A Few Reviews for Resurrection Letters, Vol. II
Russ Bremeier at Christianity Today:
“One track he’s an evocative poet, the next a storyteller, and before long he’s singing praise to the Lord—all within the same album. Though he resides in the same folk-pop vein throughout, he varies his scope from song to song (like Mullins) and thus more fully articulates Christian living than most of today’s faith-based artists.”
Click here for the full review.
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Laura Nunnery at Jesus Freak Hideout had this to say:
“If every artist received the amount of recognition he deserved based on talent, Andrew Peterson would have shelves filled with awards. Unfortunately, the industry does not work that way. Although Peterson continues to remain under appreciated, he is never miserly when it comes to producing quality albums that are honest, poignant, and relatable. Resurrection Letters Volume II is another page in a moving story that is Andrew Peterson’s musical catalogue.”
Click here for the full review.
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And Mike Parker at Lifeway said:
“Andrew Peterson has always been able to communicate the Gospel in the vernacular. But with Resurrection Letters, Vol. II he makes the Good News indelibly crisp, remarkably clear, and undeniably appealing.”
Click here for the full review.
Thanks for the kind words!
AP
A.S. Peterson has crafted a work of compelling historical fiction which begs the question, “Can this really be a debut novel?” With dogged fidelity, Peterson captures the spirit, manners, and social conditions present during the American Revolutionary War. We meet colorful, credible characters who navigate the high seas of life and love, dependence and independence, war and peace, truth and consequence, and despite forays into dark places, The Fiddler’s Gun is beautiful, lyrical, and redemptive.
Walt Wangerin, Jr. strikes again.
Janner Igiby lives in Glipwood, a nothing little village in the land of Skree, on the edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. Manhood is on the horizon, but Janner finds it hard to feel much hope for the future. Skree is ruled by foreign oppressors, snake men called the Fangs of Dang, servants of a shadowy emperor named Gnag the Nameless. The Skreeans are weak and weaponless. They’re even tool-less. Any Skreean who needs to use a hoe has to borrow one from the Fangs (and fill out the requisite paperwork). And from time to time, the Black Carriage arrives in Glipwood to carry young Skreeans toward an unknown fate across the Dark Sea.
I am not a fan of Civil War literature; in fact, I have always thought of it as one of those weird sub-genres for obsessive types. They’re almost like Trekkies with their re-enactments and maniacal devotion to detail. It’s just not my thing (although I’m secretly jealous that they get to dress up and shoot cannons).
A Randall Goodgame song is like a great independent movie. Characters deliver lines like they were lifted from a break room, a truck stop, or a downtown diner. Seemingly incongruent scenes are juxtaposed and plot isn’t obvious; in fact, narrative–a good story–is often more evident than linear plot lines. An indie movie, like a Randall Goodgame song, seems to tell itself. Rather than being rudely yanked by a chain through a sequence of contrived events, with a Randall Goodgame song, I have the sense that I’m being allowed a willing, but vicarious sneak peak into the real lives of his real characters.
Sara Groves irritates me just a little bit. With each album she makes, she moves from strength to strength and is always raising the bar with the quality, depth, and lyrical ambition of her work. And as a fellow artist, that’s just a little irritating since it means the rest of us are going to have to work harder if we hope to keep up.
I am outside on my front porch. The yellowed leaves are methodically falling from the black walnut in the yard, my breath is chalky visible in the recent cold snap, and lately I have been exploring the unpleasant nuances of the dark night of a soul - my own, to be exact. It is a strange passion we live out on this over-glorified orb of rock hurtling through space at some rate that I’m sure would astound me were I to know what it was. It is an odd series of days, I am realizing, when you question your own faith more than you question your own doubt. And, indeed, it is these nagging questions which have prompted me to share my thoughts on Andrew Peterson’s 2003 album, Love and Thunder.
11-year old Reuben Land, a character in the 2001 book Peace Like a River, provides narration that is clear-eyed and insightful, yet retains the magic, wonder, and innocence of youth. I found it easy to entrust my imagination to the author’s clever method of telling the story through the sensibilities of a pre-teen boy. An author with lesser skill would have either made the boy too smart-alecky for his own good or impossibly cute.
I just finished a book that upon closing it, I felt like it finished me in a sense. A quiet meditative book that reached down and stirred the deep waters in me. It’s Marilynne Robinson’s 2005 Pulitzer prize winner Gilead, given to me by my friend Andrew Peterson.
Eric Peters’s body of work addresses a diverse range of topics, but hope is a recurring theme that gently percolates in the midst of it all. And yet, somewhere between the 2001 masterpiece Land of the Living, and Scarce, the flavor of hope that Peters’s work emits has evolved closer to a tone that is more resolute than what came before. And though the complexion of hope has a broad range, the lyrics from Scarce–while intermittently contrite and timorous as in previous efforts, are now strengthened and bolstered by roots that have grown deeper, radiating an underlying grit and security.
Having read The Great Divorce many times over the years, I’ve found this classic from the great C.S. Lewis to be full of startling clarity and depth on the differences between Heaven and Hell. The only thing both have in common is that both begin in the human will; we can either let Heaven enter us and rule in us to blossom into love and goodness, or allow Hell to infect and reign in our hearts by the daily refusal to submit to Heaven.
Even if you haven’t heard Room to Breathe, its still likely you’ve heard Andy Gullahorn. He’s what I’d call a heavy lifter by trade. He writes lyrics, plays guitar, arranges vocals and adds production help to the work of artists like Jill Phillips and Andrew Peterson.
Allow me to preface this by telling you that I am a great despiser of gushing reviews. I’d much rather write (or read) a scathing dismemberment of the latest Brett Ratner film or Terry Goodkind book than suffer through four hundred words of overblown hyperbole about even the best of things. But when asked to write some thoughts on Frederick Buechner’s Godric, no amount of distaste for high praise was able to intervene. I hope you’ll take what I say with the understanding that I do not say it readily or lightly.
These reviews are good, and well written, but my favorite is still the one my co-worker uttered after listening to Come Lord Jesus. All he could say was, “This guy gets it. Really gets it.”
He got the second of our 2 for $15 copies on Monday for an early Christmas gift.
Thanks again, AP, for your faithfulness to His gift and call.
This goes to show you that it in the end, excellence will shine.
Thanks for the good work Mr. Proprietor and congratulations on the great reviews.
“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.”
Granted, we’re all pretty obscure here, but I’d like to think Solomon’s (i.e. God’s) wisdom is going to come through for you eventually.
(funny how some translations render “skilled” as “prompt” there)
Rock ‘em, AP.
I confess, I feel weird posting stuff like this, but if it helps get the music out there I’m willing to endure the weirdness. Just sharing the good news.
Andrew Peterson said:
I confess, I feel weird posting stuff like this, but if it helps get the music out there I’m willing to endure the weirdness. Just sharing the good news.
After I read that, AP, I wanted to offer a little support and encouragement. Then I remembered the article that our brother Russ wrote last November. The article framed what I might try to say far better than I am able. I know you remember the article Andy, but I suspect this great community has new readers joining us daily, so the article bears another mention, for those that haven’t read it.
I look at Russ’s words as a reminder that one of the deeper aspects of community is bearing burdens and sharing joys. Burden may be the wrong word, but we can certainly share the responsibility of getting the word out about RL Vol. 2. Now is the time to spread the word and word of mouth is more important than ever in today’s world. And one way we can share Andy’s joys are in reading these reviews. When I read one of these great reviews, I personally feel the same pride (the good kind) I might feel if it were a blood brother receiving the accolades.
Our brother Andy is like a full moon, reflecting the light of the Son. Keep spreading the word, brothers and sisters in Christ.
Who else in Christian music these days, besides Peterson, takes two biblical illustrations to make a third?
Great Review! Great Album!
AP said,
“I confess, I feel weird posting stuff like this, but if it helps get the music out there I’m willing to endure the weirdness. Just sharing the good news.”
Not at all wierd for us. Were thankful that an artist is willing to share the way you do. To make a difference we have to be different. You are making a difference.
Andrew!
My 30-some copies were at my mailbox on the 21st, right on time! That was so in-sycn, because I was heading out of state to my seminary, and now a bunch of faculty and staff have copies! Each of their faces really lit up when they got these unexpected gifts. Many of them mentioned how much they like The Far Country. The Dean rolled her eyes in happy anticipation of a new AP CD. I already know the songs well from the Centricity site, so I know what they have coming!
I got extra CDs to feel I could give them away luxuriously, overabundantly, without fear of running out… like God gives us Grace and Mercy! And I’m having a lot of fun doing it. I’m mailing out a few and giving some to local friends. Hey! Maybe you’ll get a good following in New England, and get to come back! “May your tribe increase” as they say.
And most of all, the inmates have been asking me if you’ve got more songs yet. They are in for such a blessing, starting tomorrow. I told the women to read Hosea 1-2-3 as homework. Ah Ha Ha! They don’t know what I’m up to. I’ve got the words of your song already printed on paper covered with roses, which I’ll give them at the end of the study as I spring your CD on them, starting with Hosea –POW !!!– huh!
In one way, your song Hosea is a Prodigal Son story for women … I mean, I know both stories are for both genders, but the way you’ve positioned and phrased your telling of it will hit a lot of women deeply if they hear it: God tenderly coming to pick us up and carry us home yet again and the valley as green as jade. Oh yes, It breaks our hearts open to His love.
And most of the other songs, I like even more …Haaa!
Rest, eat and sleep, and stay close to the Lord. This is not a groupie fan letter. This is real appreciation for the Lord and His amazing ways.
Thanks again.
“Who else in Christian music these days, besides Peterson, takes two biblical illustrations to make a third?”
Mike, you’ve obviously never listened to a Carman album.
Andrew, I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed your concert in Rockford last night! I wrote a review on my blog today–http://cindyswanslife.blogspot.com
iTunes is set up on my computer so that your Walk album starts playing right after the last song of RLV2, and what a hopeful thing to see how you’ve grown.
My husband and I will be at your concert tonight in Plover, along with our three children. They’re so excited to attend their first such concert, and I’m thrilled to be bringing them. Thank you.
The album is absolutely fantastic! I enjoyed watching and reading clips and notes on the old Captains Courageous blog during the process of making it and I think credit must be given to Ben Shive and Andy Gullahorn. Ben and Andy’s fingerprints are all over this album. Together with AP, I am completely blown away at the artistry that all 3 brought to the album. Throw in all the amazing talent from people like Jill Phillips, Andrew Osenga, and others - it’s a wonder that you can get a masterpiece like this for under $10. Thank you, AP, for the hard work, the desire for excellence, and an album that we all should be considered blessed to have available to us.
“The way you’ve positioned and phrased your telling of it will hit a lot of women deeply if they hear it: God tenderly coming to pick us up and carry us home yet again and the valley as green as jade. Oh yes, It breaks our hearts open to His love.”
Joy is right. “Hosea” landed me on my knees in the kitchen in the midst of making mushroom pie for dinner. This is what one gets when loading an AP album onto one’s iPod and then blithely giving it a listen during dinner prep — an unexpected worship session while holding fungi and a chef’s knife.
Thank you once again, Andrew (and all supporting cast), for some lovely work. Please forgive me for a short story:
Several years back, I invited a friend to a Christmas concert with my family at our church. I wasn’t sure what he’d think, but he sat attentive the whole evening and at several points, teary eyed, he shook his head and smiled. Later that night over a pot of my mom’s magical soup he talked about the richness of the hymns we’d sung. “If you pay attention, you realize it’s all there. The whole gospel is in there!”
It’s all in there, guys, to steal my friend’s words. RLV2 resonates so clearly with the ache, glory, falling down and being lifted up of a Christian’s experience. I dare anyone to listen to it and come away without rejoicing. I’m quite convinced it’s an impossible task.
I think I’ve been talking about this CD too much. Yesterday my roommate told me I was “such a groupy!”
I really love this music, and the more I hear it the more I want to hear it again. Thanks for making a great album.
Ok, so does anyone know how to get a copy of that song, “Have Your Way”?
I bought the album but I dont think its on there…unless it’s hidden. And Itunes wont let me download it.
Warning: Sappy fan accolades coming…
I remember when I first listened to Carried Along many, many years ago in a Christian bookstore. The music you creted made my heart well up with joyous awe at God’s work, like how you feel in nature. I knew I just had to get that cd and every one since. Much life has been lived since then and many new artists discovered, but the sound that Andrew and crew make just feels like home to me. It is such a treat to have an artist who creates songs that are both inspiring and like a balm to the spirit.
Since I’m not the groupie type, I don’t keep tabs on when new music is coming, but I was listening to Behold the Lamb of God this week and thought, Andrew’s due for another cd about now. Sure enough I got what I wished for! Enough rambling, just wanted you to know how much your work is appreciated and loved by our house. Keep it coming!
I was at one of the latest concerts near Scranton, PA, and I feel led to share a word of encouragement. I hope AP isn’t frustrated with the fact that he’s not “world-reknown”, and his concerts are far from sell-outs. I know he needs to make money to support his family, and he’s been blessed with such a gift to bless others with. He once mentioned that while his music may not all find its way on popular Christian radio, his goal was to “plant trees”–something of worth that would bless others. He certainly has!!
Don’t ever compromise your standards to please the industry and the world, Mr. Peterson. If the world loves you then there would be something wrong.
God Bless, and thank you for the music and the encouragement you’ve been to me.
Brian
For years I could only hear raw (but beautiful) folk in my mind at the mention of Andrew Peterson. I had only had the opportunity to buy his first jewel (living in Austria just after the turn of the millennium), and I could only picture Andy and his wife and Gabe on a small side stage with 2 tiny ones being watched by a friendly stranger, because that was how I first got to know his music (and ever since I have regretted not buying that “Andrew Peterson is my friend” T-shirt). My wife could actually enjoy AP’s music with the new musical direction (she hates folk, likes a lot of 80’s stuff), but to me at first it seemed like a lot of production compared to previous albums, though stuff like electric guitar had already been introduced. I don’t mean that RLV II was over-produced, but that it no longer seemed “raw”. I’m really digging it now, It brings in a lot of dynamics, when it comes to emotional power. Also I bought it before I bought the Far Country, so the progression seems a lot more natural now. Anyways, variation in musical styles and production styles is a good thing. Many of us have appreciated that of Derek Webb.