Another list

Borrowing a concept from fellow blogger Daniel Mount(as I threatened to do in an earlier post here), I will submit a list of my own of songs that have not been recorded(to my recollection)for some time, along with a suggestion as to which current artist ought to re-record each song.

1. I AM THE MAN-a spiritual recorded often during the 1950s and 1960s(versions by the Rebels and the Plainsmen come to mind), it is a fun song to listen to and see performed on stage. SUGGESTED ARTIST: The Dixie Melody Boys.

2. DO THE DO'S-an almost forgotten song from the 1950s(the only recording of it I'm aware of is a 45 in 1958 by the Rebels), it is a catchy little ditty which could either be staged in an entertaining way or singled(by the right group). SUGGESTED ARTIST: The Dove Brothers.

3. THE FOURTH MAN-Arthur Smith's classic 1950s song was a staple in the repertoire of several quartets, and it was a standard well into the 1960s, but to my knowledge hasn't been recorded in 30 years. It would take a quartet that was gifted musically as well as one that had a feel for older quartet songs. SUGGESTED ARTIST: The Liberty Quartet.

4. STANDING BY THE RIVER-I recall versions of this quartet classic by the Rebels and Plainsmen in the 1950s, and by the Florida Boys in the 1960s. I have not heard it done on record since about that time, though. SUGGESTED ARTIST: Ernie Haase and Signature Sound(the song lends itself to a certain amount of choreography, and would help solidify SSQ's rep with traditional quartet fans).

5. YOU SHO DO NEED HIM NOW-A Thomas Dorsey song from the 1940s, this song was made popular by the Blackwood Brothers, and subsequently recorded by most of the top quartets of the next 25 years, it is a classic that allows the bass singer to "show out" if he's so inclined. Plus, I like it, and I'd like to see it sung again! SUGGESTED ARTIST: The Melody Boys.

Not to take credit for this sort of thing, but when this very subject came up in a message board thread some time back, I suggested that "Walk, Talk, And Sing" be remade, and not long afterward, the Melody Boys did just that...and it worked out well for them as a single! It's quite likely that they intended to record the song anyway, but does it hurt for me to think I had a part in it?:-)

As with Daniel's suggestions, you can contribute your own opinions and input! Have at it!

Passe?

I admit it, sometimes I take time to chat with my friends on the internet...it's a good way to enter into real-time fellowship with people I care about who might be too far away to otherwise talk to so readily.

Today, I chatted with Amy Marie Unthank, a good friend...and the subject of blogs came up. Amy pointed out to me that the novelty of having blogs has perhaps worn out, and most of those who so enthusiastically jumped at the chance to have their own blogs to read and trade insights with others have grown weary of trying to do that on a regular basis.

There is much truth to that observation...I, for one, don't post as often as I'd like, mostly because of time constraints, and also because I don't want to post just to post...I want to say something someone besides me will care to read...something useful and informative, not merely provocative.

So I come by every so often when something that crosses my mind seems to be important enough to share with others.

As most of you know, this blog began as part of the SG Blog News family...and eventually moved to the front page of Southern Gospel News. I assume this is because the site owners(dear friends of mine)think that what I have to say is interesting enough to link to from their site, and I do my best to make those assumptions valid.

One thing I will NEVER do with this blog is to air dirty laundry...either my own, or that of somebody else's. Others can go for lots of hits and responses posting about the family problems of prominent gospel music personalities...that's too easy to do to get attention.

This blog has always been about MY impressions, and MY observations...and your amplifications and comments about those impressions and observations.

No, what I have to say is often not as provocative or "exciting" as what some other people do sometimes, but I always feel I'm on safer ground(intellectually, morally, and spiritually)talking about what I know rather than what I THINK I know or what it looks like someone else thinks or does.

So, in a real sense, this is more of a "reality blog" than others you might see on the gospel music scene....and it's by design, not by any inability to manipulate responses.

By saying that, I don't mean to impugn the motives of those who blog for other reasons...I've always maintained that people who wish to publish blogs must do them in the ways they feel are true to their personalities and intentions.

It's just that there aren't that many titillating things in the world of gospel music to write about on a regular basis.

So I stick to what I know, and what I experience. Then, I'm always assured of having something to say often enough to be interesting to at least a few people.

This is probably why the "blog boom" in gospel music peaked, declined, and now has happily stabilized.

A good idea

Once again, my fellow blogger and friend Daniel Mount came up with a good interactive topic for his blog...gospel songs from the near and distant past that ought to be re-recorded. Daniel even helpfully suggested in his examples who ought to re-record each particular song.

It's challenged me to try to add my own nominees to the mix, and I will likely update this entry during the week with my own candidates. In the meantime, I open up my little corner of the web for you to make suggestions of your own(in so doing you may inspire me and my own choices). Have at it...for now.

Page 2 of 2 pages  <  1 2