Music Video Monday: Christmas Week Edition

We continue with out Christmas Parade here at Music Video Monday. There are some favorites that will always be in our Christmas Mix. Denver and The Mile High Orchestra is one of those bands that quickly become part of your Holiday Must Plays. This is Frosty The Blues Man.
Christmas also isn't complete without The Little Drummer Boy. We will let you experience it via Joel and Luke Smallbone, aka For King and Country.
And Finally, we're gonna slow it down, Jazz Style, with Planetshakers church in Australia. This is All Glory, It's Christmas.
 
The Parade Continues next week. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

How The CD Killed The Music Industry

I grew up in the Vinyl Era. Yes, that time when Dinosaurs also roamed the earth. Well, this relic of the Dinosaurs wants to vent a little. On a music related topic, and there will be no screaming, tantrums or breaking of anything. Sorry to disappoint.

As a youngster, I had a "Record Player" that, by the early 1970's would play two formats. A "45" was a Single, which consisted of 2 songs, one on each side. Side A was the "Hit" side, and the B-side, as it was called, was another song. It wasn't a radio hit, and it wasn't necessarily by the same artist as side A. The other format was a 10 inch LP or "33". It usually consisted of 10 songs, 5 on a side. It was all by the same artist, unless it was specifically a compilation or live album that featured multiple artists in concert. The music was fine, but it really wasn't portable. And the search began for a portable music medium.

The first attempt was the 8-Track, which came out in 1965 and was not the product of the music industry but the auto industry. I like to say it replaced nothing and influenced nothing. It had a brief run of popularity during the disco era, and that should be all that is said about it. It was compact, but except for the car player not exactly portable. And then there was a problem which was unique to tape based audio formats. The tape would be drawn into the mechanism itself or "was eaten". When an 8-Track experienced being "eaten' it was permanently pulled out of its plastic housing and was ruined.

Fortunately the solution was already anticipated. The Compact Cassette (aka Cassette Tape or simply Cassette) actually came out 3 years before the 8-Track but was lost in the shuffle. It soon took over the industry and coexisted nicely with the vinyl record. The studio at WENC Radio played both vinyl and cassette. The "munchies" of the tape player could be fixed by rewinding the tape with a pencil. And the Sony Walkman, introduced in 1979 finally made music portable. The 80's were grand.

Contrary to Popular Belief, Apple did not kill off the music industry with the mp3. It actually started much earlier, 1988 to be exact, with the advent of the Compact Disc. It was portable, about the same size as the 45. Unlike the 45, though it did not have two sides. Music was recorded on one side only. Also unlike the 45, you could record an entire album (Officially 72 minutes) on one CD. And Sony Came out With a CD version of the Walkman in 1984 in Japan. It took a few years to get to the U.S.

The CD killed off Vinyl and, a few years later, the Cassette, becoming the monopoly of the music industry. For a few years at least. The industry descended into total chaos with the advent of the .mp3 download, which started in the 90's but really began with iTunes in 2001. The iPod Music Player Came out the same year. The Single was now king, and buying an album was an optional experience.

The Mp3 was credited with the death, just because it was the last cut. The CD, however, was what destroyed the standard two side life that existed since reel to reel tape. The Mp3 just brought in The Wild Wild West, which, ironically, is what will save the industry. That, however, will be another story. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply

Music Video Monday: Mistletoe Meltdown

The Christmas Parade Continues, and we're going a bit silly this time. We begin with A Great Christmas Classic, (no, not that one). I Want a Hippopotomus for Christmas.

Next up we go with Veggie Tales, Oh Santa
And we finish with Matthew Parker. This is Mistletoe Meltdown. I confess I didn't have a Great Aunt Betty, so I can just enjoy the video. Reminds me of Steve Taylor.

We Continue with the Parade Next Week. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Music Video Monday: The Parade Continues

The Christmas Parade Continues here on Music Video Monday. We are taking a break from our regularly scheduled Videos to go all Christmas Music. And I hope to keep it up until twelfth night. We begin with a new Christmas Video by Lindsey Stirling entitled We Three Gentlemen, which appears to be a medley of We Three Kings, Carol of The Bells, and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. Love the Middle East Arabian Nights feel to it. It is highly appropriate.

We are going to stay with Strings. The Annie Moses Band is a Night Beat Favorite, and this is their take on Carol of The Bells. They May not move as much as Lindsey, but there are more of them on stage.
Finally, we stay with the string motif, but we mix in some lovely electronics as well. Christmas isn't Christmas if you don't have Mannheim Steamroller. This is Joy To The World.

The Parade Continues next week. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply

Music Video Monday: The Christmas Parade Begins

Welcome to the Annual Christmas Parade of Music Video Monday. We switch on the Ho-Ho-Ho's at Night Beat HQ once Thanksgiving Day is over. I just decided to do this when I noticed a new Christmas Video on my timeline. We begin the Parade with Caitie Hurst "When Christmas Comes Around"
Next up, there is no better way to start a Christmas Parade than with Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and nothing surpasses Christmas Eve/Sarajevo. Christmas Rock Indeed.

And finally, a little something new, at least to me. I will let Lindsey Stirling close things off with the Carol of The Bells. Love Violin Excellence.

The Parade has begun, and will last until epiphany. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Don't Fear The Eclipse

We here at the Night Beat have some things in common with the Legends of CCM. Like a fine wine, we get better with age. Such is the case with Wolves At The Gate (listed on the new album as simply WATG, which with the middle two initials switched, spells the Call Sign of a local talk radio station).

The new album is eclipse, and my only complaint with it is that it wasn't released in January (That's the month the full moon is called the Wolf Moon). WATG is one of those "perfect" metal bands. They've got enough growls and screams to satisfy the metalcore crowd and awesome clean vocals and group harmonies to satisfy the 80's Melodic Metal crowd of which I am part. So I admit to being slightly biased in their favor.

Eclipse is an evangelistic masterpiece, if you listen close enough. Take the title cut, which is the cry of fallen man that is unsure if he can be redeemed.

If I fall away
Will I ever see Your face?
Is it much too late?
Have I gone too far?
Am I on the narrow road?

The Answer is simple. You are never too far gone or have done anything that the blood of Jesus cannot cleanse forever.

Though I fall away
It is then I find more grace
Though I'm desolate
Though I've gone too far
Far beyond the narrow road

You lead me home

Of course my favorite song on the album is Drifter, with its screaming guitar solo.

When you fall and drift away, Jesus is always there to save. Will You Believe, Will You Receive. That is all you need to do. This is a long overdue review, so I will be brief. This is a 5 Emerald Metal Masterpiece. Headbangers Rejoice. I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Music Video Monday: Stirling Silver Edition

Welcome to an all new edition of Music Video Monday. We hunt out all the best Music Videos and share them with you. This week is no exception. 

We Begin our musical journey with Wolves at The Gate. This is the video for A Voice In The Violence, which is on the recently released album Elcipse.

We Continue our journey with Switchfoot. It seems the Beamers have taken to criticizing the band lately, and they have decided to turn the tables. Good for them. This is Voices, which they did with the extremely beautiful and talented Rock Violinist Lindsey Stirling, who it appears also has to deal with a lot of Beamers.

And we finish our journey with a video by Lindsey Stirling herself. She has recently released an album entitled Artemis, and that brings us full circle this Music Video Monday. How is that. Well, wolves howl at the Full Moon, and Artemis was the Greek Goddess of The Moon among other things. Actually, if Artemis were around today she would be a Conservative Republican. Huntress, Wild Nature (not the Protected fake Environmentalism), Chaste, Guardian of Young Girls and Protectress of Women in Childbirth. The Goddess Liberals would Love To Hate. This is Underground.

That does it for this edition of Music Video Monday. You can check out the Night Beat rewind of Artemis by simply clicking on the highlighted title. Until next time, I am Awaitng Your Reply. 

Hunted by the Huntress

Artemis: Daughter of Zeus and Sister of Apollo. The Greek Goddess of Hunting, Wild Nature, The Moon, and Chastity. Patron of Girls and Young Women and Protector of Women in Childbirth. Sounds like a really cool girl.

What's Greek Mythology got to do with a Christian Music blog? Glad you asked. We here at The Night Beat are always in search of what we call Pure Platinum Perfection. Suffice it to say it is the best music to be found. And while we are primarily are a Christian Music Blog, our search doesn't end there. We pull our nominees from "The Fringe", where Christian Artists go beyond "Jesus Jesus Wo Wo Wo" and produce music that truly takes the Cross Over into the mainstream. The Choir, The 77's, Switchfoot, and others. And then there is the GRAC (Generally Regarded as Christian). Groups. Like Creed, U2, and Evanescence belong here. And then there are bands that I call clean secular. They may not be Christian, but you won't sin by listening to them.

Which brings us back to the Goddess of The Hunt, aka Artemis. Lindsey Stirling is an American Rock Violinist with a bit of EDM flair. She is also a dancer. Combining the two has created a bit of a kerfuffle in the stodgy Classical Circles that Violinists usually are in. I first heard about Miss Sterling as she Toured with Evanescence in the Synthesis Tour. Needless to say I was quite impressed. More on Evanescence later.

Artemis is a mostly instrumental work. Of the 12 songs on the album, only 3 have any vocals, unless you count sampled vocals such as "take my breath away" (from Artemis). Let's start with the vocal songs. The weakest is number 3, the Upside with Ellie King. It's a pretty good EDM number, but nothing special. Tied for Favorite is Foreverglow by Lindsey, and Love Goes On And On (ft Vocals by Amy Lee). Foreverglow is ostensibly about a Star, but listening to it got me thinking "Would You Know You're Made of Light If You Were Not Born Into The Dark". We are Born Again into a Dark World from Above and are exhorted to "Shine Among Them Like Stars In The Sky" (Philippians 2:15 NIV). 

Immediately following Lindsey's Heavenly vocals on this song we move straight to a duel. What more can be said about Amy Lee of Evanescence. Her vocals can melt your heart and send chills up your spine and all she is singing is "Oh". The duel is really can Lindsey hit a note high enough on her violin that Amy Can't reach on her voice. The answer is simple: NO.

It doesn't matter that the subject is Love after Death, the result is stunning: "There is darkness ever waiting, I can feel it in the air. So I call upon my angels, are you still there".

On to the instrumentals. I think I shall highlight the bookends. The Album opens with Underground, which begins very melancholy and then kicks it up into high gear. You really can't stop dancing to it until the other end 



It ends with Aurora again, the Northern Lights. Light in the Darkness is a theme. It is well received by this Christian. It is full of hope, and closes a Perfect album quite perfecly.

Atemis is a godsend (sorry, couldn't resist) to the EDM/Instrumental/Rock world. I have been listening on repeat to this since I discovered it. I really do have to get to other music. It is addictive though. Needless to say she helps close out #PVX with a 5 Emerald Rating. On to other music. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Night Beat Rewind: October 2019 - Album Edition

October Marks a Month of Firsts. Our First Singles Scene Only Rewind, which makes a First Album Only Rewind. This will probably be a permanent fixture unless we get to a really lean month. Right now I do not anticipate that happening. Let's get right to it.

Christmas Music (Non-Eligible)

• Jonathan Butler - Christmas Together 5 Emeralds
• Riley Clemmons - The First Christmas EP 5 Emeralds
• The Collingsworth Family - A True Family Christmas 4.75 Emeralds
• The Erwins - What Christmas Really Means 4.75 Emeralds
• Keith and Kristyn Getty - Sing: An Irish Christmas - Live at the Grand Ole Opry House 5 Emeralds
• Danny Gokey - The Greatest Gift: A Christmas Collection 4.75 Emeralds
• Sara Groves - Joy Of Every Longing Heart 4.75 Emeralds
• Ernie Haase and Signature Sound - A Jazzy Little Christmas 5 Emeralds
• Marc Martel - The Christmas Collection 4.75 Emeralds
• Andrew Peterson - Behold The Lamb of God: The True Tall Tale of The Coming of Christ 4.75 Emeralds
• The Singing Contractors - Building A Christmas Together 4.25 Emeralds
• Phil Wickham - Christmas 4.75 Emeralds

These are always the most "honest" of my ratings. Since there is no Christmas Music category, I try to capture how I feel about the quality of each album and try not to fudge to make it squeeze into a nomination. On to the non-holiday judged albums. We begin with the albums which will not make the cut.

Missing The Mark

• The Blamed - The Church is Hurting People 4.25 Emeralds
• Mike REAL - Moonwalk EP 3.75 Emeralds

Only two on this list. That will grow, hopefully, as the year goes on. You have to distinguish between what is truly excellent and what is only pretty good. In olden times of yore it was called being "Discriminating". It was a mark of excellent character until it became associated with the Democrat Party (you know, the party of Slavery, Jim Crow,and the KKK). When you have "Discriminating Taste" you will know that the next grouping is beyond excellent.

Pure Platinum Perfection

• Color Theory - Lucky Ago 5 Emeralds
• Dear Gravity - Sleep Scenes 5 Emeralds
• Every Nation Music - Seven Verse Nine 5 Emeralds
• For All Seasons - Side A EP 5 Emeralds
• Kirk Franklin - Past and Present, Volume 1 EP 5 Emeralds
• Hollyn - Bye, Sad Girl EP 5 Emeralds
• Lifepoint Worship - Heart of Heaven 5 Emeralds
• The Maker and The Instrument - Instrumental Songs of Worship 5 Emeralds
• Norma Jean - All Hail 5 Emeralds
• Chuckie Perez - Faith Hope and Love 5 Emeralds
• Michael Sweet - Ten 5 Emeralds
• Thi'sl - STTAG 5 Emeralds
• White Collar Sideshow - I Didn't Come Here To Die 5 Emeralds
• Whosoever South - Backwoods and Small Towns 5 Emeralds
• Zach Williams - Rescue Story 5 Emeralds

15 Albums blew me away this month. We are kicking of our eleventh year of eligibility with a bang. Each year keeps getting better. Now to the grouping in the middle, or as we call it.

Semi-Precious Metal

• Jared Anderson - The Whole Landscape EP 4.75 Emeralds
• Beacon Light - Influential EP 4.50 Emeralds
• Jeremy Benjamin - Wonderlove 4.75 Emeralds
• Anthony Brown and Group Therapy - 2nd Wind: Ready 4.75 Emeralds
• Citizen Way - Love Is A Lion 4.75 Emeralds
• Clay Crosse - Freewill Offerings EP 4.75 Emeralds
• The Devil Wears Prada - The Act 4.75 Emeralds
• Elim Sound - Send Revival 4.50 Emeralds
• London Gatch - Home EP 4.75 Emeralds
• Coby James - No Trouble EP 4.75 Emeralds
• Kalley - Faultlines, Volume 1 EP 4.75 Emeralds
• Kalley - Faultlines, Volume 2 Ep 4.75 Emeralds
• Matt Maher - Alive and Breathing, Volume II 4.75 Emeralds
• Northland Worship - Who You Are 4.75 Emeralds
• One Hope Project - You 4.75 Emeralds
• Paradise Now - Supernatural EP 4.75 Emeralds
• The Porters Gate - Neighbor Songs 4.50 Emeralds
• Noel Robinson - I Surrender 4.75 Emeralds
• Stillman - Let Go EP 4.75 Emeralds
• Laura Story - I Give Up 4.75 Emeralds
• Bryan and Katie Torwalt - Anticipation EP 4.75 Emeralds
• Upperroom - Moments: Design 004 EP 4.75 Emeralds
• Various Artists - Simple Hymns: Songs of Worship 4.75 Emeralds
• Vive Worship - Resonance (Live) 4.50 Emeralds
• Kelly Wright - The Love Train 4.75 Emeralds
• Y+YA - Beyond EP 4.75 Emeralds

That does it for October. Platinum Vinyl 11 is underway. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Night Beat Rewind: The Singles Scene - October 2019

Now that #PVX is over and ten years are in the books here at Night Beat HQ, it is time to shake things up once again. The explosion of Singles released in a typical month has necessitated that we split off the Singles Scene into its own rewind, with its own Christmas (Seasonal), Missing The Mark, Pure Platinum and Semi Precious Metal categories. It's the only way to bring it under control.

Christmas Music (Non-Eligible)

• Conrad - Holy (Christmas Version) 4.75 Emeralds
• Keith and Kristyn Getty - Eleizabeth (ft Ellie Holcolmb) 5 Emeralds
• Tasha Cobbs Leonard - O Holy Night 4.75 Emeralds
• Natasha Owens - A Christmas Twist 4.75 Emeralds
• Salt of The Sound - O Holy Night 5 Emeralds

Not much on the Christmas Song front for Singles Yet. That should pick up in November and December. On to the Regular Songs. We begin, like the albums, to the songs that do not make the cut.

Missing The Mark

• David Dunn - Yes and No 3.50 Emeralds
• Prafit Josiah - If You Want It 4.25 Emeralds
• 1k Phew - Kung Fu (ft Whatuprg and Ty Brasel) 4.25 Emeralds
• Chris Renzema - Jacob 4.25 Emeralds
• West of Here - Robot 4.25 Emeralds

Again, I expect the numbers to go up on this as well once we get this sorted out

Pure Platinum Perfection

• Brad and Rebekah - Rejoice 5 Emeralds
• Cape Lions - 2 much 5 Emeralds
• Casting Crowns - Broken Together (New York Sessions) 5 Emeralds
• The Choir - In The Air Tonight (New Version)  5 Emeralds
• The Choir - Kathie's Garden 5 Emeralds
• Color Theory - Shatterproof 5 Emeralds
• Covenant Worship - Thank You 5 Emeralds
• Covenant Worship - With Every Step 5 Emeralds
• Elevation Rhythm - Reality 5 Emeralds
• Jason Fowler - Healer 5 Emeralds
• Goshen Sai - Signs and Wonders 5 Emeralds
• Elizabeth Grace - Like Myself 5 Emeralds
• FreeG and Simon Miles - Keep Moving (ft Jack Dylan) 5 Emeralds
• The Gray Havens - Diamonds and Gold (Laudr8 Remix) 5 Emeralds
• Hammock - Afraid To Forget 5 Emeralds
• Hammock - In the Shattering of Things 5 Emeralds
• JJ Heller - Even Here 5 Emeralds
• Icon For Hire - Hollow 5 Emeralds
• Kalley - Alabaster Heart (ft Bethel Music) (Live) 5 Emeralds
• Spencer Kane - Closer 5 Emeralds
• Tasha Layton - Safe Here 5 Emeralds
• Brooke Nicholls - The Darkness Doesn't Scare Me 5 Emeralds
• MDSN - Who We Are 5 Emeralds
• Man of Faith - Blood In The Air 5 Emeralds
• Stephen McWhirter - Grave Clothes 5 Emeralds
• Mercy Me - Almost Home 5 Emeralds
• Mission House - I don't have much 5 Emeralds
• Leigh Nash - Don't Let Me Die In Dallas 5 Emeralds
• Nashville Life Music - Sing a Song Part 2 (ft Arron Cole) 5 Emeralds
• Ginny Owens - Magnified (Acoustic) 5 Emeralds
• Seth and Nirva Ready - Light Up The Sky 5 Emeralds
• RED - Hemorrhage (Fuel Cover) 5 Emeralds
• Jon Reddick - God, Turn it around 5 Emeralds
• Matt Redman - The Same Jesus 5 Emeralds
• Sara Reeves - Anxious 5 Emeralds
• Rend Collective - Revival Anthem 5 Emeralds
• Royal Company - Jesus It's You 5 Emeralds
• Scandroid - the Writing's On The Wall 5 Emeralds
• Skillet - Anchor (Re-Imagined) 5 Emeralds
• Ryan Stevenson - When We Fall Apart 5 Emeralds
• Thi'sl - This is Not The End (ft V.Rose) 5 Emeralds
• Micah Tyler - Amen 5 Emeralds
• Vineyard Worship - All The Ways 5 Emeralds
• Tauren Wells - Close 5 Emeralds

Semi-Precious Metal

• All Things New - Goodness of God 4.75 Emeralds
• Jonathan Cain - Wonder of Wonders ft Michael Tait 4.75 Emeralds
• Casting Crowns - Loving My Jesus (New York Sessions) 4.75 Emeralds
• Lauren Daigle - Rescue (Chill Mix) 4.75 Emeralds
• Dee-1 - People Don't Want That Real ft Starlito (Remix) 4.75 Emeralds
• Equippers Revolution - Future 4.75 Emeralds
• For King and Country - Burn The Ships (R3HAB Remix) 4.75 Emeralds
• Gui and Elaine - Hallelujah (Hail The King) 4.75 Emeralds
• Tori Harper - Enough 4.75 Emeralds
• Jesus Loves Electro - Come Alive ft LinD 4.75 Emeralds
• Kalley - Oasis 4.75 Emeralds
• Spencer Kane - Senorita ft Brooke De Leary (Shawn Mendes Cover) 4.75 Emeralds
• Legin - Problematic 4.75 Emeralds
• Derek Minor - Dope (ft Propaganda and John Givez) 4.75 Emeralds
• Rachael Nemiroff - Steady 4.75 Emeralds
• Chris Renzema - HTBY (How To Be Yours) 4.50 Emeralds
• Slick Shoes - Feeble 4.75 Emeralds
• Social Beingz - Good Music (ft Ruslan) 4.75 Emeralds
• JSteph - Direction (ft Moflo Music) 4.75 Emeralds
• Mark Tedder - Like Mercy 4.75 Emeralds
• John Tibbs - Details 4.75 Emeralds
• Chase Tremaine - Matter 4.75 Emeralds
• We Are Leo - Eyes On U (ft Ryan Ellis) 4.75 Emeralds
• Matthew West - Truth Be Told 4.50 Emeralds
• The Young Escape - So Alive 4.75 Emeralds

That does it for the first Singles Scene Only Edition of Rewind. The Album List will be forthcoming. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Wolves Unleashed: The 2019 Platinum Vinyl Awards 4th Qtr - Modern Worship

We are done with the final quarter wrap of #PVX. Once again the winner is Modern Worship. I don't know the last time they didn't win the quarter. Let's finish it off.

Modern Worship

• Pat Barrett - Canvas and Clay (Live)
• Catch The Fire Music - Revival 25
• Sean Curran - All of Us (All Praise)
• David's Tent - Raise Every Voice; David's Tent
• Elevation Worship - At Midnight EP
• Here Be Lions - I Speak Jesus
• Housefires - Housefires V
• Influencers Music - Rebels
• Leeland - Better Word (Live)
• David Leonard - The Wait: Silence The Noise (Live)
• Life Center Worship - Acoustic Sessions EP
• Life Church Worship - God So Good (Live)
• Matt Maher - Alive and Breathing, Volume 1
• Maranatha Music - Heart of Worship: Tremble
• Catherine Mullins - Sing Like The Battle Is Over
• New Wine Worship - This Is Love
• Northpoint Inside Out - Abundantly More EP
• Northpoint Inside Out - Wide Open
• Planetshakers - Rain Part 3 EP (Live)
• Planetshakers - Rain (Live)
• Red Rocks Worship - Spark 
• Red Rocks Worship - Spark (Be Still) EP
• Red Rocks Worship - Spark (You Will Be My Song) EP
• RNW Music - When It Comes To You

That does it for the fourth quarter of #PVX. The Year is in the Bag. Year 11 Begins Officially Now. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Wolves Unleashed: The 2019 Platinum Vinyl Awards 4th Qtr - Live Album

Live Recorded Album had a very good showing this time with 18 entries, but it was still only good for second place. I think things were up because we managed to track down all the live Modern Worship Albums (not all of them are) (Oops, there goes the reveal of the winner).

Live Recorded Album

• Pat Barrett - Canvas and Clay (Live)
• Catch The Fire Music - Revival 25 EP (Live)
• David's Tent - Raise Every Voice: David's Tent Live
• E58 Worship - Make Way
• Travis Greene - Setlist, Volume 1
• JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise - Miracle Worker
• Housefires - Housefires V
• Leeland - Better Word (Live) 
• David Leonard - The Wait: Silence The Noise
• Life Church Worship - God So Good
• Matt Maher - Alive and Breathing, Volume 1
• William McDowell - The Cry: A Live Worship Experience from Chattanooga
• New Wine Worship - This Is Love
• Planetshakers - Rain, Part 3 EP
• Planetshakers - Rain
• Red Rocks Worship - Spark (Live)
• Red Rocks Worship - Spark (Be Still) EP
• Red Rocks Worship - Spark (You Will Be My Song) EP

That's quite a list. It was made as things were released and some of the Modern Worship EP's get discontinued by Amazon once the "Full Album" gets released. That's a shame as they can stand on their own. Modern Worship (Live and Studio) is the final winner of the year and they are next. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Wolves Unleashed: The 2019 Platinum Vinyl Awards 4th Qtr - Gospel

The True Gospel is here. Urban Gospel, not that Southern Stick In The Mud Stuff. Jesus had fun, y'all. Let's get to it.

Gospel/R&B

• Kurt Carr - Bless Somebody Else
• James Fortune - Dream Again
• Travis Green - Setlist, Volume 1
• John P. Kee - I Made It Out
• JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise - Miracle Worker
• Keyondra Lockett - The Heal Reloaded: The Journey Continues
• William McDowell - The Cry: A Live Worship Experience From Chattanooga
• VaShawn Mitchell - Elements
• Gene Moore - Tunnel Vision
• V. Rose - Forth
• Various - Hitsville: A Motown Gospel Celebration
• BeBe Winans - Need You

Live Recorded Album is next. 18 Entries for that one. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Dead Mans Band

Aces and Eights don't scare me, nor black cats. I break the chain letter many many times. I happen to know for a fact that there were at least 83 people at the last supper. Color Theory takes a break from the usual relationship based 80's Synthpop to address the subject of Superstition with Lucky Ago. Brian Hazard is a musical genius. How do I know? How else can you explain putting out an album on Superstition which is happy and danceable. The phobias are abundant.

• Chain Letters (Unsigned)
• The Dead Mans Hand of Wild Bill Hickock (Hand)
• Singular Magpies as harbingers of bad luck (Avian)
• Graveyards (Dismembered)
• The Number 13 (Phobiac)

There are 10 in all, broken up by the lovely instrumental piece Lore. It's hard to pick a favorite when reviewing these albums. This time I think it's Feral, the final track, which addresses Witches and Black Cats, which kind of Reminds Me of Bugs Bunny "Aren't they all witches inside."

Which (sorry) brings me to the Cover. She's either a Witch or Lady Luck. Either Way she is absolutely alluring and gorgeous. The cover draws you in, the album seals the deal.

I think its a safe bet that you will enjoy Lucky Ago by Color Theory.  I did and I think it fits into my description of Therapy Music. While you wont conquer your phobias with a single listen, they say acknowledging your problems is the first step. This is the first step. And it is a 5 Emerald Step.

Walk Backward if you must, but you will play this at least 13 times. Wear it out, just don't wear out your welcome. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Wolves Unleashed: The 2019 Platinum Vinyl Awards 4th Qtr - Rock

Time to rock out. Rock Music is the second part of our second tie in this final quarter wrap. 10 entries. Let's get to it.

Rock Music

• Apologetix - Sandwich Platter
• The Birdsongs - The Journey: Part Two - The War
• Jeremy Camp - The Story's Not Over
• Disciple - Love Letter Kill Shot
• Mac Powell and The Family Reunion - Back Again
• Random Hero - Tension
• Red - Innocence and Instinct 10 yr Anniversary Deluxe Edition
• Silversyde - In The Dark
• Skillet - Victorious
• Scott Stapp - The Space Between The Shadows

Another Loaded Quarter. Some genre's like to keep the judges on their toes. Gospel Music is next. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Wolves Unleashed: The 2019 Platinum Vinyl Awards 4th Qtr - Pop

Another tie. Two this quarter. This one is only two genres, a true tie. Pop Music is first.

Pop Music

• Building 429 - Fear No More 
• Hayden Everett - Hayden Everett
• Hollyn - Bye, sad girl
• Hannah Kerr - Listen More EP
• Jamie Kimmett - Prize Worth Fighting For EP
• Local Sound - Sunday Song
• Out of The Dust - Now More Than Ever
• Aaron Shust - Nothing To Fear
• Trinity (NL) - The In Between
• Matthew West - Hello My Name Is: Greatest Hits

Hollyn is just as good as ever, and Out of The Dust, WoW. Rock is next. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Wolves Unleashed: The 2019 Platinum Vinyl Awards 4th Qtr - Adult Contemporary/Inspirational

From now on all of our genres exceed the final bar of 7 entries. Adult Contemporary and its sister genre Inspirational accounted for 8 entries.

Adult Contemporary/Inspirational

• Danny Gokey - Wanted EP 
• Jason Gray - Order EP
• Paul and Hannah McClure - The Way Home (Deluxe)
• Allan Scott - The Story
• Greg Sykes - No Greater Love
• Lauren Talley - Glorious God: Songs of Worship 
• Lauren Talley - Loudest Praise: Hymns of Mercy, Love and Grace
• Big Daddy Weave - When The Light Comes

Don't get to nervous, the Talley albums are not Southern Gospel. Definitely inspo material here. I wouldn't do that to you or me. Another tie awaits and we begin with Pop. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Wolves Unleashed: The 2019 Platinum Vinyl Awards 4th Qtr - Alternative

Alternative had six entries this quarter. A very good showing, and nearly enough for its own finals if we had not other judging process.

Alternative Rock

• Josh Garrels - Chrysaline
• The Rocket Summer - Sweet Shivers
• Strangeher - A Marginal Sea
• Tenth Avenue North - No Shame
• John Van Deusen - (I Am) Origami pt 3: A Catacomb Hymn
• Wilder Woods - Wilder Woods

A pretty much veteran lineup (Wilder Woods is a side-project of Needtobreathe's Bear Rinehart). Next up is Adult Contemporary with 8 entries. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Wolves Unleashed: The 2019 Platinum Vinyl Awards 4th Qtr- Rap

Rapping up the Wrap. Not exactly, we have a long way to go. I just liked the rhyme time. Let's get this party started.

Rap/Hip Hop

• Quinten Colblentz - We EP
• Aaron Cole - Not By Chance
• G.L.O. (God's Love Only) - Reborn
• NF - The Search
• S.O. - Augustine's Legacy

That does it for the ties. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Wolves Unleashed: The 2019 Platinum Vinyl Awards 4th Qtr - Hard Rock/Metal

Time to Crank it Up. Heavy Metal and Hard Rock had five entries this quarter. That's a good showing for a quarter.

Hard Rock/Heavy Metal

• As I Lay Dying - Shaped by Fire
• Narnia - From Darkness to Light
• Oh Sleeper - Bloodied/Unbowed
• War of Ages - Void
• Wolves at the Gate - Eclipse

It's good to have As I Lay Dying back in the fold. Forgiveness is at the root of Christianity. I am not making any predictions, but I wouldn't be surprised if the eventual winner comes from this quarter. It is that loaded. Rap is the final of the tie trio (that sounds like a bad Southern Gospel Group). Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Wolves Unleashed: The 2019 Platinum Vinyl Awards 4th Qtr - Compilation Album

Compilation Album is the first up among a three way tie for last place among the single genre posts. They make the minimum bar of 5 entries to avoid the shame of getting grouped together in a megapost.

Compilation Album

• Convoy of Hope: Hope Has A Name
• Hitsville: A Motown Gospel Celebration EP
• Overcomer: Music From and Inspired By The Original Motion Picture
• Simple Hymns: Songs of Redemption
• Sozo Playlists: Top Christian Hits

You know the artists on these. They are created by "Various Artists", so I have omitted that part of the listing.  Next up is the second genre in the tie: Heavy Metal and Hard Rock. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Wolves Unleashed: The 2019 Platinum Vinyl Awards 4th Qtr - The Megapost Edition

Welcome to the final quarter wrap for #PVX (aka Platinum Vinyl 10). Ten Years of Excellence is in the books. Sounds like I could make a book of it.

We begin our quarterly wrap with a or several megaposts. These are multiple genre posts for those genres which fail to make the minimum bar of 5 entries in this case. Electronic-Industrial Had no entries this quarter and Instrumental, Children's Music, Folk Music, Dance-Synthpop, and Remix all failed to meet the minimum bar. Altogether they account for 9 entries. Let's get to it.

Instrumental Music

• Dear Gravity - The Pilgrimage Series: Wayfaring

Children's Music

• Caleb and Kelsey - Sing Over Me: Songs for Parents and their Little Ones
• Rend Collective Kids - Sparkle Pop Rampage

Dance-Synthpop

• Attaboy - Wild
• Transform - Jericho

Folk/Folk Rock

• Foldinglights - Subterranean Hum
• Reflect Love Back (ft Lacey Sturm) - Soundtrack, Volume 1

Remix

• Meredith Andrews - Faith and Wonder Alternate Versions
• TobyMac - The St Nemele Collab Sessions

That does it for the Megaposts for this quarter. We begin our single genre posts with a three way tie. Compilation is up first. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Night Beat Rewind: September 2019

The Final Rewind of #PVX is here. Ten Years. And we go out with a bang and not a whimper.

The Singles Scene

• Apollo LTD - DNA (Acoustic) 5 Emeralds
• Arilya - Save You 5 Emeralds
• As I Lay Dying - Blinded 5 Emeralds
• Brandon Bee - Breathe on Me, O Jesus 4.25 Emeralds
• Tina Boonstra - Head, Teeth, Hands 4.75 Emeralds
• Dan Bremnes - Up Again (The Remixes) 4.75 Emeralds
• Canyon Hills Worship - Never Gonna Stop 4.75 Emeralds
• Casting Crowns - Praise You In This Storm (New York Sessions) 4.75 Emeralds
• Alvin Cedric - Rescue (Lauren Daigle Cover) 4.50 Emeralds
• Dillon Chase - Paradise 4.75 Emeralds
• The Choir - Mystical World 5 Emeralds
• Cochren and Co - Heart and Soul (The Sienna Sessions) 4.75 Emeralds
• Cochren and Co - One Day 4.75 Emeralds
• Color Theory - Phobiac 5 Emeralds
• Amanda Lindsey Cook - Evergreen (Re-Imagined) 5 Emeralds
• Cortes - For The Best 4.25 Emeralds
• Embassy - Undignified 5 Emeralds
• Connor Flanagan - Dangerous (ft Russ Parish) 5 Emeralds
• Hammock - Circular As Our Way 5 Emeralds
• John Hanni - Start To Care 4.75 Emeralds
• Impact - Hope Song 5 Emeralds
• Spencer Kane - If I Can't Have You ft Levi Mitchell (Shawn Mendes Cover) 4.75 Emeralds
• KB - Lincoln 4.75 Emeralds
• KJ-52 - Summertime ft AJ Jenkins 4.75 Emeralds
• Rachael Lampa - He's Good 5 Emeralds
• LEAH - Redemption 5 Emeralds
• Mark Lee - How To Feel Alive 4.75 Emeralds
• Toby Mac - Edge of My Seat (Radio Version) ft Cochren and Co 5 Emeralds
• Manafest - Plan for Me ft Melanie Greenwood 5 Emeralds
• Chris McClarney - Valley (Live) 4.75 Emeralds
• Brea Miles - God Culture (Remix) 4.75 Emeralds
• Leigh Nash - My Love, My Drug 4.75 Emeralds
• Neon Feather - Safe (ft Chris Chron) 5 Emeralds
• Northlander - Occulus 4.75 Emeralds
• Planetboom - Saints 5 Emeralds
• The Porter's Gate - The Earth Shall Know ft Casey J, Leslie Jordan and Urban Doxology 5 Emeralds
• Sidewalk Prophets - Smile 5 Emeralds
• Seth and Nirva Ready - Turning Over Tables ft Michael Tait 5 Emeralds
• RED - The Evening Hate (Alternative Version) 5 Emeralds
• Righteous Vendetta - Kill The Lights 4.75 Emeralds
• Apollo Rojas - Popular Mechanix 3.50 Emeralds
• Angie Rose - Fight Like A Man 4.75 Emeralds
• Roy3ls - Souls 4.75 Emeralds
• Scandroid - New York City Nights (Tommy '86 Remix) 5 Emeralds
• Scandroid - New York City Nights (Tommy '86 Remix Instrumentals) 5 Emeralds
• 7eventh Time Down - Trust (CMC Remix) 4.50 Emeralds
• Beckah Shae - So Will I (100 Billion X) 4.75 Emeralds
• Stillman - Draw Near 4.75 Emeralds
• Laura Story - You Cannot Be Stopped 4.75 Emeralds
• Michael Sweet - Son of Man ft Todd La Torre (Queensryche) and Andy James 5 Emeralds
• John Tibbs - Wild Things 4.75 Emeralds
• Bryan and Katie Torwalt - Remember 4.75 Emeralds
• Roy Tosh - Ghost ft Wes Writer and Beacon Light 5 Emeralds
• JSteph - Fake Me Out ft Moflo Music 4.75 Emeralds
• Verses - Letting Go (Re-Imagined) 5 Emeralds
• Vineyard Worship - Jesus Beautiful 5 Emeralds
• Kim Walker-Smith - Insatiable 5 Emeralds
• We The Kingdom - Holy Water 4.75 Emeralds
• Tauren Wells - Miracle 5 Emeralds
• Matthew West - What If 4.75 Emeralds
• Josh Wilson - OK 5 Emeralds
• Zauntee - Fanatic 4.75 Emeralds

The Song Judging is going to be really difficult for #PVX. On to the final group of albums which will not make the finals.

Missing The Mark

• The Belonging Co. - Awe + Wonder (Live) 4.25 Emeralds
• Social Club Misfits - Doom EP 4.25 Emeralds

These releases are at the High End of the cutoff, so it's not that these are bad albums. They are just not award worthy here at Night Beat HQ. Maybe at the Doves, where the standards are more lenient. On to the final standards of perfection for #PVX.

Pure Platinum Perfection

• As I Lay Dying - Shaped by Fire 5 Emeralds
• Jeremy Camp - The Story's Not Over 5 Emeralds
• Circle of Dust - Circle of Dust (Remixes and Rarities)(Deluxe Edition) 5 Emeralds
• David's Tent - Raise Every Voice: David's Tent (Live) 5 Emeralds
• Disciple - Love Letter Kill Shot 5 Emeralds
• Hillsong Young and Free - III (Re-Imagined) 5 Emeralds
• Hannah Kerr - Listen More EP 5 Emeralds
• Life Church Worship - God So Good (Live) 5 Emeralds
• Keyondra Lockett - The Heal Reloaded: The Journey Continues 5 Emeralds
• William McDowell - The Cry: A Live Worship Experience From Chattanooga 5 Emeralds
• Out of The Dust - Now More Than Ever 5 Emeralds
• Planetshakers - Rain 5 Emeralds
• RED - Innocence and Instinct (10 Year Anniversary Deluxe Edition) 5 Emeralds
• RNW Music - When It Comes To You 5 Emeralds
• Aaron Shusht - Nothing to Fear 5 Emeralds
• Lindsey Stirling - Artemis 5 Emeralds
• War of Ages - Void 5 Emeralds

Semi-Precious Metals

• Attaboy - Wild 4.50 Emeralds
• The Birdsongs - The Journey: Act II - The War 4.75 Emeralds
• Sean Curran - All Of Us (All Praise) (Live) EP 4.75 Emeralds
• Hayden Everett - Hayden Everett EP 4.75 Emeralds
• Danny Gokey - Wanted EP 4.75 Emeralds
• Hollyn - Bye, Sad Girl EP 4.75 Emeralds
• John P. Kee - I Made It Out 4.75 Emeralds
• Jamie Kimmett - Prize Worth Fighting For EP 4.50 Emeralds
• Leeland - Better Word (Live) 4.50 Emeralds
• Life Center Worship - Acoustic Sessions EP 4.75 Emeralds
• Here Be Lions - I Speak Jesus EP 4.75 Emeralds
• Matt Maher - Alive and Breathing EP, Volume 1 4.75 Emeralds
• North Point Inside Out - Wide Open EP 4.75 Emeralds
• Red Rocks Worship - Spark (Live) 4.75 Emeralds
• S.O. - Augustine's Legacy 4.75 Emeralds
• Transform - Jericho (ft Sean Be) EP 4.75 Emeralds
• Various Artists - Convoy of Hope: Hope Has A Name 4.75 Emeralds
• Big Daddy Weave - When The Light Comes 4.50 Emeralds

#PVX is in the Bag. Year 11 Begins Now.