25 Essential 80's Christian Rock + Metal Albums to Pass on to Your Children

 We here at Night Beat HQ aren't above shamelessly stealing another blog post and making it our own. Just Ideas, mind you, not actual plagiarism. In this case Loudwire published 25 Essential 80's Rock +Metal Albums to Pass on to Your Children and it got me to think, there has got to be just as many essential albums in the CCM world. Loudwire didn't do a simple 1-25, they broke things down into categories which may or may not correspond to the CCM world as some of the genres may not have existed in the 80's, as CCM is always a few years behind the times.

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  ArkAngel, Warrior (1980) Is it Rock? Is it Pop?, is it Celtic? Is it Alternative? The Greatest Musical Decade ever kicked off with an album that defied genres. Kemper Crabb, recording
  under the name of ArkAngel, used an impressive 40 instruments, of which he played 30 by
  himself. Those of us who were blessed enough to discover this progressive feat of genius knew
  that it signaled something new was on the horizon. It was the dawn of a new era, and this album was the "Morning Anthem". Like most works of genius, the CCM Industry was not ready for it and it is a collectors item going for around $300 on the internet, and that's for a reissue, not the original.
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  Randy Stonehill, Between The Glory and The Flame (1981) The most down to earth of the Big 3 of CCM (Stonehill, Phil Keaggy and Keith Green). Unlike the Godhead, this "trinity' is not 3 and 1 at the same time, but there is a Number One above this trinity. More on that later in this article. Anyway, songs which tell a story which we can all relate to, combined with songs which exhibit a certain satire or peculiar sense of humor have made fans bestow upon him the title of Uncle Randy. This album, number Five of now twenty seven. It really does say something when your backing band is also Daniel Amos. For a taste of Randy's mind, try the Songs Christine, about a TV Newscaster Crush, or the satirical Die Young.
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  Phil Keaggy, Town to Town (1981) The undisputed GOAT when it comes to guitarists. Because of his being in the CCM world, most music fans are unaware that Phil Keaggy not only belongs in the company of Eric Clapton or Carlos Santana, but may be better than both of them. Of
  course, those of us who have heard and seen Phil in person know it's not may be, but is better. There is a song about a violin and an old violinist called The Touch of the Masters Hand. For guitarists, Keaggy is the Master Musician. 46 Studio Albums, 7 live Albums, 6 compilation Albums, and 9 tribute albums. The full discography is at Wikipedia here. Of those 46 Studio Albums, 25 of them are instrumental.
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  Larry Norman, Something New Under The Son (1981) Considering Larry's first Christian Album was 1969's Upon This Rock, Larry Norman could be considered the father of the Jesus Music Era, CCM and just about everything else. Due to his prolific career as a musician, producer, and label executive, there probably isn't a person in Christian Music today who hasn't been touched by the life of Larry Norman, despite that life being tragically cut short by illness at the age of 60. Something New Under The Son is some of the best straight up blues rock you've come across, and even if you never "Watch what you're doing" you can "let the tape keep rolling".
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  Kansas, Vinyl Confessions (1982) The second album by Kansas after Kerry Livgren's conversion to Christianity and the first "Christian Kansas Album" as Livgren, Bass Player Dave Hope, and new Lead Singer John Elefante were Christians. The Christian Era of Kansas would end with Drastic Measures, after which Livgren, Hope and Elefante left the band to careers in the CCM industry. My college radio station wore out the opening track "Play The Game Tonight", though it was the closing track, the nearly seven minute "Crossfire" that so offended Steve Walsh that he had to quit as lead vocalist, to be replaced by John Elefante.
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  Barnabas, Approaching Light Speed (1983) Of the three rock bands which could get the label of female fronted, Barnabas is the only true winner as Nancy Jo Mann was the only lead singer of Barnabas, while both Sandie Brock and Wendy Kaiser shared lead vocalist duties with their husbands in Servant and Resurrection Band respectively. Barnabas was among the bands in the running for first Heavy Metal Band, but due the habit of Christian Music Record Labels to tone down the product, Barnabas sound usually came across as merely Rock, as opposed to how they may have sounded live. 
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  Petra, Not Of This World (1983) Larry Norman may be the Father of Christian Rock, but Petra is the Father of the Christian Rock Band, and is the industry's most influential. Seen as the sequel to More Power To Ya (1982), the album was the hardest rock sound in the bands history to date and
  propelled them into headliner status, where previously they were the opening act. "Bema Seat", "Blinded Eyes" and "Pied Piper" are the hardest Rocking songs on the album, but ballads like the title cut are where Petra's artistry really shines, and should not be missed. 
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  Daniel Amos (DA), Vox Humana (1984) When they weren't serving as Randy Stonehill's Backing Band the members of Daniel Amos were forging their own place in the CCM, going from a Country Rock sound which was typical of a lot of Jesus Music/70's CCM acts and beginning their first musical transformation into a New Wave Band, a style they pulled off more successfully than Servant. The third album in their Alarma Chronicles, their sound was established whether they wondered where were their rocket packs, or comparing being in love to a time when worlds collide, Terry Scott Taylor and company serve their rock up with a quirky sense of humor.
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  Sweet Comfort Band, Cutting Edge (1982) Sweet Comfort Band, known simply as SCB to their fans, was a Jazz/Fusion Band out of Riverside California, and one of the leading groups coming
  out of the Jesus Music Era. While the era was know for more of a folk music/adult contemporary sound, SCB was able to stand out and attract an audience willing to stick with them as they successfully transitioned out of Jazz and into an Album Oriented Rock style reminiscent of Styx or Kansas. Cutting Edge is the stronger of the two albums (1984's Perfect Timing being the other) that closed out the bands career. The album kicks off with the rocking Runnin' to win and closes with the hard rocking Armed and Ready, which is the source of the album title, In between is a rock journey that mixes the loud with the softer tunes such as Haven't seen You but they never take their foot of the gas as they craft a tale which is only completed with Perfect Timing, after which the band took an extended hiatus.
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  Steve Taylor, Meltdown (1984) In the Middle Ages the Court Jester was the only person in the Kings Court who was able to convey unpopular or bad news to the king without paying for it with their life. Steve Taylor was that Jester. Following up his debut EP I Want To Be A Clone
  (1983) Meltdown sets its sights on Influencers (Meltdown), Media Bias (Meat The Press), Racism (We Don't Need No Colour Code) the fragility of Childhood Idols (Hero) and even Infanticide (Baby Doe). And in 40 years the album has aged very well. 
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  Servant, Swimming In A Human Ocean (1985) A Member of the Big Three from the Jesus Music Era (Servant, Petra and Fireworks) and one of only two Jesus Music Era bands to embrace a communal lifestyle, the other being Resurrection Band. (The Two Communities were at one point established by the same people, so there is another connection). The band pioneered the use of smoke machines, flash-pots, and laser light shows to showcase their message, which brought them more criticism from the established church than the typical rock band. Songs like Power, the Dance, and Harder to Finish allowed co-lead Sandie  Brock to let out her inner Rock Chick as they finally found their signature sound. Unfortunately it was their last album.
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  AD, Art of the State (1985) Kerry Livgren's conversion to Christianity started a mini-revival at Kansas, with at one time 4 of 6 members of the band having been Christian. Amid strife and lineup changes, Kerry Livgren, Dave Hope, Warren Ham, and Michael Gleason decided to part ways with Kansas on amicable terms (Livgren and Hope have returned to Kansas on occasion to
  contribute music) and formed AD, which has obvious similarities with Kansas, but took extra care not to sound to much like their former band. The bloodlines helped the new band sound professional right from the start, though with this second album things fully gelled. Unfortunately, due to issues between CBS Records and Livgren, they disbanded after this album, although they released one additional album, entitled Reconstructions (1986) though there was not a tour to support it. A final album of previously unreleased music was released as Prime Mover in 1988 with Livgren playing all instruments and Warren Ham did all vocals. The State of The Art production known as Art Of The State is musical perfection, and picking We Are The Men, The Fury, and Progress as the hits was as easy as picking a diamond out of a field full of diamonds.
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  The Call, Reconciled (1986) What makes Christian Music? During the Jesus Music Era it was fairly simple. The songs were basic praise choruses or hymnlike in nature, just set to a somewhat contemporary beat. As the CCM era began with the Decade of the 80's, the question became a bit  murkier. As the industry moved away from worship music and started writing about the human
  experience the question arose, was a Christian Band a band that said Jesus every other word, or  did the members of the band simply had to profess Christianity. The Call was among the first bands to answer the latter, paving the way for bands like U2, Creed, Evanescence and others. "I Still Believe" cried Michael Been, and the Christians who listened to the album knew what he meant. Everyone else simply rocked to the tunes. 
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  The Choir, Diamonds and Rain (1986) As Christian Music moved from the Movement to the Industry, new styles of music were needed to fill the need. Leading the way was Atmospheric Alternative Band The Choir, which was born out of the music scene at Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa, California pastored by Rev. Chuck Smith. The Choir was one of many, including
  Crumbacher, Undercover, Altar Boys as well as Jesus Music Bands LoveSong and Daniel Amos. Derri Daugherty and Steve Hindalong sang of things that resonated in the day to day Christian experience instead of what became known as "Jesus, Jesus, Whoa, Whoa, Whoa", although the band did write "God of Wonders", one of the most popular worship songs of the early 21st Century. The Peppy "Fear only you" may have been the industry favorite, but I was always partial to "Black Cloud"
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  Stryper, To Hell With The Devil (1986) The album which started CCM's heavy metal era. though Stryper would not be CCM's first Heavy Metal Band (that honor would go to either Resurrection Band or Barnabas depending on who you ask), and this would actually be Stryper's third album,
  this is the album that put heavy metal on the map. DJ's at Christian College Radio Stations would play the title cut simply because speaking those five words would cause a stodgy Dean's head to explode, and that would be worth the purchase price. The original album cover of bare chested long haired angels casting the devil into the pit caused a minor uproar in the Christian Music World until the band agreed to Change it to a solid black album with the Stryper logo over a Pyramid.  The albums most popular song was not the title cut or any other of the screaming anthems, but the soft ballad Honestly which for a time supplanted MWS Friends as the alumni singalong song.
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  Altar Boys, Gut Level Music (1986) As Christian Music began to splinter into genres sometimes the genres began to splinter as well, such is the most simple form of life, cellular mitosis. One of those splinters was in Punk Rock. One of the new "cells" was a Thrash and Speed Metal inspired
  Punk Rock which was embodied by One Bad Pig. The other side was a California Pop Rock Punk which was defined by the Altar Boys. Gut Level Music was their third album during their supernova existence of 5 studio albums in 6 years. In an unlikely link to the Jesus Music Era, the band was signed to Alarma Records, which was established by Daniel Amos. Gut Level Music was about breaking the Word down to the people on the street, not talking about religion, but talking about God.
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  DeGarmo and Key, Streetlight (1986) Memphis Childhood friends Eddie DeGarmo and Dana Key grew up in the shadow of Graceland, so it was no surprise that as Christian Rock emerged from the Jesus Music Era into the CCM Era That the DeGarmo and Key Band (shortened to DeGarmo & Key and Popularly and Professionally abbreviated to simply D&K) found itself among the elites. Originally sporting a Blues Rock sound changing times led to a Keyboard
  Heavy Arena Rock. Streetlight was the bands eighth album and finished the transformation from a hard synthpop to full rock. Nowhere was that more evident than with their hit song Addey which appeared on 1978's debut album This Time Thru as a simple acoustic guitar driven ballad, and it was redone as a synth rock anthem. Soldier of Fortune, however was the hard rocker that pulled no punches, and was a fan favorite.
  
• Bloodgood, Bloodgood (1986) Stryper may be the King of Metal, but there are plenty of royal princes. Chief among them was Bloodgood, named for founding member and Bassist Michael
  Bloodgood. Les Carlsen led the band in a Straight ahead metal style reminiscent of Queensryche or Judas Priest. Produced by Rock Legend Darryl Mansfield, the self titled debut managed to avoid any freshman jitters, emerging as a polished work right out of the gate. "Accept the Lamb" and "Awake" are among the standout tracks.
  
• Jerusalem, Dancing on the Head of the Serpent (1987) When the average person is asked to name a Swedish Band, the answer begins and ends with ABBA, a 1970's Disco Band. The mind never goes to anything louder, certainly not as loud as Heavy Metal. And yet two Christian Metal bands were at the forefront of Christian Metal in the 80's as well as Synthpop/Synthrock band Edin-Adahl which was still a bit harder than ABBA. The two metal bands were Jerusalem, from Gothenburg, and Leviticus, from Skovde 150 miles away to the Northeast. Of the two Jerusalem, led by Ulf Christiansson, was the more prolific, releasing 10 studio albums, 8 of them in English as well as Swedish. The early albums were toned down by the industry, so you would think they're just a pop band, but beginning with this album the limits were taken off. Never mind the artwork. That alone sent the churchy Christian into a tizzy. Unashamed in their evangelism, they loudly proclaim their aim to "plunder hell, and populate Heaven", and if the reports are to believed the band followed Jesus instructions to cast out demons during their concerts. A great slap to the reputation of it being "the devil's music".
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  Mylon LeFevre and Broken Heart, Crack The Sky (1987) The Son of Southern Gospel Music legends The LeFevre's Mylon was destined for a different track once his song Without Him was purchased by none other than Elvis Presley. After a few missteps Mylon Formed Broken Heart, which released 9 albums, beginning in 1982 with Brand New Start and finishing in 1990 with Crank it Up. They were, in one sense, the perfect band to frame the decade.
  
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  Whitecross, Whitecross (1987) Heavy Metal being on the Fringes of the CCM Industry, it fell to smaller independent labels to spread the word. While that made it harder to accomplish widespread distribution, it also allowed an album to be created free of industry interference, with the result that many metal albums weren't as toned down for the masses and the difference
  between live and album were minimal. Whitecross, formed by Vocalist Scott Wenzel and Guitarist Extraordinaire Rex Carroll, the band was known for crystal clear vocals combined with guitar stylings that would make Phil Keaggy proud if he played metal.
• 
  U2, The Joshua Tree (1987) A Tale of Two Bands, or the Prince and The Pauper. Two bands signed to the same label primed to hit the big time with their latest release. U2 got the first release
  and sucked all the air out of the room, so to speak with singles such as with or with out you and I still haven't found what I'm looking for, forcing the 77's to play second fiddle.
• 
  The 77s, The 77s (1987) The Pauper in our Tale of Two Bands. Michael Roe and his bandmates had two albums to their credit on their label Exit and were primed for Mainstream Success with a simultaneous release on Island Records. The Island bump was minimal so their chance of crossover stardom was dashed. However hits such as "Do It For Love and "The Lust, The Flesh,
  The Eyes and The Pride of Life" did propel the band, at least in the CCM world, into the Greatest Rock Band of All Time.
• 
  Saint, Too Late For Living (1988) Christian Death Metal on the surface would seem to be a contradiction, as Christianity is concerned with life, and that more abundantly. However when the
  themes of your music tend to be hell, the end times, evil and the life beyond, well maybe Death Metal doesn't begin to cover it. Too late for Living, the title cut, addresses the topic of Sudden and Unexpected death, and the importance of being prepared for the unexpected and the instrumental "Returning" is worthy of any aspiring guitar hero.
•  
  
  REZ, Silence Screams (1988) Last but certainly not least on this Rawklist is REZ, or more officially Resurrection Band. They say in a marriage that Opposites Attract and nowhere is that more evident than REZ. Glenn Kaiser is a Blues Rocker and his wife Wendi is the Headbanger, and they split the songs, giving a great balance to most albums, though they do vary in intensity from time to time. Silence Screams Rocks right off the gate, as both Silence Screams (Glenn) and You Got Me Rockin' are cranked to 11 though they do slow things down for ballads like Someone Sleeps, though I doubt you'll be sleeping through it.

That concludes my list of the 25 Essential 80's Christian Rock and Metal Albums to Pass on To Your Children. As is true with any list of this kind, there are always those Honorable Mentions that just missed the cut. Kerry Livgren's Solo Album Seeds of Change (1980) was unfortunately among them, but that in no way was a snub to Livgren. After all We already had Kansas and AD on the list. Vector's Debut Album, Mannequin Virtue (1983), The Alarm's Declaration (1984), The Self Titled Debut from Idle Cure (1986) and Master's Command, the Sophomore release from Sacred Warrior rounded out our Honorable Mentions.

I think this list does a good job as being a Christian Alternative to the Mainstream list. I hope you will check out and enjoy them all, and pass them along with the others to your kids. Maybe I'm just a glutton for punishment, but doing this has made me consider doing another one for the 90's, because that is when things really started to blow up. If you want to hear the list, I've created an Essential 80's Spotify Playlist which includes most of the artists on the list, plus a number of others worthy of a spin. 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.

Night Beat Rewind: June 2018

Welcome back to another edition of Night Beat Rewind. We are back at Night Beat HQ after our Independence Day Holiday. That is the 4th of JULY to the rest of you. Yes, July. And with the end of June also ends the 3rd Quarter of #PlatVnyl9. Yes, we have only three months to go. It is partly due to how big this year has been that we are way behind on #PlatVnyl8. Partly.

We begin with those songs released during the month, or as we like to call it:

The Singles Scene

• Austin and Lindsay Adamec - Streams 4.75 Emeralds
• As I Lay Dying - My Own Grave 5 Emeralds
• Francesca Battistelli - The Breakup Song 5 Emeralds
• C Boss - Summer Fun 4.75 Emeralds
• Mack Brock - Into Dust 4.75 Emeralds
• Aaron Cole - Off My Back 4.75 Emeralds
• Color Theory - In Space No One Can Hear You Cry (Will Rock Remix) 5 Emeralds
• Emasound - I Know 5 Emeralds
• Austin French - Good Feeling 5 Emeralds
• Tom Golly - His Name Is Jesus 4.75 Emeralds
• The Gray Havens - Forever 4.75 Emeralds 
• For King and Country - Pioneers 5 Emeralds
• Edu Linares - One In A Million (ft Goshen Sai) 5 Emeralds
• Marshall Marshall - One of Us (IAIRVS DJ Remix) 5 Emeralds
• Leigh Nash - Don't Get Me Wrong 4.75 Emeralds
• North Point Inside Out - Unshakable Love ft Brett Stanfill 4.50 Emeralds
• North Point Inside Out - Changed ft Heath Balltziglier 5 Emeralds
• Sarah Reeves - Easy 4.75 Emeralds
• V.Rose - S.O.S. 4.75 Emeralds
• Jay Sanon - Swerve Off 4.50 Emeralds
• Scandroid - Red Planet 4.75 Emeralds
• Tony Tillman - Tryna Get It ft Byron Juane 4.25 Emeralds 

On to the albums. We have a critical ear here at Night Beat HQ. We don't just hand out 5 Emerald ratings like candy, though you may wonder in just a moment. These are the releases that don't make the cut.

Missing The Mark

• Antioch Live - History's Anthem 4.25 Emeralds
• Xay Hill - Red Ranger, Part 2 3.75 Emeralds
• John Mark McMillan - The Mercury Sessions 4.25 Emeralds
• Nobigdy - Solar 3.75 Emeralds
• Peabod - Healthy Snacks 3.50 Emeralds
• Corey Wise - 4 Ever is Now 4.25 Emeralds

Now to the perfect albums. The Candy Man Can.

Pure Platinum Perception

• Chris August - Seasons 5 Emeralds
• The Choir - Bloodshot 5 Emeralds
• God's Chosen - God's Chosen 5 Emeralds
• Hillsong Young and Free - III 5 Emeralds
• Jeremy Johnson - Legendary 5 Emeralds
• Kevin Max - AWOL 5 Emeralds
• Chris McClarney - Breakthrough (Live) 5 Emeralds
• Jasmine Murray - Fearless 5 Emeralds
• Plumb - Beautifully Broken (Remixes) 5 Emeralds
• Somniscape - Calm, Volume 1 5 Emeralds

10 Perfect albums in a month. Talk about candy store. Though a 6/10 ratio is fairly balanced, though slightly sugary. The big amount, as usual, is in the middle.

Semi-Precious Metal

• Amman/Josh - Pieces EP 4.75 Emeralds 
• Marqus Anthony - Walking By My Faith: Through The Storm EP 4.75 Emeralds
• Cory Ard - The Blackout 4.75 Emeralds
• Jonathan Cain - The Songs You Leave Behind 4.75 Emeralds
• Circle of Dust - alt_machines 4.75 Emeralds
• John DeGroff - Salt 4.75 Emeralds
• Jonny Diaz - Sweetness and Sorrow EP 4.75 Emeralds
• Enterline - Kingdoms 4.75 Emeralds
• Fades Away - Resurrection, Part 1 EP 4.50 Emeralds
• Heartsound - Heart Sound: Live From Vineyard Boise 4.75 Emeralds
• Here Be Lions - Only a Holy God 4.75 Emeralds
• Highland Worship - Vol 2: Jesus You Alone EP 4.50 Emeralds
• Impending Doom - The Sin and Doom Volume 2 4.75 Emeralds
• Javen - Grace 4.75 Emeralds
• Lecrae - Let The Trap Say Amen 4.50 Emeralds
• Lexi - Just Listen 4.50 Emeralds
• Kevin Max - AWOL Deluxe Demo Sampler EP 4.75 Emeralds
• Steven Malcolm - The Second City, Part 2 4.75 Emeralds
• Owl City - Cinematic 4.75 Emeralds
• Teresa Peterson - Faithful EP 4.50 Emeralds
• Plumb - Beautifully Broken 4.75 Emeralds
• Sareem Poems - Mind Over Matter 4.75 Emeralds
• Prafitz - Nazarene Movements EP 4.75 Emeralds
• Leon Timbo and Northern Lights United - Invitation to Worship, Volume 1 4.75 Emeralds
• United Pursuit Band - Garden 4.50 Emeralds
• Joey Vantes - The Vantes Project III 4.75 Emeralds

What a month. A great way to close a quarter. The 4th Quarter Awaits. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply

Music Video Monday: Resurrection

Welcome to an all new edition of Music Video Monday. Christian music is all about the resurrection. And forgiveness and redemption. All three things are involved in this edition of Music Video Monday.

We begin with another Choir Video. A lyric video isn't what they used to be these days. Now there isn't much of a difference between a lyric and a regular music video. from Bloodshot this is the lyric video for The Time Has Come.

Next up we have Owl City. The band has released Cinematic this month, and it is an interesting Pop/Dance mix. It is a good example of stretching professionally. This is the video for Lucid Dream.

Finally the resurrection part. There was a metalcore by the name of As I Lay Dying which soared to the top of Night Beat Rankings. And then one of their members was convicted of attempting to hire a hit man to kill his wife. The attempt failed because the hitman was an undercover cop. The band member went to jail. The band broke up and was resurrected as Wovenwar. Two albums were released. Jail sentence over, the member has asked for forgiveness for things said in jail, forgiveness is given and the band is reunited. This is As I Lay Dying, Part Deux, and My Own Grave.
That does it for this edition of Music Video Monday. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Music Video Monday: Californians On Ice

Welcome Back to the long forsaken Music Video Monday. Can you believe it was March the last time we were together in this format (March 12 to be exact). We are back, hopefully for good. Let's start the videos.

First up we have For King and Country (Joel and Luke Smallbone, brothers of Rebecca St. James).  This is the music video for Joy. 
Next up we go Metal. The Lamb and The Lion are not yet playing together, but we seem to be in the Millennial Reign. From their new album The Great Divide, this is Break The Tide.
Finally June began with a somewhat surprise release by Alternative Pioneers The Choir. There has been so much discussion about the 25th Anniversary of Kissers and Killers and the 30th Anniversary of Chase The Kangaroo. With so much on the table it is easy to miss the new release of Bloodshot. This is the lyric video for Californians on Ice (an unmitigated disaster). I think they have been taking lessons from Steve Taylor in sarcasm.

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

What does it take to be a legend?

A legend in Christian Music (or perhaps Music in General) shouldn't be easy to attain. It should be more than a Rock God. Of course that doesn't mean that it is an unattainable goal. All it means is it can't be attained by just starting a band, though that is the first step in the process. I think there are three main ingredients.

• Longevity: Time to the 10 cent dictionary crowd. You can't be a legend if you quit after a few years. Still, even if you are around for 5o years, that doesn't automatically guarantee legendary status.
• Popularity: To be a legend, people have to know you. That is a cruel fact but such is the case. A band can go on forever in obscurity and they will never become legendary except for the few fans that love them. So Much for ArkAngel.
• Influence: Plainly put, the music scene had to change after their arrival. Perceptibly. It goes beyond we would miss them if they weren't here. You can tell they are a legend either through the number of their "disciples" (copycats) or the fact that they changed or introduced a sound into the scene

Well that pretty much sums it up.  I have selected a baker`s dozen of bands which I consider to be legendary. 2nd Chapter of Acts, AD, The Choir, DC Talk, Iona, Jars of Clay, Phil Keaggy, Petra, REZ, Servant, Randy Stonehill, Stryper, and WWMT (aka The Tribe or World Wide Message Tribe). I have omitted what I would call Legends in the making. If you can think of any more let me know by commenting here, or at Twitter, Facebook, Or Google+, and give me your nominee. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Music Video Monday: Blankets of Night in a Hammock

Welcome back to our regularly scheduled edition of Music Video Monday, where we share the best music videos in CCM, and a bunch that skipped their notice. We are going to start off today with one of those bands that get skipped. It almost skipped my notice as well, except I have sources.  Of course sometimes things come in down to the wire and force a rewrite, and a missed deadline. Such is the case this week. Anyway, as to the band. Their name is Hammock, and it is a two piece electronic effort. One of The two members is Marc Byrd. Now Marc is married to Christine Glass and they released an album together under the name of Glassbyrd. He also has ties to The Choir and was part of the Alt/Rock Effort Common Children. So needless to say the bonafides are there. Hammock released Everything and Nothing back on April 1. This video is Blankets of Night from the 2015 Remastered Kenotic.
Next up is Fearless BND, or the Band Formerly Known as Worth Dying For. Sorry for the Prince reference, but I couldn't resist. They have been putting out a lot of singles lately in anticipation of an album, and some videos have come down the pike as well. This is Jump Around.
And finally we go on to Sara Groves and Signal.
That is all for this belated edition of Music Video Monday. We will be on time Next Week. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.  

Rising Beats: The 2014 Third Quarter - Alternative

Continuing with our announcing of the Third Quarter of 2014 Pool Eligible releases.  Our next grouping almost doubles the entries of our last group. Alternative had nine entries, which would make it a finals by itself. It is not the big winner. It tied with pop for entries and is surpassed by four other genres. (Did you think I was going to make it easy on you).

Alternative Rock

• Artifex Pereo - Time in Place
• The Choir - Shadow Weaver
• Cor Captis - Hello Someday - EP
• Crowder - Neon Steeple
• The Ember Days - Live
• The Museum - What We Stand For
• New Empire - In a Breath
• Page CXVI - Good Friday to Easter
• The Remission Flow - Rhythms of Grace

Legends (The Choir), Soon to Be Legends (The Ember Days) and newbies (Artifex Pereo) fill the ranks. A good mix to have in an award show. We move on to our next category, tied with nine entries as well. Pop is next. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Night Beat Rewind: April 2014

Yes, that's not a typo. It is almost June and I am just posting the April releases. #PlatVnyl4 has wreaked havoc on the day to day operations here. Let's get right to it and not waste any more time. We begin, as always, with those albums which will not get a nomination to #PlatVny5. These are

Missing The Mark

• ALC Worship - We are Calling 3.75 Emeralds
• Paul Baloche - Live 3.50 Emeralds
• Close Your Eyes - Prepackaged Hope 3.75 Emeralds
• Difference United - New Day 3.75 Emeralds
• Erica Lane - Take your Burdens Down 3.75 Emeralds
• Mercy Me - Welcome To The New - 3.75 Emeralds
• Passion - Take It All 3.75 Emeralds
• Reformers - Abolish 3.50 Emeralds
• Doug Shae - Kingdom Bridges 3.25 Emeralds

Of the above listed releases, while all pretty much just missed the nomination pool, I would have to say I am most disappointed in two releases. First of all, Passion Conference. They still have an awesome mix of artists, but this time the energy is gone. They just mailed it in. At least Close Your Eyes admits it. Hope isn't all that was prepackaged. There isn't a Carry You in this mix.

From the flawed to the perfect. There were three albums which soared above the rest. These are they which are

Pure Platinum Perfection

• The Choir - Shadow Weaver 5 Emeralds
• Anthony Evans - Real Life, Real Worship 5 Emeralds
• The Remission Flow - Rhythms of Grace 5 Emeralds

The Choir just keeps chugging along and creating great work. I hope they never retire. Now, we finish with those in the middle, as it were, the

Semi-Precious Metal

• Jessa Anderson - Whole 4.75 Emeralds
• August Burns Red - Thrill Seekers Vinyl 4.50 Emeralds
• Francesca Battistelli - If We're Honest 4.75 Emeralds
• Bethel Music - You Make Me Brave (Live) 4.75 Emeralds
• Jonny Diaz - Let It Fly 4.50 Emeralds
• Difference United - New Day Remixes 4.50 Emeralds
• Andrew Ehrenzeller - Children of Promise 4.75 Emeralds
• Elevation Worship - Raised to Life 4.50 Emeralds
• Kristen Giles - Parker's Mercy Brigade 4.75 Emeralds
• Headz Up FM - Christian Hip Hop 2014 4.50 Emeralds
• JJ Heller - I Dream of You 4.75 Emeralds
• His Kidz United - His Kidz Volume 1 4.50 Emeralds
• Jonah 33 - Dead Man Walking 4.75 Emeralds
• Chad Jones - Keep Up 4.50 Emeralds
• Stellar Kart - Frozen 4.25 Emeralds
• Shawn McDonald - Brave 4.75 Emeralds
• Mikeschair - All or Nothing 4.50 Emeralds
• Sherri Jones-Moffett - Power and Authority (Live) 4.75 Emeralds
• Needtobreathe - Rivers In The Wasteland 4.75 Emeralds
• New Empire - In A Breath 4.50 Emeralds
• Onething Live - Sing Your Praises 4.75 Emeralds 
• Page CXVI - Good Friday to Easter 4.75 Emeralds
• Propaganda - Crimson Cord 4.75 Emeralds
• Cindy Cruse Ratcliff - Heaven Raining Down 4.50 Emeralds
• Red - Release The Panic Recalibrated Edition 4.50 Emeralds
• Social Club - Misfits 2 4.50 Emeralds
• Sons of Life - We Will Fly 4.75 Emeralds
• Da T.R.U.T.H. - Heart Beat 4.50 Emeralds
• Unspoken - Unspoken 4.50 Emeralds
• Various Artists - Songs 4 Worship: Worship Classics 4.50 Emeralds
• Paul Wilbur - Ultimate Collection 4.50 Emeralds
• Phil Wickham - The Ascension (Deluxe) 4.50 Emeralds

Singles

• Brad and Rebekah - The Heart of The Father 4.75 Emeralds
• Citizens - You Brought Me Back To Life 4.75 Emeralds
• Guardian - Paranoia Kills 4.75 Emeralds
• George Hilman - Sing To The Lord 3.75 Emeralds
• Kaleidoscope - Every Tomorrow 4.50 Emeralds
• Owl City - Beautiful Times 4.50 Emeralds
• Frank Palangi - Hope 3.75 Emeralds
• Kerrie Roberts - Come Back To Life 4.50 Emeralds

Yeah!! Finally done with April. The struggles of a one man operation. Hopefully I can get May in before June. That would be sweet. Until Next Time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Unwrapping The Christmas (Jewel) Box

As in Christmas Music, folks. Since Orthodox Christmas is on January 7, I figure I still have got a little time to share my favorite Christmas Tunes from this season. Since there were a bunch of holiday releases, I have decided to keep it to 4.75 or 5 Emeralds. I will begin with those that are

Wise-Men Approved

• CL Carr - Miracle On Christmas 5 Emeralds
• Falling Up - Silver City 5 Emeralds
• Future of Forestry - Advent Christmas EP, Vol. 3 5 Emeralds
• The Robertsons - Duck The Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas 5 Emeralds
• John Schlitt - The Christmas Project 5 Emeralds

And now the ones that just short of wowed me, or

Semi-Precious Glitter

• Dave Barnes - A December to Remember 4.75 Emeralds
• Jonathan Butler - Merry Christmas to You 4.75 Emeralds
• The Choir - Peace, Love and Light 4.75 Emeralds
• For King and Country - Into The Silent Night | The EP 4.75 Emeralds
• David Ian - Vintage Christmas Wonderland 4.75 Emeralds
• Mannheim Steamroller - Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Symphony II   4.75 Emeralds
• Marvin Sapp - Christmas Card 4.75 Emeralds

Last time around I didn't like Mannheim Steamrollers release, which is a rarity. While I love the electronics most times, this live symphony version works. Face it, for all the bells and whistles, Mannheim Steamroller is a Prog-Rock outfit, and bands like them and Iona just love working with Symphonies. It works big time.

The Unwrapping is complete. Order through the links and support The Night Beat at the same time. Happy New Year. I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Burning Like The Midnight Sun

I'm going back into the archives on this one, Folks. There aren't many times that I will reach back two years to do a review, but this is a special case.

First a little backstory. Soon after this blog was started I decided to come up with my own Music Awards, which I entitled the Platinum Vinyl Awards. We are now in the process of winding up the eligibility for our THIRD YEAR. And since the reach of this blog continues to grow, it wont be long before I dethrone the Doves (Waa-ha-ha).

Burning Like The Midnight Sun wreaked havok on the judging at the Inaugural Award Ceremony. It caused a split award, and there were two alternative winners, Vessels by Ivoryline shared the honors. It's release in 2010 marked the end of a five year hiatus by the band. Their previous release had been 2005's O How The Mighty Have Fallen.

The band starts right off with the title cut, somewhat unconventional in the biz, but of course, there is nothing conventional about The Choir in the first place. (By the way, I did a totally unscientific and random survey from my CD Collection. Of 10 Albums Picked at Random which had a Title Cut, the average was track 4 for the location of a title cut. You have to love the words of this song, however, which in a way is a defiant, anti-retirement song.

I'm not goin' down behind the mountain, I'm Never gonna fade away. I'm burnin' like the midnight sun. I'm not gonna sink into the ocean. Baby I'm here to stay. I'm burning' like the midnight sun. Burnin' like the midnight sun. I'm not going down.

Here's the song, via soundcloud
Of course the trademark of all songs by The Choir is what I call melodic guitar. Derri Daugherty plays his guitar with such a high key that you "hear" the guitar, where it usually just blends in to the music with other bands. It is a truly ethereal experience.

In addition to the title cut, the Daugherty and company tackle topics as diverse as Lost Love (That Melancholy Ghost), The TSA (Mr. Chandler), Death (A Friend So Kind), Christian Love (The Word Inside The Word and It Should Have Been Obvious) and a haunting ballad on Growing Up, done with little more than a pounding Piano and triangle, entitled Say Goodbye to Neverland.

There seems to be a need to issue a warning for everything, and there is somewhat of a need here. Though there is no language parental advisory, as this is a Christian Band, these guys are not ashamed to admit that they enjoy a fine cigar from time to time. For example, in Mr. Chandler, which recounts a ticketing snafu at an airport, they recount that after their ordeal, they "fired up four smokey treats". Also, in a Friend So Kind, their view of heaven is that their friend is "Forever smoking fine cigars at the table of the Lord". Not your average Christian View, and I like it.

When it originally came out I was unable to preview the entire album and so I passed it along on the basis of 30 second bites. Now that I have it I am not ashamed to say that this was worthy of winning, and should be given a 5 Emerald Rating for 2010. It is a must have album in your collection if you are a fan of real alternative music. As always, I hope you will click through the links and buy through Amazon and support The Night Beat at the same time.

If you read my recent announcement, you know that Flashback Friday will be on hiatus for August. I will return with the column after the Labor Day Holiday. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.