Flywheel: A Review
GENRE: INSPIRATIONAL FICTION
Nutshell Version:
In Eric Wilson’s Flywheel, Jay Austin is a master used car salesman and knows every trick in the book when it comes to overselling and cheating customers. He has made a career out of deception and has even taught his employees the art of the deal. However, things begin to change when Jay buys a 1958 Triumph TR3A and begins to work on it. It seems the Triumph needs a new flywheel in order for the engine to run. Without the crucial part, the car is going nowhere. For far too long he has done things his way and has ended up nowhere. With determination in his gut and a new found faith in his heart, Jay decides once and for all to give all areas of his life fully to God. Eric Wilson and the Kendrick Brothers have teamed up once again to create an inspiring story that will resonate with readers long after the last line.
Full Version:
Jay Austin is a master used car salesman and knows every trick in the book when it comes to overselling and cheating customers. He has made a career out of deception and has even taught his employees the art of the deal. However, things begin to change when Jay buys a 1958 Triumph TR3A and begins to work on it. It seems the Triumph needs a new flywheel in order for the engine to run. Without the crucial part, the car is going nowhere.
As things begin to unravel in Jay’s personal life he starts to wonder where it all went wrong. His relationship with his son is lacking at best. He and his wife Judy are expecting their second child, yet it seems the spark in their marriage has gone out. To top it all off, his dealership is going under and no amount of dishonest deals will be able to save it. As Jay steps back and looks closely at his life he realizes that like the Triumph, he too needs a major renovation inside. For far too long he has done things his way and has ended up nowhere. With determination in his gut and a new found faith in his heart, Jay decides once and for all to give all areas of his life fully to God. What happens next will forever change Jay and impact not only his family, but his community as well.
Eric Wilson and the Kendrick Brothers have teamed up once again to create an inspiring story that will resonate with readers long after the last line. Alex and Stephen Kendrick are best known for their movie Facing The Giants, a successful Christian film about a high school football team that decides to let God lead their season. Flywheel was the first movie they made, and just like with Facing The Giants, Eric Wilson was later brought on board to write the novelization. Something tells me Alex and Stephen couldn’t be happier with this genius move.
Eric Wilson is certainly known more for his edgy suspenseful thrillers, but with Facing the Giants and Flywheel he has revealed another side to his writing that is every bit as enjoyable. Jay Austin is a flawed, yet endearing character that I was rooting for from page one. Many fathers will find themselves relating to the numerous struggles and spiritual triumphs he faces throughout the novel. Wilson treats us not only with strong characters, but a tight storyline that never loses steam or direction. We are beautifully reminded that God wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives: family, relationships, and even business. When we do truly live for Him, He will work in ways we could never have imagined.
It was recently announced that Eric Wilson will be writing the novel for the upcoming Kendrick Brothers film, Fireproof. No doubt this will be another amazing collaboration effort. Eric Wilson consistently churns out riveting fiction and finally more and more people are starting to notice. Very few writers have the ability to keep you glued to your seat while at the same time opening your eyes to spiritual truth in such an effective manor. There is no better time than now to discover this incredible writing talent. After the upcoming Jerusalem’s Undead Trilogy many will be asking themselves why they’ve never read this guy before. Do yourself a favor and don’t be late to the party.
Music Video of the Day: The Classic Crime’s “Seattle”
Skillet sells out 60% of Comatose Tour; Packed houses in Chicago, KC, and more
(NASHVILLE, TN)—May 15, 2008—Atlantic/LAVA/Ardent/INO rockers Skillet completed their “COMATOSE” headline tour with Thousand Foot Krutch and Decyfer Down this past weekend to a SOLD OUT crowd in Lancaster, PA., something they got used to during the 2.5 month tour with 60 % of the shows selling out, turning away hundreds, while packing out houses in Birmingham, AL (2482/The Basement), Kansas City, MO (1870/First Baptist Raytown), Des Moines (1656/Val Air Ballroom), Chicago (1142/House of Blues), Springfield, MO (1817/Remington’s), Anderson, IN (1383/Reardon Auditorium) and South Bend, IN (Elco Theater/1665).
“Skillet never ceases to amaze me. These guys bring a high energy show packed with great songs, production and an encouraging message. Everyone in the industry is always asking ‘who is the next great headliner’? I believe we just found it.”
-Shane Quick, Premier Productions
“Very few rock bands stir the kind of excitement that Skillet does,” said Chris Barrett, President of Rock the Sound Concerts who promoted the NYC concert.
“We sold out with 9 days remaining and had to turn away hundreds. We believe so much in Skillet and what they do and that we have booked them
for Rock the Sound IV in Bridgeport, CT, our biggest concert, at the Arena at Harbor Yard.”
NEW YORK CITY/Hammerstein grand ballroom
SOLD OUT
MINNEAPOLIS, MN/Club 3 Degrees
SOLD OUT
CINCINATTI, OH/The Underground
SOLD OUT
ALBANY, NY/northway auditorium
SOLD OUT
LANCASTER, PA/lmhs fine arts center
SOLD OUT
KALAMAZOO, MI/ wings stadium
SOLD OUT
EAU CLAIRE, WI/memorial h.s.
SOLD OUT
DAYTON, OH/the avenue
SOLD OUT
PORTLAND, ME
New life Christian fellowship
SOLD OUT
HAGERSTOWN, MD/ north Hagerstown h.s.
SOLD OUT
LONGVIEW, TX/Letourneau university
SOLD OUT
ABILENE, TX/CIVIC CENTER
SOLD OUT
JACKSONVILLE, FL/MURRAY HILL THEATER
SOLD OUT
MOBILE, AL/CIVIC CENTER
SOLD OUT
CHATTANOOGA, TN
TIVOLI THEATER
SOLD OUT
American Idol alum Chris Sligh has highest debut on Christian Sound
(Nashville, TN)—May 14, 2008—As his debut CD,”Running Back to You” holds steady as the No. 2 best-selling Christian album on iTunes ®, the project that has wowed critics from USA Today to CCMmagazine.com has the highest debut on Christian SoundScan this week as well. On top of that, his single, “Empty Me” continues to garner praise from Christian radio all across the country and climb the charts (currently No. 15 AC Indicator; No.18 AC Monitor; #23 CHR – all R&R).
Next week Sligh returns to LA to celebrate the season finale of this season’s American Idol, where he’ll attend several Idol events, including Fox TV and Radio press junkets and performing at LA’s massive KIIS fm IDOL FINALE party along with Season 5’s Ace Young and more.
Named as one of Entertainment Weekly’s “Best Idol Auditions Ever,” (http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20007164_20008532_20174767,00.html), Sligh auditioned for American Idol more or less on a whim. To his surprise, his performance swept him onto a fast track to the final rounds. His willingness to take chances, his ironic wit, and his startlingly powerful vocals embedded him into the popular imagination, while his distinctive blend of talent, humor, confidence, and unpredictability led to an exchange with Simon Cowell that delighted the other judges, host Ryan Seacrest, and much of America. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3LHQRTFTj8&feature=related).
Now an official American Idol commentator for Entertainment Weekly online, Sligh has operated on a three week rotating schedule with two other commentators (Jon Peter Lewis and Nadia Turner), and written commentaries through the lens of his experiences on American Idol; from comments about the singers, the judges, the set, and more, including any relatable anecdotes or stories from personal Idol experiences. Check them out at: http://www.ewonline.com.
For more information on Sligh go to http://www.myspace.com/chrissligh.
Music Video of the Day: Sara Groves’ “I Saw What I Saw”
Zondervan lauches teen fiction line
Zondervan, the Christian publishing giant, is tapping into the fast-growing, young adult book market with a new line of fiction aimed at readers ages 13 to 16 to be released this month. “The Young Adult fiction industry is booming,” said Annette Bourland, vice president and publisher for Zonderkidz, the young readers’ line for Zondervan. “We did our own focus groups on what kinds of books Christian young adults read for pleasure and their buying habits, and decided that, yes, there is a market.” Check out the full story here.
MSNBC still heaping love on Narnia film
MSNBC is again heaping love on Walden Media—this time in the form of a rather positive review on the upcoming Narnia film, Prince Caspian. We like Alonso Durlande’s review of the film simply for the reason that he has such a problem with the film’s Christian subtext. Maybe he is unaware that the books have the same underlying Christian undertones. We’re not sure. One thing Durlande does point out is how all of the good guys “have British accents while the Telmarines are all decidedly Mediterranean in appearance and inflection.” What do you think of the trend towards movies demonizing anyone of Middle Eastern descent? Tell us your thoughts. And be sure to look for our own review of the new Narnia film sometime early next week.
R. Swift’s “Soapbox”: A Review
GENRE: HIP-HOP/RAP
Nutshell Version:
R. Swift has something to say and the way he says it is a step above his debut album, “Revolutionary Theme Muzik.” “The Soapbox” is the newest studio offering from the Cross Movement Records artist and he has taken things to the next level personal. For those looking for a carbon copy of artists like Da T.R.U.T.H., Flame, and Ambassador won’t find that here. Switching effortlessly between jazzy, breezy, and cool and hard-hitting, gritty, and streetwise, “Soapbox” is a good effort by R. Swift. Unless you’re already predisposed toward his style, it’ll take a couple of listens to acclimate yourself to his approach.
Full Version:
R. Swift has something to say and the way he says it is a step above his debut album, “Revolutionary Theme Muzik.” “The Soapbox” is the newest studio offering from the Cross Movement Records artist and he has taken things to the next level personal. For those looking for a carbon copy of artists like Da T.R.U.T.H., Flame, and Ambassador won’t find that here. If those guys are the good kids, then R. Swift is the misunderstood child of the family. He seems to have embraced that position as his rap stylings—from flows to beat arrangements—are totally unique to the Cross Movement sound. For some that will be a testament to Cross Movement’s diverse repertoire. For others, it’ll act as somewhat of a deterrent.
After a brief intro, “In Session” starts out the album with lots of old skool scratching and deep bass. Swift let’s listeners know through the track that they are about to be introduced to and instructed in the way of Jesus and the style of R. Swift. “Good Mourning” is the first radio single off the album and boasts a feel-good 70’s vibe that is both relaxing and engaging. The chorus line is reminiscent of groups like Fred Hammond and RFC or Kirk Franklin and the Fam. “Freedom” shows a great deal of Swift’s unique approach to the genre as he includes rolling guitars and crisp horns to back up his rhyme scheme. “Breatha” is a uncompromising look at the life of the thug, calling them to a different life in Christ saying, You can’t smoke away your whole life, drink away your whole life, sex away your whole life either/Choose truth or die/You decide/The world is suffocating you with lies/This is the breatha!/You can’t hustle away your whole life/Thug away your whole life either/ Choose truth or die/You decide/The world is suffocating you with lies/This is the breatha! “American Soil” is a socio-political indictment against the hypocrisy of people who connect God to all things American, yet don’t live how He demands. Invited along for the trip are several artists and emcees who give the record a decidedly underground and/or jazzy vibe, such as Mac the Doulos, Iz-Real, R&B crooner J.R., and “The League” is a cypha featuring a veritable who’s who of underground Christian rappers. The album also features phone messages that act as interludes from K-Drama, Flame, and Teddy P.
At 14 tracks, though, the album isn’t all that long. The tracks may be a little too short for some fans.
Vacillating between jazzy, breezy, and cool and hard-hitting, gritty, and streetwise, “Soapbox” is a good effort by R. Swift. Unless you’re already predisposed toward his style, it’ll take a couple of listens to acclimate yourself to his approach. He appropriately includes guests where needed and stands on his own where he needs to. The instrumentation and arrangements are solid and present a different approach for a Cross Movement record, but the inclusion or guitars and horns seem to be a growing trend within the genre.
3 out of 5
Release Date: June 10, 2008
Label: Cross Movement Records
Track Listing
- Stage Fright
- In Session
- Good Mourning
- Freedom
- Breatha
- Message 1 (K-Drama)
- The League
- Gone
- Killadelphia
- Lifetime
- Message 2 (FLAME)
- Re: Love Letter
- Me On My Soapbox
- Message 3 (Teddy P)
Music Video of the Day: Project 86’s “My Will Be A Dead Man”
DJ Wade-O and Oppose Release Free Mixtape
DJ Wade-O, of The Wade Radio Show, recently collaborated with Christian Rap artist Oppose to introduce his Powerhouse Mixtape Series via the release of a FREE download of some of Oppose’s hottest tracks.
Entitled ‘The Essentials,’ the mixtape is jam-packed with major realities taken from Oppose’s life experiences. Presenting the Gospel in a solid format and pen for listeners the essentials of the faith as a mixtape, the project will be available on opposemusic.com, rapzilla.com, holyculturedownload.com and illspot.net as FREE Download beginning May 13.
A graduate of Eastern Theological Seminary (now Palmer Seminary), Oppose is a Youth Pastor/MC with a passion for reaching those who have lost faith in their position in Jesus Christ. For this project, “O” joined forces with some of Christian Hip Hop’s most sought out producers like Tony Stone, DJ Essence, and Sean J. Period (Mos Def, Talib Kweli) as much of the project was recorded at the Lampmode Lounge in Philadelphia. The mixtape also features J. Johnson, Young Josh, Former Ms. Howard University/Hurricane Katrina Survivor Aqua Aidoo and Praise 103.9 Personality Dezzie (Philadelphia.)
Building off of the theme of The Essentials, Oppose and DJ Wade-O both understand the essential nature of the DJ in Hip Hop. As such, they wanted the project to have a true “mixtape feel” in terms of cutting and scratching as well as song placement. Says I Ron Ic Lee from the Yunion: “it was a breath of fresh air when it comes to mixtapes. It captures the true essence of what a ‘MIXTAPE’ is.”
Both DJ Wade-O and Oppose encourage you to download the mixtape and pass out copies to as many people as possible. Much of the content is aimed at those who know Christ, but for whatever reason, have backslid. “When I detoured from my walk with the Lord during my college years, ‘O’ was one of the people who helped me get back on track.,” explains Wade-O “This mixtape contains many of those Essentials of the Faith that Oppose shared with me while helping to lead me back to right relationship.”
To download Powerhouse Pt. 1 – Oppose: The Essentials: http://www.opposemusic.com/music/powerhousemp3.zip
For more information on DJ Wade-O or The Wade-O Radio Show, please visit www.wadeoradio.com or www.myspace.com/wadeoradio.
For more information on Oppose, please visit www.opposemusic.com or www.myspace.com/oppose3.
The Wade-O Radio Show is a weekly podcast/web radio show hosted by DJ Wade-O. The show features interviews and new music from some of the hottest established and Christian Hip Hop artists in the music industry. Past guests have included Tonex, Bushwick Bill, Rockwilder, Canton Jones, Da T.R.U.T.H., Dorinda Clark-Cole, JJ Hariston from Youthful Praise, KJ-52, Lecrae, Flame, Trip Lee, K-Drama, Braille, Theory Hazit, J.R. and many others. The Show can be downloaded for free wherever podcasts are available or at www.wadeoradio.com. Remember, It’s More than Music…It’s Ministry!
C. E. Moore
Chris Wise
Tina Helmuth
Kristine Webster
Lauren Bombardier
Wayne Beason
Camaren Stebila
Jake Chism