Tag: Tennessee

Alternative/folk/pop duo Say-So comprised married couple Jim and Kim Thomas. They had actually been making music together for over a decade when their eponymous debut was released in 1997 for Organic Records. The album featured a fresh take on folksy, rootsy, alternative pop-rock that was ‘light’ enough to appeal to fans of CCM, yet unconventional enough to appeal to listeners with more alternative-leaning tastes. The band’s sound sat comfortably with artists like Sixpence None the Richer (especially their earlier material), Rich Young Ruler, and Five O’Clock People.… Continued →

This southern tinged metal band from Tennessee (not to be confused with the spirit filled hxc band of the same name from Texas) is one of my faves in the genre. Their LP dominated my cd player back in 2006. Their only LP was released on Strike First Records which was a sublabel of Fasedown’s. Check out our own IVM review of the album also. … Continued →

Nautical-themed indie rock band Rusty Shipp are working on a new album. The band will be releasing Volume II of the Cosmic Innuendo story arc, following on from Volume I, entitled The Dark Side of the Ocean. There is a wide swath of reward packages ranging from $5 to $500, and from simply obtaining a copy of the album to actually recording with the band! An exciting addition at the $15 level includes a digital copy of a bonus live album recorded at AudioFeed 2023.… Continued →

90s alternative. People either love it or hate it. Despite the excesses of the genre, or the just plain slackness of it, I still love it. 3 Car Pile-Up was never going to win any awards for their musical contributions–unless it was maybe the high school talent show. Their one and only album is raw, somewhat sloppy, and even kind of juvenile in its approach to both music and lyrics. However, that is exactly what I love about it. If you can’t relate to the lyrics of “Dweeb” then I’m not sure you actually lived through American Christianity in the 80s/90s: When I was in grade school, my friends made fun of me They used to call me stupid names, like “Jesus Boy” or “Freak” But I knew come Sunday, that I’d be number one ‘Cuz I knew all my verses, and I would get some gum I’m a dweeb!… Continued →

Honestly I think this is a song that only Half-Handed Cloud could write. Aside from the ever-present pop bliss is a song about a baby trying to reach shiny Christmas ornaments that are out of reach, and yet so desirable. But Ringhofer makes a point that only he could make, about humanity’s incessant need to grasp for shining things that are always slightly out of reach and that we really don’t need after all. Merry Christmas IVM friends–may you find the true joy of Christmas this year–the baby in the manger!… Continued →

Some of you are going to hate me for including this (what?!? country music on IVM?!?) Others of you–maybe only a few–will recognize the importance this type of music played on the development of both rock and roll (which somewhat ironically owes a huge debt to country music), as well as to contemporary forms of Christian music, because of the strong relationship between country music and Gospel music in the middle part of the last century. Brothers Ira and Charlie Louvin began playing and singing together in the 1940s in their home in Alabama, and later branching out to nearby Tennessee.… Continued →

Rusty Shipp is modern rock w/ a grunge influence whose lyrics & song titles are nautical in nature & hence created the Nautical Rock & Roll genre!. They have a few albums under their belt already & their name is a play on their vocalist’s actual name. Anyways, this one is my fave one from them off their latest record. Be looking for a forthcoming interview I will be doing with them here shortly.    … Continued →

So while preparing for these reviews I have a list of ones that I know. And then realize I am getting ready to see this band live in a week! Wedding Party is a goth rock band that changed their direction to pop industrial & their name to Bridgeshadows, Met the guy who works with them on AD Windblown Records this past weekend also.  Check this band out along with other goth bands Virgin Black & Saviour Machine. … Continued →

I remember when this band first started, they were on a rock show hosted by Sonia Vannest. I found out about them & Evanescence on the  same show. We all know the directions that the bands took after. This SOTD is in hopes for more Red music. They have done a few covers but this is my fave from them as I loved this song as a kid when it was originally done by Duran Duran.    … Continued →

This is what I label as hard rock. Nailed is a band that was on Travis Wyrick’s record label & released 2 LPs. Check out these lyrics: “My God loves you, but He hates your sin.” Nuff said. … Continued →

Few Left Standing was a spirit filled late 90s hxc band from Tennessee. Their stuff was primarily released by Takehold Records which actually housed Underoath in their early days (my fave from the band). The band reformed & played a show recently at Furnace Fest. This SOTD always reminded me of another song by Zao called A Fall Farewell as the lyrics relate to wishing a friend would find Jesus. I also put some of the footage from the Furnace Fest show for your enjoyment. A moment whispered A fleeting thought A lifetime lived In one short breath I sit alone in a quiet place Remembering a smile A smile that in one instant Drowns out the sorrows of the world A smile from the face of innocence I sit and watch As the seasons change Falling like dying leaves I sit and watch as the cold hands Choke at my existence You’re not the only one You’re hurting You stare expressionless As our worlds are torn apart I reach for your hand Why don’t you reach back?… Continued →

Day of Fire was a Tennessee post grunge band. Vocalist Josh Brown has a quasi similar story to Head from Korn. Both realized they had a drug problem & let it go when they came to Jesus. This song is so powerful & I have to turn it up every time I hear it. Jesus will never leave us. Can I get an Amen! … Continued →

Beekin was a rap/modern rock hybrid that hailed from Tennessee. They released one full length 2009’s All That’s Left Behind which sported the single Take Everything, but also has a decent cover of Mister Mister’s Broken Wings. … Continued →

This band is “Anything But Plain” as their debut released in 2003 & was a modern rock band fronted by a female singer who had a distinct way of singing her vocals with Guardian’s Tony Palacios helming the production. Their name comes from the idea that no one is a plain jane in God’s eyes. One can still find their old Myspace & Soundclick pages & other goodies from the band is The Door & Gravity. … Continued →

"There is power, power, wonder-working power in the blood of the lamb."