While listening to the strains of Jars of Clay’s “Dead Man” this afternoon on 965, I was struck by the longevity of the folks in Jars! They have been around for some time!

Because I was curious, I checked it out and discovered they have been in existence since 1992! That’s 18 years!

They formed the band in 1992 at Greenville College, and then released their first album (Frail) in 1994. Check out their whole discography here on Jesusfreakhideout.

jars Of Clay The Essential Jars Of Clay

“The Generous Mr. Lovewell” is getting a heap of love from secular critics and from album sales all over the map. Here’s what Billboard Magazine had to say…

MercyMe’s sixth studio album is a well conceived and beautifully executed record that celebrates the power of love to change the world. Frontman Bart Millard and the band have crafted a set of tunes that are sonically engaging and musically substantive. Music with a message has never sounded more lovely….

You can check out a whole collection of great reviews of the record here. Album sales have also been kind to Mercy Me, with the record the 5th most bought album on all of Itunes recently.

mercy me

Jason Jamison, drummer for 10th Avenue North, hung out on the afternoon show Friday. The full interview is posted below – in which he talks about a middle school paper he wrote on South Dakota, fans on the band’s bus dressed as tootsie rolls, and what you can look forward to in their April 10th concert with Casting Crowns.

10th avenue north

The sign’s of spring are out in force! Our pal Jaenette in Spirit Lake heard me talking about a squirrel I saw a while back and she sent these pictures of neighborhood Iowa squirrels celebrating the oncoming Spring…

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JesusFreakHideout has a new list up featuring the 25 albums that they’re most looking forward to this year. It’s a worthwhile read and click-through if you have a few moments. Their entry for #12 took me by surprise – did you know the Newsboys are coming out with a new record this year?! Already! The new disc will be called “Born Again” and is set to be released on June 8th. The piece features this good summary from David Couch…

DC Talk and Newsboys – two of the greatest bands in Christian music history. Now Michael Tait has taken over as lead singer, Duncan, Jeff and Jody are still rocking, and Peter Furler is behind the writing, only good things can come out.

The guys of the band Sanctus Real are following up on the enormous success of songs like ‘Forgiven’ and releasing a new album within the week!

According to breathcast.com, the new record will be titled “Pieces of a Real Heart” and is slated to be released on March 9th.

They’re expected to touch on themes of family, unanswered questions, and fulfillment in Christ.

Sanctus Real

Update: Share this link with your friends on Facebook or Twitter and get a free Sanctus Real song download on ITunes.

Just talked aboot this on air – the impromptu concert that artist Josh Wilson gave in the Newark airport while his terminal was on security lockdown!…

Just mentioned this on air – a contest to win free tickets, back-stage passes, and dinner! with the good TobyMac.

Here’s the link to all the info and to sign up. You can actually just enter by texting “tonight” to 66937.

Looks like Toby is accepting entries until 8:30 pm this evening.

Congratulations to the men of Third Day! They gobbled up the Grammy Award for best rock or rap gospel album last night at the popular (and scantily clad) awards program. They won for their record “Live Revelations”. Under the circumstances, thought it would be appropriate to offer you moving pictures of the boys performing “Revelation”… live…

Also, check out a member of the band explaining to an interviewer last night on the red carpet why Third Day wants their concerts to be just like church…