Switchfoot Sings For Narnia

How cool is it that Switchfoot has made it onto the new soundtrack for Prince Caspian.

Switchfoot Goes Independent

blog.myspace.com/switchfoot

Switchfoot and Sony have parted ways and the SF guys are going independent. This means more music much faster. Sounds good to me.

UPDATE: I've got the details at BlogCritics.Org

New Switchfoot Video

Check out the new Switchfoot video for "Awakening".

Can You Help Out A Brother

OK folks, I need your help. I'm going to see Switchfoot next week and I want them to play an amazing song called "Fatal Wound". The Switchfoot guys are having an online vote so please go here and click on "Fatal Wound". Thanks!

Please vote every day until Tuesday, the 13th.

Christianity Today Article With Jon Foreman of Switchfoot

Switchfoot, 11/06 - Interviews - Christian Music Today

As a Christian, I have a lot to say within the walls of the church. But also, as a Christian, I've got a lot to say just about life in general.

I've always been a little bit leery of putting "Christian" as a tagline for anything. If you're going to attach the name of Christ onto something, then you'd better have thought about it for a long time and really feel like that particular product, whether it's a CD or a church or whatever, is worthy of that name.

There aren't many things in life that are worthy of the name "Christian". I really appreciate Jon's perspective.

All Switchfoot Videos Link

To see all of the Switchfoot videos on Sony go here.

Oh! Gravity. - Official Video

Oh! Gravity Single on iTunes

- Buy "Oh! Gravity" on iTunes

It also contains an introduction to the new album by the members of Switchfoot.

Switchfoot at the Roxy - October 18, 2006

Why would a middle-aged man leave work early from San Diego, endure nasty traffic for 3 plus hours, all to go to Hollywood to see a concert? Well, it's the Roxy on Sunset (holds only about 500) and it's Switchfoot. I've seen Switchfoot many times but they are now playing new songs from Oh! Gravity and weren't going to hit San Diego this time. So the legendary JonnyUps and I made the trip to a foreign land.

The Roxy is right in the heart of Hollywood and so you never know who you might see. There's the famous, the almost famous, the was famous and the most popluar, the wannabe famous. Some of the folks we met (JonnyUps is fairly connected) were 'O' from Reeve Oliver and LP, the drummer from Yellowcard. We even saw the new "lead singer" from the Rockstar Supernova band, Lukas. He was definitely a guy who is trying very hard to be cool. I'm not sure sunglasses work that well at night unless you are one of the Blues Brothers. The crowd was full of record company / industry types, lots of folks older (and richer) than me.

Enough of the atmosphere and onto the show. We missed the first opening act, Ryan Ferguson as it seems he played before the crowd line was in the venue. He's a San Diego guy and pretty good. If you see Swithfoot on this tour make sure you get there early enough to see Ryan Ferguson. The second act was Moses Mayfield. They looked straight from the 70's and the lead singer spoke just like Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam. Their music wasn't my cup of tea so if I can't say something nice I won't say anything at all.

Once Switchfoot came on they hit their stride real quick. They opened with "Stars" and played very energized from the start. Next came "Politicians", a song I never thought I'd hear live again but was stoked it was played. They played some new songs including "Oh! Gravity", "Awakening", "American Dream" and the highlight of the night "Dirty Second Hands" (DSH). Now "DSH" is nothing like anything they've ever done and I didn't think it would work well live. In fact, it's hard to even find the rhythm to the song. If any of you recall the movie The Jerk, when the Jerk character was trying to snap his fingers to the song he couldn't. Same thing for "DSH", but it just works, even live. You can hear "DSH" on the Switchfoot MySpace site.

It was nice to that there were five songs from Nothing Is Sound and the playing of "24" instead of "On Fire" or "Only Hope". I was told after the show that "Shadow Proves The Sunshine" was on the set list but they forgot to play it. Fortunately they played "Happy Is A Yuppie Word" and it is my favorite Switchfoot song. I'm hoping they keep this one on their set list for years to come. The biggest hit song from Switchfoot is "Meant To Live" and they've truly mastered performing that song. There is always amazing energy and the closing of the song is a big kick. A surprise during the encore was a solo performance of "Rebellion (Lies)", a cover song. It was just Jon Foreman, his guitar and his harmonica and was excellent.

After the show JonnyUps and myself hung out to talk to the band. The guys are as friendly as ever and really don't seem to have changed. These guys are always a breath of fresh air both personally and in concert. They will challenge you but not gross you out. Some bands choose to use obsenity and classless behavior to shock, not Switchfoot. Read their lyrics and you will be challenged to look past our simple day-to-day lives.

I'm very hopeful for the new album Oh! Gravity. If the energy they capture during their live shows could ever find a way onto an album it would be amazing. Personally, I believe that is impossible. The best bands are better live than in the studio and Switchfoot is in that category. Listening to Switchfoot on an album does not compare to a Switchfoot concert. If they are coming anywhere near you over the next month on their current tour then it is worth your time to check them out. Be careful though, you really might get hooked.

I'm also looking at getting an advanced LEGAL copy of Oh! Gravity to review. Any help in this pursuit would be appreciated.

UPDATE:

Here is the set list:
stars
politicians
oh! gravity
gone
easier than love
this is your life
happy is a yuppie word
dirty second hands
ammunition
learning to breathe
24
awakening
american dream
we are one tonight
meant to live
jon's cover of rebellion (lies)
dare you to move

UPDATE 2: Cross-posted at Blog Critics

Jon Foreman - Rebellion (Lies)

This was at a benefit sometime last weekend. I don't know the details but it's Jon Foreman from Switchfoot doing a cover song. It sounds really cool and has one of those drummers that has the drum kit they play down low.

Full Live Video - Switchfoot, "Oh! Gravity."

Check this video out of Switchfoot playing "Oh! Gravity." at the San Diego Music Awards.

2006 San Diego Music Award 'Artist of the Year' - SWITCHFOOT

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Features -- And the winners are ...

Switchfoot was the winner of the 'Artist of the Year' and Reeve Oliver won for best rock band. OUTSTANDING!

Nothing Is Sound - One Year Later

It's been one year since the release of the Switchfoot album Nothing Is Sound (NIS). In many eyes this album was considered a flop and not as good as the previous album The Beautiful Letdown (TBL). According to sales this would be true as NIS didn't even hit the 1 million mark while TBL was around 2.5 million. So I'll concede that NIS was a flop. There are many reasons including the infamous copy protection problem. I also wrote last year that they should have released other songs as singles. I don't know who makes those decisions but for some reason NIS was not meant to be a big hit and that's too bad. Frankly, it is Switchfoot's best effort. As Switchfoot has said in the past, "the song is king", and if that's the case then this is a remarkable collection of songs. The highlights are:

"Oh! Gravity." - New Switchfoot Song

Rumors have it that this will be the first single off the new Switchfoot album also called "Oh! Gravity.". Courtesy of Land of Broken Hearts.

Switchfoot on Fox Rox 2003

New Switchfoot Album Is Complete

Believe it or not, Switchfoot has completed their new album. Check out a wrap up journal entry here.

New (and Free) Switchfoot Song

Get a free song from Switchfoot called "Daylight to Break" by going here. Much thanks to the Switchfoot guys for this unexpected surprise.

New Switchfoot Video - Bootleg

Check this bootleg video of a new Switchfoot song called "Awakaning". It looks like another excuse for Jon to play the harmonica in concert.

Switchfoot Podcast

Check out the Switchfoot Podcast.

Vote For Switchfoot NOW!

Please take a couple of seconds and vote for the new Switchfoot song here.

Switchfoot Live at WalMart

Soundcheck - Switchfoot - Check out the online performance of Switchfoot for WalMart. The songs are also available for download and well worth the $.88 per song, especially The Shadow Proves The Sunshine.

New Switchfoot Video - We Are One Tonight

Yahoo! Music - Check out "We Are One Tonight".

Interview with Drummer Chad Butler of Switchfoot

Interview with Chad Bulter, drummer for Switchfoot on religion, music, Christian music, surfing, Interview by Dena Ross -- Beliefnet.com

Switchfoot, House of Blues - San Diego, November 12 & 13, 2005

Last weekend I was able to see Switchfoot perform live for the first time in a long time. It was also the first time I'd seen them since the new Nothing Is Sound album dominated the set list.

Here is the setlist from 11/13 was (hat tip):

1. Dare You to Move (Acoustic)
2. My Lonely Nation
3. Gone
4. Ammunition
5. Learning to Breathe
6. Happy is a Yuppie Word
7. This is Your Life
8. More Than Fine
9. Easier Than Love
10. The Fatal Wound
11. Politcians
12. Let That Be Enough (Request song from a canadian girl Diana [SP])
13. Special song about the tour
14. The Times They Are A' Changing(Bob Dylan Cover)
15. On Fire
16. The Blues
17. Shadow Proves the Sunshine
18. Meant to Live

ENCORE I
19. Stars
20. We Are One Tonight

ENCORE II
21. Daisy

The first night had Company Car instead of Let That Be Enough included 24 but not Daisy, Learning to Breathe or The Blues. The second night also featured Reeve Oliver but they didn't play many of their best songs (On The Floor, Reevenge or Imposter). They still kick much butt and are an act worth seeing on their own.

Back to the first night, I brought my 10 year old son. JonnyUps from Parker Theory and Scott Anderson from This Holiday Life were both there and we hung out with them a bit. FYI, This Holiday Life just finished making their first full length album and I hope to get my hands on it soon. We also saw some other Switchfoot fans that are also friends of ours. It's always a great time to see the gathering of all the Switchfoot fans I know. There's some serious die-hards out there (including yours truly).

I was looking forward to hearing the Nothing Is Sound songs to see how the songs begin to grow. I noticed that My Lonely Nation has some extra catchy background vocals and Jon Foreman kept singing into his guitar from This Is Your Life into Happy Is A Yuppie Word but the biggest difference (and highlight of both nights) was The Shadow Proves The Sunshine. Tim Foreman puts his base down for the first chorus and plays a huge drum. I wasn't ready for it the first time and it was startling and pretty darn cool. During the same song Jon Foreman really kicks the emotion up during the last part and exceeds anything else he's ever sang. I want to get a copy of this performance really bad.

It was great to hear Company Car again and I've never seen the Feet perform it so well as they seemed very relaxed and just let go. I miss songs like New Way To Be Human, You Already Take Me There and Chem 6A and hope they'll keep working in some of the older songs.

The second night I ran into Bobby Anderson from This Holiday Life and a few others from my church. I went with a good friend of mine from work who hasn't seen Switchfoot in a couple of years. He was amazed at the growth of their stage presence and how good they've become. It was so good to hear Let That Be Enough live again. It's been a long time since I've heard it live as it used to be a staple of their shows. I know many fans think that The Beautiful Letdown (TBL) was their first album but are really missing out on their first 3 albums before TBL.

All in all, I totally enjoyed both shows and can't wait to see them again, especially to see the growth of the newer songs. The House of Blues of San Diego is a great venue and I will go to other concerts there in the future.

Switchfoot

Cross-posted at Blog Critics

Plugged In Online - "What Kind of 'Sound' Is Switchfoot Making?"

I'm going to "Fisk" parts of an article by Adam R. Holz for Plugged In Online where some swipes at one of our house bands, Switchfoot are taken. For the complete "Fisking" see below:

Labels are tricky, especially with music. Though most artists want us to believe their music is unique, the recording industry relies on tags such as rock or hip-hop, Christian or secular, to market their material. After all, if we don't know what category something is in, how can we know if we'll like it?!

Which brings us to Switchfoot. The San Diego alt-rockers' (there's your first label) initial three albums enjoyed modest success on Charlie Peacock's re:Think imprint (which was part of EMI's Christian Music Group). Then, their presence on 2002's A Walk to Remember soundtrack marked the beginning of a transition from the CCM world to mainstream accessibility (labels two and three, respectively). That shift was completed when the band jumped to a "major label" (Columbia) for 2003's smash The Beautiful Letdown, which sold a massive 2.5 million copies. Switchfoot's latest, Nothing Is Sound, is now capitalizing on that momentum.

Something that most people should understand is that Switchfoot never really wanted to be part of the CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) scene but a buyout of the label they were on (re:Think) was bought out by Sparrow Records. re:Think was a label that was trying to stretch beyond the simple CCM world and try to impact beyond the standard boundries.

On the road to mainstream success, the band has taken pains to distance itself from its CCM roots. Members have consistently downplayed their "Christian band" label, declined interviews with Christian publications and prevented pictures from being taken at Creation Festival (a Christian event). Defending this trajectory, bassist Tim Foreman told an interviewer in 2003, "As a band, we're Christians by faith and not in genre, and I think people have a hard time differentiating between the two."

Their roots are not CCM. Their roots were as just a normal band that was signed to a small label. CCM happened to them but it was not something they sought out. They are Christians but they (or any other CCM band) are as much a "Christian" band as I am a "Christian" software engineer. Their current label does put some restrictions of some media items but it's not a blackout of Christian things but more CCM things. They are a band. They are Christians. They don't want to be pigeon-holed into the CCM world where your audience is just Christians.

Modern-Day Proverbs
Switchfoot certainly has the right to position itself in the marketplace as it sees fit. But Christian fans also have the right to ask what, exactly, Tim Foreman's statement actually means. Is it just a lot of words justifying the band's jump into the secular arena? Or do Switchfoot's newest songs continue to find their lyrical footing in Christian ideas?

Maybe a bit of both is the most accurate answer.

The original intent was to be a band that wasn't supposed to be just a CCM band, but that did happen. Switchfoot has always wanted to reach out to a larger audience. They aren't a worship type band at all but a band that plays what is on their heart.

Switchfoot's music is indeed infused with biblical imagery—but not in a way Christian fans might expect. Where many CCM artists speak lovingly about Jesus, Switchfoot takes a more circuitous route to expressing faith.

It's a difference of being "in-your-face" which appeals to Christians vs. being a bit more less "in-your-face" which means other listeners aren't immediately put off. Sorry folks, but only Christians listen to "Christian" music and nobody else is being touched by it. Switchfoot wants to change the world not just edify other Christians. BTW, there is nothing wrong with "Christian" music as I've been blessed by some of it.

For example, "Happy Is a Yuppie Word" paraphrases Ecclesiastes: "Everything is meaningless/I want more than simple cash can buy." This lyric offers a representation of how the band uses biblical references. Instead of singing directly about Jesus or God, Switchfoot seems more interested in looking carefully at our culture, then using scriptural ideas to critique what they've observed. In this sense, their songs function as modern-day equivalents of the Bible's wisdom literature (Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job).

I couldn't agree more.

Frontman Jon Foreman tries to explain it this way: "What is true happiness? Is it a comfortable four-door sedan with tinted windows? Does it mean I have 2.3 children and a beautiful wife and live in a great neighborhood? Everybody has their own version of what happiness means, but may of the things we're going for—and I include myself in this—are absurd. There's a moment in Jewish Scripture in Ecclesiastes where it says, 'Meaningless, meaningless, everything is meaningless.' That's the place where our new record starts."

His approach to lyrics is quite evident—if you know what you're looking for. The chorus in "Stars" echoes Psalm 8:3. And "The Shadow Proves the Sunshine" lifts a line from Psalm 22:1, asking, "Oh Lord, why did you forsake me?" More countercultural messages saturate "Easier Than Love" (which confronts casual sex) and "Lonely Nation" (which challenges our love affair with consumerism with the lines, "Just numb and amused. ... And we are slaves to what we want").

If a listener wants to get a "Christian" view from the lyrics it works but if a listener isn't a Christian the lyrics can still inspire. Again, the intended audience isn't just Christians. I just wonder why people have to always find certain code words to make a song seem worthwhile.

"The Shadow Proves the Sunshine" is more than Psalm 22:1 but is part of a CS Lewis apologetic about how the fact of evil helps prove that there must be good which eventually points to the existence of God. It's all in "Mere Christianity". "Easier Than Love" is more that just about casual sex but about how culture has trivialized it. "Lonely Nation" is more about how so many people are lonely in America despite all the technology that "brings us together".

A Potentially Fatal Flaw
After pouring over this disc, I can find only one song that doesn't somehow follow this subtly instructive path. It's "The Fatal Wound," on which Foreman threatens, "I am the crisis/I am the bitter end/I'm gonna gun this town." Several songs have melancholy moments, but this one takes thing farther, seeming to suggest suicide and perhaps murder: "I am the razor edge/ ... Son of sorrow, staring down forever with an aching view/Disenchanted, let's go down together with the fatal wound/This is the real thing/no rubber bullets now/This is the final bow."

Unfortunately, not even Foreman's own comments about "Fatal Wound" shed any helpful light on the track's meaning. "This song was one of those tunes you just spit out and try to figure out what it means after you're through—a rather dangerous way to go but [a] very honest, almost free-association type of thing," he says, arguing that it is ultimately about hope and that it has something to do with Jesus: "It means a few things to me, but overall it's a song of hope. The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone [a reference to 1 Peter 1:7]."

Where is the evidence of what Foreman calls hope? A redemptive lyrical turning point would counterbalance "Fatal Wound's" apparent intimations of violence to self and others. But I can't find it.

The author has really missed out on the song. This is a song that is worth digging into which I did here. It should be obvious to anyone who's a Christian who the "Son of sorrow" would be. I don't see any suicide issues at all. It does speak of his knowledge of his sin. UPDATE: It's not "I'm gonna gun this town" but "I'm gonna gun this down".

Lost in Translation?
As an English major in college years ago, I learned to look for biblical allusions in Shakespeare, Milton, Dante and others. Without an understanding of Scripture, it was impossible to make sense of those writers. Listening to Switchfoot's latest album felt like that to me. The band reflects Scripture without beating listeners over the head with God language. Thus, recognizing Switchfoot's spiritual themes requires careful observation and a knowledge of the Bible.

Why does it require "recognizing Switchfoot's spiritual themes". Can't people just enjoy the music at face value. If they need to go deeper then that's cool. Switchfoot lyrics are for the thoughful and not the folks who just want easy answers.

I applaud the band for this thoughtful approach to songwriting ("The Fatal Wound" excepted). Yet I also wonder how many of these submerged spiritual allusions will be missed by its new secular audience, which may know little about God's Word. As Switchfoot moves more deeply into the mainstream, I hope their scripturally inspired insights will get the attention of unbelieving listeners. But I fear their usually sound messages may be reduced to nothing of consequence as they get lost in translation.

I think some people think that people should be getting saved by Christian bands. It is not the case. Music can inspire or make you think but I really don't think salvation comes through music. Thinking people will dig deeper whether they are Christians or not. People who just want to rock out can enjoy it also. I truly believe that Switchfoot is reaching far more people at various levels than any CCM artist. CCM artists mostly have just Christian fans while Switchfoot has a broader audience and is planting all sorts of ideas into all kinds of peoples heads.

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Switchfoot - The Fatal Wound

The tenth song from Switchfoot's latest, Nothing Is Sound, is called The Fatal Wound. Here's the thoughts on the song from Switchfoot:

I wrote this song so that we would have a tune to play during the set with a harmonica. I'm deadly serious here. The harmonica will drive a man to do many things, (especially, in conjunction with a few bob dylan disks). This song was one of those tunes that you just spit out and try to figure out what it means after you're through- a rather dangerous way to go but very honest, almost free association type of thing. Well, it means a few things to me but overall it's a song of hope. The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. Hope for the hopeless in the form of the king of failures. The bed of e-bow guitars at the beginning really set the tone for this track for me. I whispered some Bokowski-ish lines over top and viola! -a vibey track appears from the mist of the harmonica flatlands.

I've not written about this song yet because it has so much meaning. See below for my thoughts on the lyrics. As you will see it's a song packed with great meaning and is quite clever. The person who Jon identifies with is quite appropriate and makes this song worth taking to heart. This song has moved up my favorites on the album, even past most of the more rocking songs. If I ever find a legal link for you to listen to the song then I'll let you know.

Here's the lyrics:

I am the crisis
I am the bitter end
I'm gonna gun this down
I am divided
I am the razor edge
there is no easy now

It's pretty vague here and you wonder where the song is going. Is it just a naval-gazing song or is there something more.

son of sorrow
staring down forever
with an aching view
disenchanted
lets go down together
with the fatal wound

The "Son of sorrow" seems to be pointing to Christ (insight from a friend of mine) and how He has paid the price for our sins. Where it get interesting is when it says "Let's go down together" and this seems to be very key for finding the "voice" in this song. I've heard it's written from the point of view of the thief on the cross who turned to Christ for salvation.

this is the real thing
no rubber bullets now
this is the final bow
my breath avoids me
my chest is in my head
my stomach's upside down
down

The thief understands that he is dying.

son of sorrow
staring down forever
with an aching view
disenchanted
lets go down together
with the fatal wound
with the fatal wound

The thief is addressing Christ and is ready to die. The previous verse along with the previous rendering of the chorus drives me to this conclusion.

Lyrics courtesy of Sing 365

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Broken Masterpieces Interview

Copying your music CDs becomes harder - The interview I had a couple weeks ago is now online. It was a pretty cool experience and Tim McNulty was a great interviewer. One thing that might not be clear from the audio is that I did not receive any illegal copies of the Switchfoot album, Nothing Is Sound, even though I had the chance to get one.

Newspaper Interview

Today I had the privilege to be interviewed by Tim McNulty of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in relation to Switchfoot and the controversy related to Digital Rights Management (DRM). Tim was great to talk to and I hope I was able to provide so valuable input for his article. I'll keep you posted.

The Next Switchfoot Member

The last two Switchfoot albums resulted in adding a new member to the band (Jerome Fontamillas and Drew Shirley). Since they will probably add another one for the next album I've decided to toss my hat in the ring. So, Switchfoot guys, what do you think?

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Show Switchfoot Some Love

Despite being clearly the best album in 2005 the latest Switchfoot album Switchfoot's latest, Nothing Is Sound is struggling on the charts a bit. It has already dropped to #30. Do me a favor and take a listen to 4 of the songs at MySpace and go vote for their video "Stars" on MTV's TRL (yes the show really sucks but keep in mind "salt and light"). Their North American tour starts on October 17 so get your tickets. Today is Switchfoot Friday so give the Foot

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Switchfoot at Number 3

I added this since I know the album Nothing Is Sound will drop a bit tomorrow. No matter, it's great to see quality work finally being recognized by the public.

Switchfoot - Easier Than Love

The fifth song from Switchfoot's latest, Nothing Is Sound, is called Easier Than Love. Here's the thoughts on the song from Switchfoot:

Another song inspired by irony or paradox or perhaps sheer confusion. How is it that one of the most meaningful, intimate moments in a human's life is now used to sell beverages or magazines or auto parts? And indeed, sex sells. It's no wonder that sex is easier than love, because love is extremely difficult, almost impossible at times. I have no fingers to point, my friends, I'm simply stating the obvious and I love screaming this one out. This one was inspired by the Shins- a great band with great production elements. In many ways, Romey really made this one come alive.

This is a most interesting song from Switchfoot and it will be interesting to see what the Christian music industry says and also what the popular culture says about it. "Sex is currency" is not a line you usually see on an album in a Bible bookstore. At a time of really tasteless Carl's Jr. commercials it's good to have the opposite view thrown right back. As a parent, I hate how sex is THE way of marketing just about everything and I don't even have girls. "Where is our soul?" I dare Sony to release this as a single and I would dare MTV (purveyor of so much crap) to play it. It will probably never happen, but maybe Christian music will push it (but I doubt that also).

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Sex is currency

Sex is easier than love.

Lyrics courtesy of Learning2Breathe.

switchfoot

Hear "The Shadow Proves The Sunshine"

I just found out that the Switchfoot Myspace page has added to the list of songs, The Shadow Proves The Sunshine. This is my second favorite song on Nothing Is Sound so go listen. Now they have the first 4 songs available for listening, FOR FREE!

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Stupid CD Copy Protection - Switchfoot Responds

The moronic and behind the times record industry has made some of their best selling artists have copy protection on their CDs. It only happens on Windows machines and here's what happens: if you have auto run on enabled and you put the copy protected CD into your CD drive it puts up some type of license agreement. If you accept this license agreement then a little piece of turd software is loaded onto your system and does all sorts of digital signature stuff. Once this occurs you cannot rip the songs from your CD at all but can only use the WMA files on the CD, which are not the top quality files.

So, an iPod user like me cannot load the files on my iPod. I also like to rip all the Switchfoot and U2 into Apple Lossless format. This allows me to be able to make copies of CDs or mix CDs that I can play on my CD player in the car or take it to work. This whole thing really ticks off consumers who legally buy the CDs and just want to enjoy them in there own way.

Now that our Switchfoot guys are considered a big player, with the release of Nothing Is Sound they got stuck with stupid copy protection. There was quite a bit of outrage from the Switchfoot fans so the band responded (full text below).

I'm hopeful that their record company, Columbia Records will accept that Tim Foreman has done the right thing for the fans. They may even have a legal case against Tim but he's not written anything that hasn't been written before. Of course, with the latest news that Nothing Is Sound is debuting at number 3, the record company might be a bit more foregiving. I definitely don't want any trouble for the band, especially Tim. He's a guy I know a little bit and consider him a friend. Heck, we even share the same birthday. A great musician, more than anything, he's a great man who is only trying to do the right thing by their fans. This is a band that truly gets it so please support them, especially during the rough times.

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Message from Tim Foreman of Switchfoot relating to stupid copy protection:

Hello friends,
my heart is heavy with this whole copy-protection thing. Many PC users have posted problems that they have had importing the new songs (regular disc only, not the dual disc) into programs such as Itunes. Let me first say that as a musician AND as a music fan, I agree with the frustration that has been expressed. We were horrified when we first heard about the new copy-protection policy that is being implemented by most major labels, including Sony (ours), and immediately looked into all of our options for removing this from our new album. Unfortunately, this is the new policy for all new major releases from these record companies. It is heartbreaking to see our blood, sweat, and tears over the past 2 years blurred by the confusion and frustration surrounding this new technology. It is also unfortunate when bands such as ourselves, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, etc... (just a few of the new releases with copy protection) are the target of this criticism, when there is no possible way to avoid this new industry policy.

Once the standard Audio CD has been created, place this copied CD back into your computer and open iTunes. iTunes can now rip the songs as you would any normal audio CD.

UPDATE: This web site is not owned, operated or endorsed by Switchfoot.

Switchfoot - The Shadow Proves The Sunshine

The fourth song from Switchfoot's latest, Nothing Is Sound, is called The Shadow Proves The Sunshine. Here's the thoughts on the song from Switchfoot:

Here's a tune that is a bit different than anything we've done before. It's a very simple tune- so simple that we almost overlooked it. The fight with this one was to work slow. The song didn't want much else other than a very honest performance. So when we went in to start overdubbing we would track a bunch of ideas and then come to the conclusion that we liked it better naked. So we would take everything off and start from scratch. It ended up being one of my favorite songs on the record. One of my favorite moments on the record was singing the words into the piano to get all of the strings resonating; I had the idea a while ago and have never been able to pull it off. It felt great to scream into a piano and hear the piano scream back. I can't wait to play this song live- it feels like it needs to be sung outdoors, against the backdrop of a dark night.

This is definitely not your standard guitar-driven Switchfoot offering. I've put off writing about this song because I still haven't got my head around it but as I am kept awake by thunder, now is as good a time as any. When I first heard it not much happened as I heard it only in my low quality free Amazon download. When I got the actual album in the mail this song just stood out. It's beautiful! I'm still trying to understand the lyrics but it seems to be a contrast of light and dark and how we live in both; dealing with what this world has to offer us and how we know it isn't as it should be.

Here's the lyrics:

Sunshine, won't you be my mother
Sunshine, come and help me sing
My heart is darker than these oceans
My heart is frozen underneath

Shine on me,

Lyrics from Sing365.com

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First 3 Songs on "Nothing Is Sound"

To hear Lonely Nation, Stars and Happy Is A Yuppie Word in their entirety go to the Switchfoot MySpace area.

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Switchfoot - Happy Is A Yuppie Word

The third song from Switchfoot's latest, Nothing Is Sound, is called Happy Is A Yuppie Word. Here's the thoughts on the song from Switchfoot:

A year ago I had a late night talk with a friend who stated the quote: "Happy is a yuppie word." I stayed up after he left, turned off the TV war and wrote a song about our happy, yuppie world. Turns out, Bob Dylan was the one being quoted.

For me this song is the heart of the record, pumping blood out to the limbs and fingers and mouth and such. And maybe every lyric on the record might be needed and true, still this song has kept everything alive for us. We had the privilege of opening for Wilco a few years past- I would like to dedicate this song to the incredible music that they have given all of us down through the years.

As of today (9/14/05) this is my favorite song on the album. It's truly nothing like Switchfoot has ever done. I'd first heard it live a few times and it didn't really click until I saw them perform it in May. At that point I "got it". The name of the album comes from the key lyric of the song and is truly pivotal and a bit prophetic. As I see news of hurricanes and am reminded of September 11, "nothing is sound" rings so true. The highlight of the album is near the end of the song when Jon Foreman is belting out "nothing is sound!" over and over and you can't help but want to scream with him. This is a song that sounds like it would be a downer but the the contrast to "nothing is sound!" is the lyric "i'm looking for the kingdom coming down".

As I listen to this album over and over I can't help but just love it. It's the best thing in rock music for quite a while and is worth buying. Get the DualDisc though for the extra DVD.

The lyrics are below:

everyone dies
everyone loves a fight
nothing is sound
nothing is right side right
the evening comes
when the sun goes down in red
nothing is new
when will all the fighting end?
when will all the fighting end?

happy is a yuppie word
nothing in the world could fail me now
as empty as an argument
running down the life that won't cash out...cash out

everything fails
everything'll run its course
a time and a place
[for all of this] nothing war
everything [buys]
[cause] everything's got a price
nothing is new
when will all us failures rise
when will all the failures rise, rise

happy is a yuppie word
nothing in the world can fail me now
as empty as an argument
running down a life that won't cash out
everything is meaningless
i want more than simple cash can buy
happy is a yuppie word, word

i'm looking for an orphanage
i'm looking for a bridge i can't burn down
i don't believe in emptiness
i'm looking for the kingdom coming down
everything is meaningless
i want more than simple cash can buy
everything is meaningless
happy is a yuppie word
happy is a yuppie word
happy is a yuppie word
happy is a yuppie...

nothing is sound!
nothing is sound!
nothing is sound!
nothing is sound!
nothing is sound!
nothing is sound!
nothing is sound!

happy is a yuppie word
happy is a yuppie word
nothing in the world can fail me now
happy is a yuppie word, word.

Courtesy of OurMusic.

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New Online Magazine - lowercase people

The guys from Switchfoot have now started an online magazine called lowercase people and is well worth your time.

Nothing Is Sound Has Arrived

The best album of 2005 arrived one day early for me yesterday. Today it will be showing up in stores. It is truly a thinking person's album so go get it and let me know what you think.

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Switchfoot - Stars

The second song from Switchfoot's latest, Nothing Is Sound, is called Stars and is the first single. Here's the thoughts on the song from Switchfoot:

Here's another song that we've been playing live for a while. Maybe it's the Led Zeppelin side of me but I love a good rock riff and this one is really fun to play. It's a good builder that I'm anxious to play this summer.

So without some sort of external influence on the social plane, I find no logical reason why humankind didn't see her last day a long time ago. Call it grace or love or anti-entropy- there must be something keeping things together. The question becomes, why do good things happen to bad people? In the song, the first verse looks at things from Descartes perspective, pinning the center of the universe on the individual. "Maybe I've been the problem," maybe I'm overcast, falling apart, etc... The second verse talks about our world from the perspective of the stars looking down on earth from the eternal dance of gravity and motion. I love the night sky. It reminds me of how small and insignificant i and my problems are in light of the infinite. When I look at the stars i feel like myself.

This is a song that has a great guitar riff in different parts of the song and is the highlight for me. There is also an amazing video for the song. As of this moment it seems Stars is having problems getting traction on the alternative charts as it topped out at #16 and I think it's probably better targeted for top 40. The chorus is very catchy and my sons and I like to really belt it out but I wonder if the main lyrics might be a bit over the average listeners head and they use words like entropy and penitent. This is a song that has a ton of meaning and unpacking it and understanding it isn't the easiest task.

The lyrics are below:

maybe i've been the problem
maybe i'm the one to blame
but even when i turn it off and blame myself
the outcome feels the same

i've been thinking maybe i've been partly cloudy
maybe i'm the chance of rain
and maybe i'm overcast
and maybe all my luck's washed down the drain

i've been thinking about everyone, everyone
you look so lonely

but when i look at the stars, when i look at the stars
when i look at the stars, i see someone else
when i look at the stars, the stars
i feel like myself

stars looking at a planet, watching entropy and pain
and maybe start to wonder
how the chaos in our lives could pass as sane
i've been thinking about the meaning of resistance
of a hope beyond my own
and suddenly the infinite and penitent begin to look like home
i've been thinking about everyone,everyone you look so empty

but when i look at the stars, when i look at the stars
when i look at the stars, i see someone else
when i look at the stars, the stars
i feel like myself

everyone, everyone feels so lonely
everyone yeah everyone feels so empty

when i look at the stars,
when i look at the stars,
when i look at the stars,
i feel like myself
when i look at the stars, the stars
i see someone.

From OurMusic.com

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Switchfoot - Lonely Nation

Over the next few days I'll be looking at the songs of the new Switchfoot album Nothing Is Sound. On the Switchfoot web site they are celebrating the 12 days of Switchfoot leading up to their album. I'll include the entry from Switchfoot for each entry and try and find the lyrics and post them also. To listen to the album from VH1 then go here but I have no idea how long that link will last.

The first song off of Nothing Is Sound is called Lonely Nation and here is what Switchfoot says about the song:

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Over the course our time on the road as a band I have met so many amazing, beautiful, desperate, lonely people. We are the lonely nation. We are the disenchanted, the disillusioned- we are the remnant of lonely souls wanting more than anything that we can buy with this cold, hard cash. I wrote this song while we were playing a stretch of rock radio shows. I'd walk around near the back and just breathe in the loneliness- masses of lonely, scared kids. I remember thinking about the irony. Here you have this connected generation of online communities, IM, TM, myspace, and cell phones that grows more and more lonely every day. This is a song is still yearning, saying, "Don't settle, please, don't give up. Fight for only the true and the beautiful!"

We wanted to start the record with this track because we feel that this song picks up where Meant to Live left off. There is hope for meaning and truth in this life but it probably doesn't come in the form of a corporate slogan. We, the target market, want more than this world has to offer. This is a song where tim and chad drive the verses and the guitars take the chorus. We've played this song many times live and refined it quite a bit from it's original state. There's nothing like playing a new song in front of real people with real opinions. The people at those shows, (the extended switchfoot family), they shaped this song as much as anyone.

If I were Sony then this would have been the first song as it truly rocks and will reach folks. Although I do spend a lot of time on the computer I enjoy people much more. I enjoy my family, my friends, people from church, work and Little League. There are so many great people out there it is sad that we are a lonely nation. It just seems that it is easy to retreat but there are so many options to be around great people. It does take effort but it is worth it.

The song itself is very guitar driven (like most of the best Switchfoot songs) and is definitely one to sing along and play air guitar to.

Here are the lyrics:

She turns like the ocean
she tells no emotion
she's been gunning down the fight
she's just reminiscing
blood sweat and one things missing
she's been breaking up inside
inside

singing without tongues
screaming without lungs
I want more than my lonely nation
I want more than my lonely nation
desperate we are young
seperate we are one
I want more than my desperation
I want more than my lonely nation

we are the target market
we set the corporate target
we are slaves of what we want
we're just not amused and
we're just used to bad news
we are slaves of what we want

singing without tongues
screaming without lungs
I want more than my lonely nation
I want more than my lonely nation
desperate we are young
seperate we are one
I want more than my desperation
I want more than my lonely nation

lonely
lonely

??don't leave me oo
I'm tired
don't leave me oo
I'm tired of feeling low
I'm feeling low
I'm feeling low??

singing without tongues
screaming without lungs
I want more than my lonely nation
I want more than my lonely nation
desperate we are young
seperate we are one
I want more than my desperation
I want more than my lonely nation
I want more than my lonely nation
I want more than my lonely nation

Lyrics from OurMusic

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Album Review - Switchfoot: Nothing Is Sound

I was finally able to listen to the complete Switchfoot album, Nothing Is Sound (NIS), by pre-ordering via Amazon. The quality is only 64K but is good enough for me to get the vibe. I can only listen to it when I'm on a computer so I haven't gotten the car CD or iPod effect yet.

So, full disclosure, I am friendly with 4 of the members of Switchfoot and am good friends with one of their relatives. I happen to be a big fan of this band but will temper the personal to take an honest look at the new album.

Switchfoot's last album, The Beautiful Letdown (TBL), came out over two-and-a-half years ago so it's long overdue for the new album. The latest was written and many parts were recorded on the many TBL tours. It seems to not be far departure from TBL but more of a continuation of the same themes. Just as TBL, NIS cannot be classified as a rock, alternative, mellow, pop, Christian, etc. or any other type of label. It's just Switchfoot doing what they do best; lots of guitars (they even added another guitarist, Drew Shirley), lots of catchy songs and a ton of thoughtful lyrics.

I'm sure many of you have already heard the first single called Stars, which is one the the more guitar driven tunes, but there are two others that are far stronger and would have been a better choice for the first single. Unlike Stars, these other tunes (Lonely Nation and Politicians) don't mellow out for the vocals then get harder for the guitar parts. Stars is more of a pop-rock song and seems to be struggling to get airplay on the local alternative stations. I think it will be more popular on more top-40 type stations.

The centerpiece of the album is called Happy Is A Yuppie Word; song title inspired from an old Bob Dylan interview. I've heard the song a few times in concert and it didn't really reach me until I heard it in May. It was a benefit concert (read more about it here) and the song really kicked my butt. Yuppie has a bit of a down-and-dirty bluesy feel to it and has a very memorable chorus. The Nothing Is Sound title is contained in this song and when Jon Foreman is screaming these words near the end of the song you just want to scream with him.

The Switchfoot guys always have a song that takes a great poke at society (see Gone, Poparazzi, Company Car from previous albums) and this time it deals with the commodity of sex and how it is Easier Than Love. Love is extremely hard but sex sells. It's kind of the big "duh" song but it needs to be said.

The rest of the songs offer a mix of different tempos but everything is listenable and pretty darn good. There are less electronics than TBL and everything they've previewed live for NIS comes out quite well, which didn't happen for On Fire on TBL. This album has a lot of potential singles and I'm hoping to see Politicians get on some hard rock stations.

Nothing Is Sound has at least one or two songs that many types of listeners would like a lot but if you are a Switchfoot fan or someone who likes variety in their albums then this is for you. There are twelve songs total and they all bring a little something different to the table. If you like just Meant to Live from the previous album then there are probably only two or three songs for you.

I think one thing that Switchfoot needs to be careful of is the perception that they are becoming brooding naval gazers who are pretty well off but feel guilty about it. You do have to listen for the optimism sometimes but it is there. They ask hard questions about "life, love and why" and as the Dread Pirate Roberts says "Life is pain, princess. . . anyone who says differently is selling something". They may be selling you something but it's honest, thoughtful and excellent.

Cross-posted at Blog Critics.

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New Switchfoot Video for "Stars"

I finally was able to see the new Switchfoot video for Stars. You can see it hear and let me know what you think.

Switchfoot Website Just Changed

The mighty Switchfoot, again has a website worthy of them. To see it go here. It has some excellent writing, song clips from the new album and is much fresher than the old site. It does have a bit of a crowded feel to it but they can fix that.

"Stars" on Charts

This is the debut of the latest Switchfoot song called "Stars" on the Billboard Modern Rock Charts. This is good news as there hasn't even been a video released so it must be getting good airplay and is being well received. To purchase the song in iTunes click below:

Bashing Switchfoot

In the Christian Ghetto we sometimes like to kick the crap out our own brothers and sisters. As a fan of Switchfoot I first started going on-line on their old discussion board (yes, I'm a geek). One of the issues that always comes up is that Switchfoot isn't blatant about Christ in their music. In this thread
this topic is being discussed and I wanted to keep my response because those boards lose stuff. Here's what I said:

I must admit that I respond with a heavy heart as I tire of feeling I have to defend the men of Switchfoot. I shouldn't have to but will finally emerge from the blogosphere to weigh in.

Remember, Switchfoot is basically a new band to the non-CCM world. They really haven't earned the right to be very preachy to the masses. Someday, they will have a bit more credibility and could take a different tact. That is all in God's hands, not ours.

Pre-Order New Switchfoot Album From Switchfoot

To hear a piece of all the songs on the album then go here.

Pre-Order New Switchfoot Album From Amazon

"Stars" on iTunes - Newest Switchfoot Song

- Stars by Switchfoot

New Switchfoot Song, "Stars", Is Online at AOL

AOL Music: Switchfoot - I initially wasn't sure if Stars would be a big hit. I love the song but wasn't sure how it would play to the general public. The more I hear it the more I'm sure that it will be a huge hit. Listen and enjoy.

Cool Switchfoot Pic

I don't know where I got this picture. It's Jon Foreman from Switchfoot from a few years ago. Rock on!

Details About New Switchfoot Album

New Switchfoot Album, 'Nothing Is Sound,' Features Bold New Music Forged On The Road - From the songs I've hard live this will be a harder rockin' album than anything the SF guys have ever done. People get ready....

New Switchfoot Single - Stars

Checking out the Switchfoot site and found that they've decided on their new single. It's called Stars and you can check it out here.

New Switchfoot Album Cover

Switchfoot in Surfer Magazine

Evan Slater wrote up the Switchfoot Bro-Am in Surfer magazine.

Report: Switchfoot Bro-Am

As I've mentioned on this blog before, the Switchfoot Bro-Am (more bro than pro) surf benefit was held on May 14, 2005. The main purpose was to show love and raise funds for the children of Care House. I decided to drop a day of Little League and spend the day at the beach helping out. The day before I also won an auction for a Switchfoot surfboard with 2 tickets to an exclusive Switchfoot concert after the Bro-Am. My day was set.

I had to get up at 3:45 AM on Saturday morning and after little sleep (I'm a raging insomniac sometimes) got up and got ready to go. I hit the road at about 4:25 AM in order to get to Encinitas by 5:00 AM to begin setting up. My wife and sons (and nephew who spent the weekend with us) would join later. I met JonnyUps (noted guest blogger on this site, bassist for Parker Theory and celebrating his 22nd birthday) and we got to work. Just a few minutes later a big van pulls up and out pops Chad (the drummer from Switchfoot). He had a ton of setup supplies to unload. It was quite surprising seeing any of the Switchfoot guys that early but most of the rest of the guys from the band soon followed. They were all working as hard or harder than anyone else. I wish my kids could have seen that. It turns out the Switchfoot guys had all the vision for this event and found some great people to help make it happen.

I began meeting more and more of the volunteers. Talk about a group of impressive people, people working hard to make a special day for about 70 kids from Care House. Talking with many of those folks was real special and to learn about what makes them tick is life changing in itself. So many people donate so much time, and I don't know how they do it. Quick recommendation, meet people like this as they will bless you.

The actual surf event was pretty cool as some pro surfers came down. Many organizations donated money for the entry fees for the surf teams. One of the teams consisited of Jon, Tim and Chad with a To Be Announced. It turns out the TBA was 3 time surfing world champion and Switchfoot hero, Tom Curren. The Switchfoot guys got through a few heats but didn't win. Some amazing surfing occured.

During the day, between the surf events, surfing lessons and guitar lessons were provided to the Care House kids. They were also provided with free food (donated by many places of business). I just hope those kids had a fantastic day. My family joined us later and so I took some time out to have some fun with them. The 64 degree water didn't bother them a bit. I was especially proud of my older son who did some beach cleanup.

Since I only had one extra ticket for the concert, my kids wanted to hang out with their visiting cousin. This enabled me to take JonnyUps to the concert for his birthday. We left the beach to go home and clean up. The concert was held at the La Paloma Theatre in downtown Encinitas. It's a small venue and was a great setting. I was able to bring in my Canon Rebel with zoom lens in. I even got called up to the stage to pick up the winning surfboard from the auction and was presented it by Chad (drummer for SF).

We were treated to a fantastic dance presentation from some of the Care House kids, a song from some of the Care House kids and staff, some very cool songs from Tom Curren, and then a 7 song set from Switchfoot. I was able to wander around and take all sorts of pictures (I'll find a place to post them later) with my newer camera (still learning how to take good pics). The SF guys were a little more accoustic than usual and it was great. A new song called "Happy is a Yuppie Word" will be on the new "Nothing is Sound" album, due this summer, and it is now my latest favorite song.

Afterwards, we hung around and watched Jon (lead singer) get into a dance-off with one of the Care House kids. Jon was pretty funny. After the kids had to leave Jonny and I got to do some roadie work for the SF guys. They set up and tore down all their equipment. It was great hanging out and it was kind of like the days before SF got signed to a major label and made it big. We obviously don't see them near as much anymore but it was great catching up with all the SF guys. It's great to see how well they are doing (in so many ways) and it's a great reminder why I root so hard for them. They are the real deal, are trying to make this world a better place and aren't afraid to get their hands dirty doing it.

All in all, an amazing day. Many thanks to the SF guys but also to the behind the scenes folks such as Joan, Summer, Christie and many others. Truly, one of the best days I've ever experienced. I can't wait until next year.

UPDATE: Pictures here.

Switchfoot Surf Contest

Switchfoot Bro-Am - If you in the San Diego area on Saturday (tomorrow) May 14, then come by Moonlight Beach in Encinitas. It is all to benefit Care House, as spotlighted here.

Coming in August

2 Years Ago

Today, February 25, marks the 2 year anniversary of the release of the album, The Beautiful Letdown. It's sold over 2 million copies and has been on the Billboard Album Charts for 100 weeks (see cut out below). It's amazing the growth of the popularity without a lot of push from their own label.

Singing With Switchfoot

We bought a cheap Karaoke machine and I got a Switchfoot Karaoke CD off ebay. My boys had a great time singing along with their heroes.

Switchfoot On The Charts

From Billboard Album charts

Notice that the album has been on the charts for 90 weeks. Also, notice the number "2" next to the black diamond. That means they've sold 2 million copies. New album is due in May.

Switchfoot on MTV Live at the Hard Rock Cafe

I just got done watching the best half hour of MTV in a long time as they played 5 of Switchfoot's songs. Some of the songs were edited short but it was great that they were able to get that much time on MTV. Let me know if you saw it and what you thought.

Watch MTV, Just This Once

Tonight, December 1 at 8:00 PM EST/PST, Switchfoot will be shown on MTV's Hard Rock Live. So, for one-half of an hour there will be something worth watching on MTV.

Theme Song of this Blog

Myspace.com

Check out the song "Economy of Mercy". It is the song that inspired the name of this blog.

Switchfoot on Leno

Tonight, 11/23, make sure to catch The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. The Switchfoot guys will be playing "Dare You To Move". Hopefully they don't need to cut the song short or play it fast. On Letterman they were limited to 3:30 minutes. They need 4:00 minutes to do the song in full and at the correct pace.

Don't forget, new U2 album out today.

Switchfoot Concert Pictures

To see what a Switchfoot concert looks like then check out the shots I took last night here.

Switchfoot Rocks!

I just got back from seeing Switchfoot with my good friend Jon from Roosevelt. We had seventh row seats right in the center. Oh my! Switchfoot keeps getting better and better. This is the end of the last of many tours in support of The Beautiful Letdown. The good news is they are heading into the studio to record a new album. They'll be making a few concert appearances over the holidays so catch them when you can.

Switchfoot - The Early Years

This is a set of the first 3 Switchfoot albums. It's 32 amazing songs for a great price. I got it at Wal-Mart for $13.99. FYI, this set does not include their latest album, "The Beautiful Letdown". You gotta get that one separately (and you should).

Big Day For Switchfoot

Today (11/14) was a pretty big day for the Switchfoot guys. They played the half-time show for the Major League Soccer championships on ABC (they only televised one song but still cool), were presenters on the American Music Awards and had a concert (pre-taped) for an hour on one of our bigger radio stations, 91X. I even saw a double shot of them on a video channel this morning. It's pretty darn cool seeing these great guys make it. Either get their latest album for yourself or for a friend for Christmas or any other occasion.

It gets even better as I have tickets to see them in San Diego this Thursday and Friday.

Reminder - Switchfoot on Letterman

Tonight is the night... Switchfoot on Letterman, tonight, singing my all-time favorite rock song, "Dare You To Move".

Vote for Switchfoot - Please

MTV.com - Onair - Dyn - Hard Rock Live

Please take the short time to vote for Switchfoot's song "Meant to Live". Check out the performance here. It's the first one on the list.

This Is Switchfoot

APP.COM - An alarm clock for the soul: Switchfoot wants to connect with audience on a spiritual level

"My faith, I mean, that's such a personal aspect that a lot of times, of course it's going to come out through the song," he said. "But at the same time, I'm not a religious salesman. I feel like God doesn't really need a salesman, and what these songs are are simply my interactions with this life and learning. I guess the bottom line is the songs are really honest, you know what I mean. That faith is going to come through. If the listener is looking for it, that's definitely a part of it."

This is one of the best articles I've seen written about Switchfoot. This author gets it.

Interview with Chad Butler - Drummer of Switchfoot

Switchfoot Drummer Finds Labels Restrictive

A great interview with Chad Butler, who is the drummer for my favorite band, Switchfoot. Check out the latest tour dates and check them out.

New Live Switchfoot Music Online - Accoustic (Kind Of)

VH1.com : Switchfoot : Artist Main

VH1 - Switchfoot Interview

VH1.com : Switchfoot

Go ahead, check it out.

Please Vote For Switchfoot

I know most of my readers would never head over to MTV's web site but I'm asking for a favor.... please go here and vote for Switchfoot. Thanks!

Switchfoot Update - 6/17/04

**** Please note the voting that occurs tonight for Switchfoot ****

Hey, Switchfoot Fans Catch Switchfoot On Pepsi Smash TONIGHT! Tune in to the WB Network TONIGHT -- Thursday, 6/17 -- to watch Pepsi Smash featuring Switchfoot performing "Meant To Live" at 9:00 PM! You Could Also See Them Perform "Dare You To Move" If You Rock The Vote! Switchfoot will go head to head with Sugarcult to compete for the Smash encore. The band with the most votes closes the show with a second performance.... Go to www.thewb.com/vote tonight @ 8pm/7c to cast your votes so Switchfoot gets the encore and YOU get another song! The Beautiful Letdown Special Package Streets On June 22! We're just days away from the limited edition version of The Beautiful Letdown with the bonus DVD & sticker! There are a few signed copies left so make sure you get yours! Order online here and get it all for just $12.98! USE THIS CODE AT CHECKOUT AND SAVE 20%: SPRINGSALE Get more on Switchfoot, including all the latest tour dates! www.switchfoot.com

SMOS | 550 Madison Avenue 24th Floor | New York, NY 10022 (c) 2004 Sony Music Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Switchfoot on Pepsi Smash

Tonight (6/17), Switchfoot will be on Pepsi Smash on the WB. In San Diego it's on at 8:00 PM. Check them out.

Amazing Concert Tonight (now last night)

I had the privelege of seeing 3 of my favorite bands in one night; Switchfoot, Reeve Oliver and This Holiday Life. In order of appearance:

This Holiday Life opened up. They are a very musical band who write great songs. They even dedicated a song to President Reagan. I know the bass player a bit and he's always so thankful about me listening and coming to shows. A great guy. I just think this band has a real bright future and can't wait to see them again. They are playing at my church on Sunday night so if you are in San Diego check them out.

Reeve Oliver was next. A power trio these guys bring a bit of humor to the table. They clearly don't take themselves very seriously but play some rawking music. I really needed to see these guys as they brought a smile to my face (work has been very hard the last few months) and let me blow off some steam. In fact, they signed their new record contract on stage.

The headliner was Switchfoot. They keep getting better with each show as they refuse to just try and match their albums, note for note. They mess around with their songs and come up with something even better most of the time. Make sure you see these guys live then hang out afterwards to meet them. I was able to speak with three of the guys afterwards. I asked Jon, the primary lead singer and song writer, if he'd seen this blog (the title is taken from one of Jon's songs) and he had. He even said he liked it. As I've said before, the Switchfoot guys are great guys and my sons even sent some letters with me to the Switchfoot guys. In a time of Eminem, Brittany, etc. it is great that there are bands like Switchfoot making a mark. An interesting note, the bass player for Switchfoot, Tim, brings physics books with him on the road. Yes, not your ordinary band.

Launch Interview with Jon Foreman from Switchfoot

Yahoo! LAUNCH - Feature: Keeping Their Feet On The Ground

...hope is always relevant. I think the problem with hope is that oftentimes, we get sold a hope that is only skin-deep; it's kind of like a band-aid. Things'll get better and you kiss it and hope it feels better--but the problems still remain and the wars are still going on. And what this album is an attempt to do is to talk about real pain and real loss and the real crap that goes on every day, and then in that context talk about hope that gets deeper than the wound. That's kind of what The Beautiful Letdown is all about: the idea that in this terrible, crazy world, there is hope, there is beauty.

Switchfoot on Billboard Charts

Billboard Top 100 Singles:

Billboard Modern Rock Tracks:

Switchfoot Wins Some Dove Awards

Welcome to the Tucson Citizen - MercyMe, Switchfoot take top Dove Awards

Switchfoot lead singer and songwriter Jonathan Foreman captured the most awards. The band won rock song of the year for "Ammunition," rock/contemporary song for "Meant to Live," and rock/contemporary album for "The Beautiful Letdown."

New Switchfoot Video - Dare You To Move

MSNBC - New bands storm modern rock radio

MSNBC - New bands storm modern rock radio

For Jon Foreman, lead singer of San Diego-based Switchfoot, it's about the message. The whole record is about yearning for something more than cell phones and modern conveniences, he says. Making music that hits on a spiritual and emotional level was our goal, rather than just music to tap your foot to.

Right on Jon, but the great thing is, with Switchfoot, you still have music you can tap your foot to.

Big Gainer on Billboard Charts

Latest Switchfoot News

SWITCHFOOT FANS! Switchfoot On Leno TONIGHT Don't forget to tune in TONIGHT -- Friday, March 12 - to catch Switchfoot performing "Meant To Live" on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno! Mark your calendars for Tuesday, March 16th, to tune in to On-Air With Ryan Seacrest for another live performance! Check your local listings for exact times/channels in your area. Check The New Live In San Diego e-card: Download it here and get a taste of what you'll get on the new Live In San Diego DVD, then pass it along to all your fellow Switchfoot fans! Download Exclusive Switchfoot Check out four live cuts from Live In San Diego! You can download them now -- exclusively at iTunes. The Signed Copies Are Almost Gone.... If you haven't already, pre-order Live In San Diego now and get yours! Get Live In San Diego In DVD Packaging here! Get Live In San Diego In CD Packaging here! "Meant To Live" A "Wannabe" On Tuesday's TRL! Nice goin', you guys! Keep rocking those request lines! Call in every day and request "Meant To Live" at 1.800.DIAL.MTV Monday-Friday from 4:30-5PM (PT) / 1:30-2PM (ET). You can also vote online 24/7 here! Thanks for the support! The Headline Tour Starts March 15...Tickets On Sales Now! The Jealous Sound and Copeland support. Get the details, and all the rest on Switchfoot: www.switchfoot.com __________________________________ Live In San Diego In Stores Everywhere March 23, 2004!

SMOS | 550 Madison Avenue 24th Floor | New York, NY 10022 (c) 2004 Sony Music Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Switchfoot on Leno

NBC.com > The Tonight Show with Jay Leno > Guests

This Friday night (3/12/04) the Switchfoot guys will be appearing on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Looks like the guys are hitting the big time. Congratulations!

Switchfoot Live DVD

On March 23 there will be a live DVD of Switchfoot. To find out more go here.

Great Interview With Jon Foreman From Switchfoot

CCM Magazine

This is not Jonathan Foreman, the movie critic.

Switchfoot Surfing Video

Just for fun check out the Swithfoot guys doing what comes naturally.

Story Behind The Song - CCM Magazine

CCMMagazine.com - - Story Behind the Song: Switchfoot's 'Meant to Live'

Please check out the "story behind the song" called Meant to Live by Switchfoot. This song has been getting a lot of air play on modern/alternative rock stations. Most of my readers may not have heard the song but your kids have.

Best Artists of 2003 - Christianity Today

2003 Best Artists - Music

Check out how Switchfoot did. Congratulations guys!

Vote for Switchfoot - Please

The World of Christian Music

Help out some good guys and vote for Switchfoot.

New Switchfoot Single and Radio Commercial

Sparrow Records News

"Meant To Live" will also soon be featured in an ANTI DRUG television campaign in association with Partners For A Drug Free America. The commercial will run on every major network from February through June 2004.

A new single from THE BEAUTIFUL LETDOWN, "Dare You To Move," will hit Christian radio stations in February and mainstream outlets in March. The gigantic sounding pop-rock song encourages a full and faith-filled life with the lyrics, "I dare you to move like today never happened before."

Another Interview With Jon Foreman From Switchfoot

Switchfoot steps toward stardom

A great little interview with Switchfoot frontman Jon Foreman.

As for the Christian leanings of the band, he says, "For us, it's a faith, not a genre. We've always been very open and honest about where the songs are coming from. For us, these songs are for everyone. Calling us `Christian rock' tends to be a box that closes some people out and excludes them. And that's not what we're trying to do. Music has always opened my mind -- and that's what we want."

Switchfoot Article in USA Today

USATODAY.com - Switchfoot takes giant leaps

Switchfoot on Music Choice

If you have the opportunity check out Switchfoot perform live on Music Choice. This is one of those situations of rooting for the good guys. Music that you're not afraid to let your kids listen to nor take your parents to see (I've done both).

Switchfoot, Hugh and Me

So I called into a talk radio show for the first time. I called because Hugh had on musician, Ken Tamplin, who's a Christian but not part of the Christian music scene. I called to tell about how Switchfoot has taken some heat for the path they've taken, especially because they don't always directly mention God in their lyrics. Ken had an answer I really liked then I got cut off before I could ask another question (Hugh wanted short calls). So, I at least got to mention Switchfoot on the radio. Talk about nervous though, talk radio host is not in my future.

UPDATE: Was able to record it off the 'net from a tape delayed show. Want to listen? Listen at your own risk.

Switchfoot - "Next Big Thing"

Sparrow Records News

I'm just real happy for the guys of Switchfoot. They are a great bunch of guys impacting God's Kingdom in ways that are not as conventional as most Christian artists. They've taken a path that takes them outside the church and it's definitely not the safe way to go. Please keep them in your prayers.

This Is Your Life - Live and Accoustic

Please check out this incredible solo appearance by Jon Foreman of Switchfoot as he sings one of Switchfoot's best songs, "This Is Your Life". It's a great opportunity to see a great artist at his craft.

Switchfoot Updates from Rolling Stone

The Beautiful Letdown

The Beautiful Letdown by Jonathan M. Foreman

It was a beautiful letdown
When I crashed and burned
When I found myself alone, unknown and
Hurt.

What a beautiful letdown
painfully uncool
the church of the drop outs, the losers,
the sinners, the failures, and the fools.
What a beautiful letdown
are we salt in the wound?
Let us sing one true tune.

This is the title song from the latest Switchfoot album. To here the song click here for their booking agent's web site. Here is the author's notes about the song:

Physics tells us that everything on this planet will fail us eventually. Trust someone, fall in love: your scars will tell the same story. Entropy, pain, beauty, love, hope... mix them together and call it living. The choice that remains is where we go to find meaning and truth. The biggest failures and disappointments in my life have led me to look beyond what money or power or friends can buy. When you're face down at the very bottom of who you are, and there is no formality or pretence to cling to, all your masks fall off. In this broken place, our lives can be seen for what they are, no more no less; we are ourselves. The question is this: What happens after the twin towers in our lives fall? Do we become bitter and hateful or does redemption come into focus? I've been on both sides...only one is beautiful.

Album of the Year According to Christianity Today Is....

.... Switchfoot, The Beautiful Letdown. They've also just received Gold Record status (500,000 copies).

Switchfoot on Jimmy Kimmel

Almost forgot, Switchfoot will be appearing on the Jimmy Kimmel show Monday night (11/24) after Nightline. Check them out if you're awake at that time.

Switchfoot - Unplugged

Hat tip to my Switchfoot fried, kjay.

Need Real Audio but check it out. I'm listening right now and it's wonderful.

Switchfoot - Fuse's Next Big Thing

Congratulations to the guys of Switchfoot as they've been voted as Fuse's "Next Big Thing". I'm not sure how big they'll ever get but they are a great band and great guys. Check out some of their music, legally, from the links on this page.

Winding Down

Got back from an amazing Switchfoot concert here in San Diego. I'm still winding down. If you or know anyone who likes great rock and roll then buy this album for them for Christmas:

It's even cheaper at Target or Tower Records.

Switchfoot In Concert In San Diego

Tomorrow, this Switchfoot Friday (November 7), Switchfoot is playing the final date on their fall tour. They will be also be recording a live DVD during the show. The show is at Soma near the San Diego Sports Arena.

Switchfoot Article on MTV.com

Even though MTV doesn't play music much they did a nice article on Switchfoot.

Great Interview with Jon Foreman of Switchfoot

Here is a great interview with Jon Foreman of Switchfoot from the Washington Square News.

Latest Switchfoot Video

Here's the latest Switchfoot video:

Switchfoot in Rolling Stone

Check out this blurb from Rolling Stone.

Great Switchfoot Article in ABP

Check this out.

New Switchfoot Media Page

To see some video from some of Switchfoot's recent TV appearances and listend to some of their music then go to the new Broken Masterpieces' Switchfoot Page.

Switchfoot Songs On The Web

The following songs are on the William Morris Agency web site and are available to listen to. They are the full versions. Enjoy.

Learning to Breathe

The Loser

Erosion

The Beautiful Letdown

Gone

Meant to Live

UPDATE: None of these songs are available anymore. Sorry. The WMA website took them down.

Launch (Yahoo) - Emerging Artist of the Month

Switchfoot has been named the Launch Artist of the Month. Way to go guys.

Nice Surprise

I just got back from LA and I'm trying to wind down. So I took my oldest son, Andrew, to see a taping that Switchfoot was doing for Music Choice. I though it would be real crowded and they'd just do a few songs. Instead, not that many people (short notice) and Switchfoot did a full concert set. I was able to have Andrew get pretty darn close to the stage and he was able to see everything. I also wanted the Switchfoot guys to sign a birthday card for my younger son, David. His 5th birthday is on 8/21. Thanks to one very cool lady, who shall remain nameless, she was able to secure all the signatures for David's birthday card.

So, a great night for my son and I.

Great Switchfoot Interview

Switchfoot Video

Let That Be Enough

Let That Be Enough by Jon Foreman

I wish I had what I needed
To be own my own
'Cause I feel so defeated
And I'm feeling alone
And it all seems so helpless
And I have no plans
I'm a plane in the sunset
With no where to land
And all I see it could never make me happy
And all my sand castles
Spend their time collapsing

Let me know that You hear me
Let me know Your touch
Let me know that You love me
And let that be enough...

Here is a sample of the song. It's a song that I could have used a long time ago but even now it has so much meaning. Sometimes we just want to know that God is there. I just cannot get this song out of my head.

What Makes Music Christian?

A question was raised to the guys at Switchfoot about why they aren't very direct about their Christianity (specifically not mentioning Jesus) in their songs. Here is Jon Foreman's, the lead singer and primary songwriter, response:

It's 2:30am in Philly. We’ve been hitting it hard lately… very hard! The road is long and worthy of resting for. But I just read a question worthy of response. First off, thank you for your compliments. I would love to speak to all of you in person as I've had some great conversations so far this tour and look forward to many more. To be honest, this question grieves me because I feel that it represents a much bigger issue than simply a couple SF tunes. In true Socratic form, let me ask you a few questions:

We have a call to take up our cross and follow. We can be sure that these roads will be different for all of us. Just as you have one body and every part has a different function, so in Christ we who are many form one body and each of us belongs to all the others. Please be slow to judge “brothers” who have a different calling and thank you for reading.

Oh, to be so young, yet so wise. May God bless Switchfoot.

National Review Article on Switchfoot

To my shock and surprise National Review Online had an article about Switchfoot. Here it is.

i like switchfoot

There is nothing cooler than hearing Switchfoot on the radio. On the way home from the store, boom, "Meant To Live". The last couple of Sundays my family has been able to talk with them a bit at church. Then to hear them on the radio, makes me proud. Great job guys.

The Inspiration For The Name Of This Site

The name of this site came from the lyrics of the Switchfoot song, "The Economy of Mercy". Click below to see the full song. I wish there were a sample of the song somewhere. It's quite amazing.

The Economy of Mercy - Jonathan M. Foreman

There’s just two ways to lose yourself in this life
And neither way is safe
In my dreams I see visions of the future
But today we have today
And where will I find You?

In the economy of mercy
I am poor and begging man
In the currency of grace
Is where my songs begins
In the colors of Your goodness
In the scars that mark Your skin
In the currency of grace
Is where my song begins

These carbon shells
These fragile dusty frames
House canvases of souls
We are bruised and broken masterpieces
But we did not paint ourselves
And where will I find You?

Where was I when the world was made?
Where was I?

I’m lost without You here
Yes, I’m lost without You near me
I’m lost without You here
You knew my name when the world was made

Go Listen To Switchfoot Now

If you've never heard the band, Switchfoot, go listen to this song now! Their music inspired the title of this web site and have inspired my family in so many ways. They are a top-notch group of guys that are great role models for the "yutes" of America. Most importantly, their music is excellent. Expect to hear more and more of them as summer approaches.

Switchfoot TV Appearance

My favorite band, Switchfoot, will be on the TV show "EXTRA" this weekend. To see when the show is on check here.