Russ Lee Rejoins Newsong

Russ Lee announces on his site that he has rejoined Newsong following the departure of Nate Sallie.

25 Best Christmas CDs of All Time

Amended and expanded list based on new releases and continued consumption:

25 Best Christmas CDs of All Time

25. Harry Connick Jr. - When My Heart Finds Christmas
24. Relient K - Let It Snow Baby... Let It Reindeer
23. Michael McDonald - In the Spirit
22. Bryan Duncan - A Nehosoul Christmas
21. Jewel - Joy: A Holiday Collection
20. Faith Hill - Joy to the World
19. BarlowGirl - Home for Christmas
18. MercyMe - The Christmas Sessions
17. Jars of Clay - Christmas Songs
16. Amy Grant - A Christmas Album
15. Various - Christmas (1988 Sparrow compilation)
14. Michael W. Smith - Christmas
13. Bing Crosby - White Christmas
12. Nat King Cole - The Christmas Song
11. Elvis Presley - It's Christmas Time
10. Ginny Owens - Bring Us Peace
9. Russ Taff - A Christmas Song
8. Avalon - Joy
7. Vince Guaraldi - A Charlie Brown Christmas
6. Steven Curtis Chapman - The Music of Christmas
5. Mariah Carey - Merry Christmas
4. Amy Grant - Home for Christmas
3. Jaci Valesquez - Christmas
2. Michael W. Smith - Christmastime
1. Bryan Duncan - Christmas is Jesus

Casting Crowns Christmas Celebration

We were able to be a part of The Casting Crowns Christmas Celebration last night, featuring Casting Crowns, Natalie Grant, Avalon, Michael English, pureNRG and Denver & The Mile High Orchestra. The diverse line-up had many moving and entertaining moments and we were often left longing for more of each artist.

The recurring theme of the night was glorifying God and how changing tunes or telling the story behind a Christmas song would bring to life the often-powerful lyrics that we may sing by rote and not consider as we sing. Casting Crowns deftly wove in two non-Christmas songs including East to West after an altar call.

The evening began with a ballet performer quietly setting up a Nativity, followed by an ensemble performance.

Michael English's voice has returned and he contributed powerful performances accompanied by awkward stage presence. Avalon and Denver nearly stole the show with entertaining sets (Denver was a revelation since most were not familiar with the group). Natalie Grant also showcased powerhouse vocals and Casting Crowns anchored the entire evening with strong and entertaining appearances. pureNRG seemed to be the odd-man out since they primarily danced to canned music, but the kids loved them.

We expected it to end with a rousing ensemble number, but it ended respectfully with a quiet ensemble performance.

Jeremy Camp Is "Speaking Louder Than Words"

Jeremy Camp's "Speaking Louder Than Words" premieres at only #38 with 32,000 in sales. You would think and hope such a stellar artist would generate more sales the first week.

Grits Leaves Gotee

Grits has left Gotee and GMC has an interview on the freedom that comes from forming their own label.

The Afters' Keeping Me Alive on "Secret Millionaire"

The Afters' "Keeping Me Alive" is being used on the new reality show, "Secret Millionaire."

Update: Christian Artists in "The Hills"

While the reality series "The Hills" will never be considered a paragon of virtue or quality, it is interesting to note how often Christian artists have shown up on the show.

Lanae’ Hale’s “Back And Forth” 12/1 “The Hills”

Francesca Battistelli "It's Your Life"(Season 4, Ep. 406)
Superchick "Rock What You Got"(Season 4, Ep. 406)
Natasha Bedingfield "Unwritten" (Season 4, all)
Francesca Battistelli "Behind The Scenes" (Season 4, Ep. 404)
Jordin Sparks "Young And In Love" (Season 4, Ep. 403)

Daughtry "Feels Like Tonight" (Season 3, Ep. 326)
Wilshire "A New Day's Dawn" (Season 3, Ep. 325)
Eisley "Taking Control" (Season 3, Ep. 323)
Jordin Sparks Feat. Chris Brown "No Air" (Season 3, Ep. 319)
Mat Kearney "Undeniable" (Season 3, Ep. 318)
Lifehouse "Disarray" (Season 3, Ep. 316)
needtobreathe "We Could Run Away" (Season 3, Ep. 312) - featured artist!
Luna Halo "World On Fire" (Season 3, Ep. 311)
Eisley "Invasion" (Season 3, Ep. 311)
Lifehouse "First Time" (Season 3, Ep. 303)

Mat Kearney "Crashing Down" (Season 2, Ep. 212)
The Fray "Oceans Away" (Season 2, Ep. 212)
Leigh Nash "Still See Life" (Season 2, Ep. 205)
Superchick "It's On" (Season 2, Ep. 202)
Superchick "Anthem" (Season 2, Ep. 202)


Natasha Bedingfield "Unwritten" (Season 1, all)
Natasha Bedingfield "I'm the Bomb" (Season 1, Ep. 110)
Natasha Bedingfield "Single" (Season 1, Ep. 109)
The Fray "How To Save A Life" (Season 1, Ep. 109)
Superchick "One Girl Revolution" (Season 1, Ep. 103)
The Fray "Over My Head" (Season 1, Ep. 103)

Paul Colman To Release New Project

Former Paul Colman Trio front-man and current guitarist for the legendary Newsboys, Paul Colman will offer his second solo project, History, on January 27, 2009. The CD showcases the best of Colman’s career, including two previously unreleased tracks and new recordings of popular songs by artists including Toby Keith & Delirious.

'Twas Meant To Be

Christianity Today has a nice interview with Sixpence None The Richer on reuniting and producing new music.

Matt has a nice quote and insight on Christian music:

I recently read a book called Rapture Ready. The author breaks down Christian music into three categories. One is a ministry focus, two is more of an entertainment focus, and three he calls "a transformational artist"—artists in the Christian marketplace who are doing really good music that can reach the culture at large. I think we are comfortable with doing that [from within the CCM industry], as opposed to grumbling about it and wishing we were on the other side. We have had a lot of doors open to us over the years, so I hope it reaches people on both sides of the fence.

Casting Crowns to Perform for Christmas in Washington on TNT

TNT is going to ring in the holidays in musical style with its annual presentation of Christmas In Washington, which this year is scheduled to feature Casting Crowns, Tony-winning Kristin Chenoweth, rising star Julianne Hough, Grammy winner Darius Rucker and Straight No Chaser.

Dr. Phil and Robin McGraw are slated to host the event for the fifth consecutive year. Annually attended by the President and First Lady and other Washington VIPs, this concert is a holiday music celebration benefiting the National Children’s Medical Center.