Slingshot Records Blog

Ever spoke or behaved in a way that you regretted a short time later?

Ever seen something that you thought was just “too cool” and soon it turned your stomach because you knew you had to speak the truth about it?

Ever thought that you were in the precise place for your advantage and nothing happened?

Ever swore that you knew for sure the truth only to find that you were dead wrong?

Ever wrapped your arms around what you thought was your “pot of gold” only to find it was just another old, black soup pot?

Ever said to yourself “finally, my ship…” and months later it hasn’t moved?

Ever sat down to a feast that turned out to be rancid?

Ever cringed and waited for a horrible impact…

only to be engulfed by a gentle, warm flood of uncontainable blessing?

“Weeping may endure for a night. But, joy comes in the morning.”

Last Saturday my oldest daughter was watching her favorite cartoon - Dinosaur King. She doesn’t watch a lot of TV on Sat mornings, but this is the one show that she hates to miss. She’s been a fan of it for over a year. Anyway, I was in the another room when I heard her exclaim: “Hey!!! All these dinosaurs do is fight.” As if she’s been glued to this show for over a year hoping one day the dino’s would all go ice skating… or to a concert or something… too funny.

I have a new found respect for President Obama. When I stumbled on this YouTube video of Obama belting out “Looking For Love” with Kings X… the man has pipes… and, he thumps some mean bass. Hey, the studio version is even better - Ha!

Dug who???? Keegan Michael Key better watch out… Dug Pinnick might steal his job as an Obama impersonator.

Somebody tell me what other blogger has found such a whacky connection???

Check out:

So what does one do with a minor 3rd?? I guess if you’re smart… you earn a buck.

Goodness… look at how that silly C to A chord movement from the 70’s, 80’s, etc has generated income.

Let’s look at some of the artists who used the A to C, & C to A (minor 3rd) movement in recent history:

AC/DC - Kicked In The Teeth Again
Nugent - Cat Scratch Fever
REO Speedwagon - Ridin’ The Storm Out
Pat Travers - Snortin’ Whisky
Van Halen - Somebody Get Me A Doctor
Van Halen - Mean Streets
Van Halen - Hot For Teacher
(Get the idea?.. Oh, yes.. I’m a fan of Edward and his minor 3rd interpretations.)
Black Sabbath - The Mob Rules
ZZ Top - Heard It On The X
Guns & Roses - Night Train
Motley Crue - Kickstart My Heart

Throw a D one top and who rears their head?
AC/DC - Whole Lotta Rosie
Journey - Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’

Can you suggest any others?

Aspen Grove Christian Church, (formerly the W Building in Cool Springs) in conjunction with Slingshot Records, announce the launch of “Writer’s Night at the Grove”. AGCC aka “The Grove”, located at 274 Mallory Station Rd, will open up their Cafe once a month to allow Christian songwriters a place to share their material, techniques and inspiration. The kick-off will start during GMA Week on April 19th at 6:30pm with a free featured performance from David Levi. David, an accomplished writer and graduate of Belmont University, is promoting his new CD “Lift Up Your Head.” Beginning in May, “Writer’s Night at the Grove” will continue on the 4th Sunday of each month at 6:30pm. Writer’s Nights at the Grove are free and open to the public. Interested songwriters should e-mail inquiries to: bookanartist@slingshotrecords.org

01/14/09 Gee, I hate having to write political blogs… I’m a musician… what do I know? And, I can certainly agree that all Presidents make BAD decisions. But, I can’t take anymore Bush bashing about Iraq. So here’s the deal - I’m flipping by Boston Legal tonight and I hear some military General friend of the Denny Crane character say: “So, he lied… do you think it’s the 1st time a President has lied to get us into a war.”

Enough already!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so tired of hearing that false mantra.

I will now explain how/why it is IMPOSSIBLE that Bush lied about WMD to get us into war. Did you hear that? IMPOSSIBLE. Besides the fact that concern over WMD was only one of the many reasons listed for invading Iraq. And, please be understand that I’m quite unhappy with many aspects of W’s Presidency… mainly, the time betweem Katrina to the ultra-unnecessary Bailout… and the fact that he rarely defended his own decisions. BUT, the Afghanistan and Iraq wars are among the few quality decisions that I think the man ever made. Keep in mind that part of the strategy (or should I say “Strategerie”) was/is to drain terrorist resources on foreign soil so the homeland (America) remains battle-free. SO FAR, SO GOOD.

Here’s why the statement “Bush lied about WMD” is simple ignorance or just a plain LIE itself:
* The 1st Gulf War was never finished… we were in a cease fire. And, Iraq had begun shooting at US aircraft again — Catch that? Violating the cease fire. Thus, begging for a fight… By 1999 USAF pilots were reporting Triple A smoke from ground positions. Not to mention Saddam’s plan to assassinate Bush 1. My point is we’d BEEN AT WAR WITH IRAQ SINCE THE GULF WAR…. AND WE WERE STILL AT WAR WHEN WE INVADED… which Saddam could’ve stopped at any time.

* EVERY (again, that’s “EVERY”) Government on the planet including leading US political figures like: Bill, Hillary, Gore, and Kerry believed that Saddam had WMD - (re-read this one and let it soak in, won’t you.) Oh… and, Saddam could’ve come clean at any time… thus, stopping the madness at any time.

* Saddam ignored Umpteen UN mandates to come clean about his WMD programs. (This shows foolish moxie on Saddam’s part). BTW - David Kay’s report showed he still had the capacity to produce WMD. Wouldn’t it be best “connect the dots” before a tragedy occurs? Meaning: the “Tragedy” that WE all thought would happen any day after 9-11.

* Saddam was given a year to clean house before we invaded… A YEAR! Did I mention that at any point he could’ve stopped the madness?

* Uh - oh, let’s all remember that Saddam used WMD on the Kurds, and Iranians… murdering the innocent. Don’t those innocents deserve the same respect as the innocent in Darfur, Bosnia, etc? Doesn’t that fact that Saddam used WMD constitute his capacity to have and use… well.. WMD? Hey… side note, didn’t US troops find large numbers of anti-chemical suits and chemical warfare medicine early in the invasion?

* Now, follow me here… Remember in all the “bad cop” police dramas the bad cop always does what?… hmmm… PLANTS a weapon at the scene of the crime to create suspicion and try to make the crime scene appear valid. Wouldn’t Bush have the military plant WMD in Iraq to save him the badgering and embarrassment that would surely commence if no WMD was found?

* Finally, those who vehemently HATE Bush often infer (or out right say) that “he’s a stupid idiot.” Sorry, but it’s just not possible to be an evil genius who tricks the world into war by claiming WMD, and an idiot at the same time.

What’s my point? Bush, Congress, and the rest of the world made a mistake. No lying… just a mistake about WMD… (can you say “Syria”?) and, I would say wisely erring on the side of caution… TO DRAIN TERRORIST RESOURCES ON FOREIGN SOIL. Bin Laden calls Iraq the “central front of the war on the infidels.” So, by keeping the war overseas and the homeland free of terrorist attacks for the last 7 years I’d say: “Mission Accomplished”

Imagine the sheer outrage if Bush hadn’t done anything and we were attacked again soon after 9-11 (as EVERYONE expected)… I believe impeachment would’ve been the least of his worries.

Am I wrong here….?

Cue the music and the somewhat hefty female vocalist.

Jan, 2009 - Slingshot Records is excited to announce the signing of Christian Pop/R&B artist Tommy Job to their roster for live bookings. Tommy first came to the attention of Slingshot Records through his manager, Brenda Cline who owns the artist management and development company NashRock Entertainment. With a powerfully soulful voice that has been compared to Michael McDonald and Michael Bolton, Tommy has touched the hearts of thousands with his melodious mix of Pop, R&B, and Gospel for an amazing Adult Contemporary sound. Everyone involved is expecting Tommy’s musical career to grow quickly based on his amazingly soulful voice, musical and songwriting talents, and his kind heart. Check out samples of Tommy’s new release, “New Song Of Praise” at his website www.tommyjob.com

Our band, REV21 has been honored to learn that their song, “Hush” is being added to a compilation disc of pro life artists/songs that will be passed out during the 36th annual March For Life rally in Washington, DC. Hush, from the CD “In The Twinkle Of An Eye” is a fun rocking parent/child anthem that should blend well with theme of the disc and event. The non-profit/pro life organization Rock For Life will be producing and distributing a total of 5000 CD’s.

Erik Whittington, Director of RFL shares: “I am really excited to have REV21 as a part of this compilation. Hush is a great song and I’m glad we could get REV21 involved. I appreciate their support of Rock for Life and their commitment to spreading the pro-life message through their music and personal lives.”

RFL, a project of American Life League whose primary focus is youth and music will be distributing the CD’s to promote their strong presence at this year’s rally as well as American Life League’s Personhood Conference which will be held Friday, January 23rd. In the past RFL has worked with such note-worthy musicians as POD, Gary Sherone (Extreme/Van Halen), Paramore, As I Lay Dying, and SonicFlood.

This year’s March For Life theme is “Equal Care With No Exceptions.” This means that the intentional killing of any innocent pre-born human is never legal or justified. Past years attendance has been estimated at about 250,000 by the Parks Service and the March for Life committee. This year’s event will be held on January 22, 2009.

I grew up loving hard rock, metal, jazz, funk, and fusion. But, to me the best of those genres must have one common thread… a “POP” sensibility. So, that’s why I’m often just as content to listen to a song by Lionel Ritchie, Toto, Little River Band, or Earth Wind Fire. Below is a list of songs (in no particular order) that I feel set the standard for a quaility POP song - Do you agree with my list?

Dreaming - Blondie (well… many of their early songs were just plain genius, but this one ROCKS.)

Waterloo, Mama Mia, Take A Chance - Abba (Yes, they set the standard. No, I didn’t see the movie.)

Easy/Lady/Sail On - Commodores (What can be said…? And, Lionel just kept writing hit after hit.)

I’m Only Happy When It Rains - Garbage (could use different lyrics, but still a great tune.)

You Should Be Dancin’ - Bee Gees (It had a guit solo - ha! There are a few of their other songs that I’m not in the mood to list because I have a love/hate relationship with their music. They could’ve sung more like men… that’s my one complaint… their Alvin and the chipmonks vox.)

Sister Havana - Urge Overkill (A contender for my all time favorite. Killer melody, tinges of hard/pop rock, fun lovin’ lyrics, good vox, MASSIVE BRIDGE!!, great record production!, cool video.)

Positive Bleeding - Urge Overkill (see the notes on Sister Havana above. Except, not a true top contender… just a dang cool tune).

Object Of My Desire, Restless - Starpoint (This 80’s disco band sort fell through the cracks, but it wasn’t because of a lack of talent. May Renee Diggs rest in peace… she had an AMAZING voice)

Tell It To My Heart - Taylor Dane (What voice. I hope to produce a “Super Diva” song one day with Taylor and a few other women with strong vocals… maybe - Anne Wilson, Linda Perry, Johnette Nepolitano… any other suggestions?)

I Can’t Help Myself/Sugar Pie Honey Pie - The Four Tops (Well, to me it just totally captures the era.)

Ironic - Alanis Morrisette (I just dug the harmonies in the chorus… lush, and popish.)

Ballroom Blitz/Foxy On The Run - Sweet (Early glam pop/metal… way fun stuff.)

Cool Change - Little River Band (Amazing melody, vox, production.)

Praise You In This Storm - Casting Crowns (Theologically correct lyrics, great production/vox… and whoever made the Saving Private Ryan video version on YouTube nailed it.)

Any Kind Of Pain - Frank Zappa (Well, well… didn’t think a good Christian boy could go there, did ya? In my youth I was Zappa fan. And, bet you didn’t think Zappa could go “pop”… well, he didn’t quite. Anyway… Obviously, his lyrics are usually not for the kids… but, this song SOOOOO… MELODICALLY POP… it’s weird. Also, I think it’s HILARIOUS how later on this CD he introduces Sting’s guest appearance on the Murder By Numbers cover “How would you… “Mr. Sting”… like to come out onstage…. and perform with us?”)

Lido Shuffle - Boz Skaggs (just try to remain sad, bummed, depressed when this one starts up.)

Alone (another top contender), What About Love, How Can I Refuse You - Heart (We all think Heart… WOMEN OF ROCK. But, technically it was mostly pop/rock… gooooood pop/rock.)

Joy - Newsboys (What can I say… a well done, modern pop/praise song that gives props to our ETERNAL KING and God).

Disney’s Alladin Soundtrack - Disney (OK… this is actually one of Trish’s fav’s. Gotta keep mama happy.)

Funky Town - Lipps Inc. (OK… gotta represent my daughters too.)

Express Yourself/Like A Prayer - Madonna (Great production … her best era? Sadly, she appears to be WAY out of touch with reality now… kind of like MJ. She better come to grips with Sarah Palin… cause Sarah rocks too.)

Someone Saved My Life Tonight - Elton John (Prolific career. To me this is another contender for the top pop song.)

Champagne Supernova - Oasis (The brothers have the melody and nuevo Beatles thing down… now they need to stop drinking so much ale and take a lyric writing course… or speak better English?)

Beautiful Day - U2 (1 chord movement throughout most of the song… they beat Tom Petty and the Boss at their own games… oh, and it has great lyrics).

Lift Me Up/All Over Me - The Benjamin Gate (Most of you won’t know this band, but I love their 1st CD so much, and because Adrienne’s voice is so cool I had to give props.)

Something About You/Let Me Take You Home Tonight/Feeling Satisfied - Boston (Ok they’re rock… but, it’s POP/rock… harmonies to the moon (Alice?)! Kudos to Stryper’s Michael Sweet for filling Brad Delp’s shoes at a tribute show that I saw on YouTube.)

Feels Like The 1st Time/Cold As Ice - Foreigner (I remember that all us kids were into Alice Cooper’s greatest hits and KISS Alive! when somebody got a copy of the 1st Foreigner album… jaws hit the floor.)

Sailing/Ride Like The Wind - Christopher Cross (I was so into Metal in the 80’s that this is one of the few pop artists that caught my ear at that time.)

Jaded - Aerosmith (Well… it’s a sort of a pop song. Besides, Trish and I dig ‘em.)

Winter - Tori Amos (OK, this one is a little off the “mainstream pop” path but it doesn’t really fall in any other genre. The 1st time I heard this song I cried. It had been a LONG time since music did that to me, so it made an impact. Lyrically, the story line seems to be about a father preparing his daughter to face life in the face of his impending death… powerful.)

Undo Me - Jennifer Knapp (OK, this one is also a little off the “mainstream” path but it doesn’t really fall in any other genre either… other than Christian. The this song also touched me and brought me to tears… hey, it’s that Passion Of Christ. Again, a big impact).

Baby Love - Mothers Finest (The vox, the lyrics, the funk, the rock… simply massive.)

Just A Girl/Spider Web - No Doubt (This is back when Gwen cared about writing a fun lyric THAT MADE SOME SENSE… not that silly Holla Back Girl/Keep On Dancing stuff.)

Day After Day/No Matter - Bad Finger (solid 70’s pop stuff)

Certainly there’s other Classical/40’s/50’s/60’s/Elvis/R & B/Beatles/Soul/Disco/Fleetwood Mac/Journey/Eagles/etc songs that should be mentioned… but, I’m tired… Dare I say that no one can argue against my list - IT’S THE GREATEST!… OK, I’m baiting you. got any to add to the list?????

Ok… call me crazy… But, I am convinced that ALL new metal vocals have been influenced by one person… Axl Rose. All the new metal vox seem to have that that unique yet annoying banshee howl/growl that Axl used at the beginning of Welcome To The Jungle. Sort of a grizzly bear (as per Bevis) meets screaming demon sound. I ain’t really diggin’ the sound. Could I be getting old..? say it ain’t so. Well, I tellz ya - the absense of any kind of melody is annoying. Yeah, I’m longing for the old days… a little melody with my metal. You know… back in the day I could deal with Pantera - (’cause Dime shredded)… even when they stopped singing and started yelling “Five Minutes Alone”. But, enough already. Hey… speaking of new metal, ironically the new G & R is headed in the right direction. Maybe the new Kings X will resurrect them too - (pun intended). For now, I guess I’ll just have to jam on some old funk. Deal with it.

As Corrosion Of Conformity said: “Help me Jesus, help me clean my wounds.”

Bless God… I know He can… He will… and, He has.