Cover tunes are everywhere right now thanks to GLEE, American Idol and YouTube. In case you don't know, a cover tune is when an artist sings a song originally performed by a different artist. It really isn't anything new. Joe Cocker had a huge hit when he covered The Beatles' "With a Little Help From My Friends" back in the late 60's. Some really good cover albums have come out by the likes of Erasure, Wilson Phillips, Mandy Moore & Phil Keaggy. A great song can sound great again when a different artist puts there own touch on it.
Or it could sound like Britney Spears awful version of "Satisfaction" by the Rolling Stones. Or it could end up sounding like a bad night at Karaoke. The problem with cover tunes that I am noticing lately is that a lot of young singers who I thought had potential seem to be stuck doing cover tunes on YouTube. I am thinking in particular of three young reality show contestants who I thought had potential: Katie Stevens (American Idol Season 9), Mia Boostrom (AGT season 4?), and Drew Ryniewicz (X Factor season 1). Now Drew is less than a year away from her appearance, and it is understandable to still be feeling the water, but Katie & Mia need to concentrate on recording there own music and stop doing covers, other wise instead of becoming stars you are going to end up being "That cute girl from that singing show who does covers on YouTube." It's time to come out of the covers. Give us a real album!
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Monday, June 25, 2012
Dealing with Disappointment
Rock of Ages Movie-- Based on a Broadway Musical...I love Broadway musicals. Filled with 80's music...I love 80's Music. Directed by Adam Shankman...I dig Adam. Starring Julianne Hough... I adore Julianne Hough. So what could go wrong???
Well, sticking with my momma's advice "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all", I will say only this about the Rock of Ages Movie-- Julianne Hough looked amazing, and sang really well throughout the movie, and there was some nice choreography from SYTYCD favorite Mia Michaels.
And another disappointing thing i tried this weekend...Quacker soft baked oatmeal cookies. These are over-priced, individually packaged cookies, coming six to a box around $3 a box. Although they are "soft", unlike most soft cookies, they are very dry. Not at all tasty. I added this to the Rock of Ages review so I could get all my negativity out at once. Avoid both if you value your cash. Have a nice day!
Well, sticking with my momma's advice "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all", I will say only this about the Rock of Ages Movie-- Julianne Hough looked amazing, and sang really well throughout the movie, and there was some nice choreography from SYTYCD favorite Mia Michaels.
And another disappointing thing i tried this weekend...Quacker soft baked oatmeal cookies. These are over-priced, individually packaged cookies, coming six to a box around $3 a box. Although they are "soft", unlike most soft cookies, they are very dry. Not at all tasty. I added this to the Rock of Ages review so I could get all my negativity out at once. Avoid both if you value your cash. Have a nice day!
Sunday, June 24, 2012
nothing in the world
I have so many thoughts and so many blogs running through my head right now. I had so much I was planning to do this weekend that I didn't. Unexpected guest, minor shower catastrophe with the kids. Too much to do too little time. And I can't seem to organize my thoughts for the six or seven blogs I want to write. Everything in my brain is a whirl right now, which is not a good place to be on a Sunday night. Sunday I am supposed to feel calm, sorted out and rested to start a new work week on Monday...but that's no where near where I am.
But I do have one thing that makes it all worth while...I have the love of three wonderful beautiful children who call me daddy...except Dakotah who thinks she's too cool and calls me Steve. I love these kids so much, and nothing in the world can take that away. So when everything seems to be spinning the wrong ways, I will focus on my little loves, and keep holding on.
But I do have one thing that makes it all worth while...I have the love of three wonderful beautiful children who call me daddy...except Dakotah who thinks she's too cool and calls me Steve. I love these kids so much, and nothing in the world can take that away. So when everything seems to be spinning the wrong ways, I will focus on my little loves, and keep holding on.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Saturday morning thoughts
It is Saturday and I am getting read to pick up my sister and take her back to the Airport so she can head home to Atlanta. She flew out this week to be with mom and dad after dad landed in the hospital. I am so thankful she was able to do this. I love my family.
This week has kept me busy, and I haven't had the time to write, blog, or read as much as I like. My weekend looks promising, maybe a bit of time tomorrow morning, and some good family time with my wife and kids. Sometimes life goes by too quick. I encourage you to take every moment God gives you, and let the people you love know that you love them. NEVER pass on the chance to say "I love you" even if you just said it five minutes ago.
Have a good weekend.
This week has kept me busy, and I haven't had the time to write, blog, or read as much as I like. My weekend looks promising, maybe a bit of time tomorrow morning, and some good family time with my wife and kids. Sometimes life goes by too quick. I encourage you to take every moment God gives you, and let the people you love know that you love them. NEVER pass on the chance to say "I love you" even if you just said it five minutes ago.
Have a good weekend.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Rough weekend
One of the things you will find happening as you grow older is that there will come a point in your life that instead of your parents being the strength, and support for you, you will have to become the source of support for them. As they get older they will need your help more and more.
Sometimes this will mean a 7AM call from the hospital on the one day you have a chance to sleep in. And you might have to wake and drive down the hill and assure your father that the nurses are not just out to drug him and drain away his money. Or it may mean you have to give up your vacation time to fly out from Georgia to stay with your mom while your dad is in the hospital.
Yes, there will come a time when it is a task to take care of your parents. And when this time comes, take a moment to remember all the scraped knees your mother bandaged; all the overtime your father worked so you could go to college; all the $5 here, and $10 there they provided when you had a need. Remember who has been there for you through thick or thin. Then get yourself out of bed, and be at that hospital when your dad needs you.
I pray that each of you is fortunate enough to have parents who really loved and cared for you. I also pray that they live a good long life, and that one day you will be at that point where you have to care for them. And I pray you embrace the occasion.
I love you Mom & Dad!
Sometimes this will mean a 7AM call from the hospital on the one day you have a chance to sleep in. And you might have to wake and drive down the hill and assure your father that the nurses are not just out to drug him and drain away his money. Or it may mean you have to give up your vacation time to fly out from Georgia to stay with your mom while your dad is in the hospital.
Yes, there will come a time when it is a task to take care of your parents. And when this time comes, take a moment to remember all the scraped knees your mother bandaged; all the overtime your father worked so you could go to college; all the $5 here, and $10 there they provided when you had a need. Remember who has been there for you through thick or thin. Then get yourself out of bed, and be at that hospital when your dad needs you.
I pray that each of you is fortunate enough to have parents who really loved and cared for you. I also pray that they live a good long life, and that one day you will be at that point where you have to care for them. And I pray you embrace the occasion.
I love you Mom & Dad!
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Desert Island List-- Phase 2
Okay Desert Islanders, here comes phase 2 of the experiment. If you choose to continue this little experiment, we will have some fun.
For those who made a book list, your challenge is not too hard. Pick one of your books, reread it, and write a short summary and explain why you would choose it as one of your desert island books. Post it here.
For those who made a list of CDs your challenge is harder. On your iPod make a playlist of these 10 CDs. For the next 30 days whenever you listen to music only use this playlist. See if you can last 30 days. If you cave in early and listen to other music, let me know how long you lasted. I'm starting today.
Let me know if you accept this challenge. Thanks for having desert island fun with me.
For those who made a book list, your challenge is not too hard. Pick one of your books, reread it, and write a short summary and explain why you would choose it as one of your desert island books. Post it here.
For those who made a list of CDs your challenge is harder. On your iPod make a playlist of these 10 CDs. For the next 30 days whenever you listen to music only use this playlist. See if you can last 30 days. If you cave in early and listen to other music, let me know how long you lasted. I'm starting today.
Let me know if you accept this challenge. Thanks for having desert island fun with me.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Desert Island List --The Music List
Those of you who know me well have I'm sure been waiting for this list. It was much harder for me to make than my book list. For those who are not so familiar with me, I have over 2200 albums, over 20500 songs on my iPod. So narrowing it down to only 10 albums was nearly impossible. Last minute changes were made just this evening. But I now stand by my top ten. I will be presenting them in no particular order, so don't try and guess what goes where. Ok, you can try, but I won't tell you right or wrong. Here goes:
1. The Turning-- Leslie Phillips: In her last studio project for the Christian music market Leslie Phillips teams with genius producer T-Bone Burnett for one of the deepest, most introspective and honest albums to ever come from the Christian music market. It came out the year i graduated from Wheaton. A friend of mine there, who later took his own life, once told me this was the only Christian album he actually liked. A must have album for sure.
2. Simon & Garfunkel's Greatest Hits: I mostly stayed away from greatest hits collections, but there was know way I could pick one S&G album over another, so I had to go with the Hits. Listened to this CD to death the summer I graduated college. My brother Dave was a huge S&G fan, and it is just one of many groups I like that I owe to him. For Emily, Wherever I May Find Her is one of the most haunting songs ever.
3. West Coast Diaries Volume 2-- Charlie Peacock: Peacock is a musical genius with styles from rock, blues, jazz, pop & worship. Each album is it's own magic. The magic of WCD2 is its simplicity. It is an acoustic trio with Charlie on piano and lead vocals, Jimmy A. on guitar and the late Vince Ebo on background vocals. If you don't know Charlie's music, check this one out!!
4.Quadrophenia-- The Who: The Who, for me is a band that either is phenomenal or just barely mediocre, depending on which album/song you happen to be listening to. None of their work can even come close to matching the power and beauty of this 2 disc set. It reaches its crescendo on Love Reign O'er Me, which I contend to be the greatest rock song ever written.
5. One-- Still Running: This is a beautiful indie project recorded by my dear college friend Jenna Reed and her band mate Mike Mercatante. There is such freshness and style. This CD would be enjoyed by fans of The Civil Wars, She & Him, but also Dylan or Simon & Garfunkel fans. I would count it on my desert Island albums just because it is a voice I actually know...and also, it's that good.
6. No Compromise-- Keith Green: All of Keith's music is powerful and convicting, but this album blows the rest away. When I bought this album, I played the first side over and over again for at least a week with tears streaming down my face. Finally after a week or more I could turn the LP over and play side 2.
7. Godspell-- Original Cast Recording: I have loved this musical since I found my sister Gloria's copy of this in her room. I played it over and over so much, along with her Jesus Christ Superstar that she eventually gave them to me (at least that's how I remember it...maybe I just took them) Anyway my love for this musical is still as strong today as it was as a child, and as it was in College when I worked the tech crew for this show.
8. Dark Side of the Moon-- Pink Floyd: This album might just be aural perfection. Must be played (for best results) under old fashioned over-the-ear headphones (earbuds won't do it justice). From the heartbeat, to the alarm clocks, to the old man at the end saying "There is no dark side of the moon really..as a matter of fact it's all dark". Each extra sound ads to the movement of the music. And what is so amazing is it was 1972. And to this day I don't think any thing compares sonically.
9. Come Join the Living World-- Brent Bourgeois: The front man of 80's band Bourgeois Tagg (who are doing some California area gigs this year) released one of the most amazing musical expressions of the mid 90's. His only project for the Christan music market before going on to be the A&R man for word records for several years. Every time I play it, it's like the first time.
10. The Beautiful Let Down-- Switchfoot: One of the few Christian bands to really ask the hard questions, both of us, and of God. From the powerful This is Your Life and Dare You To Move to the haunting On Fire and Twenty-Four. This album is amazing. During one of my darkest times, this album saved my life and kept me going.
Ok, so that's my top ten. I apologize to Raquel, I told you Joshua Tree would be here, and it did not make the cut. Also I do realize, before you tell me, there are no Beatles albums, and I my regret that as we enter phase 2 of my desert Island challenge, but that is coming in my next blog. If you still have not given me your desert Island lists, feel free to leave them in the comment section below. Top 10 books or CD's if you're stuck on a desert island.
1. The Turning-- Leslie Phillips: In her last studio project for the Christian music market Leslie Phillips teams with genius producer T-Bone Burnett for one of the deepest, most introspective and honest albums to ever come from the Christian music market. It came out the year i graduated from Wheaton. A friend of mine there, who later took his own life, once told me this was the only Christian album he actually liked. A must have album for sure.
2. Simon & Garfunkel's Greatest Hits: I mostly stayed away from greatest hits collections, but there was know way I could pick one S&G album over another, so I had to go with the Hits. Listened to this CD to death the summer I graduated college. My brother Dave was a huge S&G fan, and it is just one of many groups I like that I owe to him. For Emily, Wherever I May Find Her is one of the most haunting songs ever.
3. West Coast Diaries Volume 2-- Charlie Peacock: Peacock is a musical genius with styles from rock, blues, jazz, pop & worship. Each album is it's own magic. The magic of WCD2 is its simplicity. It is an acoustic trio with Charlie on piano and lead vocals, Jimmy A. on guitar and the late Vince Ebo on background vocals. If you don't know Charlie's music, check this one out!!
4.Quadrophenia-- The Who: The Who, for me is a band that either is phenomenal or just barely mediocre, depending on which album/song you happen to be listening to. None of their work can even come close to matching the power and beauty of this 2 disc set. It reaches its crescendo on Love Reign O'er Me, which I contend to be the greatest rock song ever written.
5. One-- Still Running: This is a beautiful indie project recorded by my dear college friend Jenna Reed and her band mate Mike Mercatante. There is such freshness and style. This CD would be enjoyed by fans of The Civil Wars, She & Him, but also Dylan or Simon & Garfunkel fans. I would count it on my desert Island albums just because it is a voice I actually know...and also, it's that good.
6. No Compromise-- Keith Green: All of Keith's music is powerful and convicting, but this album blows the rest away. When I bought this album, I played the first side over and over again for at least a week with tears streaming down my face. Finally after a week or more I could turn the LP over and play side 2.
7. Godspell-- Original Cast Recording: I have loved this musical since I found my sister Gloria's copy of this in her room. I played it over and over so much, along with her Jesus Christ Superstar that she eventually gave them to me (at least that's how I remember it...maybe I just took them) Anyway my love for this musical is still as strong today as it was as a child, and as it was in College when I worked the tech crew for this show.
8. Dark Side of the Moon-- Pink Floyd: This album might just be aural perfection. Must be played (for best results) under old fashioned over-the-ear headphones (earbuds won't do it justice). From the heartbeat, to the alarm clocks, to the old man at the end saying "There is no dark side of the moon really..as a matter of fact it's all dark". Each extra sound ads to the movement of the music. And what is so amazing is it was 1972. And to this day I don't think any thing compares sonically.
9. Come Join the Living World-- Brent Bourgeois: The front man of 80's band Bourgeois Tagg (who are doing some California area gigs this year) released one of the most amazing musical expressions of the mid 90's. His only project for the Christan music market before going on to be the A&R man for word records for several years. Every time I play it, it's like the first time.
10. The Beautiful Let Down-- Switchfoot: One of the few Christian bands to really ask the hard questions, both of us, and of God. From the powerful This is Your Life and Dare You To Move to the haunting On Fire and Twenty-Four. This album is amazing. During one of my darkest times, this album saved my life and kept me going.
Ok, so that's my top ten. I apologize to Raquel, I told you Joshua Tree would be here, and it did not make the cut. Also I do realize, before you tell me, there are no Beatles albums, and I my regret that as we enter phase 2 of my desert Island challenge, but that is coming in my next blog. If you still have not given me your desert Island lists, feel free to leave them in the comment section below. Top 10 books or CD's if you're stuck on a desert island.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Blue Evening
I had a good day today. Didn't do a lot. Saw Mom and Dad. Saw my cardiologist. Came home, saw the wife and kids. Watched some Glee Project. Nothing extraordinary. Yet somehow I find myself feeling blue. Maybe because one of my favorites on Glee Project was sent home. Maybe because it looks like this year's contestants are struggling more than last year. But I don't really think that would make me feel blue. I'm not sure what happened, but suddenly I'm feeling blue....Hope AGT picks up my spirits...If not, tomorrow is another day.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Desert Island List --The Books
So the challenge of the Desert Island List has gone out. I sent a challenge out to 24 of my friends to give me their desert island list, a list of the top 10 books or CDs they would like to have with them if they were stranded on a desert island. I have gotten several response, most choosing the music option, but a few choosing the books. Today I will give you my list of books, and a brief explanation why I chose them:
1) The Bible (NKJV) My list starts off, as did both the book lists I've received, with the Bible I've picked the New King James version, because it is the version I currently use most. I like the feel of the language, and find it relatively easy to understand (I also like the New Living Translation). Obviously for any Christian the Bible should make their list.
2) Lord Of The Rings--J.R.R. Tolkien: This classic was all around my house as I grew up. both my brothers read it, and even Grandma Bell had a copy. Although published in the US as three separate books, in England it was a single volume divided into three sections. A classic struggle of good verses evil, I would love the chance to be stranded on an island away from distractions to really delve into these characters again.
3) The Chronicles of Narnia Complete edition-- C.S. Lewis: These seven children's stories bound together in one edition are probably the most famous work by C.S. Lewis. I fell in love with them as a child when my sister Gloria first read Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe to me. I think this instilled the love of reading into me. Thanks Gloria. I received my own set of the books from my 8th grade class wen my brother John passed away. Still own that set to this day,
4) The More Than Complete Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Trilogy Omnibus Edition-- Douglas Adams: By far the funniest books I've ever read. The five books of this trilogy (don't ask) are bound together here along with the short story Young Zaphod Plays it Safe. This is a sci-fi romp through time and space searching for the Answer to the Ultimate Question (42), then trying to find the question itself. If you have not read these great stories, do so ASAP...and don't forget your towel.
5) The Children's Story-- James Clavell: Originally written for Reader's Digest in 1964, but published as a book in 1980 this story looks at how easily our world can change overnight if we are not careful to hold on o our beliefs and teach them to our children. Known for his lengthy novels, this is probably Clavell's shortest, but most moving work.
6) Very Far Away from Any Place Else-- Ursula K. LeGuin: Known for here classic Science Fiction books, LeGuin here gives us a moving look into the life of a young teenage boy as he first discovers love. I loved this book as a teenager because it shows just ho awkward this time of your life is.
7) Winterflight--Joseph Bayly: A scary look at government control of your freedoms and at tough choices in a changing world. I cried when I first read this in high school and again 20 some years later when I reread it. A life changing book.
8) The Stand-- Stephen King: One of my favorite King books in high school, I would love to get on a desert island to have time to read the expanded edition King released several years later. This is a look at the end of the world as only Stephen King could show it.
9)Way of the Wolf-- By Martin Bell: A moving collection of short stories, poems and sermons designed to draw you closer to God. I've loved this book since college. A must read.
10) The Clown in the Belfry-- Frederick Buechner: A collection of stories from life by one of my favorite authors. I got to know him when he taught for a semester at Wheaton. He has a story here about his time there and about Dr. McClatchey, one of my favorite professors. Read all the Buechner you can, but start here.
So that's my top 10...what are yours, enter your list in the comment section. Thanks
1) The Bible (NKJV) My list starts off, as did both the book lists I've received, with the Bible I've picked the New King James version, because it is the version I currently use most. I like the feel of the language, and find it relatively easy to understand (I also like the New Living Translation). Obviously for any Christian the Bible should make their list.
2) Lord Of The Rings--J.R.R. Tolkien: This classic was all around my house as I grew up. both my brothers read it, and even Grandma Bell had a copy. Although published in the US as three separate books, in England it was a single volume divided into three sections. A classic struggle of good verses evil, I would love the chance to be stranded on an island away from distractions to really delve into these characters again.
3) The Chronicles of Narnia Complete edition-- C.S. Lewis: These seven children's stories bound together in one edition are probably the most famous work by C.S. Lewis. I fell in love with them as a child when my sister Gloria first read Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe to me. I think this instilled the love of reading into me. Thanks Gloria. I received my own set of the books from my 8th grade class wen my brother John passed away. Still own that set to this day,
4) The More Than Complete Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Trilogy Omnibus Edition-- Douglas Adams: By far the funniest books I've ever read. The five books of this trilogy (don't ask) are bound together here along with the short story Young Zaphod Plays it Safe. This is a sci-fi romp through time and space searching for the Answer to the Ultimate Question (42), then trying to find the question itself. If you have not read these great stories, do so ASAP...and don't forget your towel.
5) The Children's Story-- James Clavell: Originally written for Reader's Digest in 1964, but published as a book in 1980 this story looks at how easily our world can change overnight if we are not careful to hold on o our beliefs and teach them to our children. Known for his lengthy novels, this is probably Clavell's shortest, but most moving work.
6) Very Far Away from Any Place Else-- Ursula K. LeGuin: Known for here classic Science Fiction books, LeGuin here gives us a moving look into the life of a young teenage boy as he first discovers love. I loved this book as a teenager because it shows just ho awkward this time of your life is.
7) Winterflight--Joseph Bayly: A scary look at government control of your freedoms and at tough choices in a changing world. I cried when I first read this in high school and again 20 some years later when I reread it. A life changing book.
8) The Stand-- Stephen King: One of my favorite King books in high school, I would love to get on a desert island to have time to read the expanded edition King released several years later. This is a look at the end of the world as only Stephen King could show it.
9)Way of the Wolf-- By Martin Bell: A moving collection of short stories, poems and sermons designed to draw you closer to God. I've loved this book since college. A must read.
10) The Clown in the Belfry-- Frederick Buechner: A collection of stories from life by one of my favorite authors. I got to know him when he taught for a semester at Wheaton. He has a story here about his time there and about Dr. McClatchey, one of my favorite professors. Read all the Buechner you can, but start here.
So that's my top 10...what are yours, enter your list in the comment section. Thanks
Monday, June 4, 2012
Cleaning up my act
This weekend my brother-in-law was over and he brought along a couple movies he said were just the funniest movies ever. He had "Who Loves You Man" and "Forgetting Sarah Marshall". I was not at all impressed with either. I particularly did not like the Sarah Marshall movie. It had its funny moments, but overall it was very crude and filled with graphic nudity and sex.
Maybe I'm just getting too old, but I think a romantic comedy can tell a story and be funny with out being full of breasts and man-parts and humping. So as of now, I am swearing off R-rated movies all together. I want to see movies I would feel comfortable watching with my daughter in the room. Call me an old-fashioned fuddy-duddy, but that's where I stand. Keep it clean if you want me in the audience.
Maybe I'm just getting too old, but I think a romantic comedy can tell a story and be funny with out being full of breasts and man-parts and humping. So as of now, I am swearing off R-rated movies all together. I want to see movies I would feel comfortable watching with my daughter in the room. Call me an old-fashioned fuddy-duddy, but that's where I stand. Keep it clean if you want me in the audience.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Desert Island list
Many times you will here people ask someone what is their "desert island CD List" or "Desert Island book list", as in "If you were trapped on a desert island with only 10 CD's or books what would they be" For me this is a very tough choice, especially when it comes to music, and I'm not sure I can do it. But this summer I am going to try, and sometime before the summer is over I will blog my Book and CD list. Although to be fare\\ir, I would probably just bring my solar power adapter and my iPod and have all the music I want...but to play fair I will try to come up with my lists.
If you would like input, please leave your ideas in the comment section of the blog (not on the facebook page, on the blog itself. Thanks.
If you would like input, please leave your ideas in the comment section of the blog (not on the facebook page, on the blog itself. Thanks.
Welcome to June
So a new month begins and I am supposed to be telling you how I have finally got myself back into balance and on track for my resolutions and targets for the year. And truth be told the first week of May looked like I was in fact headed that way. The second week was a slight slip, but still doing okay. The last two weeks of May spiraled down, to crash last week at a 0 point week. So picking up with June we shall try again to pick it up.
First thing is I need to cut out the Domino's snacking, which has gotten really heavy again. Next I have com to realize that we will probably have 1 or both of my brothers-in-law around on weekends, so I need to find other writing and reading times. Let's see if June can refresh us.
First thing is I need to cut out the Domino's snacking, which has gotten really heavy again. Next I have com to realize that we will probably have 1 or both of my brothers-in-law around on weekends, so I need to find other writing and reading times. Let's see if June can refresh us.
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