Chris Padgett is back with a new CD titled, Someone Who Will Sing With Me. Just when you thought Padgett could not pack anymore power or energy into his music he proves you wrong. Someone Who Will Sing With Me has the musical and lyrical intensity of a hurricane. You will be blown away. What makes the CD so special is that Padgett has, as the Beatles say, “Got by with a little help from my friends.” The musicians on the CD are in fact the band known as Backyard Galaxy. It’s Mike Ofca from that band who is the producer. The styles on the CD are various, which gives it that special Chris Padgett touch. The album starts with the upbeat tune, “Please.” It talks about the times when we feel lost and without hope, but we know we can turn to Our God to comfort us. “Free To Be” echoes that idea with its call for us to love God with our actions. “Ceiling” tells the story of a person who is in need of God’s love, but feels unsure about his prayers being important enough to get God’s attention. The music is great on this one, as Catholic artist Bob Rice joins in on accordion. Padgett is also joined by another known Catholic artist, Katie Rose, on the songs “My Lord and My God,” and “Psalms 51.” On the new CD Padgett also has some fun with ‘screamo’ rock with the title track “Someone Who Will Sing With Me.”
My favorite song from the CD is “I Am Yours.” It’s a bit of a pop song, but the message is clear, as we pray to give ourselves completely to Jesus. Chris Padgett has given a bit of himself to us in Someone Who Will Sing With Me and given it all to God.


If you are looking for a nice, quite, coffee-house folk band that will sing ‘Kumbaya’, then don’t go looking for Last Day’s CD Happy Medium. Last Day is an in-your-face, tell-it-like-it-is band with a youthful alternative sound that is all for God. The band consists of Andy Henry on guitar, keyboard and backing vocals. Lead guitarist John Brockmeier shines with his superb guitar picking skills and also lends his voice to backing vocals. Matt Jackson is also a skillful guitar player on both acoustic and electric, and the band’s distinctive sound stems from his powerful lead vocals. There is also bassist Joe Tabeling and drummer, Nathan Lubbers rounding out the group. Happy Medium is a collection of original songs. “This Is How Life’s Supposed To Be” is an excellent song that let’s you know that just because as Christians we are God’s children doesn’t mean life is going to be easy for us. It’s a cold, dark world, yet we can be happy in knowing that we have a ray of sunshine at our back. "Calling In The Night" is a really energetic song that deals with overcoming times in your life when everything seems hopeless. It tells two stories of people who feel quite alone because of past choices, but God has a plan for their lives. Even at our lowest point it is all a part of His great design. Knowing that you are in need of change is the idea behind "A Simple Cry." In this song we know that we need Jesus and all we have to do is ask for His help. Last Day is a band that anyone who likes Scarecrow and Tinmen or Cheer Up Charlie will enjoy. Crank up the volume and give a listen to Happy Medium.


When my son was a toddler, he had a toy he had to sleep with every night. It was an orange creature that could be turned into a ball when you put its pouch over its head. It was called a Popple. There was also a short-lived cartoon show. When we got the CD from a band called Popple, I wondered if we could take it seriously. The band has been together since 2003 and their most memorable performance was at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Atlanta in October 2005, where more than 20,000 youth heard them play. Their music sounds like that of They Might Be Giants, Ian Dury or Wreckless Eric. It’s fun, and with the fun comes a message--one of faith, which is heard in the CD Pulled In Both Directions. You can hear a little of TMBG’s ‘Nyquil Driver’ in Popple’s song “Turnway.” This song is about someone who is stuck on the highway of life but is lucky because the Holy Spirit is with him after hearing a message on the radio. Now God is on that highway with him. “Better Versions of Ourselves” talks about a great meal that will change your life--of course this is the Eucharist--and about how after all the storms and rain we will rise up to the Sun (Son). “Sand Castles” explains the awesomeness of God and of all he has created. We should just be excited to live yet another day in this place God has made for each of us. Even the little things of life are fantastic. Popple helps you to see the fantastic and fun things of life and faith in Pulled In Both Directions.

Kitty Cleveland does it again with her classic and vocal styling on Be Not Afraid. Cleveland has an awesome, God-given talent and she uses it beautifully to share His message. Other talents that she also shares are her songwriting. Three songs on this CD are written by her. The first is called “Now You Come To Me.” This song was inspired by the last words of Pope John Paul II. Matthew chapter 6 is the inspiration behind “God Will Provide.” “Look at the birds in the sky. They do not sow or reap or gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they are?” Cleveland lets us know that God provides for the flowers and birds. How much more does He do for us, His children? There are many songs that are familiar here. Tom Booth’s song inspired by Mother Teresa, called “Fragrance Prayer,” John Michael Talbot’s “God Alone Is Enough,” and Twila Paris’ “This Thorn.” Cleveland also does a touching version of “On Eagle’s Wings.” This sounds wonderful with her vocals. The most touching song on the CD is the one Cleveland wrote about her beloved home city. “Eye of the Storm” is a heart tugging song about Hurricane Katrina and how in a matter of hours New Orleans was changed forever. Cleveland sings of the physical changes as well as of those emotional ones that the residents felt. All this can be taken away from those people, but you can’t take Jesus away from them. He makes them strong, as He is the calm in the eye of the storm. This song has Cleveland’s classic vocals with a backing gospel choir, and the mix is awesome and works well.  Be Not Afraid of buying this CD.   
 

--Jeff Burson