Throwback Thursday: The Brothers

"Hmmm" you may think to yourself..."Who on earth are The Brothers?" Well....

FAMILY FORCE 5. Yep. Back in the 90's, Solomon, Jacob, and Joshua, a.k.a Soul Glow Activator, Crouton, and Fatty had a little boy band called, "The Brothers". They released two albums, "Fact And Reality" (1994) and "RPM" (1995). I can't find much info on their time as a boy band, but I did find some videos they made.

So  if you're a FF5 fan, prepare to laugh. Or enjoy.

Their music video, called "Make My House A Home":

Another music video! Lol I LOVE this one....totally Family Force 5! Haha!

A song from "Fact And Reality" featuring some very high vocals and two bowl haircuts!

I thought this was pretty cool! I'm not exactly a fan of FF5, but I thought this was awesome!

Some funny Christian videos!

Who doesn't like to laugh? Anyone? I know I do, and I have found some really funny Christian videos online, and I thought I'd share them with you. Be sure to read my post below this one, as there is a question I'd like to hear your feedback on. THANKS!

1. "Jesus Is My Friend" by Sonseed.

Oh these poor guys. It was the 70's though, so I guess that explains things.

2. "Baby" by Justin Bieber Parody - Jesus!

This video never fails to crack me up. The lyrics, the dance moves....the dude eating the banana...it's just funny. They did a good job changing the lyrics though!

3. Worship Leader's Nightmare

There's no audio, but just keep your eye on the guy with the guitar!

Update!

Hey all you wonderful blog readers!

We are going to be in our Annual Holiness Convention this week, and my Grandma and Aunt are coming, so I probably won't be able to blog much, if anything at all. I'm sorry! You could read all my other posts..... :P

Well, anyway, I'll probably be back on Friday or Saturday. I've been thinking of doing a short fiction story in four parts on the blog. Would you guys like that or not? Leave me some feedback!

-Lisa

FM Static.....1 out of 4 ain't bad!

I just recently purchased the FM Static Trilogy, "3 Out Of 4 Ain't Bad"! This 3 disc collection is of FM Static cd's they have put out, featuring "What Are You Waiting For?", "Critically Ashamed", and "Dear Diary". I plan to review all three, and what better way to start things of with the first cd, "What Are You Waiting For?".

FM Static kicks things off with "Three Days Later", which is a fun song about a girl he can't take his mind off. It's funny, all the FM Static cd's are like Trevor McNevan's high school sagas. This cd is almost like his Freshman year, discovering God and relationships. Not much in the way of spirituality in this song, but hey, we all need to hear a fun song every once in a while. "Three Days Later" has a fun pop/punk vibe, and is just one of those songs that's fun to sing along with!

"Crazy Mary" brings some depth to the album, and is a song for a hurting friend. I really like this song, and it's one of my favorites on the album. Trevor sings of "teaching her how to walk away" when she feels like running, and this is a very positive song with a message of trying to help a friend in need. "Crazy Mary" features some great music, and I appreciate a song that carries such an important message without taking away from the "fun" aspect of the album.

Third up is "Something To Believe In", is punk all the way. Here's where the "finding God" aspect of the album comes in. "Something To Believe In" describes the confusion we can feel as we try to sort out our beliefs for ourselves, and cement that true relationship with song. I enjoy the music very much, and I'm sure every teenager can relate to the message in this song.

"Definitely Maybe" is probably the first FM Static song I had heard. We're back to the romantic relationship aspect of the album, but Trevor manages to keep the "cheesy" aspect out, and the fun lyrics people can relate to. Who hasn't liked a person, but that person was in a relationship with someone who didn't care about them? This song is funny,yet ,makes a point, and has that awesome punk/pop sound FM Static is famous for. WIN!

"Donna" is the next track, and brings punk, punk, and more punk! It's another fun song, with a special meaning of finding who we are. "Donna" is another relationship song as well, and Trevor addresses the song to her...or rather, Trevor's "alter ego". :P Not much depth, but another fun song to enjoy!

Halfway through the album now, we hit "All The Days". I noticed this album seems kind of short, but it really isn't at about 40 minutes. Maybe it's because of all the fast songs? Hmmm.... but back to the song! It's sort of an ode to Freshman year, and the beginning of SUMMER! However, it takes the time to remind us to remember the important times in our lives, and also, to look ahead! It's very much a fun song, and I love the music! What gets better than that?

"Hold Me Twice" reverts back to Freshman Year. This song brings a bit of electronic vibes to the punk pop aspect of FM Static. Trevor speaks of himself as "the loser" who likes "that girl". But she doesn't notice him...but so he thinks. Turns out, SHE HAS! Then they meet....then she moves....but he wrote her a letter! I just find myself laughing at the "awkwardness" portrayed in this song. 

Yeah! "The Notion" has a fun beat, one of my favorites musically on this album. The lyrics are...once...again: girls, school, music, and having fun. There isn't a whole lot spiritually on this album, but it makes for fun listening. 

"October" is the 8th fast song on this album. "Crazy Mary" is really the only "slower track". But anyway....can you guess what this song is about......GIRLS! AND TREVOR'S ALTER EGO BEING AWKWARD! Lol, this album is fun, so why can't I have fun with my review? Apparently this girl awkward-trevor's-alter-ego really liked, but she was too cool. Now she's a model, and has been in magazines, and apparently has a pretty good career. The song in a nutshell.

Next to last is "My First Stereo"....this song is straight up hilarious. HAAA-LAR-I-OUS! It's an ode to Trevor's first stereo. When he starts the song off, it sounds like a serious song to God, or a really important person, but then he launches into this song about his stereo. The lyrics to the chorus: Everyone wants, everyone needs, Everyone hurts sometimes like me,It never rejects me, always accepts me,Nothing can compete with my first stereo! HA!

Finally, there is a hidden track. The only slow song on the album, is....about...GIRLS! What is Trevor's Freshman in High School alter ego doing in a club spinning records? Aren't 14 year olds a little young to be "in da' club"? Maybe it was a Fellowship of Christian Athletes club. Ha..."Hey Now, Hey Now a yow ow ow...." (Trevor sounds a lot cooler when he sings that)

 Ok, I had to have fun with this album. "What Are You Waiting For" is just so upbeat and fun, you have a hard time trying to be serious in a review. If you are in high school, like early Hawk Nelson music, or just pop/punk in general, be sure to pick up the Trilogy at your local Christian Bookstore,  iTunes or Zune Marketplace. 

New Bands You Should Know: Part 2

Welcome to the second segment of New Bands YOU Should Know! First off, I'd like to start with.....

SHINE BRIGHT BABY!

I saw these guys on the roster for Creation NE 2011, and immediately checked them out. They're a new indie Alternative Rock band from Ohio, and they sound promising. I suppose if I had to compare them with a band, I'd say Paramore or maybe a punkier sounding BarlowGirl. They released an album independently on May 22, 2009. "The Heart And It's Hope" sounds pretty good, and you can read my review of it here, and scroll down to the review section. If you visit their Pure Volume page, you can download free an acoustic version of "Deadbolt". It's a very good song, and a great way to discover the band. Shine Bright Baby has even impressed the likes of Jared from House Of Heroes! 

Next we have.......

ICON FOR HIRE!

After looking at the new bands T&N had signed, and after being a little disappointed (Rocky Loves Emily), I saw this band....took a listen...and they are definitely a band to watch! Their music is a little harder than what I usually listen to, but Ariel has an amazing voice, and they are definitely talented! Be sure to keep an eye out for their first album with T&N, dropping summer/fall 2011. While you're at it, get a free downlaod of "Off With Her Head" at their Pure Volume page! Below is their song "Conversation With A Rockstar", an absolutely beautiful acoustic song about selling your soul just for fame. Enjoy!

Well, that's the last of my new bands to watch....let me know if I've missed any  by emailing me at lifewithlisap@gmail.com! 

-Lisa

Throwback Thursday: Out Of Eden

WHERE MY SOLDIERS??? Right here!!

Ok, you may have thought that was totally wacky, but that was probably the first Out Of Eden song I heard, and I really liked it. Out Of Eden was a popular Christian R&B group around the mid 2000's. How good were they? Let's find out.

Out Of Eden was band of sisters,  Lisa Kimmey, Andrea Kimmey-Baca and Danielle Kimmey. They started out by singing backup vocals for their Mother, who played classical piano on the side. Their stepfather unsuccessfully tried to get them signed by sending video tapes of the girls singing to record labels. But...that's where things get interesting.


Some guy named Toby McKeehan found out about them. He loved their sound, and created a record label for them in order to produce their music. What label was that? Gotee Records! That is definitely impressive.


Out of Eden put out 7 records during their 12 year career. Their first album, "Lovin' The Day", catapulted the sisters into the music industry, and was well received. Their second album released in 1996, "More Than You Know" cemented their status in the CCM industry. The real success came with their fourth album, "This Is Your Life". Released in 2002, this album tied for "Urban Album Of The Year" Dove Award in 2003, "Meditate", a single from the album, won "Urban Recorded Song Of The Year". This album was also nominated for a Stellar Award. Two years went past, and they released my favorite album from them, "Love, Peace, and Happiness". The album and it's contents were nominated for two Dove Awards, but sadly, did not win. "Soldiers" was on this album, and that was the song I mentioned above. Their next to last album was "Hymns", and featured renditions of Church favorites. Their last album was a greatest hits album, released in 2006, entitled, "The Hits". 


The group announced they were disbanding in 2006. I can't find any information why, but I'm sure they needed a break!


Out Of Eden was a very successful group. Gotee Records was created because of them, their music was enjoyed by many, and they had a successful career. So if you happen to see "Love, Peace, and Happiness" in your Christian bookstore or on iTunes, snatch it up! It's a fun record with some great lyrics!






Be sure to check out next week's Throwback Thursday. I have a very....shall we say....interesting band for you guys.

Making Fun Isn't Fun

"Whoa....have you seen Anne's shirt?" Kayla said to everyone seated at our table. I watched as all the "popular" kids laughed and snickered. We all looked at Anne, and saw she was wearing a shirt that said, "I <3 Cows", but instead of a heart, a hamburger was there. Jacob laughed. "She is a cow", he said. I felt the aggravation rising up inside me. I had come to this table to sit with my friend Sarah, and all the "Popular" kids had come over to sit. There's Kayla, pretty, talkative...and very flirtatious. To her left is her friend, Nicole. Also pretty, talkative, and...very flirtatious. Next to me are my friends since diaper days, Trevor and Travis. Smitten with the aforementioned girls, but overall, very nice. Then....Jacob. I guess good looking, very egotistical....and well, just grates on me. (You may think I sound rude and snippity, but I assure you, this was their character.)

As they laughed, I started to get very annoyed. Anne was also a friend Trevor, Travis, and I grew up with. She is hilarious, and one of the nicest girls you would ever meet. But she is overweight. This fact doesn't bother me at all, Anne is one of my best friends, and I feel personality and character is more important than looks or weight.

I glared at Jacob. "Don't you think that's a little rude?" Jacob shrugged. "It's true". I saw Kayla and Nicole giggle. Even Travis and Trevor wouldn't say a word. I felt sick. I didn't want to be around these popular kids anymore. Sure, they may be the "it" crowd of youth camp, but were they really worth hanging out with if they made fun of my friend just because she weighed more than one of them did? I didn't think so.

The above story is completely true. It happened last year at youth camp. The names have been changed, but those are the exact words. Now, I don't hate popular people or anything, and even the ones that get made fun of can be really nasty to someone else. I'm ashamed to admit that I've made fun of people before too, and had to ask God's forgiveness, and make it right.

In John 13:34,35 Jesus said:  "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

Jesus loved everyone, no matter what they looked like. Do you think he would have refused to heal someone just because they weren't pretty enough? He healed Lepers, who were shunned from society because of the horrible disease that ravaged their bodies. Many were missing noses, fingers, toes....etc! Jesus never refused anyone!

So to get to my point....if God is no respecter of persons, (Romans 2:11) why should we be? I am not saying you should love people's sin, and tell them they are fine when they are really going to Hell, but to show them the love of Christ. It shouldn't matter if that kid sitting in the corner is ugly, skinny, fat, pretty, a cutter, etc, they still need to be shown Christ's love. So I want to challenge you to find somebody this week, whether at your school or job, to find someone who is hurting or alone, and simply do something nice for them. It may be just a smile, or a quick hello. But whatever it may be, I'm sure God will use it to help that person.



-Lisa