Holiday Update 2020

2020 is almost over and the Christmas Season is upon us. #PVX is in the bag and Platinum Vinyl 11, while the eligibility year is finished, the entries are a disorganized mess due to many upheavals because of government overreach with coronavirus. Note I said due to government. Physically, I have been unaffected by the virus and that will remain the case.

The Blog, due to the restrictions of a mobile platform, will be relegated to a semi-retired status. I will be more active with small posts on Twitter and Facebook. We shall see how year end roundups go with that. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

#PVX Has Come

The Platinum Vinyl Awards, Tenth Edition has begun. Popularly known as #PVX, the Awards began with the Music Video Awards earlier in the fall. The Album and Song Sections begin tomorrow with the "minor" categories, with the ready for prime time ones following soon after. Keep in touch with it all on Facebook and Twitter

Starting Again

We are starting a new era here at the WENC night beat. I have a new phone which will allow me to do remote posting. Platinum vinyl 10 is underway and will be attempted via video this year. I will start by posting nominations on my Facebook page. I will attempt to keep the videos simple possibly only one video per genre. Look at the night beat's Facebook page for.more information

Singing The Play Liszt Blues

It's a Classical solution. Sorry, couldn't resist the pun.

Payola is the name given to a radio scandal in which the major record labels were paying bribes to usually program directors in order to make sure their songs became hits by virtue of repeated play. I miss the good old days. (SARCASM ALERT). At least someone profited from creating a bland programming day. Now, through playlist radio and the elimination of the human element, we do the same thing for free.

Take some time to listen to your local Christian Radio station. If you can avoid lapsing into a coma, you will find that you will have a virtually commercial free, certainly announcer free music period of 60-90 minutes in length, which will repeat. If you don't know the song or artist you won't be told, because there is no DJ. Wouldn't any record company exec live to know he is GUARANTEED 24 plays of his hit song per day. And with an average of 3 minutes per song you really only get about 15 songs per hour after you add in about the song intros, devotionals, and the ever present push to pledge money to keep the station afloat because selling ads is unchristian .

Let's scrap the whole system and start fresh. Sell ads, ditch the playlist, hire DJs, and play a wide swath of genres throughout the day. At first it will sound like the Wild Wild West, but people will discover new artists which will lead to more sales which will lead to more artists sticking with it for the long term. A better product all around.

Well my rant is over for now. I may take on the record industry at some point. Because they are a coconspirator in the problem as is the music store  But that is a whole new series. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Resistance is not futile: The Vinyl Virus

DJ. The term means different things. Saying that you are a DJ will mean something entirely different depending upon the hearer. To the rap crowd it is the person who used the turntables to add scratches. Based upon my listening to rap today, I would say it is practically extinct. In the EDM world the DJ is the person who uses turntables, synthesizers and various switches and buttons to create the music at a rave.

For me a DJ was the person at a radio station responsible for announcing and playing the music. The letters stood for Disc Jockey. They jockeyed or moved around the discs or vinyl records on the turntables to play over the air. He or she also took requests from the listeners and hosted giveaways.

There is one other job of the DJ and that is keeping a proper flow to the show. It was the DJ'S responsibility to keep a proper mix to the show and avoid overplay. You would think that a computerized playlist would fix the problem, but it actually increased after WENC went to computer. The program kept picking the same artists over and over and needed to be overridden on a regular basis. That was the job of the DJ. He was needed to make sure, in our case, that an artist was played only once an hour, and as we had 2 hour shows, if you did repeat an artist, you could not repeat a song. You know happens with a policy like that? You discover a whole lot more music, that's what. And that's something sorely lacking in Christian Radio these days.

And that brings us to our final post in this series. The playlist was created to make sure a DJ wasn't playing his favorite artists over and over. A noble goal. But it has resulted in exactly what it wanted to avoid. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Embracing Entropy in DiverseCity

Or is TobyMac trapped in a Circle of Dust. Sorry for the Rocky and Bullwinkle dual titles. I think I am fairly certain that the two will not be doing a single together anytime soon.

I do have a method to my madness. While Industrial Strength hip hop may not be appealing my point is. As I mentioned in my first post on the subject, there are many genres represented in Christian music. Now some of them may not release enough to fill a program director's playlist needs, others could possibly fill multiple years without a single repeat. But why should it have to be that way. The sin is that approximately 90% of Christian Music will never be played on over the air Christian Radio. The internet is a different tune altogether, as genre specific radio stations abound. OTA is an Adult Contemporary wasteland. How about we mix it up. We could have the AC/Worship going from 11pm to 9am and the rest of the time have music for people with a pulse. Just half kidding there. As a lot of Worship music has moved into the EDM zone it has offended the pillars (who are stiff as one), and that is fine with me.

Christian music is as diverse as the mainstream, and we should embrace it in all its glory. Musically definitely, but also theologically. If the musician says they're a Christian that's good enough for me. And I'm not going to throw them out if they sin. Only Jesus was perfect.

And maybe even some ethnic diversity. There is only one race, and that is human. There really isn't a reason why the same station couldn't play Southern and Urban Gospel music. Well maybe I should say a good reason. Why humiliate our Southern Gospel stick in the muds. White boys got no rhythm. I'm of Polish descent. I know of what I speak.

Until now I have stuck to the tunes. Beginning with my next post I will be meddling with Radio Station personnel. Preparing to defend against incoming missiles.  Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

There's just something about that name dropping

The 1960's are usually portrayed by "Christians" as being nothing more than a bunch of dope smoking long haired hippie freak Vietnam war protesters. Actually none of that really happened until 1968, so we defined a decade by 2 years. Woodstock occurred in the Summer of 69, but God was at work among them behind the scenes.

The saved hippie freaks turned into Jesus Freaks and gave rise to what has been called the Jesus Music Era. Officially given a twenty year life of 1969-1989, but it probably ended around 1985 with the release of Amy Grant's Unguarded. Of course some say it could have ended in 1977 when the first issue of CCM Magazine came out. I am going to give a date of 1981 when Petra came out with Never Say Die. Still that's 12 years.

A joke about the era was that they took a secular song and put Jesus words to it so they all went "Jesus Jesus Wo Wo Wo." That wasn't true even for evangelistic groups like the Second Chapter of Acts, much less groups like The Choir. Nonetheless a tradition arose that to be considered Christian, you needed to use the name of Jesus at least a million times per three minute song. But like I said, that didn't just exclude modern bands, but all of the Jesus Era as well.

It is my firm belief that song doesn't have to name drop Jesus multiple times to be considered Christian. Being a 80s Radio DJ I was into U2 as much as Petra. It still is the same today. For every "there's something about that name" there is a "Lost in Paradise" that I get blessed by. A Leah McHenry or Celldweller release virtually gushes forth in Bible verses if you listen carefully.

Step 2, simply put, is that Christian music cannot be neatly defined, so we shouldn't try to. Instead. We should revel in its blessed diversity. That's step 3. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

We're a Band: The Legend of the Polkageist

We're not a Christian Band, we're a band whose members are Christian. It's one of those theological Chicken or Egg arguments. And like the chicken it is just as endless. The reason it is even asked is because Christians like to believe Christian Music is something special.

The reality is that Christian Music is simply Music By Christians. Like the mainstream, Christian Music has multiple genres. Rock, Metal, Folk, Rap, Country and more. All have a "Christian alternative". (Thankfully not including Polka as yet, when that happens the end shall have come).

The corollary to Christian Music is that there is such a thing as "The Devil's Music". It is also a fantasy. It's not Rock and Roll, and although I agree with Greg X. Volz personally, it's not Country and Western either.

According (not accordion) to Ezekiel 28:13, which many attribute to Lucifer, "the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created." Those are musical instruments. The idea is when Lucifer fell and became Satan, these instruments also fell and became "Devil Music". Only problem is. If he had all instruments in him then all music is fallen. Or none is. Maybe God just said "You're Fired." I think that's the case, and music is music.

And that's why the first step to saving Christian Music Radio is to realize that there is no such thing as Christian Music. I'll give that a few days to marinate. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

The Quest: Saving Christian Music Radio

Christian Music Radio is dying. As a former DJ I know of what I speak. Hopefully we can save the patient, but if death occurs the coroner will list the cause as suicide, and slow motion suicide at that. I know my opinion isn't popular. After all, isn't K-Love buying up stations left and right? Yes, but they are actually part of the problem.

While the acquisition of over the air radio stations during a shift into web radio looks like a win (former WAAF in my local area), it belies a cancer that threatens to kill Christian Music Radio ( as opposed to Christian Music, which is undergoing a resurgence).

What can be done? I have a plan based on my experience in Christian Music over the space if almost 40 years:

Christian Music is just Music by Christians.

Jesus Wouldn't Listen to Jesus Music.

Embrace (Musical) Diversity.

Bring Back The DJ.

The Playlist is not life.

Each point deserves its own post, and it shall get it. Even without comment these points may lead you in my direction of thought. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Quarantine Update

I am Back. At least temporarily. Since the end of the day on March 13 The Night Beat has been on restricted status. Posting on a mobile app does not allow for proper formatting, so until now I have chosen to only update my Facebook Page.

The staff is getting stir crazy. Youppi is constantly singing Frere Jacque. Still we have managed to use the less hectic pace to our advantage. We are catching up on our release schedule and have just completed April Albums. When full access is restored be prepared for a tsunami of posts, as it is also quarterly wrap time.

PVX judging is slow, but on a much better pace than year 9. The Awards have always been virtual from the start. While I would like to award a trophy in a celebrity/artist filled auditorium, such is not the case yet. At least nobody can force me to cancel. Soon though. First I will have to build the Emerald Center (aka The Dunes).

Signing off for now. I will attempt to post regular updates here, but do check me out on Facebook. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Night Beat Rewind: The Singles Scene - February 2020

Time To Wrap The Songs of February. As most of you know, we split the songs and albums into Separate editions of rewind with the beginning of the Roaring 20's. Let's get to it. Just as with the album rewind, we begin with those songs which will not make the entry pool for the Platinum Vinyl Awards (and we are currently in PVXI eligibility year).

Missing The Mark

• Jon Guerra - Citizens 3.25 Emeralds

I try to keep CCM and Politics separate as much as possible, but this one really got me. Paid for by the Democrat National Committee. With Lines like "He broke the law  just to save them, working for three bucks an hour" or worse yet "you're building a city where we arrive as immigrants and you call us citizens." Actually he should read his Bible. We are Created a New Creature in Christ. We are Born Children of God. Without Birthright Citizenship no one gets in. There are no immigrants to Heaven, only Native Born. If you stick to the Bible you cannot go wrong. Anyway, due to another song disappearing, it was the only one that missed the mark. A lot Blew Me Away, and those are designated Perfect.

Pure Platinum Perfection

• Cory Asbury - Christ be Magnified (Live)  5 Emeralds
• Audrey Assad - the Middle 5 Emeralds
• Bri Babineaux - Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) 5 Emeralds
• Bethel Music - God of Revival (Live) 5 Emeralds
• Caleb and Kelsey - Build my Life 5 Emeralds
• Celldweller - My Disintegration (Becko Remix) 5 Emeralds
• Covenant Worship - Just One Drop 5 Emeralds
• Leanna Crawford - Funeral 5 Emeralds
• Hope Darst - Peace Be Still 5 Emeralds
• Eversmith - Holy Matrimony 5 Emeralds
• Eversmith - Inferno 5 Emeralds
• Eversmith - Praise Quake 5 Emeralds
• Sean Feucht - Raise our voice 5 Emeralds
• Grace Worship - Christ Be All 5 Emeralds
• Natalie Grant - My Weapon 5 Emeralds
• Natalie Grant - My Weapon (Sacred Version) 5 Emeralds
• ICF Worship - Here Is My Heart 5 Emeralds
• Jesus Culture - More Than Enough ft Kim Walker-Smith 5 Emeralds
• Ledger - My Arms 5 Emeralds
• Life Church Worship - I Won't move 5 Emeralds
• Long Hollow Wave - Allelulia 5 Emeralds
• Jonathan McReynolds - People 5 Emeralds
• Matty Mullins - No Hold On Me 5 Emeralds
• Neon Feather - Do or Die ft Kinn 5 Emeralds
• North Point Worship - Just Getting Started 5 Emeralds
• Nutronic - Reconnect 5 Emeralds
• Ginny Owens - Undefeated 5 Emeralds
• Matthew Parker - Paradise ft Holly Starr (Malachi Corliss Remix) 5 Emeralds
• Planetboom - Unshakable 5 Emeralds
• Planetshakers - So Good (Live) 5 Emeralds
• Project Aegis - And The Rest Is Mystery 5 Emeralds
• Reclaimers - Misnomer 5 Emeralds
• Seth and Nirva Ready - Mercy 5 Emeralds
• RED - All For You 5 Emeralds
• Richlin - Royal Blood 5 Emeralds
• Salt of The Sound - Lift My Eyes (w/Simon Wester) 5 Emeralds
• Chris Sligh - Beyond Our Wildest Dreams 5 Emeralds
• Ryan Stevenson - Amadeo (Still My God) 5 Emeralds
• Switch - Count Me In 5 Emeralds
• Cade Thompson - Provider 5 Emeralds
• Transform - Tongues of Angels 5 Emeralds
• Micah Tyler - Welcome To The Family 5 Emeralds
• Zach Williams - Empty grave 5 Emeralds
• Zauntee - Go Off 5 Emeralds

A few comments here, though not on quality. You can't mess with perfection. Eversmith was known in 2019 as Embassy, so make a note of that. And Ginny Owens and Mega-group Project Aegis (featuring LEAH McHenry and Theocracy's Matt Smith with an all star cast) would appreciate a purchase of their songs. They are raising Money to Fight Human Trafficking (Ginny Owens) and Legacy Music (Aegis) which provides Music instruction and instruments to children and teens from difficult backrounds. And one more thing: Sean Feucht is pronounced Foyt. Now to the music in the middle.

Semi-Precious Metal

• All Things New - Not By Might 4.75 Emeralds
• Tina Boonstra - Out of My Depth 4.75 Emeralds.
• Lincoln Brewster - Who Am I 4.75 Emeralds
• Bright City - Change (live) 4.75 Emeralds
• Landry Cantrell - Remember Every Moment (REM) 4.75 Emeralds
• The Cashmans - Burn 4.75 Emeralds
• Alvin Cedric - Friend 4.75 Emeralds
• Alvin Cedric - Higher 4.75 Emeralds
• Riley Clemmons - Over and Over 4.75 Emeralds
• Covenant Worship - Speak 4.75 Emeralds
• Crowder - I'm Leanin On You (ft Riley Clemmons) 4.75 Emeralds
• Samuel Day - Spotlight 4.75 Emeralds
• Daniel Doss - Eternal Immortal Invincible 4.75 Emeralds
• Datin - Move! ft Canon and Marty 4.50 Emeralds
• Eversmith - Epic 4.75 Emeralds
• Eversmith - Love, Grace Mercy 4.75 Emeralds
• Eversmith - Never Be Anxious 4.75 Emeralds
• Eversmith - Press On 4.75 Emeralds
• Eversmith - We Are The Stars 4.75 Emeralds
• Jason Fowler - Freedom 4.75 Emeralds
• Hillsong Young and Free - Best Friends 4.75 Emeralds
• Hurtis Hoppie - Sometimes ft Jon Keith 4.75 Emeralds
• Jesus Culture - Still In Control ft Mack Brock 4.75 Emeralds
• Jordan and Jessa - All That is Needed 4.75 Emerald
• Phil King - Our great God (Live) 4.75 Emeralds
• Phil King - Song of Redemption 4.75 Emeralds
• Greg La Follette - Blessed Be The Name (Nathan Johnson Remix) 4.75 Emeralds
• Greg La Follette - Doxology ft Mission House 4.75 Emeralds
• Rachael Lampa - Hold You In My Arms 4.75 Emeralds
• Land of Color - Running 4.50 Emeralds
• Life Center Worship - Spirit of Revival 4.75 Emeralds
• Mercy Me - Almost Home ft Jeremy Camp (Movie Version) 4.75 Emeralds
• Nashville Life Music - Claim It All (ft Taylor Browning) 4.50 Emeralds
• Rachael Nemiroff - God Only Knows (For King and Country Cover) 4.75 Emeralds
• North Point Worship - Nothing Else Matters 4.75 Emeralds
• Natasha Owens - Treasure 4.75 Emeralds
• Dave Pettigrew - Me (Acoustic) 4.75 Emeralds
• Mike Rathke - O Lord You're Beautiful (Keith Green Cover) 4.75 Emeralds
• Red Letter Society - One Purpose (Into Light Project) 4.75 Emeralds
• Roy3ls - Quality Lady 4.75 Emeralds
• Social Beingz - Don't Stop 4.75 Emeralds
• Mark Tedder - Stay 4.75 Emeralds
• Terrian - Let Love Lead 4.75 Emeralds
• John Tibbs - Runaway 4.75 Emeralds
• David Vaters - Flying 4.50 Emeralds
• Vineyard Worship - God of Rest (Dios Del Descanso) 4.75 Emeralds
• John Wiebe - Brave 4.75 Emeralds

That does it for February, and it's not even halfway through March. Things are pointing up. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Night Beat Rewind: Album Edition - February 2020

A moment to be proud of. It's march 2nd, the final release day of February was the 28th and the album edition at least is in the books. Splitting the Song and Album releases has paid off. Let's get to the results. We begin with the albums which do not make the cut.

Missing The Mark

• David and Nicole Binion - Glory of Eden (Live) 4.25 Emeralds
• Emcee N.I.C.E. - Iron Dove (The Prequel) 4.25 Emeralds

Only two MTM this month. On to the perfect.

Pure Platinum Perfection

• The Classic Crime - Patterns in the Static 5 Emeralds
• Todd Dulaney - Back To The Book EP 5 Emeralds
• Elevation Youth - Technicolour 5 Emeralds
• Fight The Fade - In Love In Hope In Peace 5 Emeralds
• Hulvey - BRKNHRT EP 5 Emeralds
• In Salvation - Exodus 5 Emeralds
• Jordan and Jessa - Glorious 5 Emeralds
• Judah Band - HUSH The EP 5 Emeralds
• Elle Limebear - Lost In Wonder 5 Emeralds
• Mandisa - Overcomer: Greatest Hits 5 Emeralds
• Random Hero - Tension Acoustic EP 5 Emeralds
• Saint Esprit - Speak To Me EP 5 Emeralds
• Switch - Symphony 5 Emeralds
• 3Force - Divide and Collide Instrumentals 5 Emeralds
• JJ Weeks - The Sound of Freedom EP 5 Emeralds
• Matthew West - Brand New 5 Emeralds

16-2 in favor of the Perfect. Deserved, but maybe a little push for Valentines. The most, though, is in the middle.

Semi-Precious Metal

• Avalon - Called 4.75 Emeralds
• Paul Baloche - Behold Him 4.50 Emeralds
• Jeremy Camp - I Still Believe: Greatest Hits 4.75 Emeralds
• Larry Clark and Twinkie Clark - The Generations 4.75 Emeralds
• Junior Garr - The Garden EP 4.50 Emeralds
• Keith and Kristyn Getty - Sing! The Life of Christ Quintology: Passion EP 4.75 Emeralds
• Rob Graves - Solstice 4.75 Emeralds
• Ellie Holcomb - Sing: Remembering Songs EP 4.75 Emeralds
• John Mark McMillan - Peopled With Dreams 4.50 Emeralds
• Tyson Mostenbocker - Someday I'll Make It All Up To You 4.75 Emeralds
• Leigh Nash - Get Happy 4.75 Emeralds
• New Song - Just Jesus 4.75 Emeralds
• Ovation Worship -Live EP 4.75 Emeralds
• Justin Rizzo - Shapeshifter 4.75 Emeralds
• SEU Worship - Eden to Eternity EP 4.75 Emeralds
• John Schlitt - Go 4.75 Emeralds
• Shane and Shane - Hymns in The Round 4.75 Emeralds
• Shane and Shane - The Worship Initiative, Volume 19 4.75 Emeralds
• Andrew Stanton - Dive Bomb 4.75 Emeralds
• Harper Still - Show Love: Songs For Our Children 4.75 Emeralds
• Various Artists - Simple Hymns: Songs of Easter 4.50 Emeralds

That does it for February. I guess leap year works wonders. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Music Video Monday: Getting A Little Animated

Welcome back to Music Video Monday, where we play the best Music Videos out There. We're going to do something a little different this time. We're getting a little animated.  This video from Yancy popped up in my Youtube feed the other day, and let me say, it is a snappy little video about Joseph and his Coat of Many Colors.

The difference continues with a little bit of a delayed video. Christmas is over, but I just discovered this video  from the now Synthpop band We Are Leo. It is a definitely Animated Dancing In A Snow Globe. Hey, here in the Northeast it may snow as late as May.

Finally, we take an entirely different path. This is just discovered. Project Aegis is a supergroup started by Matt Smith of Theocracy. In this case the proceeds from the song go 100% to Legacy Music, which provides music lessons and instruments to Children and Teens from Difficult Backrounds. Listen, Headbang, Buy. 

That does it for this edition of Music Video Monday. Happy President's Day everyone. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Night Beat Rewind: January 2019 - The Singles Scene

2020 is underway, and one month is in the bag. Time for our Singles Scene Rewind.

Missing The Mark

• Jon Keith - Way Up 4.25 Emeralds

The gift giving is here as well. Only one Missing The Mark as well.

Pure Platinum Perfection

• Cory Asbury - Reckless Love (ft Tori Kelly) 5 Emeralds
• Cory Asbury - The Father's House (Studio Version) 5 Emeralds
• Christabelle Braden - Diffeerent Kind of Warrior 5 Emeralds
• Ty Brasel - The Power ft KB 5 Emeralds
• Caleb and Kelsey - Way Maker 5 Emeralds
• Landry Cantrell - Weightless 5 Emeralds
• Celldweller - Into The Void (SWARM Remix) 5 Emeralds
• Celldweller - Into The Void (SWARM Remix Instrumentals) 5 Emeralds
• Jimi Cravity - Still 5 Emeralds
• CRC Music - Made Whole 5 Emeralds
• Dens - Even 5 Emeralds
• Daniel Doss - This Is The Kingdom 5 Emeralds
• FreeG - Falling (ft Ceavora & Simon Miles) 5 Emeralds
• Gateway Worship - Give Me your Peace (ft Zach Rowe) 5 Emeralds
• Keith and Kristyn Getty - The Power of The Cross (ft Pedro Eustace & Jackie Hill Perry) 5 Emeralds
• The Gray Havens - Blackbird 5 Emeralds
• JJ Heller - Missing Peace 5 Emeralds
• Here Be Lions - I Speak Jesus (ft Darlene Zschech) 5 Emeralds
• Jordan and Jessa - I Cannot Outrun Your Grace 5 Emeralds
• Kolby Koloff - Finding My Way Back 5 Emeralds
• Mandisa - Way Maker 5 Emeralds
• Mass Anthem - Need Your Love (Michael Schawel Remix) 5 Emeralds
• William McDowell - Only You Can Satisfy ft Chris Lawson (Live) 5 Emeralds
• Nashville Life Music - Reconciler 5 Emeralds
• Rachael Nemiroff - Draw Me Near 5 Emeralds
• Natasha Owens - Warrior (Live) 5 Emeralds
• Dave Pettigrew - Do It Again 5 Emeralds
• Dave Pettigrew - I Am Ready Now 5 Emeralds
• Dave Pettigrew - O Come To The Altar 5 Emeralds
• Zachary Ray - Let go 5 Emeralds
• Reach City Music - I Stand Amazed 5 Emeralds
• Seth and Nirva - Be Still 5 Emeralds
• RED - Sever 5 Emeralds
• RE: Hope Belfast - Nothing Like Your Presence 5 Emeralds
• Rend Collective - Sing It From The Shackles 5 Emeralds
• Angie rose - Infatuation 5 Emeralds
• L. Spenser Smith - The Cross Alone 5 Emeralds
• Social Beingz - No Worries ft John Givez 5 Emeralds
• Grace Spencer - Words (Remix) 5 Emeralds
• 3 Force - Abyss (ft Scandroid) 5 Emeralds
• Toby Mac - 21 Years 5 Emeralds
• Roy Tosh - Apart of Me ft Eris Ford 5 Emeralds
• 29:11 Worship - For Everyone 5 Emeralds
• Matthew West - Grace Upon Grace 5 Emeralds
• Matthew West - Malking Miracles 5 Emeralds

45 Perfect Singles. You know the song awards are going to come from here. Finally the songs in the middle of the pack.

Semi-Precious Metal

• Alicia and Whitney - All For Nothing 4.75 Emeralds
• Cory Asbury - The Father's House (Acoustic) 4.75 Emeralds
• Building 429 - Don't You (Forget About Me) (Simple Minds Cover) 4.75 Emeralds
• Canyon Hills Worship - Jesus My Treasure 4.75 Emeralds
• Cody Carnes - Christ Be Magnified 4.75 Emeralds
• Aaron Cole - Mad 4.75 Emeralds
• Aaron Cole - My Year 4.75 Emeralds
• CRC Music - All For You 4.75 Emeralds
• CRC Music - For The Fame 4.75 Emeralds
• Dee -1 - Really Feel This 4.50 Emeralds
• Colton Dixon - Miracles 4.75 Emeralds
• Elevation Rhythm - Better With You 4.75 Emeralds
• Elevation Youth - Trust in You (Live) 4.75 Emeralds
• Jamie Grace - Dream Big 4.75 Emeralds
• Jason Gray - New Song ft Blanca 4.75 Emeralds
• inTellect - All Day 4.75 Emeralds
• Derek Johnson - The Way That You Love Me 4.75 Emeralds
• Greg LaFollette - Blessed Be The Name 4.75 Emeralds
• Mali Music - Let Go 4.75 Emeralds
• Andrew Marcus - Take All of Me 4.50 Emeralds
• Joshua Micah - Moving Through Me 4.75 Emeralds
• 116 - Live Forever (ft 1k phew, Aaron Cole, Hulvey, Tedashii, Tommy Royale, Trip Lee and Wande) 4.75 Emeralds
• Passion - King of Glory (Live) 4.75 Emeralds
• Psalm - Pig With A Pearl (ft Young Noah) 4.50 Emeralds
• Jon Reddick - Glory and majesty 4.50 Emeralds
• Chris Renzema - Springtime 4.75 Emeralds
• Rezurrection - Preach It Right 4.75 Emeralds
• Rush of Fools - Build My Life 4.75 Emeralds
• Chris Sligh - Don't Waste 4.75 Emeralds
• Southville - Changing Seasons 4.75 Emeralds
• JSteph - Dear Depression (ft Dawson Samuel)(prod Moflo Music) 4.50 Emeralds
• John Tibbs - One Good Try 4.75 Emeralds
• Roy Tosh - When I'm Gone 4.75 Emeralds
• The Union Chattanooga - Forever Amen ft Drakeford 4.75 Emeralds
• Tauren Wells - Famous For (I Believe) ft Jenn Johnson 4.75 Emeralds
• Tauren Wells - Famous For (I Believe) ft Christine D'Clario (Spanish/English Version) 4.75 Emeralds
• Ian Yates - Loved By You 4.75 Emeralds
• Zauntee - Center Stage 4.75 Emeralds

What a month. 2020 is under way. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Night Beat Rewind: January 2020 - The Album Edition

January is in the Books. February is here. 2020 is off to an awesome start. Not going to waste any time with small talk. We begin with the album which will not make the Awards.

Missing The Mark

• David Dunn - Starting Now EP 4.25 Emeralds

Only one Missing The Mark, must be a delayed Christmas Spirit. 

Pure Platinum Perfection

• All Things New - Sound of Freedom EP 5 Emeralds
• Antarctic Wastelands - The Way of The Sea EP 5 Emeralds
• Cody Carnes - Run to the Father EP 5 Emeralds
• Travis Cottrell - Spirit Rise 5 Emeralds
• Huntington's - Muerto, Carcel, O Rocanrol! 5 Emeralds
• Influence Music - Rebels (Deluxe) 5 Emeralds
• KJ-52 - Victory Lap 5 Emeralds
• Planetshakers - Glory, Part One (Live) EP 5 Emeralds
• Matt Redman - Let There Be Wonder (Live) 5 Emeralds
• RNW Music - Sessions 1 EP 5 Emeralds
• Switchfoot - Native Tongue (Reimagine/Remix) EP 5 Emeralds
• 3 Force - Divide and Collide 5 Emeralds
• Chase Tremaine - Unfill 5 Emeralds
• Various - Simple Hymns: Songs of Communion 5 Emeralds
• Vertical Worship - Yes I Will: Songs from Vertical Worship 5 Emeralds
• Vineyard Worship - Here (Live) 5 Emeralds

16 to 1 Pure Platinum to MTM. Definitely a Christmas hangover. Now for the albums in the middle.

Semi-Precious Metals

• Awaken The Dawn - Moments from the Hillsides, Volume 1 (Live) 4.75 Emeralds
• The Brilliance - Suite No. 2: World Keeps Spinning - An Antidote to Modern Anxiety 4.75 Emeralds
• Aaron Bucks - California, Volume 3 EP 4.75 Emeralds
• The Church Will Sing - The Church Will Sing, Volume 1 (Live) 4.75 Emeralds
• Colony House - Leave What's Lost Behind 4.75 Emeralds
• Eleven 22 Worship - Our God is One 4.50 Emeralds
• Keith Elgin and Friends - Songs 4.75 Emeralds
• Every Nation Music - Grace EP 4.50 Emeralds
• Allen Froese - All Things new EP 4.75 Emeralds
• Gateway Youth - Elements Ep 4.75 Emeralds
• Hulvey - Prelude EP 4.75 Emeralds
• Adam LaVerdierre - This is Revival 4.75 Emeralds
• Alexandria Levin - Amazed 4.75 Emeralds
• Matt Maher - Alive and Breathing, Volume 4 Ep 4.75 Emeralds
• Stephen McWhirter - Grave Clothes EP 4.75 Emeralds
• Red Letter Society - Live Project EP 4.75 Emeralds
• John Reuben - Greatest Christian Rapper Ever EP 4.50 Emeralds
• John Reuben - Johnny and Alonny EP 4.50 Emeralds
• Justin Rizzo - Paid it All EP 4.50 Emeralds
• Shane and Shane - The Worship Initiative, Volume 18 4.75 Emeralds
• Silent Planet - The Night God Slept Redux 4.75 Emeralds
• Tommy Walker - Songs of the Week, Volume 3 4.75 Emeralds
• Sammy Ward - Hymns Anew EP 4.75 Emeralds
• We Are Messengers - Power 4.75 Emeralds
• We Are The City - R.I.P. 4.75 Emeralds
• Tauren Wells - Citizen of heaven 4.75 Emeralds
• Rachael Winters - Say So 4.75 Emeralds

2020 is under way. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Justified In Light: The 2020 Platinum Vinyl Awards 1st Quarter - Modern Worship

Modern Worship was the winner once again. 21 entrants a triple final. Let's wrap it up.

Modern Worship

• Bethel Music - Without Words: Genesis
• Noah Cleveland - The Nashville Sessions, Volume 1 EP
• CTZN Worship - Welcome Home
• Elim Sound - Send Revival
• Every Nation Music - Seven Verse Nine
• First Free Music - Live at Black Box Theater
• ICF Worship - Fearless (Acoustic Sessions)
• Kalley - Faultlines, Volume 1 EP
• Kalley - Faultlines, Volume 2 EP
• Lifepoint Worship - Heart of Heaven
• Matt Maher - Alive and Breathing, Volume 3 EP
• The Maker and The Instrument - Instrumental Songs of Worship
• Chris McClarney - Fill This Place (Live) EP
• Brooke Nichols - Pursue EP
• One Hope Project - You
• Sovereign Grace Music - The Glorious Christ
• Upperroom - Moments: Design 004 EP
• Various - Simple Hymns: Songs of Worship
• Vive Worship - Resonance (Live)
• Worship Mob - Venture 12: Do It Again EP
• Y+YA - Beyond EP

That finishes off the 1st Quarter Wrap. On to 2020. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Justified In Light: The 2020 Platinum Vinyl Awards 1st Quarter - Pop

Break out the Bubblegum, it's Pop Music Time. This quarter was a good one for the pop tart crowd with a double finals worth of entries (that's 14 for the newbies, and perhaps Iowa Dems can count that high). Sorry, couldn't resist. Let's get to the syrup.

Pop Music

• Jared Anderson - The Whole Landscape EP
• Jeremy Benjamin - WonderLove
• Citizen Way - Love Is A Lion
• Clay Crosse - Freewill Offering EP
• For All Seasons - Side A EP
• Hollyn - Bye, Sad Girl
• Coby James - No trouble EP
• Coby James - Happier EP
• Coby James - Coby James EP
• Chuckie P - Faith Hope and Love
• Reba Rambo - Lady (Released 1976: Digital Debut)
• Courtney Ramirez - Amada en Verdad 
• Stillman - Let Go EP
• Stillman - Wherever You Are EP

Those in the know have deduced the winner. Modern Worship Wraps the Wrap with 20 entries. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Justified In Light: The 2020 Platinum Vinyl Awards 1st Quarter - Rap

Rap (and its sibling Hip-Hop) were third in the three way tie for third place in the first quarter of 2020. Two genres beat it. And when you have ten entries in a quarter and still aren't the winner, you know it's going to be a great year.

Rap/Hip-Hop

• Beacon Light - Influential EP
• Aaron Bucks - California, Volume 3
• 5ive - White Van EP
• Xay Hill - Million EP
• Manafest - This Is Not the End
• Derek Minor - Nothing But A Word ft Propaganda
• Social Club Misfits - MOOD/DOOM
• Thi'sl - STTAG
• Joey Vantes - The Season EP
• Whosoever South - Backroads and Small Towns

To me Whosoever South and Manafest are at the top of the list, but this is a pretty good mix. The Penultimate Genre is Pop Music. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Justified In Light: The 2020 Platinum Vinyl Awards 1st quarter- Hard Rock

We crank up the volume all the way past limits now. Heavy Metal and Hard Rock had a very nice showing with 10 entries this quarter. It's gonna be headbanger heaven this year.

Hard Rock/Heavy Metal

• Bloodgood - Trenches of Rock: The Metal Mission of Bloodgood
• The Devil Wears Prada - The Act
• Norma Jean - All Hail
• Nothing Left - Disconnected
• RED - The Evening Hate EP
• Saint - The Calf
• Michael Sweet - 10
• What We Do In Secret - Repose
• Wicked's End - Flood
• The World Will Burn - Nothing as Real as it seems.

This quarter has a bit of an 80's feel to it. Michael Sweet is lead for Stryper, Saint and Bloodgood were also 80's bands and The World Will Burn is a side project of Dale Thompson, lead vocalist for the 80's Metal Band (still active) Bride. Our third and final tie is Rap. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Justified In Light: The 2020 Platinum Vinyl Awards 1st Quarter - Gospel

The final set of ties is a three way tie. Gospel, Hard Rock and Rap are tied with ten entries apiece. These are only tied in the third place position however.

Gospel/R&B

• Anthony Brown and Group Therapy - 2nd Wind: Ready
• Kirk Franklin - Past and Present, Volume 1 EP
• Kirk Franklin - Past and Present, Volume 2 EP
• Travis Green - Broken Record
• Tasha Cobbs Leonard - Smile (Live)
• Donnie McClurkin - A Different Song
• Gene Moore - Nashville Sessions (Live) EP
• Noel Robinson - I Surrender 
• Kanye West - Jesus Is Born (ft Sunday Service Choir)
• Kelly Wright - The Love Train

It still seems strange typing Kanye's name in Gospel, but God does Amazing Things. Next up is Hard Rock. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Justified In Light: The 2020 Platinum Vinyl Awards 1st Quarter - Rock Music

Rock Music is next in our tie, after this is our third and final tie with 10 entries, and that one is a three way tie. Let's Rock.

Rock Music

• The Lead - Burn This Record (30th Anniversary)
• Paradise Now - Supernatural EP 
• John Schlitt - Go
• Slick Shoes - Broadcasting Live
• White Collar Sideshow - I Didn't Come Here To Die
• Zach Williams - Rescue Story

Some hard driving Rock and Roll this quarter. Next up is Gospel with 10. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Music Video Monday: Cover Me

We are going to try something a bit different at the Night Beat. Usually for Music Video Monday we play the best original music videos by artists. We have had an abundance of good cover songs recently, and some of them have made videos. We want to recognize them just like we do the "original" videos. We begin with Caitie Hurst, a rising star in the Christian Music Industry. This is her cover of Hillsong United's So Will I.

Next up we go to "my band" as I like to Call Them. The Choir has been covering a bunch of mainstream music lately, and in a lot of cases making your forget the original. They are that good at making it their own. This time they redo One Republic's 2013 hit Counting Stars.

Finally we go to my favorite lady, Amy Lee and Evanescence. They recently did a remix of Fleetwood Mac's The Chain.  I gave the original a listen, as I do with all covers, and I hated it. Way to country for my taste. Amy is in her Goth glory in this one for this version made for the Video Game Gear 5. Defiant Metal at its finest.

That does it for this version of Music Video Monday. We will be back with the original videos next time. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Justified In Light: The 2020 Platinum Vinyl Awards 1st Quarter - Live Recorded Album

Our Second tie is between Live Album and Rock Music. Both genres had 6 entries apiece. We are just starting. When we finish the numbers get much bigger. Let's get to it. No More Words.

Live Recorded Album

• First Free Music - Live at Black Box Theater 
• Tasha Cobbs Leonard - Smile (Live)
• Chris McClarney - Fill This Place (Live) EP
• Gene Moore - Nashville Sessions (Live) EP
• Slick Shoes - Broadcasting Live 
• Vive Worship - Resonance (Live)

Slick Shoes releasing their first Album 16 years and sounding as fresh as ever. Looks like Comeback Album will be making a comeback this year. Rock Music is next. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Justified In Light: The 2020 Platinum Vinyl Awards 1st Quarter - Instrumental

Instrumental Music is the second genre in our first of three ties this quarter. Let's get to it. 

Instrumental Music

• Bethel Music - Without Words: Genesis
• Dear Gravity - Sleep Scenes
• Hammock - Silencia
• Greg La Follette - Like Locked Rooms EP 
• The Maker and The Instrument - Instumental Songs of Worship

From one tie to another. Actually, we have three sets of ties one after another. The next grouping has 6 entrants each. Live Album is first. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

The 2019 Top 10 Albums: The Hard List

Continuing with our revelation of the Best Albums of 2019, I am turning up the volume. In our previous post I revealed the top 10 Soft Albums, and by that I mean Pop, Worship, Gospel and Adult Contemporary. We now go to the Hard List. Rock, Metal, Industrial, Rap. Let's get to it.

1. Wolves At The Gate - Eclipse: The Hardest on so many levels - Volume, Thrash Vocals, Subject Matter. WATG impressed me from the first time I heard them, which
   
   was VxV in 2014 and each album which has followed has showed amazing growth in both music and lyrics. Eclipse is a masterpiece telling of sin and redemption and the power of the Grace of God. These guys would be called Hyper Grace by certain Pharisees (you know who you are). "Forgiveness despite my defiance". A sermon has not been crafted that tells it better.
2. Within Temptation -  Resist: Like the soft list before it, this list seems to have gotten a 1 and 1B, one "Christian" and one "Mainstream". I came across Within Temptation due to a Best women in Metal video on Youtube and I am so glad I did. Sharon den Adel blends her Operatic Vocals with Symphonic Metal which here has the addition of Industrial and Keyboards. I love the majestic sound on songs like Endless War and In Vain. This is one temptation that you wont want to Resist. Better yet, on the Deluxe Version of this album you get the bonus of instrumental tracks, which lets you enjoy the orchestration in all its glory. Not to take away anything from the vocals.
3. Michael Sweet - Ten. Never has an album had a better title. Though the title cut actually is a reference to the Ten Commandments, it could also be the rating for the album (A Perfect 10). The tireless Stryper frontman hits you hard right from the start with his trademark high scream and screaming guitars on Better Part of Me. The intensity barely lets up, though there is time for a ballad to catch your breath.
4. Diviner - Realms of Time. Greek Metal. You wouldn't think the two would be linked, but they are. Diviner is a Metal Band in the vein of Theocracy. Very well crafted.
5. White Collar Sideshow - I Didn't Come Here To Die: The Night Beat has always had a love for industrial music back from the days of Deitiphobia and Aleixa. White Collar Sideshow blends the industrial with country into what they call Arkansas Shock and Roll. TD and Veronica Benton have crafted an album which surpasses a "Fringe" masterpiece (the style of music is on the fringes of CCM) which in my mind surpasses The WitchHunt, which was a formidable task indeed. The Bottom 5 without comments.
6. Scott Stapp - The Space Between The Shadows
7. Seventh Day Slumber - Closer To Chaos
8. Skillet - Victorious
9. Adelaide - Strong + Brave
10. NF - The Search

You know it's a packed list when you have to leave Thi'sl, Andy Hunter, and Scandroid in the Honorable Mentions list, but that is where we are this year. We are done with the top 10 Albums. I will include an EP list later on, but I have a First Quarter Wrap to complete. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Justified In Light: The 2020 Platinum Vinyl Awards 1st Quarter - Adult Contemporary

Welcome to the single genre posts of our First Quarter Wrap. Adult Contemporary met the minimum bar of 5 Entries this quarter, as did Instrumental. That begins our first tie.

Adult Contemporary/Inspirational

• Casting Crowns - New York Sessions
• London Gatch - Home EP
• Matt Maher - Allive and Breathing, Volume 2 EP
• Laura Story - I Give Up
• Bryan and Katie Torwalt - Anticipation EP 

We are off and running. Instrumental is next. I need the extra time to finish up my Best of's for 2019. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Justified In Light: The 2020 Platinum Vinyl Awards 1st Qtr - The Megapost

2020 is here, and it is time for our first wrap of the year. As always we begin with a megapost or megaposts that squeeze all the genres that contributed less than 5 entrants in a quarter. Children's Music and Remix Album had no representation this quarter. This post will cram in Compilation Album, Folk/Folk Rock, Alternative, Dance-Synthpop, and Electronic-Industrial. There are also three ties when we get to the single genre postings. You know how we love ties here at Night Beat HQ. Let's get to it.

Compilation Album

• Various Artists - Simple Hymns: Songs of Worship

Folk/Folk Rock

• The Porter's Gate - Neighbor Songs

Alternative Rock

• Northlander - Forces of Light

Dance-Synthpop

• Color Theory - Lucky Ago
• Scandroid - The Light

Electronic-Industrial

• Dear Gravity - The Pilgrimage Series: Arrival EP
• Hammock - Silencia
• Andy Hunter - Presence, Volume 4
• White Collar Sideshow - I Didn't Come Here To Die

That starts things off with a bang. Single Genre from here on, and we begin with our first tie. Adult Contemporary leads things off. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

The 2019 Top 10 Albums: The Soft List

The Time has come for our Best of (and we try to be Top 10) List. This Year an abundance of Perfect 5 Emerald Rated Albums and EP's has led to creating multiple lists. The Albums will be split into two lists. SOFT and HARD (Based on Volume, not Theological Content), and then we will have a post for the EP's on their own. We begin with the Soft List, which is basically Adult Contemporary, Pop, Soft Rock, and Synthpop. Let's get to the list.

1. Phil Keaggy and Rex Paul - Illuminations: Multiple Listens prove the location for this album. Maybe it's my musical roots, which go all the way back to the Jesus Music Era (I Officially became aware of Christian Music in the Mid 70's). He was
   
   touring with the 2nd Chapter of Acts at the time. The Greatest Of All Time. His version of Time is worth the price of purchase.
2. Lindsey Stirling - Artemis: I am unabashedly a fan of strings, and I am not to proud to admit I just recently heard of Ms. Stirling. And for that I thank Amy Lee of Evanescence for "dueting" with her on Hi-Lo and Lindsey returned the favor on this album with Love Goes on and on. This is what heaven sounds like. It's 2, but it's really 1B.
3. Wilder Woods - Wilder Woods: The Neetobreathe side project is a mix of just about everything and is a joy to listen to.
4. BeBe Winans - Need You: BeBe and CeCe Winans were the modern generation of Gospel Family the Winans for my generation. Now at 57 Benjamin (BeBe) shows no sign of slowing down. This is a rousing Gospel/R&B/Big Band Sounding Gem.
5. Whosoever South - Back Roads and Small Towns: I was skeptical when I heard a band was going to mix Country and Rap. I hate the first and am somewhat lukewarm on the second. But they forgot to tell me the country was actually Bluegrass. This third album is the best of the bunch. The Bottom 5 without comment.
6. Zach Williams - Rescue Story
7. Out of The Dust - Now More Than Ever 
8. Hillsong Worship - Awake
9. William McDowell - The Cry: A Live Worship Experience from Chattanooga 
10. Keyondra Lockett - The Heal Reloaded: The Journey Continues

Next up: The Hard List. You Rockers will love this. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Music Video Monday: Accepting All Condiments

Welcome Back to Music Video Monday. Things have been a bit erratic with MVM due to holidays, snow days, and even occasional winter blahs. So we have decided to make this an extra special version, and even lighten things up a bit. We begins with Colton Dixon, who dropped his new single Miracles last Friday. This is the Music Video for it.

Going a bit lighter, we move to Transform (aka Transform DJ's). With Rapper Sean Be, this is Jericho. Let's get the party started.

What The World needs now is more dancing condiments. Dream Records EDM artist Joel Vaughn has recognized this need and decided to fill it. I know, you didn't realize you needed it. But you didn't know you needed an iPhone either until Steve Jobs created one. I guarantee that everyone in this video had a blast. Here is Something New.

Finally, a bonus video. Actually this is a full concert video from one of my favorite musicians. Klayton is a talented Electronic Musician who records as Celldweller, Scandroid, and Circle of Dust, and has previously released albums as Argyle Park and Brainchild. He also runs his own record label. The music video was just released, although the concert is from 2010/11. Enjoy the magic of Celldweller.

That does it for this edition of Music Video Monday. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.