Pebble Watch
www.getpebble.com
ec‘s grade: A+

The Pebble, one of last year’s biggest crowd-sourcing success stories, has officially started shipping units. It’s a fully digital, smart watch…but this isn’t your father’s wristwatch. Pebble uses e-paper technology (similar to e-readers) that makes the interface completely customizable. Also, since it connects wirelessly to your smart phone, you can check email, texts, caller ID and control your music with a flick of the wrist. Pebble comes with several handy apps too, like a golf range finder, an app for running and cycling, with more on the way. Oh…and they look great too.

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Just Dance 4
Ubisoft

FEATURES: Two modes of play: Just Dance and Sweat, which is basically just an aerobics workout/measurer
PROS: A party in a box, Just Dance 4 is more about getting folks together than it is genuine competition. It’s especially fun on controller-less gaming systems
CONS: As with previous Just Dance releases, some of the on-screen dancing can border on suggestive and there are several lyrical no-nos (in my opinion) for a game rated E10+
Not so much a game as it is a dance party, Just Dance 4 is a genuinely fun time for most get-togethers. However, if younger players are around, some of the songs and moves are slightly “adult.”
ec‘s grade: B-

NCAA Football 13
EA Sports

FEATURES: The ever popular one-button mode, Dynasty mode, and the new Reaction Time feature with allows a few seconds of slow-motion play to make adjustments on the fly
PROS: As with previous versions of NCAA Football, the game is easier to play than the Madden NFL version.
CONS: Some of the audio features have been altered or ditched, not as slick or photo-perfect as Madden
Obviously, after 13 different versions, NCAA Football isn’t new, but with each installation, the guys at EA Sports continue to improve upon the last.
ec‘s grade: B+

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 Parental Guidance (2012)
20th Century Fox, Walden Media
Starring Billy Crystal, Bette Midler, Marisa Tomei
ec‘s grade: C-

Remedy Drive

Resuscitate

Centricity Music

ec‘s grade: B+

Remedy Drive have been around in various incarnations since 1998 and have racked up some serious road miles along the way.  Singer David Zach is the only remaining member of the four brothers from Lincoln, Neb. who formed the band. The group has also parted ways with their record label. In that sense, Resuscitate is a fitting name for this project which is performed and sung with the urgency of a comeback record. Don’t call it a comeback, but “Lost Cause” and “Better than Life” pack a punch that a prizefighter would relish and speak of faith, loss, and perseverance that only a band in its 30s can express. Read up on the band at www.remedydrive.com.

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ARTIST: Warren Barfield
ALBUM TITLE: Redbird
LABEL: Independent
PROS: Timeless and catchy music. The earthy, mellow, and organic recording style is warm and inviting.
CONS: Barfield doesn’t write to be popular, so don’t expect fist-bumping party music.
TOP SONGS: “The Time is Now,” “Just Let Go,” “Last Try”
THOUGHTS: Barfield, another one of Nashville’s most promising artists, is free from his record deal and has made the album he wants to make.
ec‘s grade: B+

ARTIST: Lifehouse
ALBUM TITLE: Almeria
LABEL: Geffen
PROS: An amazing duet with Natasha Bedingfield, and a generally sunny and happy record.
CONS: In typical Lifehouse style, Wade’s vocal range and melodies can become repetitive
TOP SONGS: “Between the Raindrops” (with Bedingfield), “Only You’re the One”
THOUGHTS: Lifehouse doesn’t make bad records and Almeria is their best project in several years. Hopefully, this will get them back into America’s collective subconscious.
ec‘s grade: A-

ARTIST: PFR
ALBUM TITLE: Minneapolis (Live)
LABEL: Independent
PROS: A live set list that fans will adore, the band still has amazing musicianship and this recording proves it.
CONS: At this point, anyone born after 1995 probably has no idea who PFR are.
TOP SONGS: All of them…but especially “Amsterdam” and “Merry Go Round.”
THOUGHTS: Yeah, yeah…so not many people are lining up to download this record, and that’s a shame. PFR was a great Christian band in the 90s, and this record proves they’re still a great band.
ec‘s grade: A

These reviews were written by Randy Williams for the April 2013 issue of ec. Get your subscription ec here: www.lifeway.com/ec.

iPad Mini

Apple, Inc.

http://www.apple.com

ec’s grade: A+

When CEO Tim Cook announced the newest member of the Apple family, the iPad Mini, a few months ago, it was met with mixed reactions. However, since it’s release, the new smaller iPad has proved to be another winner for the company. No, it doesn’t do anything different than a standard iPad or iPod Touch, but the size is about 40 percent smaller than an iPad, making it a perfect travel companion but a tad smallish for an E-reader. Typing is faster on the smaller keyboard and the retina display is still the best looking screen among tablets. Like other iOS products, everything feels familiar, fast, and glitch-free and with Apple’s vast selection of native and third party Apps, there’s not much this little guy can’t do.

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 Tap Tap Tap Camera+
Camera+

FEATURES: Vast array of photo-editing, deep integration with social media outlets
PROS: After-the-fact image stabilization and flash simulation
CONS: iOS only, maybe too many features?
The iPhone camera is one of the devices best features, but the native camera app leaves much to be desired. Tap Tap Tap Camera+ takes advantage of  iPhone’s processing power to create professional quality photos that compete with high-end image editing software.
ec’s GRADE: A

Dropbox
by Dropbox

FEATURES: Subscription-based cloud storage for mobile devices.
PROS: Free download, easily syncs between multiple devices,
CONS: poor data reception can temporarily make files inaccessible, pricey ($120/yr for 50GB storage)
Problem: You own a tablet, an E-reader, a laptop, and a smartphone but you want to be able access the same files from each of them yet not all of them have document storage. Solution: Dropbox puts file storage within the app making your docs show up on every device.
ec’s GRADE: A

Rocksmith
Ubisoft

FEATURES: multiple levels, growing number of song/style choices, available on XBOX and Playstation
PROS: “Play” is controlled by an electric guitar (not included), teaches how to actually play the instrument
CONS: Does not include instruction on music theory or technique, tracking can be  glitchy
Rocksmith is a Guitar Hero-inspired video game that is more accurately a visual guitar instructor. Players score points by hitting correct notes and can advance from single note levels to multi-note complexity.
ec’s GRADE: B+

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 Red Dawn (2012)

Pitch Perfect (2012)

Rise of the Guardians (2012)

 Skyfall (2012)

Matt & Toby

Matt & Toby
Tooth & Nail Records
www.facebook.com/mattandtoby
ec‘s grade: B+

Matt & Toby is a side project from a couple of the guys from Emery. I’ve always enjoyed Emery’s harder stuff, but have always been a bigger fan of their more melodic moments. When I heard rumors that a side project was in the works, I readied myself but was expecting more of the same. Imagine my surprise when I heard the first tracks coming from my earbuds: It was melodic, mellower and—dare I say?—more mature. There are definite rock-ish moments, but none of the rawk that Emery fans might expect. Another big plus is the intentionally transparent and thoughtful lyrics. My personal faves are “What Plays in My Head,” a song about fatherhood, and “You Will Sing.” Hopefully, this side project will become permanent.

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ARTIST: Keith and Kristyn Getty
ALBUM TITLE: Hymns for the Christian Life
LABEL: Getty Music
PROS: Beautiful modern hymns, laced with traditional Irish-folk instruments
CONS: Not for the typical teen, which isn’t really a con…just an observation
TOP SONGS: “In Christ Alone” (featuring Alison Krauss), “A Mother’s Prayer”
THOUGHTS: The modern resurgence of folk music isn’t something the Getty’s are chasing because they’ve been playing and writing ancient sounding, Irish folk hymns for years. Thinking teens interested in lyrical theology will wear out this Celtic gem.
ec‘s grade: A

ARTIST: Disciple
ALBUM TITLE: O God Save Us All
LABEL: Fair Trade Services
PROS: When Disciple hits, they hit it out of the park
CONS: For the first time, there seems to be a distinct attempt to write radio-friendly songs
TOP SONGS: “RIP,” “Draw the Line,” “Outlaws”
THOUGHTS: In typical Disciple style, “O God Save Us All” is a rocker through and through. Including a few new industrial turns, the album doesn’t completely stack up to some of their earlier work, but for fans young and old, this is a strong project worth your time.
ec‘s grade: B-

ARTIST: Chris August
ALBUM TITLE: The Upside of Down
LABEL: MCA Nashville
PROS: Perfectly crafted songwriting showcasing August’s ability to turn a phrase
CONS: Much more mellow than anticipated, some may be put off by the many sparse ballads.
TOP SONGS: “Amen,” “This Side of Heaven,” and “Restore”
THOUGHTS: The writer/singer of the deservedly smash his “Starry Sky” is no one-hit-wonder. “The Upside of Down” is both catchy and lyrically weighty. Even the album’s title is a reference to the benefits of partaking in Christ’s sufferings.
ec‘s grade: B+

ARTIST: Capital Kings
ALBUM TITLE: I Feel So Alive EP
LABEL: Gotee
PROS: Dubstep and Electronica are grossly under-represented in Christian music
CONS: Only 3 songs plus one remix? Come on guys.
TOP SONGS: “Be There,” “I Feel So Alive”
THOUGHTS: Lyrically, the album isn’t much more than a Christian pep rally, which isn’t always a bad thing, but the impossibly short EP feels underwhelming.
ec‘s grade: B-

These reviews were written for ec by Randy Williams. Get your copy of the current issue here. Subscribe at www.lifeway.com/ec.

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The Way (2010)

Here Comes the Boom (2012)

Synopsis: Galvanized by the news that budget cuts will be destroying much of his school’s extracurriculars, a schoolteacher seeks to raise money in the unlikeliest of ways: by taking to the MMA ring.
Pros: Great themes of sacrifice and the importance of education; clean, upbeat script
Cons: Script is a little weak and cheesy in spots
Rated PG for bouts of MMA sports violence, some rude humor and language.
Grade: B-

Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)

ParaNorman (2012)

Crooked Arrows (2012)

Bebo Norman
Lights of Distant Cities
BEC Recordings
www.bebonorman.com
ec‘s grade: A

No longer a 20-something troubadour, Bebo Norman has enjoyed a steady career churning out record after record of well-written, earnest songs about an unchanging, unflinching God. Nearing his 40s, Norman isn’t so much concerned anymore about fitting in as he is being present. For Lights of Distant Cities, Norman co-wrote most everything with his long-time friend and musical companion Gabe Scott, who also co-produced the project with their long-time friend and uber-genius Ben Shive (Matt Wertz, Andrew Peterson). The results are one of the most listenable but lyrically dense Bebo Norman records in a decade. Don’t miss the confessional and transparent “Broken” or the near perfect “At the End of Me.”

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ARTIST: Anberlin
ALBUM TITLE: Vital
LABEL: Universal Republic
PROS: New synth-heavy tracks, a ballad even
CONS: The frenzied music can become monotonous, female background vocals seem out-of-place
TOP SONGS: “Self Starter,” “Innocent,” “Orpheum”
ec’s GRADE: A-
With producer Aaron Sprinkle back at the helm, Anberlin returns with some of their most epically heavy music. They also explore deeper spiritual themes within their songs about relationships as a metaphor for faith.

ARTIST: The Wedding
ALBUM TITLE: No Direction
LABEL: Tooth & Nail
PROS: Singable rock anthems that stick in your head like peanut butter on the roof of your mouth
CONS: A tad scattershot stylistically, but most music fans don’t
TOP SONGS: “No Direction,” “In the End,” “The Raconteur”
ec‘s GRADE: A
After nearly 10 years, these lads from Arkansas have made not nearly enough music. Thankfully, with a new label, The Wedding have made their best music yet, as if Jimmy Eat World were from Georgia.

ARTIST: Flyleaf
ALBUM TITLE: New Horizons
LABEL: A&M/Octone Records
PROS: Better than the last, which was better than the last
CONS: Ummm…
TOP SONGS: “Freedom” “New Horizons,” “Call You Out”
ec‘s GRADE: A
Flyleaf was poised to become the next big headlining rock band in Christian music, but before the release of New Horizons, singer Lacey Sturm announced she was no longer in the band. Still, the new record reaches a new pinnacle for the band who is now touring with a new singer.

ARTIST: Third Day
ALBUM TITLE: Miracle
LABEL: Essential Records
PROS: Produced by Brendan O’Brian (Stone Temple Pilots, The Killers, Train), “Miracle” sounds tailor-made for rock and pop radio.
CONS: The band’s trademark Southern and country sounds are minimal here
TOP SONGS: “Hit Me Like a Bomb,” “Kicking and Screaming”
ec‘s GRADE: A-
After 20 years making music, it seems impossible for Third Day to make a bad record. The hyper-sentimental “I Need a Miracle” is a bit cloying, but is the only lowlight on the record.