If there's a place to go to see the legends of the '60s, '70s and '80s underground, it's Shank Hall, which confirms that status with an appearance by London's Peter Hammill on Sunday, Oct. 5.
Hammill started out as the frontman -- singer and songwriter -- of one of the oddest, most chaotic prog rock bands of the 1970s, Van der Graaf Generator. But put your "Tales of Topographic Oceans" aside, because VdGG was nothing like the pastoral Yes. Think more along the lines of a pre-historic Bauhaus.
Hammill's distinctive style, especially when blended with the eerie yelp of David Jackson's heavily-effected saxophones, meant that the group sounded like no other. And it's dark, chaotic sound and style has often been described as proto-punk.
Although the band split in 1978, Hammill, Jackson, Guy Evans and Hugh Banton reformed in 2005 and have recorded two solo discs. But Hammill remains active on his own, too, and has issued 26 solo discs, including seven while the band was active and the most recent, "Singularity," released in December 2006.
The wide-ranging and diversely-talented Hammill also writes and performs music for film, television and the ballet.
So, expect an interesting and engaging night of music when he takes the stage at 8 p.m. Sunday. Admission to the smoke-free show is $30.
Please note that tonight's RRIICCEE show at Shank Hall has been canceled.
Some other gigs on tap this week include:
Bassnectar Labs Present The Other Side tour stops at the Miramar on Thursday, Oct. 2 at 9 p.m., bringing Bassnectar and special guests like Beats Antique, For Knox Five, Seasunz and others along, too. Tickets are $15.
Sicilian rock chanteuse Carmen Consoli makes her Milwaukee debut Monday night at the Miramar at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12. On this, her seventh U.S. trip, Consoli is still promoting her most recent disc, "Eva Contro Eva," but she recently returned to the studio to begin work on the follow-up.
Children of Bodom, Between the Buried and Me and Black Dahlia Murder team up for a 7:30 gig at The Rave on Thursday, Oct. 2. Meanwhile, Relient K plays there on Sunday, with openers Ludo, This Providence and House of Heroes at 7 p.m.
The Cactus Club hosts John the Savage's CD release party with Father Phoenix and Lopan on Friday and Molitor, Sleep Tight Co. and Revolving Doors on Saturday. Both shows start at 10 p.m.
My Morning Jacket returns to town on Friday, Oct. 3 for a gig at the Riverside. Tickets are $31. There's an afterparty at Mo's with Athens, Ga. outfit Dead Confederate, which is touring in support of its full-length debut, "Wrecking Ball." Rolling Stone recently called the band one of "Six Artists to Watch."
New York comedian Mike Birbiglia performs the same night over at The Pabst. Tickets are $26.50. Street Dogs, Time Again, The Stilettos and Flatfoot 56 are at Turner Hall for $14.
Singer, guitarist and main songwriter for the pop version of Fleetwood Mac, Lindsay Buckingham plays Saturday at The Pabst. Tickets are $51.50. Alanis Morrissette plays the Riverside Sunday and it'll run you either $39.50 or $59.50.
Christian Music News Source
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Relient K Fall Tour Announced
Comming soon to a venue near you...
Relient K has announced a fall tour in support of their new album, The Bird and the Bee Sides, a collection of b-sides, demos and rarities culled from the Relient K archives is addition to 13 brand new tracks.
Upcoming tour dates for the "Uncle Fest Tour" will be:
10/02 Madison, WI Barrymore Theatre
10/03 Des Moines, IA Val Air Ballroom
10/04 St. Paul, MN Myth
10/05 Milwaukee, WI The Eagles Ballroom
10/07 Indianapolis, IN Egyptian Room @ Murat Center
10/09 Cincinnati, OH Bogart's
10/10 Grand Rapids, MI Orbit Room
10/11 Pontiac, MI Clutch Cargo's
10/12 Pittsburgh, PA Club Zoo
10/13 Allentown, PA Crocodile Rock
10/15 Philadelphia, PA Electric Factory
10/16 Worcester, MA The Palladium
10/17 Clifton Park, NY Northern Lights
10/18 Hartford, CT Webster Theatre
10/21 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
10/22 Towson, MD Recher Theatre
10/23 Norfolk, VA Norva Theatre
10/24 Charlotte, NC Amos' Southend
10/25 North Myrtle Beach, SC House of Blues Myrtle Beach
10/27 Orlando, FL House of Blues Orlando
10/29 Birmingham, AL WorkPlay Theatre
10/30 St. Louis, MO The Pageant
10/31 Cleveland, OH House of Blues Cleveland
11/01 Columbus, OH Newport Music Hall
11/02 Chicago, IL House of Blues
Christian Music News Source
Relient K has announced a fall tour in support of their new album, The Bird and the Bee Sides, a collection of b-sides, demos and rarities culled from the Relient K archives is addition to 13 brand new tracks.
Upcoming tour dates for the "Uncle Fest Tour" will be:
10/02 Madison, WI Barrymore Theatre
10/03 Des Moines, IA Val Air Ballroom
10/04 St. Paul, MN Myth
10/05 Milwaukee, WI The Eagles Ballroom
10/07 Indianapolis, IN Egyptian Room @ Murat Center
10/09 Cincinnati, OH Bogart's
10/10 Grand Rapids, MI Orbit Room
10/11 Pontiac, MI Clutch Cargo's
10/12 Pittsburgh, PA Club Zoo
10/13 Allentown, PA Crocodile Rock
10/15 Philadelphia, PA Electric Factory
10/16 Worcester, MA The Palladium
10/17 Clifton Park, NY Northern Lights
10/18 Hartford, CT Webster Theatre
10/21 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
10/22 Towson, MD Recher Theatre
10/23 Norfolk, VA Norva Theatre
10/24 Charlotte, NC Amos' Southend
10/25 North Myrtle Beach, SC House of Blues Myrtle Beach
10/27 Orlando, FL House of Blues Orlando
10/29 Birmingham, AL WorkPlay Theatre
10/30 St. Louis, MO The Pageant
10/31 Cleveland, OH House of Blues Cleveland
11/01 Columbus, OH Newport Music Hall
11/02 Chicago, IL House of Blues
Christian Music News Source
Relient K plots fall tour, records new holiday tracks
Fresh from the Van's Warped Tour, alt-rockers Relient K [ tickets ] will head back out on the road this fall for a headlining tour of their own, right after they record a few new Christmas tunes.
The Ohio-based Christian rockers kick off the "Uncle Fest" tour Oct. 2 in Madison, WI. The outing boasts dates in 25 cities through early November; details are shown below.
The band will take the time between tours to record three traditional holidays tracks--"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Silver Bells" and "Oh Holy Night"--for the Oct. 7 reissue of the band's Christmas collection from last year, "Let it Snow Baby ... Let it Reindeer." While the songs won't be included on the reissue, copies of the CD will come with codes enabling fans to download the additional songs free of charge.
"We took a quick breather after Warped Tour, and now we're headed back to Nashville to track a couple of Christmas songs and rehearse for the upcoming Uncle Fest Tour," frontman Matt Thiessen said in a statement. "We're excited to hit the road and get back to some of our favorite clubs and theaters."
Released last March, Relient K's most recent studio album, "Five Score and Seven Years Ago," is the band's fifth album in seven years. The record follows 2004's "Mmhmm," which earned the group its third consecutive gold-album certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.
The band released an album-length collection of new material, "The Nashville Tennis EP," earlier this year on the same disc as a b-sides and outtakes collection, "The Bird and the Bee Sides." Although the band itself classifies the release as an EP, the entire package clocks in at more than 70 minutes.
Christian Music News Source
The Ohio-based Christian rockers kick off the "Uncle Fest" tour Oct. 2 in Madison, WI. The outing boasts dates in 25 cities through early November; details are shown below.
The band will take the time between tours to record three traditional holidays tracks--"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Silver Bells" and "Oh Holy Night"--for the Oct. 7 reissue of the band's Christmas collection from last year, "Let it Snow Baby ... Let it Reindeer." While the songs won't be included on the reissue, copies of the CD will come with codes enabling fans to download the additional songs free of charge.
"We took a quick breather after Warped Tour, and now we're headed back to Nashville to track a couple of Christmas songs and rehearse for the upcoming Uncle Fest Tour," frontman Matt Thiessen said in a statement. "We're excited to hit the road and get back to some of our favorite clubs and theaters."
Released last March, Relient K's most recent studio album, "Five Score and Seven Years Ago," is the band's fifth album in seven years. The record follows 2004's "Mmhmm," which earned the group its third consecutive gold-album certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.
The band released an album-length collection of new material, "The Nashville Tennis EP," earlier this year on the same disc as a b-sides and outtakes collection, "The Bird and the Bee Sides." Although the band itself classifies the release as an EP, the entire package clocks in at more than 70 minutes.
Christian Music News Source
Friday, September 19, 2008
Discography
The following is a comprehensive listing of all official releases by Relient K, an American rock band formed in Canton, Ohio in 1998. The band has released some kind of music every year since their debut album was released in 2000.
Albums
Studio albums
EPs
Other
Singles
Music videos
Compilation appearances
Tribute albums
Christian Music Links!
Albums
Studio albums
| Name | Notes | Singles released Includes promotional singles | Charts | Sales | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US [1] | US | US | |||
| Relient K |
| — | 400,000+ | ||
| The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek | 158 | 500,000+ | Gold | ||
| Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do |
| 38 | 500,000+ | Gold | |
| Mmhmm |
| 15 | 800,000+ | Gold | |
| Five Score and Seven Years Ago |
|
| 6 | 150,000+ |
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 2000 A.D.D. | Gotee |
| 2001 | The Creepy EP | Gotee |
| 2002 | Employee of the Month EP | Gotee |
| 2003 | The Vinyl Countdown | Mono Vs Stereo |
| 2005 | Apathetic EP | Gotee Capitol |
| 2007 | Must Have Done Something Right EP | Gotee Capitol |
| 2008 | The Nashville Tennis EP (Included inThe Bird and the Bee Sides) | Gotee |
| Year | Title | Type | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | All Work and No Play | Demo | CREC Records |
| 2003 | Open Mic Karaoke: Relient K, Vol. 1 | Karaoke CD | Gotee |
| 2003 | Deck the Halls, Bruise Your Hand | Christmas CD | Gotee |
| 2006 | The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek: Gold Edition | Re-release | Gotee |
| 2006 | Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do: Gold Edition | Re-release | Gotee |
| 2007 | Let it Snow, Baby... Let it Reindeer | Christmas CD | Gotee |
| 2008 | The Bird and The Bee Sides | B-Sides/Rarities CD | Gotee |
Singles
| Year | Single | Chart positions | Album | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard Hot 100 | Top 40 Mainstream | Billboard Pop 100 | Hot Digital Tracks | Hot Christian Songs | CCM | Certification | |||
| 2003 | "Getting Into You" | - | - | - | - | #25 | - | - | Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do |
| 2005 | "High of 75" | - | - | - | - | #17 | #2 | - | Mmhmm |
| 2005 | "Be My Escape" | #82 | - | #48 | #31 | #16 | #1 | Gold | Mmhmm |
| 2006 | "Who I Am Hates Who I've Been" | #58 | #22 | #35 | #37 | #32 | #1 | Gold | Mmhmm |
| 2006 | "Must Have Done Something Right"1 | - | #45 | - | - | - | - | - | Five Score and Seven Years Ago |
| 2006 | "Forgiven"1 | - | - | - | - | #13 | #1 | - | Five Score and Seven Years Ago |
| 2007 | "The Best Thing" | - | #47[1] | - | - | #29 | #2 | - | Five Score and Seven Years Ago |
| 2008 | "Give Until There's Nothing Left" | - | - | - | - | #17 | - | - | Five Score and Seven Years Ago |
Music videos
| Year | Title | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | "My Girlfriend" | Relient K |
| 2001 | "Pressing On" | The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek |
| 2003 | "Chap Stick, Chapped Lips, and Things Like Chemistry" | Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do |
| 2005 | "Be My Escape" | Mmhmm |
| 2005 | "Who I Am Hates Who I've Been" | Mmhmm |
| 2007 | "Must Have Done Something Right" | Five Score and Seven Years Ago |
| 2007 | "The Best Thing" | Five Score and Seven Years Ago |
Compilation appearances
| Year | Album | Song(s) | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Take Time to Listen: Volume 5 | "Hello McFly" | 5 Minute Walk |
| 2000 | Gotee Records Freshmen Class 2000 | "My Girlfriend" "Hello McFly" "Softer to Me" "Breakdown" | Gotee |
| 2001 | hearitfirst.com New Music Sampler | "Pressing On" | Sparrow |
| 2001 | Happy Christmas, Vol. 3 | "Santa Claus Is Thumbing to Town" | BEC |
| 2002 | ConGRADulations! 2002 | "Pressing On" | Interlinc |
| 2002 | Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie | "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" | Big Idea |
| 2003 | Smash-Ups | "Tobymac "Yours" vs. Relient K "Pressing On"" | Sparrow |
| 2003 | Soulfest 2003: A Soul Revolution | "From End To End" | New Sound International |
| 2003 | WOW Hits 2004 | "Getting Into You" | Sparrow |
| 2004 | Gotee: 10 Years Brand New | "Sadie Hawkins Dance" | Gotee |
| 2004 | Congratulations Class of 2004 | "Hallelujah Chorus" | EMI |
| 2004 | VeggieTales: Veggie Rocks! | "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" | ForeFront |
| 2004 | X 2004 Rock Hits! | "I Am Understood" | |
| 2005 | Punk Goes 80's | "Manic Monday" | Fearless |
| 2005 | Now That's What I Call Music!, Vol. 19 | "Be My Escape" | EMI |
| 2005 | Happy Christmas, Vol. 4 | "I Celebrate the Day" | Tooth & Nail |
| 2005 | X 2005 Rock Hits! | "More Than Useless" | |
| 2006 | ConGRADulations! 2006 | "Be My Escape" | Interlinc |
| 2006 | Now That's What I Call Music!, Vol. 21 | "Who I Am Hates Who I've Been" | EMI |
| 2006 | X Worship 2006 | "I Am Understood?" | ForeFront |
| 2006 | 2006 Warped Tour Compilation | "Which to Bury, Us or the Hatchet?" | Side One Dummy Records |
| 2006 | Freaked! | "Between You and Me" | Gotee Records |
| 2006 | X 2006 Rock Hits! | "I So Hate Consequences" | |
| 2006 | X 2007 Rock Hits! | "Who I Am Hates Who I've Been" | BEC |
| 2006 | WOW Hits 2007 | "Who I Am Hates Who I've Been" | Chordant |
| 2006 | Now That's What I Call Christmas!, 3 | "Twelve Days of Christmas" | Sony BMG |
| 2007 | Punk Goes Acoustic 2 | "Who I Am Hates Who I've Been" | Fearless |
| 2008 | Warped Tour 2008 Tour Compilation | "The Truth" | Side One Dummy |
Tribute albums
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | String Quartet Tribute to Relient K | Vitamin |
| 2007 | Pickin' On Relient K: A Bluegrass Tribute | CMH records |
| 2008 | Relient K Piano Tribute | CC Entertainment |
Christian Music Links!
Other projects
The Complex Infrastructure Known as the Female Mind
In 2004, Relient K released a book entitled The Complex Infrastructure Known as the Female Mind. The book clues in the confused male Relient K fans on some of the inner workings of the female species.[citation needed] The band gives advice on the opposite sex through personal experience, stereotypes (including Rocker and Vanilla Pudding), and Biblical advice—presented in the attitude found in their music. The title of the book is taken from the last line of the song "Mood Rings," which is found on their third album, Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do.
Woodland Forest
In June 2006, Relient K released the first episode of their own flash cartoon. The cartoon features all five band members, and takes place in a fictional land known as Woodland Forest. It is animated by bassist John Warne. There have only been two episodes thus far, and can be found on YouTube.[47][48] The cartoons also feature "Merle the Squirrel," (who is now on Relient K t-shirts, and has his own MySpace page)[49] as well as "Crosby the Reindeer".
Podcasts
Relient K has made a total of nine audio podcasts and five video podcasts. The nine audio podcasts were made during the band's time on the Matt Hoopes Birthday Tour. They included interviews with the band members, their guitar techs, and various other people who help them on tour. There were also interviews with the other touring bands, The Rocket Summer and Maxeen.[citation needed]
The five video podcasts include various scenes in the studio, as well as the band doing things outside the studio, much like the video podcasts made by Switchfoot. The first two video podcasts showed the band in the studio preparing for the recording of Five Score and Seven Years Ago, and Dave Douglas recording the drum parts, respectively. The third video podcast was a collection of footage and discussions from the Nintendo Fusion Tour, and a Mario Kart DS Tournament between the five band members. The fourth video podcast showed Jon Schneck and Dave Douglas preparing for a boxing match (which is also included and completed in the Wal-Mart "Devastation and Reform" video), and the fifth video podcast showed the completion of the battle. There is a sixth unreleased video podcast including John Warne fulfilling his lifelong dream of walking into a room with the AutoZone Theme Song playing. It shows Warne recording the song with the assistance of Dave Douglas and Jon Schneck. It can be found on YouTube at the present time, and it is currently unofficially released on the site, as it has not made it to the band's official site.
Related Projects
Outside of Relient K, Matt Thiessen has a piano-focused solo project called Matthew Thiessen and the Earthquakes. He started it in 1998, around the time Relient K was started. He has released seven songs either online or on various CD releases. Thiessen also has The Makeout Girls, a less serious side project that features himself and his friend, Kevan Peden. They have released one known song, which was the hidden track known as "Silly Shoes" from Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do.[citation needed]
Former drummer Dave Douglas created a project called Agnes, a solo rock project that somewhat resembles the sound of Relient K's earlier music with his own twist. Douglas also started a project called Gypsy Parade, a softer project that he started with his wife, Rachel. They have released two demo songs on their MySpace with more expected. Douglas amicably left Relient K to further pursue this project.[citation needed]
Ethan Luck, the current drummer, is involved with the Christian metal band Demon Hunter, but he also has a side project called My Red Hot Nightmare.[citation needed]
Three tracks were featured on the compilation album My Other Band, Vol. 1 on Mono vs Stereo records in 2006, from Matt Thiessen's side project Matthew Thiessen and the Earthquakes, Dave Douglas' side project Agnes, and Ethan Luck's My Red Hot Nightmare project.
Christian Music Links!
In 2004, Relient K released a book entitled The Complex Infrastructure Known as the Female Mind. The book clues in the confused male Relient K fans on some of the inner workings of the female species.[citation needed] The band gives advice on the opposite sex through personal experience, stereotypes (including Rocker and Vanilla Pudding), and Biblical advice—presented in the attitude found in their music. The title of the book is taken from the last line of the song "Mood Rings," which is found on their third album, Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do.
Woodland Forest
In June 2006, Relient K released the first episode of their own flash cartoon. The cartoon features all five band members, and takes place in a fictional land known as Woodland Forest. It is animated by bassist John Warne. There have only been two episodes thus far, and can be found on YouTube.[47][48] The cartoons also feature "Merle the Squirrel," (who is now on Relient K t-shirts, and has his own MySpace page)[49] as well as "Crosby the Reindeer".
Podcasts
Relient K has made a total of nine audio podcasts and five video podcasts. The nine audio podcasts were made during the band's time on the Matt Hoopes Birthday Tour. They included interviews with the band members, their guitar techs, and various other people who help them on tour. There were also interviews with the other touring bands, The Rocket Summer and Maxeen.[citation needed]
The five video podcasts include various scenes in the studio, as well as the band doing things outside the studio, much like the video podcasts made by Switchfoot. The first two video podcasts showed the band in the studio preparing for the recording of Five Score and Seven Years Ago, and Dave Douglas recording the drum parts, respectively. The third video podcast was a collection of footage and discussions from the Nintendo Fusion Tour, and a Mario Kart DS Tournament between the five band members. The fourth video podcast showed Jon Schneck and Dave Douglas preparing for a boxing match (which is also included and completed in the Wal-Mart "Devastation and Reform" video), and the fifth video podcast showed the completion of the battle. There is a sixth unreleased video podcast including John Warne fulfilling his lifelong dream of walking into a room with the AutoZone Theme Song playing. It shows Warne recording the song with the assistance of Dave Douglas and Jon Schneck. It can be found on YouTube at the present time, and it is currently unofficially released on the site, as it has not made it to the band's official site.
Related Projects
Outside of Relient K, Matt Thiessen has a piano-focused solo project called Matthew Thiessen and the Earthquakes. He started it in 1998, around the time Relient K was started. He has released seven songs either online or on various CD releases. Thiessen also has The Makeout Girls, a less serious side project that features himself and his friend, Kevan Peden. They have released one known song, which was the hidden track known as "Silly Shoes" from Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do.[citation needed]
Former drummer Dave Douglas created a project called Agnes, a solo rock project that somewhat resembles the sound of Relient K's earlier music with his own twist. Douglas also started a project called Gypsy Parade, a softer project that he started with his wife, Rachel. They have released two demo songs on their MySpace with more expected. Douglas amicably left Relient K to further pursue this project.[citation needed]
Ethan Luck, the current drummer, is involved with the Christian metal band Demon Hunter, but he also has a side project called My Red Hot Nightmare.[citation needed]
Three tracks were featured on the compilation album My Other Band, Vol. 1 on Mono vs Stereo records in 2006, from Matt Thiessen's side project Matthew Thiessen and the Earthquakes, Dave Douglas' side project Agnes, and Ethan Luck's My Red Hot Nightmare project.
Christian Music Links!
Tours and Live Performances
* Relient K performed in the 2005 and 2008 Vans Warped Tour,
* Between September and November 2006, Relient K played on the Nintendo Fusion Tour with Hawthorne Heights, Emery, Plain White T's, and The Sleeping.[41]
* The band also took part in McDonald's Summer 2007 music tour. Every band involved in the tour has the chance to be involved in a future McDonald's ad. Votes by viewers will be counted to decide who will win. All live shows are available for viewing.[42]
* Members of both Switchfoot and Relient K had been talking about touring together, and Switchfoot confirmed the rumors this fall during the Alive Festival. Relient K and Switchfoot will be co-headlining, but Switchfoot will be playing last every night. Ruth will be opening for them. It is expected to be given an official announcement complete with tour dates soon. Matt Thiessen stated in a blog entry on the Relient K website that there will be a fall tour but did not hint at any details except that the two bands are trying to figure out a way to incorporate Habitat for Humanity into the tour.[43] On July 12, 2007, Switchfoot's website released a new video podcast[44] and blog, and in the middle of the video podcast there is a short intermission where all the band members of Switchfoot and Relient K announced there will be a tour in the fall of 2007 with more details to come. Relient K and Switchfoot both played at the Los Angeles premier of the movie Evan Almighty on June 22, 2007.[45] They also played at the Lizard Fair in Midland, Michigan on August 15, 2007 with Chris Daughtry.
* "Must Have Done Something Right" and "The Best Thing" were performed on Late Night with Conan O'Brien and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno respectively.
Live Covers
During tour dates and shows the band has been known to perform live cover songs from various sources. The covers have included the following:
* Relient K included "I Want It That Way" by The Backstreet Boys for some of their sets in 2000.[citation needed]
* The band covered "You're Still the One" by Shania Twain on a tour early in their career.[citation needed]
* In the summer festival season of 2001, the band covered "Straight Up" by Paula Abdul, "We Built This City" by Starship, and "Can't Touch This" by MC Hammer.[citation needed]
* At Cornerstone 2003, Relient K played a cover of Eminem's "Lose Yourself" after which Matt Thiessen stated, "That was uh... that was a joke."[46]
* During the See Spot Rock tour, Relient K covered the eponymous song from the 1996 movie, "That Thing You Do"; "Everywhere You Look", the theme song from the TV show Full House, and Kenny Loggins' Highway to the Danger Zone. They brought back the Full House theme for their late 2005 tour, "The Panic With A K Tour". They brought back "That Thing You Do" and "The Top Gun Medley" for "The Matt Hoopes Birthday Tour" in early 2006, as well as the summer festival season of that year.[citation needed]
* The DVD released with the special edition of Five Score and Seven Years Ago features a video of the band's cover of The Beach Boys' "Sloop John B", which is also a bonus track when the album is purchased through iTunes.[citation needed]
* On the Appetite For Construction tour in 2007, Relient K covered Head Over Heels by Tears For Fears as well as the theme song for the TV show The Office.[citation needed]
* "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley was covered by the band in early 2008.[citation needed]
* The band covered Kanye West's "Good Life" on the 2008 Vans Warped Tour and earlier that year.[citation needed]
* The band played the theme song from "The Office" during their performance in Scranton, PA on the 2008 Vans Warped Tour.
Christian Music Links!
* Between September and November 2006, Relient K played on the Nintendo Fusion Tour with Hawthorne Heights, Emery, Plain White T's, and The Sleeping.[41]
* The band also took part in McDonald's Summer 2007 music tour. Every band involved in the tour has the chance to be involved in a future McDonald's ad. Votes by viewers will be counted to decide who will win. All live shows are available for viewing.[42]
* Members of both Switchfoot and Relient K had been talking about touring together, and Switchfoot confirmed the rumors this fall during the Alive Festival. Relient K and Switchfoot will be co-headlining, but Switchfoot will be playing last every night. Ruth will be opening for them. It is expected to be given an official announcement complete with tour dates soon. Matt Thiessen stated in a blog entry on the Relient K website that there will be a fall tour but did not hint at any details except that the two bands are trying to figure out a way to incorporate Habitat for Humanity into the tour.[43] On July 12, 2007, Switchfoot's website released a new video podcast[44] and blog, and in the middle of the video podcast there is a short intermission where all the band members of Switchfoot and Relient K announced there will be a tour in the fall of 2007 with more details to come. Relient K and Switchfoot both played at the Los Angeles premier of the movie Evan Almighty on June 22, 2007.[45] They also played at the Lizard Fair in Midland, Michigan on August 15, 2007 with Chris Daughtry.
* "Must Have Done Something Right" and "The Best Thing" were performed on Late Night with Conan O'Brien and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno respectively.
Live Covers
During tour dates and shows the band has been known to perform live cover songs from various sources. The covers have included the following:
* Relient K included "I Want It That Way" by The Backstreet Boys for some of their sets in 2000.[citation needed]
* The band covered "You're Still the One" by Shania Twain on a tour early in their career.[citation needed]
* In the summer festival season of 2001, the band covered "Straight Up" by Paula Abdul, "We Built This City" by Starship, and "Can't Touch This" by MC Hammer.[citation needed]
* At Cornerstone 2003, Relient K played a cover of Eminem's "Lose Yourself" after which Matt Thiessen stated, "That was uh... that was a joke."[46]
* During the See Spot Rock tour, Relient K covered the eponymous song from the 1996 movie, "That Thing You Do"; "Everywhere You Look", the theme song from the TV show Full House, and Kenny Loggins' Highway to the Danger Zone. They brought back the Full House theme for their late 2005 tour, "The Panic With A K Tour". They brought back "That Thing You Do" and "The Top Gun Medley" for "The Matt Hoopes Birthday Tour" in early 2006, as well as the summer festival season of that year.[citation needed]
* The DVD released with the special edition of Five Score and Seven Years Ago features a video of the band's cover of The Beach Boys' "Sloop John B", which is also a bonus track when the album is purchased through iTunes.[citation needed]
* On the Appetite For Construction tour in 2007, Relient K covered Head Over Heels by Tears For Fears as well as the theme song for the TV show The Office.[citation needed]
* "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley was covered by the band in early 2008.[citation needed]
* The band covered Kanye West's "Good Life" on the 2008 Vans Warped Tour and earlier that year.[citation needed]
* The band played the theme song from "The Office" during their performance in Scranton, PA on the 2008 Vans Warped Tour.
Christian Music Links!
Members
|
|
Christian Music Links!
History
All Work and No Play (1998–2000)
After Relient K was founded in 1998[6] Todd Frascone joined for a short time in 1998 as a drummer. However Frascone left the band after recording first demo, All Work and No Play. The demo was recorded by Mark Lee Townsend, the former live guitar player for dc Talk. Townsend had met the band members because his daughter, Danielle, was friends with the band.[citation needed]
All Work and No Play caught the attention of dc Talk's Toby McKeehan (tobyMac), who later signed the band to his label, Gotee Records. With the label Relient K released their debut EP entitled 2000 A.D.D. in 2000, with Stephen Cushman on drums. Soon after, they released Relient K, their first full-length CD. It was distinctly Christian rock and featured lyrics with a wide range of pop-culture references.[7] Cushman left later that year to join the Christian metal band Narcissus. Brett Schoneman of Christian rock band Philmore filled in temporarily,[8][9][10] followed by Jared Byers, drummer of the Christian rock band Bleach, until Dave Douglas joined in December 2000.[11]
In an interview Matt Thiessen said that when the band started, he was the only one who sang, but he knew Matt Hoopes could sing as well. Hoopes was reluctant, but Thiessen said he "got it out of him". Hoopes became the primary back-up vocalist from then on.
The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek (2001–2002)
The band released their second album, The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek, in 2001. The album launched both Relient K and their sound to a whole new level. Though there were still plenty of pop-culture references on this album,[7] it contained many more softer songs and slightly lighter guitars.[12] They would continue chords through tracks in order to fluidly transition in between songs, a trend that continued on their later albums.[12]
Anatomy landed them in the Christian rock limelight, and Relient K was offered a clothing deal with Abercrombie & Fitch in 2001.[7] Gotee, their label, accepted the offer on Relient K's behalf; Pittman recalls, "The choice was never really given to us. The label made the choice."[13] After significant pressure from conservative Christian organizations such as Focus on the Family, Gotee backed out of the contract.
Relient K was then asked to do a rendition of the popular VeggieTales song "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" for the 2002 feature length VeggieTales movie Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie. The song was released on three different albums, two in single form. The first version also included their song "Breakdown" being sung by Larry the Cucumber. There was also a promotional version which included the original version of "Breakdown". A cut-down version (missing the bridge) was included on the Christian rock compilation Veggie Rocks!.[citation needed] This song mixes the sounds of The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek and their third album, Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do.
Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do (2003)
In 2003, Relient K released Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do. The album had multiple covers of different colors, each depicting a vehicle in some kind of wreck. As pop-culture references became less specific, sound and vocals became far more defined.[14][15] Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do (often called Two Lefts by fans) combined the soft, meaningful songs of The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek and threw in fast-paced songs with deep lyrics.[14][15] It was nominated for a Grammy in the category of "Best Rock Gospel Album"[2] and won the Dove Award for "Modern Rock Album of the Year" in 2004.[3]
During this time, Relient K also released a limited edition red vinyl EP entitled The Vinyl Countdown, only released in one printing. The EP included two versions of the song, "Five Iron Frenzy is Either Dead or Dying." The album was dedicated to Jesse Alkire, contest winner and friend of Matthew Thiessen, who inspired the song "The Vinyl Countdown."[16]
Since Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do was released in March 2003, Relient K released a bonus disc for Christmas, entitled Deck the Halls, Bruise Your Hand. The album was packaged with Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do from November 2003 to December 2003.
Mmhmm (2004–2007)
The group released their fourth album, Mmhmm, in late 2004. Pop-culture references were even less specific than on their third album, if non-existent. The album was significantly more on the serious side with very few of the silly songs the band was known for.[18] The album had the band experimenting with their sound a bit more, which included incorporating Piano rock, Hardcore punk and some pop music.[18] In July 2005, the album was certified gold for shipping over 500,000 copies. It is reported that it has sold approximately 796,000 copies.[19] Driven by newfound recognition from Mmhmm, Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do was also certified gold in spring 2005. Also, it was announced in 2006 that their second record, The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek, had reached the Gold rank as well as certified by the RIAA.[citation needed]
Shortly before the Mmhmm's release, longtime bassist Brian Pittman left the band, citing that he was tired of touring and wanted to start a landscaping company.[20] He also joined Christian metal band Inhale Exhale shortly afterward. Matt Thiessen announced Pittman's departure in fall 2004, saying,
"After almost seven years of being in Relient K, our cherished and lifelong friend, Brian Pittman has decided to move on to other things. That IS crazy, huh? Brian decided to leave the band in July, so we've had plenty of time to let the initial shock die down. We're aware that a lot of you already knew, so we apologize for not announcing this sooner. There were many reasons. He thought long and hard about his decision, and he came to the conclusion that he would like to do other things than play bass for the band. We respect him for it. We'd be lying to say that we're not all completely bummed that Brian won't be a part of Relient K anymore. And though we know things won't be the same without him, it must be said that we have always valued our friendships with him more than our on-stage relationship.[citation needed] Anyway, all of us still hang out, and its like nothing is different at all. I feel like that's how you know that you've made a friend that will be there for the rest of your days. We want to thank Brian for all the years he gave the band. You're the best, buddy."
Pittman reunited with the band for one final show, which was the release party for "Mmhmm" at the Newport Music Hall in Columbus, Ohio on November 1, 2004. John Warne, lead singer and guitarist of Ace Troubleshooter, filled in as bassist for the remainder of 2004 and became full-time bassist in 2005. Also in 2005, Jon Schneck joined as a third guitarist, as well as a banjo and bell player, to create a fuller, more distinctive sound. This was also because the band planned to add more piano, and having another guitarist gave Matt Thiessen the freedom to do that.[21]
The band covered "Manic Monday" by The Bangles for the compilation Punk Goes 80's in 2005.[citation needed]
Mmhmm features two top 40 hits which both made it on MTV's Top Ten. The track "Be My Escape" is the band's most popular mainstream song to date. Its music video entered MTV's Top Ten, and landed them an appearance on The Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live. "Be My Escape" is also featured on Now! 19, a popular secular and quasi-annual compilation series. It was classified as a gold single in October of 2005.[22] The music video for "Who I Am Hates Who I've Been" has also made its way onto the TRL countdown,[23] many top 40 radio stations, and was included on Now! 21. Mmhmm was awarded a Dove Award in 2006 for the "Rock Album of the Year."[4] The band was also nominated for "Artist of the Year" and "Band of the Year" at GMA Canada's 2006 Covenant Awards[24]
The band did a cover of "Between You and Me" by dc Talk for the 2006 Jesus Freak tribute album Freaked!.[citation needed]
Relient K covered Weezer's song "Surf Wax America" during an Alternative Press radio show in late 2006.
Five Score and Seven Years Ago (2007–present)
Recording sessions for another studio album, Five Score and Seven Years Ago, started on June 18, 2006 and continued for parts of July and August. Some tracks on the album were produced by Howard Benson, (The All-American Rejects, My Chemical Romance, P.O.D.). Thiessen had said that the title of the album comes from the fact that it's the band's fifth album, it is the first time all five of them are on a record together, and it has been seven years since they formed the band.[25]
While the band hoped for a November 2006 release, the official release date was announced as March 6, 2007.[25] The album is considered, by the band, to be their happiest record to date. On March 2, 2007 the entire album (except the last track, "Deathbed") was made available for streaming on the band's MySpace. Five Score and Seven Years Ago debuted at #6 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling about 64,000 copies in its first week.[26] The album also peaked at #2 on the iTunes Store chart.
The band's first single from the album, "Must Have Done Something Right," was released on the iTunes Store on November 28, 2006 and to radio on January 9, 2007. "Forgiven" was the first radio single directed at Christian stations. "Forgiven" was the most added song on Christian radio and entered Billboard's Hot Christian Songs chart on January 11, 2007. The single received enough airplay to be the fourth most played song on Christian Hit Radio (CHR) stations in 2007 according to R&R magazine.
The second single from the album, "The Best Thing," was released to radio on April 10, 2007, taking the 7th most adds in its first week. Thiessen has said that "The Best Thing" is "the anti-Daniel Powter "Bad Day" song. It's straight-up positive." A video was filmed for the single.[28] The second single released on Christian CHR radio stations was "Give Until There's Nothing Left", which was the 20th most played song on CHR radio stations in 2007.[27]
In the early morning of June 28, 2007, Relient K's bus caught fire. Everyone made it out safely, but the band lost many instruments, laptops, cameras, phones, iPods, clothes, and merchandise. Matt Thiessen said he lost a laptop that had roughly 100 unfinished songs on it, and Dave Douglas lost his Battlefield drum set. In the midst of it, the band still laughed at the situation, calling it "cinematic".[29] On a blog post on their website, Matt Thiessen stated that the next day after the fire, the band went to view the damage of their van and found that while 85% of their gear was intact, Douglas's drum kit set was not salvageable.[30] A member of the Switchfoot forums first announced it, asking everyone to pray for the band. The band had just played Creation Northeast, and had to cancel their appearance at Cornerstone Festival in Illinois, which the band has named as one of their favorite shows to do. They did, however, play their next scheduled show in Greeley, CO on June 30, 2007. In the months following, the band played more Christian rock festivals.
The band released a Let it Snow, Baby... Let it Reindeer, a Christmas album, on October 23, 2007. The CD contained all of the tracks from Deck the Halls, Bruise Your Hand as well as 6 new songs.[31][32][33][34] This Christmas themed re-release has so far been met with success, peaking at #15 on iTunes music store and #96 on the Billboard 200.[35]
Relient K, Switchfoot and Ruth recently recorded a song together titled "Rebuild". It is available for download on Switchfoot's website, fans can choose between paying for the song (with proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity) or downloading it for free.[citation needed]
On October 18, 2007 drummer Dave Douglas announced his departure on the band's website due to a desire to pursue his side-project Gypsy Parade with his wife Rachel. There is no animosity between any of the members, and he finished to tour with the band until his last show on December 29, 2007.[36][37] On February 12, 2008 it was announced that Ethan Luck, former guitarist of The O.C. Supertones and current guitarist for Demon Hunter, would be replacing Douglas as the band's new drummer.[38] Luck and Warne were in a short lived band together called Guerilla Rodeo.
The band has announced plans to play at Warped Tour 2008, and Valparaiso University in late September as the main attraction of the Sourcestock Concert. The band may even recruit guitarist Luke Fontaine, if his missions trip to Brazil doesnt interefere.[38]
The recording of The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything Relient K did for the 2002 movie, Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie, was reused in The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie.[citation needed]
On July 1, 2008 Relient K released a double EP. The double EP is contained on a single disc and contains the The Nashville Tennis EP and The Bird and the Bee Sides. The Nashville Tennis EP included 13 tracks of new material that allowed the band to explore their sound a bit by allowing other band members, besides Thiessen and Hoopes, to compose/record a few tracks, as well as adding some influences from Country music and Ska. The Bird and the Bee Sides contained tracks which had previously been released on hard-to-come-by records.
Christian Music Links!
After Relient K was founded in 1998[6] Todd Frascone joined for a short time in 1998 as a drummer. However Frascone left the band after recording first demo, All Work and No Play. The demo was recorded by Mark Lee Townsend, the former live guitar player for dc Talk. Townsend had met the band members because his daughter, Danielle, was friends with the band.[citation needed]
All Work and No Play caught the attention of dc Talk's Toby McKeehan (tobyMac), who later signed the band to his label, Gotee Records. With the label Relient K released their debut EP entitled 2000 A.D.D. in 2000, with Stephen Cushman on drums. Soon after, they released Relient K, their first full-length CD. It was distinctly Christian rock and featured lyrics with a wide range of pop-culture references.[7] Cushman left later that year to join the Christian metal band Narcissus. Brett Schoneman of Christian rock band Philmore filled in temporarily,[8][9][10] followed by Jared Byers, drummer of the Christian rock band Bleach, until Dave Douglas joined in December 2000.[11]
In an interview Matt Thiessen said that when the band started, he was the only one who sang, but he knew Matt Hoopes could sing as well. Hoopes was reluctant, but Thiessen said he "got it out of him". Hoopes became the primary back-up vocalist from then on.
The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek (2001–2002)
The band released their second album, The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek, in 2001. The album launched both Relient K and their sound to a whole new level. Though there were still plenty of pop-culture references on this album,[7] it contained many more softer songs and slightly lighter guitars.[12] They would continue chords through tracks in order to fluidly transition in between songs, a trend that continued on their later albums.[12]
Anatomy landed them in the Christian rock limelight, and Relient K was offered a clothing deal with Abercrombie & Fitch in 2001.[7] Gotee, their label, accepted the offer on Relient K's behalf; Pittman recalls, "The choice was never really given to us. The label made the choice."[13] After significant pressure from conservative Christian organizations such as Focus on the Family, Gotee backed out of the contract.
Relient K was then asked to do a rendition of the popular VeggieTales song "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" for the 2002 feature length VeggieTales movie Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie. The song was released on three different albums, two in single form. The first version also included their song "Breakdown" being sung by Larry the Cucumber. There was also a promotional version which included the original version of "Breakdown". A cut-down version (missing the bridge) was included on the Christian rock compilation Veggie Rocks!.[citation needed] This song mixes the sounds of The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek and their third album, Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do.
Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do (2003)
In 2003, Relient K released Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do. The album had multiple covers of different colors, each depicting a vehicle in some kind of wreck. As pop-culture references became less specific, sound and vocals became far more defined.[14][15] Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do (often called Two Lefts by fans) combined the soft, meaningful songs of The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek and threw in fast-paced songs with deep lyrics.[14][15] It was nominated for a Grammy in the category of "Best Rock Gospel Album"[2] and won the Dove Award for "Modern Rock Album of the Year" in 2004.[3]
During this time, Relient K also released a limited edition red vinyl EP entitled The Vinyl Countdown, only released in one printing. The EP included two versions of the song, "Five Iron Frenzy is Either Dead or Dying." The album was dedicated to Jesse Alkire, contest winner and friend of Matthew Thiessen, who inspired the song "The Vinyl Countdown."[16]
Since Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do was released in March 2003, Relient K released a bonus disc for Christmas, entitled Deck the Halls, Bruise Your Hand. The album was packaged with Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do from November 2003 to December 2003.
Mmhmm (2004–2007)
The group released their fourth album, Mmhmm, in late 2004. Pop-culture references were even less specific than on their third album, if non-existent. The album was significantly more on the serious side with very few of the silly songs the band was known for.[18] The album had the band experimenting with their sound a bit more, which included incorporating Piano rock, Hardcore punk and some pop music.[18] In July 2005, the album was certified gold for shipping over 500,000 copies. It is reported that it has sold approximately 796,000 copies.[19] Driven by newfound recognition from Mmhmm, Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do was also certified gold in spring 2005. Also, it was announced in 2006 that their second record, The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek, had reached the Gold rank as well as certified by the RIAA.[citation needed]
Shortly before the Mmhmm's release, longtime bassist Brian Pittman left the band, citing that he was tired of touring and wanted to start a landscaping company.[20] He also joined Christian metal band Inhale Exhale shortly afterward. Matt Thiessen announced Pittman's departure in fall 2004, saying,
"After almost seven years of being in Relient K, our cherished and lifelong friend, Brian Pittman has decided to move on to other things. That IS crazy, huh? Brian decided to leave the band in July, so we've had plenty of time to let the initial shock die down. We're aware that a lot of you already knew, so we apologize for not announcing this sooner. There were many reasons. He thought long and hard about his decision, and he came to the conclusion that he would like to do other things than play bass for the band. We respect him for it. We'd be lying to say that we're not all completely bummed that Brian won't be a part of Relient K anymore. And though we know things won't be the same without him, it must be said that we have always valued our friendships with him more than our on-stage relationship.[citation needed] Anyway, all of us still hang out, and its like nothing is different at all. I feel like that's how you know that you've made a friend that will be there for the rest of your days. We want to thank Brian for all the years he gave the band. You're the best, buddy."
Pittman reunited with the band for one final show, which was the release party for "Mmhmm" at the Newport Music Hall in Columbus, Ohio on November 1, 2004. John Warne, lead singer and guitarist of Ace Troubleshooter, filled in as bassist for the remainder of 2004 and became full-time bassist in 2005. Also in 2005, Jon Schneck joined as a third guitarist, as well as a banjo and bell player, to create a fuller, more distinctive sound. This was also because the band planned to add more piano, and having another guitarist gave Matt Thiessen the freedom to do that.[21]
The band covered "Manic Monday" by The Bangles for the compilation Punk Goes 80's in 2005.[citation needed]
Mmhmm features two top 40 hits which both made it on MTV's Top Ten. The track "Be My Escape" is the band's most popular mainstream song to date. Its music video entered MTV's Top Ten, and landed them an appearance on The Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live. "Be My Escape" is also featured on Now! 19, a popular secular and quasi-annual compilation series. It was classified as a gold single in October of 2005.[22] The music video for "Who I Am Hates Who I've Been" has also made its way onto the TRL countdown,[23] many top 40 radio stations, and was included on Now! 21. Mmhmm was awarded a Dove Award in 2006 for the "Rock Album of the Year."[4] The band was also nominated for "Artist of the Year" and "Band of the Year" at GMA Canada's 2006 Covenant Awards[24]
The band did a cover of "Between You and Me" by dc Talk for the 2006 Jesus Freak tribute album Freaked!.[citation needed]
Relient K covered Weezer's song "Surf Wax America" during an Alternative Press radio show in late 2006.
Five Score and Seven Years Ago (2007–present)
Recording sessions for another studio album, Five Score and Seven Years Ago, started on June 18, 2006 and continued for parts of July and August. Some tracks on the album were produced by Howard Benson, (The All-American Rejects, My Chemical Romance, P.O.D.). Thiessen had said that the title of the album comes from the fact that it's the band's fifth album, it is the first time all five of them are on a record together, and it has been seven years since they formed the band.[25]
While the band hoped for a November 2006 release, the official release date was announced as March 6, 2007.[25] The album is considered, by the band, to be their happiest record to date. On March 2, 2007 the entire album (except the last track, "Deathbed") was made available for streaming on the band's MySpace. Five Score and Seven Years Ago debuted at #6 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling about 64,000 copies in its first week.[26] The album also peaked at #2 on the iTunes Store chart.
The band's first single from the album, "Must Have Done Something Right," was released on the iTunes Store on November 28, 2006 and to radio on January 9, 2007. "Forgiven" was the first radio single directed at Christian stations. "Forgiven" was the most added song on Christian radio and entered Billboard's Hot Christian Songs chart on January 11, 2007. The single received enough airplay to be the fourth most played song on Christian Hit Radio (CHR) stations in 2007 according to R&R magazine.
The second single from the album, "The Best Thing," was released to radio on April 10, 2007, taking the 7th most adds in its first week. Thiessen has said that "The Best Thing" is "the anti-Daniel Powter "Bad Day" song. It's straight-up positive." A video was filmed for the single.[28] The second single released on Christian CHR radio stations was "Give Until There's Nothing Left", which was the 20th most played song on CHR radio stations in 2007.[27]
In the early morning of June 28, 2007, Relient K's bus caught fire. Everyone made it out safely, but the band lost many instruments, laptops, cameras, phones, iPods, clothes, and merchandise. Matt Thiessen said he lost a laptop that had roughly 100 unfinished songs on it, and Dave Douglas lost his Battlefield drum set. In the midst of it, the band still laughed at the situation, calling it "cinematic".[29] On a blog post on their website, Matt Thiessen stated that the next day after the fire, the band went to view the damage of their van and found that while 85% of their gear was intact, Douglas's drum kit set was not salvageable.[30] A member of the Switchfoot forums first announced it, asking everyone to pray for the band. The band had just played Creation Northeast, and had to cancel their appearance at Cornerstone Festival in Illinois, which the band has named as one of their favorite shows to do. They did, however, play their next scheduled show in Greeley, CO on June 30, 2007. In the months following, the band played more Christian rock festivals.
The band released a Let it Snow, Baby... Let it Reindeer, a Christmas album, on October 23, 2007. The CD contained all of the tracks from Deck the Halls, Bruise Your Hand as well as 6 new songs.[31][32][33][34] This Christmas themed re-release has so far been met with success, peaking at #15 on iTunes music store and #96 on the Billboard 200.[35]
Relient K, Switchfoot and Ruth recently recorded a song together titled "Rebuild". It is available for download on Switchfoot's website, fans can choose between paying for the song (with proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity) or downloading it for free.[citation needed]
On October 18, 2007 drummer Dave Douglas announced his departure on the band's website due to a desire to pursue his side-project Gypsy Parade with his wife Rachel. There is no animosity between any of the members, and he finished to tour with the band until his last show on December 29, 2007.[36][37] On February 12, 2008 it was announced that Ethan Luck, former guitarist of The O.C. Supertones and current guitarist for Demon Hunter, would be replacing Douglas as the band's new drummer.[38] Luck and Warne were in a short lived band together called Guerilla Rodeo.
The band has announced plans to play at Warped Tour 2008, and Valparaiso University in late September as the main attraction of the Sourcestock Concert. The band may even recruit guitarist Luke Fontaine, if his missions trip to Brazil doesnt interefere.[38]
The recording of The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything Relient K did for the 2002 movie, Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie, was reused in The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie.[citation needed]
On July 1, 2008 Relient K released a double EP. The double EP is contained on a single disc and contains the The Nashville Tennis EP and The Bird and the Bee Sides. The Nashville Tennis EP included 13 tracks of new material that allowed the band to explore their sound a bit by allowing other band members, besides Thiessen and Hoopes, to compose/record a few tracks, as well as adding some influences from Country music and Ska. The Bird and the Bee Sides contained tracks which had previously been released on hard-to-come-by records.
Christian Music Links!
Relient K
Relient K is an American rock band formed in Canton, Ohio in 1998 by Matthew Thiessen on guitar and piano, Brian Pittman on bass, and Matt Hoopes on guitar[1] between the band's junior year in high school and their time at Malone College in Canton, Ohio. The band is named after guitarist Matt Hoopes' Plymouth Reliant K car, with the spelling intentionally altered to avoid trademark infringement over the Reliant name.
The group is associated with the Contemporary Christian Music culture, most notably the Christian rock and Christian punk scene. Despite being a Christian band the group has performed alongside secular artists, and has had critical success with mainstream pop punk. The band's sound incorporates piano rock and acoustic elements; and the lyrical content often refers to God, Jesus, and the terms "you" and "Him" are used in reference to The Divine. Since its formation, Relient K has released a discography consisting of five studio albums, seven EPs, two Christmas albums, and one collection of rarities. The band has received numerous awards including a Grammy Award nomination in 2003 for Best Rock Gospel Album and two Dove Awards.[2][3][4]
Relient K is best known commercially for their two studio albums which peaked in the top 15 of the US Billboard 200 chart. After signing with Capitol Records, they broke into the mainstream in 2004 with the release of Mmhmm, which debuted at #15 on the Billboard 200. In 2007, their fifth album brought the most success for Relient K, Five Score and Seven Years Ago debuted at #6 on the US Billboard 200 and sold 60,000 records in its debut week.[5] The band has sold over 2 million records, with three albums being given Gold certification by the RIAA. The band is also highly successful throughout the Christian Albums and Contemporary Christian Music charts.
Christian Music Links!
The group is associated with the Contemporary Christian Music culture, most notably the Christian rock and Christian punk scene. Despite being a Christian band the group has performed alongside secular artists, and has had critical success with mainstream pop punk. The band's sound incorporates piano rock and acoustic elements; and the lyrical content often refers to God, Jesus, and the terms "you" and "Him" are used in reference to The Divine. Since its formation, Relient K has released a discography consisting of five studio albums, seven EPs, two Christmas albums, and one collection of rarities. The band has received numerous awards including a Grammy Award nomination in 2003 for Best Rock Gospel Album and two Dove Awards.[2][3][4]
Relient K is best known commercially for their two studio albums which peaked in the top 15 of the US Billboard 200 chart. After signing with Capitol Records, they broke into the mainstream in 2004 with the release of Mmhmm, which debuted at #15 on the Billboard 200. In 2007, their fifth album brought the most success for Relient K, Five Score and Seven Years Ago debuted at #6 on the US Billboard 200 and sold 60,000 records in its debut week.[5] The band has sold over 2 million records, with three albums being given Gold certification by the RIAA. The band is also highly successful throughout the Christian Albums and Contemporary Christian Music charts.
Christian Music Links!
RADIO SWEETHART: Giving major props to mainstream Christian rock
A new sensation has been crawling up from the musical underground. It's not a fresh concept and it already has a very devoted following, yet it's starting to creep its way into
the iPods of the mainstream listener. Its names vary from Christian rock to gospel to devotional music, but the message remains the same: givin' major props to the big guy
upstairs.
When did God become cool again? He's been straddling the line between hip and square ever since Norman Greenbaum released "Spirit in the Sky." But despite the common
stereotypes about Christian musicians, the music has thrived in recent years. Blame the surge on spiritual revival in a post-9/11 world or blame the vulgar music that blasts
through adolescents' stereos. Whatever you believe, the fact is that as long as religion thrives, so will the music that gives it life.
Christian rock began in the 1960s in response to the pro-Satan, drugs, and sex agenda of early rock music. In fact, in the early '70s, it was considered cool to rock out about
Jesus. Popularity diminished in the following years, with the biggest Christian sensation being Stryper in the '80s. But, thanks to the success of U2, mixing faith with music
proved to be very profitable. Acts like DC Talk, Jars of Clay and Audio Adrenaline laid the groundwork for the fame and overall acceptance of today's bands.
You may have heard of acts like Relient K, Hawk Nelson or the David Crowder Band, who are rising in popularity every day, but it's the CCM (Christian Contemporary Music)
counterculture that has many evangelicals scratching their heads and many young fans flocking to their shows. What's strange about these bands is that they mix genres
such as punk, hardcore and metal (music that used to be sole property of the big guy downstairs) to create something "worshipable," if there ever was such a word.
Walking into these shows, you feel the sense of attitude and anarchy that one would feel on the punk scene in late-'70s London. Everyone is dressed in their finest tight pants,
with their hair done up enough that it could spark a musical revolution on its own. The music gets started and it's a heavy whirlwind of orchestrated chaos and the fans love it.
You hear the faith-based lyrics, but it doesn't throw off the music. Ball State sophomore Nathan Wilson sees it like this: "If you play the music and play it well and people like it,
you're going to do well…despite your Christian message."
Every now and then the vocalist will take a minute to preach to the audience about his experiences through Christ and why he and those around him are better for it. This is
when you realize that this isn't for show; these guys really believe what they're saying. Despite their rough exterior, these musicians are Christians in the purest sense.
As Blessed Is He bassist, Ryan Dillon put it: "I just want to show that I appreciate his sacrifice and that I'm living my life for Him."
This musical movement is not all about Christianity; in fact, many fans who attend the shows are nonreligious. It's not necessarily about believing in something, but respecting
those that do and understanding their love. Case in point: One may not share Sir-Mix-A-Lot's love of a full rump, but it is easy to appreciate his adoration. Forget your
preferences, forget what you were taught and just go out and listen to good music for what it is: good music.
Christian Music News Source
the iPods of the mainstream listener. Its names vary from Christian rock to gospel to devotional music, but the message remains the same: givin' major props to the big guy
upstairs.
When did God become cool again? He's been straddling the line between hip and square ever since Norman Greenbaum released "Spirit in the Sky." But despite the common
stereotypes about Christian musicians, the music has thrived in recent years. Blame the surge on spiritual revival in a post-9/11 world or blame the vulgar music that blasts
through adolescents' stereos. Whatever you believe, the fact is that as long as religion thrives, so will the music that gives it life.
Christian rock began in the 1960s in response to the pro-Satan, drugs, and sex agenda of early rock music. In fact, in the early '70s, it was considered cool to rock out about
Jesus. Popularity diminished in the following years, with the biggest Christian sensation being Stryper in the '80s. But, thanks to the success of U2, mixing faith with music
proved to be very profitable. Acts like DC Talk, Jars of Clay and Audio Adrenaline laid the groundwork for the fame and overall acceptance of today's bands.
You may have heard of acts like Relient K, Hawk Nelson or the David Crowder Band, who are rising in popularity every day, but it's the CCM (Christian Contemporary Music)
counterculture that has many evangelicals scratching their heads and many young fans flocking to their shows. What's strange about these bands is that they mix genres
such as punk, hardcore and metal (music that used to be sole property of the big guy downstairs) to create something "worshipable," if there ever was such a word.
Walking into these shows, you feel the sense of attitude and anarchy that one would feel on the punk scene in late-'70s London. Everyone is dressed in their finest tight pants,
with their hair done up enough that it could spark a musical revolution on its own. The music gets started and it's a heavy whirlwind of orchestrated chaos and the fans love it.
You hear the faith-based lyrics, but it doesn't throw off the music. Ball State sophomore Nathan Wilson sees it like this: "If you play the music and play it well and people like it,
you're going to do well…despite your Christian message."
Every now and then the vocalist will take a minute to preach to the audience about his experiences through Christ and why he and those around him are better for it. This is
when you realize that this isn't for show; these guys really believe what they're saying. Despite their rough exterior, these musicians are Christians in the purest sense.
As Blessed Is He bassist, Ryan Dillon put it: "I just want to show that I appreciate his sacrifice and that I'm living my life for Him."
This musical movement is not all about Christianity; in fact, many fans who attend the shows are nonreligious. It's not necessarily about believing in something, but respecting
those that do and understanding their love. Case in point: One may not share Sir-Mix-A-Lot's love of a full rump, but it is easy to appreciate his adoration. Forget your
preferences, forget what you were taught and just go out and listen to good music for what it is: good music.
Christian Music News Source
Relient K to Record Three New Christmas Tunes; Fall Tour Dated Announced
Relient K is planning to hit the road in October for a short U.S. tour ... and will be recording three new songs beforehand!
"We took a quick breather after Warped Tour, and now we're headed back to Nashville to track a couple of Christmas songs and rehearse for the upcoming 'Uncle Fest Tour' [perhaps an ode to The Addams Family]. We're excited to hit the road and get back to some of our favorite clubs and theaters. " singer Matt Thiessen explained in a recent press release.
In 2007, Relient K release their second Christmas record, Let it Snow, Baby ... Let it Reindeer. On October 7, the album will be re-released with three new Christmas songs ("God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Silver Bells," and "Oh Holy Night"), although they will only be available through a download card that comes with the album, rather than appearing on the actual album itself.
Perhaps Relient K will play some Christmas jams on the "Uncle Fest Tour," which will feature Ludo, This Providence and House of Heroes as the openers.
Relient K Tour dates(click a date below and join the tour community):
10.2: Madison, WI @ Barrymore Theatre
10.3: Des Moines, IA @ Val Air Ballroom
10.4: St. Paul, MN @ Myth
10.5: Milwaukee, WI @ The Eagles Ballroom
10.7: Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room @ Murat Center
10.9: Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart's
10.10: Grand Rapids, MI @ Orbit Room
10.11: Pontiac, MI @ Clutch Cargo's
10.12: Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Zoo
10.13: Allentown, PA @ Crocodile Rock
10.15: Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
10.16: Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
10.17: Clifton Park, NY @ Northern Lights
10.18: Hartford, CT @ Webster Theatre
10.21: Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
10.22: Towson, MD @ Recher Theatre
10.23: Norfolk, VA @ Norva Theatre
10.24: Charlotte, NC @ Amos' Southend
10.25: North Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues Myrtle Beach
10.27: Orlando, FL @ House of Blues Orlando
10.29: Birmingham, AL @ WorkPlay Theatre
10.30: St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
10.31: Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues Cleveland
11.1: Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall
11.2: Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
Christian Music News Source
"We took a quick breather after Warped Tour, and now we're headed back to Nashville to track a couple of Christmas songs and rehearse for the upcoming 'Uncle Fest Tour' [perhaps an ode to The Addams Family]. We're excited to hit the road and get back to some of our favorite clubs and theaters. " singer Matt Thiessen explained in a recent press release.
In 2007, Relient K release their second Christmas record, Let it Snow, Baby ... Let it Reindeer. On October 7, the album will be re-released with three new Christmas songs ("God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Silver Bells," and "Oh Holy Night"), although they will only be available through a download card that comes with the album, rather than appearing on the actual album itself.
Perhaps Relient K will play some Christmas jams on the "Uncle Fest Tour," which will feature Ludo, This Providence and House of Heroes as the openers.
Relient K Tour dates(click a date below and join the tour community):
10.2: Madison, WI @ Barrymore Theatre
10.3: Des Moines, IA @ Val Air Ballroom
10.4: St. Paul, MN @ Myth
10.5: Milwaukee, WI @ The Eagles Ballroom
10.7: Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room @ Murat Center
10.9: Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart's
10.10: Grand Rapids, MI @ Orbit Room
10.11: Pontiac, MI @ Clutch Cargo's
10.12: Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Zoo
10.13: Allentown, PA @ Crocodile Rock
10.15: Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
10.16: Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
10.17: Clifton Park, NY @ Northern Lights
10.18: Hartford, CT @ Webster Theatre
10.21: Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
10.22: Towson, MD @ Recher Theatre
10.23: Norfolk, VA @ Norva Theatre
10.24: Charlotte, NC @ Amos' Southend
10.25: North Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues Myrtle Beach
10.27: Orlando, FL @ House of Blues Orlando
10.29: Birmingham, AL @ WorkPlay Theatre
10.30: St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
10.31: Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues Cleveland
11.1: Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall
11.2: Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
Christian Music News Source
Upcoming concerts for September 12
Motorhead, Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., Philadelphia, (856) 338-9000, $30, 8 p.m., Sept. 19
Ice Cube, Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St., Philadelphia, (215) 922-1010, $35, 9 p.m., Sept. 19
Lauren Hart with Bill Deasy, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., Philadelphia, (215) 928-0978, $15, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 19
Pete Francis, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., Philadelphia, (215) 928-0978, $12, 10:30 p.m., Sept. 19
Alanis Morissette, Tower Theatre, 69th and Ludlow streets, Upper Darby, Pa., (856) 338-9000, $39.50-$65, 8 p.m., Sept. 19
Crystal Gayle, Roy Clark and Ray Price, American Music Theatre, 2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, Pa., (800) 648-4102, $49.50, 2 and 8 p.m., Sept. 20
The Mars Volta, Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., Philadelphia, (856) 338-9000, $35, 8:30 p.m., Sept. 20
Jann Klose Band featuring Annie Haslam, Sellersville Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville, Pa., (215) 257-5808, $21.50, 8 p.m., Sept. 20
Martina McBride's Waking Up Laughing Tour, Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, (856) 338-9000, $30.75-$51.50, 4 p.m.; Sept. 20
The Dandy Warhols, Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St., Philadelphia, (215) 922-1010, $20, 9 p.m., Sept. 20
Joseph Parsons & Friends, CD release party, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., Philadelphia, (215) 928-0978, $12, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 20
Hamell On Trial, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., Philadelphia, (215) 928-0978, $12, 10:30 p.m., Sept. 20
Steve Forbert with Caroline Herring, World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., Philadelphia, (215) 222-1400, $25, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 20
Roy Clark, Sellersville Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville, Pa., (215) 257-5808, $49.50, 3 and 7:30 p.m., Sept. 21
Valencia, Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St., Philadelphia, (215) 922-1010, $12.50, 6:30 p.m., Sept. 21
Solas, World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., Philadelphia, (215) 222-1400, $25, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 21
Leela James, World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., Philadelphia, (215) 222-1400, $22, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 22
Goldrush featuring Santogold, Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St., Philadelphia, (215) 922-1010, $23, 8 p.m., Sept. 23
Loudon Wainwright III, World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., Philadelphia, (215) 222-1400, $30, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 23
Jefferson Starship, Sellersville Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville, Pa., (215) 257-5808, $45, 8 p.m., Sept. 24
Toots and the Maytals, Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St., Philadelphia, (215) 922-1010, $21, 9 p.m., Sept. 24
Little Feat, Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa., (215) 572-7650, $39.50, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 25
Street Dogs, Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St., Philadelphia, (215) 922-1010, $13, 8 p.m., Sept. 25
Mark Geary, Joe Rathbone, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., Philadelphia, (215) 928-0978, $10, 8:30 p.m., Sept. 25
Randy Newman “Harps & Angels,'' Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa., (215) 572-7650, $39.50-$49.50, 8 p.m., Sept. 26
94.5's PST Fest 2008 featuring Jordin Sparks, Jesse McCartney, Secondhand Serenade, Lesley Roy and Varsity FanClub, Sovereign Bank Arena, 550 S. Broad St., Trenton,
(800) 298-4200, $25-$45, 7 p.m., Sept. 26
Mary J. Blige, Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, (856) 338-9000, $59.75-$115.75, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 26
Willie Nelson & Family, Tower Theatre, 69th and Ludlow streets, Upper Darby, Pa., (856) 338-9000, $49-$55, 8 p.m., Sept. 26
Crack The Sky, Sellersville Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville, Pa., (215) 257-5808, $29.50, 8 p.m., Sept. 27
Weezer with Angels and Airwaves, Tokyo Police Club, Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, (856) 338-9000, $50-$55, 8 p.m.; Sept. 27
From the Jam, Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St., Philadelphia, (215) 922-1010, $25, 9 p.m., Sept. 27
Christine Havrilla, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., Philadelphia, (215) 928-0978, $10, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 27
Patty Loveless with special guest Junior Brows, American Music Theatre, 2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, Pa., (800) 648-4102, $45, 3 p.m., Sept. 28
Justin Nozuka, Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St., Philadelphia, (215) 922-1010, $15, 8 p.m., Sept. 28
Apocalyptica, Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St., Philadelphia, (215) 922-1010, $17, 8 p.m., Sept. 29
Pinback, Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St., Philadelphia, (215) 922-1010, $14, 8 p.m., Sept. 30
Carolina Chocolate Drops, World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., Philadelphia, (215) 222-1400, $20, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 30
N.E.R.D. and Common, Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., Philadelphia, (856) 338-9000, $35, 8:30 p.m., Oct. 2
K-Floor, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., Philadelphia, (215) 928-0978, $16, 8 and 10 p.m., Oct. 2
Janet Jackson with the Rock Witchu Tour, Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, (800) 298-4200, $59.75-$250.75, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 2
Tegan and Sara, Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., Philadelphia, (856) 338-9000, $32.50, 8:30 p.m., Oct. 3
The Kennedys, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., Philadelphia, (215) 928-0978, $15, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 3
Rusted Root, Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., Philadelphia, (856) 338-9000, $26.50, 8:30 p.m., Oct. 4
Engelbert Humperdinck, Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa., (215) 572-7650, $49.50-$59.50, 8 p.m., Oct. 4
The New Christy Minstrels, Sellersville Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville, Pa., (215) 257-5808, $25, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 4
Graham Parker, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., Philadelphia, (215) 928-0978, $25, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 4
The Resistors, The Road Dogs, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., Philadelphia, (215) 928-0978, $10, 10:30 p.m., Oct. 4
Lou Christie, The Tokens, The Duprees, The Dubs, American Music Theatre, 2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, Pa., (800) 648-4102, $40, 7 p.m., Oct. 5
Engelbert Humperdinck, American Music Theatre, 2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, Pa., (800) 648-4102, $70, 8 p.m., Oct. 6
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., Philadelphia, (856) 338-9000, $38, 8 p.m., Oct. 7
Children of Bodom, Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., Philadelphia, (856) 338-9000, $20, 8 p.m., Oct. 8
An Evening with David Croby and Graham Nash, Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa., (215) 572-7650, $49.50-$59.50, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 8
Against Me! with Ted Leo and The Pharmacists, Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., Philadelphia, (856) 338-9000, $20, 8 p.m., Oct. 9
John Sebastian and David Grisman featuring Ralph Stanley and The Clinch Mountain Boys, Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, 260 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, (215) 893-1999, $35-
$56, 8 p.m., Oct. 9
TV On the Radio, Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., Philadelphia, (856) 338-9000, $20, 8:30 p.m., Oct. 10
Australian Pink Floyd, Tower Theatre, 69th and Ludlow streets, Upper Darby, Pa., (856) 338-9000, $39.50-$49.50, 8 p.m., Oct. 10
The Iguanas, World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., Philadelphia, (215) 222-1400, $18, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 10
Yonder Mountain String Band, Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., Philadelphia, (856) 338-9000, $22.50, 8:30 p.m., Oct. 11
The Red Elvises, Sellersville Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville, Pa., (215) 257-5808, $19.50, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 12
Ray Lamontagne, Leona Naess, Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa., (215) 572-7650, $30-$35, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 13
Julia Fordham, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., Philadelphia, (215) 928-0978, $26, 8 p.m., Oct. 13
Blackest of the Black featuring Danzig and Dimmu Borgir, Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., Philadelphia, (856) 338-9000, $25, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 14
Relient K, Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., Philadelphia, (856) 338-9000, $17, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 15
Pete Best Band and John Lennon's Original Quarrymen with The Cryers, Sellersville Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville, Pa., (215) 257-5808, $29.50, 7:30 p.m., Oct.
15
Jason Mraz, Tower Theatre, 69th and Ludlow streets, Upper Darby, Pa., (856) 338-9000, $28.50-$37.50, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 16
America, Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa., (215) 572-7650, $39-$49, 8 p.m., Oct. 17
Jonatha Brooke, Glen Phillips, World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., Philadelphia, (215) 222-1400, $45, 7 p.m., Oct. 17
An Evening with Lindsey Buckingham, Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa., (215) 572-7650, $32.50-$39.50, 8 p.m., Oct. 18
Phil Roy with band, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., Philadelphia, (215) 928-0978, $20, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 18
U.S. Tour 08 Joe Satriani with Mountain featuring Leslie West and Corky Laing,'' Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa., (215) 572-7650, $39.50-
$49.50, 7 p.m., Oct. 19
Carrie Underwood, Liacouras Center, 1776 n. Broad St., Philadelphia, (800) 298-4200, $35-$55, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 19
Ravi Shankar and Anoushka Shankar, Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, 260 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, (215) 893-1999, $34-$65, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 19
Rodney Crowell with Jenny Scheinman, Sellersville Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville, Pa., (215) 257-5808, $29.50, 8 p.m., Oct. 22
Mountain Stage Live featuring special guests Todd Snider, Jim Boggia, Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa., (215) 572-7650, $39-$49, 7:30 p.m.,
Oct. 23
Billy Bragg, The Watson Twins, Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa., (215) 572-7650, $29-$35, 8 p.m., Oct. 24
John Wesley Harding, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., Philadelphia, (215) 928-0978, $18, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 24
Alan Jackson and Trace Adkins, Wachovia Spectrum, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, (800) 298-4200, $35-$75, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 24
Ellis Paul, Chris O'Brien, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., Philadelphia, (215) 928-0978, $22, 7 p.m., Oct. 25
Celtic Thunder, Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, (800) 298-4200, $34.50-$54.50, 8 p.m., Oct. 25
Garnet Rogers, World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., Philadelphia, (215) 222-1400, $15, 8 p.m., Oct. 25
The Who, Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, (800) 298-4200, $52-$202, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 26
Of Montreal, Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., Philadelphia, (856) 338-9000, $20, 8:30 p.m., Oct. 31
Coldplay, Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, (800) 298-4200, $49.50-$97.50, 8 p.m., Nov. 1
Rock Band Live Tour featuring Panic at the Disco, Dashboard Confessional, Plain White T's and The Cab, Wachovia Spectrum, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, (800) 298-4200,
$29.95-$39.95, 7 p.m., Nov. 1
New Kids on the Block, Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, (800) 298-4200, $37.50-$77.50, 8 p.m., Nov. 5
Arlo Guthrie “The Lost World Tour'' with The Burns Sisters, Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa., (215) 572-7650, $36, 8 p.m., Nov. 8
The Cheetah Girls featuring Adrienne Bailon, Sabrina Bryan and Kiely Williams with their “Cheetah Girls One World Tour,'' Wachovia Spectrum, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia,
(800) 298-4200, $35-$45, 7 p.m., Nov. 11
Martin Sexton and Ryan Montbleau, Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa., (215) 572-7650, $20-$25, 8 p.m., Nov. 14
Madonna, Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, (800) 298-4200, $55-$350, 8 p.m., Nov. 20
Brian Wilson, Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa., (215) 572-7650, $49.50-$65, 8 p.m., Nov. 22
Rik Emmett, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., Philadelphia, (215) 928-0978, $30, 7 and 9:30 p.m., Nov. 22
Southside Johnny and Leon Russell, Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa., (215) 572-7650, $39.50-$49.50, 8 p.m., Nov. 28
Tina Turner, Wachovia Spectrum, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, (800) 298-4200, $29.50-$178, 8 p.m., Nov. 29
Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, (800) 298-4200, $39.50-$50.50, 3 and 8 p.m., Nov. 29
Aimee Mann's 3rd annual Christmas Party, Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa., (215) 572-7650, $39.50-$39.50, 8 p.m., Dec. 13
A Holiday Concert with Marvin Hamlisch (a special, post-season fund-raising event), Lenape Regional Performing Arts Center, 130 Tomlinson Mill Road, Evesham, (856) 983-
3366, $65, 8 p.m., Dec. 20
Metallica, Machine Head and The Sword, Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, (800) 298-4200, $62.50-$98.94, 7 p.m., Jan. 17
Christian Music News Source
Ice Cube, Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St., Philadelphia, (215) 922-1010, $35, 9 p.m., Sept. 19
Lauren Hart with Bill Deasy, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., Philadelphia, (215) 928-0978, $15, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 19
Pete Francis, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., Philadelphia, (215) 928-0978, $12, 10:30 p.m., Sept. 19
Alanis Morissette, Tower Theatre, 69th and Ludlow streets, Upper Darby, Pa., (856) 338-9000, $39.50-$65, 8 p.m., Sept. 19
Crystal Gayle, Roy Clark and Ray Price, American Music Theatre, 2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, Pa., (800) 648-4102, $49.50, 2 and 8 p.m., Sept. 20
The Mars Volta, Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., Philadelphia, (856) 338-9000, $35, 8:30 p.m., Sept. 20
Jann Klose Band featuring Annie Haslam, Sellersville Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville, Pa., (215) 257-5808, $21.50, 8 p.m., Sept. 20
Martina McBride's Waking Up Laughing Tour, Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, (856) 338-9000, $30.75-$51.50, 4 p.m.; Sept. 20
The Dandy Warhols, Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St., Philadelphia, (215) 922-1010, $20, 9 p.m., Sept. 20
Joseph Parsons & Friends, CD release party, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., Philadelphia, (215) 928-0978, $12, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 20
Hamell On Trial, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., Philadelphia, (215) 928-0978, $12, 10:30 p.m., Sept. 20
Steve Forbert with Caroline Herring, World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., Philadelphia, (215) 222-1400, $25, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 20
Roy Clark, Sellersville Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville, Pa., (215) 257-5808, $49.50, 3 and 7:30 p.m., Sept. 21
Valencia, Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St., Philadelphia, (215) 922-1010, $12.50, 6:30 p.m., Sept. 21
Solas, World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., Philadelphia, (215) 222-1400, $25, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 21
Leela James, World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., Philadelphia, (215) 222-1400, $22, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 22
Goldrush featuring Santogold, Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St., Philadelphia, (215) 922-1010, $23, 8 p.m., Sept. 23
Loudon Wainwright III, World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., Philadelphia, (215) 222-1400, $30, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 23
Jefferson Starship, Sellersville Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville, Pa., (215) 257-5808, $45, 8 p.m., Sept. 24
Toots and the Maytals, Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St., Philadelphia, (215) 922-1010, $21, 9 p.m., Sept. 24
Little Feat, Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa., (215) 572-7650, $39.50, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 25
Street Dogs, Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St., Philadelphia, (215) 922-1010, $13, 8 p.m., Sept. 25
Mark Geary, Joe Rathbone, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., Philadelphia, (215) 928-0978, $10, 8:30 p.m., Sept. 25
Randy Newman “Harps & Angels,'' Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa., (215) 572-7650, $39.50-$49.50, 8 p.m., Sept. 26
94.5's PST Fest 2008 featuring Jordin Sparks, Jesse McCartney, Secondhand Serenade, Lesley Roy and Varsity FanClub, Sovereign Bank Arena, 550 S. Broad St., Trenton,
(800) 298-4200, $25-$45, 7 p.m., Sept. 26
Mary J. Blige, Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, (856) 338-9000, $59.75-$115.75, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 26
Willie Nelson & Family, Tower Theatre, 69th and Ludlow streets, Upper Darby, Pa., (856) 338-9000, $49-$55, 8 p.m., Sept. 26
Crack The Sky, Sellersville Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville, Pa., (215) 257-5808, $29.50, 8 p.m., Sept. 27
Weezer with Angels and Airwaves, Tokyo Police Club, Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, (856) 338-9000, $50-$55, 8 p.m.; Sept. 27
From the Jam, Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St., Philadelphia, (215) 922-1010, $25, 9 p.m., Sept. 27
Christine Havrilla, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., Philadelphia, (215) 928-0978, $10, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 27
Patty Loveless with special guest Junior Brows, American Music Theatre, 2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, Pa., (800) 648-4102, $45, 3 p.m., Sept. 28
Justin Nozuka, Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St., Philadelphia, (215) 922-1010, $15, 8 p.m., Sept. 28
Apocalyptica, Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St., Philadelphia, (215) 922-1010, $17, 8 p.m., Sept. 29
Pinback, Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St., Philadelphia, (215) 922-1010, $14, 8 p.m., Sept. 30
Carolina Chocolate Drops, World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., Philadelphia, (215) 222-1400, $20, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 30
N.E.R.D. and Common, Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., Philadelphia, (856) 338-9000, $35, 8:30 p.m., Oct. 2
K-Floor, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., Philadelphia, (215) 928-0978, $16, 8 and 10 p.m., Oct. 2
Janet Jackson with the Rock Witchu Tour, Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, (800) 298-4200, $59.75-$250.75, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 2
Tegan and Sara, Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., Philadelphia, (856) 338-9000, $32.50, 8:30 p.m., Oct. 3
The Kennedys, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., Philadelphia, (215) 928-0978, $15, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 3
Rusted Root, Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., Philadelphia, (856) 338-9000, $26.50, 8:30 p.m., Oct. 4
Engelbert Humperdinck, Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa., (215) 572-7650, $49.50-$59.50, 8 p.m., Oct. 4
The New Christy Minstrels, Sellersville Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville, Pa., (215) 257-5808, $25, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 4
Graham Parker, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., Philadelphia, (215) 928-0978, $25, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 4
The Resistors, The Road Dogs, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., Philadelphia, (215) 928-0978, $10, 10:30 p.m., Oct. 4
Lou Christie, The Tokens, The Duprees, The Dubs, American Music Theatre, 2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, Pa., (800) 648-4102, $40, 7 p.m., Oct. 5
Engelbert Humperdinck, American Music Theatre, 2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, Pa., (800) 648-4102, $70, 8 p.m., Oct. 6
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., Philadelphia, (856) 338-9000, $38, 8 p.m., Oct. 7
Children of Bodom, Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., Philadelphia, (856) 338-9000, $20, 8 p.m., Oct. 8
An Evening with David Croby and Graham Nash, Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa., (215) 572-7650, $49.50-$59.50, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 8
Against Me! with Ted Leo and The Pharmacists, Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., Philadelphia, (856) 338-9000, $20, 8 p.m., Oct. 9
John Sebastian and David Grisman featuring Ralph Stanley and The Clinch Mountain Boys, Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, 260 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, (215) 893-1999, $35-
$56, 8 p.m., Oct. 9
TV On the Radio, Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., Philadelphia, (856) 338-9000, $20, 8:30 p.m., Oct. 10
Australian Pink Floyd, Tower Theatre, 69th and Ludlow streets, Upper Darby, Pa., (856) 338-9000, $39.50-$49.50, 8 p.m., Oct. 10
The Iguanas, World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., Philadelphia, (215) 222-1400, $18, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 10
Yonder Mountain String Band, Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., Philadelphia, (856) 338-9000, $22.50, 8:30 p.m., Oct. 11
The Red Elvises, Sellersville Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville, Pa., (215) 257-5808, $19.50, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 12
Ray Lamontagne, Leona Naess, Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa., (215) 572-7650, $30-$35, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 13
Julia Fordham, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., Philadelphia, (215) 928-0978, $26, 8 p.m., Oct. 13
Blackest of the Black featuring Danzig and Dimmu Borgir, Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., Philadelphia, (856) 338-9000, $25, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 14
Relient K, Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., Philadelphia, (856) 338-9000, $17, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 15
Pete Best Band and John Lennon's Original Quarrymen with The Cryers, Sellersville Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville, Pa., (215) 257-5808, $29.50, 7:30 p.m., Oct.
15
Jason Mraz, Tower Theatre, 69th and Ludlow streets, Upper Darby, Pa., (856) 338-9000, $28.50-$37.50, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 16
America, Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa., (215) 572-7650, $39-$49, 8 p.m., Oct. 17
Jonatha Brooke, Glen Phillips, World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., Philadelphia, (215) 222-1400, $45, 7 p.m., Oct. 17
An Evening with Lindsey Buckingham, Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa., (215) 572-7650, $32.50-$39.50, 8 p.m., Oct. 18
Phil Roy with band, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., Philadelphia, (215) 928-0978, $20, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 18
U.S. Tour 08 Joe Satriani with Mountain featuring Leslie West and Corky Laing,'' Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa., (215) 572-7650, $39.50-
$49.50, 7 p.m., Oct. 19
Carrie Underwood, Liacouras Center, 1776 n. Broad St., Philadelphia, (800) 298-4200, $35-$55, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 19
Ravi Shankar and Anoushka Shankar, Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, 260 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, (215) 893-1999, $34-$65, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 19
Rodney Crowell with Jenny Scheinman, Sellersville Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville, Pa., (215) 257-5808, $29.50, 8 p.m., Oct. 22
Mountain Stage Live featuring special guests Todd Snider, Jim Boggia, Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa., (215) 572-7650, $39-$49, 7:30 p.m.,
Oct. 23
Billy Bragg, The Watson Twins, Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa., (215) 572-7650, $29-$35, 8 p.m., Oct. 24
John Wesley Harding, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., Philadelphia, (215) 928-0978, $18, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 24
Alan Jackson and Trace Adkins, Wachovia Spectrum, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, (800) 298-4200, $35-$75, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 24
Ellis Paul, Chris O'Brien, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., Philadelphia, (215) 928-0978, $22, 7 p.m., Oct. 25
Celtic Thunder, Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, (800) 298-4200, $34.50-$54.50, 8 p.m., Oct. 25
Garnet Rogers, World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., Philadelphia, (215) 222-1400, $15, 8 p.m., Oct. 25
The Who, Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, (800) 298-4200, $52-$202, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 26
Of Montreal, Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., Philadelphia, (856) 338-9000, $20, 8:30 p.m., Oct. 31
Coldplay, Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, (800) 298-4200, $49.50-$97.50, 8 p.m., Nov. 1
Rock Band Live Tour featuring Panic at the Disco, Dashboard Confessional, Plain White T's and The Cab, Wachovia Spectrum, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, (800) 298-4200,
$29.95-$39.95, 7 p.m., Nov. 1
New Kids on the Block, Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, (800) 298-4200, $37.50-$77.50, 8 p.m., Nov. 5
Arlo Guthrie “The Lost World Tour'' with The Burns Sisters, Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa., (215) 572-7650, $36, 8 p.m., Nov. 8
The Cheetah Girls featuring Adrienne Bailon, Sabrina Bryan and Kiely Williams with their “Cheetah Girls One World Tour,'' Wachovia Spectrum, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia,
(800) 298-4200, $35-$45, 7 p.m., Nov. 11
Martin Sexton and Ryan Montbleau, Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa., (215) 572-7650, $20-$25, 8 p.m., Nov. 14
Madonna, Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, (800) 298-4200, $55-$350, 8 p.m., Nov. 20
Brian Wilson, Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa., (215) 572-7650, $49.50-$65, 8 p.m., Nov. 22
Rik Emmett, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., Philadelphia, (215) 928-0978, $30, 7 and 9:30 p.m., Nov. 22
Southside Johnny and Leon Russell, Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa., (215) 572-7650, $39.50-$49.50, 8 p.m., Nov. 28
Tina Turner, Wachovia Spectrum, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, (800) 298-4200, $29.50-$178, 8 p.m., Nov. 29
Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, (800) 298-4200, $39.50-$50.50, 3 and 8 p.m., Nov. 29
Aimee Mann's 3rd annual Christmas Party, Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa., (215) 572-7650, $39.50-$39.50, 8 p.m., Dec. 13
A Holiday Concert with Marvin Hamlisch (a special, post-season fund-raising event), Lenape Regional Performing Arts Center, 130 Tomlinson Mill Road, Evesham, (856) 983-
3366, $65, 8 p.m., Dec. 20
Metallica, Machine Head and The Sword, Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, (800) 298-4200, $62.50-$98.94, 7 p.m., Jan. 17
Christian Music News Source
Daily tour recap: Minus the Bear, Keane, The Toadies and more
Today's tour recap includes new tour announcements, date additions and more as compiled by Ticket News on September 12, 2008.
Indie rock trio Nada Surf will end the year like they started it: touring. The band recently announced 14 new North American dates to close out 2008. ... After spending the summer co-headlining the Vans Warped Tour, Relient K is staying on the road through December with headlining roles on two new tours. ... Another summer festival anchor has a tour in the works this fall. After a successful opening gig at Bonnaroo, singer-songwriter Matt Morris will support Joan Osborne's 22-date autumnal trek.
Those are the full tour itinerary announcements for the day. There are other musical acts already on the road who have some new concerts on the books, though. Check out those stories in brief below:
Up-and-coming indie act Minus the Bear has tacked some more shows onto the end of its fall 2008 itinerary. The new shows are set for November 20 at Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA, and November 21 at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR. The concerts come right before the tour closing November 22 show at the Showbox in Seattle, WA. Minus the Bear open the U.S trek October 8 at Service Station in Spokane, WA.
Keane just announced a new European tour. The 12-city tour kicks off October 27 at Lotto Arena in Antwerp, BEL, and continue through November 20 at Zenith in Paris, FRA. Other notable stops include an October 31 show at Valby Hall in Copenhagen, DEN, and a November 7 gig at Zenith in Munich, GER. Before kicking off the European tour, Keane have a single UK show scheduled for September 29 at the Forum in London.
Robyn Hitchcock has a coast-to-coast U.S. jaunt in the works for late fall. The British singer-songwriter has a string of seven dates on the books so far, beginning with a November 12 show at The Fillmore in San Francisco, CA, and continuing through November 22 at Symphony Space in New York, NY. Along the way, Hitchcock has a November 15 stop at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago, IL, and a November 19 gig at World Café Live in Philadelphia, PA.
Saxophonist Dave Koz has new tour dates scheduled through January 2009. The remaining 2008 shows include a string of shows at Blue Note in Tokyo, Japan, stretching October 2-7, following by an October 16 show at Aksra Theatre in Bangkok, Thailand. He'll be back in the states for a November 2-9 nightly run on the Westerdam Cruise Ship, which sets out from Fort Lauderdale, FL. He'll be on solid land in the continental states through December, but he'll be island-bound in the New Year with a January 16-17 run in Honolulu, HI.
Glasvegas extended its UK tour with additional dates set for late November and early December. After finishing a brief October run in the States, including an October 1 show-opener for Echo & The Bunnymen at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, the band will be back across the pond. The group will perform at an October 18 show at Moshulu in Aberdeen, UK, before taking a brief break from the road. The new string of UK dates starts up November 28 at Anson Room in Bristol, UK, and stretches through a December 16 show in Barrowlands, UK.
The Toadies have added a few more shows onto their tour of the U.S. The new October 4 show at The Pavilion in Corpus Christi, TX, was rescheduled from August 31, when the band's tour bus broke down before they could make it to the show. Before the closing performance on November 25 at the House of Blues in New Orleans, LA, the band will also make stops on November 11 at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC, and on November 14 at Cat's Cradle in Carrboro, NC. The rockers have been on the road since the August 21 opener at Click's in Tyler, TX.
Southside Johnny & The Ashbury Jukes have some U.S. gigs lined up for the end of 2008, following shows in the UK and Europe. Before taking off for the UK, the next show on the itinerary is a September 13 show with Peter Frampton in Lakewood, NJ. After that, the next U.S. shows start with an October 17-18 run at the Ridgefield Playhouse in Ridgefield, CT, and conclude with a December 29-30 run at Birchmere in Alexandria, VA. In between, the band has shows set for Harrisburg, PA, Glenside, PA, and Annapolis, MD.
Christian Music News Source
Indie rock trio Nada Surf will end the year like they started it: touring. The band recently announced 14 new North American dates to close out 2008. ... After spending the summer co-headlining the Vans Warped Tour, Relient K is staying on the road through December with headlining roles on two new tours. ... Another summer festival anchor has a tour in the works this fall. After a successful opening gig at Bonnaroo, singer-songwriter Matt Morris will support Joan Osborne's 22-date autumnal trek.
Those are the full tour itinerary announcements for the day. There are other musical acts already on the road who have some new concerts on the books, though. Check out those stories in brief below:
Up-and-coming indie act Minus the Bear has tacked some more shows onto the end of its fall 2008 itinerary. The new shows are set for November 20 at Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA, and November 21 at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR. The concerts come right before the tour closing November 22 show at the Showbox in Seattle, WA. Minus the Bear open the U.S trek October 8 at Service Station in Spokane, WA.
Keane just announced a new European tour. The 12-city tour kicks off October 27 at Lotto Arena in Antwerp, BEL, and continue through November 20 at Zenith in Paris, FRA. Other notable stops include an October 31 show at Valby Hall in Copenhagen, DEN, and a November 7 gig at Zenith in Munich, GER. Before kicking off the European tour, Keane have a single UK show scheduled for September 29 at the Forum in London.
Robyn Hitchcock has a coast-to-coast U.S. jaunt in the works for late fall. The British singer-songwriter has a string of seven dates on the books so far, beginning with a November 12 show at The Fillmore in San Francisco, CA, and continuing through November 22 at Symphony Space in New York, NY. Along the way, Hitchcock has a November 15 stop at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago, IL, and a November 19 gig at World Café Live in Philadelphia, PA.
Saxophonist Dave Koz has new tour dates scheduled through January 2009. The remaining 2008 shows include a string of shows at Blue Note in Tokyo, Japan, stretching October 2-7, following by an October 16 show at Aksra Theatre in Bangkok, Thailand. He'll be back in the states for a November 2-9 nightly run on the Westerdam Cruise Ship, which sets out from Fort Lauderdale, FL. He'll be on solid land in the continental states through December, but he'll be island-bound in the New Year with a January 16-17 run in Honolulu, HI.
Glasvegas extended its UK tour with additional dates set for late November and early December. After finishing a brief October run in the States, including an October 1 show-opener for Echo & The Bunnymen at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, the band will be back across the pond. The group will perform at an October 18 show at Moshulu in Aberdeen, UK, before taking a brief break from the road. The new string of UK dates starts up November 28 at Anson Room in Bristol, UK, and stretches through a December 16 show in Barrowlands, UK.
The Toadies have added a few more shows onto their tour of the U.S. The new October 4 show at The Pavilion in Corpus Christi, TX, was rescheduled from August 31, when the band's tour bus broke down before they could make it to the show. Before the closing performance on November 25 at the House of Blues in New Orleans, LA, the band will also make stops on November 11 at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC, and on November 14 at Cat's Cradle in Carrboro, NC. The rockers have been on the road since the August 21 opener at Click's in Tyler, TX.
Southside Johnny & The Ashbury Jukes have some U.S. gigs lined up for the end of 2008, following shows in the UK and Europe. Before taking off for the UK, the next show on the itinerary is a September 13 show with Peter Frampton in Lakewood, NJ. After that, the next U.S. shows start with an October 17-18 run at the Ridgefield Playhouse in Ridgefield, CT, and conclude with a December 29-30 run at Birchmere in Alexandria, VA. In between, the band has shows set for Harrisburg, PA, Glenside, PA, and Annapolis, MD.
Christian Music News Source
Relient K Fall Tour and Christmas Songs - A Top Story This Week
Relient K Fall Tour and Christmas Songs was a top story for this week. Here it is again: (PR) Relient K announces the 25-date "Uncle Fest Tour," which will launch October 2nd in Madison, WI and conclude November 2nd in Chicago, IL. Relient K will headline with Ludo, This Providence and House of Heroes opening.
In between tours, the band is recording three new tracks - "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Silver Bells" and "Oh Holy Night" - for the October 7th reissue of its 2007 Christmas collection, Let It Snow Baby...Let It Reindeer. (CDs will come with a card enabling fans to download the additional songs for free.)
"We took a quick breather after Warped Tour, and now we're headed back to Nashville to track a couple of Christmas songs and rehearse for the upcoming Uncle Fest Tour," says Matt Thiessen, Relient K's lead singer-guitarist-pianist, who was featured on the cover of Alternative Press' August issue. "We're excited to hit the road and get back to some of our favorite clubs and theaters."
Christian Music News Source
In between tours, the band is recording three new tracks - "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Silver Bells" and "Oh Holy Night" - for the October 7th reissue of its 2007 Christmas collection, Let It Snow Baby...Let It Reindeer. (CDs will come with a card enabling fans to download the additional songs for free.)
"We took a quick breather after Warped Tour, and now we're headed back to Nashville to track a couple of Christmas songs and rehearse for the upcoming Uncle Fest Tour," says Matt Thiessen, Relient K's lead singer-guitarist-pianist, who was featured on the cover of Alternative Press' August issue. "We're excited to hit the road and get back to some of our favorite clubs and theaters."
Christian Music News Source
Relient K - The Bird and the Bee Sides
Sounds like … an eclectic blend of power pop resembling Fountains of Wayne and Jimmy Eat World, with the piano pop of Ben Folds, the punk rock of MxPx and Green Day, and even some alt-country for good measure.
At a glance … defying all rarity album conventions, The Bird and the Bee Sides impresses in both quality and quantity, offering a mix of leftovers, alternate versions, and new songs that demonstrate where Relient K is headed as a band.
Since their first album in 2000, Relient K has made a habit of releasing a short EP between major releases. But The Bird and the Bee Sides is different than the norm. With 26 tracks spanning 71 minutes, this is considerably longer than the average EP offering around 5 or 6 songs—sheesh, it's also longer than the average album. True to the title, there are several b-sides to be found, as well as demos and alternate versions of previously released songs, but there are enough newly recorded songs to fill a short album. For that matter, with so many different musical styles represented here (including country and reggae), how can we be sure this is really a Relient K album?
All kidding aside, Relient K has gone out of their way here to provide content to their loyal fans. In truth, The Bird and the Bee Sides is really a pair of hefty EPs coupled together for one full-length project. And if that weren't enough for the diehards, there are supposedly additional b-sides available through an online scavenger hunt at the band's MySpace page.
Let's jump ahead to the disc's second half, since it's exactly what most would expect from an album like this. Relient K has gone back and raided their archives, selecting tracks from previously released EPs like 2001's The Creepy EP, 2002's Employee of the Month EP, and 2003's The Vinyl Countdown (released as a 7" record). The songs have been remixed and remastered, polished to improve the sound quality of the rougher tracks.
These songs are fun, but mostly intended as forgettable fluff for fans. The two versions of "Five Iron Frenzy Is Either Dead or Dying" (a cute tribute to the now defunct Christian ska band) total little more than a minute of music. "Wit's All Been Done Before" and "For the Band" are enjoyable reminders of the band's earlier, sillier style. "A Penny Loafer Saved Is a Penny Loafer Earned" is an editorial on a fashion trend and "The Vinyl Countdown" is a clever history lesson for the MP3 generation. But none of these songs are as good as the band's primary material, instead serving to remind us just how far Relient K has come in the last five years.
Better still are acoustic versions of the recently released songs "Who I Am Hates Who I've Been," "Up and Up," and the iTunes b-side "Hope for Every Fallen Man." As with the more widely released Apathetic EP in 2005, these show a new side of the band, opting for a quieter acoustic pop style that compliments Relient K's power pop and punk—enough to make me wish the band would mix up their sound more. Sure enough, Relient K does mix things up for the first thirteen songs of this disc, which has been dubbed as The Nashville Tennis EP. Again, it'd be one thing if these songs were quick throwaways or roughly recorded afterthoughts, but several still measure up with the band's best known material. Delivered with lead singer Matt Thiessen's typically clever style, "The Scene and Herd" reconciles the current state of the music industry with the band's gratitude for being able to make the music they love. And "The Lining Is Silver" is a smartly worded expression of changing our lives through love and grace....
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
At a glance … defying all rarity album conventions, The Bird and the Bee Sides impresses in both quality and quantity, offering a mix of leftovers, alternate versions, and new songs that demonstrate where Relient K is headed as a band.
Since their first album in 2000, Relient K has made a habit of releasing a short EP between major releases. But The Bird and the Bee Sides is different than the norm. With 26 tracks spanning 71 minutes, this is considerably longer than the average EP offering around 5 or 6 songs—sheesh, it's also longer than the average album. True to the title, there are several b-sides to be found, as well as demos and alternate versions of previously released songs, but there are enough newly recorded songs to fill a short album. For that matter, with so many different musical styles represented here (including country and reggae), how can we be sure this is really a Relient K album?
All kidding aside, Relient K has gone out of their way here to provide content to their loyal fans. In truth, The Bird and the Bee Sides is really a pair of hefty EPs coupled together for one full-length project. And if that weren't enough for the diehards, there are supposedly additional b-sides available through an online scavenger hunt at the band's MySpace page.
Let's jump ahead to the disc's second half, since it's exactly what most would expect from an album like this. Relient K has gone back and raided their archives, selecting tracks from previously released EPs like 2001's The Creepy EP, 2002's Employee of the Month EP, and 2003's The Vinyl Countdown (released as a 7" record). The songs have been remixed and remastered, polished to improve the sound quality of the rougher tracks.
These songs are fun, but mostly intended as forgettable fluff for fans. The two versions of "Five Iron Frenzy Is Either Dead or Dying" (a cute tribute to the now defunct Christian ska band) total little more than a minute of music. "Wit's All Been Done Before" and "For the Band" are enjoyable reminders of the band's earlier, sillier style. "A Penny Loafer Saved Is a Penny Loafer Earned" is an editorial on a fashion trend and "The Vinyl Countdown" is a clever history lesson for the MP3 generation. But none of these songs are as good as the band's primary material, instead serving to remind us just how far Relient K has come in the last five years.
Better still are acoustic versions of the recently released songs "Who I Am Hates Who I've Been," "Up and Up," and the iTunes b-side "Hope for Every Fallen Man." As with the more widely released Apathetic EP in 2005, these show a new side of the band, opting for a quieter acoustic pop style that compliments Relient K's power pop and punk—enough to make me wish the band would mix up their sound more. Sure enough, Relient K does mix things up for the first thirteen songs of this disc, which has been dubbed as The Nashville Tennis EP. Again, it'd be one thing if these songs were quick throwaways or roughly recorded afterthoughts, but several still measure up with the band's best known material. Delivered with lead singer Matt Thiessen's typically clever style, "The Scene and Herd" reconciles the current state of the music industry with the band's gratitude for being able to make the music they love. And "The Lining Is Silver" is a smartly worded expression of changing our lives through love and grace....
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
Relient K - Let It Snow, Baby... Let It Reindeer
In 2003, Relient K made their Christmas project debut with Deck the Halls, Bruise Your Hand, a slender but witty deluxe EP of sorts that was only made available packaged with their current release at the time. The EP has resurfaced a time or two since, and now the 10-track project has been repackaged and re-released with seven additional songs and a new title. For those who never got their hands on the original, Let It Snow, Baby... Let It Reindeer is an absolute gem.
A mix of where Relient K has been and where they're headed stylistically is captured here, with brand new exclusives making the original release even better. Fans might not be too keen on double-dipping for six new songs ("In Like A Lion" was previously on The Apathetic EP), but the new tracks are too good to pass on. The new cuts include fresh takes on traditionals like "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," "Sleigh Ride" and even an old, rare classic, "I'm Gettin' Nuttin' For Christmas" - which fits in perfectly with the RK style. "Boxing Day," which uses its title to play on the obscure post-Christmas Canadian holiday, is a new original that serves as a lament for passing of another Christmas, but with an expression of hope for the new year ahead. Coupled with the equally unique, equally pensive "Merry Christmas, Here's To Many More," these tracks add to the emotional side of Christmas, musically falling in line with what the band's been doing as of late. However, because a little over half of the album is four years old, with the oldest track being a significant six years old, Let It Snow, Baby... Let It Reindeer might seem to be more of a Christmas hits record than a consistent, fluid, concept album....
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
A mix of where Relient K has been and where they're headed stylistically is captured here, with brand new exclusives making the original release even better. Fans might not be too keen on double-dipping for six new songs ("In Like A Lion" was previously on The Apathetic EP), but the new tracks are too good to pass on. The new cuts include fresh takes on traditionals like "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," "Sleigh Ride" and even an old, rare classic, "I'm Gettin' Nuttin' For Christmas" - which fits in perfectly with the RK style. "Boxing Day," which uses its title to play on the obscure post-Christmas Canadian holiday, is a new original that serves as a lament for passing of another Christmas, but with an expression of hope for the new year ahead. Coupled with the equally unique, equally pensive "Merry Christmas, Here's To Many More," these tracks add to the emotional side of Christmas, musically falling in line with what the band's been doing as of late. However, because a little over half of the album is four years old, with the oldest track being a significant six years old, Let It Snow, Baby... Let It Reindeer might seem to be more of a Christmas hits record than a consistent, fluid, concept album....
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
Relient K - Five Score And Seven Years Ago: Special Edition
There is a debate among fans about re-releases. On the one hand, you get goodies like acoustic versions, new songs, and a DVD disc with music videos, etc. But, is it really worth buying the CD again if you already have it, or paying ten extra bucks compared to the normal edition, if considering the purchase? After all, you can live without it, right?
The preferred method for introducing new material is the Relient K method - by releasing an EP after the main event comes out. Another way is to release the special edition simultaneously with the album, so buyers can choose. But too often you have to buy the CD all over again; and once you've done that, it's tough to trust them with the next CD (I’m still holding out on buying the latest Hawk Nelson, for fear of a future "Special Edition" release).
This time around, Relient K goes with the simultaneous release. But, differing from other special editions, they choose to add no songs to the audio portion of the album, but instead opt just to add a DVD to the mix, which contains the making of the music video “Must Have Done Something Right,” as well as the video itself. It also features commentary and exclusive acoustic performances.
It starts off with six acoustic performances in the legendary Capitol Record Studios in Hollywood California, which clocks in at almost exactly 30 minutes. This portion reminds me of Jeremy Camp’s “live” acoustic album in late 2005, with the whole coffee house vibe to it. This really is the highlight of the special edition, because you get to see the raw talent of the band, from all the member’s vocal talents, to their amazing instrumental versatility. It starts out with a couple performances from mmhmm, including “I So Hate Consequences,” which also fuses a little of “Life after Death and Taxes” with it, and a performance of “Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been,” whose acoustic performance was left off Apathetic EP. After a little banjo pickin’ on “Faking My Own Suicide,” we move on to one of Matt Thiessen’s big inspirations ‘The Beach Boys,’ and a cover of their classic “Sloop John B,” which is fun and finely played. Next are two tracks from the actual Five Score and Seven Years Ago album, including one of my personal favorite Relient K songs, “Give,” which is played very well, but not to the emotion it was on the album. However, this rendition still shines here. The last performance is “Devastation and Reform,” which is a fine addition, but one of their singles like “Forgiven” or “Must Have Done Something Right” would have been a better choice instead. Taking a rock song like this down to an acoustic form is risky; it ends up just uneven, and comes out with mixed results.
In between the acoustic performances are brief commentaries on making the album, the ‘Beach Boys’ as inspirations, the versatility of the band, and a commentary on “Devastation and Reform.” At the end of the performance, Thiessen comes out and tells everyone watching 'thank you,' and hopefully they’ll do more stuff like it in the future. I personally think it would be great to even release a full album or DVD of nothing but acoustic performances, and maybe some more bonus features....
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
The preferred method for introducing new material is the Relient K method - by releasing an EP after the main event comes out. Another way is to release the special edition simultaneously with the album, so buyers can choose. But too often you have to buy the CD all over again; and once you've done that, it's tough to trust them with the next CD (I’m still holding out on buying the latest Hawk Nelson, for fear of a future "Special Edition" release).
This time around, Relient K goes with the simultaneous release. But, differing from other special editions, they choose to add no songs to the audio portion of the album, but instead opt just to add a DVD to the mix, which contains the making of the music video “Must Have Done Something Right,” as well as the video itself. It also features commentary and exclusive acoustic performances.
It starts off with six acoustic performances in the legendary Capitol Record Studios in Hollywood California, which clocks in at almost exactly 30 minutes. This portion reminds me of Jeremy Camp’s “live” acoustic album in late 2005, with the whole coffee house vibe to it. This really is the highlight of the special edition, because you get to see the raw talent of the band, from all the member’s vocal talents, to their amazing instrumental versatility. It starts out with a couple performances from mmhmm, including “I So Hate Consequences,” which also fuses a little of “Life after Death and Taxes” with it, and a performance of “Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been,” whose acoustic performance was left off Apathetic EP. After a little banjo pickin’ on “Faking My Own Suicide,” we move on to one of Matt Thiessen’s big inspirations ‘The Beach Boys,’ and a cover of their classic “Sloop John B,” which is fun and finely played. Next are two tracks from the actual Five Score and Seven Years Ago album, including one of my personal favorite Relient K songs, “Give,” which is played very well, but not to the emotion it was on the album. However, this rendition still shines here. The last performance is “Devastation and Reform,” which is a fine addition, but one of their singles like “Forgiven” or “Must Have Done Something Right” would have been a better choice instead. Taking a rock song like this down to an acoustic form is risky; it ends up just uneven, and comes out with mixed results.
In between the acoustic performances are brief commentaries on making the album, the ‘Beach Boys’ as inspirations, the versatility of the band, and a commentary on “Devastation and Reform.” At the end of the performance, Thiessen comes out and tells everyone watching 'thank you,' and hopefully they’ll do more stuff like it in the future. I personally think it would be great to even release a full album or DVD of nothing but acoustic performances, and maybe some more bonus features....
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
Relient K - Five Score and Seven Years Ago (Gotee)
Sounds like … the slickly produced power pop and punk rock of bands like The All-American Rejects, Jimmy Eat World, and Green Day.
At a glance … Relient K continues to operate at a level of excellence superior to most punk-pop bands, thanks to the clever lyricism, memorable songs, and tight musicianship evidenced on Five Score and Seven Years Ago.
Success has come easily to Relient K. Three of their first four albums have gone Gold, and the band has gained mainstream exposure with late-night TV appearances and high-profile tours. Yet frontman Matt Thiessen almost seems pessimistic in the way he regularly notes that the band won't last forever.
Forever is a long time, fair enough. And the band's days would certainly be numbered if they were content to rest on their laurels. But judging by their fifth album Five Score and Seven Years Ago, Relient K isn't leaving us any time soon, growing stronger with age while showing potential to break bigger.
Their new album isn't really a departure, remaining true to the power pop and punk rock that they do so well. Most of their hallmarks are here, due largely to Thiessen's gift for irresistible melodies and clever lyrics. But the band sounds even tighter with a new bassist and guitarist since 2004's mmHmm, and now all the members contribute to the vocal harmonies. Their sound also benefits from Howard Benson (The All-American Rejects, Less Than Jake), Relient K's first new producer since Mark Townsend all this time. Benson doesn't change the sound so much as provide it with more punch and polish, elevating it to that of any comparable mainstream band.
If anything's missing, Relient K has matured to the point where silly songs are more a quirky afterthought than an integral part of the album. Five Score begins with "Plead the Fifth," using a cappella Beach Boy harmonies and vocal percussion for a brief theory about Lincoln's assassination. And "Crayons" is answering machine fodder, providing a quick guffaw. But beyond that, don't look for much humor aside from occasional lines here and there. Frankly, Relient K is all the better for it—especially if they want to further develop from youth group mainstay to first-rate rock band. Let someone else rise up as the new class clown of Christian punk.
Here, Relient K relies mostly on relationship songs, and they impressively avoid making them repetitive or clichéd. Punk is full of brokenhearted rants, but rarely will you find a band that upholds virtue in saving a relationship. "Come Right Out and Say It" asks for openness and honesty, even when the truth hurts, while "Bite My Tongue" is about refraining from saying something regrettable. A countrified "Faking My Own Suicide" (previously released as a lounge-styled Thiessen demo) cleverly fantasizes about using desperate measures to spark appreciation.
Sunnier love songs like "The Best Thing" and "I'm Taking You with Me" are fun, if not more predictable. But Thiessen knows it—in the undeniably charming "Must Have Done Something Right," he says, "I'm racking my brain for a new, improved way to let you know you're more to me than what I know how to say." "Give" is also great pop with its expression of unconditional love: "Sometimes it seems like all I ever do is ask for things until I ask too much of you/But that is not the way I want to live … I'll just give until there's nothing else."....
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
At a glance … Relient K continues to operate at a level of excellence superior to most punk-pop bands, thanks to the clever lyricism, memorable songs, and tight musicianship evidenced on Five Score and Seven Years Ago.
Success has come easily to Relient K. Three of their first four albums have gone Gold, and the band has gained mainstream exposure with late-night TV appearances and high-profile tours. Yet frontman Matt Thiessen almost seems pessimistic in the way he regularly notes that the band won't last forever.
Forever is a long time, fair enough. And the band's days would certainly be numbered if they were content to rest on their laurels. But judging by their fifth album Five Score and Seven Years Ago, Relient K isn't leaving us any time soon, growing stronger with age while showing potential to break bigger.
Their new album isn't really a departure, remaining true to the power pop and punk rock that they do so well. Most of their hallmarks are here, due largely to Thiessen's gift for irresistible melodies and clever lyrics. But the band sounds even tighter with a new bassist and guitarist since 2004's mmHmm, and now all the members contribute to the vocal harmonies. Their sound also benefits from Howard Benson (The All-American Rejects, Less Than Jake), Relient K's first new producer since Mark Townsend all this time. Benson doesn't change the sound so much as provide it with more punch and polish, elevating it to that of any comparable mainstream band.
If anything's missing, Relient K has matured to the point where silly songs are more a quirky afterthought than an integral part of the album. Five Score begins with "Plead the Fifth," using a cappella Beach Boy harmonies and vocal percussion for a brief theory about Lincoln's assassination. And "Crayons" is answering machine fodder, providing a quick guffaw. But beyond that, don't look for much humor aside from occasional lines here and there. Frankly, Relient K is all the better for it—especially if they want to further develop from youth group mainstay to first-rate rock band. Let someone else rise up as the new class clown of Christian punk.
Here, Relient K relies mostly on relationship songs, and they impressively avoid making them repetitive or clichéd. Punk is full of brokenhearted rants, but rarely will you find a band that upholds virtue in saving a relationship. "Come Right Out and Say It" asks for openness and honesty, even when the truth hurts, while "Bite My Tongue" is about refraining from saying something regrettable. A countrified "Faking My Own Suicide" (previously released as a lounge-styled Thiessen demo) cleverly fantasizes about using desperate measures to spark appreciation.
Sunnier love songs like "The Best Thing" and "I'm Taking You with Me" are fun, if not more predictable. But Thiessen knows it—in the undeniably charming "Must Have Done Something Right," he says, "I'm racking my brain for a new, improved way to let you know you're more to me than what I know how to say." "Give" is also great pop with its expression of unconditional love: "Sometimes it seems like all I ever do is ask for things until I ask too much of you/But that is not the way I want to live … I'll just give until there's nothing else."....
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
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