect huge things from these guys in the not too distant future.

Filed under: Jon Foreman, Lifehouse, Music, Mute Math, Northern Room, Renovaudio, Robbie Seay Band, Switchfoot, The Cinematics