BUCKET LISTS, MUSIC YOU CAN HEAR IN HEAVEN, AND OTHER SPECULATIONS

The Plains of Heaven by John Martin

 "Nacho, nacho man; I want to be a nacho man!"

Or is "mocha man" a more accurate description of me?

I'll confess: Seeing the Village People live would be on my bucket list, though it would be lower on the list. Hearing the Daniel Band and Idle Cure and Little River Band would all be higher on the list. So would hearing several classical compositions performed live, such as Mendelssohn's Reformation and Lobesang (Hymn of Praise) symphonies, Tchaikowski's Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture, Bruckner's Romantic Symphony and his Te Deum, Wagner's Flying Dutchman Overture, and of course my favorite symphony: Beethoven's 7th.

However, Russell Moore pointed out the philosophical problems with bucket lists for Christians. It presupposes that there are things on this earth that we'll miss out on if we don't see them before going to heaven. After all, isn't heaven so much more wonderful than anything here? If we missed something on earth, won't there be something even better in heaven? By the way, Moore did suggest that you visit the pyramids if you want to see them, because Scripture hints they may not be around during the Kingdom.

Now, I would love to see the Village People in heaven. Did you understand what I just wrote? First off, I'd like to see them (and everybody else) there; I don't want anybody going to the other place (though I do believe that other place exists and those who continue in their treasonous sin without turning to God for forgiveness through Christ's sufficient and completed sacrifice). That said, I'd also love to hear them perform, though I think the songs they'd do in concert in the Kingdom would not include the hits they're known for down here (I'll admit I'd love to hear "In The Navy" live).

I do know some of Little River Band are Christians, so I would not be surprised to get to hear them perform. I do know I can meet the members of Daniel Band and Idle Cure; the question is if there will be electric guitars in the kingdom, or if all the sets would be unplugged.

Of course, orchestras are already unplugged. I would not be surprised to see Mendelssohn direct the two symphonies mentioned above, and maybe have him do a duet with Charles Wesley on "Hark The Herald Angels Sing." Same is true with Bruckner conducting his "Te Deum" (Latin for "Thee, O God, We Praise).

But what about the others? I have no idea of Tchaikowski's faith. Wagner, however, inspired some of Hitler's beliefs. Beethoven on his death bed heard lightning and sat up shaking his fist at heaven. Would their music be played in the Kingdom? After all, even if they weren't among the saints, their music was at worst neutral and at best causing the listeners to praise God for allowing that music to be composed.

And so I go into territory that I believe the Bible is silent and there is no evidence on one side or the other except to be grounds for theological/philosophical discussion. I am blessed by the beauty of the works I mentioned. Same is true with the theme of Chariots of Fire. Due to the story of Eric Liddell, Christians love that song. But composer Vangelis dedicated that theme to the Greek god Pan.

The question? Would music composed by unbelievers but beloved for its beauty be performed in heaven? I mean, Mendelssohn or Bach would be able to conduct that music. Or will any memory of unsaved performers be destroyed, including their musical masterpieces?

What are you looking at me for? Do you think I have the answer? None any better than yours. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

DOES LIFE BEGIN AT 40 FOR MY FAVORITE ALBUMS?

Something hit me. In one of the Facebook Groups I'm in - The Daniel Band, for those who are curious - I saw a T-shirt pointing out this year is the 40th anniversary of the release of their debut album "On Rock."

I haven't paid as much attention as I should, I guess, to anniversaries of favorite albums - particularly, the Christian albums. In fact, some Larry Norman albums have hit the half-century mark (since I'm not a Larry fan, I missed it); Some of my other favorites (e.g. "With Footnotes" by 2nd Chapter of Acts and "What A Day" by Phil Keaggy) are closing in on that mark.

However, one thing about 1982 is that it stands out as having plenty of great albums. For example, an '82 LP not on my list of favorites happens to be the first gold record in CCM: "Age to Age" by Amy Grant. Some will say there are other albums that deserve to be on my list, and I won't argue except to say, "They're not my favorites." 

I also heard several great groups in concert, and I'm including them as well, mainly because most had not released an album. So allow me to give them in alphabetic order.

1. Anthem the Rock Band "Cuttin'Thru'". Great hard rock album (what would you expect from a group that identifies itself as "the Rock Band?") Many great songs on the project: "Cheap Thrill", "Free You," "Winners," "Don't Be Deceived" (a great song based on Galatians 6:1-8), and "Morning Star."
    
2. Daniel Band, "On Rock" (cover above). Another metal project. I heard them on the radio in '81, when Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa aired their live concerts on KYMS. At that time, I thought they were too hard for me. My mind changed hearing them a year later with songs like "He's The Creator," "I'm Sorry," "Free From Sin," "Undercover Christian" (with a killer keyboard intro), "Never Again," and "Spiritual Game" (a song that desperately needs someone to cover it and get it heard again!).
   
   
    
3. Joe English, "Held Accountable". Before becoming a Christian, Joe English played drums for a group you might have heard of - does "Paul McCartney and Wings" sound familiar? Joe released some great Christian music, and this is an example, starting with "Best Thing", ending with "The Best Is Yet To Come", and great songs in between such as "We Live When We Die," "First Love," "Voice Of Triumph," "Wake Up," and the awesome jam "Thief in the Night." Note - part of Joe's band was a keyboardist who also did some singing who later joined some obscure band called "Petra" - have you ever heard of John Lawry?
   
   
4. Farrell & Farrell, "Let The Whole World Know." A year previously, I went on a date (before I met Becky) to a music night at Knott's Berry Farm. One group she wanted to hear was Farrell & Farrell. I didn't have much of an impression before the concert; after the concert, I was a definite fan. And I enjoyed their live album (even though it was, unlike a lot of live albums, only one page). It included great songs like "All You Need" (look that song up on You Tube if you never heard it; definitely an unforgettable, though dated, song), "Boundless Love", "Make Me Ready," "Homesick Soldier," and the title track. In addition, two songs - "No Need" and "You Keep Me Holding On" were both superior to the studio version.
   
   
   
   
5. Richie Furay, "Seasons of Change." Some of you may recognize the name of the former member of the bands Poco and Buffalo Springfield. Now, he's a pastor. The pastor's heart is reflected in this project on songs like the title track, "Hallelujah," "Endless Flight," "My Lord and My God," "Rise Up, "For The Prize," and "Through It All."
    
6. Gabriel Band. This band formed, performed several times (including at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa), and disbanded in one year, but they are still one of my favorite bands. A reason for their disbanding was the music was so good it distracted from the lyrics. It included vocalist Ken Riley and guitarist Doug Doyle (who formed Common Bond), as well as keyboardist Pete Lomakin who later joined Idle Cure. You'll probably never get to hear songs like "He Is Lord," "The Step," "Shine The Light," "The Crusade Song", "Undercover Christian," "Spare Time," "Stand and Deliver" (where yours truly made a small contribution to the lyrics), "Share His Love," and "Stand on His Promise."
   
   
   
7. Jeff Johnson and Sandy Simpson, "Through the Door." Definitely one of the most unique albums in Christian music history, let alone 1982 (in case the cover isn't a clue). The artists take turns singing on this concept album with songs like "The Golden Key," "Stuck On Mars" (with a clever ending fitting for vinyl days about getting stuck), "The Jupiter Effect," "Someday, Sunday," and "Winding Road."
   
   
   
   
   
8. Malcolm & the Mirrors, "Red Alert." Some of you may ask if this refers to Malcolm Wild of Malcolm Alwyn, and you're right. The music has nothing in common. Good alternative project with songs like the title track, "Gotta Give," "Paint Your Windows Right," "Where Did All The Love Go," "Can't Live Without Him" (previously released on the compilation project "Back To The Rock"), "She's Gonna Go Through Changes," "Love Your Love," "Look Up! (His Coming Is Near)," and "Alright By Me."
   
   
   
   
9. Michael and Stormie Omartian, "Mainstream." Michael is a well known producer (including the Imperials, Debbie Boone, Benny Hester, Steve Camp, Rod Stewart, and Donna Summer among others) and loaned his keyboard skills to artists like 2nd Chapter of Acts. I had the honor of hearing them at a Knotts music festival, where they shared the stage with Sheila Walsh, Phil Keaggy, and Isaac Air Freight. The great songs include the title track, "The Calling," "Man Out Of Time," "Praise His Name and See It Happen," "Give It Up" (one song that always brings a smile to my face), "Believing In The Best For You," and "It Is Done."
    
10. Omega Band. I heard them over the air twice that year on KYMS, the first time opening for Sweet Comfort Band, and later for Undercover. I only know five songs by them, but four of them were great: "Heroes Always Die," "Gambling Man," "Right On Time," and "Jesus Is Lord."
     
11. Sonsong. Becky and I went to hear Benny Hester at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, and Sonsong opened for him. After the concert, it was "Benny who?" Again, a list of songs you'll never hear (unless they're performing in the Kingdom), but they had songs like "Without Faith," "You Got To Trust Him With Your Life," "Ostensible Christian," "Jonah," "Rich Christians" and "Two Eyes."
    
    
    
12. Tamarack. Unique entry here. They had released an album the previous year, two of the songs also appearing on the above mentioned "Back To The Rock" compilation, including the awesome "Here I Am." On the album, the six piece band included three vocalists: keyboardist Rob Watson, Cathy Spurr (her husband Dave also played drums) and Debbie McNeil. When I heard them a year after the album's release, Rob was gone, and the new keyboardist didn't do vocals. When they performed, they only did one song from their LP, "High Horse" (written by awesome guitarist Wayne Brasel). Later, I guess the group broke up and the Spurrs and McNeil reformed as "Spurr McNeil" and released a song called "Wounded Healer" - they performed that song.
     
13. Tobias. I also heard them at Hart Park in California (Undercover, Tamarack, and Gabriel Band also played there that summer). Again no album, so you won't get to here great songs like "Who Do You Think Made The World," "Split," and "The Lord's Reign."
    
    
    
    
14. Undercover (self-titled). What can you say about an album where the first song has a chorus saying, "You'll have to excuse us, we're in love with Jesus?" This is actually my favorite project by them, which follow "Excuse Us" with great alternative tunes like "Heal Me," "Francine," "Turn Your Head," "It's Official," "Look It Up," "Daddy-O," "Stop," "He's In Love With You," and "He Gives We Have."
    
    
    
    
15. Sheila Walsh, "Future Eyes." Another album that blew me away. On it was songs like the title track, "Here With Me," "Burn On" (the only song from this project that was on her greatest hits, far from the only song that deserved it), "Love In My Life," "You're So Important To Me," "Fear Of Silence", and "Mona Lisa." (I heard her in concert five times, and the last two songs were never performed; still awesome songs).

Did you enjoy that? Maybe you can look forward to next year's 40th birthday crowd!

INTERVIEW WITH GOTHDAD OF SILENT WITNESS RADIO

Jeff (aka Gothdad) of Silent Witness Radio. For those curious about Gothdad's T-shirt, Les Carlsen is the lead singer of Christian metal band Bloodgood.)

The other day, I noticed a playlist for Silent Witness Radio posted in one of the FB groups I'm in (Female Christian Rock and Metal). I was excited to see a couple of my favorite bands on that list (which I'll refer to in the interview). So I thought about interviewing the program, and am honored to interview Jeff (aka Gothdad). 

JR: Welcome to my blog. What are the origins of Silent Witness Radio? When did you get started, and who all is a part of this ministry? Is it on a local station, or is it available on-line (or both)? 

GD: Silent Witness Radio started as an idea from a high-school kid (Chris Stamper) in 1987, since there was a total lack of Christian rock and metal airplay on Christian radio in the greater Cincinnati, Ohio area at the time (there's a long story behind that, but I won't bore you with that at the moment).  He found out that the local community radio station WAIF 88.3 FM had an open time slot, and he submitted a proposal for the show.  He won that time slot (Thursdays 2 – 5 AM), and the show was set to begin in December of 1987.  Chris knew he needed someone with actual radio experience to do the show justice, so he called a friend/contact he had who was living in Cincinnati, and his name was Jamie Carper.

A lot of folks came and went over the last 35 years (Chris left the show to Jamie in order to attend college and take a different direction than radio, and Jamie passed away in 2018, there were many other crew supporting Jamie over the decades, and I came in as co-host in 2008), but our present complement of crew consists of Jamie's two sons, Jeremy (J-DAWG) and Caleb (DJ Chicken Nugget), Caleb's wife (The Lovely and Gracious) Katie, and me.  Caleb and Katie are more occasional crew these days, leaving the normal weekly duties to Jeremy and me.

Jeremy, aka J-DAWG

Silent Witness Radio is still broadcasting on WAIF 88.3 FM in Cincinnati, and WAIF has online streaming as well as a traditional FM transmitter.

JR: How do you decide which artists and songs to play? 

GD: That's a question that is somewhat difficult to answer, given the proclivity of some Christian radio hosts in my circles to overplay their gatekeeper status with artist/label submissions, not to mention how the music industry and how artists have adapted to the changes in the music scene and in technology.  Perhaps the answers will illuminate the context:  We try to have a semi-broad interpretation of what is Christian art: 1) is the artist Christian, and 2) if we're not sure, is the art Christian nonetheless?  

Example: we've been known to play Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and we still include their shows on our concert calendar.  The late mastermind for the project, Paul O'Neill, was a person who battled his own demons, I am sure, but by the lyrics used in so much of TSO's Christmas work, it was obvious that he “got it”--he understood, and may well have believed, the Gospel.  

Conversely, there are times the art itself isn't Christian by pure lyricism (example, Christian artists/bands covering more mainstream/secular artists' work), but the artist doing the cover (or coming up with material that definitely has mainstream/commercial appeal) is Christian.  In either of these exceptional cases, we'll likely include it.  

In between those exceptional cases will be songs which are decidedly/overtly Christian by the lyrics (or at least an articulation of/from the worldview of the artist), and if the artist has been at least somewhat earnest in publicly professing faith, and if the genre/style of the song fits our format (which is usually the various forms of hard-edged music, hard rock, punk, Goth, Industrial, extreme metal and metalcore, plus old-school hair metal, EDM, and hip-hop), then we'll likely play it.  We tend not to care what the artist's political viewpoint is, as that's not a consideration for us—I tend to look at our show as an extension of the legacy of the Jesus Movement, which was the revival amongst the hippie counterculture of the late 1960s and into the 1970s.  It wasn't a political movement—it was a movement solely looking to present Jesus in a fashion relevant to the target audience of the day. 

JR: Do you ever plan any events with the featured artists? Any memorable stories from those events?

GD: We do have in-studio guests from time to time, though there's an already-acknowledged difficulty in bringing artists into the station to do a live radio show during a key night for performing (Saturday 8 – 10 PM).  We usually have to catch an artist during “off” time in order to make it happen.  Back in the day when the equipment was available, my predecessors often hit the local Christian music festivals, doing live remotes with other crew still at the station to manage things.  Having artist/band guests at the studios will often be “party time”, and I can remember some great craziness that ensued especially with 3 Days Under on-air live with us.  They were extremely funny, and yet very on-fire for God.

JR: On the other side, what response do you have from your listeners? How has God used your ministry in their lives? 

GD: When you use the show with the idea of “planting seeds”, you don't always know what impact you've had on your listeners, so we don't hear very often from those who find our signal, except in the usual interaction about “What did you just play?  That was amazing!”.  However, some new listeners (at least, new to us) would tell us how the music from the show had changed their lives, and how they went back to church and got involved.  

JR: The first time I saw a play list from you, it included two of my favorite bands: The Daniel Band, which I've listened to for 40 years, and Divine Martyr, who I've listened to for 40 days. (The latter is exaggeration, though I just discovered DM this year; no exaggeration with the former.) Things have changed a lot in this world. But what about Christian music in general and Christian rock specifically? Is there any changes musically besides what parallels the evolution of the genre in the mainstream market? How much has varied lyrically?

GD: I have personally been aware of or involved in this scene for over 40 years myself, and I remember how it was, from a lyrical standpoint, back in the day.  Almost all the known artists/bands back then had overt lyrics in the music in general, and as new genres (such as heavy metal) became popular, lots of songs would be written that followed largely the same lyrical formula.  In metal, for example, “turn or burn” was a very common theme.  It was the sort of thing that made the better artists and bands (from a lyricism standpoint, if not also the musical standpoint) stand out in a very striking fashion.  

While (due either to nostalgia or concerns about how “off the rails” some modern Christian artists have gone in terms of their theology or spirituality) I still have a deep-seated affinity for overt lyrics, I am very, very thankful (in general) for the evolution of songwriting as the Christian music scene continues to move forward.  I think it's great that so many songwriters are pushing into lots of non-overt territory, for the expansion of themes that can then be explored, not to mention adding some lyrical variety to the overall playlist each week. 

JR: Thank you for your time. How do we listen to you all? Any events you want to mention? Any web-site or other means to follow you all?

GD: Thanks for having us! If you have any readers who are in the greater Cincinnati, Ohio area, we broadcast every Saturday evening from 8 – 10 PM Eastern time on WAIF 88.3 FM.  If you're outside of the broadcast area, we keep the “Listen Live” player for WAIF handy from our website (direct link) at http://www.silentwitnessradio.com/swradio.htm for online listening. 

DJ Chicken Nugget & the Lovely & Gracious Katie

We have a web-site that we have kept mostly updated, though the look and feel is still circa 2000, as we never found the time to overhaul it as yet.  The big feature for the site is our Concert Calendar, which has been kept up-to-date.  We'll feature local/regional shows on the calendar as well as summer festivals within a semi-reasonable drive from our area. 

Of course, social media is the real point of connection for just about everybody these days, and (as you've already seen) we have an aptly titled Facebook page called Silent Witness Radio (https://www.facebook.com/SilentWitnessRadio), and that is often the quickest way to contact us.