Album Review: Our God Is Near

 For those who are not familiar with Brenton Brown or his work, here's a little background: born in South Africa, Brown served as worship pastor at Oxford Vineyard while studying in the UK, writing several songs which were used on Vineyard UK projects. His first solo album, 2006's Everlasting God, was borne of a spiritual breakthrough Brown experienced after being diagnosed with ME or chronic fatigue syndrome. Its title track received an ASCAP award two years later, the first time any Christian song had been recognized at the major music awards ceremony. He followed that with 2008's sophomore effort, Because Of Your Love.

Now, his third album, Our God Is Near, is about to be released (the exact date has not been confirmed at press time). Having heard it, I must say that not one track on it disappoints. The album starts with a sprightly, uplifting Our God Is Mercy, a soaring anthem of unrestrained guitars, steady drums and honest vocals. Arise and Sing is a delightful song of praise, with an irresistible riff you'll find yourself tapping your foot to. 

Higher (Empires Fall) kicks the mood — and volume — of the album up a notch, with its upbeat rhythm and Brown's heartfelt voice, making it a top candidate for worship bands in churches all over Singapore to use in their services.

The album closes with an intimate acoustic number called All For You, which expresses the singer's devotion to God. But perhaps, the song which best showcases the simple ingenuity of the album is Joyful, Brown's simple yet ingenious take on Friedrich Schiller's Ode To Joy:

 

I could go on about how Brown manages to blend a classic ode with modern worship ever so seamlessly but I should think the above video speaks for itself.

Overall, besides the aforementioned standout tracks, the album is an honest, earnest effort in modern praise and worship: from quiet, acoustic tracks to energetic songs that would make the listener want to get up and dance, Our God Is Near is definitely worth a listen — or 10. 

So, watch out for this album and grab it when you see it.

DVD Review: Hansie

 I’m not a cricket fan. I’ve never gotten into it, never watched a whole match. I don’t dislike it — I just don’t know much about it. Perhaps, that might be a good thing, so I could watch Hansie without any bias or expectations.

For those like me, Hansie is a film based on the life and career of the late Wessel Johannes “Hansie” Cronje, once the face of South African cricket. Directed by Regardt van den Bergh and written and produced by Cronje’s brother, Frans Cronje, it chronicles, in particular, his involvement with Indian bookmakers in the 1990s and the subsequent events of his life, until his untimely death in 2002.

On the surface, it seems like yet another inspirational sports film. There is a difference between Hansie and other such films, however: in a movie involving a team sport, the focus weighs heavily on its eponymous character, played by Frank Rautenbach (of Faith Like Potatoes fame). There are no standout characters among Cronje’s team, no loveable sidekicks or interesting rivals, save for Bob Woolmer, the team’s coach and voice of reason. That’s not necessarily a negative, though. The audience gets to journey with Cronje as he enjoys success as captain of South Africa’s national cricket team, experience his struggle as he is approached by several Indian bookmakers and feel his pain as he publicly confesses his mistakes and tries to pick up the pieces afterwards.

First, the negative: at times, the characters seem rather two-dimensional: it is all too easy to vilify the bookmakers from the outset, to respect Woolmer and Cronje’s close friend, Peter Pollock (David Sherwood), to like his wife, Bertha (Sarah Thompson). The ending seems abrupt, such that the impact of his death is somewhat lost on the viewer.

The positive? Rautenbach’s portrayal of Cronje is anything but two-dimensional. He starts off as a likeable, talented cricketer whom I find myself rooting for, even when he is tempted by Indian bookmakers. When he accepts, the audience is likely to feel more disappointed than angry, although the relative ease (apart from the run-of-the-mill attacks of conscience) with which he gives in can be cause for much dissatisfaction. When he finally confesses, however, we see Cronje’s great fall, from international sporting hero to a dishonest, disgraced athlete. Rautenbach manages to simultaneously invoke a deep indignation at Cronje’s mistakes and sympathy for his subsequent punishment. Beyond the rampant public criticism of his actions, he struggles to piece himself together again, after his wrongdoings have destroyed his self-worth, made worse by his professed Christian faith.

No less admirable is his wife, Bertha, whose unwavering strength and love prove to be his pillar in his time of need. She encourages him, practices tough love where needed and ultimately makes him stand on his own two feet again.

Overall, Hansie is worth a watch. It may not be the best biopic ever made but at the heart of it, it is a moving tale of love, loss and God’s divine redemption.

(Guilt) Free Music

As I type this, Integrity Asia's annual Warehouse Sale is, unfortunately, over. It was two weeks of madness (and I do mean that in the best way possible) that we can't wait to resume next year. But for those of you who missed it or who just couldn't finish all their shopping because of the mind-boggling variety of products we had, here's a little consolation:

That's right — Parachute Band will be giving away nine of their songs to anyone who wants them. Three songs each from their albums Roadmaps & Revelations, Technicolor and the yet-to-be-released Love Without Measure will be available for download, free of charge. All you have to do is follow the link by clicking on the picture above, leave your name, email address and location and you can commence your download.

While this is a great way for Parachute Band fans to preview their upcoming album, which will be released on February 1, 2011, it is also an excellent channel through which those unfamiliar with the band's work can be introduced to some quality Christian music. So for fans who will be falling over themselves to download the songs, don't forget to recommend this to your other friends as well!

It's Still Not Too Late...

...to head on down to our annual Warehouse Sale and grab some great items at the best prices you'll ever find. Today is the last day of the sale and you still have time to stock up on all the Christian media you want.

Whether you've already been to our sale and haven't been able to finish browsing our extensive collection of products or you simply haven't visited our warehouse, now is the perfect time and here is the perfect place for you to do some post-lunch shopping.

If you'd like to do some early Christmas shopping, here's one album we can recommend as a gift to your mother: The Best of Don Moen: With A Thankful Heart.

That's right, we have put together a second collection of the world-renowned worship leader's best songs. Featuring 15 of his most recognizable classics, including God Will Make A Way and Psalm 23, this is one CD which promises to put a smile on Mum's face. The best part? It's not yet available in stores but at our Warehouse Sale, you can pick up a copy for 25% (30% for Friends Club members) off the retail price of $21.90, plus a complimentary Fuse compilation CD.

We also have the latest albums from Lincoln Brewster, Michael W. Smith, Jars of Clay, Third Day and tons more...all at a minimum of 25% off! See you there.

It's Finally Here!

Integrity Media Asia's annual Warehouse Sale is here once again and officially starts today! This year's highlights include:

• all items at a minimum of 30% off display price (25% for non-Friends Club members)
• CDs, DVDs, song books, literature & more from as low as S$1 each
• free Integrity Media Asia 2011 Calendar

Opening hours are as follows:

• Wednesday & Thursday, November 24 - 25: 12 PM - 7 PM
• Friday & Saturday, November 26 - 27: 10 AM - 8 PM
• Sunday, November 28: 12 PM - 6 PM

Just make your way to:

Integrity Media Asia Pte Ltd

95 Kallang Avenue, #05-00

AIS Industrial Building

Now that you have the basic information, here are a few more things you should know about our sale:

1. We really do have items going for as low as S$1 — before discount. For instance, non-members can get Jason Morant's Abandon for just S$0.75, among many other albums at ridiculously low prices, ranging from S$2 to S$10 each. But it's not only older items that you can take home cheap — there are also new and recent titles from Michael W. Smith, Third Day, Jars of Clay and many more going for 25% off current retail prices. And if you'd like to enjoy our 30% Friends Club member discount, all you have to do is sign up at our cashier. The best part? There's absolutely no membership fee required.

2. Resources, resources. From our popular iWorship series to the newly imported range of Musicademy instructional DVDs, there's something for every aspiring church musician and worship leader. Backing tracks, instructional videos, song lyrics, sheet music...you want it, we have it.

3. We can help you expand your DVD collection. True story. We have at least 16 DVDs that promise a fun and enriching movie-watching experience for young and old alike. Hillsong United's The I Heart Revolution: We're All In This Together will move you and Tails From The Ark: Honk If You're Special is one for the kids, while movies like To Save A Life and Letters To God are bound to get you thinking.

4. And for those who love to read...We have a wide collection of Christian literature, from children's books such as Cathie Clancy's The Story of Music: How Worship Began to useful titles for adult Christians, such as Roma Waterman's The God Artist. Pick any topic and we'll have a book on it: love, marriage, worship, prayer — anything you'd like.

At the same time, we will have exciting contests, as well as entertainment for children, so come join us! Like us on Facebook, RSVP to our event and share this blog with your friends and family. Simply follow us by clicking on the "Follow" button to the right and you can keep up all our news, information and more.

See you at the Integrity Media Asia Annual Warehouse Sale 2010!

Welcome

Welcome to Integrity Media Asia's very first blog! This was created with the customer in mind — often, we receive many inquiries regarding our products, so to provide all of you with the information you need, we have started this blog.

We promise not just product information but also news, reviews, videos and much more. And should you have any questions, suggestions or requests, simply leave a comment here and we'll be sure to respond promptly.

In the meantime, you can look forward to our annual Warehouse Sale, which officially begins on Wednesday, November 24! More on that in our next post.

God bless and once again, welcome.