The Kingdom Come

Every once in a while I am asked to review an article, a book, or a CD.  I was honored to receive a request to review a yet to be released Christian music CD.  It is called "Playing in the Water" and features the gentleman who perhaps is better known as the vocalist and musician for the Internet-famous song, "Reformation Polka" -- Jeremy Fowler-Lindemulder aka "Fugli" (see interview).  I have a copy of the master, so my critiques may become moot once final production is met.  I will list the name of the song and my review of it in a few short sentences.

Track #1 -- God's Amazing Grace

Fugli's folksy guitar opens this song about the unity of the saints.  At first, I found the contrast of the unnamed female vocalist against Fugli's as a bit odd, but as I listened to the song a few times, the contrast grew on me.

Track #2 -- Jesus Loves Me

Yes, it is the song we knew and loved as children.  This song has a spunky piano lead with what sounds like the soothing sound of a flute carrying through out.  I could imagine little kids bobbing around as a listened.

Track #3 -- Heaven Knows

A didactic ballad, this song is catchy with its refrain of "Do you remember?" as it unfolds the history of Jesus' life.  This one will really stick with you.

Track #4 -- Light

This song immediately made me think of a Lutheran or Greek Orthodox chant, which is probably not too far off since the CD is being produced by St. John Lutheran Church.  The minimal instrument accompaniment allows the harmony to build.

Track #5 -- Baskets Full of Bread

As soon as this song populated my audio player's wave-form I could tell it was going to be different than the previous tracks.  It's one of those songs with a meaningless yet addicting refraining, "na-na-na".  The track was very short, thankfully or it would be stuck in my head all day.  I liked it.

Track #6 -- One Sheep

Fugli graciously shared this song with me a few months back and even more graciously allowed me to add a video to it (see here).  The track depicts the dedicated love Jesus has for His sheep.  The tempo of the song is mesmerizing.

Track #7 -- Beautiful Savior

The classic hymn done very well.  The unnamed female vocalist did a fabulous job.  The echo was just enough to make me envison her singing in some beautiful catherdral, stained glass lighting on her face.  Interestingly enough, this song may have been one that only required the female vocalist, as I found the male vocals a bit distracting from the beauty.

Track #8 -- Psalm XXIII (Psalm 23)

A rocking version of Psalm 23, the background singers made me think of a Muppets skit. It was fun!

Track #9 -- Spirit Wind

About Pentecost, this is yet another track to which Fugli graciously allowed me an earlier preview and allowed me to make a video (see here).  However, this version is different than the one Fugli shared with me.  The instrumentation is perhaps more vibrant in this version than the one released earlier, getting Fugli out of that tunnel. The Latin phrases will have you googling just so you can finally figure out what they mean.

Track #10 -- Amazing Grace

Based on the traditional hymn written by a former slave ship captain, often sung at funerals this version is set to the tune of "House of the Rising Sun" by the Animals which makes it that much more haunting.  No doubt, the comparison of messages between Amazing Grace and House of the Rising Sun was intentional. I only wish the male and female vocals were a bit more harmonious, it would have really made the song.

Track #11 -- Feed My Sheep

Another rocking tune that has you wanting and waiting for a really jamming riff but it never seems to come; however the simple, repetative lyrics will have you tapping your feet.

Track #12 -- Bethehem Tonight

Fugli's tell-tell clear, crisp harmony really comes out in this track.  It seems like the last song to play as you tuck the sleepy-eyed kids into bed on a cold Christmas eve night.

The CD is expected to be released before the end of October 2009 and on sites like Amazon.com before Christmas 2009.  Overall, I enjoyed the album, even though I am perhaps not the best to ask since I wouldn't consider myself a music buff.  However, I enjoy authentic music where the instrumentation is not a sampling or some form of digitization.  If that is what you like, you should find this CD to be a worthy addition to your collection.