Who needs pitch correction?

Well, most “artists” do these days.  It’s actually part of the signature vocal sound for young pop and rock acts.  Before you think I am being like Dr. Righteous from Mr. Roboto, I’ll be the first to admit any vocal tracks I record need them. 

Why bring it up?  I was sharing my love for well crafted songs sung by tenors with Mr. Boghos via email youtube links today and I ended up here:  10CC’s The Things We Do for Love.  Pitch correction did not exist in 1977 but listening to all these parts, you’d think it did.  The vocals are spot on and a joy to listen to.  I hope you like it as much as I do.  Unfortunately, I can’t embed it due to copyright concerns.

Click here

The Ringing Bell Explained

Derek Webb has done it again.  He is giving away his last album “The Ringing Bell”.  I have been listening to it and enjoying the Beatles/Traveling Wilbury’s feel of it.  On his “official” fan site, there is an interview with Derek about the record, which is nice because it provides context to the songs.

If you don’t have the “new” album, I recommend it.  If you have 30 minutes to listen to the interview while you work, do so, as I think you will enjoy the record even more.

Funny Things

It’s been awhile since I blogged and I am over HSM for the moment, so I thought I’d get rid of Zach’s face on my blog with a few funny things.

1.  Heard from my near 7 year old daughter regarding Paula on AI:

“That lady likes everyone!”

2.  And for you Starbux addicts, a poke at your Seattle Coffee pusher…

my latest guilty pleasure

Tracy bought the HSM 1 and 2 for the kids.  I have a fondness for this song “Bet On It” from HSM2.  Not only is the low end extremely well done ( I ran the new sub at church through the paces with it), but all the production is top notch.  Besides, it’s a catchy tune. 

Now it’s official.  To all my friends that cultivated my love of ear candy pop, I’ve reached the dark side, and it’s all your fault. 

Wait for it… from 2:50 and on you’ll think you’re watching Footloose.

90s speed with 00s swagger

Friends,

I just had to share.  I have developed a recent fascination with Paul Gilbert, formerly of Mr. Big,  via this youtube video and others  He’s talented and has a weird sense of humor!

Here is something I uncovered if you will…

Mr. Big had a huge hit in the 90s with “To be with You”.  Paul Gilbert played guitar in that band.  Check out the original… at least ’til 3:00 and then watch how Paul does it solo now… at least to 3:45.

The first person to comment with the name of the song he borrows the opening riff from gets my personal guitar respect.

Osenga’s Three Act Musical

On Caedmon’s Call’s latest release – Overdressed, Andrew Osenga sings on three songs that work out to a be a three act play.  I don’t know if it was intentional or not, but it’s neat anyway.

“Expectations” is about church advertising and how the actual church is nothing like the billboards.  Go figure.

“Hold the Light” is about man dealing with a ton of unmet expectations, sin, and pain and the friend that encourages him through it.

“Start Again” is a cry for God to grant a new start: hope to start again.

Even though Andrew sounds like a mix of Derek Webb and Tom Petty, I like his writing and contributions to the Caedmon’s Call colllective.  It’s good to have Derek back on this record as well. After listening to it 5 times in a row,  I have given it an A-, versus the C+ I had originally judged it.

Stocking Stuffers

Hey out there!  It’s time for my monthly post. 

If one was to stuff my stocking with something other than coal, I’d enjoy finding some of these things….

CDs – Anything by Nickel Creek, The Glory Revealed Project, Derek Webb’s Ringing Bell, Steve Fee’s Burn for You (also sold as Fee: We Shine, he got signed on INO, Derek and CC’s label), Jars of Clay’s Good Monsters, and 7:22’s Freedom release.

Gear – headstock stand, guitar tech tool, and if you are froggy, a pedalboard cable kit.  Also, a Swiss Army ESV Bible would be great too, since I can’t keep my paperback Bibles from dismantling in my backpack.

Of course, I ultimately need none of these things.  What I need I already have.  May my heart be struck with holy fear if I think I need more than what God has blessed me with in Christ.

It’s Been Quite a Summer

Wow, my last post was July 2nd.  I guess I will break the silence with a comprehensive update of the last few months.

My 8 year old is increasingly losing teeth.

I started personal training (and feeling much better).

I’ve gone through 2 managers at work.

I have a coordinator in my ministry to help out with vocalists.

My mailbox fell over from termite devastation.

My wife had Lasik surgery.

My daughter had her tonsils removed by a qualified doctor.

My protege is making a living full time in music through giving lessons, serving at church, and studio session work.

A dear friend flipped the door from my garage to my house, a project 4 years in the making.

I gutted my RSS feeder to reduce the perseved digital demand on my life.

I said farewell to my friend of 4 years and “go to” acoustic guitarist at church (college beckoned).

Unfortunately, my bestest pals house still did not sell.

Uncertainty morphed into certainty as my church secured space for another year.

I earned some money doing audio production for my sister-in-law for her math songs (she is a HS teacher).

I ran two miles for the first time ever (part of thePT)

I’ve coveted a Toyota Sequoia and repented

My job is more demanding but nothing else has subsided.

I didn’t blog about anything for almost 60 days 

That’s my summer condensed.  By His grace, may I Glorify God in the Fall.

Call me crazy…

…but I now own a Barry Manilow song.

OK.  Catch your breath.

It will be on my iPod in moments.  It is the full version of “Could it be Magic“, which I think is his best effort and a great song.  What a solid chorus.  It doesn’t hurt he ripped off Chopin’s Prelude in C Minor. It starts and ends the song and influences the middle.  The closest thing Barry has written that has the angst of rock.  I love it.
Go ahead and call me crazy…

grab bag

I should have one topic for everybody today.  Lot’s of things cooking in my noggin.  Enjoy.

Of all the “scripture hijacking” in the NT, how come Jesus seems to be the worst offender?  Check out Micah 7:6 vs. Matthew 10:35-36.  At least I don’t get it…

If someone says, “I can’t believe anyone would send their kids to public school”, is it personal condemnation to the ones that do or could it simply be a conclusion made without all facts (aren’t all our decisions that way)?  Or maybe it’s hyperbole?  But then again it could be a reaction to those that would say, “Why would you want to homeschool, you should send your kids to school with the professionals”.  Either way, can’t we all get along here?

Is there a political opposite to a “liberal hawk”?

Is my preoccupation with Keith Urban’s music unhealthy?  I haven’t wanted to buy my favorite guitarists guitar since 1991…

Why do I raise my voice to my children when they have done something wrong but not to my spouse?  After all, she should know better…

Despite the evidence to the contrary in the Bible, why do I think God wants to and should rub me out for my weakness in following Him?  I think I am too German for my own good…