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Dave's Top Eight
1. Jerry Reed...Revisited by Darrell Toney (reviewed 6/07) (5 Stars) Click title to purchase at CBD.com...click artist name to read Dave's Review. A CD will automatically fall out of the Top Eight after twelve months if no CD surpasses it before then.
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Most Recent Articles
Why blog? (Three years and counting)
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-----------November 30, 2004Well said, John R.
John R. made a concise and well reasoned comment on the topic of true artistry vs. artist mimickry in a thread at Sogospelnews.com. You can see the entire thread here or click the title of this post to go directly to John's post. In part, John says:
-----------One of the biggest problems with groups is that they think that they have to play the "Southern Gospel Circuit" (or circus). In order to eke out a minimum living, they have to conform to a certain preconceived image, act a certain way on stage, dress a certain way, tell certain stale jokes and have to declare that they are Bapticostal. John goes on to say the danger is in being too much like other acts. I agree. The artists who will be remembered most in the future won't necessarily be those who were technically perfect or even superior performers. Fans adore the artists who make a special connection in a unique way. It doesn't matter how many are turned off by the idiosyncracies of a performer. Many people will change the channel when Bob Dylan comes on, for example, but he will be remembered. So many fans did identify with his art. I'm not one of them, to be perfectly frank, but that's not the point. Southern Gospel has a number of individuals (or combinations of individuals) who have been able to sell their own special brand of music to fans. For each artist that did, there's a hundred acts trying to copy their success by singing the same songs in the same key and using the same arrangements. For this, they expect to be paid a decent living wage. That's not the way it's done. Now if you're like me and lack the musical talent to be truly unique on a broadly appealing scale, it's best to get the notion of being a gospel music legend out of your head and just perform for local and/or regional events. There's nothing wrong with covering the songs made famous by someone else. Sadly, too many groups memorize George Younce's jokes, learn the Cathedrals' version of "Sinner Saved By Grace," convince themselves that they sound just as good, and assume they will be the second coming of the Cathedrals once they get enough publicity. In practice, though, it doesn't work that way. The SG world has already experienced the Cathdrals. To get that level of recognition, you'll have to come up with some new elements that they'll never forget once they hear you present them as only you can. November 29, 2004Gird Yourself . . . yea, verily
Credit where it's due . . . the editor of www.averyfineline.com makes some great points about the glut of sorry Christmas music today in his "Gird yourself for bad Christmas music" article.
I have two suggestions for Southern Gospel artists who are thinking about recording a Christmas CD next year. 1. Sing some new material. I can't stress this enough. 2. If you won't do that, at least do the old stuff in a different way . . . a way that defines the cut as YOUR version as only you can do it. I wasn't all that crazy about the Oak Ridge Boys singing the "Hallelujah Chorus," but at least no one would mistake them for anyone else. In three days, I've heard four totally unique jazz versions of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" on XM's Special XMas channel (described more fully a couple of blog entries below this one), not to mention a couple dozen versions of "Jingle Bells." Point being . . . if THEY can do it, SG artists can do it too. By the way, I've heard the Grandma song three times now, the Chipmunks twice (the same song twice in a span of ten minutes which was odd), and those blasted dogs barking "Jingle Bells" twice. I guess it's just part of the price you have to pay to hear lesser known tracks by artists like The Ventures, Al Hirt and Bill Engvall. I sent them an email and requested "Teddy, The Red Nosed Senator" by Bob Rivers, but I haven't heard them play it yet. :o) Press Releases vs. News ReportingAh, this wonderful item we call the press release . . . so informative and so filled with hype and fluff. Here's a press release from a group I'm sure you haven't heard about yet.
(PRESS RELEASE) - The thrilling and emotionally challenged Triplet Family Trio has signed an exclusive booking agreement with the Dewey, Cheatum, and Howe Agency, according to agency owners I. Dunno Dewey, Kanwee Cheatum, and U. C. Howe and Triplet Family manager, Una Triplet. The signing was described by Kanwee Cheatum as a "match made in heaven, before birth actually, since the Triplet Family Trio is literally joined at their hips."
The Triplets have fourteen songs currently in the Top 10, including their three time number one "We Can See Clearly." Former hits by this outstanding group include "Three For the Road," "I've Got The High Part," and "I'll Never Sing Alone." Other artists on the Dewey, Cheatum, and Howe artist roster include Bubba Dewey, Rod Dewey, and John E. Cash (not to mention another 75 or 80 names you wouldn't recognize either). "We are thrilled about working with Dunno and the DCH Agency," said Una Triplet. "The Triplet Family just wants to be a blessing to ourselves as much as possible and for the most money we can get. We think there's no better way to accomplish that than by hiring a bunch of crooks like the DCH Agency to represent us. They'll tell you we'll come sing for you for our flat of $1500. Call us directly and we'll undercut that by $200 as long as you send us payment in full right away. Of course, we'll never show up for the gig regardless, but what a savings!" Contact the DCH Agency at http://www.imacrookedman.com or call (704) 555-8491. (What, you thought it would be toll free? Get a life.) Be sure to book the Triplet Family Trio for your next big event, or give us your email and we'll write and ask you to book the latest artist we've signed on a daily basis. The DCH Agency signs at least four new acts to our roster per day, and holds the distinction of being the fastest growing booking agency in the industry. UPDATED PRESS INFO: Since this press release was written, the Triplet Family has become a duo. Their lead singer Joe Triplet has left the group to spend more time with his family. He said the seperation from his siblings was painful. (He meant it literally. It required 8 hours of surgery.) He adds, "I just can't stand to travel any more. I want to lead music in a church instead." He will be forming a new group next week and going into the studio to record a new hit song. UPDATED UPDATED PRESS INFO: The Triplet Family duo has also split up. Una Triplet states, "We just felt off-balance without Joe." Of course, these press releases can (and should) always be compressed by the news agencies confirming and reporting them. This one could be very brief: (MUSICSCRIBE EXCLUSIVE) - The Triplet Family Trio recently sold their souls to the devil. Investigative calls to their new booking agency's published number returned a "service has been disconnected" message. Sources claim the agency's website was forcibly removed from the internet by the F.B.I. A class action lawsuit is pending. Goofy XMasA couple of days ago, I discovered channel 83 on XM satelite radio. For the holiday season, the station has become "Special XMas." I believe there's four stations on XM that have been converted to an exclusive holiday format for the next month or so, but this one in particular caught my ear. They've got every goofy Christmas song you can imagine. I was afraid it would be Elmo and Patsy over and over, but so far I've only heard the dreaded Grandma song once (and no Chipmunks or dogs barking "Jingle Bells" yet . . . wow).
Instead, they're breaking out lesser known novelty numbers from sources as diverse as Louis Armstrong, Wayne Newton, Ray Stevens and Tom Lehrer. A lot of the artists are also less familiar. I'd never heard of the Klezmonauts before, for example. Between songs, they're playing lines from Christmas movies that have been edited to sound goofy by r-r-repeating words and phrases like Max Headroom. If you like silly Christmas music, you no longer need to buy a Dr. Demento collection. You can get it all and more on XM 83. Evidently more people have a warped sense of humor than I thought. UPDATE: I just heard the barking dogs. Oh well . . . once in three days ain't bad. November 24, 2004Enlighten - A 15 minute sampleHere's what they were playing on the new XM Online "Enlighten" channel (#34) around 12:45 EST this morning . . . Crabb Family - "Jesus Can Do What You Can't" J.D. Sumner - "If You Know The Lord" Nelons - "We Need The Lord" Inspirations - "He Broke The Chains" Hoppers - "Jerusalem" I've caught them playing Greater Vision, the Bill Gaither Trio, Jeff and Sheri Easter, Legacy V, the Whisnants, and Dottie Rambo at other times. If this channel ultimately gets promoted up to the big birds in the sky, it appears the programming will be good enough to make SG fans across the country happy. As it stands right now, the programming quality is better than any channel I can pick up locally on traditional radio. That's sad considering I live in the heart of Southern Gospel country. They appear to be mixing recent and current songs with uniquely SG classics . . . I've yet to hear any whiny stereotypical SG junk or mainstream Country music stars slaughtering "Amazing Grace," thank goodness. No DJ is announcing song titles or artists, but the info for song, artist, and album is displayed on your screen as the song plays. My only gripe is they'll often list a compilation disc name rather than the actual album title. "Heritage, Vol. 29" means diddly squat to a consumer wanting the album information. Other than that relatively minor issue (which I hope they'll improve soon), this channel is great. I plan to write XM and encourage them to put "Enlighten" up in the sky where all XM subscribers can enjoy it. If you want SG on your XM, I'd encourage you to get their three day trial service to hear the quality of programming for yourself . . . then write the program directors directly at sogo@xmradio.com. I get a very sorry signal with dial up and can't justify the cost of broadband, so I don't plan to remain signed up to XM Online. I only heard one song all the way thru with no dropped signals. I'm sure it would be great with a broadband connection, but then, there's already a number of good SG internet stations out there for free. For that reason, the true value of "Enlighten" will remain questionable until it's available on the satelite service. November 23, 2004Tsk, tsk"DBM will perhaps tisk-tisk me for not taking more humbrage."
The editor of www.averyfineline.com predicted a tsking from me. I'm feelin' good natured after watching 32 episodes of Andy Griffith in a row, so I don't know if I can work up a good tsk. WWAD? ("What Would Andy Do?") . . . . way-ulll . . . I'll give it a shot. :o) Dear blogger, Let's go all the way back in time to this link: http://www.averyfineline.com/archive/2004_september_2.htm#first (aka "You heard it here first") In that article, you grumbled that I should have mentioned your site "in the interest of openness." At issue was a Sept. 30 article I had written, inspired by a message board discussion a third party had started after reading one of your articles. You connected the dots and decided that I was wrong for not linking to your site. At the time, I thought, "Boy, he sure is a stickler for context and accuracy, even down to the third generation of indirect inspiration." Now, in contrast, Daywind has totally invented a sentence out of context and attributed it to you in a full page ad. You've dismissed it as an "honest" mistake. Way-ull now, Barney . . . That don't rightly seem to line up with what you was a'sayin' before. It's clear the consistent factor you're endorsing in both instances is your website's publicity. In your complaint about my article, you expected a link to your site. In the Daywind ad, your website will get tons of potential publicity. I'll take your future complaints about giving credit where it's due with a grain of salt.<> Consider yourself tsked. How'd I do? :o) November 20, 2004PrioritiesIt may be two or three days before I make another blog post. I have my priorities in order. You know it's very important in life to prioritize so that the most important aspects of life are experienced before you die. Too many people meander thru life and miss out on so much simply because they do not prioritize. I'm putting first things first this weekend, so the blog is just going to have to suffer until more important things can be accomplished. Right now, watching the 15 hours and 15 minutes that comprise the first season of The Andy Griffith Show is higher on my list than writing for this blog. With church obligations this weekend, I can't watch it straight thru in a marathon type event, but with God's help and grilled cheese sandwiches at regular intervals, I think I can do it by Monday. :o) By the way (since it will be a few days before I get back to commenting here) . . . I just received an email from a lady who had words recently attributed to her in an advertisement that she never said. She didn't seem to be too happy about it. Unfortunately, misquoting people in advertisements seems to be accepted as a "non-shocking" part of marketing. It shouldn't be. Like this lady asked, what's the point in them asking for a quote if they're going to turn around and make up something after the fact? I'll worry about that sometime next week. Gotta go . . . I hear Aunt Bee calling. Supper's ready.
Another review from the vault
I wrote this review in 1998. This CD had more crossover appeal for Christian pop airplay than any other Martins release, IMO.
Dave's ReviewDream Big:
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| Length: | 37:38 |
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| Producers: | Phil Naish and Michael Sykes |
| Cuts: | Come On In |
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| You Come To My Senses |
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| Go Where The Love Flows |
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| Be Strong |
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| Dream Big |
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| We Trust In God |
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| Except For Grace |
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| He'll Be Holding His Own |
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| Count Your Blessing |
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| More Like A Whisper |
Dream Big marks the sixth recording by The Martins since signing with the Spring Hill label. They also have five independent recordings in their discography. Having already demonstrated their recording versatility with complete Christmas, live, and á capella projects -- never content to be predictable -- The Martins have given Dream Big a decidedly more pop emphasis than their previous efforts. Utilizing producer Phil Naish on six cuts, this project is comparable to recordings by contemporary vocal groups like Avalon and Point Of Grace. "Count Your Blessing" and "He'll Be Holding His Own" being exceptions, they have made a conscious effort to avoid the country tinged pronunciations that have been their trademark since releasing "Out Of His Great Love" and "Timothy's Burden." (Incidentally, "Count Your Blessing" is a new song, not to be confused with "Count Your Blessings" from their self-titled debut.)
When Jonathan Martin sings the tender Scott Krippayne/Steve Siler tune "More Like A Whisper," he could easily be mistaken for Michael O'Brien or Krippayne himself. At least two cuts sound very similar in style to Sierra. They haven't completely cut their ties to Southern Gospel radio, though. The previously mentioned "Count Your Blessing" and "Go Where The Love Flows" ought to play well there, although the latter is closer to something 4 Him might sing. Whether this chasing of the contemporary winds will foster broader air play, sales, and recognition in an already glutted Christian pop market remains to be seen. The Martins do have quality vocals and the financial backing of Spring Hill in their favor.
It never hurts to "dream big."
Labels: CD Review
What I meant to say . . .
I hope none of my fellow CD reviewers felt belittled by anything I wrote in my most recent blog entry below. That was certainly not my intention. There's a number of people who write "honest reviews," well intentioned, descriptive, and completely from the heart. The point I was trying to make is that I don't think my writing is emotionally charged . . . at least . . . I try to keep it from being that way. In retrospect, though, I suppose I do write lines from time to time that could possibly be "quotable" or viewed by an publicity person as "ad worthy," though I re-emphasize that writing "ad worthy" prose is not on my list of goals as a CD reviewer. I just wanted to clear the air on this point . . . I certainly don't view myself as being the only person writing honest CD reviews. Some reviewers do sugar coat the flaws of the CDs they review, but not all . . . and no, I'm not going to name any names . . . at least not right now.
Also, I realize that because I write CD reviews, anything I say critical about the new Mercy's Mark advertisement will come across as if I'm whining for not being quoted. (In retrospect, I should have used a different subject line, but it's too late for that now.) Honestly, truly, as clearly as I know how to say it . . . that's not the case. It's possible they didn't see it at all or didn't see it in time for the ad deadline. Of course, it's also possible they saw it and didn't want to use it. Whatever the case may be, it doesn't bother me one way or the other.
The problem with the ad is simple. It states "The reviews are in," implying that quotes in the ad are taken from reviews. Fair enough. Can anyone show me those quotes in their original form?
I've searched www.averyfineline.com and found "What a sweet, smooth, polished sound they have." I found the word "Untouchable" later in the same article. The article was a three or four sentence description of a live performance by Mercy's Mark at NQC. One song, in fact, sung during the Crabbfest set at NQC . . . yet you'd never know that from the third sentence in the quote. In fact, I can't find the words "I think the Mercy's Mark record is one of the best I own" anywhere on A Very Fine Line, and yes, I've used Google to assist with my search of the site. If anyone else finds it, let me know.
I've asked the A Very Fine Line editor to direct me to the original quote as well. He's already posted about my earlier comments on his site, and we've just exchanged a couple of emails on the topic. Look for further comments on his site after he gets his copy of the December Singing News. (He has not shown me where I can read the sentence in question on his site, though.)
I'm not saying Daywind fabricated that last sentence in his quote out of thin air, because I don't know at this point. It's clear the comments were pieced together from different articles written at different times, though, and it's misleading for them to arrange his comments as if they were about the CD when they really weren't.
One more tidbit of info . . . I've found the review written by Charles Brady since posting my previous blog entry. You can read it here. They quote him fairly accurately in the ad (compared the the averyfineline quote), though several words are changed and/or rearranged. At least it all came from the same article, and his article actually was a CD review.
UPDATE: I located the original Scot Evans quotes. Those are accurately represented in the ad as well. You can read Scot's article here for the moment. (I don't think it's a static link, so look at it quick.) :o)
November 19, 2004
I didn't make the Mercy's Mark ad
Page 106 of the December Singing News features a full page ad for Mercy's Mark, a group whose project I reviewed for www.sogospelnews.com back on October 1. (You can read my review here.)
"THE REVIEWS ARE IN," the ad proclaims, but no quotes from my published review were included. Am I whining? No. I'm about to tell your why you aren't likely to see my writing quoted in a piece of press material from a record label. I don't want my writing to be used for publicity and marketing. That shouldn't be the purpose of a CD review. Maybe if I had raved like a crazed teenage fanboy rather than describing the music and being honest about one or two of the CD's relatively minor drawbacks, one of my quotes might have been inserted in the ad. Don't worry, though. I have no plans to change my review style. You're going to continue to get my honest opinion each and every time.
Reviewers aren't being paid by the record label to hype the product, so why do many write as if they are? Instead, a review should inform the reader and include both pros and cons that help the reader decide whether or not to buy the CD. Every CD is NOT the greatest recording in the entire history of music, contrary to what you may read.
What do you think?
Also, can someone direct me to links where I can read the reviews that were referenced in the Mercy's Mark ad? I did find a review of the Mercy's Mark CD written by Scot Evans at www.sgmusicforum.com, but the quote used in the ad isn't in that reveiw. I also found PART of the quote attributed to the "Editor of www.averyfineline.com," but some extra words were added and rearranged in the ad. I couldn't locate the rest. I'd love to be able to read the full comments in context. The looming question is this . . . were these in fact "reviews" or actually comments solicited by the record label for the purpose of the ad?
November 18, 2004
OTGHQ Concert Report
The Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet gave a fine performance in Rutherfordton, NC tonight. I and three other members of my quartet sat on the second row so we could harass the opening group, In His Glory. They are our buddies, so we can get away with it. :o)
OTGHQ's routine was about the same as their visit to this area last year. Robbie Hiner went out in the crowd a couple of times to involve members of the audience in the music. He then closed the first set with "It Will Always Be The Soldier," inviting veterans came up on stage as the song finished. It's a very effective set and I think the crowd really enjoyed it. I hope OTGHQ will update the routine some before they come to this area again, though.
After the first set, Hiner was nice enough to give the tenor singer from my group some pointers about breath control and developing the diaphragm muscle for singing. I prodded him into going up to Hiner and asking the question. After all, Hiner is a 52 year old tenor who doesn't sing thru his nose and holds a doctorate in vocal performance. A guy like that is bound to know something worthwhile! Seriously, I'm glad he was gracious enough to be helpful to an amateur singer.
I was feeling a bit tired so I didn't stick around for the second half. I'm sure it was excellent, though. The next two concerts in Rutherfordton are December 31 and January 6. My group will be performing at both of them. Check out www.carolinagospel.com for more information.
Labels: Concert Review
Recording Guide For Amateurs
Here's a step by step procedure for amateur groups that are considering recording a CD. I came up with this a few days ago when responding to one of my customers. I've since refined it some. If you are new to the recording process, this guide should help "idiot proof" the process. Avoid the mistakes commonly made by amateurs and save money in the process.
This guide assumes you can afford three days of studio time, but adjustments can be made to suit your own situation. The main point is to record more songs than you need if at all possible, and don't schedule all the recording time at once.
RECORDING GUIDE FOR AMATEURS
1. Decide on a basic concept or other unifying characteristic that the new CD will have. Consider graphic design at this point and the specific musical styles you want to include.
2. Begin soliciting and selecting songs that suit your chosen concept.
2. Begin soliciting and selecting songs that suit your chosen concept.
3. When you get a hefty selection (20 or more), narrow them down to the best 13-14.
4. Generate a vocal arrangement for each of the songs you've chosen.
5. Have basic rhythm tracks recorded at this point, based on the vocal arrangements . . . drums, bass, and any instrument that's "chording along."
6. Rehearse vocal arrangements with the rhythm tracks.
6. Rehearse vocal arrangements with the rhythm tracks.
7. Once the vocals are solid, schedule session time and record your vocals. Have the studio do a basic mix for you at the end of the session.
8. Now it's time for final choices and evaluation. Take a hard objective look at the recording at this point. This would be a great time to send your recording to someone like Musicscribe.com (hint, hint) who can give an unbiased opinion . . . before final mixing/packaging/etc. If you brought 14 songs this far, you have the luxury of weeding out the weakest songs at this point. It's nice if you can have 11 or 12 songs on the final CD, but better to have 10 great cuts. 10 is generally viewed as the minimum.
9. Once the final song list has been determined, go back into the studio to have musical fills added to the project. Flashy instrumental parts can now be added in a way that doesn't detract from the vocals or cause you to waste money. You can also tweak vocals at this point.
9. Once the final song list has been determined, go back into the studio to have musical fills added to the project. Flashy instrumental parts can now be added in a way that doesn't detract from the vocals or cause you to waste money. You can also tweak vocals at this point.
10. Complete the project . . . final mixdown, master, finalize graphic design, duplicate, package, etc.
The big drawback to this process is that it takes some time. The biggest mistake made by most amateur groups is doing all the expensive studio work at once. There's no reason you can't do three days of studio time on three different days, each a month apart. The product will be better in the long run with this type of approach.
Another trap is pressue to rush product to market too quickly. Great hit songs might be recorded in one day, but great albums rarely are. Some groups wait until they get to the studio before arranging their vocals . . . a big mistake. Some even wait until then to choose the songs they're going to record . . . a HUGE mistake. The key is knowing what you want and knowing you can pull it off before setting foot in the studio . . . then, if your budget allows, reviewing and weeding out the weaker songs before completing the process. That takes time. Look at it this way . . . if a song is great right now, it will still be great in 60 days . . . and if the song is really that great, it deserves your best effort in the studio.
November 14, 2004
SGM Fan Fair
The website linked above is one that all Southern Gospel fans should be watching as they make plans for next summer. I encourage you to take a look at the site for yourself.
At first glance, the SGM Fan Fair appears poised to offer fans a six day event similar to the National Quartet Convention in August 2005 with some distinctions . . . smaller scale being one, obviously. (Anyone thinking this event will rival NQC in scope the first year should look at the limitations of the Chattanooga Convention Center. You can't put 50 pounds of mud in a 10 pound sack. Granted, they could always move to a bigger place if the response overwhelms them.)
As it stands at the moment, here are the pros and cons of this event as I see them . . .
Cons:
1. Lineup. This event getting off the ground hinges on the lineup. They need more names on the schedule, particularly marquee names. They're off to a good start with groups like the Hoppers, the Dove Brothers, Mercy's Mark, and Michael Combs. At this point, though, there's only 30 artists listed, including a few that couldn't entice most fans to drive 20 miles, much less across a couple of states. (For comparison, NQC's exhibit hall has 30 booths on one side of one aisle.)
2. Fan Awards Show. We really don't need another fan awards event in Southern Gospel.
Pros:
1. Price. $20 for a full day's events (including two concerts) is a steal.
2. Locale. Chattanooga is a handy location for fans living in TN, GA, and the Carolinas. Is it overly congested? I don't know about that, but I know it's not a huge town in terms of population.
3. Time of year. Since this event happens August 15-20, many parents with school aged children will be able to bring their families. Many school districts start up in mid-August, though. It would have been better if it had been one week earlier. Still, it's more convenient for family vacationers overall than mid-September.
Maybe Con/Maybe Pro:
1. Chattanooga Convention Center. I know nothing about the facility other than what I've read and seen here. It appears to be a modern building, and the specs indicate it will seat up to 8000 when all four exhibit halls are arranged for theater purposes . . . but they'll be using part of the space for exhibits . . . or maybe the ballrooms will be used for exhibits . . . hmm . . . in either case, it sounds like it's a flat room without any elevated seating, which would be a con . . . if anyone has ever attended a concert event at the CCC, I'd welcome the info.
2. Broader scope of performances. The website promises that soloists and lesser known artists will be a big part of this event. This can possibly be a plus or a minus. Too much variety will cause large segments of the audience to get up and leave at times, but a more varied program may be viewed by some fans as being more open to promoting deserving new talent.
-----------At first glance, the SGM Fan Fair appears poised to offer fans a six day event similar to the National Quartet Convention in August 2005 with some distinctions . . . smaller scale being one, obviously. (Anyone thinking this event will rival NQC in scope the first year should look at the limitations of the Chattanooga Convention Center. You can't put 50 pounds of mud in a 10 pound sack. Granted, they could always move to a bigger place if the response overwhelms them.)
As it stands at the moment, here are the pros and cons of this event as I see them . . .
Cons:
1. Lineup. This event getting off the ground hinges on the lineup. They need more names on the schedule, particularly marquee names. They're off to a good start with groups like the Hoppers, the Dove Brothers, Mercy's Mark, and Michael Combs. At this point, though, there's only 30 artists listed, including a few that couldn't entice most fans to drive 20 miles, much less across a couple of states. (For comparison, NQC's exhibit hall has 30 booths on one side of one aisle.)
2. Fan Awards Show. We really don't need another fan awards event in Southern Gospel.
Pros:
1. Price. $20 for a full day's events (including two concerts) is a steal.
2. Locale. Chattanooga is a handy location for fans living in TN, GA, and the Carolinas. Is it overly congested? I don't know about that, but I know it's not a huge town in terms of population.
3. Time of year. Since this event happens August 15-20, many parents with school aged children will be able to bring their families. Many school districts start up in mid-August, though. It would have been better if it had been one week earlier. Still, it's more convenient for family vacationers overall than mid-September.
Maybe Con/Maybe Pro:
1. Chattanooga Convention Center. I know nothing about the facility other than what I've read and seen here. It appears to be a modern building, and the specs indicate it will seat up to 8000 when all four exhibit halls are arranged for theater purposes . . . but they'll be using part of the space for exhibits . . . or maybe the ballrooms will be used for exhibits . . . hmm . . . in either case, it sounds like it's a flat room without any elevated seating, which would be a con . . . if anyone has ever attended a concert event at the CCC, I'd welcome the info.
2. Broader scope of performances. The website promises that soloists and lesser known artists will be a big part of this event. This can possibly be a plus or a minus. Too much variety will cause large segments of the audience to get up and leave at times, but a more varied program may be viewed by some fans as being more open to promoting deserving new talent.
November 13, 2004
OTGHQ in concert
If you're in the area, come to Rutherfordton, NC on Thursday, November 18 to enjoy a concert with the Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet. A good local quartet called In His Glory will be singing for 20-25 minutes or so before OTGHQ takes the stage. Tickets are $12 at the door. Seats are unreserved, but the capacity is just 1200 . . . all seats have a good view of the stage. The show starts at 7:00 PM, and you can come early to eat spaghetti and salad in exchange for a donation. The concert will be held at R.S. Central High School, which is located about 2 miles north of Rutherfordton on Hwy. 221 . . . very easy to find by coming south on 221 from I-40 at Marion.
This concert is part of an annual series of concerts offered by the Carolina Gospel Association. Visit their website here. The OTGHQ filled in for a group last year that had to cancel at the last moment and were a huge hit, so I expect a good crowd will turn out to see them again.
By the way, you'll also have the opportunity of meeting me, alive and in person at this event. That info should attract all sorts of people to this concert, shouldn't it? :o)
I'll be handing out programs at the door, so be sure to say "Howdy" when you come by.
-----------This concert is part of an annual series of concerts offered by the Carolina Gospel Association. Visit their website here. The OTGHQ filled in for a group last year that had to cancel at the last moment and were a huge hit, so I expect a good crowd will turn out to see them again.
By the way, you'll also have the opportunity of meeting me, alive and in person at this event. That info should attract all sorts of people to this concert, shouldn't it? :o)
I'll be handing out programs at the door, so be sure to say "Howdy" when you come by.
November 12, 2004
enLIGHTen me
Thanks to Marlin Taylor who will be heading the new "enLIGHTen" SG channel on XM Radio along with Dan Dixon. He responded to my email in less than 12 hours. Here's what I learned . . .
Taylor's goal is to have the XM channel enLIGHTen launched no later than November 18. It will appear in the Christian music section of the "dial" on channel 34, right beside Spirit, the black gospel channel. Unfortunately, it will not be available over satelite initially. Taylor said XM's bandwith on music channels is currently at the maximum limit. To add enLIGHTen to the satelite feed would require bumping an existing channel, but it's always a possibility if the response to the online service is significant.
Taylor said, "Our commitment is to make it the best it can possibly be, and to create such a dynamic product that the listening public will demand it be added to the satellite service before much time passes."
Right now, they need record labels to send them music . . . not just current releases, but collections of older hits as well. If you're with a record label, write Martin Taylor at sogo@xmradio.com for more information.
Here's the "big deal" about enLIGHTen. Although it's just another online SG station for now, it's the only one with the potential to ever be on satelite. Labels would be wise to get behind this effort. If the programming quality is poor from the beginning, it will never fly . . . literally . . . but if the programming quality is top notch, there's the potential of having Southern Gospel music available via satelite across the USA.
On a final note, the SG USA Countdown show remains tied up in the legal department of XM. Taylor said the plan is to have it added to XM's "America" channel as well as enLIGHTen when it ever clears that hurdle. He did not speculate on how much longer that would take, and admitted he didn't know what legal issues were causing it to be delayed.
-----------Taylor's goal is to have the XM channel enLIGHTen launched no later than November 18. It will appear in the Christian music section of the "dial" on channel 34, right beside Spirit, the black gospel channel. Unfortunately, it will not be available over satelite initially. Taylor said XM's bandwith on music channels is currently at the maximum limit. To add enLIGHTen to the satelite feed would require bumping an existing channel, but it's always a possibility if the response to the online service is significant.
Taylor said, "Our commitment is to make it the best it can possibly be, and to create such a dynamic product that the listening public will demand it be added to the satellite service before much time passes."
Right now, they need record labels to send them music . . . not just current releases, but collections of older hits as well. If you're with a record label, write Martin Taylor at sogo@xmradio.com for more information.
Here's the "big deal" about enLIGHTen. Although it's just another online SG station for now, it's the only one with the potential to ever be on satelite. Labels would be wise to get behind this effort. If the programming quality is poor from the beginning, it will never fly . . . literally . . . but if the programming quality is top notch, there's the potential of having Southern Gospel music available via satelite across the USA.
On a final note, the SG USA Countdown show remains tied up in the legal department of XM. Taylor said the plan is to have it added to XM's "America" channel as well as enLIGHTen when it ever clears that hurdle. He did not speculate on how much longer that would take, and admitted he didn't know what legal issues were causing it to be delayed.
November 11, 2004
XM and SG followup
(For context, read the post below first.)
Finally after re-registering with a different email address, I got a confirmation code.
Here's the facts: There is currently no SG channel offered at XM Online. I did see two channels that were listed as "Online Exclusives," so it's possible it will roll out in the future as another "online exclusive." I won't be holding my breath.
UPDATE (11/11/04): I called XM Radio today and spoke with a tech rep who gave me an email address to contact about the status of this limbo channel. I've also written Dan Dixon requesting further clarification. I'll keep you posted if/when I hear from them.
Finally after re-registering with a different email address, I got a confirmation code.
Here's the facts: There is currently no SG channel offered at XM Online. I did see two channels that were listed as "Online Exclusives," so it's possible it will roll out in the future as another "online exclusive." I won't be holding my breath.
UPDATE (11/11/04): I called XM Radio today and spoke with a tech rep who gave me an email address to contact about the status of this limbo channel. I've also written Dan Dixon requesting further clarification. I'll keep you posted if/when I hear from them.
XM and SG
Why do they keep teasing us? Two months ago, we were told that a regular Southern Gospel countdown show was going to be added to XM Radio's Channel 10 during the month of September. Two months later, www.sgusa.com is still listing the program as "coming soon" under their Affiliates link while the Channel 10 area of www.xmradio.com doesn't mention the SG countdown at all.
Yesterday the Singing News reported that XM is rolling out a round the clock SG channel called "enLIGHTen!" . . . Hallelujah! . . . but wait, there's a catch. This new channel is part of the XM Radio Online streaming service. Nothing is mentioned about it becoming part of the satelite service. The online streaming service is $7.99 a month for 75 music channels and a few others or $3.99 a month if you already have the satelite service. (I don't think very many people currently paying $9.99 a month for clear satelite feeds would want to hear the same low-fi music streamed on the internet.)
I signed up for the free three day trial in order to analyze the quality of the SG programming, but the XM site has so far (after an hour) failed to generate and send me a confirmation code that will let me actually start the trial period. I'll report back if/when they ever do.
Pardon me if I'm skeptical, but the XM online website does not mention that some online streams will be new and/or different from the channels offered via satelite. I'm getting a really weird sense of deja vu about the whole thing. Consider . . . the SG countdown show has yet the materialize on Channel 10 . . . the Channel 10 guy who currently produces a one hour weekly Country gospel show called "Stained Glass" is supposedly heading up this new SG channel . . . if he hasn't yet done what he announced he was going to do two months ago, can we reasonably expect this SG channel to get off the ground?
I'll only believe it's there when I finally hear it for myself.
-----------Yesterday the Singing News reported that XM is rolling out a round the clock SG channel called "enLIGHTen!" . . . Hallelujah! . . . but wait, there's a catch. This new channel is part of the XM Radio Online streaming service. Nothing is mentioned about it becoming part of the satelite service. The online streaming service is $7.99 a month for 75 music channels and a few others or $3.99 a month if you already have the satelite service. (I don't think very many people currently paying $9.99 a month for clear satelite feeds would want to hear the same low-fi music streamed on the internet.)
I signed up for the free three day trial in order to analyze the quality of the SG programming, but the XM site has so far (after an hour) failed to generate and send me a confirmation code that will let me actually start the trial period. I'll report back if/when they ever do.
Pardon me if I'm skeptical, but the XM online website does not mention that some online streams will be new and/or different from the channels offered via satelite. I'm getting a really weird sense of deja vu about the whole thing. Consider . . . the SG countdown show has yet the materialize on Channel 10 . . . the Channel 10 guy who currently produces a one hour weekly Country gospel show called "Stained Glass" is supposedly heading up this new SG channel . . . if he hasn't yet done what he announced he was going to do two months ago, can we reasonably expect this SG channel to get off the ground?
I'll only believe it's there when I finally hear it for myself.
November 9, 2004
Free plug
Click on the words "Free Plug" above and enter to win that goofy looking little car from the Crabb Family before December 1. I saw them cram about ten people into it at NQC (plus a pair of twins were hanging onto the back windshield wiper, IIRC). You'll probably have to replace the shocks even if you do win. :o)
-----------November 8, 2004
These aren't gay issues
I've been listening to CNBC's Meet The Press with Karl Rove and Barack Obama for the last thirty minutes. The topic of civil issues for same sex couples keeps coming up. The main points they mentioned are whether gay people can visit their lovers in the hospital and whether or not they can inherit property with rights like a spouse to avoid being taxed.
These aren't gay issues.
Inheritance taxes should be abolished. ALL legal heirs would then be treated the same. Problem solved. But no . . . the politicians struggle with this because it's supposedly a "gay issue." Hogwash. It's an issue that concerns all taxpayers who expect to leave property to their heirs when they die. It's bad enough that we have to pay inheritance taxes now. Extending the right to inherit property to those in "civil unions" while making the rest of us continue to pay inheritance taxes would be highly discriminatory.
Now, about hospital visits . . . Rove mentioned it three or four times. This defies common sense.
If a doctor limits a patient to one visitor, that visitor should be whoever the patient wants to see REGARDLESS of their legal, sexual, or marital connection to the patient. Surely there are some patients who would prefer having a close friend or a minister to visit. Whatever legal provision limits the visitor to being a family member should simply be struck down. Again, couching such legislation in language that would extend the right to gays while leaving the rest of us out would just make the situation less fair.
Rant over . . . next week I'll give the path to world peace.
These aren't gay issues.
Inheritance taxes should be abolished. ALL legal heirs would then be treated the same. Problem solved. But no . . . the politicians struggle with this because it's supposedly a "gay issue." Hogwash. It's an issue that concerns all taxpayers who expect to leave property to their heirs when they die. It's bad enough that we have to pay inheritance taxes now. Extending the right to inherit property to those in "civil unions" while making the rest of us continue to pay inheritance taxes would be highly discriminatory.
Now, about hospital visits . . . Rove mentioned it three or four times. This defies common sense.
If a doctor limits a patient to one visitor, that visitor should be whoever the patient wants to see REGARDLESS of their legal, sexual, or marital connection to the patient. Surely there are some patients who would prefer having a close friend or a minister to visit. Whatever legal provision limits the visitor to being a family member should simply be struck down. Again, couching such legislation in language that would extend the right to gays while leaving the rest of us out would just make the situation less fair.
Rant over . . . next week I'll give the path to world peace.
Shoulda beens, round one
It must be difficult getting a new song to break in Southern Gospel. When a monthly chart that runs two or three months behind the actual airplay is considered to be the standard for the genre, the rise/fall rate of a song is slow as molasses. Add to that the constant supply of new versions of old songs diluting the market and keeping new songs away from consumers. It's no wonder record labels have difficultly creating a buzz for a truly new CD . . . one with a concept, new songs, great production quality, etc.
With that in mind, I want to point out some "Shoulda beens" from time to time on this website. Great songs that got overlooked.
"Don't Be Caught Dead Without Jesus" caught my ear right away when I reviewed the Brian Free and Assurance CD titled 4 God So Loved in 1996. Read that review here. This song had a novelty element going for it, good production by Garry Jones, and a nice performance by bass singer Bob Caldwell. Another song from this CD, "Jesus Came Out Alive" slowly made it's way up and down the chart. By the time that process was over it was time for a new Assurance recording to come out, so "Don't Be Caught Dead" got overlooked. It shoulda been a hit.
-----------With that in mind, I want to point out some "Shoulda beens" from time to time on this website. Great songs that got overlooked.
"Don't Be Caught Dead Without Jesus" caught my ear right away when I reviewed the Brian Free and Assurance CD titled 4 God So Loved in 1996. Read that review here. This song had a novelty element going for it, good production by Garry Jones, and a nice performance by bass singer Bob Caldwell. Another song from this CD, "Jesus Came Out Alive" slowly made it's way up and down the chart. By the time that process was over it was time for a new Assurance recording to come out, so "Don't Be Caught Dead" got overlooked. It shoulda been a hit.
Labels: CD Review
November 6, 2004
Interesting view of the election
Go to electoral-vote.com for an interesting comparison on how people voted by counties. If the election were based purely on geographic support, President Bush would have won in a romp. Out of some 3000+ counties in the United States, Bush was the top vote getter in more than 2500. Of course, most of Kerry's support came from highly populated urban areas, so it was really a lot closer in terms of the popular vote.
It should make an interesting study for students interested in comparing how people think based on how close they live to each other. It's obvious that folks who live in houses and own their own land tend to be conservative while people living in high rise apartments have a more liberal mindset. The question is why does proximity to other people dictate the political mindset?
This site also provides a breakdown of how various types of people voted. Categories include age, religious persuasion, gender, and age.
It should make an interesting study for students interested in comparing how people think based on how close they live to each other. It's obvious that folks who live in houses and own their own land tend to be conservative while people living in high rise apartments have a more liberal mindset. The question is why does proximity to other people dictate the political mindset?
This site also provides a breakdown of how various types of people voted. Categories include age, religious persuasion, gender, and age.
It's about time
On November 16, Paramount is releasing the first season of The Andy Griffith Show on DVD. It's about time.
I already own two DVD collections containing eight episodes each, one titled The Best Of The Andy Griffith Show and one titled The Best Of Barney. The quality level is OK, but the original theme song before each show has been replaced with some ripoff tune. I've found a number of other DVD collections for sale, but they invariably contain the same 16 episodes I already own (episodes 80-95).
I don't know why Paramount would have waited so long to get a definitive collection on the market when scads of similarly nostalgic shows are already on the shelves. Five seasons of Sanford And Son are already available on DVD, for example.
I've yet to find a list of the episodes that will be on the official Paramount release, so I decided to consult my copy of Richard Kelly's book The Andy Griffith Show and post the first season's titles here. The first season ran for 32 weeks on Monday nights beginning October 3, 1960 and running thru May 22, 1961.
Episode titles include: "The New Housekeeper," "The Manhunt," "Guitar Player," "Ellie Comes To Town," "Irresistible Andy," "Runaway Kid," "Andy The Matchmaker," "Opie's Charity," "A Feud Is A Feud," "Ellie For Council," "Christmas Story," "Stranger In Town," "Mayberry Goes To Hollywood," "The Horse Trader," "Those Gossipin' Men," "The Beauty Contest," "Alcohol And Old Lace," "Andy, The Marriage Counselor," "Mayberry On Record," "Andy Saves Barney's Morale," "Andy And The Gentleman Crook," "Cyrano Andy," "Andy And Opie, Housekeepers," "The New Doctor," "A Plaque For Mayberry," "The Inspector," "Ellie Saves A Female," "Andy Forecloses," "Quiet Sam," "Barney Gets His Man," "The Guitar Player Returns," and "Bringing Up Opie"
Main characters introduced the first season in addition to Andy Taylor include Barney Fife, Opie Taylor, Aunt Bee, Otis Campbell, and Ellie as Andy's main love interest. (Elinor Donahue, the actress who portrayed Ellie, left the show after one season.) Floyd Lawson appeared in the thirteenth show.
The ninth show is significant because it incorporated a piece of Griffith's old comedic material, the story of Romeo and Juliet. This was the only episode that borrowed from pre-existing Griffith routines (although the Paul Revere story in "Andy Discovers America" was certainly inspired by them).
November 5, 2004
Ray
Dave's Movie Review
I saw Ray a few days ago. This 2 hr. and 30 minute biographical epic on the life of Ray Charles is already sparking rumors about an Oscar nomination for Jamie Foxx. Being a longtime fan, I thought the movie was entertaining, but it could have been improved considerably in some areas.
Obvious problems first . . . I noticed several scenes where the hands did not even come close to matching the music. When you're making a recording about a famous piano player, this is just unacceptable.
One particular scene was out of character from the rest of the film. Charles and his mistress are having an argument over whether she should have an abortion. When she refuses, he sings "Hit The Road, Jack." She sings a line or two back at him before she storms out the door. Otherwise, Ray is a movie ABOUT a musician, not a musical. Besides, the scene itself is tasteless . . . but it got the anticipated laugh from the audience.
The other drawback to this film is that it obsesses with Charles' struggles with heroin and adultery in his early career to the point that his musical accomplishments come off as secondary. Ultimately, the movie comes to a halt in the mid-1960s, with only a brief nod towards the last 40 years of Charles' illustrious career. That's a real shame. I had hoped to see some scenes about Charles' collaborative works with other artists like Billy Joel ("Baby Grand") and country groups like the Oak Ridge Boys. He was an amazingly versatile performer. Unfortunately, this film dwells so much on Charles' flaws it could turn away more potential fans than it attracts.
Thematic problems aside, Foxx does an excellent job conveying the spirit of Ray Charles on screen. The classic swagger is perfect, and the music sounds terrific. (The filmmakers used Charles himself for the recordings . . . a wise move.)
If you're already a Ray Charles fan you should see this film . . . if for no other reason than seeing how they managed to flub it in spite of Foxx's performance. If you aren't a fan of Ray Charles, though, skip the movie. Buy a couple of Ray Charles CDs instead.
Labels: Movies
November 4, 2004
Blast from the past
From time to time, I like to dig one of my old CD reviews out of the closet, dust it off, and let you read it again. I ran across this Buddy Greene review today. It's definitely off the beaten path and worth checking out. Enjoy . . .
Producer: Buddy Greene
Website: www.buddygreene.com
Songs: "Sally Good'n," "Working On A Building," "Deep River Blues," "Cluck Ol' Hen," "Kinfolk In Carolina," "All My Loving," "Cryin' Holy," "The Little Beggar Man," "Walkin' Blues," "One Way Avenue," "Rock In A Weary Land," and "Highway Heading South"
I hesitated to review Buddy Greene's new project for SoGospelNews. Half the songs are old secular standards from the bluegrass tradition, not even pretending to be gospel. (One lyric even mentions drinking whiskey in a not necessarily condemning manner!) Then there's the fact that this style of music isn't what most people think about when they hear the phrase "Southern Gospel." It's more along the lines of how Lyle Lovett would sound if he played harmonica and sang in a bluegrass band.
In the end, though, the DOs won out over the DON'Ts. Greene is known in Southern Gospel circles due to his appearances on the Gaither Homecoming videos, and perhaps more for his part in co-writing the modern Christmas classic "Mary Did You Know." Above that, though, the musicianship on this recording is astoundingly good. Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, and Chuck Leavell are just a few of the players who join Greene. If you find yourself drawn to sensational players, particularly those of the bluegrass persuasion, read on. Otherwise, skip to the next review.
If you've seen the most recent Gaither videos from New York City's Carnegie Hall, you know Greene can play classical melodies on his harmonica. He's also adept at fiddle tunes. This CD begins with a joyous romp through "Sally Good'n." "Cluck Ol' Hen" follows a few songs later. "The Little Begger Man" is a lilting Irish song, with Greene doing all the licks traditionally played by the fiddle on his mouth harp.
Ashley Clevaland lends her background vocals to "Working On A Building" and "Rock In A Weary Land," two of the gospel tunes on this CD. Leavell's rhythmic piano lines and Kenny Malone's percussion drive "Cryin' Holy." Malone's original gospel number "One Way Avenue" is also included.
A word about the title. Greene used to play in Jerry Reed's band, and they already had another "Buddy" in the band when he joined them. Reed wanted him to use a different name to keep things simple, so Greene suggested his middle name, Rufus. He went back to using Buddy later, but decided to bring "Rufus" back for this project.
This CD may be difficult to find in your local Christian bookstore. Greene has it available at his website, www.buddygreene.com. It's worth the extra effort to check it out. In a time when most of the music you hear has instruments overdubbed, compressed, and stacked fifteen deep with all the soul sucked out and all the feeling ironed flat, it's refreshing to hear what energy and passion three guys can produce in one pass. Rufus . . . doesn't disappoint.
-----------Dave's Review
Producer: Buddy Greene
Website: www.buddygreene.com
Songs: "Sally Good'n," "Working On A Building," "Deep River Blues," "Cluck Ol' Hen," "Kinfolk In Carolina," "All My Loving," "Cryin' Holy," "The Little Beggar Man," "Walkin' Blues," "One Way Avenue," "Rock In A Weary Land," and "Highway Heading South"
I hesitated to review Buddy Greene's new project for SoGospelNews. Half the songs are old secular standards from the bluegrass tradition, not even pretending to be gospel. (One lyric even mentions drinking whiskey in a not necessarily condemning manner!) Then there's the fact that this style of music isn't what most people think about when they hear the phrase "Southern Gospel." It's more along the lines of how Lyle Lovett would sound if he played harmonica and sang in a bluegrass band.
In the end, though, the DOs won out over the DON'Ts. Greene is known in Southern Gospel circles due to his appearances on the Gaither Homecoming videos, and perhaps more for his part in co-writing the modern Christmas classic "Mary Did You Know." Above that, though, the musicianship on this recording is astoundingly good. Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, and Chuck Leavell are just a few of the players who join Greene. If you find yourself drawn to sensational players, particularly those of the bluegrass persuasion, read on. Otherwise, skip to the next review.
If you've seen the most recent Gaither videos from New York City's Carnegie Hall, you know Greene can play classical melodies on his harmonica. He's also adept at fiddle tunes. This CD begins with a joyous romp through "Sally Good'n." "Cluck Ol' Hen" follows a few songs later. "The Little Begger Man" is a lilting Irish song, with Greene doing all the licks traditionally played by the fiddle on his mouth harp.
Ashley Clevaland lends her background vocals to "Working On A Building" and "Rock In A Weary Land," two of the gospel tunes on this CD. Leavell's rhythmic piano lines and Kenny Malone's percussion drive "Cryin' Holy." Malone's original gospel number "One Way Avenue" is also included.
A word about the title. Greene used to play in Jerry Reed's band, and they already had another "Buddy" in the band when he joined them. Reed wanted him to use a different name to keep things simple, so Greene suggested his middle name, Rufus. He went back to using Buddy later, but decided to bring "Rufus" back for this project.
This CD may be difficult to find in your local Christian bookstore. Greene has it available at his website, www.buddygreene.com. It's worth the extra effort to check it out. In a time when most of the music you hear has instruments overdubbed, compressed, and stacked fifteen deep with all the soul sucked out and all the feeling ironed flat, it's refreshing to hear what energy and passion three guys can produce in one pass. Rufus . . . doesn't disappoint.
Labels: CD Review
November 2, 2004
Great copyright resource
In addition to the links posted in my previous article on copyrights, I've found what appears to be another great resource on the topic . . . Brad Templeton's 10 Big Myths About Copyright. Templeton founded the first ever Dot Com in 1989, an online publishing company called ClariNet. He's no stranger to the issue. (I am, of course, just assuming his claims are legitimate since I have no way of knowing for sure.)
In particular, read myths 3, 4, 5 and 10.
Myths 3 and 4 helped me draw some conclusions to the questions had I posed. Quoting an entire copyrighted article on Usenet would most likely be seen as a violation, while quoting only a portion for purposes of commentary should fall under "fair use." Usenet is not "public domain." When in doubt, rephrase the information.
Myth 5 sheds some light on the following statement made by Singing News staffer Ken Kirksey in a posting on the AMGS newsgroup . . . A number of copyright and trademark lawsuits have been lost because the copyright or trademark holder did not aggressively protect their intellectual property. Templeton says that such protection might be required to defend a trademark, but not a copyright. Trademarks aren't always unique . . . Templeton mentions "apple" as a brand name for a computer, for example, yet the word "apple" itself has connotations outside the scope of the trademark. That's why a trademark must be protected more heavily than a copyright, which protects a unique combination of words.
Finally, Myth 10 makes it clear that getting an email doesn't entitle you to forward that email word for word to another forum or individual. You aren't required by law to honor privacy with emails, but it's certainly considered to be good form.
-----------In particular, read myths 3, 4, 5 and 10.
Myths 3 and 4 helped me draw some conclusions to the questions had I posed. Quoting an entire copyrighted article on Usenet would most likely be seen as a violation, while quoting only a portion for purposes of commentary should fall under "fair use." Usenet is not "public domain." When in doubt, rephrase the information.
Myth 5 sheds some light on the following statement made by Singing News staffer Ken Kirksey in a posting on the AMGS newsgroup . . . A number of copyright and trademark lawsuits have been lost because the copyright or trademark holder did not aggressively protect their intellectual property. Templeton says that such protection might be required to defend a trademark, but not a copyright. Trademarks aren't always unique . . . Templeton mentions "apple" as a brand name for a computer, for example, yet the word "apple" itself has connotations outside the scope of the trademark. That's why a trademark must be protected more heavily than a copyright, which protects a unique combination of words.
Finally, Myth 10 makes it clear that getting an email doesn't entitle you to forward that email word for word to another forum or individual. You aren't required by law to honor privacy with emails, but it's certainly considered to be good form.
November 1, 2004
Copyrights and fair use
With all the clamor about copyrights, AMGS, and The Singing News, I thought it might be enlightening to take a look at the law itself. Copyright law is pretty interesting to study, because things you may think are protected sometimes aren't and things you may think aren't violations often are. For this post, I'm only going to focus on the section regarding "fair use."
I am not a lawyer. This is not legal advice.
Copyright law establishes a number of "exclusive rights" for the copyright owner. See: www.copyright.gov. Section 107 deals with one type of "limitation" to those exclusive rights called "fair use." Here's what Section 107 states:
Some considerable leeway is then given to judges regarding what factors to weigh in determining if use is indeed "fair use." Was the use for commercial gain? What type of work was being copied? How great was the percentage of quoted material vs. the entire copyrighted item? Does this use affect the commercial value of the copyrighted piece?
In the case of the Singing News, then, they are certainly within their rights to demand that copyrighted material not be forwarded. However, it would be "fair use" if a person quoted only a portion of a Singing News article as a stimulus for discussion. That's my personal interpretation. (I gladly welcome comments from any copyright lawyers if I'm missing the mark in this understanding.)
Is it feasible that ANY post to a discussion group would be deemed "fair use," due to the discussion inherent nature of the group itself? Usenet is nothing but a collection of criticism, comment, and news reporting. If a teacher can photocopy an article and distribute it to students in order to spark a discussion under "fair use" in a classroom setting, why can't a person post a copyrighted article to a message board or usenet group for the same purpose?
I don't know the answer. I'm just asking.
I am not a lawyer. This is not legal advice.
Copyright law establishes a number of "exclusive rights" for the copyright owner. See: www.copyright.gov. Section 107 deals with one type of "limitation" to those exclusive rights called "fair use." Here's what Section 107 states:
§ 107. Limitations on exclusive rights: Fair use38
Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 106 and 106A, the fair use of a copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction in copies or phonorecords or by any other means specified by that section, for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright. In determining whether the use made of a work in any particular case is a fair use the factors to be considered shall include —
(1) the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;
(2) the nature of the copyrighted work;
(3) the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and
(4) the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.
The fact that a work is unpublished shall not itself bar a finding of fair use if such finding is made upon consideration of all the above factors.
In English, that means you can quote something owned by someone else if you are quoting it for purposes of criticism, teaching, comment, news reporting, scholarship, research, etc.Some considerable leeway is then given to judges regarding what factors to weigh in determining if use is indeed "fair use." Was the use for commercial gain? What type of work was being copied? How great was the percentage of quoted material vs. the entire copyrighted item? Does this use affect the commercial value of the copyrighted piece?
In the case of the Singing News, then, they are certainly within their rights to demand that copyrighted material not be forwarded. However, it would be "fair use" if a person quoted only a portion of a Singing News article as a stimulus for discussion. That's my personal interpretation. (I gladly welcome comments from any copyright lawyers if I'm missing the mark in this understanding.)
Is it feasible that ANY post to a discussion group would be deemed "fair use," due to the discussion inherent nature of the group itself? Usenet is nothing but a collection of criticism, comment, and news reporting. If a teacher can photocopy an article and distribute it to students in order to spark a discussion under "fair use" in a classroom setting, why can't a person post a copyrighted article to a message board or usenet group for the same purpose?
I don't know the answer. I'm just asking.
New blog of the day
Each day brings a new Southern Gospel blog to the internet. The latest is SoGospel Truth. I'm having some mixed emotions about this one. When summarizing blogs, the blogger at SoGospel Truth says about me . . . "This is DBM, what more can I say. Such a smart man and so good looking."
Let's break that down for a moment, shall we?
1. DBM is smart . . . (My thoughts: Hey, this blogger knows what they're talking about.)
2. DBM is good looking . . . (My thoughts: This blogger doesn't have a clue. Have you seen John Hagee on the cover of GQ? Until you do, I'm not "good looking." LOL!)
Talk about going from one extreme to the other in just one sentence.
Let's break that down for a moment, shall we?
1. DBM is smart . . . (My thoughts: Hey, this blogger knows what they're talking about.)
2. DBM is good looking . . . (My thoughts: This blogger doesn't have a clue. Have you seen John Hagee on the cover of GQ? Until you do, I'm not "good looking." LOL!)
Talk about going from one extreme to the other in just one sentence.
