If there is one band that is easily in my top five all time favorite bands it’s Sleeping At Last. Everything they create is beautiful, but somehow people everywhere have missed enjoying this band. Maybe it’s the fact they went indie after their first album, or because their music isn’t the perfect pop single that every radio stations needs to add to their rotation, but whatever the fact–it’s a sad thing if you haven’t heard them.

Their new album Storyboards (released independently) is their 3rd full length album and it’s everything I would’ve hoped for from Sleeping At Last. Intricate musically, and quite powerful lyrically Storyboards is another notch up for Sleeping At Last and it’s one that I’m still trying to get my mind around. I’ve listened to the song “Naive” five times now I’m not sure I’ve completely grasped it’s intensity. Maybe it’s the slow moving piano or the first chorus which reads God knows that i’ve been naive, but i think it makes him proud of me. Now it’s so hard to separate my disappointments from his name. Whatever the case, the song is beautiful and it’s just one many great songs these guys have written for this latest album. The song “Clockwork” could easily be mistaken for a song out of Disney film, and I mean that with the utmost respect for both SAL and Disney. In fact, now that I think of it, “Clockwork” actually fits the title Storyboards quite well.

You won’t find this album at your local record store as physical releases won’t be out until August, but $14 gets you an immediate digital download and a physical copy in the mail when they are ready–all of which is currently available exclusively through their website. The checkout and download process was seamless and I strongly suggest spending the money on this one. I know you’re sad about not being to download those individual tracks, but let’s be honest, you wouldn’t want to buy just one chapter of book would you? I didn’t think so. Sleeping At Last have written a book of an album and you should grab a copy and find your favorite easy chair to enjoy it in.

Mercury Records
Released: May 19, 2009
Parachute is a band you’ll definitely be hearing more about in the coming months. With a Maroon 5 resemblance and absolutely stunning melodies, this pop band is going places. Parachute originally formed while together at college and these students just graduated in 2008. I’m not exactly sure what they studied at school, but I’m sure they took “yeah we’re cool college guys in a band and we’re better than your friend’s band 101.” read more

Come&Live Records
Released: November 18, 2008
One of the greatest things happening in the Christian music industry is a revival the hearts of musicians. It’s a small revival towards redefining what Christian music is really about–that is, Jesus Christ. More than money, more than selling records, more than the fame, some musicians are simply producing great music and giving it away or taking little to no profit from their efforts. One band that is driven with a passion to produce that kind of music is lovelite. This husband and wife combo loves Jesus and they reveal their love for Him in the beautiful music they make. Lovelite’s latest album All Color is a sunrise on what I believe will be a new day for Christian music.

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Relativity Media
2009

“Location, Location, Location,” isn’t just a mantra for purchasing desirable home property. It’s also part of what makes a fascinating action scene in film. And when it comes to memorable shoot-outs in particular, it’s rare to find something done so well on a technical level, and also be so entertaining. The International actually contains one of the best shoot-out scenes I’ve seen in a while. read more

United Artists
1936
Leave it to an old silent film to be one of the best comedic commentaries to reflect the economy of the past and yes, even the present economy. Like the wheel that fits just right, Modern Times may be Charlie Chapin’s tour de force. Made amidst the Great Depression, it’s fascinating to see just how similar life can be in any age when suffocated by society. And if history repeats itself, because I believe in Back to the Future time-logic, more comedies of this nature should be expected in the near future. read more