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Wednesday, February 1, 2017

What Blog Topics Do You Avoid? (#BOTB) (#IWSG)


         If you want a blog post that will lure in more readers then write about blogging.   This has always seemed to work for me.  The topic is an easy one for other bloggers to comment on for fairly obvious reasons.  Since titles are the first draw to a post, mentioning the word "blog" or some derivative of that word is a good way to start.  On the other hand, certain words in a title might scare off readers or make them hesitant to read any further.



          This current post is a continuation of my post for the Insecure Writer's Support Group which can be found here.   To summarize, in that post I discussed the topic of reading and writing content that I find offensive.   In the following I provide a specific example of a word (or more precisely a name) that some might find offensive or something they might want to avoid if they saw it in the title of a blog post, book, or what have you.   I've incorporated this word/name/theme into my Battle of the Bands offering for February 1st.



Battle of the Bands

   
       Battle of the Bands is the blogging event started by Far Away Series and now hosted by StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands.   This event happens twice each month on the 1st and 15th.   The premise is simple:  Listen to the songs presented below and then in the comments vote for your favorite and tell us why you liked it.  Then visit the links listed near the bottom of this post for more Battle action.


Jesus Is Coming Soon

        "Jesus is coming soon" is a controversial statement that a lot of people would prefer not to hear, while others might be excited to hear this.  It's a statement that can stir anger, fear, debate, or an icy cold shoulder.  Some people upon seeing this as a blog title or a book title or a title of anything might avoid reading it.   Even though "Jesus Is Coming Soon" is the name of the song I am using in Battle, I thought it best not to run off readers at the onset which is why I used a title that would have a bigger draw.   I may have lost some readers as they progressed through the post, but I hope you'll approach the following with an open mind since it is an oft recorded song and one that I happen to like.  Aside from the subject matter, I'm sure more than a few of you will not like the style of music since it is rather an acquired taste for those who have not been around the culture where songs of this nature are common.  Hope you stay with me and we'll see how this goes.

        The song "Jesus Is Coming Soon" that I'm featuring today was written by R.E. Winsett, songwriter/publisher from Tennessee, in 1942.  From what I've found, the song was apparently not recorded until the latter 1960's and achieved its greatest fame after appearing on the 1969 Oak Ridge Boys album It's Happening.  This album won "Album of the Year" in 1969 at the Dove Awards and the song was named "Song of the Year" as well.  In 2002, "Jesus Is Coming Soon"  and Winsett were inducted into the Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame.  Over the years the song has been recorded by numerous artists.

     
The 3 Oak Ridge Boys vinyl albums that I bought circa 1970
 and still own and enjoy (photo by Betty)


       Prior to moving to Tennessee I had never heard any Southern Gospel music to my knowledge.  It's country music with a Christian slant to it.  Often accompanied with bluegrass or country style backing, the singing involves intricate harmonizing with a "twangy" vocal style as some are fond of saying.  Initially country music was a big turn off to me, but then after my family's move to Tennessee I gained more exposure to country music as well as Southern Gospel.    

       During my high school and college years while still living with my parents, I'd watch an early morning television program that showcased videos of Southern Gospel artists singing their songs.  As my ears became more acclimated to the music I also began to appreciate it more.  The Oak Ridge Boys especially stood out for me with songs like "Jesus Is Coming Soon", "I Know", "He Did It All for Me", and "I Wish We'd All Been Ready".   Eventually I bought three albums by the Oaks which I still have in my vinyl collection (pictured above).   Since that time I've also bought some CD's of their Southern Gospel music.

        The history of the Oak Ridge Boys goes back to 1943 in Knoxville, Tennessee when they were known as Wally Fowler and the Georgia Clodhoppers.  After becoming regular performers in Oak Ridge where they were popular with the employees of the nuclear research facility, they eventually changed their name to the Oak Ridge Quartet.

          This group went through a number of personnel changes through the fifties until Wally Fowler sold the rights to the group name to a group member, Smitty Gatlin, who eventually updated the name to Oak Ridge Boys in 1961.  The group recorded a number of albums and continued to go through other personnel changes.  In the late sixties they updated their stage appearance with a more moddish rock and roll look and added covers of pop/rock hits that had positive messages alongside their gospel tunes.

         The evolution of the group continued until they were signed by the Columbia label and then later by ABC Records.  In 1977 they released their first all country album and after that they begin hitting the charts with the mainstays like "Elvira" and became country music superstars.  This is how most people think of this group though they have returned to their gospel roots to record Christian albums along with the more popular country albums

          I'm definitely partial to the Southern Gospel that first drew me to them.  The other stuff is fine, but the Gospel songs touch me the most.  Well, actually I've never listened to much of their other music other than what gets played on the radio.  As for me and my house, give me that old time religion!   Here's an early live performance of their award winning "Jesus Is Coming Soon"--please don't vote on this as I've offered it here for perspective comparison.
     
Oak Ridge Boys "Jesus Is Coming Soon" (@1970?)

For reference only!!  Please don't vote on this version!!




Here are your voting candidates:

          This was probably my toughest Battle that I've compiled yet.  The first choices that I really wanted to use showed up on Polsy as not being available in all countries.  As I searched through many more it seemed that very few versions of this song were available in all countries.  Eventually I started finding many many more versions that were available.   After much consideration of a number of good versions, I finally narrowed my contest down to the following two choices:

Blackwood Gospel Quartet  "Jesus Is Coming Soon" 
( 2009)

       This version is done in a traditional style, but the video is downright strange--one of the odder music videos that I've come across.  Not sure what's going on with this other than I guess these guys have a sense of humor.  Inappropriate considering the song topic?  I'll let you decide.  I'm also a bit confused about how this group relates to any other group as from everything that I could find they seem to be a contemporary offshoot of the old Blackwood Brothers Quartet, but the group as portrayed in this video seems to have possibly disbanded and regrouped with new members.   If anyone knows then feel free to fill us in.  It's a highly competent version of the song no matter what the case.





Dogwood "Jesus Is Coming Soon"  (1976)

      Not to be confused with the Christian punk/metal group that came about in 1993, this Dogwood was a folk/rock group that recorded and performed during the mid to late 1970's.  The group was founded by Steve Chapman (not to be confused with multi-faceted Christian music artist Steven Curtis Chapman) and his wife Annie.   Their version of "Jesus Is Coming Soon" provides a more contemporary feel a la the Seekers and other such groups.   The band name Dogwood relates to the traditional Christian legend that the Dogwood tree was used for the cross upon which Jesus was crucified.







Time To Vote!

        Maybe nuanced to those who don't listen closely, these versions provide different musical takes on the same song.  Which version do you like the best?   


        Please vote on your favorite by letting us know your choice in the comment section and tell us why you prefer the version you chose. Then after you've finished here, please visit the other blogs listed below who may or may not be participating this time around. And if you've put up your own BOTB contest let us know that as well so we can vote on yours.


Here are some other places where you might find BOTB posts:


 StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands

 ‘YOUR DAILY DOSE’ 

  'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS'

'Curious as a Cathy'

Sound of One Hand Typing

The Doglady's Den 

Angel's Bark  

Cherdo on the Flipside  

Jingle, Jangle, Jungle 
  
J. A. Scott  



Winner Announced on Wednesday February 8th

          Since voting will be open throughout the weekend, everyone should have adequate opportunity to vote. I've got a zinger of a post planned for Monday.   It will be sure to offend some as I get back into my political musings presenting a slant that might come unexpectedly to some of you.  I just want to try something different as I look at political controversy from a different perspective.

          But by all means do come back on Wednesday February 8th to see who won the above Battle along with some additional comments about the topics that I brought up with this post.

          Do you think you might have avoided this post if I had used the song title as my blog title?  What is it about religion that you feel causes many people to avoid reading about the topic?   Is there any particular style of Christian music that you especially enjoy?





60 comments:

  1. Great post as always Lee. I don't like reading "About Death" as at my age I know it is the envitable to us all.
    My vote goes to The Blackwood Gospel Quartet" because I believe that sort of song should be sung in harmony .
    Happy February to you and family.
    Yvonne.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yvonne, Death is a part of life I suppose we could say, but I understand a desire to avoid thinking about it. I'd rather postpone it for as long as I can.

      First vote goes to BGQ

      Lee

      Delete
  2. Hi,
    I listened to both groups. I know the Oak Ridge Boys music very well. I grew up with quartets music. My father loved it. So, I was looking at which group could give a fresh view of Jesus Is Coming Soon and in my opinion, Dogwood did that the best. Besides the video from Blackwood Gospel disturbed me with the man in the picture just sitting there.
    My vote: Dogwood.
    Shalom aleichem,
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat, this musical style really is old school, but it still seems to retain a popularity among certain fans. Yeah, that man in the middle is kind of strange.

      A vote for Dogwood

      Lee

      Delete
  3. Lee,
    Now about your blog post. I didn't and I don't find it offensive at all but I know people do. I have a lot to do with non-Christians and many of them know that I am a Christian. I didn't tell them I was but I have experienced that sooner or later someone will ask me about my calmness or for example, why I walk away from a group of people when they are gossiping. I tell them because I'm a Christian that believes blackening someone's else life and judging them is not what I'm all about. They are surprised. Some admire me but others don't understand why I don't accept any other way to God but through Jesus. They find it ludicrous. Yet, those same people continue to seek out my acquaintance and when they are going through a rough period in life, they will send me an email, saying hey Pat, pray for me. I guess what I am trying to say is that I don't try to convince them that Jesus is the Way. And even though the name of Jesus is offensive to some of them, when hard times come they seek me out to pray and I pray to God asking in the name of Jesus.
    Shalom aleichem,
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat, I'd agree that our example is the best way to convey our message. When people want to know what's going on they can ask without having info shoved upon them against their wish. Different people will react to the name of Jesus in different ways and I guess it's part of their experience in the past. I think you take a good approach.

      Lee

      Delete
  4. Lee, The Oak Ridge Boy singing "Jesus is Coming Soon" played in our home and I loved this song even before I surrendered my heart to Christ. It gave me hope of a brighter tomorrow someday in heaven. I enjoyed reading the history behind the TORB. I'm glad they changed their original band name to the way we know them now. Both contenders did a good job even though different. BGQ is a fabulous quartet but their vid was a bit over the top. I think if any theatrics used should depict of a joyful time. I realize everyone who meets Jesus at His coming won't be rising to greet Him in the sky and passing through the pearly gates. I found it difficult to get into their uptempo and it seemed to be they didn't convey the lyrics with the same sincerity as TORB. I like the sound of southern gospel, but this group tried to mimic it but didn't quite cut it in my opinion. I am a fan of contemporary Christian mewsic. Dogwood did an excellent job. The vocals were nice and their expression of the song was more heartfelt easily earning my vote. So, here's one for Dogwood!

    Now let me get to your questions....

    Do you think you might have avoided this post if I had used the song title as my blog title? Nope, I would've checked it out.

    What is it about religion that you feel causes many people to avoid reading about the topic? A lot of people have had bad experiences in the church of pushy believers. They mean well but sometimes the message gets lost in translation. But, honestly the best way to be a witness for Christ is to live your life where His light shines through you in every thing you do and that might warm the heart of those to seek Jesus by asking questions or for prayer. I'm not saying don't try to present the gossip but to do so gingerly and at the first sign of resistance back off because that heart isn't ready.

    Is there any particular style of Christian music that you especially enjoy? I like all kinds of Christian mewsic but I gravitate to contemporary, inspirational artists and bands.

    Thanks for waking an old memory with "Jesus is Coming Soon". My parents and grandparents often sung this song together in church. Both my daddy and maternal grandpa are/were country preachers.

    Another Sunny Cover Between Three Johns #BoTB

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    Replies
    1. Cathy, I appreciate your answers to the questions. Kind of the way I am. Glad you are familiar with the song.

      Another vote for Dogwood.

      Lee

      Delete
    2. Lee, I thought we might be on the same side of the fence of these questions. Have an excellent weekend, my friend and thank you for visiting today!

      Delete
  5. Nah, title never bothers me. Why people avoid religion is so many try and ram it down their throat, just tired of it.

    Dogwood gets the vote at my sea.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat, your reaction is similar to what many people would say. But I'm glad a controversial title doesn't scare you off from reading.

      Another vote for Dogwood.

      Lee

      Delete
  6. From my cousin Tom on Facebook:

    I liked Dogwood best. It just had better rhythm..

    A vote for Dogwood.

    Lee

    ReplyDelete
  7. Those words don't scare me at all!

    Dogwood had that folksy, 70's sound and I liked it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. L.Diane, more of a reason for hopefulness than fear, but the idea of Jesus coming is indeed scary or even annoying to some.

      A folksy vote for Dogwood

      Lee

      Delete
  8. Something dorky has happened to my browser, and I can't watch YouTube videos as is, but I'm not surprised by the title--living in the south now. Turn on Christian radio and there are quite a few interesting songs. =)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Crystal, radio isn't what it used to be anywhere I don't think, but no longer living in Tennessee I don't know what radio there is like now. Surely not like it was when I was listening back in the 60's and 70's.

      Lee

      Delete
  9. Amen! Let Him come soon.
    Both are twangy but Dogwood less so. My vote goes to them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alex, you need to try to get past that "twangy" since that's the way a lot of southerners sing as well as talk. Are there twangy talkers where you are?

      Better of two twangies is Dogwood.

      Lee

      Delete
  10. Oak Ridge Boys get my vote. I never heard them sing. Totally enjoyed them.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Em, well they weren't really in the running, but Oak Ridge Boys do the best version I think.

      Lee

      Delete
  11. Dogwood didn't have the harmonic quartet I think required for this number; BGQ had the quartet but also poor voices. And - although it should not matter - their video had zero redeeming features. Annoying, disturbing, not funny... I could go on. I'll vote Dogwood.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SBB6, the fact that they did the song in a different style is why I chose the Dogwood version. I don't know that I'd agree that BGQ had "poor" voices, but they do not come across at their best in this video. I get what you're saying about the video. I figured it might be somewhat more entertaining to the non-Christian music fans, but that group is not doing so well in this match-up.

      Another vote for Dogwood.

      Lee

      Delete
  12. Thanks for the backstory on the Oak Ridge Boys. Their original name was definitely different... As is the Blackwood Gospel Quartet's video! The skeletons in the background with the fire and then that stone-faced still guy with the sunglasses is hard to interpret. I liked their vocal harmonies but not enough to get my vote. I definitely enjoyed Dogwood's version much more so they get my vote.

    I don't listen to much Christian music but I'm not averse to it in any way. I've enjoyed Contemporary Christian and gospel music on many occasions.

    Michele at Angels Bark

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    Replies
    1. Michele, the name change was undoubtedly a wise decision. In the BGQ version I kept waiting for the guy in the sunglasses to do something, but I guess that was the part of the point that he didn't. There's a lot of Christian music of all styles that I enjoy.

      A vote for Dogwood.

      Lee

      Delete
  13. I don't think much about topics to avoid while blogging. In the past I've taken on a few that were controversial, and in one I kinda took a beating and lost a friend, or maybe he never really was a friend. Lately, I don't worry at all about avoiding topics, because I've mainly been avoiding blogging. I committed myself to an IWSG post each month and participating in the four or five WEP
    Challenges through the year, after that the Spirit would have to move me pretty far ( feel free to read - kick me in the butt-hard!) to get me to make a post.

    You want to know why? Well, I'm gonna tell you. A friend of mine had been yakking for a long time about how bored they are with all the writer blogs yakking about blogging instead of writing. I kind of took that to mean 'shut up and just write will ya.' So, I took that to heart. I have three finished novels, that need editing, Beta, comments and then the query process begun. I have a Screenplay that I want to write from a short story written years ago, and I'm currently working on a short for submission to an Anthology. I have a Short Short story in the Writers Digest contest (they will announce the winners at the end of this month). I may not be good enough to be published or win any of these contest, but darn it, I'm gonna try. Blogging isn't a bad endevour, but it became a real distraction to my writing.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. FAE, sometimes it's hard to know who to call a friend in blogging and it seems easy to lose them sometimes. Sad--it's not like talking directly to someone where you can explain what you meant if misunderstood.

      I hope you do well with the stories, but sometimes just doing them and finishing them can be a major step in the right direction. I keep thinking about entering writing contests, but then I never seem to get motivated enough to actually do it.

      I agree that blogging can be a big distraction to writing, but in my case it means I'm at least actually writing something.

      Lee

      Delete
  14. I'm not a fan of country or Christian music, although the Jerry Garcia Band has done some great covers of religious songs that I enjoy. His acoustic band does an amazing version of Swing Low Sweet Chariot that I am crazy about.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. JoJo, Jerry Garcia was definitely an eclectic musician who wasn't afraid to plain a wide range of music. A lot of bands and artists from his era performed interesting versions of traditional Christian songs.

      Lee

      Delete
  15. You're right, that Blackwood Gospel Quartet video is strange. But I liked it, and I liked their sound better than Dogwood's: the harmony adds a lot to this song. Cast my vote for the BGQ!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John, Thanks for giving the underdog in this race a bit of a boost--though it might not help much.

      A vote for BGQ.

      Lee

      Delete
  16. Love the image of you and your albums, Lee! Yeah, I might have sneaked past a title like that - I feel like religion is such a personal thing. Case in point, fire and skulls is not how I picture any kind of 'promised land' and that's why I didn't care for BGQ. Dogwood had the upbeat, hand-clapping kind of rhythm that makes you smile when you sing along. It's Dogwood for me!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diedre, I wanted to give a more personal touch to this post. My wife thought it was weird, but she graciously consented to take the photo for me.

      Yes, it looks like BGQ are performing in Hell which is contextually kind of weird.

      An upbeat vote for Dogwood.

      Lee

      Delete
  17. Really like your hat in the photo with the albums. I have albums too. And yes, I still listen to them. I liked the Dogwood version also, Lee. Thanks for sharing this with your followers. All the best to you in 2017.

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    1. Victoria, my wife doesn't like my hat even though it came from her native country of Ecuador, but to me it's kind of like a trademark image of me now. Albums are great to listen to, but my turntable is usually not set up. I really would like to remedy that situation. Someday I'm going to set it up in my writing office.

      Thanks for your vote for Dogwood.

      Lee

      Delete
  18. BGQ I liked their vocal arrangement.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Mike, that's a much needed vote...

    chalk up another for BGQ

    Lee

    ReplyDelete
  20. I liked The Oakridge Boys, but loved them as a country group. They have good vocals for gospel; but I only occasionally listen to gospel, loving it the times i do.

    Man oh man, that BGQ has some vocals! Just totally awesome. Yep, the video is just a tad weird, looks like they were just having fun. But they can sing. Hurt my ears a time or two, but in a good way. Comparatively, Dogwood was downright boring. They were good, but did not have the range or energy that BGQ did. My vote goes to Blackwood.

    As for blog titles that turn me off, yep "Jesus" is one of them. However, if I really like/respect the blogger and know he's not just trying to preach at me, I'll show up anyways, just out of curiosity. None of your blog titles turn me off because it is you - and all your controversy - putting it up.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Dolorah, I'm honored to have your confidence as a reader. Jesus in a blog title does often signify something "preachy" or maybe not particularly enlightening--the author of a piece usually will tell me a lot of what to expect.

      Sounds like you can identify and appreciate the good traditional gospel singing.

      A vote for BGQ.

      Lee

      Delete
  21. I'm not much interested in political or religious posts, but, as dolorah said, it depends who's writing them. You never offend or preach and that's a good thing. I don't know anything about gospel music but I did enjoy BGQ's vocals. They definitely have a sense of humour. Some Christians might be offended by the video. My heathen self found it amusing. Sort of a paradox - singing about Jesus from Hell. ☺ Dogwood was too countrified for my taste. Another vote for Blackwood. Love the picture; great hat!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Debbie D, I enjoy good political or religion posts when written with an intelligent informative approach. However, though I know there are many good ones, I don't read many blogs that only focus on these topics in the same way that I don't get overly excited about reading blogs solely about writing or anything else that gets repetitious.

      The boys in BGQ do seem to have a sense of humor and I have to give them some points for trying something different in their genre.

      A vote for BGQ

      Lee

      Delete
  22. This is a difficult choice! Being a child of the '70s, I like the sound of the Dogwood version the best, but like the voices of the Blackwood group better.

    I grew up listening to the Oak Ridge Boys and love all of their music! "I Wish We'd All Been Ready" goes through my mind fairly regularly. It made a huge impact on me as a young Christian girl.

    I was raised on Southern Gospel music and love it. My most favorite Southern Gospel group, and I didn't discover them until about a year and a half ago, is The Statesmen Quartet, which were the main feature of my A to Z Challenge 2016 posts. Another group, called Cityview, was wonderful, too. They were a local group when we lived back in South Carolina. I don't know what ever happened to them, but they were great.

    I had to smile at your reference "give me that old time religion!" We used to sing that in children's church all the time. We would point out people for the "if it is good enough for ?, it's good enough for me". I pointed out my mama one Sunday for that part and you would have thought I put whiskey in her Pepsi. She got so red in the face. I guess I embarrassed her, because she sure wasn't happy with me. Oh well. :)

    Thanks for the walk down memory lane, Arlee. Have a blessed week!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Suzanne, Sounds like this contest is a draw for you so I won't cast a vote either way unless you tell be to.

      The Statesmen used to be among those whose video performances I'd see on the local Knoxville TV shows. There a number of Southern Gospel shows that were broadcast back then, some that I guess were syndicated like Mull's Singing Convention which came on TV every Sunday. So much great music.

      A lot of local churches also had their own gospel quartets and many churches would host traveling groups to sing on Sundays or other nights of the week. I don't know that there are as many back in TN now, but when I visit back there I usually see at least one or a few notices of concerts being advertised at some of the old school churches. Now though it mostly seems to be the contemporary praise bands which I also enjoy.

      "I Wish We'd All Been Ready" was the song by the Oaks that prompted me to go out and buy the albums that I did. It was a contemporary pop/rock influenced song, but those more traditional songs became favorites as well.

      Thanks for adding some of your memories to this comment discussion.


      Lee

      Delete
  23. MUCH preferred the Dogwood - more musical and rhythmic - the skulls and crossbones and fire seemed at odds ... nice photo of you with all the LP's :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan S, The image of the BGQ kind of "burns" into ones memory and sways some judgement perhaps, but I was so intrigued with that video that I felt compelled to use it.

      Preference for Dogwood.d

      Lee

      Delete
  24. I have avoided blogging about politics, religion, or anything else that will attract nasty comments because I featured weekly guest bloggers and didn't want to create a mass exodus of potential guests. I'm winding down with the guest posts though, so I'm trying to figure out a new approach that will attract more visitors. It's a work in progress.

    I like gospel music, old traditional hymns, new gospel...I guess I just like music in general. In this case, I preferred the Dogwood version.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Patricia, in all I have been very fortunate to have mostly reasonable comments for my most controversial topics and they sometimes open up into good conversations which is what I've tried to achieve. I do understand your reasoning about your own blog though. Controversy can lead to consequences in regard to followers.

      I'm open to all kinds of music which I think one can see in the variety of songs I've featured on my blog over the years.

      A vote for Dogwood.

      Lee

      Delete
  25. Blackwood without a doubt; the harmonies are outstanding!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HR, BGQ does have the harmonies...

      A vote for BGQ.

      Lee

      Delete
  26. "Jesus" in a title does not offend me, and I am not the least bit ashamed of my reAlationship with Him. And, yes, it's a genuine reAlationship, and not just some faith-based hope that He exists, for Jesus has appeared and interacted with me in dreams and visions. And, no, I'm not crazy, no matter how much the atheists might wish I were.

    That said, I'm not really crazy about the song, either. It's a tad too "White Bread" for my tastes. Although it's not bad, it's not something I would ever seek out to own.

    It's a bit hard to know exactly how to take the BLACKWOOD GOSPEL QUARTET. The video appears to be a joke for a song they're not REALLY taking seriously. I don't know a thing about them, but this video makes them appear to be almost a satirical group poking fun at Christian beliefs.

    Nevertheless, I don't let videos affect my BOTB votes unless I'm specifically asked to do so by the BOTBer. And the BLACKWOOD GOSPEL QUARTET's vocals are very good (sorry, SBB-6!) and I really enjoyed the arrangement of their harmonies. Considerably more so even than the Oak Ridge Boys.

    And although I love DOGWOOD's name, I agree with Wild Thing that, by comparison, their version sounded flat and b-o-r-i-n-g.

    So, my vote goes to help the BGQ in their comeback here.

    ~ Stephen
    Check out my new blog @
    (Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...

    ReplyDelete
  27. STMcC, in a world filled with so many radical positions on all sides, I think the message of Jesus Christ should be given a radical treatment in order to get the point across. After all, Jesus is the most original and most game changing radical who ever walked this Earth.

    I agree that the quartet's vocals are pretty darn good and they keep it all true to traditional style. Listen to a few more arrangements of this song while paying close attention to the lyrics and it could start catching on more with you. But as I've said, this musical style takes some getting used to and I guess a lot of people never get to the point where they'd like it.

    A vote for BGQ.

    Lee

    ReplyDelete
  28. We generally avoid politics/religion simply because it creates more squabbles than it's worth. Most people don't want to have their minds changed or their opinions challenged, they just want to shout over everyone else about how they're right.

    Also, I'm pretty sure I don't have to tell you that nothing you post could offend us or bother us, and we'd have clicked on your post regardless of what it was called.

    As for the battle, I'm just not a huge fan of choral singing, so while BGQ is very talented, my vote definitely goes to Dogwood.

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    1. Beer, too bad that so many squabble about the things that are so important and unwilling to talk and figure them out. There is far too much shouting and too little listening. How about that Berkeley riot, eh? What happened to their "free Speech Movemnt"?

      A vote for Dogwood

      Lee

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  29. Hmmm - I too wonder why a religious sounding blog title would chase people away. I can speak for myself though and I would rather read my spiritual truths straight from one of the holy books or a notable religious authority. Also I don't expect it from you Arlee - I read your blog to because it talks about writing. And music of course.

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    1. Kalpanaa, ah, but I have often spoken of spiritual subjects and for a time even had a separate blog devoted solely to spiritual issues. True, reading direct from a source is best, but there are times when we read other views about things related to interpretation, elucidation, application, and many other issues related to what can be found in the scripture.

      Lee

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  30. Oh give me BGQ because they had fun, their voices were beautiful and worked well together and they were less country that the other ones. I am not religious and I hate it when people look at me and judge me a heathen or just ignorant because I question plus I have met many so called religious people who judge, belittle and bully but say they are god fearing folk( why should one fear God if he is so l Bing..makes no sense). I like you blog very much so I would never shy away from that title. I haven't shied away from the Trump titles so why would I do that with. Religious one...hahahaaa. I bet you will ruffle feathers this Monday and I think you enjoy it(just a little)

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    1. Birgit, I know that a lot of people feel the way you do about Christians and their faith. However, there are the decent intelligent ones who have a message worth considering. Hope you enjoy my next post and don't get overly ruffled.

      Another vote for BGQ.

      Lee

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  31. I really enjoyed Blackwood Gospel Quartet. Give my vote to them.

    ~Mary

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  32. I enjoyed both versions, but I preferred Blackwood Gospel Quartet. That kind of quirky, offbeat style is right up my alley.

    I love monastic chanting, particularly Kyries. I feel like I'm in a Medieval monastery when I listen to it. A few years ago, I also discovered a beautiful musical version of the Our Father in Georgian, "Mamao Chveno." Interestingly, the words for mother and father are flipped from what we expect in Georgian. Mama is Father, and Deda is Mother.

    I used to write about a lot of religious topics on my old Angelfire site, but not so much on my current blog. When I do, though, I try to keep it fair and balanced, and have avoided making any hot-button statements about certain fringe elements in the ultra-Orthodox world (such as men who get blurry glasses so they won't see women, and the people who throw dirty diapers and rocks at people they feel are transgressing religious laws). I have so many Orthodox friends, and could see myself officially becoming liberal Modern Orthodox someday, so why risk burning that bridge?

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    1. Carrie-Anne, those "hot button statements" sound kind of interesting as well as amusing. Blurry glasses? Now that's an odd one. That's a good reason not to let my wife buy my glasses for me.

      A vote for BGQ.

      Lee

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Go ahead and say something. Don't be afraid to speak your mind.
I normally try to respond to all comments in the comment section so please remember to check the "Email follow-up comments" box if you want to participate in the comment conversation.

For Battle of the Bands voting the "Anonymous" commenting option has been made available though this version is the least preferred. If voting using "anonymous" please include in your comment your name (first only is okay) and city you are voting from and the reason you chose the artist you did.

If you know me and want to comment but don't want to do it here, then you can send me an email @ jacksonlee51 at aol dot com.

Lee