CCM Links

Switchfoot just keeps getting better and better. I don’t just mean musically (though they do), I mean “better” in almost every sense of the word. Today’s free Christian mp3 offering is really an entire website devoted to free Switchfoot music:

http://switchfootbootlegs.com/

Yep. Better. You can download free copies of bootleg recording from their Oh! Gravity tour. I chose the Seattle show, since I grew up there (and am about to return for a three-week vacation)…and here’s a list of the free songs from that night:

awakening
american dream
gone
ammunition
4:12
shadow proves the sunshine

Each song is available in AAC or MP3, making it work for just about anybody. Don’t feel like listening to their Seattle concert? Fine…try Hartford, CT:

awakening
oh! gravity
stars / easier than love
the fatal wound
this is your life
lonely nation

Notice something interesting: the song list differs by location! I think I’ll have to visit a few cities to get the entire playlist:

1. Oh! Gravity.
2. American Dream
3. Dirty Second Hands
4. Awakening
5. Circles
6. Amateur Lovers
7. Faust, Midas, And Myself
8. Head Over Heels (In This Life)
9. Yesterdays
10. Burn Out Bright
11. 4:12
12. Let Your Love Be Strong

Source: Amazon

Have fun…and go get ‘em!

Yes, that Lisa Whelchel. Every American child of the 70’s and 80’s is likely to remember Lisa’s character Blair on The Facts of Life. Most don’t know that she became a Christian at the age of ten, and has been involved in ministry for most of her life. Fewer still will have listened to her album, All Because of You.

All 10 songs from this 1984 album are available online as free mp3 downloads. Whether you remember Lisa from television or not, she’s a good example of what can happen when you turn your life over to God. Her ministry includes a full traveling and speaking schedule tailored especially for moms.

Go get ‘em!

Free mp3s by Matthew West from his album History:

History
Next Thing You Know
Only Grace

If you listen to Christian radio, chances are good you’ve heard Matthew sing. I find it interesting that he’d offer the first three songs from his album for free…but I’m happy that he has. I really enjoy both his music and his lyrics. His songs seem simple at first, but a few extra listens provide additional insight that gives each song another layer of meaning and impact. Go get em.

NOTE: these songs are in the .wma format, which requires Windows Media or the equivalent.

Free mp3s from Greg Walton:

Won’t Back Down
Emmanuel
Leanin’ On

Go get ‘em!

NOTE: these are the mp3s that Greg’s offering. There are also 17 .ram files, for those who love RealPlayer.

Never heard of ApologetiX? You’re missing out!
Think “Weird Al gets saved”…and you’re still not quite there. These guys have been THE Christian parody band since, well…I can’t think of anybody else. I have only three of their albums, and can’t wait to get more. They turn some of the most memorable music on the radio into Christian songs, and they do it without being cheesy or stupid. Here are some of my favorites:

Look Yourself (parody of Lose Yourself by Eminem)
Corinthians (parody of In the End by Linkin Park)
Smooth Grandmama (parody of Smooth Criminal by Alien Ant Farm)

There are close to 20 songs available for download…all they want is your email address. I guarantee that you’ll like what they’re doing.

Visit their music page and try to download their free mp3s…they’ll walk you through the process. They’re like a breath mint you listen to. Collect the whole set!

Free mp3s from Rick Altizer:

Amy And Her Baggage
Oxygen Tank
Ray Guns And Plastic Flash

Go get ‘em!

Free mp3 of I Have Always Loved You by Addison Road.

They’re also offering podcasts for those who’d like to keep track of their whereabouts. If you’re not familiar with Addison Road, I’d recommend spending a few minutes getting to know them.

Free mp3 of Our First Love from Michael Olson.

Oddly enough, he’s offering a different free song on a different page of his website. While you’re at it, why don’t you also download Give My Life Away from this page?

Both songs are worth the time. Olson went on tour with Michael W. Smith earlier this year, and is with him again for a Christmas tour. He’s also been out with Big Daddy Weave and labelmate Ginny Owens…so you know he’s pretty good.

Free mp3s from Mourning September:

From their MySpace page:
Glorietta

From their PureVolume page:
April Dreams

Go get ‘em!

Free mp3 of Holding by Heather Powers from her album Lay Them Down.

Heather’s website makes it clear that she’s no bubble-gum princess. Growing up in the home of a minister, she went from worship leader to prodigal, and her story is one of drug addiction, rape, painkillers, depression…and redemption, wholeness, and healing. Read her story, and listen to a few songs. In my opinion, too few Christian artists are willing to be as transparent about their struggles and God’s grace.