If this page is not displaying correctly, please click here.  | ||
| ||
|
| Keeping You in Tune with Today's Music Wednesday, January 30, 2008
This past weekend I was finally able to catch up on the new episodes of American Idol—six hours in less than three hours time, thanks to fast-forwarding through all the commercials. Though it's already shaping up to be an intriguing competition this season, it's still too early to tell. After all, the show is still in its sideshow phase. Sigh … the sideshow. It's one of the saddest things to watch. I'm certainly not speaking about the talented contestants who give it their best shot; they know enough about responding rationally to success or failure from a tryout. And the jokers who show up dressed like Princess Leia singing the Pussycat Dolls? Well, they're just begging to be mocked on national television; I say give them what they want. No, my heart weeps for the other kind of misfit—the ones who don't know any better, consumed by the idea of becoming the next Cinderella-story superstar. These are the ones who audition without a clue that they've no sense of pitch or performance skills. They walk in yearning to become a "somebody," dreaming of leaving their lonely existence behind, only to walk out feeling like a "nobody." Their unrealistic dreams are dashed by reality. Some quick math. Each season features six cities with approximately 8,000 to 10,000 auditioning in each. Of all those, less than 200 are chosen to go to Hollywood. From there, it whittles down to 12 finalists, and then one—and only one—is declared champion. The odds of winning aren't great. Take it even further: How many American Idol winners/finalists are enjoying successful careers today? Just a couple of weeks ago, two champions (Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard) and one second-place finalist (Katharine McPhee) were dropped from their record labels due to disappointing album sales. After six seasons, I count just a handful of winners and finalists who still matter today. Let's face it—as entertaining as the show is, not many lives are radically changed by it. Yet how many tone-deaf contestants continue to walk in with delusional dreams? The thing is, it's not just Idol. Even in my own little world, I can't tell you how many e-mails I receive from people dying to change their lives and become Christian recording artists. Several have even sought me out personally, begging me to listen to their demo and give it a positive review (as if that's a guarantee for success). It isn't wrong to have hopes and dreams, but too many put their hope in the wrong place. How do we know we've put our hopes in the right place? By the affirmation of others who admire our work, and by continuing that good work … even if it never leads to stardom. And it's really all about having a humble heart driven by passion, perseverance, and a desire to serve others with the best of our God-given abilities. Anything less than that is, well, just another sad sideshow. Our site this week features an interview with Ryan Clark of hardcore metal band Demon Hunter, explaining what they're all about and why Christian heavy metal is not a paradox. We've also got a new edition of The DVD Experience, with info on recent videos from Switchfoot, MercyMe, Red, Marvin Sapp, David Phelps, Myron Butler, and more. Reviews this week include gospel from The Blind Boys of Alabama and The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir; solo projects from long-in-hiding Sarah MacIntosh (Chasing Furies) and Jesse Butterworth (Daily Planet); and a new worship series from the Portland-based Generation Unleashed youth conferences. God bless,  Russ Breimeier ChristianityToday.com To reply to this newsletter: music@christianitytoday.com advertisement
 The Blind Boys of AlabamaDown in New Orleans (Time-Life) New Orleans-styled gospel  Brooklyn Tabernacle ChoirI'll Say Yes (Integrity) Contemporary gospel  Sarah MacIntoshThe Waiters, The Watchers … (Horizon Music) Alternative pop/rock  Jesse ButterworthIlluminate - Live (Overlake Christian Church) Contemporary/modern worship  Generation UnleashedGeneration Unleashed (Maranatha! Music) Modern worship | more reviews |
Not a Safe Band That's what lead vocalist Ryan Clark says about his band Demon Hunter—but in reference to their gospel message and varied influences, not their heavy metal persona. The DVD Experience (Winter 2008) A look at recent concert video releases from the likes of Switchfoot, Myron Butler, Red, David Phelps, MercyMe, and Marvin Sapp. The Scoop Prodigal Michael English Comes Home; gospel greats unite for Grammy performance; news on the next Passion album; and more.
Catching Up With … Kathryn Scott The Irish singer/songwriter discusses the role that mentoring has played in shaping her artistry and outlook as a worship leader. The Scoop Salem Publishing discontinues CCM Magazine; Leigh Nash says Sixpence None the Richer will reunite; Third Day to play for troops in Persian Gulf; and more.
Christian Music Today Newsletter Delivered free via e-mail to subscribers each week. We encourage you to distribute this newsletter freely and ask only that you not change its contents.
Copyright © Wednesday, January 30, 2008 ChristianityToday.com, Christianity Today International
465 Gundersen Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188 All rights reserved. |
 Iron Sharpens Iron!Pastors, join your peers on the Preaching Today Blog. |
Another Time, Another Place, CD
Peace Like a River, CD
The Triptych, Special Edition CD/DVD
Live From Portland, CD/DVD
