My wife showed me a blog last week from Stuff Christians Like. It’s one of our favorite blog sites online. Check it out at stuffchristianslike.blogspot.com. The gist of it was “Are you a Christian Culture Snob” with a point system to determine if you are.
Well, I am not a snob.
I am a cynic.
Only after taking that quiz, fresh off the heels of my Christian Radio rant that was my last posting, did I realize how far gone I am. That also got me thinking. If I want a change, I have to put out some guidelines, some ways I would change things. So, here are my “Rules for Christian Radio.”
1. 4Him has retired. Their music should also be. It is dated, and it is cliché. Do you still play Larry Norman, or 2nd Chapter of Acts? Let them go, please.
2. Phillips, Craig, and Dean have not retired, but they should.
3. Crystal Lewis released better songs than “God’s Been Good to Me.” Find them and play them.
4. Avalon’s music has a shelf life of five years. After five years any of their CDs should be shredded.
5. It is perfectly fine to play Big Daddy Weave’s cover of Rich Mullins’ “Hold Me Jesus.”
6. Michael English has been forgiven by God and is redeemed. It is OK for Christian radio to forgive him and play his music, as well.
7. DJs that do promos must pass a stringent test of coolness.
8. DJs that tell jokes must pass a doubly stringent test.
9. I enjoy hearing inspirational thoughts from Max Lucado, just not the same one every hour, and not the same one all month. They send you a bunch of these, please mix them up.
10. Unless it is a purposeful double play, and you state it as such, please do not play the same artist twice in one hour! Just to be clear as well: playing the artist at 11:55 and again at 12:15 is within the same hour!
11. Lastly and very important: it is a service to the listeners and to Christian retail stores to tell who is singing the song and the title more frequently. I could write a page with the stories I’ve witnessed on this topic alone.
Southern Gospel is a stagnant form of Christian music that has its own special set of radio stations, and gets a special set of rules all its own.
1. See rule #1 in the above list and reverse it. Many groups like the Cathedrals and Bishops were far better than the groups touring today. Please play their music.
2. Watch the terminology when playing older music. A song from 2004 is not an “oldie.” A song from 1994, well, maybe. Give it at least 20 years before you call it an “oldie”. ON second thought, don’t call it an “oldie” at all. See above rule #7, and call them “classics.”
3. Recognize that only a few groups today are actually, well, good. This short list includes the Gaither Vocal Band, Talley Trio, Greenes, Booth Brothers, Greater Vision, Primitive Quartet, and Inspirations, plus a few more. Centering your playlist around such groups will ensure a happy listener base.
4. See rule #6 in the above list. Along with Michael English, God has redeemed Kirk Talley. Get your head out of that hole in the ground and play his music!
5. Crabbs are a disease. They are loud, and they are too "showy". If not controlled, they can overrun a station.
6. Any singer that states in their bio that they “sound like” another singer should be avoided like the plague.
Careful following of these rules by radio stations can ensure that they do not get stuck in a rut of playing bad music, annoying listeners, or causing listeners to do drastic things like poking sharp objects in their ear or changing the station. It might also keep me off of the classical station more.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Here I go again-
Sewing (or sowing? I can never get that right.) discord among the brethren.
When it comes to Christian Music, I have a station I listen to more than others. But I must make this comment, and I don't mean to paint with a broad brush, but I am, so there:
CHRISTIAN RADIO IS DORKY. PURE AND SIMPLE, IT IS DORKY.
It's not the artists, mostly. There are some songs that are played on these stations that, simply put, sound like they were taken from radio jingles. I hear Scott Krippayne's "I Wanna Sing," and on the last line of the chorus I sing "US Postal Service- We Deliver For You," because it's the same music! The other example is Pocket Full of Rocks' "You Are Welcome Here." I feel bad, because they sing it with such passion. But the chorus sounds like a cheesy supermarket ad from the 90s. The last line is "You are welcome here, Mighty God!" - instead, I sing "You are welcome here - Harris Teeter!"
The station I listen to also features the most annoying DJ in the morning hours. I know there are things he has to say and promote, it's part of the job. I understand. There are things I have to sell, or I lose my job. But the way he says it, it's like nails on a chalkboard! His Wednesday weather forecasts always include the lines "on your way to church." I don't go to church Wednesdays. Am I less of a Christian?!? And quit telling jokes! You're not funny! You're an old dork! Just play the music, and tell us who's singing, so I can sell their CDs!
Sorry. I'm calming down. OK. The music is mostly good. It's repetitive, sure, but it's good. It's a better mix than the other stations. But each one I've encountered has the same problem: Dorky DJs. You can't escape them in the Christian market. But some are worse than others.
One more rant before I finish: Each genre of Christian music has "that" artist. In Southern Gospel, it's Ivan Parker. I call him "Mr. Gospel Mullet" and "the Robert Goulet of Gospel Music." He'll sing ANYTHING! In contemporary music, it's Phillips, Craig, & Dean. A friend of mine, David, calls them "the Michael Bolton of Christian music- they'll sing anything-and ruin it!" How ironic is it that Ivan Parker has now released a PC&D song? He has recorded "Favorite Song of All."
AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
When it comes to Christian Music, I have a station I listen to more than others. But I must make this comment, and I don't mean to paint with a broad brush, but I am, so there:
CHRISTIAN RADIO IS DORKY. PURE AND SIMPLE, IT IS DORKY.
It's not the artists, mostly. There are some songs that are played on these stations that, simply put, sound like they were taken from radio jingles. I hear Scott Krippayne's "I Wanna Sing," and on the last line of the chorus I sing "US Postal Service- We Deliver For You," because it's the same music! The other example is Pocket Full of Rocks' "You Are Welcome Here." I feel bad, because they sing it with such passion. But the chorus sounds like a cheesy supermarket ad from the 90s. The last line is "You are welcome here, Mighty God!" - instead, I sing "You are welcome here - Harris Teeter!"
The station I listen to also features the most annoying DJ in the morning hours. I know there are things he has to say and promote, it's part of the job. I understand. There are things I have to sell, or I lose my job. But the way he says it, it's like nails on a chalkboard! His Wednesday weather forecasts always include the lines "on your way to church." I don't go to church Wednesdays. Am I less of a Christian?!? And quit telling jokes! You're not funny! You're an old dork! Just play the music, and tell us who's singing, so I can sell their CDs!
Sorry. I'm calming down. OK. The music is mostly good. It's repetitive, sure, but it's good. It's a better mix than the other stations. But each one I've encountered has the same problem: Dorky DJs. You can't escape them in the Christian market. But some are worse than others.
One more rant before I finish: Each genre of Christian music has "that" artist. In Southern Gospel, it's Ivan Parker. I call him "Mr. Gospel Mullet" and "the Robert Goulet of Gospel Music." He'll sing ANYTHING! In contemporary music, it's Phillips, Craig, & Dean. A friend of mine, David, calls them "the Michael Bolton of Christian music- they'll sing anything-and ruin it!" How ironic is it that Ivan Parker has now released a PC&D song? He has recorded "Favorite Song of All."
AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Facebook, Yearbooks, and the Book
Recently, I finally took the plunge.
I joined Facebook.
Sheyna had been telling me for months that I needed to join, because that’s where everyone was. MySpace was for the younger set. For months I held out. Well, Last month I finally indulged.
Boy, am I glad I did.
One of the most fun aspects of Facebook is the photos. You get to see what your friends look like now, how they’ve changed, and how their lives have changed. Some have also put photos in from days gone by, including some yearbook photos. Talk about a trip! Naturally, it makes me want to dig out my yearbooks, the old scanner my father-in-law gave me (along with the really old computer I use to type these up with-but I am thankful) and put some on there myself.
Another recent happening is my nephews sent their high school yearbook from this year with me to imprint their names. Of course I looked at them. The clubs are WAY different than my time there. What is a Skills club? Can you go into the room, say “I got skills,” and they let you in? They have an anime club now! But I must say, the faculty section was the most interesting, because that is where time stands still. You see teachers still there when I went there, teachers still there when MY BROTHER went there (he graduated in 1986!), and teachers who were students with me! Some look no different. Some have shown signs of age. One looked like he ate himself! He’s doubled in size!
Then, of course, there is the student section. I can’t believe nephews I held as little babies when I was in high school are now in high school, listening to music, playing football, running track, having girlfriends…wow. At the same time, my little baby is now a talkative three-year-old with a wild imagination, driving a toy ambulance all over the place behind me. Time has a funny way of doing that.
But that’s the joy of pictures and the high school yearbook. There, time holds. To me, it makes me long for things that don’t change so much. It makes me thankful for a relationship with Jesus, because he has not and will not change. Hebrews 13:8 declares it: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”
Now that’s quite a picture.
I joined Facebook.
Sheyna had been telling me for months that I needed to join, because that’s where everyone was. MySpace was for the younger set. For months I held out. Well, Last month I finally indulged.
Boy, am I glad I did.
One of the most fun aspects of Facebook is the photos. You get to see what your friends look like now, how they’ve changed, and how their lives have changed. Some have also put photos in from days gone by, including some yearbook photos. Talk about a trip! Naturally, it makes me want to dig out my yearbooks, the old scanner my father-in-law gave me (along with the really old computer I use to type these up with-but I am thankful) and put some on there myself.
Another recent happening is my nephews sent their high school yearbook from this year with me to imprint their names. Of course I looked at them. The clubs are WAY different than my time there. What is a Skills club? Can you go into the room, say “I got skills,” and they let you in? They have an anime club now! But I must say, the faculty section was the most interesting, because that is where time stands still. You see teachers still there when I went there, teachers still there when MY BROTHER went there (he graduated in 1986!), and teachers who were students with me! Some look no different. Some have shown signs of age. One looked like he ate himself! He’s doubled in size!
Then, of course, there is the student section. I can’t believe nephews I held as little babies when I was in high school are now in high school, listening to music, playing football, running track, having girlfriends…wow. At the same time, my little baby is now a talkative three-year-old with a wild imagination, driving a toy ambulance all over the place behind me. Time has a funny way of doing that.
But that’s the joy of pictures and the high school yearbook. There, time holds. To me, it makes me long for things that don’t change so much. It makes me thankful for a relationship with Jesus, because he has not and will not change. Hebrews 13:8 declares it: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”
Now that’s quite a picture.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
I just want everyone to see this
I will hopefully post a link to a YouTube video in this posting. It is by someone with the username hoover4000, and is a performance by the new Gaither Vocal Band. Talk about redemption, grace, and unconditional love. Please take a look.
Log on to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yixFKKw53g
Log on to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yixFKKw53g
Friday, June 19, 2009
Revisiting the Pharisees
Back when my blog was on MySpace, I did a blog titled Modern Day Pharisees. I revisit this tonight, after seeing a story on the news last night and reading in the book of Acts this week. The story on the news (and I know, it's the news- always take it with a grain of salt, because these folks have an agenda) was on a "Christian" TV network based in Charlotte. They have recently completed a $150 million dollar expansion. It's one of these stations that broadcasts guys that say "If you'll sow your seed in our ministry, God will bless you." It turns out, our pockets get lighter, and they get a room expansion on their house.
In Matthew 7, Jesus speaks loudly about these people. "You can identify them by their fruit, that is, the way they act (7:16). Do they act like the New Testament church? Do they share things with other believers? Do they feed the poor in their neighborhood? Wait-do they have a neighborhood? Or do they live on their gated mansions, not giving handouts, praying prayers that bounce back from the ceiling, saying words that they may believe, but do not follow.
Tonight I read the book of Haggai. Check out Haggai 1:4-6: "Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? This is what the Lord of Heaven's Armies says: Look at what's happening to you! You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes!" (NLT) I believe that ties in quite perfectly with what Jesus was saying.
If you want to support the work of God, if you want fruit to multiply, plant a more local seed. Not all TV preachers are bad. Watch NRB (378 on DirecTV). There are some sound ones on there. But tithe to your church first. After that, find someone hungry in your neighborhood, and get them a meal or groceries. Sponsor a child in a foreign country. Give of yourself, not because the President mandates it, that is socialist. Give because you can and are willing to, that is the capitalist "invisible hand."
When the people that Haggai gave the word of God to began doing His work, he declared he would bless them, and so he did. Through the governor of Judah, Zerubbabel, a descendent of David, the line would continue to Jesus. This ended up blessing us all. But beware those who use the name of Jesus to line their own pockets. They may speak well, have great TV hair, and sound like they have a grasp on the Bible. Jesus gives them a somber warning, back in Matthew 7:21 (NLT): "Not everyone who calls out to me 'Lord! Lord' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven."
In Matthew 7, Jesus speaks loudly about these people. "You can identify them by their fruit, that is, the way they act (7:16). Do they act like the New Testament church? Do they share things with other believers? Do they feed the poor in their neighborhood? Wait-do they have a neighborhood? Or do they live on their gated mansions, not giving handouts, praying prayers that bounce back from the ceiling, saying words that they may believe, but do not follow.
Tonight I read the book of Haggai. Check out Haggai 1:4-6: "Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? This is what the Lord of Heaven's Armies says: Look at what's happening to you! You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes!" (NLT) I believe that ties in quite perfectly with what Jesus was saying.
If you want to support the work of God, if you want fruit to multiply, plant a more local seed. Not all TV preachers are bad. Watch NRB (378 on DirecTV). There are some sound ones on there. But tithe to your church first. After that, find someone hungry in your neighborhood, and get them a meal or groceries. Sponsor a child in a foreign country. Give of yourself, not because the President mandates it, that is socialist. Give because you can and are willing to, that is the capitalist "invisible hand."
When the people that Haggai gave the word of God to began doing His work, he declared he would bless them, and so he did. Through the governor of Judah, Zerubbabel, a descendent of David, the line would continue to Jesus. This ended up blessing us all. But beware those who use the name of Jesus to line their own pockets. They may speak well, have great TV hair, and sound like they have a grasp on the Bible. Jesus gives them a somber warning, back in Matthew 7:21 (NLT): "Not everyone who calls out to me 'Lord! Lord' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven."
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Why I am no longer the elephant in the room
Yes, these guys are heroes, but...
It is official. Or it will be when I send in my registration change form in next week.
I am no longer a "Republican."
Do not worry, those that will come across this. I am not becoming a democrat. I am not so infatuated with the "messiah" that I have converted my ways. I am still conservative to the core. I still believe that right is right, wrong is wrong, and that Ronald Reagan was the greatest President of the 20th century.
The problem lies in the fact that the leaders and spokespeople of the Republican party do not believe that. They believe that we must win elections first, and that to win elections, we must not offend anyone that might vote for us, make nice with our enemies, and try to be friends with the media.
This line of thinking, espoused by John McCain, Colin Powell, and John Cornyn, are sending the Republican party the way of the Whigs. How many Whigs are in the house?
(I'm listening for a response. Strangely, all I hear are some of these guys...)So I am not looking for a new party to call home. Libertarian party recruiters, please stay away. I toyed voting for Bob Barr last year, but instead voted for Sarah Palin.
I have entered this summer missing the fact that I am not in class this semester, but searching for thought. But the only thought the Republican party is having is not offending anyone and getting elected. They don't seem to realize that's how they lost elections for about 40 years, save Presidential elections. There must be principles. There must be values. People will align with someone that takes a stand. That's what drew us to Reagan. That's why Palin got a big response from conservatives last year, and why the culture tried to trash her! That's why Bobby Jindal was attacked this year. That's why "republican" strategists are brought onto CNN & MSNBC each day to try to refute what Rush Limbaugh said. They fear TRUTH.
The truth is, the Republican party is not for me. I think. Therefore, I am on my own. But yet I feel, no, I think, no, I BELIEVE I an not alone.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
This will anger many race fans
I am not a Johnny-come-lately when it comes to NASCAR racing. I guess my earliest memories are from 1985, when Bill Elliott blew everyone away in that red T-Bird. That said, I went to my second live race on Sunday (and Monday). I went to the Coca-Cola 600, which this year was the Coca-Cola 340. People ask me who my favorite driver is. I have been a fan of Tony Stewart, but have really latched on to Kyle Busch. It’s easier to say who I’m not a fan of. That would be Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
I almost feel for Dale. He had to become the face of the sport. He has to live up to the name of his father. I did not cheer for or like his father when he was racing, but grew to respect him. People call him the greatest driver of all time, which I must disagree with. I believe that falls on Richard Petty. The difference between the two is that Dale unfortunately did not get to race past his prime. Richard raced eight years after winning his last race, and thirteen after his last championship. To some, that tarnished his image. Earnhardt had gone six seasons after his last title, and was showing signs of slacking, but was still fierce to the end.
Back to Junior. People believe that he will be great because he has his father’s name. It’s time to be blunt and anger some people: his father’s name is all he has. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is not the next Dale Earnhardt, Sr. If anything, he’s the next Kyle Petty. No offense to Kyle. He’s a good driver, won some races, done great things with Victory Junction. But the point is it is almost impossible for the son to eclipse the father. The only notable exceptions I know of are, well, Richard Petty, Ken Griffey, Jr., Cal Ripken, Jr., and for a wrestling reference, Randy Orton.
It’s natural to want the apple to fall close to the tree. But the evidence is out there. Look at the last person to drive the 8 car part-time: Mark Martin. He has already won two races. Johnson and Gordon have won one. Each has done well this season except one: Earnhardt. Is Hendrick Motorsports giving him worse equipment? I don’t believe Hendrick has bad equipment. Is it Tony Eury, Jr., the crew chief? He will probably be the next thing to change, but they seemed to work well together. In Monday’s race, they changed everything but the driver. He could do no right.
But Earnhardt, Sr.’s fans want a legacy. They want an heir to his throne. I believe they are booing him. Kyle Busch has the most natural talent I have seen in a driver since Jeff Gordon, and I dare say, Dale Sr. Plus, he is as brash as Dale Sr., is forceful on the track, and is not intimidated by other racers. He finds a home out front, and tends to stay close at all times. These are not popular statements I am making, but look at the results: Kyle has them, and is continuing to accrue them. That means gather, for you Junior fans. So take an honest look: the heir apparent is not from North Carolina. He is from Las Vegas.
I almost feel for Dale. He had to become the face of the sport. He has to live up to the name of his father. I did not cheer for or like his father when he was racing, but grew to respect him. People call him the greatest driver of all time, which I must disagree with. I believe that falls on Richard Petty. The difference between the two is that Dale unfortunately did not get to race past his prime. Richard raced eight years after winning his last race, and thirteen after his last championship. To some, that tarnished his image. Earnhardt had gone six seasons after his last title, and was showing signs of slacking, but was still fierce to the end.
Back to Junior. People believe that he will be great because he has his father’s name. It’s time to be blunt and anger some people: his father’s name is all he has. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is not the next Dale Earnhardt, Sr. If anything, he’s the next Kyle Petty. No offense to Kyle. He’s a good driver, won some races, done great things with Victory Junction. But the point is it is almost impossible for the son to eclipse the father. The only notable exceptions I know of are, well, Richard Petty, Ken Griffey, Jr., Cal Ripken, Jr., and for a wrestling reference, Randy Orton.
It’s natural to want the apple to fall close to the tree. But the evidence is out there. Look at the last person to drive the 8 car part-time: Mark Martin. He has already won two races. Johnson and Gordon have won one. Each has done well this season except one: Earnhardt. Is Hendrick Motorsports giving him worse equipment? I don’t believe Hendrick has bad equipment. Is it Tony Eury, Jr., the crew chief? He will probably be the next thing to change, but they seemed to work well together. In Monday’s race, they changed everything but the driver. He could do no right.
But Earnhardt, Sr.’s fans want a legacy. They want an heir to his throne. I believe they are booing him. Kyle Busch has the most natural talent I have seen in a driver since Jeff Gordon, and I dare say, Dale Sr. Plus, he is as brash as Dale Sr., is forceful on the track, and is not intimidated by other racers. He finds a home out front, and tends to stay close at all times. These are not popular statements I am making, but look at the results: Kyle has them, and is continuing to accrue them. That means gather, for you Junior fans. So take an honest look: the heir apparent is not from North Carolina. He is from Las Vegas.
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