I often find it hard to listen to new Christmas music right around the October release date each year.  But now that Christmas has arrived, my thoughts are flowing.  I wasn’t too excited for yet another Point of Grace or Amy Grant Christmas music disc.  Isn’t there enough of those floating around?  Annie Moses Band released another one this year.  But isn’t this their second or third one?  It’s no surprise that Casting Crowns joined in on the bandwagon this year.  (Shall we take a bet as to how long it will be before they release a second?)

When Jon Foreman's Limbs and Branches pre-release came across my path several weeks ago, I pondered how such well thought out EP's could be transformed into a trimmed "best of" type of disc.   I theorized that this was just another attempt at record labels to make more money.  Of course, many a Switchfoot fan like myself will be hopping to their chosen retail outlet to purchase another Jon Foreman solo album, I thought.  Ah, but the two new songs added to the ten specially selected songs from the EP's will certainly draw out more people as well.  But will the music evoke the same feelings and emotion as listening to Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer in a row?

"Who is this?" was the first thing that came through my head upon hearing a few short seconds of music after getting into my car and turning on my XM Radio.  In just a small amount of time, I heard notes and instruments put together in such a way that led me to say, "This is amazing!"  I eagerly awaited more information to display on my screen.  (Yes, I am often spoiled by my satellite radio that indicates the band and song title.) 

Anberlin.  "Oh.  Of course!  I should have known!"  Within seconds, the tune was more familiar.  "Feel Good Drag" is the single in rotation now.  It put a smile on my face as I pumped up the volume and continued my drive down the street. 

Nissan Pavilion – Bristow, VA (September 14, 2008)

Jars of ClayWashington, DC is about as close to this venue as New York City is to Holmdel, NJ.  So, I wonder why the Holmdel show was listed accurately on the tour dates.  And Cleveland was one hour from the venue.  Well, my friend had been to a show earlier this summer at this venue, so I had an idea that it was not close to DC.  Therefore, when I decided last minute to attend this show in one of my “you only live once” moments, I had an idea the driving ahead of me.  Actually, the time on the road was not as much of an issue as the cost of getting down there.  But, I did it anyway!

PNC Bank Arts Center – Holmdel, NJ (September 13, 2008)

Jars of ClayWhen I arrived at the venue, I could hear the sound of Red wafting over the hill.  They had just hit the stage.  Yet the parking lot was still quite empty.  And the folks outside did not seem to want to rush inside to catch the short set.  In fact, many folks were having a tailgate party.  I felt like screaming out, “Hey everyone!  Go inside and see Red!  It’s worth it!” 

Though I often look for new distant places to see Switchfoot play live, the cost of fuel (and concert tickets) kept me closer to home this year for the Music Builds tour.  Wanting to add another state to my list, I choose the show near Cleveland, OH on a Thursday as part of a long weekend.  Skipping the Friday VA Beach show in order to be a tourist in Ohio, I almost drove straight to the Holmdel, NJ show from Ohio, with only a short pit-stop at my house.  Then, in an unplanned “you only live once” move, I drove down to the show in Northern, VA near Washington, DC on Sunday.  By the end of the weekend, I found myself contemplating many comparisons between each event.  

Blossom Music Center - Cuyahoga Falls, OH (September 11, 2008)