Mindy Smith's New CD

Mindy Smith will release her latest CD, Stupid Love, this month. Many of her fans became familiar with her music through her debut CD "One Moment More" and the cross-format hit Come to Jesus.

Her latest CD brings a bit more of an edgy sound to some of the songs. The CD opens with What Went Wrong, a song that incorporates some crunchy, distorted guitars. If there is any justice the current single, Highs and Lows, will pick up airplay on adult alternative stations. It has pop hooks galore.

One of my favorite songs is Surface. Mindy's gorgeous vocals captivate you as she sings "Everybody's searching, trying to find a reason to live in this world of fallen kingdoms, looking for a little truth, cause maybe just a little truth may get us through." In just under 4 minutes she manages to capture so much of the human condition.

She has alot of her friends contributing musically. Guest vocals from Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Leigh Nash, Thad Cockrell, Susan Ashton, and Kate York. Add on that the beautiful cello work of Matt Slocum and you have a CD that is very easy to enjoy. I love hearing Leigh Nash on the backup vocals for What Love Can Do. Their singing styles blend beautifully.

I only have a couple complaints. The CD packaging is disappointing. The CD would have benefited from a booklet complete with lyrics. This isn't her first CD so lets put some money into the packaging to make this a more worthwhile purchase. Who knows, hopefully this packaging is just for the pre-release and they'll do it up a bit when people shell out their hard earned money.

One of her producers, Ian Fitchuk, duets with Mindy on True Love of Mine. He is a pleasant vocalist but when you have folks like Vince Gill and Thad Cockrell singing backup vocals, I think you could shuffle the singing responsibilities and have one of them sing the duet.

With that said there is alot to like about Stupid Love. Hopefully Mindy will garner more airplay for this CD, and pick up more fans along the way.

One of my Favorite New Songs

My last post was about a horrible song I heard on Christian radio. I decided to post one of my new favorite songs as a balance to the last post. A band called Roman Candle has a new song called "Why Modern Radio is A-OK With Me." I liked their last album quite a bit so I decided to order the new one when I had an Amazon Gift Card to spend. When it arrived I noticed the song right away, probably due to my years of work in radio.

Lately I've been frustrated by the number of quality people that have been fired by their radio stations. So many stations are making more and more cuts, usually impacting people that I never thought would be let go. But this song has more to do about the bland programming that so many stations serve up. If you have a chance check it out online please do. I think you'll enjoy it.

I was down at my favorite watering hole with a buddy of mine that was out on parole and we were flipping through the jukebox, talking how we'd been and how we are.

Well he'd got a library card and he'd pierced his tongue And a buddy in prison had turned him onto Neil Young And he thought it'd be best to play some for the entire bar. Now he didn't know it but while he was in Jail I'd had my heart broke by a woman to wondrous to tell And wed fallen in love to half the songs that jukebox playedS o when he flattened his dollar on the side of the machine and I saw Comes a Time come on the karaoke screen I'd realized there was a few things I had forgot to say:

Don't play Neil Young Don't play Van Morrison Just let some high school emo band start versing and chorusing Because theres no way it will break my heart as far as I can see And thats why modern radio is A OK with me.

(Over the sound of the bar noise my friend looked at me and said) He said a pop song used to be a powerful thing, you could turn on the AM and John Lennon would sing or Frank Sinatra would speak to all of the girls. And you could think like a hawk or think like a dove or think of a winter afternoon when you fell in love and Ten songs on a record sounded like a string of pearls.
Now my buddy rattled on till an hour had passed And I thought about shoving his head through the front door glass And leaving him for dead, but a friend is a friend to stay. So I listened to him talk about Johnny and June And how true love goes from midnight to noon I bought another round just in time to hear him say:

They don't play Sam Cooke They dont play Johnny Cash They let some high school emo band play the prettiest trash And theres no way it can break my heart as far as I can see And thats why modern radio is a sack of monkeys to me.

He said it makes me so mad I want to get out and shout it And I smiled and said I hadn't thought that much about it and we walked out the street and parted ways I might've gone to a movie, but my money was spent so I went on home, the Lord knows where he went and wrote and open letter to all modern djs (saying)

Don't play Bob Dylan Dont play Loose Ends Dont play anybody thats ever heard Sir Patrick Spence Because broken hearted people are looking for a little something to ignore And that is why modern radio is better than ever before And that is why modern radio is better than ever before

If I Was Jesus

I was listening to Christian radio recently. (I know, why do I do this to myself?). I heard a song by Paul Coleman called "If I Was Jesus." It might be one of the worst songs I've ever heard on Christian radio, and that says alot. I was looking for the lyrics online and noticed that Toby Keith also recorded it (enough said).

I also noticed that it was cowritten by Phil Madeira, who I think is an excellent songwriter. Don't let this song discourage you, if you haven't heard his music you should check it out.

Where should I start. Here are the lyrics. I'll let you decide.

If I Was Jesus, I’d have some real long hairA robe and some sandals, is exactly what I’d wearI’d be the guy at the party, turnin’ water to wineYeah me and my disciples, we’d have a real good time.

Ooh and I’d lay my life down for you (woooooh)And I show you who’s the boss (woooooh)I’d forgive you and adore youWhile I was hangin’ on your cross

If I Was Jesus.I’d have some friends that were poorI’d run around with the wrong crowd, man I’d never be boredThen I’d heal me a blind man, get myself crucifiedBy politicians and preachers, who got somethin’ to hide.

Ooh and I’d lay my life down for you (woooooh)And I show you who’s the boss (woooooh)I’d forgive you and adore youWhile I was hangin’ on your cross

If I Was Jesus.If I Was Jesus, I’d come back from the deadAnd I’d walk on some water, just to mess with your headI know your dark little secrets, I’d look you right in the faceAnd I’d tell you I love you, with Amazing Grace.

Ooh and I’d lay my life down for you (woooooh)And I show you who’s the boss (woooooh)I’d forgive you and adore youWhile I was hangin’ on your crossIf I Was Jesus.If I Was Jesus.

My Top 40 of all time

For awhile Facebook was filled with people posting their top 5, 20 or 40 CD's of all time. I read many of the lists and they got me thinking. Of course, it took me far too long to get my list posted. But here it finally is. I probably missed something that I'll think of as soon as I hit "publish post." I admit that I cheated and included some best of's and box sets, but I stand by the picks.

1. U2 – Joshua Tree
2. Elvis Costello – King of America
3. Peter Case – The Man with the Blue, Postmodern, Fragmented, Neotraditionalist Guitar
4. Vigilantes of Love – Audible Sigh
5. Johnny Cash – Unearthed
6. Stevie Wonder – At the Close of the Century
7. Amy Grant – Behind the Eyes
8. Emmylou Harris – Wrecking Ball
9. Over the Rhine – Good Dog Bad Dog, or Eve, or Ohio (depends on the day and my mood)
10. Tonio K – Romeo Unchained
11. The Innocence Mission – The Innocence Mission
12. Arrested Development – 3 Years, Five Months and Two Days in the Life of…
13. Kings X – Gretchen Goes to Nebraska
14. Bob Marley – Legend
15. Jon Anderson – Three Ships
16. Sam Cooke – Portrait of a Legend
17. Sam Phillips – Martinis and Bikinis
18. Wilco – Sky Blue Sky
19. Mark Heard – Second Hand
20. John Austin – The Embarrassing Young
21. Jan Krist – Curious
22. The Alarm – Declaration
23. Al Green – Let’s Stay Together
24. Lone Justice – Lone Justice
25. The 77's - Seventy Sevens
26. Kansas – Vinyl Confessions
27. The Bears – Rise and Shine
28. John Hiatt – Bring the Family
29. Steve Taylor – I Predict 1990
30. Charlie Peacock – Secret of Time
31. Bruce Cockburn – Nothing But a Burning Light
32. Rodney Crowell – The Houston Kid
33. Midnight Oil – Blue Sky Mining
34. Julie Miller – Broken Things
35. Monk - Quiver
36. Pierce Pettis – Making Light of It
37. TheByrds - Sweetheart of the Rodeo
38. Rich Mullins – A Liturgy, A Legacy and A Raggamuffin Band
39. Larry Norman – Only Visiting This Planet
40. Patty Griffin - Living With Ghosts

Two CD Reviews - Fiction Family and John Oates

I wrote a couple reviews for the WSDP Alumni Newsletter. WSDP is the high school radio station I manage. I've realized that I'm on the once a month posting schedule so I decided that I need to get off my rear and add something. This is a good way to use something I previously wrote.

Fiction Family – Fiction Family (ATO Records)

Fiction Family has Jon Foreman (Switchfoot) and Sean Watkins (Nickel Creek) diverging from the musical sounds we’ve come to know them for. The two San Diego natives have known each other for several years and began collaborating together under the name the Real SeanJon. The Fiction Families sound is very acoustic (“Not Sure” and “War in My Blood”) and sometimes a bit more experimental sounding (“Out of Order”). This is an album that requires multiple listens because the lyrics are at the forefront. WSDP is playing their first single “When She’s Near.” It’s a radio friendly song that can easily get you humming along. It has one of my favorite lines in the chorus, “When she’s near the new years here and there is not a resolution that I can’t do.” They’ve been touring this winter and hopefully they’ll build a fan base that will keep them around for years to come. That’s a resolution I hope they make.

John Oates – 1000 Miles of Life (Phunk Shui Records)

John Oates has been making music for decades so it is surprising that his first full-length albums were released in the last several years. He’s become identified with the Philly Soul through his years with Hall and Oates but on “1000 Miles of Life” he delves into a folk/Americana sound that hearkens back to his early days of music in the 1960’s. He and producer Jed Leiber have brought in an incredible mix of musicians to flesh out the music (Bela Fleck, Sam Bush, Bonnie Bramlett, and many others). One of my favorites is the gospel influenced “Sending Me Angels” that has him singing with the Blind Boys of Alabama. “Ghost Town” spotlights the banjo of Bela Fleck on a song that looks at New Orleans post Katrina. John Oates has always been the other guy in Hall and Oates. Hopefully “1000 Miles of Life” will open up opportunities for him to step in the forefront more often. I look forward to hearing the music he creates.

Bill's Top Albums of 2008

I love checking out year end best of lists. I always like seeing which artists I missed and who might agree with me. This year it looks like I missed TV On the Radio and their CD "Dear Science." That CD put them on so many best of 08 lists Here are my favorites from this past year. Who did I miss and what were some of your favorites?

1. Rodney Crowell “Sex & Gasoline” - His CD's have been among my year end favorites since his 2001 CD "The Houston Kid." This album finds him working with Joe Henry on songs about women from an imagined woman's perspective.
2. JD Souther “If the World Was You” - Legendary songwriter who has written songs for Linda Ronstadt, The Eagles, James Taylor, The Dixie Chicks and many others. This album finds him working with some amazing Jazz players including Bela Fleck, Jeff Coffin and Rod Mcgaha on his first album in almost 25 years. Great music and very thought provoking songs.
3. The Pretenders “Break Up the Concrete” - Chrissie Hynde enlists new band members in a much more rootsy, Americana project. I stumbled on this CD in December and it quickly became one of my favorites of the year. I love Chrissie's voice and now I want to dig back into the Pretenders vast catalog.
4. Sam Phillips “Don’t Do Anything” - Sam has worked with former husband T Bone Burnett as her producer and for the first time takes on the producer's role. This album fits in well with her past two, "Fan Dance" and "A Boot in A Shoe."
5. John Mellencamp “Life Death Love and Freedom” - I became excited about this CD when I heard that John would be working with T Bone Burnett. I recently listened to John's greatest hits and realized what a wealth of great music he's recorded. This album finds him stretching even more.
6. Steppin’ In It “Simple Tunes for Troubled Times” - The first of many Michigan artists in my top albums of 08. This Lansing quartet has recorded the best album of their career, and they've recorded some very good ones. My favorite song is "Break of Day" which takes on the idea that bigger is better. The fact that it takes a few shots at the current state of radio makes it even more poignant for me. Their cover of Randy Newman's "Mr. President (Have Pity on the Working Man)."
7. Jackie Greene “Givin’ Up the Ghost” - This California songwriter has been selling out the Ark for several years. This was my first introduction to his music. When I first heard it I thought it might be my pick for the best of 08. It has dropped a bit but its still among the year's best. Trivia note: Bruce Spencer of the 77's is Jackie's drummer. Jackie sings some vocals on the 77's latest "Holy Ghost Building."
8. Jakob Dylan “Seeing Things” - A more acoustic, stripped down recording from the son of "Bob." He enlisted the production help of Rick Rubin who gets credit for reviving Johnny Cash's career in the 90's. He has the unenviable task of following in the footsteps of his dad, but this album is a great step in that direction.
9. American Mars “Western Sides” - American Mars is one of the top bands in the Detroit area. I had only heard a song or two from their previous CD's so this album was a welcome introduction in the winter of 08. Their website describes their sound as atmospheric roots-influenced rock. I hear the influences of bands like the Jayhawks, Ryan Adams and Tom Petty.
10. Brooks Williams “The Time I Spend With You” - Such a smooth singer, songwriter and guitarist. He's become one of the favorites at Trinity House Theatre over the years. The title track from this album became a favorite of mine through his live performances. He's equally skilled at singing folk, blues and jazz.
11. Brian Vander Ark “S/T” - My friend John turned me on to Brian's solo work. I was a fan of his work with the Verve Pipe but solo CD's find him exploring a bit more of a sophisticated pop sound. This is one of those albums that has grown on me with each repeated listen.
12. Ralston Bowles “Rally At the Texas Hotel” - The Grand Rapids based songwriter released this album on Judy Collins' Wildflower Record Label. He teamed up again with critically acclaimed producer Marvin Etzioni. I really enjoyed "Velvet Elvis", with Charlie Sexton on vocals. Like his first album this one kicks off with a Mark Heard cover ("Satellite Sky"). I'm just glad this includes a version of his concert favorite "Friend of God."
13. Greg Mahan “Thirty Five Cent Daydream” - Greg is a very talented Cincinnati based songwriter. This CD was eight years in the making. "Fireflies" and "Thirty-Five-Cent Daydream are two of the most beautifully nostalgic sounding songs I've heard. "Mento" will remind you of "Graceland" era Paul Simon. Here's hoping he will get some wider recognition.
14. BoDeans “Still” - The BoDeans have been favorites of mine since college. This album finds them teaming up with T Bone Burnett again. They've had a couple pop breakthroughs but have generally stayed under the radar of most people.
15. Emmylou Harris “All I Intended To Be” - On this album Emmylou returns to her roots with producer Brian Ahern. He produced her first 11 albums. I would have been happy with another album with Daniel Lanois or Malcolm Burn producing but I like this change of pace. "Shores of White Sand" and "Gold" are very beautiful.
16. The Innocence Mission “Street Maps”
17. Rachael Davis “Antebellum Queens”
18. Lindsay Buckingham “Gift of Screws”
19. Jen Chapin and Rosetta Trio “Light of Mine”
20. Larry Norman “Rebel Poet, Jukebox Balladeer: The Anthology”
21. Martyn Joseph “Evolved”
22. Seventy Sevens “Holy Ghost Building”
23. Al Green “Lay It Down”
24. My Dear Disco “Dancethink LP”
25. Kate Campbell “Save the Day”
26. Jon Foreman “Limbs and Branches”
27. Christopher Williams “Sweet Redemption”
28. Mark Erelli “Delivered”
29. Dave Boutette “The Piccolo Heart”
30. Thrice “The Alchemy Index Vol. 3 & 4 – Air & Earth”
31. Luke Sayers and the Last to Know “Radio Flower”
32. The Refugees “Unbound”
33. Rosie Thomas “A Very Rosie Christmas”
34. Bonnie Bramlett “Beautiful”
35. Jeff Coffin and Charlie Peacock “Arc of the Circle”
36. John Oates “1000 Miles of Life”
37. Doug Hoekstra “Blooming Roses”
38. Claire Holley “Hush”
39. Dolly Varden “13”
40. Joe Wilson and Drew Howard “Steels Heal the World”