CD Review: The Classic Crime "Vagabonds"

Matt McDonald. How I love your voice. Seriously, Matt has one of those unique voices that can capture an immense amount of emotions that few others can replicate.

I loved TCC's last album The Silver Cord and was anxious to hear new music from them. Vagabonds did not disappoint. It's once again a collection of honest songs dealing with faith, love and the struggle of life. One thing that is a little different on this album is the amount of songs that are "corporate." And I don't mean "corporate" like a church setting, but in a concert setting. I can already hear people chanting back the my, oh my, what a beautiful day parts in "Solar Powered Life."

The album starts off with "A Perfect Voice." Matt's declaration of who this album is for and why he does what he does. I may not sing your favorite songs, but I don't sing for you, cause if I did I would have been done long ago.

There isn't one bad song on the whole album. An easy listen from beginning to end. I would list song highlights, but I can honestly say that I love each song for a different reason. Whether it be the realization in "My Name" that they can take away everything I have but they can't give me my name, or the guitar riffs in the opening of "Vagabonds," or the beautiful depiction of Christ's love for his bride, the church, in "Broken Mess" or maybe just the fact that I might be like one of those girls sittin' there sippin' smoothies with my sunglasses on in "Solar Powered Life"

This album confirms all of my beliefs that the guys in The Classic Crime are truly talented. I just hope more people find out about them even though Matt says, he's tasted fame but never fortune and he still couldn't care less for both.

★★★★★★★★★★

(this review provided by Intern Andrew Jones)

“I may not have a perfect voice but I still sing at the top of my lungs.” These opening lyrics about not letting the world dissuade you from being what you want to be really set the pace for The Classic Crime’s new album, Vagabonds. This album is the first I’ve heard from The Classic Crime, but with its upbeat music and relevant lyrics, it has me completely sold. I especially liked the songs "A Perfect Voice," "Four Chords," and "Different Now."

Between the songs and the knowledge that the money is going to a good cause (all the pre-release proceeds from Vagabonds are going to the Haiti relief effort) I could definitely feel good buying this disc.

The Classic Crime claims that “even if (they) die tomorrow, these four chords will keep (them) living on,” and I would have to say that I completely agree.

★★★★★★★★★☆

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Creation

Once again I got to enjoy the largest Christian festival known as Creation Fest. I attended my first Creation at the age of 16 and since then I've gone every year (working the last four years). Here's a couple highlights from Creation for me this year:

Skillet:

Hands down they put on one of the best live shows in the business, and they didn't disappoint. I was excited to hear them play some of their new music which we'll be able to hear on their new album called Awake due out in August. They played "Hero" and "Monster" two new tracks. Both of which excite me for their new project. Jen Ledger is A-mazing. She impresses me more and more every time I see Skillet live. On the Comatose tour they did last year, Jen would sing on the song "Yours to Hold" and from what I hear so far, it seems like she'll be getting even more vocal time on the new album. Her voice is the one heard on their latest radio single called "Hero." Plenty of good stuff to look forward to. They'll be headlining the Awake and Alive tour this fall that features Hawk Nelson, Decyfer Down and The Letter Black.

Lecrae and Friends:

The program said only Lecrae for the 2pm slot at the Fringe stage... except Lecrae came with some friends including Flame, Tedashii, Sho Baraka and Trip Lee. Their stage performance was great and what stood out to me the most was the fact that it wasn't all about Lecrae and his music. They sang everyone's songs. It was a true team effort. A true reflection of the body of Christ. It makes me even more excited to see Lecrae at Purple Door, and I'm hoping the family vibe continues there.

House of Heroes:

First time I got to see these guys live, and they made me love them even more. If you haven't picked up, "The End Is Not The End" - you need to. My favorite album of 2008, and the live performance is equally as good. Some bands just can't pull off certain sounds live, but HOH is not one of them. Be sure to check out their acoustic ep and their tribute ep to the Beatles.

Family Force 5:

So much energy. So much fun. I wouldn't say I'm much of a dancer by any means... but when these guys hit the stage, it makes me want to be one. They came decked out in football pads, and EVERYONE had purple capri pants on. Soul Glow wasn't the only one rocking them this year. It's official... Friday night at Purple Door will definitely be a dance party that you need to be at.

The Classic Crime:

Since these guys are from the Northwest I wasn't sure if I'd be able to catch a live show often. They haven't toured our area a lot, so I wasn't too optimistic. But then I saw them on the Creation line-up and I was stoked. They were by far the one band that was on my must see list. Their latest album "The Silver Cord" is filled with meaningful songs that dig deep into the core of who we are as humans. Matt McDonald's voice was spot on, and I loved hearing the crowd echo back the lyrics. Great set, and I'd see them again in a heartbeat.

Good times all around. I made some new friends and I brushed up on my Mario Kart skills. Which by the way, pretty soon you'll be able to bid on a Wii signed by many Creation artists (like John Cooper from Skillet, Matt from The Classic Crime, John Reuben, Kevin from Disciple, Crouton from FF5 and more!)

What was your highlight from Creation? What band blew you away? Let me know!