Backmasking Number Nine: The 2018 Platinum Vinyl Awards 4th Qtr - Pop

Nine Numbers in Number Nine. Pop Music had nine entries this quarter. We get to it right away. 

Pop Music

• Austin Mark Adams - The Return EP
• Chris August - What You're Looking For EP
• Blanca - Shattered 
• Dan Bremnes - Wherever I Go EP
• Lauren Daigle - Look Up Child
• Jason Gray - The Kipper Gray Sessions EP
• Branan Murphy - Branan Murphy EP
• Nathan Sheridan - Broken With You
• Chris Tomlin - Nobody Likes Me Like You EP

3 Perfect 5 albums from one genre in a quarter. This is one tough genre. Rap is next up. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Music Video Monday: Moonracer

Welcome to an all new edition of Music Video Monday. There are no classic videos this time around, so it is an all new edition this time around. We have a couple of lady legends in the making and one guy who is definitely a legend already, both from his part in a legendary Christian Band and a legendary solo career afterwards. But, as they say, ladies first.

First up we have Sarah Reeves, who has been quite active as of late. First with an EP entitled Easy Never Needed You and now with a steady Stream of single releases. This is the video of one of those single releases Just Want You.

Next up is one of our favorite local artists, Lauren Daigle. (Actually I don't know, but we knew a family named Daigle, and they did have a daughter named Lauren, and the times might coincide, but there is no evidence the singer was born in Massachusetts. It's a nice story though). This is the video for You Say.

Our male legend is Kevin Max, formerly of the legendary Rock/Hip Hop act DC Talk. He has done very well on his own since going AWOL. This is Moonracer, which has a James Bond sounding name (That was Moonraker by the way).

That does it for this edition of Music Video Monday. We return to our 3rd Quarter Wrap. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Night Beat Rewind: October 2016

Welcome to the first edition of Night Beat Rewind for #PlatVnyl8. Eight years. It really doesn't seem that long at all. One note. Christmas Music season is now upon us. Since that is time sensitive, I will be linking those albums for purchase. All others will be held until the quarterly wrap. Let's get started. We begin with the aforesaid Christmas Music, which is not eligible for a Platinum Vinyl Award.

Christmas Music(Non-Eligible)

• Lauren Daigle - Behold: A Christmas Collection 5 Emeralds
• Amy Grant - Tennessee Christmas 4.75 Emeralds
• Jody McBrayer - Christmastime 4.50 Emeralds
• Matt Redman - These Christmas Lights 3.75 Emeralds
• Selah - Rose of Bethlehem 4.75 Emeralds
• Various - Majesty in a manger 4.25 Emeralds
• Matthew West - Unto Us: A Christmas Collection 4.25 Emeralds
• Chris Young - It Must Be Christmas 4.50 Emeralds

I won't say much about this for time and space sake. On to:

The Singles Scene

• Andale - Phenomenal 4.75 Emeralds
• MH Eternal - Flammable Kingdoms (Matthew Parker Remix) 4.75 Emeralds
• Chris Howland - Savior ft Joel Vaughn 4.75 Emeralds
• DJ Maj - What If ft Aaron Cole 4.50 Emeralds
• Puntin - L's 4.50 Emeralds
• Joel Vaughn - As You Are 4.75 Emeralds

We are loaded, so let's move right on to the albums which are left out of the pool.

Missing The Mark

• Applejaxx - Bake Sale 3.75 Emeralds
• Paul Baloche - Your Mercy 3.75 Emeralds
• Bizzle - Crowns and Crosses 3.75 Emeralds
• Poured Out - To The Point of Death 43.75 Emeralds
• Seeker - Loss 3.50 Emeralds
• Phil Wickham - Children of God: Acoustic Sessions 3.75 Emeralds

I liked the original Children of God album, but something was missing here. It was certainly not the same feel as his Singalong albums. I know what was missing, the singalong. Of course having six albums here makes me think this ship of state is still afloat. Never mind stay afloat, the following releases Rule The Seas.

Pure Platinum Perfection

• Jonathan Cain - What God Wants To Hear 5 Emeralds
• The Digital Age - Galaxies 5 Emeralds
• Disciple - Long Live The Rebels 5 Emeralds
• Nimisilla Park - Welcome to Nimisilla Park 5 Emeralds
• Ocean Calling - Quiet Magic 5 Emeralds
• Rend Collective - Campfire II: Simplicity 5 Emeralds
• Satellites and Sirens - Tanks 5 Emeralds
• Theocracy - Ghost Ship 5 Emeralds
• Jean Watson - Wonder 5 Emeralds

I really can't say much except WOW for these albums. Of course having 9 in this category would be worrisome if it were not for the 6 that missed the mark. It sort of balances itself out. Most releases are in the middle, however.

Semi-Precious Metal

• About A Mile - Trust You All The Way 4.50 Emeralds
• Audrey Assad - Inheritance Deluxe 4.75 Emeralds
• Sho Baraka - The Narrative 4.50 Emeralds
• Dez Childs - Work of Art 4.75 Emeralds
• Comrades - Lone/Gray 4.75 Emeralds
• The Devil Wears Prada - Transit Blues 4.75 Emeralds
• Consumed By Fire -  Giving Over 4.75 Emeralds
• Fit For A King - Death Grip 4.75 Emeralds
• Keith and Kristyn Getty - Facing A Task Unfinished 4.75 Emeralds
• Maria Gilpin - Giving It All EP 4.50 Emeralds
• Philip Hamrick - Getting Stronger 4.75 Emeralds
• Dead Heroes - Dead Heroes EP 4.50 Emeralds
• Hillsong - Let There Be Light (Live) 4.75 Emeralds
• Heesun Lee - Beauty For Ashes 4.75 Emeralds
• Stephen Miller - In God We Trust 4.50 Emeralds
• Derek Minor - Reflection 4.75 Emeralds
• Britt Nicole - Britt Nicole 4.50 Emeralds
• Matthew Parker - Adventure 4.75 Emeralds
• B. Reith - Heart on my sleeve 4.75 Emeralds
• Austin Stone Worship - Only Jesus 4.50 Emeralds
• Tenth Avenue North - Followers 4.75 Emeralds
• Chris Tomlin - Never Lose Sight 4.75 Emeralds   

That does it for this first Night Beat Rewind of #PlatVnyl8. Stay with us as we cover our biggest and greatest year yet. As always, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Dove Wrap: 2016 Edition - The General Field

And now, for the moment you've all been waiting for. The final of our Dove Wrap posts. There really isn't much to write about here. Only 3 awards coincide, so this will be short. When last we met we were covering the Song Predictions and their results. At that time we had gone through 10 Awards ( I did not make a pick for every category) and had gotten 4 correct. In baseball terms .400 is Holy Grail territory. Woo-Hoo. Let's see if I can keep it up.

New Artist of The Year is the first one out of the gate. I looked at the available choices (Hollyn, Jordan Feliz, Stars Go Dim, Travis Greene, and We Are Messengers) and listened to all the available products. I went with Hollyn, and the Doves went with Jordan Feliz. We are not off to a good start. (Score 4/11)

Artist of The Year is next, which usually goes to more established artists, which makes Lauren Daigle's inclusion in this list a bit of a head scratcher. But, if you are willing to look only at quality and not age or "paying ones dues", there is no question who rises to the top of this milk bottle. The Doves and I agree on Daigle. A rare meeting of the minds. (Score 5/12).

Finally, we arrive at Song of The Year. While not having a ridiculous number anymore, it has a healthy 10 entrants, which may be what winds up at a Platinum Vinyl Awards, try as we do to get down to 7. I'm not going to list them all here. Suffice it to say that when I looked at the list I felt that the cream of the crop was First by Lauren Daigle. The Dove went with Good, Good, Father by Chris Tomlin. Now I like the song, but thought Zealand Worship did a much better job at it. Final score 5/13 .385 

I'm happy with that. Hey, it's not Ted Williams, but I think it will definitely win me the Batting Title. That does it for the Doves. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

#PlatVnyl6 v #WLCMA4: The Wrap

This post is long in coming. Personally, I blame +NewReleaseToday . For the past 3 years they announced the winners during the rock and worship roadshow and made it nice and easy for us to find the results of their awards. This time they made these little videos and I totally missed it. I mean, they should have put a flashing neon sign that said Award Results Here. So a post that should have been in February or March is in July.

One more thing, I kind of got sidetracked way back in the Winter Months and did not do picks for all the categories. Instead of weaseling out of the post all together, I am going to give you my rating for the picks I made, and then make comments on the rest.

When all was said and done I pretty much made my picks only on the Album Awards, and only six of the nine in that respect. My final total was 2 of 6, or 33%. Not very good, I admit.

The Hook Award, or Pop Album of The Year, went to Science Fiction by Jonathan Thulin. Now I have nothing against the album, I did rate it a Perfect 5, except I ranked it as Alternative and not pop. Personally I picked Blanca and her self titled solo debut.

The Softlight Award, or AC/Insp Album of The Year. We agreed on this one, with both of us picking How Can It Be by Lauren Daigle.

The Prose Award, or Singer/Songwriter Album of The Year. Or as we like to call it Folk/Folk Rock. They Went with Josh Wilson and That Was Then This Is Now. I was betting on the #PlatVnyl7 potential nominee Floodplain by Sara Groves.

The Encounter Award, or Worship Album of The Year.  They went with Matt Maher and Saints and Sinners, but my pick was the #PlatVnyl6 nominee Christy Nockels and Let It Be Jesus.

The Chorus Award, or Church Based Worship Album of The Year. Personally, I think this is splitting musical hairs, but I picked #PlatVnyl6 nominee Bethel Music and We Will Not Be Shaken. NRT went with Passion Conference and Even So Come.

Finally The Hype Award, or Urban Rap Album of The Year. We Both agreed on this one as well. Uncomfortable by Andy Mineo. The album is one of my #PlatVnyl6 nominees for Rap/Hip Hop Album of The Year.

And Now, for the rest of the Categories:

• The BPM Award (Electronic/Dance)- II by Capital Kings. A very good choice, a perfect album, and a #PlatVnyl7 finalist.
• The Amp Award (Rock/Alternative)- Of Beauty and Rage by RED. Also a perfect album and a #PlatVnyl6 nominee.
• Album of The Year - Science Fiction by Jonathan Thulin. A #PlatVnyl6 nominee in the same category, so...
• Church Song of The Year - Because He Lives Amen by Matt Maher. I liked Good, Good Father Better.
• Best Collaboration - Love Feels Like Toby Mac ft DC Talk. (Pass)
• Song of The Year - The River by Jordan Feliz. I liked First by Lauren Daigle.
• Music Video of The Year - Heartbeat by Mat Kearney (Pass - I have a multi genre Video Awards. It isn't fair to comment)
• Remix of The Year - Compass (Jonathan Thulin ft Manwell Reyes) David Thulin Remix A Very Good Choice.
• Male Artist of The Year - Jonathan Thulin A good choice
• Female Artist of The Year - Lauren Daigle.  A Very good choice
• Group of The Year - Hillsong United. Please, no. I like RED
• Worship Leader of The Year - Kari Jobe A good choice
• New Artist/Group of The Year - Hollyn. A good choice
• Best Indie Artist/Group of The Year - Jimmy Needham. No. I go with JJ Heller
• Best Lead Singer - Deanna Jakoub of Veridia. Can't go wrong here
• The Next Big Thing (Undiscovered/Unsigned) - Abigail Duhon. A Good Choice
• Mainstream Impact Award - Twenty One Pilots. A very good choice
• EP of The Year - Pretty Lies by Veridia . A good choice

So on the whole I think that The +We Love Christian Music Awards is in touch with the pulse of the Christian Music Listener a whole lot more than the Doves. Until Next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Night Beat Rewind: May 2016

Sometimes when it looks like you are never going to get out ahead and a window opens up and poof. That has happened. #PlatVnyl6 nominees out, Blog Page Updated, and now the May Edition of Rewind out before June is half way over. Time to throw a party.

We begin our monthly Rewind with the songs released during the month, or as we call it

The Singles Scene

• Skillet - Feel Invincible 5 Emeralds
• Tauren Wells - Undefeated 4.50 Emeralds

If you haven't heard it already Tauren Wells is going solo. Royal Tailor has to find a new frontman. We go now to those releases which will not make the #PlatVnyl7 Pool

Missing The Mark

• Mari Burelle - Treasure 3.75 Emeralds
• Social Club Misfits - The Misfit Generation 3.75 Emeralds

Mari Burelle likes to style herself MARi, but unless you search by album you will never find it like that. Just a friendly bit of help. Our next group needs no help at all. They are

Pure Platinum Perfection

• Emery - Emery Acoustic: Live In Houston 5 Emeralds
• Rivers and Robots - The Eternal Son 5 Emeralds
• Seth and Nirva - Never Alone 5 Emeralds

One note. Emery produced an Acoustic Live EP which smashes all the preconceptions around both Live Albums and EP's. Therefore I have awarded it a full 5 Emeralds instead of the Maximum 4.75 that I normally give to EP's. Now most albums fall somewhere in between the two and we call them 

Semi-Precious Metal

• Anchor Worship - With You 4.75 Emeralds
• Tim Bowman, Jr. - Listen 4.75 Emeralds
• Eshon Burgundy - The Passover 4.75 Emeralds
• City Side Ministries - Love 4.50 Emeralds   
• Lauren Daigle - How Can It Be Deluxe 4.75 Emeralds
• Doxa Theo - Future Glory 4.50 Emeralds
• My Epic - Viscera EP 4.50 Emeralds
• Flame and Mike REAL - Revival 4.75 Emeralds
• Jason Fowler - I Fall In 4.50 Emeralds
• Gateway Worship Voices - Gateway Worship Voices 4.75 Emeralds
• Meredith Kinleigh - Beautiful Mess 4.50 Emeralds
• DJ Kirk - Awakening 4.75 Emeralds
• The Quiet Science - The Rekindling of The Stars 4.75 Emeralds
• Travis Ryan - Heartbeat (Live) 4.75 Emeralds
• Travis Ryan - Until My Voice Is Gone (Live) 4.75 Emeralds
• Micah Stampley - To The King: Vertical Worship 4.75 Emeralds
• Thrice - To Be Everywhere Is To Be Nowhere 4.50 Emeralds
• Urban Rescue - Wild Heart 4.75 Emeralds
• White Flag - White Flag 4.50 Emeralds

Well that does it folks. May is in the bag. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.     

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