I like spotify. I only use it sporadically, but when I do, I go to town. I especially like creating playlists. I recently created a playlist entitled 40% Stonehill. Of the 25 songs I have on the playlist so far 10 have them are from Randy Stonehill. If you do the math that means 40% of the songs on the playlist are stonehill songs.
The other night I listened to 10 of the songs and am going to write a little bit about each one.
Song 1: In Jesus Name - Randy Stonehill from The Lazarus Heart (1994)
Thoughts: I love everything about the bridge in this song.
The Lyrics: Mercy is the miracle by which we stand. Mercy that comes pouring down from nail scarred hands. Mercy pouring out from nail scarred hands.
The Guest Artist: Stonehill employs Michael W Smith to sing the bridge and MWS nails it.
The Signature Move: The bridge hits it's powerful climax with the requisite yeah yeahs that Smitty is known for.
Song 2. If I Stand - Rich Mullins from Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth (1988)
Thoughts:
This album contains the song Awesome God that propelled Mullins to the top of contemporary Christian music at the time. However, it is the lyrics from If I Stand where the album derives it's title. Also this song is imbued with much more lyrical depth and sheer poetry than Awesome God. If I Stand is one of many fine songs on Winds O Stuff O (my nickname for the album) that along with Awesome God displays the passionate genius of Mullins.
Song 3: It's Now - Randy Stonehill from Can't Buy A Miracle (1988)
Thoughts: It had been quite a while since I had heard this song. Of all the Stonehill songs mentioned on these 10 songs it may be my least favorite. However, I do like this rocking anthem and was struck by how timely the lyrics are 1/3 of a century after it's original release.
Think about 2020 and consider these lyrics:
The world is spinning faster,
It's out of control, it's out of control,
In the air is the smell of disaster,
No running away, it's time to say who we're gonna choose to make our master.
Song 4: I'm A Punk - Alan Sherman
Thoughts: I'm a Punk is a song from the 1971 cartoon adaptation of the Cat in The Hat. Even though my family grew up listening to the music of Alan Sherman, I didn't realize until recently that Sherman had provided the voice for T Geisel's titular cat, This song reminds me of a first person version of you're a mean one Mr. Grinch,
Song 5:We Were All so Young - Randy Stonehill from Edge of the World 2002
This song about the beginning of the Jesus Music era features many of the pioneers of the Jesus Music era, which I guess is the point.
The Guest Artists: Larry Norman, Phil Keaggy, Annie Herring, Noel Paul Stookey Barry McGuire and Love Song.
Song 6 Deep Calling Deep - Margaret Becker from Grace 1995
I'm a big fan of Maggie B. Deep Calling Deep which opens her 1995 album Grace (The follow up to Soul and the end of her 1 word album phase) goes along way to explaining why. Soulful. wistful, haunting and rocking all in the same package. an
Song7: American Fast Food. Randy Stonehill Equator 1982
Have you ever had a moment that started as a dream come true and ended up a nightmare? Thia aong reminds me of one such time. A few years ago my family drove to Indinapolis to visit friends and watch Randy Stonehill in concert. It was an intimate gathering and Stonehill asked for a volunteer to belch during this song which is the high point of the song. I volunteered and totally biffed the belch. It took me a long time before I could appreciate this song again. Sorry Sir Stonehill. I'll tty not to bring it up again(belching humor).
Song 8: The Pirates Who Don't do Anything - Veggie Tales
I'm a big fan of Phil Vischer and all things Veggietales. I especially love silly songs with Larry. The song the Pirates who don't do anything really has had a life of it's own. I think it's the only song to have recurring parts in veggiedom. They came back to host the silly song countdown and were featured prominently in both veggie tales movies. Usually my favorite silly song is whatever I'm listening to at the time, but, this is the one I listen to the most. I still haven't been to Boston in the Fall.
Song 9: Finish Well - Randy Stonehill from Spirit Walk (2011)
The last Stonehill song of the 10 finishes well. Besides having a very similar melody as Randy's Stop the World it is a good song, My favorite line is chase the fickle butterfly of cool.
Song 10 Wind and Wave Jacob's Trouble from Door Into Summer (1989)
Jacob's Trouble is my favorite band to play ping pong to and Wind and Wave is one of my favorite songs of theirs. Instead of talking about them I'll just show a video of them performing it back in '91.
I hope you enjoyed this special glimpse into my musical tastes. It is something I hope to do again.
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