Loud Music + Moshing = ??

If you follow Squeaks' blogs, either Hidden Doorways or The Minstrel Warrior, you'll know that she got to go to a Manafest concert on Monday. Read all about her Epic experience here. I suggest you check it out; she has some insight into things I didn't even pick up on.


Now, that isn't nearly as random as some of you may think, because last night my siblings and I (plus one of Goose's friends) went and saw him too. (I was actually going to invite you, Squeaks, until I read your post and realized you had already seen him. :)


Leauphaun and I knew about seeing Manafest for several days, but we kept it from Goose (who really likes Manafest) until yesterday morning. When we told him that we were going to "a pizza party... with Manafest", his eyes practically bugged out of his head. *happy grin* It was so worth waiting to tell him.


Yes, pizza party. After the concert -- which was completely awesome, as there were maybe 100 people there, tops -- we got to hang around with the band and eat pizza with them. Correction: the band didn't eat pizza, but everyone else did.


Prior to last night, Leauphaun and I had each seen Manafest twice and met him at YC Alberta 2010. When Leauphaun approached him (last night) to get a drawing she did of him signed, he mentioned that she seemed familiar, to which we replied that we'd already met before at YC. Because of that, Chris actually stood and talked to us for a good five minutes after most of the people there had gotten what they wanted signed. He's such a nice guy, very friendly and encouraging too.


There were dozens of funny moments that happened over the course of the evening, but probably the best one was at the end when we were waiting for our parents to come pick us up. Manafest drove his van/trailer around the church so that they could begin loading their gear into it. As he drove by where we were sitting, he rolled down the window and asked us if we wanted to go on tour with him. Of course, we all said yes, then Leauphaun added, "'bout time you asked!" o_O I don't think he heard her.




Leauphaun and I bought t-shirts and got them signed, and Goose bought a hoodie and Manafest's live CD/DVD combo, which he had the band sign it. That makes it... *counts on fingers* Four DVDs of bands Leauphaun and I saw at YC.




All in all, I had a great time last night. Oh, sure, I can barely move my neck and right shoulder, and I'll probably fall asleep during supper tonight, but who cares? I actually got to enjoy a Manafest concert, had Chris scream in my face at one point (during the concert) and got to headbang to my heart's content. Now I can't wait for September. TFK, Newsboys, Manafest...


I can't wait.


PS: Happy anniversary, Chris!! Thank you for sacrificing your eighth anniversary to be with your fans. But make sure you do something for Mrs. Greenwood. Soon.
 ~God Bless~

Shuffle Music Tag

Squeaks did a random, unofficial tag, and said anyone could take it. I, of course, can't resist music shuffle tags, so here it is. Like her, I did it twice.

Steps: Put your iPod or music library on shuffle and answer the questions with the title of each successive song.

IF SOMEONE SAYS ‘ARE YOU OKAY’ YOU SAY?

The Beautiful Letdown (Switchfoot)

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?

Rawkfist (Thousand Foot Krutch)

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?

Renegade (Manafest)

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?

The Taming Of Smeagol (Howard Shore)

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?

Fully Alive (Flyleaf)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?

You Look Good Jack (Hans Zimmer)

WHAT’S YOUR MOTTO?

Savior (Skillet)

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?

By Grace (Inhale Exhale)

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?

Miracle Drug (U2)

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?

Rawkfist - live (Thousand Foot Krutch)

WHAT IS 2+2?

New Beginning (Shaken)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?

Further From Myself - acoustic (Pillar)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?

Through Your Eyes (Worth Dying For)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?

I've Got My Eye On You (Hans Zimmer)

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?

My Obsession (Skillet)

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?

The Fight (The Classic Crime)

WHAT WILL YOU DO AT YOUR WEDDING?

The Drop (John Powell)

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?

The Heat Of The Day (Pat Metheny Group)

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?

Final Confrontation (Danny Elfman)

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?

Forth Eorlingas (Howard Shore)

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?

Rinzler (Daft Punk)

WHAT DO YOU WANT RIGHT NOW?

Hero - The Legion Of Doom Remix (Skillet)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?

Disturbed (East West)

WHAT’S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?

Outta Control (Thousand Foot Krutch)

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?

The End Of All Things (Howard Shore)

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?

Frontline (Pillar)

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?

What Shall We Die For (Hans Zimmer)

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?

Break The Silence (Thousand Foot Krutch)

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?

Heat Miser (Thousand Foot Krutch)

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?

Arrival (Daft Punk)

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?

Hope Fails (Hans Zimmer)

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?

The Sanctuary Hum (Project 86)

WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO SAY TO THE PERSON WHO TAGGED YOU?

Recognizer (Daft Punk)

WHAT WILL YOU NAME THIS NOTE?

Raised In Harlem (!HERO: The Rock Opera - T-Bone)

*Second time*

IF SOMEONE SAYS ‘ARE YOU OKAY’ YOU SAY?

Imaginary Day (Pat Metheny Group)

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?

Savior - live (Skillet)

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?

Lie To Me [Denial] (RED)

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?

Just To Get By (Pillar)

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?

Ammunition (Switchfoot)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?

Gathering Data (John Powell)

WHAT’S YOUR MOTTO?

Journey's End (The Rippingtons)

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?

My Sacrifice (Creed)

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?

Fire It Up - live (Thousand Foot Krutch)

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?

Battle Of The Heroes (John Williams)

WHAT IS 2+2?

Trevor Talks To Crowd (Thousand Foot Krutch)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?

Tropic Of Capricorn (The Rippingtons)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?

Adagio for TRON (Daft Punk)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?

Collapse (War Of Ages)

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?

Welcome To The Masquerade - live (Thousand Foot Krutch)

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?

Whispers In The Dark (Skillet)

WHAT WILL YOU DO AT YOUR WEDDING?

Whispers In The Dark - acoustic (Skillet) ... creepy...

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?

Falls Apart (Thousand Foot Krutch)

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?

Open Wounds (Skillet)

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?

Stand Your Ground (War Of Ages)

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?

Twilight And Shadow (Howard Shore)

WHAT DO YOU WANT RIGHT NOW?

Carry Me Down (Demon Hunter)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?

A Call To The Faithful (Inhale Exhale)

WHAT’S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?

A Reason To Bleed (THE7METHOD)

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?

Love Pledge/The Arena (John William's

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?

The King Of The Golden Hall (Howard Shore)

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?

Dwell (East West)

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?

Song-X (East West)

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?

Better Days Ahead (Path Metheny Group)

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?

The Fields Of Pelenor (Howard Shore)

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?

A Family Affair (Hans Zimmer)

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?

Awake (Seventh Day Slumber)

WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO SAY TO THE PERSON WHO TAGGED YOU?

"Trust Me" (Brad Fiedel)

WHAT WILL YOU NAME THIS NOTE?

Forsaken (Skillet)

Everyone who read all the way through this is tagged.

~God Bless~

YC Is Back In Full Force

Hello, Blogger world. Long time no see. Oh, wait. That's not true. . .

As I said yesterday, I have "finally recovered from a full month of spazzing out/screaming in my brother's face at very random moments/general weirdness that I've been plagued with."

Hopefully now you are curious. And even if you aren't, I'll tell you anyway:

As I mentioned three posts ago, Thousand Foot Krutch was getting ready to release their first ever live CD/DVD set. The one that Leauphaun and I got to be a part of (even if we aren't "actually" seen on camera).

Yup. We bought it.

*points at CD cover* Hey, Leauphaun, look! It's YC!!!!!

Well, maybe I'm not entirely back to normal yet...

Anyway, we're so happy that we did buy it (the day it came out, of course). The details of the concert have grown fuzzy over the last year, and it's awesome to have the memory completely refreshed.

I love every song on the DVD (except What Do We Know? and Already Home), but my absolute favorites are Move, Rawkfist, and Puppet. The entire album as a whole is incredible, however.

There are one or two issues, though they are fairly small. First, the DVD cut quite a bit of Trevor's speaking, while they left most of those parts in the CD. I would have preferred that they reverse that. Another thing is that the DVD isn't in surround sound. I mean, come on! Why wouldn't they put it in surround sound? *throws up hands in exasperation*

There aren't any special features. *teardrop* I wanted to see Dad eating wasabi peas in the mile-long lineup for TFK signings. (Really. You just had to be there.)

And the final thing that bugged me (although I was actually expecting this one) was that they cut out the part where Trevor had us singing O Canada. I can understand why they wouldn't put that in a DVD that's going to be sold all over the world, but it was a bit disappoint not to see it in there. (In real life, it was quite the random moment, but totally awesome!)

Then again, I don't think we sounded very good, either. Most of the singing in the DVD is dubbed (but don't tell anyone I said that), and I think they left O Canada out on purpose, so as not to wreck peoples' hearing. Or sound systems.

We now have at least four live DVDs, including Skillet's Comatose Comes Alive, U2's Live From Chicago, the TFK DVD, and RED's special edition End Of Silence. Visually, I actually like Skillet's DVD the least, as it's so effects heavy, it's hard to figure out what's going on some shots. But that's a completely different rant... er, blog post.

Speaking of RED . . . (yes, it's true I can't go much longer than three or four posts without talking about them), the other reason I was very close to freaking out was because they released their "Feed The Machine" music video on Monday. I've just been too busy to post about it until now.

As many people have already said, this music videos plays out more like a mini-movie than a music video, what with being a full seven minutes and twenty seconds long. Do take the time to watch the full thing, even if you aren't a huge fan of RED. There's an inspiring message in this song, and the video shows that in a very literal way.

As one comment I saw said: I agree, but let's not just watch the video. Let's do something about it. Let's wake up and kill the machine.

If this video doesn't get as many views as bieber and gaga... i'm really worried about what my future kids will listen to... :S

Hmmm. After watching it again, I feel there may be an interesting plot here somewhere. . .

Anyway, what are your thoughts on the video?

PS. Having identical twins in a band makes for some very interesting family moments, does it not? *laughs* Randy's choking Anthony. Oh, that's just great for their relationship as brothers, isn't it? Check out RED's Death Of Me video for more twin verses twin action.

~God Bless~

In Which I Spazz About Three Things

Contrary to popular belief, I am not dead. I've just lost my motivation for blogging. In fact, I've lost my motivation for a lot of things right now. A quick hint: tags help me blog more often. *wise nod* Very inspiring.

In other new: YC ALBERTA 2011 STARTS IN LESS THAN TWENTY-FOUR HOURS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, I'm excited about this. Since I can't be there this year (and there's only three reasons to be there anyway) I guess I'll have to take the next best thing: watching it live on the website, where they'll be streaming it all weekend. I'll post the link either tomorrow morning or afternoon.

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S BEEN A YEAR SINCE WE WERE IN ALBERTA!!!!!!!      Creepy...

Leauphaun's line of the day: You know you have too many drawings when you forget you have some.

I did this the other day with my writing. I went back and read the half-completed short story-turned-novella I've had on the go for several months and read the second half again (as I can't stand the first half). I was pleasantly surprised at my writing, even to the point where I'd completely forgotten that I'd written several thousand words. It made my, uh, night.

Several months ago, I got an idea for another story, the summery of which sounded something like this:

Two characters (Eldra and Daymond?) must protect a family from a corrupt government that is persecuting them for their faith.

Okay, so the entire summery was a bit longer than that, but you get the idea. Two weeks ago, I woke up one morning and had huge chunks of plot fall into place. I wrote almost half the plot and four character bios on my iPod before I even got out of bed. As of today, the basic outline is over five hundred words, and I'm about half way through the plot. I've decided to cut Eldra from the entire story, as I'm more interested in Daymond right now. (And once more I fall for the bad boy.)

The unusual thing about this story is I'm hoping to focus more attention on character development and the spiritual aspect than the crazy action/fight scenes that I seem to be so fond of.

Two songs in particular seem to be inspiring me: Fades Away's "Right Now (We'll Stand), Skillet's "Hero". If you listen to the lyrics in both songs, the first one is talking about not being a hero, while Skillet's song is about being a hero. That's the direction I want to take with Daymond in this story (and his overall life). Plot details for this new novella will emerge soon.

Also, I have received an award from Barriss!!! Thanks!

To accept the award I need to list seven interesting things about myself.

1. I CAN'T WAIT for the new RED music video to come out. (clip #1 here and #2 here)

2. If rock music wasn't invented, LOTR music would be my favorite, specifically Concerning Hobbits.

3. I've seen Skillet in person one time and twice online, all before Ben Kasica left. *teardrop*

4. I've discovered that Daymond (my anti-hero with heroic qualities) is a more complex character than I'd ever dreamed, even surpassing Eldra (my main character and protagonist).

5. I could live with snakes, if only I never had to see another spider again in my life!

6. I prefer supper foods for breakfast. Leauphaun is the exact opposite.

7. CLU has officially become my favorite TRON: Legacy character, surpassing Sam by miles.

I must pass this award onto 15 other people. I won't list anyone in particular, but if you haven't received this award yet, you are free to take it, as long as you comment with a link to your post.

And speaking of CLU, Leauphaun completed another music video yesterday to Skillet's remixed song "Monster, now titled "Monster: Unleash The Beast". Check the video out below.

This song fits CLU perfectly. I dare you argue that point with me. *disarming grin*

~God Bless~

*happy dance*

Those of you who have been following my blog for a full year will remember how my family went to YC Alberta last year. I spazzed about it in three different posts. You can read the craziness of those three days here, here, and here (if you dare risk your sanity *hehe*). That first evening of YC, Thousand Foot Krutch shot a live DVD. We've been waiting for them to release it ever since.

And waited. And waited. And waited for even the tiniest of news articles on them. Did I mention we waited?

Well, two days ago they finally release the first five minutes of the DVD. I bounced my entire way through the preview. June 7th can't come fast enough. Before watching this video, please maximise the quality and set your speakers as loud as they can go. Thank you.

I feel sorry for those people that couldn't make that concert. But now we can share the experience with the whole world!!!!! *giggles* I've been dancing around the house ever since I learned the release date for the DVD. Now I'm cartwheeling.

While I'm on the topic of music, RED's released an eighteen second preview from their new music video, Feed The Machine. Leauphaun and I agree that this preview looks more like a clip from a movie than a music video. Just how much money did they spend on the filming of this one?

Since I'd rather not freak anyone out by totally ranting (in the best possible way, I assure you) on both of these videos, I'm only going to say this:

Can I travel forward in time to when these videos are both available? Please?

~God Bless~

Music Tag

This tag's been making its rounds the past week, and I think I've been tagged at least twice. So let's not keep the masses waiting. List 10 artists you love, in no particular order (before looking at the questions below).

1. RED

2. ForthAngel

3. Skillet

4. Bluetree

5. Demon Hunter

6. This Fires Embrace

7. Thousand Foot Krutch

8. Daft Punk

9. THE7METHOD

10. U2

1. What was the first song you ever heard by 6?

My Enemy, probably on one of the music podcasts I'm subscribed to.

2. What's your favorite song by 8?

Ohhh, that's hard. I think it would probably have to be The Game Has Changed.

3. What's the impact 1 has left on your life?

They've made me want to pick up the guitar. . .? *shrugs* My philosophical self is taking a break right now.

4. What is your favorite lyric of 5's?
There are too many to choose from, but here's three from the top of my head:

Let all the fear inside you drown / Tear out the blade and lay it down (Carry Me Down)
All the delicate ways that I've deepened our graves (One Thousand Apologies)
The same cycle ever-turning you is calling / It's calling / The scene is begging for a grave tonight / It always, it always will (Sixteen)

5. How many times have you seen 4 live?
Three times, all at YC Alberta 2010.

6. What is your favorite song of 7?
Are you kidding? TFK is too awesome to pick just one song!! Currently, it's All The Way Live.

7. Is there any song of 3 that makes you sad?
Of course. Imperfection. Always has, always will. But it's one of my "happy songs" too.

8. What's your favorite song by 9?
Depends. Sometimes it's Still Running, sometimes it's Dead Like Me.

9. How did you first get into 2?

Through the amazing podcast Anvil And The Hammer. Do not remain silent!

10. How did you first get into 3?
I've been listening to Skillet since before I even knew who they were. Their song Best Kept Secret is the first song I can remember hearing. The Christian radio station in Calgary featured them one time, and the rest is, as they say, history.

11. What is your favorite song by 4?
God Of This City.

12. How many times have you seen 9 live?
Never, and I fully regret not learning about them sooner. They aren't known as THE7METHOD any longer. In fact, I don't even know if they're still together.

13. What is a good memory concerning 10?
U2 always brings back good memories since I've been listening to them all my life, but I'd have to say long road trips. We always listen to music on long road trips, and U2 is something we listen to a lot.

14. Are there any songs from 8 that make you sad?
No. *pauses* Actually, yes. TRON: Legacy (End Titles). It means the movie is over. *sniff*

15. What is your favorite song of 1's?
Fight Inside. Wait. Right now, it's Let It Burn. (Check out Leauphaun's LOTR video to this song)

16. How did you become a fan of 10?
See question 13.

Folks, if you have read this, then you are tagged.

~God Bless~

Long Promised Drawings & Some Sad News

I've been meaning to post some of my artwork up here for at least a month, but either haven't found the time or the inspiration to lug my huge sketchbook upstairs and scan it into the computer. Well, I'm finally bored enough (and have a big enough headache) to do just that. So here's a piece from April somethingorother 2005.

A bit frightening, although I remember being very proud of the saddle when I first drew it. This wasn't drawn fully freehand, as I traced the very basic outline of the horse.


This one's from December 2005. Once again, it wasn't completely freehand. I always did like it, though, especially the unusual way in which I did the bridle.
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Oops. How did this get in here? Haha. Anakin Skywalker, from when I could actually draw better than Leauphaun. Not a chance of that happening now.

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This is probably my favorite drawing of a (race)horse I've ever done. Not sure why. Probably because it was the first freehand horse I actually liked. As you can probably tell, I removed the jockey, 1) because she was WAY too small, and 2) she was only half finished. Only the boot and the hand remain now.

The only thing I don't like about this drawing is where the saddle is positioned, as it's too far positioned on the back, plus the girth curves the wrong way -- toward the front of the horse instead of the back. This was done in August of 2008.
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And finally, I'd like you to meet Zorro, my masked Arabian. I did him in late 2008, and was probably the last horse drawing I actually completed. I couldn't get his cannon bones (the leg bone directly beneath the knee) right to save my life, so I cut his legs off at the knee.
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The second part of my post is about Skillet. I'm sure that some of you have heard by now that Ben Kasica, their guitarist of ten years, has left the band to pursue other interests. That's sad news, especially since Leauphaun didn't get a chance for him to sign the drawing she did of him.

I'm sad to see Ben leave Skillet, but I'm also glad that I got to see him last May. Ben, you were amazing. I wish I could play guitar even half as well as you. (Or even play guitar at all. . .) God bless you with your clothing line, recording studio and whatever else you decide to do.

So in honor of Ben Judah Kasica, I thought I'd sign off with my four favorite Skillet songs of all time. (That isn't true, my favorite songs are always changing order, as anyone who loves music knows.)

A Sonic the Hedgehog AMV, as Shadow rules.

Savior, one of my all-time favorite Skillet songs. Epic guitar, Ben.

I've watched this music video far too many times already, and it never seems to get old. Sorry for the subtitles; couldn't find one without them.

And, of course, I have to end out with Monster, which has some of the coolest guitar ever in the chorus, but you need to have your volume set really loud to catch it..

I always laugh when I see this video because John Cooper hates bare feet, yet he runs around in bare feet the entire video. Strange.

This is the behind the scenes from the filming of Monster. Pretty cool.

Now I have to wonder who their next lead guitarist is going to be. Maybe Ty Dietzler. . .? Now that wouldn't be cool at all.

NOTE: I couldn't get the formatting right to save my life, so I apologize if it looks weird. It looks great on one computer but horrible on the laptop. I've tried several times to fix it, but it hasn't worked, so I'm just going to leave it. Sorry if it looks strange.

~God Bless~

Beware Low Flying Cucumbers, Er, Pickles

My blog says that I last posted on the 13th, but that isn't right. It was, what, four or five days ago? Ah, well. No matter. I'm posting again, and that's what counts.

After getting home from church last night, I was hungry, but it was nearing ten and I didn't want something really filling (even though I ended up staying awake until after two). I took a quick look in the fridge and, noticing the large jar of dill pickles and sour cream, both sitting there with suspiciously innocent expressions, I was abruptly dragged down memory lane. . .

We spent this past New Years Eve with our friends of, oh, I don't know, FOREVER. Their dad is an excellent cook, so there were tons of yummy snacks throughout the evening/morning.

After playing Apples To Apples, my best friend and I went over to the snack table. As I was explaining something about my writing, she picked up a slice of cucumber, then suddenly burst out laughing. Between fits of giggles, she said she saw herself in her mind's eye throwing the cucumber at me.

After recovering from another fit of giggles, she took a small pickle and dipped it in the sour cream. I gave her a look something along the lines of "what on Parthaya are you doing?" She somehow convinced me to try it, therefore introducing me to my new favorite snack.

You heard right: dill pickles dipped in sour cream.

I normally don't like dill pickles, preferring to munch on garlic pickles, but now I know what to do with that huge jar of dill pickles taking up space in the back of the fridge.

My dad gave me an entirely odd look -- it may have been disgust -- last night when he saw me with pickles and sour cream. But it's good! I got Leauphaun to try it and now she's hooked too! Go ask her if you don't believe me.

And it seems that the sour cream lessens the hyperness that comes with eating pickles. . . wait. Consider this: Epic Pictures Equals Puddle Lose.

Maybe not.

Please tell me I'm not the only one that likes weird combinations of food.

Taking a lateral step from weird to writing (I've come to the conclusion that they're actually related), I've somehow manipulated myself to write about thirty-six hundred words in the last seventy-six hours. Sadly, they have no relation whatsoever to my short story, which is approaching four thousand words, but hasn't been touched in at least four days.

In case I've never mentioned this before, I am not a fast writer. I get giddy if I can write over five hundred words in one day. And here I am, getting more than 800 for three days in a row. *snickers* And more than half of those words have come between 12:00-2:30 in the morning.


I wanted to end this with ForthAngel's song "Confidence" but could only find live versions. This one is the best I could find, but none of them have the incredible vocals the studio version has. So instead here's This Fires Embrace's "Art Of War." It's my goal to see this band in the next two years. Them and ForthAngel. And RED.


~God Bless~

My Life Is RED

I've been into RED since their first album, End Of Silence, came out in 2006. I only knew the song Already Over for the longest time, since that was the only RED song our Christian radio station in Calgary played.

I bought End Of Silence fairly soon after I discovered it, but almost right away, the CD got scratched beyond repair -- before I know how to download it onto the computer. I never even got to listen to all the songs. :(

In early 2008 I made a life-changing music discovery: ChristianRock.net. (I know that I keep mentioning it, but if you haven't checked it out yet, go do so! You won't regret it.) They had (at the time) five RED songs, all from End Of Silence. Breathe Into Me quickly became my favorite RED song, and it's still one of my top five.
Just before Christmas 2008, RED released Fight Inside, their first single from their brand new album, Innocence & Instinct.

Fight Inside instantly became my favorite RED song, and it still is. I've listened to it over 170 times since 2009.

However. . . RED has just released two new single from their upcoming album, Until We Have Faces.




Personally, I think that Faceless has the more "classic" RED sound, with their traditional violins and piano, while Feed The Machine seems to be a new direction for them, one for which I already like. I am utterly psyched for this album to come out; if even half of the songs are as sweet as these two singles, I'm going to hunt down the nearest RED concert and drag my parents to it.


RED is also an amazing live band -- Leauphaun and I got to see them at YC Alberta, as I mentioned in this post here -- not to mention the band members were all really nice guys, although they were rather late for their autograph signing session. . .

Overall, RED has become one of my top listened to bands. One simply cannot deny that they're amazing. (Yes, Grandma, I'm looking at you.) The majority of their songs fall into the rock/hard rock category that I've fallen so in love with, but they also have some very mellow songs, like Already Over, Pieces, and Take It All Away, which are great to pop into the family playlist. Also, I, as of this point, haven't been able to find a RED song that I actually can't stand. And for me, that's a beautiful thing.

~God Bless~

An Unofficial Tag - Music Shuffle

Noah over on his blog Books I Recommend was tagged. I wasn't tagged through it, but I love this tag far too much to not do it.

Tag Rules:

1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.
4. Tag 20 friends.
5. Everyone tagged has to do the same thing.

Have Fun!


If someone says "Are you okay?" you say...
Supersonic by Family Force 5
You know, I have always wanted to go that fast...

What would best describe your personality?
Touch Of Deception by Inhale Exhale
Ouch!

How would you describe yourself?
Monster by Skillet
Double ouch!

What do you like in a guy/girl?
A Reason To Bleed by THE7METHOD
Huh?

How do you feel today?
Exit Calypason (Into The Ice Cave) by Falling UP
Whatever that means...

What is your life's purpose?
Lost by RED
Some days it feels that way.

What's Your Motto?
Words of Red by Nine Lashes
Exactly.

What do your friends think of you?
Rebirthing by Skillet
That's good... I think.

What do your parents think of you?
A Thread Of Light by Demon Hunter
Strange.

What do you think about very often?
Stone By Stone by War Of Ages
Well, I would, if I knew what that meant.

What is 2 + 2?
My Sacrifice by Creed
$$$$$.......

What do you think of your best friend?
Comatose by Skillet
Hey, Leauphaun! Wake up!

What do you think of the person you like?
Basic Instructions by Burlap to Cashmere
If only.

What is your life story?
Best Kept Secret by Skillet
But it won't be when I write a book about it!

What do you want to be when you grow up?
Not I by Demon Hunter
Who then?

What do you think when you see the person you like?
The Science Of Lies by Demon Hunter
Good thing I don't like anyone:)

What will you do at your wedding?
God Of This City by Bluetree
Yay! That would be an awesome song to play!

What will they play at your funeral?
Tonight We Die Together by Inhale Exhale
Who else is dying?

What is your hobby/interest?
Metal Breed by Rob Rock
This describes me perfectly!!!!!! (The songs that are coming up should be an indication of that.)

What is your biggest fear?
A Little More by Skillet
A Little More snow, to be exact.

What is your biggest secret?
Regime Change by Disciple
Huh?

What do you want right now?
Evil (A Chorus Of Resistance) by Project 86
Uhhhhh, maybe not.

What do you think of your friends?
One Phenom (remix) by TobyMac
I have awesome friends!

What's the worst thing that could happen?
Falls Apart by Thousand Foot Krutch
If my laptop did that, I'd be very mad.

What is the one thing you regret?
Missing Pages by Seventh Day Slumber
Don't you hate it when books have pages ripped out of them?

What makes you laugh?
Through The Black by Demon Hunter
It does?

What makes you cry?
Collide by Skillet
What?

Will you ever get married?
Bullets by Creed
I'm wearing a Kevlar suit that day.

What scares you the most?
Bring Me To Life by Thousand Foot Krutch
Nah.

Does anyone like you?
The Awakening by War Of Ages
Good or bad?

If you could go back in time, what would you change?
Outta Control by Thousand Foot Krutch
Yup.

What hurts right now?
Alive by Andy Hunter
??

What would you want to say to the person who tagged you?
Generation Curse by War Of Ages
Now that`s just weird...

What will you name this post?
Come On by Andy Hunter


(I admit that I bended the rules a little bit by not including music videos and instrumental pieces.)


And I tag. . . all of my followers, plus anyone else who wants to do it.

~God Bless~