Brad Ruggles » Music

Beautiful Things – Review & Giveaway

Brad Ruggles — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 13:16:07 +0000

If you follow me on Twitter you’ve probably heard me Tweet repeatedly about an album called Beautiful Things by Gungor. I fell in love with Gungor’s music (like Wrap Me In Your Arms) back when I was a Youth Pastor and first heard them at Acquire The Fire and Battle Cry events. Back then they were called The Michael Gungor Band.

After the last time I heard them a few years ago they fell off my radar until last month. The newly-renamed band led a worship set at Catalyst that just blew me away. It included songs off their Beautiful Things album that came out in February like the title-track Beautiful Things and a song I especially liked called The Earth Is Yours.

Gungor definitely has a unique sound for a worship album, although I’m not exactly sure that is what genre you would classify this album as. There are definitely some amazing songs that I’ve been worshipping to but it sounds unlike many worship albums you’ve heard. Michael Gungor says that it’s “church music” but with a little bit of Sigur Ros, Muse and Sufjan Stephens style thrown in.

As I mentioned above, one song in particular that I fell in love with when I heard it live was The Earth Is Yours. It’s great on the album but I also enjoy this version I found on their YouTube channel performed appropriately enough, live from the forest.

This album is a breath of fresh air. It tackles issues of environmental stewardship without sounding cheesy and has deep, meaningful lyrics that draw you in. I literally can not stop listening to it.

I love this album enough that I wanted to share it with you. I have 5 copies of Beautiful Things that I am giving away right here on my blog!! I’m so excited to give this away because I know you will fall in love with it like I did.

To enter, simply leave a comment below and tell me a “beautiful thing” God has done in your life.

Tweet and Facebook links to this page for extra chances to win!

Congratulations to our winners!

The the magical randomness of Random.org, the 5 winners of this great album were selected this morning. The winners are: Nathan Duvall, BJ, Amy Bennett, Annie, and Kelly Sauer. I know you will all enjoy this album tremendously. For the rest of you who didn’t win, don’t let that get in the way of you listening to this great album - head over to iTunes and pick it up!

Monday Mixtape: Worship Mix

Brad Ruggles — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 12:03:35 +0000

It’s been quite a while but, at long last, here is another Monday Mixtape for your musical pleasure. This Mixtape features some of my favorite worship songs I’ve been enjoying lately. There are some brand new songs and some that are just new to me.

There’s a few amazing songs from LifePoint Illuminate, including one of my favorites, I See The Poor, a song with amazingly deep and rich lyrics talking about our responsibility to the poor and hurting in our world (click here to watch a video about the story behind the song). There’s a few from Elevation’s new worship album Kingdom Come as well as a track off of Kristian Stanfill’s brand new EP Day After Day. I also threw in some great covers of older songs by Seventh Day Slumber’s worship album and a track by Laura Story off of the Catalyst Music Project album.

Beautiful Things

Album: Beautiful Things
Artist: Gungor

Day After Day

Album: KS (Day After Day) EP
Artist: Kristian Stanfill

The Church

Album: Kingdom Come
Artist: Elevation Worship

I See The Poor

Album: Children Of Light
Artist: LifePoint Illuminate

Mighty To Save

Album: Take Everything
Artist: Seventh Day Slumber

We Will Go

Album: Children Of Light
Artist: LifePoint Illuminate

We Are Forgiven

Album: Kingdom Come
Artist: Elevation Worship

From The Inside Out

Album: Take Everything
Artist: Seventh Day Slumber

What A Savior

Album: Catalyst Music Project
Artist: Laura Story

This City Is Yours

Album: Kingdom Come
Artist: Elevation Worship

Name Above All Names

Album: Children of Light
Artist: LifePoint Illuminate

The Earth Is Yours

Album: Beautiful Things
Artist: Gungor

I’m especially loving Gungor’s album Beautiful Things. I recently heard them lead a worship set at Catalyst and immediately bought the album on my iPhone to listen to on the way home. It’s been playing ever since. The title track Beautiful Things has a great message about God’s ability to transform everyday ordinary things into something beautiful (cleverly depicted in their great album artwork). The last track in this week’s mix, The Earth Is Yours, is probably one of the best worship songs I’ve heard about environmental stewardship.

What songs or albums are you worshipping to these days?

Amazing Mashup

Brad Ruggles — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 13:08:56 +0000

Some of the best mashups are the ones that are made of songs you would never in a million years picked to go together. Take this one for example by DJ Faroff – it’s The Beatles vs Joan Jett vs Cypress Hill vs House of Pain vs Rage Against The Machine:

You can download an mp3 of the track here.

What songs would you love to see mixed together in a mashup?

I Heart Twilight

Brad Ruggles — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:38:26 +0000

…well, the soundtrack anyway.

Just to clarify before my attention-grabbing headline creates an Internet rumor, I was meeting someone at Starbucks a couple of weeks ago and glanced at the albums for sale at the counter where you check out. Starbucks normally has a pretty good reputation for picking out and highlighting great new music and artists. Imagine my shock then when I saw the soundtrack to the latest Twilight movie prominently displayed right next to Jack Johnson! Oh the horror!

I playfully harassed the barista behind the counter about what Starbucks was coming to selling crap music like that. Then I flipped the album over and started looking at some of the artists. Sia…I liked her…Vampire Weekend, Band of Horses, Muse, The Dead Weather. Wow, there were some great artists with some new music that I wanted to hear.

I pretended I wasn’t interested and then went straight home and picked up the album on Amazon MP3. It’s been on heavy rotation ever since. It’s one of those albums that I wouldn’t normally admit to owning but hey, good music is good music, right? I just might change the cover art in iTunes to something a little less embarrassing like The Shins.

So what music do you have a hard time admitting that you own?

My Favorite Pomplamoose Video Songs

Brad Ruggles — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:35:35 +0000

Last September I introduced you to the amazing creativity of the YouTube phenomenon known as Pomplamoose. The band duo, made up of Jack Conte and Nataly Dawn, found their niche creating “VideoSongs” and uploading them on YouTube. A ”VideoSong” is a medium Jack Conte defines with two rules:

What you see is what you hear. (No lip-syncing for instruments or voice)
If you hear it, at some point you see it. (No hidden sounds)

Those two simple rules have allowed Pomplamoose to create some pretty awesome songs and covers that have garnered them millions of views and over 150,000 subscribers on YouTube. The talented duo continue to crank out new music all the time and even have begun selling their songs on iTunes. Here are a few of my favorite Pomplamoose videos I’ve found.

Another Day

Telephone

Beat It

Nature Boy

Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing

There’s plenty more music on their YouTube Channel so check them out.

What do you think? Are you a fan of Pomlamoose’s style or are you weirded out by her unblinking stare? Which Pomplamoose cover is your favorite?

Monday Mixtape: Sweet Letdowns Mix

Brad Ruggles — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:26:57 +0000

It’s been a couple of weeks since our last Monday Mixtape. I’ve titled this week’s mix “Sweet Letdowns” to sum up a list of songs that are beautifully morose. The first song on the list, 9 Crimes by Damien Rice is always my go-to sad song. Mid-way through the list is a painfully sad song by William Fitzsimmons called I Don’t Feel It Anymore (also known as The Sparrow And The Crow). We had a chance to see Fitzsimmons perform this song live when I saw him in concert last year and it was just as emotionally charged live as it is on the album.

So if you need a song to match your dark and cloudy mood this list will be perfect for you. If you’re not feeling down check ‘em out anyway. It’s always nice to have songs like this saved away for a rainy day.

9 Crimes

Album: 9
Artist: Damien Rice

All The Way Down

Album: Once (Movie Soundtrack)
Artist: Glen Hansard

Bitter Song

Album: Bitter Song
Artist: Butterfly Boucher

I Don’t Feel It Any More

Album: The Sparrow And The Crow
Artist: William Fitzsimmons

I Hurt Too

Album: Apple Tree
Artist: Katie Herzig

Everybody Hurts

Album: In Time – The Best of R.E.M.
Artist: R.E.M.

Sunday Best

Album: All the Stars and Boulevards
Artist: Augustana

Samson

Album: Begin To Hope
Artist: Regina Spector

Learning How To Die

Album: Winter (EP)
Artist: Jon Foreman

Lonely

Album: Yael Naim
Artist: Yael Naim

Keep Breathing

Album: Be OK
Artist: Ingrid Michaelson

I Will Follow You Into The Dark

Album: Plans
Artist: Death Cab for Cutie

I always try to pick my favorite song from the list. I won’t go with the obvious this time around since I’ve already raved enough about 9 Crimes. I think I’ll pick I Will Follow You Into The Dark by Death Cab for Cutie. It’s a great sad song about a person who promises his love and devotion to his lover, even past the grave. Not the best song to listen to over a candle-light dinner with your special someone but it’s a nice sentiment nonetheless.

What is your favorite “sad song” for when you’re feeling blue?

Monday Mixtape

Brad Ruggles — Mon, 24 May 2010 14:09:07 +0000

Here’s another Monday Mixtape to wet your musical whistle. This mix has some songs off of some of my favorite albums. Several of the albums represented have seen some SERIOUS play time in my iTunes library like Black Swan by Athlete, Coming To Terms by Carolina Liar or Strict Joy by The Swell Season. I think you’ll enjoy what I whipped up for you today.

Black Swan Song

Album: Black Swan
Artist: Athlete

When You Are Near

Album: Coming To Terms
Artist: Carolina Liar

Pressure Suit

Album: Memory Man
Artist: Aqualung

After Afterall

Album: The Sparrow And The Crow
Artist: William Fitzsimmons

Ticket Taker

Album: Oh My God Charlie Darwin
Artist: The Low Anthem

Stones Under Rushing Water

Album: The Outsiders
Artist: NeedToBreathe

An Ocean And A Rock

Album: Sea Sew
Artist: Lisa Hannigan

Shine

Album: Decade Fades
Artist: Trent Dabbs

I Can Barely Breathe

Album: I’m Like A Virgin Losing A Child
Artist: Manchester Orchestra

Falling Awake

Album: Gary Jules
Artist: Gary Jules

Closer

Album: We Were Here
Artist: Joshua Radin

I Have Loved You Wrong

Album: Strict Joy
Artist: The Swell Season

As always, it’s tough to pick my favorite song in the list but if I had to choose one song out of this week’s Monday Mixtape I’d go with Stones Under Rushing Water by NeedToBreathe. Such a great acoustic melody. There are some really great albums overall on this week’s list so if any of them are unfamiliar to you be sure to check out the other songs on the album as well.

Which song/album is your favorite from this week’s Monday Mixtape?

What?!? Only 5 Bucks???

Brad Ruggles — Wed, 19 May 2010 14:04:41 +0000

I was out yesterday at a conference and I had planned another post topic for today until I got the list of 50 Albums for $5 from Amazon in my email. I know I’ve been writing a lot of music posts lately but there are some amazing albums in this list that are a complete steal at just $5 so I couldn’t wait to share them with you.

Volume Two (She & Him)

I already wrote about this album when it first came out and thought it was totally worth the $10 it cost do buy it on iTunes. For only $5 you have no excuse not to enjoy Zooey Deschanel’s beautiful voice.

Interpreting The Masters Volume 1: A Tribute to Daryl Hall & John Oates (The Bird & The Bee)

A great collection of covers of songs such as Sara Smile, Kiss On My List and Maneater. The Bird & The Bee add their signature touch and unique twist to these songs

Inside In / Inside Out (The Kooks)

A fine mix of fifteen power pop tracks performed with energy and joy. This album, chosen as the eleventh best album of 2006 by “Q” magazine, is an all around winner for pop-rock lovers. I especially like ‘Ooh La’

Bomb In A Birdcage (A Fine Frenzy)

You just can’t go wrong with this album by A Fine Frenzy. I featured the song ‘Electric Twist’ in my Seattle Monday Mixtape a couple of weeks ago. Alison Sudol continues to produce amazing music for her fans to enjoy.

Kill The Moonlight (Spoon)

I first heard of the band of Austin indie rockers when they performed on “Austin City Limits” with Ben Kweller. This album was listed as one of Rolling Stone magazine’s Top 50 Records of the Year.

Shaka Rock (JET)

Yet another solid release from the English band known for their upbeat rock with catchy, toe-tapping rhythms that you’ll find yourself singing all day

There are other great albums available right now on Amazon for a limited time for only $5. For only five bucks you can’t go wrong with the ones I listed above.

Any albums on the list that you purchased or currently own and enjoy? Any others you would recommend?

Monday Mixtape: Amazing Covers

Brad Ruggles — Mon, 17 May 2010 01:47:09 +0000

This week’s Monday Mixtape (check out previous Monday Mixtapes here) features some of my favorite covers of popular songs by a wide range of artists. There’s always something fun about discovering an artist’s take on a song that is totally different than the original. Sometimes waaaay different. Take Diane Birch’s slow, soulful rendition of the one-hit-wonder dance song What Is Love (yes, the same What Is Love from the popular SNL skit). Who knew that song could sound so beautiful when slowed down and played against the backdrop of a vintage Rhodes?

So here’s my pick of amazing covers for this week’s Monday Mixtape:

Hey Ya

Album: Obadiah Parker Live
Artist: Obadiah Parker
Originally Performed by: OutKast

Hurt

Album: American IV – The Man Comes Around
Artist: Johnny Cash
Originally Performed by: NineInchNails

The One I Love

Album: These Friends of Mine
Artist: Rosie Thomas
Originally Performed by: R.E.M.

Imagine

Album: Instant Karma
Artist: Jack Johnson
Originally Performed by: John Lennon

Yellow

Album: Sweetheart
Artist: Jem
Originally Performed by: Coldplay

What Is Love

Album: iTunes Session EP
Artist: Diane Birch
Originally Performed by: Haddaway

Smells Like Teen Spirit

Album: Crucify EP
Artist: Tori Amos
Originally Performed by: Nirvana

Single Ladies (also YouTube)

Album: Tribute To Famous People
Artist: Pomplamoose
Originally Performed by: Beyonce

(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction

Album: The Covers Record
Artist: Cat Power
Originally Performed by: The Rolling Stones

There are so many great covers in this list. All of them are strong in their own right…The Man In Black’s cover of Hurt by NineInchNails (sends a shiver down my spine), Tori Amos’ haunting version of Smells Like Teen Spirit, or Jem’s peaceful cover of Coldplay’s Yellow that is an absolute must-have for any romantic playlist (just sayin). Also be sure to check out the YouTube video of Pomplamoose’s Single Ladies (featured in a post last year) that went viral and launched their online popularity.

So which of these covers is your favorite? Got any other covers you’ve especially enjoyed? Leave a comment below so I can feature them in my upcoming Awesome Covers Mix Part 2!

Monday Mixtape: Storyville Freedom Mix

Brad Ruggles — Mon, 10 May 2010 13:27:17 +0000

I have a unique mix of artists to feature on today’s Monday Mixtape. I was recently brought to Seattle to learn more about something called Storyville Live. Storyville Live is a series of private in-home concerts across the country featuring hand-picked artists and fresh-roasted coffee. It’s called the “Freedom Tour” because, in addition to being an amazing night of music in an intimate in-home setting, it is also raising funds and awareness for one of my favorite organizations, International Justice Mission, to help combat human slavery in our world.

While Lisa and I were Storyville’s guests in Seattle we had the opportunity to experience several of these in-home concerts ourselves. I was blown away by the stories, songs and quality of these musicians. Willy Porter did things on the guitar that I have never seen done before – seriously, you have to see it to believe it. Grace Pettis (daughter of well-known singer/songwriter Pierce Pettis) was recently named NPR’s 2009 Mountain Stage New Song winner. And Jonathan Kingham (joined by Ryan Shea Smith) put on a concert that easily ranks as one of the most enjoyable and entertaining I have ever been to.

All That’s Missing Is You

Album: That Changes Everything
Artist: Jonathan Kingham

What You Didn’t Want To Know

Album: Grace Pettis
Artist: Grace Pettis

Breathe

Album: High Wire (Live)
Artist: Willy Porter

It’s Only Love

Album: That Changes Everything
Artist: Jonathan Kingham

Love Is There

Album: Grace Pettis
Artist: Grace Pettis

Available Light

Album: Available Light
Artist: Willy Porter

She’s So California

Album: Smooth Out The Lines
Artist: Jonathan Kingham

Jesus On The Grill

Album: High Wire (Live)
Artist: Willy Porter

Heard Enough Now

Album: Grace Pettis
Artist: Grace Pettis

Grace (Acoustic)

Album: Smooth Out The Lines
Artist: Jonathan Kingham

I saved the best for last in this list. “Grace” by Jonathan Kingham has been my most-played song over the last week since I returned from Seattle (both versions are amazing but I prefer the Acoustic version). The words are so rich and deep. If you don’t check out anything else on this list at least download that song. You’ll thank me later.

There’s a good chance many of these artists are new to you like they were to me before last week. I only hope you get the chance to see them live in concert like I did. They’re great artists, talented songwriters, entertaining performers and genuinely nice people.

As always, if there’s an artist or song on this list that you especially enjoyed, be sure to leave a comment and let me know!