So I just don't blog here as much as I should/could/want to. I'm rather busy. Work, friends, soccer (my body aches), and church all take up a substantial portion of life. The other portion is dedicated to a game called Gears of War.

Anyways...I just returned from Cornerstone, a huge Christian music festival, with hundreds of bands. Basically a week long Warped without the drugs and foul language. Main stage at C-stone was brilliant, got to see my favorite, Anberlin, as well as some other greats (Skillet and Family Force 5 were nice).

I've noticed alot of complaining about Gamespot lately. Really? I mean, come on, I was just as upset about Jeff as the next guy, but people still bring it up on ocassion. Seriously...I know Gamespot isn't the most amazing site on the planet (www.anberlin.com might be), but they're trying. Honestly, give em a break. I can't imagine how hard it must be for them to review all these games, post all these news updates, go to all these gaming conventions (ah, E3, we shall never meet...*sigh*), and still manage to have lives. So I appreciate Gamespot's work, and I sincerely hope I'm not the only one.

I'm excited for quite a few things in life right now. Soccer, for one, which I love. My new school, Bloomington High School South, which will be nice, because I was stuck in a private Christian school the past two and a half years, which was not exactly the greatest (don't get me wrong, I love Jesus, it's just...my school was a little uptight). I'm also excited for Gears of War 2, Diablo 3, Warcraft 4 (it hasn't been announced, but let's be honest...it'll happen), The Dark Knight, Quantum of Solace, and New Surrender, which is Anberlin's new album.

I shall be posting another blog soon hopefully. Until then, p-sowt.

-john

Happy belated easter everyone! Yeah for Jesus! And candy. But mainly Jesus.

So yesterday, I attended my church's Easter service, and it was one of my personal favorites. My pastor's words just rang true in my ears. I suppose you guys don't really care about what my pastor said, so I'll spare you today a preaching.

And finally, if your kids got too much candy, please, take it. I swear, the most annoying thing on this planet, apart from Nickelback's music, is little kids who've had too much sugar.

That's all. Peace, and again, Happy Easter!

-john

Here they are, my picks of 2007. You may not agree with me, but fortunately, you don't have to.

10. "Five Score and Seven Years Ago"-Relient K. This band sets a high bar for pop/punk music, and avoids all the tired cliches. And the epic 10 minute closer track will leave you speechless.

9. "It Won't Be Soon Before Long"-Maroon 5. Maroon 5finally returns, and it's obvious that the wait was well worth it. Cathcy beats, perfect synths, and of course, Adam Levine's perfect-for-pop voice make this an excellent choice.

8. "Neon Bible"-Arcade Fire. Arcade Fire's sophomore effort is one for the record books. By combining thought provking lyrics, a tenor whose voice is just made for show, and an astounding combination of bass, drums, and guitar, you need this CD.

7. "Icky Thump"-White Stripes. Jack's excellent guitar skills combined with his wife's drumming makes for another of the year's best. And it sure doesn't hurt that the songs all have a catchy, pop/rock feel to them-and yet the duo manage to make it sound unique.

6. "Favourite Worst Nightmare"-The Arctic Monkeys.Alex Turner'svoice is great. And the guitarsplay off each otheroh so well. But the best part of thisband is the percussionist. Wow, in a word.

5. "Graduation"-Kanye West. Love or hate him, there's no denying his brilliance as a producer. Every single he lays his fingers on is amazing. "Stronger" is one of the best rap songs of the year.

4. "Remedy"-David Crowder Band. After 2005's "A Collision" (which won them MSN artist of the year), I couldn't help but wonder if Crowder and Co. could have another slam dunk. I never should of doubted. Crowder's lyrics are sung with passion, and "Glory of it All" is probably the most astounding worship song of the year. Great guitars, experimental synths, and made-for-worship songs make this another must have.

3. "Oh! Gravity"-Switchfoot. Technically, it was released on the 26 of December, 2006. But I counted it here. Switchfoot has always been one of the best alternative rock bands around, and their newest release shows that they have no sign of slowing down. Soaring anthems, brilliant lyrics, and Chad Butler's great drum work all add up to make what could be Switchfoot's best CD yet.

2. "Riot!"-Parmore. Yeah, I like Paramore. And I have good reasons. By taking the best of bands like Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance, and The Rocket Summer, Paramore has crafted an excellent album for many reaons. Hayley Willaim's has a very strong voice, and the guitarists are nothing short of great. And the drummer plays double bass on a few songs, which makes me happy. But it's the way all of this meshes together that makes this such a great album.

And now...the big one.

1. "Cities"-Anberlin. Anberlin's previous two releases were good. But Cities takes this band from good to beyond great. SoStephen christian's voice is one of the best I've heard in a long while, and can bring chills to your spine (in a good way). Nathan's drumming has also improved, and he might be one of the best alternative drummers out there. The guitar section is almost too good-the two guitarists play off each other, and the bassist plucks those bass strings like a bow. Every song is catchy in it's own way, and the amazing "Unwinding Cable Car" is emo stripped down-and it's GOOD. Tracks like "A Whisper and a Clamour" and"Hello Alone" glimmer, but thebest of the bunch might bethe beautiful, soaring "Dismantle. Repair". The song has great contrast-the band effortlessly changes from soft to loud. And "Inevitable" can't be described with words, but I can honestly say it's beautiful. All in all, you owe it to yourself to buy this CD.

Thanks for reading. I understand if you don't agree, but please don't flame.

Hey, guys, not much time to talk. Tomorrow or Wednesday, I will be posting my Top 10 Album list of 2007, along with why I bleiev the albums belong there.

Also, please check out an organization called To Write Love On Her Arms. Here's the website..www.twloha.com. They're such an amazing organization...and no, they're not televangelists, and they aren't trying to get money from you. They want to help. I cn't really say anything else. Just do it.

I'm out. Oh, and I finished finals today. So that's nice. Peace.

John

Love is the movement.

So it's 2008, and it doesn't feel any different. Thought I'd say that. Sure, it's a new year. But people will still fight, wars will still be fought, and the cake will still be a lie.

Also, I'm sixteen. Again, I dno't feel any different. Maybe slightly more mature, though...and I will say it seems life is going too fast. God knows I wish I could stop it all.

Finally, my Christmas was great, thanks for asking. I love Christmas...even though, sadly, I had to work on Christmas day (movie theatre stops for no one, people).

One more thing-do yourself a favor, and go buy the CD "Cities" by Anberlin. If you have it, good job. If you don't....wh are you still reading? I thought I said go buy it!

Love is the movement

-john

Also, I made a New Year's resolution. New blog every week, at the very least. Be happy.