Long Live!

The Chariot - Long Live

This Album has been completely ruling my world the past few days. My first taste of The Chariot came when Michael showed me one of the gnarliest songs I've ever heard. I was immediately sold. These guys are angry and motivated, and by the looks of things, they aren't scared to throw some bows. Long Live is swift, ruthless, and leaves just as fast as it came with the album only lasting about 30 minutes. Lets get one thing straight, it's gonna be the craziest 30 minutes of your day when you plug this bad boy in. 
Josh Scogin is an excellent lyricist on a mission. A very REAL mission. The record is teeming with thoughts of Revolution, calling it's listeners to arms, to storm the beach head on without regress and LIVE the gospel. Whether it be through music or your Job at McDonald's, we are called to change the world, and BE the change. Long Live is only a catalyst to set the reaction. In The City, Scogin puts it all on the table with lyrics like:

"The only "surrender" tonight, shall not be our own

They cannot escape, one if by land, two if by sea

I saved my money, but it can't save me"

"We can't hope that somebody else take our place
No, we can't hope that somebody else take our place"

We can't stand by and hope that the message gets spread by someone else. We were born to rebel, we were made to be strong and relentless. This is not just a revolt, This is a Revolution. 

Matt & Kim - Grand

I decided I was going to finish cleaning my room this morning and found this album lingering in my genius playlist so i slapped it on. Immediately I was neck deep in a beautiful cornucopia (yes I just said Cornucopia) of electronic synths, sweet drum tracks, and that sweet sound of being at a dance party in a cave; at least that's what I think of. Grand is an awesome album to listen to for those crappy rainy days that you dont feel like doing anything but watch Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Matt and Kim wreak of a youthful enthusiastic angst that makes you want to get up and enjoy life, even if it comes in the form of making the best of your crappy job at McDonalds. I dont know what it is about M&K that makes me so zealously thirsty for adventure, but I like it... whatever it is. Beg, Borrow, or Pirate this Album and go kick a hipster in the shin... twice!


Overall 7.5/10


Here is Matt & Kims new one...

Have a great day guys! thanks for reading.

The Rite review

I had a long night out last night with some good friends I haven't seen in a while and we decided we would brave the mini-snowstorm to go check this bad boy out. I have to say, I thought it was going to be really stupid. Im not a huge fan of exorcism movies really at all and quite frankly I think a lot of movies have really taken advantage of how incredibly creepy and unsettling the practice is and made it a hollywood staple. With all of that being said, this movie was worth my attention. Anthony Hopkins is an incredible actor and he completely captures his role with excellence. I can't remember how many times I turned to my buddy Taylor with the look of dumfounded fear in my eyes, mentioning a few times that i was going to crap my pants in shear terror. It didn't really help that we prefaced the movie by sharing creepy encounters that we have had with spiritual warfare. All in all I think it was a decent movie worth my time, and well worth a fun/ weird night out with a group of friends. 


Overall: 6.5 out of 10


Fact: Lucifer in its latin meaning means 'Light Bearer' and Lucifer was one of the most noble of archangels before challenging God and being cast out of heaven to rule the Earth. 

To Own A Dragon

I just recently finished reading this one about a week ago, and I have to say it opened up a completely new perspective. in TOAD, Don Miller takes on the heavy task of laying out the realities of growing up without a father, speaking to a generation that knows this feeling all to well. Miller writes to the reader with a sort of older brother wisdom that pulls you into his stories. 

To Own a Dragon really hit home with me on so many levels. It nailed almost every big issue in my life, so much so that I would almost consider it my personal memoir.  I strongly encourage every man, young and old, to give this one a good read regardless of your relationship status with your earthly father. I don't think I could recommend a better book for guys, and in some cases girls (considering my good friend Morgan recommended it to me). This book has not only highlighted the deficiencies of being without the support of a father, it speaks even more to all boys to grow up and defeat the sin that is passed onto them by their fathers, to grow up and become strong men of God and be fathers that they need and want to be, not that they have to be. My only complaint is that it was way too short!

I LOVE THIS BOOK. 

9 out of 10 

Not so Random Facts about a Father-less Nation:

1. 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes - 5x the average (U.S. dept of health/Census)

2. 85% of all children who show behavior disorders come from fatherless homes - 20x the average (Center for disease control)

3. 80% of Rapists with anger problems come from fatherless homes - 14x the average (Justice & Behavior, Vol. 14)

4. 71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes - 9x the avg. (NPAR)

5. 75% of all teen patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes - 10x the avg. (RFAC)

6. 70% of youths in state-operated institutions come from fatherless homes - 9x the average (U.S. Dept of Justice)

7. 85% of all youths in prison come from fatherless homes - 20x the average (Texas dept. of correction)

These facts come from The Belmont Foundation, a mentoring project founded by Donald Miller that provides role-models for children growing up without fathers.  

Top 5 Albums of 2010

Before I get this rolling, I totally stole this idea from Bbank's Beat. Although Michael and I have very similar tastes in music, they are different enough for me to make an almost entirely different lineup. so here goes!

1. OMNI - Minus the Bear 
(Released May 4th, 2010)

All I can say is WOW. This album introduced me to my now life-long love for Minus the Bear. I remember near the time of it's release, the guys stopped by WNKU to play an acoustic set and I was one of the lucky ones who got to enjoy the candid show. OMNI- rightfully named after the band's favored instrument on the album- the Omnichord, offers a sound like no other. The melodies waste no time in digging themselves deep in your soul, creating an almost knee-jerk reaction to start groovin' along with the songs. This is definitely an album to jam to with the windows down on a hot summer day when you're feeling like getting your groove on. If you haven't given this one a try yet, I strongly urge you do so.


2. High Violet- The National
(Released May 10th, 2010)

This album has been like an old toy for me this year. Much like how Andy has Woody, I have all of these Buzz Lightyear albums to keep me busy, but this one has been nothing short of old faithful. Like a fine cognac, the Cincy natives have aged beautifully, still keeping their youthful charm. They have come a long way from their debut Alligator and I honestly don't think they could ever top Boxer, but High Violet definitely adds some weight to their portfolio. The vocals wrap you in a warm blanket that has a few holes to let the cold creep in. Just enough to keep you awake while you listen to a life's story being told through hopeful eyes. This one is just brilliant song after song despite the melancholy. This album is my silent killer for the year, always in the background reminding me of it's presence. Check out Bloodbuzz Ohio

3. Suburbs - Arcade Fire
(Released August 3rd, 2010)

Arcade Fire has done it again! I could go on for days about my love for this band, but i will spare you. Arcade Fire is known for being very dynamic and VERY spirited. This album absolutely exemplifies those strengths. Being a kid that grew up (mostly) in the suburbs, these songs really hit home. AF is really great at speaking straight through to your inner child that begs to be set free, and that message is even better when is battles against the American dream. The whole album is chock-full of brilliance, but once you get to Sprawl II (mountains beyond mountains), there's no turning back. I can't help but feel overwhelmed with the itch to go build a tree house or ride my bike until i can't feel my legs.


4. Sigh No More - Mumford & Sons
(Released October 5th 2009)
Ok so I cheated on this one. Although it was released in late 2009 I think we can all agree it made major headway in 2010. With that being said, Sigh No More has been an enormous influence on my musical taste this year and I feel that this album along with I and Love and You by The Avett Bros. has almost single handedly re-shaped my desire for new music. The harmonies are incredible and elegantly played into the bittersweet honesty of the lyrics. When I first listened through this album in May, I was an emotional wreck. This album displays a struggle between Man and God that sinks like a brick in your gut, and unveils a sense of uncertainty that compliments the feeling of the need for hope. Please do yourself a favor and buy this one.


5. Libraries - The Love Language
(Released July 13th, 2010)

Brennen (my brother from another mother) introduced me to this band (literally) in the fall of 2009 and ever since i've been hooked. This album makes me miss Wilmington, North Carolina like no other, and it constantly reminds me of a road trip Brennen and I took up to Ohio State to see them at The Wex, only to catch the tail end of their set. The band is made up of some of the coolest people i've ever had the privilege of meeting and that reflects in their stage presence. It's just a big party. Stu is an excellent vocalist and he is backed by an awesome group of musicians that come together for some rememberable music. 

TRON: Legacy Review

I had the privilege of seeing Tron: Legacy last Friday and it was worth the hefty price. The look of the film is just ridiculous, especially in IMAX 3D (which I highly recommend). This is no Avatar as far as aesthetics go, but the creative designers really went the extra mile. It's really hard to think that filmmakers can make better looking films in the future, although im pumped to see what they can do! The story is lined with plenty of allusions toward creation and the relationship Sam and Kevin Flynn share. The soundtrack is flippin' awesome! Daft Punk's full score is the sweet, sweet icing on the cake, along with some great 80's throwbacks that had me rockin in my seat. Disc fights, light cycles, and a groovin' soundtrack all come together for a great night out at the movies. I highly encourage you to go see this one.


OVERALL: 7.5 out of 10 


Fun Fact: Jeff Bridges was in the United States Coast Guard, now you know!
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Why didn't I think of this!?

Ok, so as I was Stumbling along this evening, I landed on the greatest idea I have seen in a long time. Thank God for minimalists!


If you are anything like me, sitting indian style lasts for about a comfortable 5 minutes until death and terror strike your butt and back muscles. Even in situations where you can get the half-sprawl goin with maybe one leg out of the Indian and a hand back to lean on, my body begins to scream horrible things at me. I find this happens to me most often at Young Life camps when hoards of people cram into the club room and after singing everyone is in a mad rush to sit down before everyone else to ensure a comfortable spot. 


Well fear no more my aching friends! its as simple as a Nylon Strap!


I plan on trying this out for this year's Leader weekend at Rockbridge. I will probably look like a giant idiot but at least I will be comfortable.


-Andy


FACT: In 1942 Nylon was called into service for the armed forces use in parachutes, flak vests, combat uniforms, tires and many other vital military uses.
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