The King Has Arrived (Album Review)
Using a time-travelling toaster, join Michael Tinker to learn about the Christmas story from those who were there – including some funky angels.
I spent some of this last weekend getting ready for Christmas. Too early? Perhaps, but if you’re going to find resources for your church to use and share you’re already running it a bit fine, so allow me to make a festive recommendation.
My preparation involved listening to Michael Tinker’s new Christmas kids' album, The King has Arrived. The album has 19 tracks, a mixture of songs and narrative, inviting listeners to accompany the time-travelling Dr Von Pomplenickel, powered by his malfunctioning toaster.
The time travel allows families and children to listen along and get a sense of how the Christmas story fits into God’s salvation plan – yep, it’s biblical theology for kids! I love it.
The songs are a mixture of different genres; Michael has clearly had fun recording them. The lyrics and messages are clear, though inevitably some songs are more memorable than others. But there aren’t many albums like this that manage to mix Beach Boys, Wizard, and Hank Williams in one place.
My children are all grown up and grandchildren not quite old enough yet, but I would like to tell you that I secretly enjoyed this album for myself. Don't tell. You might like it too, but it’s especially good for families. I could easily imagine a family listening to a narrative and song track each night in the couple of weeks leading up to Christmas.
When I spoke to Michael he pointed out that there’s no reason to suppose the angels sang in perfect four-part John Rutter harmony. Quite. So, ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Christmas angels singing funk.
Highly recommended!
How to listen
Michael worships at Walton Evangelical Church in Chesterfield and will give you a bulk-buy discount (10% off 10 or more, 20% off 20 or more, 50% off 50 or more) if you wanted to get multiple copies for your church or to give away to those who attend some of your church’s children’s groups. You can contact Michael to arrange this through his website.
You can also listen by:
- Ordering the CD from Michael’s online shop;
- Downloading the album from Michael's Bandcamp page;
- Listening on Spotify;
- Buying on iTunes;
- Download or listening on Amazon.
You can support Michael best by buying direct!
Keep up with more videos and music for children from Michael on Twitter, Facebook (including a weekly live stream at 4pm), and YouTube.
