As many of you know, I’m usually into the more aggressive music. This applies to Christmas Music as well. Which is why August Burns Red’s version of “Carol of the Bells” is my favorite Christmas song. However, after watching the movie Fred Claus (which is a great relatively-unknown Christmas movie) with my wife three times this past week (yes, you read that right), I’m hooked on very mellow version of Silent Night. It is from Sinéad O’Connor and it is definitely not my normal style. But it is absolutely perfect for this song. Here’s my recommendation to get you in the Christmas spirit: download this song, put some headphones on, and close your eyes for three minutes and forty-two seconds of pure beauty.
Great New Christmas Music
Alright, I’ve waited till December to post this because I know how many Scrooges there are out there that seem to go into muscle spasms if they hear Christmas music in November. Here are a couple of new (at least to me) Christmas albums that I’ve picked up this year that I am really enjoying:
The Best of Ho! Ho! Hoey! – Gary Hoey

Glory in the Highest – Shane and Shane

The Fray – Amazing New Song!
I was able to hear a few songs of the Fray’s new album last April as they were recording it. One of the songs, which is now their first single off the album, actually brought me to tears as I heard them play it. It is a song called “You Found Me” and describes a scenario where the singer runs into God in the street and what he says to him. I immediately connected with this song and I’m so glad it is now out on recording. The album isn’t available yet but you can download the song I’m referring to by clicking here.
If you’ve ever had a hard time connecting with “happy” worship music and longed for something that expressed the pain and struggle of life, you’ll love this.
Backstage at the Underoath Concert
Yesterday, one of my friends hooked me up with backstage passes so I was able to see my favorite band play from onstage. Underoath, or “Bloodoath” as my friend Paul calls them, was playing at the Mayhem tour. It was pretty amazing. Even though I almost died of heat-stroke at one point, it was totally worth it to stand on stage with them as they rocked it out.


Brandon Heath at Third Format
Last Sunday night we brought in Brandon Heath to lead worship for 3F and then play a concert afterward. I had seen him once before and listened to his CD (my wife is a big fan) but he totally exceeded my expectations. Not only did he play an hour and a half concert after the service, but he is also a tremendously cool guy. Very humble and easy to work with. So if you like good acoustic music then you should check him out. He gets my stamp of approval. Can’t wait to bring him back.
