July Music Challenge: Day 31 -- Top Five -- Billy Joel

As July draws to a close, I present Billy Joel. What can I say about Billy, amazing sing, songwriter, and show man.  My first rock album was 52nd street.  I love his music, can't get enough. Each album took him to a slightly different place musically, and yet he was amazing in each new place he went.  I am only sad that he has "retired" from songwriting and recording new music.  Billy, we like you just the way you are.

July Music Challenge: Day 30 -- Top Five -- Charlie Peacock

Charlie Peacock was in this litle 80's Christian Alternative band called Vector.  I liked the band.  Then he produced a record for another band I liked, the 77's.  Then this little album called Lie Down in the Grass came out, and my music life has never been the same.  Recording amazing album through the 80's and 90's.  Producing music by artist as diverse as Amy Grant, Bob Carlisle, The Civil Wars, Out of the Grey. The man is amazing.

And then last year he released No Man's Land, his first new album of vocal music in 15 years.  and once again...AMAZING.  What can I say, I love Charlie!!

July Music Challenge: Day 29 -- Top Five -- Kansas

One of the classic rock bands of the 70's and 80's was Kansas.  Full of grand classical music infused epic songs, and deep philosophical lyrics. Some people tell me they don't stand up over time, but I can still listen to them all day long (and I'm going to).  You can't deny the amazingness of the guitar solo in Carry On Wayward Son.

Through all the personnel swaps, the music is still amazing.

July Music Challenge: Day 28 -- Top Five -- Phil Keaggy

What can I say about Phil, I have over 40 CD's spanning the better part of five decades.  His guitar ork is beyond compare,and his heart for the Lord is amazing.  If I had a month to shuffle just Phil, I still wouldn't be bored.  And for today it will be just Phil.  No Glass Heart, No Phil & Randy, No Phil & Jeff Johnson, No Keaggy, King, Dente.  Just Phil Keaggy. Good thing it's a weekend day.

Now, after saying No Glass Harp in my shuffle, I give you Phil with Glass Harp on video.

July Music Challenge: Day 27 -- Top Five -- Pink Floyd

We jump into my top 5  music groups going alphabetically backward through the artists.  So we start out with the Classic rock sounds of Pink Floyd.  As I shuffle today, I have all the studio albums by Floyd to shuffle through, though I hope the shuffle favors Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall since these are my favorites.  I must confess a lot o my Floyd music was obtained thru limewire before it was shut down. But anyway, should make for a cool Saturday delivering pizza.

July Music Challenge: Day 26 -- Z is for Zooey Deschanel (and She & Him)

Before I dive into the five favorites section of my music challenge I am going to bend the rules a tiny bit for Z.  Z is for Zooey Deschanel and also her group She & Him.  I do have a few of her solo songs, but not enough for shuffling the day, and so I am adding She & Him, since her unique voice is the vocals of the group, and she wrot emost of the songs on their three albums (not counting the Very She & Him Christmas).

So sit back and enjoy Zooey's quirkiness with me or pick your own Z group for today.  Tomorrow I will kick into my top 5 (sorta of, remember U2 was moved out of top 5 to fill the U spot)  I have not picked the order 1 thru five, because their rank depends on my mood on any given day.  Instead I am paying them in reverse alphabetic order...because I'm that strange.

July Music Challenge: Day 25 -- Y is for Yes

One of classic rocks greatest bands, Yes has been making really good music with a changing line up for years.  Occasionally legal battles between band members have led to side groups like Anderson, Bueford, Wakeman, and Howe, which sounds more like a law firm than rock bad. But no matter which line up you here, there's bound to be good music.

As the alphabet draws to a close, let these guys mesmerize your ears.  Y is for Yes, because God forbid I made it Y is for Yanni. This video is from one of my favorite Yes songs off 90125, I like the acappella version even better, but I love the look of this video.

July Music Challenge: Day 24 -- X is for XM

Ok, I know XM is not a group, but I have NO X groups on my iPod, so today the iPod rests and I will listen to XM satelite radio.  The service that lets you listen to the 60's on 6 as you cross the country on route 66. The people who let you listen to deep album tracks as you drive up the PCH from LA to Frisco. The very people who gave all the MTV VJs jobs again on the 80's on 8.  Gotta love some XM.

July Music Challenge: Day 23 -- W is for The Wanted

So I really wanted today to be W is for The Who, but my daughter begged for me to put in one of her bands, and these guys are some of her least scary favorites,  so W is for The Wanted.  Dakotah, this is for you...hopefully my iPod won't freeze on these guys.

July Music Challenge: Day 22 -- V is for Vince Gill

Despite that fact that I have passed over such obvious Country music choices as G is for Garth, M is for Martina or T is for Taylor, I do enjoy country music.  Not sure actually why I didn't pick more country artists.  But here we are on the 22nd, and I give you the marvelous voice of Vince Gill.  I love Vince's voice, but besides his Christmas album, I have only two albums.  But I will have no trouble having enough music for the day today, since one of the albums is his brilliant 4 disc set These Days.

Here is a video of Vince at the Grand Ole Opry doing one of my favorite of his songs.  Be country today...V is for Vince.

July Music Challenge: Day 21 -- U is for U2 (of course)

Well, I ran into a little hitch when I was making my alphabet list. When I hit you, I had only one group that I had enough music by to get more than a 40 minute shuffle going, and that was U2.  Trouble was I was trying to save U2 for my top 5 artists (coming beginning the 27th (presented in no order, since I don't want to pick any one of the 5 above another, they're all great.). So I'm letting you know now that one of the artists in my top 5 is really number six, but I won't tell you which one.

But onto today's group, U2.  I first heard U2's song Gloria on an alternative Christian music radio show back in Chicago in the 1980's.  I was grabbed right away, and they've really never let go.  Powerful rock, great social commentary, raw emotion and powerful images of faith and questioning, both of which I feel are vital to one's life and relationship with God.  I think U2 has helped me more vitally in my Christian walk than any traditional Christian band.

I saw them in concert twice.  Once in Chicago when I was in college, and from our seats we could not see the band at all.  The second time (where this video comes from) at the Rose Bowl on my Birthday.  Amazing show.  Amazing Song, the point of view of Judas after his betrayal of Christ.  Also The Edge is amazing here.

July Music Challenge: Day 20 -- T is for Tonio K.

And for T, I return to the more obscure artists. T is for Tonio K.  I first heard Tonio K. im my brother David's collection.  There was a song he did called "H-A-T-R-E-D" which contained just about every curse word you could think of (yes I memorized the song, so what?).  So I was surprised several years later to see his name pop up in the credits of albums by Randy Stonehill and Mark Heard among other Christian artists.  Then he released 2 amazing albums on What records to the Christian market.  Most of my songs I'll listen to today will be from those 2 albums, but "H-A-T-R-E-D"is in there too.

If you haven't heard Tonio K. please find his music and listen.  This video is from an unplugged set at Cornerstone 88, and I was at this show.  Was reall yimpressed with his standing bass player. I'd never seen that at a pop music show. Very cool.

July Music Challenge: Day 19 -- S is for Simon & Garfunkel

Yesterday for R I went obscure, today for S I'm going with obvious.  One of the earliest music memories I have was my brother David loving Simon & Garfunkel.  I remember as a small child the summer they broke up, David was working at Pine Trail Camp for the summer, and we went up to see him one weekend,and we had to let him know they had broken up.  He was quite upset.

The music of Simon & Garfunkel has always been special to me, partly because it is amazing music, but mostly because it reminds me of David, who we have not heard from since 1983.  I miss my brother (one of my main musical influences) and pray that he is well, and that someday he may be Homeward Bound.

July Music Challenge: Day 18 -- R is for Rachel Sweet

There are a lot of obvious choices for R...Rush, the Runaways, Randy Stonehill just to name a few.  I chose a more obscure selection, the lovely and talented Rachel Sweet.  I first heard Rachel sweet as  young  Jr high student.  I liked her voice, and dang she was cute!! and only a few years older than me.  Her first two albums, on the Stiff/Columbia label were an edgy combination of Country and Alternative, and really great albums.  Her third and fourth, just on Columbia without Stiff were more commercial pop, but still pretty good.  After those albums she faded into almost obscurity, though she did do music for Hairspray (the original movie, not the Broadway redux) and Cry Baby, as well as the theme song for Clarissa Explains it All.  I really wish Rachel would decide to return to the studio and make more music.

July Music Challenge: Day 17 -- Q is for Queen

Really, what else could Q be for.  The royalty of classic Rock.  I'll let the video say it all.

July Music Challenge: Day 16 -- P is for Prince

Those of you who know me will are no doubt surprised to find his Purpleness as my artist for the letter P.  Never fear, my more obvious choices my indeed appear in my top five coming July 17-31.

Prince was always an enigma to me growing up.  I found his music very interesting and artist, but his lyrics were often vulgar and sexist.  As I have aged, my appreciation of his artist talent has surpassed my misgiving about his lyrics, so I should survive one day of just Prince.

July Music Challenge: Day 15 -- O is for Orianthi

I was first introduced to Orianthi's amazing guitar work, as many were, in Michael Jackson's This Is It movie. The young Australian girl could shred with the best of them, and she had landed a spot with Michael Jackson on the tour he would never make.

Since this time Ori (as her friends and fans call her) has done a lot of solo work. Opened for Adam Lambert's first tour, and is currently playing with Alice Cooper.  Make no mistake, this is no acoustic coffe house guitar chick.  This girl can rock.

My daughter Dakotah wanted me to make O for One Direction, but I had to tell her no, O is definitely for Orianthi!!

July Music Chalenge: Day 14 -- N is for The Nylons

Another group I came to know while at Wheaton, thanks to Dawn and Dwight Reifsnyder.  The Nylons brought accappella music into the spotlight.  Whether singing a standard Like Happy Together or The Lion Sleeps Tonight, or one of their original songs, their harmonies are flawless, and their energy is unmatched.

My N is the Nylons,  who's your N?

Rest In Peace Cory Monteith

I am deeply saddened by the loss of this talented young man.

July Music Challenge: Day 13 -- M is for Michael Card

It was tricky picking an M artist.  to be honest, it was hard narrowing down all the Michaels on my iPod.  But Michael Card's immense body of poignant songs made him the obvious choice. Over the years Michael's songs, most pulled straight from stories and lessons in Scripture, have come to be favorites of mine.

I have sen Michael in concert many times, and he is as much a teacher as a musician.  I am glad he falls on a Saturday, so I will be able to enjoy much of his music as I drive around delivering pizzas

Here is a video of Michael performing WHY with the help of Sara Groves.

July Music Challenge: Day 12 -- L is for Leigh Nash

Leigh Nash has been one of the most recognizable voice of the past two decades. Whether sing lead for Sixpence None the Richer, or as a soloist, her voice has a smooth, light quality that makes you smile when you here her, even if the song lyrics are deep and thoughtful, or at times brooding.

I have had the pleasure of meeting Leigh on more than one occasion, and she is one of the sweetest, most down to earth artists you could ever want to know.  Today I will only be featuring her solo work, not her work with Sixpence or Delerium.

Here is a video from her 2012 album of Hymns and Sacred Songs..enjoy.

July Music Challenge: Day 11 -- K is for Katy Perry

So this one may be one of my most commercial and "pop-y" entries in the music challenge.  But I can't help it, I like Katy.  I liked Katy before she was kissing girls and liking it.  I like her back when she was Katy Hudson, and singing about Jesus.  As I shuffle through Katy today I will be playing both her CCM music, and her fluffy, sexy pop stuff.  The video is from her Katy Hudson release.  The first Katy song that caught my attention.

July Music Challenge: Day 10 -- J is for Jeff Johnson

I was first introduced to the music of Jeff Johnson while I was at Wheaton College.  My friend Ty Warner played his Through the Door album, and I was hooked.   Jeff Johnson is to keyboard music what Phil Keaggy is to guitar (and in the last few years they have recorded a couple CDs together).

On his vocal albums Jeff combines intellectual lyrics, and tradition praise songs to draw the listener in.  His instrumental albums draw heavily on Celtic influences.  Wishing today was a weekend day because I have a lot of Jeff to listen to  I had the pleasure to meet Jeff once. He is a wonderful person as well as a musician and songwriter.

July Music Challenge: Day 9 -- I is for Imperials

The Imperials have been a force in Christian music for several decades.  Most notably during the 1980's when Russ Taff and then Paul Smith handled lead vocals.  They are still a force in the southern gospel market with a younger crew handling the music now.  But now and then the classic line-up in various forms shows up at events, such as this video from the 2013 nas convention.

July Music Challenge: Day 8 -- H is for The Hawk in Paris

The Hawk in Paris is a side project for Jars of Clay lead vocalist Dan Haseltine (sp).  They have only released two EPs with a total of ten songs, although they are promising a full length CD soon. But the musicis so good, I know I won't get tired of the ten songs repeating today.  If you don't know them yet, check out The Hawk in Paris.

P.S.-- imagine te song in this video played over clips from Doctor Who:

July Music Challenge: Day 7 -- G is for Genesis and Gabrial

Well, for the first Sunday of our music challenge I decided to go kinda biblical, and will feature the music of Genesis, along with original lead singer Peter Gabriel.  Genesis was one of the coolest progressive rock bands under the guidance of Gabriel.  Albums followed themes, and grand stories.  This is epitomised in the two disc set The Lamb Lie Down on Broadway (Gabriel's last studio effort with the band).  After Gabriel's departure the groups music took a commercial pop turn under the lead of drummer Phil Collins.  As far as radio play, and album sales, the band was much better of under Collins, but as for really creative music, the Gabriel era was the winner.

For me G is for Genesis and Gabriel...who is G for you??

July Music Challenge: Day 6 -- F is for Fleming (& John)

Husband and wife team Fleming & John created one of Christian Alternative music's most original and unique albums, Delusions of Grandeur. Their next album, I'm just starting to listen too.  It hasn't grabbed my attention quite like the first, but is still pretty good.

When making my list for the July Music challenge, I chose Fleming and John because I like their music, not realizing that F would fall on a Saturday, when I am spending lots of time n the car listening to music.  Imay be tired of F&J by the end of the day, but here we go!!

This vieo is a lyric video for my favorite F&J song.

July Music Challenge: Day 5 -- E is for Erasure

I decided to skip the obvious classic rock choices for E of the Eagles or Emerson Lake and Palmer.  And I passed on the current rush of girls named Ellie (Goulding, Holcomb and Lawson), and planted myself firmly in the late 80's dance pop that is Erasure.  So please join me if you'd like and spend today reliving the late 80's

I first heard Erasure and their Innocents album at a strike party at one of the shows at Arena Theatre in Wheaton, as my workout friends and I broke the pledge by dancing around the theatre like the crazy young fools we were.  I still hold Erasure close to my heart because of the wonderful Wheaton Theatre connection.

July Music Challenge: Day 4-- D is for Daniel Amos

I was about 14 when I saw this picture staring out at me from an ad in Campus Life magazine.  I had never heard of these guys, but I somehow knew this album would change my life, and my musical tastes.  I was not wrong, and for the last 33 years, the music of Daniel Amos (a band, not a person) has been a huge part of my musical journey.  Along with the solo work of front man Terry Taylor, and spin off bands The Swirling Eddies and Lost Dogs, their body of work is huge.  Today as we celebrate July 4th, I will be listening exclusively to the music of Daniel Amos, from their first two country flavored offerings, through the four volume Alarma series, right on up to the kickstarter funded project Dig Here Said The Angel (Not available for sale yet).  I will be skipping Terry's Solo albums, and the other band because the 16 albums I have should provide plenty of material.

Here's a video of a live performance of Sanctuary, one of my top ten DA songs

July Music Challenge: Day 3-- C is for Christina

My love affair with Christina Perri began, as so many people's did with a dance routine on So You Think You Can Dance.  The song Jar of Hearts instantly became an iTunes success story, leading to the seemingly overnight transformation of this waitress into a music superstar. As we await her second full album of original music, we still have plenty to shuffle through on this third day of July.  Here is the official music video of Jar of Hearts, choreographed by the woman who choreographed t for the show, and starring several SYTYCD dancers.

July Music Chalenge: Day 2-- B is for Bourgeois

In the mid 80's there was an under-rated group from Sacramento named Bourgeois Tagg. They had a few moderate hits.  Then one half of the title duo, Brent Bourgeois became an under-rated solo artist who released 2 albums to critical success, but not huge sales.

In the mid 90's Bret released his one and only album to the Christian music market. "Come Join the Living World" was my number two album in 1995 and made last years list of my desert island album.

For the second day of my July challenge I will be playing on my iPod on music by Brent Bourgeois and his band Bourgeois Tagg.  If you haven't heard his music yet, I suggest you try and find it.

Here is a video from MY "B" artist...who is yours?

July Music Challenge: Day 1-- A is for Amy

Kicking off July's music challenge we give you the letter A. And representing A this morning is Amy Grant/  Throughout the day today I will be playing music exclusively by Amy Grant.

I first discovered Amy's music at Summer Camp while in Jr High, or maybe High School. The album they played music from was Age to Age  This album, and Amy Grant were my gateway into Christian music.  I have discovered much more to Christian music than just Amy, nut it is always nice to come back home.

Not the greatest voice on the planet, but always smart enough to sing music in her range. With a new album for 2013, Amy proves she still have it. Amy Grant is my "A" artist...who is yours.

July Music Challenge...an introduction

Welcome to July.  Wedding month is over, and now we will concentrate on music.  Last summer I had you pick your desert island albums, and listen only to them for a month.  This July I am challenging you to give me the alphabet.   From July 1st through the 26th each day will take one letter of the alphabet, and pick a group or artist that starts with that letter, and play only that artist for that day.  For individual artist you may choose to go by first or last name (i.e. David Bowie could be "D" for David, or "B" for Bowie) but I ask you as much a possible to choose one way or the other.  I personally will follow iTunes nomenclature and go by first name.

For the last 5 days of the month, pick your top 5 groups or artist.  I will be giving my top 5 in no particular order.  My "A" blog will be coming in a few more hours.  Hapy July, get your iPods going!!