Switchfoot

 11/06/2008 09:30:42  ♥ written by vu ()

I just donated to MoBuzz, as they are in dire straits. Perhaps it's the pessimistic in me, but I don't think they will be able to raise their goal of $120k in a few days (their deadline is November 9^th, otherwise I think they're being kicked out of their building or something). If you have an mobile video device, such as the uber nice iPod Touch, this is a nice daily program to have free on your iPod.

Anyway, back to music: Switchfoot's first ever greatest hits album, The Best Yet. Although I have only heard of the band's name, I wasn't sure I have actually heard their music before. And for some reason, I thought they are a semi-recent Christian band - yet, surprisingly, I found out that the band's been around for ages and have rejected the idea of "Christian music" as a genre.

Originally called Chin Up, they changed their name Switchfoot (a surfing term) and signed to Re:think Records (which was shortly bought out by Christian music label Sparrow Record).

I never did see "A Walk to Remember", which apparently was where they first gained attention of fans - shifting over 2.6 million copies of their debut major label record, The Beautiful Letdown, for which they are probably most known for their big hits "Meant to Live" and "Dare You to Move".

Since then, the band have won numerous awards, including Top 50 list of Most Performed Song of 2005 for "Dare You to Move" - which incidentally is the first song on the album. What's important to note here is that it's an award by ASCAP (The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers), these are the people that pay royalties to the musician whenever their songs are played on the airwaves - which also means that "Dare You to Move" was on really heavy rotation in 2005.

Listening to the album earlier today, I would have to say it has that searching/angst alternative rock sound to it... with the exception of the "Only Hope" song, which I quite like. This has a medieval feel to it with a softer sound and some strings and piano.

Speaking of which, one interesting thing to note is that the release does include "This Is Home" which originally appeared on the soundtrack to The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. I suppose this was a recent hit for them, since the movie was only out this Summer.

As with most best of compilations, I feel they are really design for for casual/new fans, but hardcore fans might want want to check out official website as they are offering a Special Holiday Package. This package contains a Deluxe Edition (CD and DVD of 14 music videos with band commentaries), plus either a T-Shirt or Hoodie (this costs extra), a Christmas Card (signed by the band), and downloadable B-Sides and solo Jon Foreman live performances.

The Best Yet was released Tuesday, November 4^th at all major retailers, courtesy of Sony/BMG. Bargain hunters might want to check out BMG Music Club, which undoubtedly the album will be made available 6 or 12 months from now at a discount.