tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111069162009-06-28T03:41:36.567-07:00Jacob Sahmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398352389305892690noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11106916.post-1145993581036846302006-04-25T12:31:00.000-07:002006-04-25T12:33:01.040-07:00

My newest favorite band, Faktion, brings a mix of raucous anthems and soul-searching that bring to mind some ‘80s and ‘90s bands I loved in my youth. This quintet is guitar-driven and led by the vocals of Ryan Gibbs.Kicking it off with “Forgive Me,” Gibbs tries to appease his sadness and guilt over hat was done for him. He sees the subject of the song as a “light in the dark,” who shines

Jacob Sahmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398352389305892690noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11106916.post-1145993508403089202006-04-25T12:30:00.000-07:002006-04-25T12:31:48.406-07:00

I picked up a copy of Pink’s latest, I’m Not Dead, having been encouraged to listen to “Stupid Girls.” Not being much of a pop-rock fan, I figured I’d hate the rest of the album, even if my youth might learn something from the recommended track. I found myself pleasantly surprised at the various levels of depth to the album (while I’ll admit that a few of them were what I expected.)So, I’ll

Jacob Sahmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398352389305892690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11106916.post-1145993429727823242006-04-25T12:28:00.000-07:002006-04-25T12:30:29.730-07:00

Edison Glass’s subtle blend of rock in their album, A Burn or A Shiver, brings an ‘older’ Earl Grey feel—a maturity that blends the sounds of Joshua Silverberg’s voice, Joe Morin’s drums, James Usher’s guitars and Josh Morin’s bass and piano into something more classic than one might have expected of a premiere release.Starting off with “My Fair One,” Silverberg’s words seem faintly Old English,

Jacob Sahmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398352389305892690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11106916.post-1145993286782130142006-04-25T12:26:00.000-07:002006-04-25T12:28:06.803-07:00

The second Armor for Sleep album, “What To Do When You’re Dead,” brings the sounds of Ben Jorgensen, Anthony DiLonno, PJ Decrocco, and Nash Breen to our attention, but don’t expect an uplifting message. This is no happily ever after—this is sad, angry and beaten down, but it seems to be intended to…help?In “Car Underwater,” Jorgensen tells listeners that he is already gone, “in a car underwater

Jacob Sahmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398352389305892690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11106916.post-1143320310999112602006-03-25T12:56:00.000-08:002006-07-24T19:10:45.196-07:00

Ben Harper’s latest, a two-disc album called “Both Sides of the Gun,” explores his various musical talents by blending his vocals with the guitar, drums, percussion, piano and vibes. Described as folk meets rock meets reggae, Harper’s album deserves a listen, or two or three. Having taken sole production responsibility for the album, this talented musician offers a ‘softer’ acoustic album and a

Jacob Sahmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398352389305892690noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11106916.post-1143320179373683002006-03-25T12:54:00.000-08:002006-03-25T12:56:19.376-08:00

Staple’s latest album, “Of Truth and Reconciliation,” bears the bold markings of a soldier at war, accompanied by an unspoken conversation with a young boy. These images are born out throughout the songs on the album, as the vocals of Darien Keim are joined by Grant Beachy’s drums and the guitars of Brian Miller and Israel. Bearing the wounds of wars fought and yet to fight, the band rocks a

Jacob Sahmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398352389305892690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11106916.post-1143320051277220042006-03-25T12:52:00.000-08:002006-10-15T05:39:56.153-07:00

James Blunt’s English, half-throaty, half-nasal tones can be heard all over the radio, thanks to his lyrics and diverse musical talents—the guy plays the guitar, keyboard, marimba and oh yeah, he sings! Checking out his latest album, “Back to Bedlam” sings to love and loss, and bears interesting Song of Solomon-type allusions to a relationship between a man and a woman.In “High,” Blunt wakes to a

Jacob Sahmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398352389305892690noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11106916.post-1143319908410859552006-03-25T12:50:00.000-08:002006-03-25T12:51:48.430-08:00

Mainstay’s “Well Meaning Fiction” is derived from the sounds of Justin Andersen’s vocals and guitar, Ryan Deyounge’s drums and Dan Ostebo’s bass guitar. Thankfully, their pursuits are talented and meaningful, even if they remain in the pursuit, without having yet seen the finish line.In “These Pages,” Mainstay seeks to make what they know about truth open and obvious for all to see. As I’m

Jacob Sahmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398352389305892690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11106916.post-1142627068837868032006-03-17T12:22:00.000-08:002006-03-17T12:24:28.843-08:00

Death Cab for Cutie’s latest, Plans, serves up a melancholic but audibly pleasing sound that matches their thoughtful lyrics. The words and vocals of Benjamin Gibbard blend well with the guitar-playing of Nicholas Harmer and the drum-work of Jason McGerr.Kicking it off with “Marching Bands of Manhattan,” Gibbard sings that he desires to show his love how beautiful Manhattan is, to have his love’

Jacob Sahmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398352389305892690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11106916.post-1142626956413292242006-03-17T12:21:00.000-08:002006-03-17T12:22:36.416-08:00

The gentlemen of The Fray rock well together in their album, How to Save A Life, and present thoughtful exploration of the many dichotomies that divide relationships and confuse us everyday. The vocals and piano are provided by Isaac Slade, the guitar provided by Joe King and Dave Welsh, and Ben Wysocki plays the drums. From start to finish, they have lots of questions that they’re willing to

Jacob Sahmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398352389305892690noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11106916.post-1142626856626195292006-03-17T12:18:00.000-08:002006-03-17T12:20:56.650-08:00

I had heard some good things about Common aka Common Sense and on my latest CD-spending spree, grabbed a copy of his album, Be. I found much of what he said to be thought-provoking so I’ll lay it all out there and hopefully generate a bit of discussion. I know my tastes usually lean toward “rock,” as has much of what has been reviewed here, but let’s take a look at a rap/r&b look through the

Jacob Sahmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398352389305892690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11106916.post-1141619344782226302006-03-05T20:27:00.000-08:002006-03-16T16:38:58.980-08:00

—1. Overview—2. Cast and Crew—3. Photo Pages—4. Trailers, Clips, DVDs, Books, Soundtrack—5. Posters (Bruce Willis)—6. Production Notes (pdf)—7. Spiritual Connections—8. Presentation DownloadsAt first, I thought I was headed to an action flick with little substance and an over-the-hill Bruce Willis. I mean, Hostage was okay, but c'mon, he's not Die Hard cool anymore, is he? Then, I thought I

Jacob Sahmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398352389305892690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11106916.post-1141181757382253052006-02-28T18:55:00.000-08:002006-03-16T16:40:12.456-08:00

—1. Overview—2. Cast and Crew—3. Photo Pages—4. Trailers, Clips, DVDs, Books, Soundtrack—5. Posters (Julianne Moore)—6. Production Notes (pdf)—7. Spiritual Connections—8. Presentation DownloadsFreedomland is too long, and dare I say it, overdramatic, to be any good. Think The Forgotten—oh wait, Julianne Moore is in that too, and Flight Plan, and you’ll be thinking of two films that have done

Jacob Sahmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398352389305892690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11106916.post-1141180739499317162006-02-28T18:37:00.000-08:002006-03-16T16:41:41.690-08:00

—1. Overview—2. Cast and Crew—3. Photo Pages—4. Trailers, Clips, DVDs, Books, Soundtrack—5. Posters—6. Production Notes (pdf)—7. Spiritual Connections—8. Presentation DownloadsHaving done everything they can to horror flicks (maybe not, Scary Movie 4 is coming soon!), Aaron Seltzer and Jason Friedberg attack the chick flick motif. Mixing every movie from the last ten years with the word “wedding

Jacob Sahmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398352389305892690noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11106916.post-1141180615221860802006-02-28T18:35:00.000-08:002006-03-16T16:52:59.183-08:00

—1. Overview—2. Cast and Crew—3. Photo Pages—4. Trailers, Clips, DVDs, Books, Soundtrack—5. Posters (Paul Walker)—6. Production Notes (pdf)—7. Spiritual Connections—8. Presentation DownloadsFrom the very beginning, we are drawn into a frighteningly violent story where the dangers of bringing your work home with you are much scarier than the average extra paperwork. Running Scared’s frenetic

Jacob Sahmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398352389305892690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11106916.post-1140054203598207902006-02-15T17:41:00.000-08:002007-01-07T13:51:58.516-08:00

New to the national scene, rockers Flyleaf is touring with P.O.D. and brings the vocals of Lacey Moseley to the public ear. With her clear sounds and their hard-rocking beats, this band is certain to grab the attention of rock-minded listeners. What happens when you examine the lyrics of Flyleaf’s songs? You might be surprised what you find, considering some of their future traveling mates,

Jacob Sahmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398352389305892690noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11106916.post-1140036345080486782006-02-15T12:44:00.000-08:002006-02-15T12:45:45.106-08:00

P.O.D. kicks off their latest rap-rock album, Testify, with “Roots in Stereo,” announcing that they have a message to share and that they’re willing to take it to the streets. Sonny sings that he will share the message of Jah’s love until his life is over, and his enthusiasm is uncontrollable. While examining the dying social existence around him, he encourages his listeners with the news that

Jacob Sahmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398352389305892690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11106916.post-1140034369847450152006-02-15T12:11:00.000-08:002006-02-15T12:12:49.866-08:00

The next Coldplay, or so we’re told, will be Aqualung. With Strange and Beautiful as the album by which to compare the one with the other, it does seem that audibly the two are similar. I’m still one that has to read all the words to really ‘get’ an album, to really read into the artist’s meaning, and so the following review will be my ‘Maybe the Next Coldplay’ review of Aqualung’s album.There’

Jacob Sahmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398352389305892690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11106916.post-1140032553099395902006-02-15T11:41:00.000-08:002006-11-23T01:18:31.256-08:00

Trying out Storyside B: Everything and More, one encounters a blend of old and new thought and some pop that rocks. I didn’t expect to like it, but reflecting on the subjects of a few of our forums here at Hollywood Jesus, I think it fits pretty well!“Everything and More” speaks of the other who takes all the blame, editing in the reminder that we get to make our own choices and sometimes we

Jacob Sahmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398352389305892690noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11106916.post-1140030762089951012006-02-15T11:11:00.000-08:002006-02-15T11:12:42.106-08:00

After a three year hiatus, Yellowcard returns with Lights and Sounds, a rock-and-roll upbeat mix of searching lyrics and sounds that resonate. The band picks up where it left off on Ocean Avenue and some will be disappointed that much remains the same. For fans of the previous albums, it’s just what they’ve been waiting for!After opening with the instrumental “Three Flights Up,” the band sees

Jacob Sahmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398352389305892690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11106916.post-1140028249846517272006-02-15T10:29:00.000-08:002006-03-16T16:56:30.113-08:00

—1. Overview—2. Cast and Crew—3. Photo Pages—4. Trailers, Clips, DVDs, Books, Soundtrack—5. Posters (Harrison Ford)—6. Production Notes (pdf)—7. Spiritual Connections—8. Presentation DownloadsFirewall is vintage Harrison Ford…even if Harrison Ford is pretty vintage himself! Taut with suspense, this film pits Ford’s family man Jack Stansfield against the evil manipulator Bill Cox (Bettany.)

Jacob Sahmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398352389305892690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11106916.post-1138397127290944832006-01-27T13:22:00.000-08:002006-01-27T13:57:46.246-08:00

—1. Overview—2. Cast and Crew—3. Photo Pages—4. Trailers, Clips, DVDs, Books, Soundtrack—5. Posters (Current Films)—6. Production Notes (pdf)—7. Spiritual Connections—8. Presentation Downloads Annapolis is part GI Jane and part Cinderalla Man, and not just because Jordana Brewster bears some resemblance to Demi Moore. The long-standing naval institution gets a not-so-glamorous showing in what

Jacob Sahmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398352389305892690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11106916.post-1138315955606531562006-01-26T14:51:00.000-08:002006-01-27T13:52:46.446-08:00

—1. Overview—2. Cast and Crew—3. Photo Pages—4. Trailers, Clips, DVDs, Books, Soundtrack—5. Posters (Current Films)—6. Production Notes (pdf)—7. Spiritual Connections—8. Presentation Downloads The End of the Spear packs a powerful, emotional punch that unfortunately will not be discovered by the flocks of people who swarmed theaters in search of the Passion of the Christ. There’s no big name

Jacob Sahmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398352389305892690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11106916.post-1137963331688949322006-01-22T12:21:00.000-08:002006-01-27T13:54:22.086-08:00

—1. Overview—2. Cast and Crew—3. Photo Pages—4. Trailers, Clips, DVDs, Books, Soundtrack—5. Posters (Kate Beckinsale)—6. Production Notes (pdf)—7. Spiritual Connections—8. Presentation DownloadsFor about the first fifteen minutes, I really thought that Underworld: Evolution was going to be cool. The pre-history of the Lycans and Vampires set centuries before showed the races extreme distaste for

Jacob Sahmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398352389305892690noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11106916.post-1137961180870414542006-01-22T11:57:00.000-08:002006-01-27T13:55:46.710-08:00

—1. Overview—2. Cast and Crew—3. Photo Pages—4. Trailers, Clips, DVDs, Books, Soundtrack—5. Posters (Colin Farrell)—6. Production Notes (pdf)—7. Spiritual Connections—8. Presentation Downloads The New World wasn't quite what I expected. That might have been my own distraction or maybe false advertising, but I went with the hope of saying a dramatic interpretation of the Jamestown settlement of

Jacob Sahmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398352389305892690noreply@blogger.com0