Well, it's the day after Thanksgiving, and you know what that means...no, not "Black Friday". No, it's no new songs on Christian radio until 2007. Listen, I love Christmas music as much as anyone. In a few days I will have my list of best Christmas albums of all time. But can you at least wait until December to go all Christmas music? I can see starting to ease it in now, like one out of every 4 songs or something. By December then I put away my regular CD's and bring up my ever increasing collection of holiday music. Since I won that CD brick last December 23rd, I hardly listened to all the Christmas music I won, so this will be a fun year to hear new music for me. Just got the Todd Agnew Christmas CD as well, and that could be a classic. He has a bunch of singers telling the story like they were part of the nativity. I see CCM only gave it 2 and a half stars, but this is the kind of CD I like for Christmas. I like to hear new songs, not just 12 classics. I also like Christmas albums from non-Christian artists. This might be the only chance we will ever have to hear people like Mariah Carey and N'Sync sing the praises of Jesus! Well, more of that for another blog.

I was excited to see my new CCM today. Jay had a nice editorial on myCCM, Chris had his usual clever lists aimed at Christmas songs, and my fave, the annual CCM staff picks for albums of 2006. That list is always a big help next time I do an order from Sound and Spirit! I will have a blog commenting on those picks, (Leeland did great, yippee...Kutless wasn't mentioned, boooo!), as well as my picks for the best of 2006.

Mike Parker was this month's hero though. Not only did he do a fine write-up on Third Day, but he gave Smitty a great review for "Stand". I've been reading some so-so reviews, so it was good to see someone else thought highly of it. He even outdid me, saying it was his best since "Go West Young Man". I would have to slot it behind "Change Your World" and his first Worship CD as well in that time frame. Good job Mike. Does anyone know if he has a myCCM profile?

My computer screen is still dirty, I will have to bring out another dog to try to clean it. Take care everyone.

After publishing the Leeland Q & A, just wanted to make a disclaimer in case someone thought I actually sat down with him. I never have talked to him...it was just a tribute to the greatness of his album.

This would be a good spot to publish this Billboard from God...it's a popular e-mail, but in case you have never seen it, it's kind of cute.

Once again thanks to Chris for having me be the featured blogger. For those checking this blog out for first time I wrote a little something for you last week. Just want this to be lighthearted and good for some laughs, as well as seeing what you guys like in Christian music. Hope you will scroll down and see some of my past entries, and hopefully you will like and want to comment.

Will pick up on more lists in a few days. Been working long hours and my daughter has her piano recital tomorrow night. Just finished watching another great Survivor where the good guys led by Ozzy and Yul beat the unlovable tribe in 2 more challenges! Since my Buffalo Bills are so awful, I have to have something to cheer for.

I mentioned earlier about Leeland being my favorite album of 2006. Here is a picture of me with Josh Havens of The Afters, my favorite album of 2005! Can't wait for something new from them.

Finally got my copy of Smitty's "Stand" the other day. I've read some so-so reviews because it's kind of a slow album, but I think they are wrong. Yes, most of the songs are ballads in the middle, but they are great songs. I mean, if you buy this CD expecting to rock you will be let down, but if you want to worship, this is for you. Leeland wrote a beautiful song called "Be Lifted High", which I hope churches across the country will be singing on Sunday Mornings. Amy Grant co-wrote a lovely song called "How To Say Goodbye'. and Martin Smith co-wrote another beautiful song called "Grace". Leeland and Smitty's kids did another Church-type classic called "Come See". The thing is, if you put any of these songs in the middle of a pop record they might stand out a little better. I think it all flows pretty well though.

My favorite though is "Open Arms". Leeland's lyrics call to the church to love, not judge. A sample of the lyrics:

Tell Me, where's the love

That knows no boundaries

Tell me, where's the love

Open Arms...we need to be...Open Arms.

I have to admit those are better lyrics than what I sent Smitty when I heard the music. I wrote it from a Doctor's point of view:

Tell me, where's the hurt

That's in your elbow

Tell me where's the pain...yeah yeah

Broken Arms...we need to heal...Broken Arms.

Oh well...one of these days I'll get a song published.

After about 5 listens I will give the CD a 4 Star (out of 5) review. I usually don't like to give a final score for about a month to see how the songs grow on you, or if they are the kind of songs you tire of easily.

OK, that should be all for now. If anyone thinks a mailman's busiest time is Christmas, you are wrong. October and November we get BOMBED with Christmas catalogs and political mail. I will have 27 hours of overtime this check. Christmas you get lots of letters and packages, but they are fun to deliver. Everyone is always excited to see you so the day goes by fast. So if you see your carrier this month, thank him for lugging all those catalogs instead of complaining about all the junk mail you get!

I saw an article in the paper titled "Duran Duran Is Hot Again". Seems like they are expecting great things from the soon to come out album.

I know what you are thinking..."But Jim, why do we care about them?!" Well, today's list involves Christian groups who went to the Duran Duran school of naming their group...you know, come up with a name you like a repeat it!

1) Mary Mary... They did one of my favorite gospel songs of all time.."Shackles" Mandisa tore it up in last years American Idol.

2) Rachel Rachel...All girl group from early 90's was most known for doing a cover of my Favorite song of all time..."Carry On Wayward Son" Kerry Livgren appeared in video.

3) Twenty Twenty...little known 80's rockers.

4) Bliss Bliss...They did one CD, back in 1995. Consisted of Renee' Garcia and her husband. Now Renee had some great R & B albums in the 80's. At the end of this blog I will put a picture of me doing back-up vocals during one of her shows, along with a picture of me with her and Rochester native and Christian's original rapper, Michael Peace. He was my Bible teacher for years. A great guy who would let me hear his demo's for opinions before recording them.

Anyway, I wish other acts would follow the Duran Duran example. Amy and Natalie could be Grant Grant...Aaron Jeffrey could have been Benward Benward....Grover and ex-Buffalo Bills coach Marv could have rocked as Levy Levy. Think of all the possibilities!

OK, now for the Renee' Garcia photo. Bet you never knew I did BGV's! Actually, I was just trying to strike a 1988 "Cool" pose.:)

Thanks to all who have given good feedback on my lists, but a few have asked what I like NOW. Wow...what a concept! So maybe I will give my current faves every month or so.

Listening to music in Rochester is mostly an AC/Pop choice. I prefer rock, so my CD choices will usually lean that way, but for songs on the radio, I don't get to hear much rock. We have The Living Rock ministries based in Rochester, which is famous nationwide. But the radio show is played at night after I go to bed. I have to try to record that show like I used to. So we get K-Love and another station that plays AC, plus a couple of praise and worship stations.

Here are the CD's that I'm most into lately:

Kutless-"Hearts of the Innocent"  I would have to say they are my favorite group based on their body of work over the past 5 years. They rocked at Kingdom bound this summer.

Leeland- "Sound of Melodies" This will probably be my album of the year, the second year in a row a debut album will claim that, after The Afters did it last year.

Sanctus Real-"The Face of Love" Just picked this up last week so it's getting a lot of play. They are a great band.

Mark Schultz- "Broken and Beautiful" My favorite AC artist. Nobody breaks a song down better to me.

Chris Rice- "Amusing"  Best album full of love songs from a Christian view since Steven Curtis Chapman did one a few years back.

Day of Fire...both CD's. Love their sound.

Michael W. Smith....while waiting for his new one to arrive I've been into his old CD's a lot.

Top songs:

Where Ever We Go...Newsboys.   Most catchy song from them in a long time.

Yes, You Have...Leeland

Someday...The Afters

Healing...Ceili Rain....A very underated group, finally gets some airplay on K-Love

A Better Way...Downhere

The Face of Love..Sanctus Real

Favorite song not being played on radio that will be a big hit if they would..."Promise of a Lifetime" by Kutless. If "Sea of Faces' was a hit on AC radio, this one is even better. Actually, the Kutless song on the radio now, "Winds of Change", is a nice song but not half of "Promise of a Lifetime".

For more songs for the weather channel, check out Ryan's comments under the blog about U2 and the weather channel.. Another new one is "Shine On" by Needtobreathe.

I'm bummed out the Bills lost a one-pointer to the Colts. They always do just enough to lose. Now it's time for me to watch The Amazing Race...go Cho brothers!

Here are a few more songs for the weather channel list that I can't believe I forgot.

!) Shine...Newsboys...a classic weather prediction!

2) Shine...Salvador...a classic weather prediction!

3) Shine Like Crazy...Out of the Gray....a crazy weather prediction. Who says I can't stretch an idea.

OK Jay...this list is for you...my fave U2 list. I can try one's for Steve Taylor and Charlie Peacock in the future.

Top U2 albums:

1) All That You Can't Leave Behind.   After a decade of kind of off the wall stuff, this was a return to their roots and Christian lyrics. They were rewarded with tons of Grammy's and millions of sales.

2) Under A Red Blood Sky...U2 live can't be beat. Still looking for a video or DVD for my collection. They would play video of this concert on MTV all the time back in the day.

3) Joshua Tree...most consider this their best, if not the best record period of all time. I couldn't argue too much.

4) How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb...the only bad thing about their last 2 albums were the long title's!

5) October...production might not have been up to sniff to their later efforts, but Bono's lyrics are great.

Top Songs...how can I choose just 5!

1) Gloria..the live version. Circadian Rhythm did a great cover of this song, better than any of the covers on the U2 tribute album a few years back.

2) Where The Streets Have No Name...Without a doubt, THE best song ever sung at a Super Bowl halftime show. Right after 9/11, when Bono shows the flag inside his coat it sent chills down millions of watchers spine's.

3) All Because Of You...what lyrics...all because of you...I AM. Wish this could have been more of a hit on the radio.

4) Beautiful Day...a beautiful song. It boggles me why Christian radio won't play a song like this, but it is a hit for Sanctus Real. Not that they didn't do a good version, but it wasn't U2.

5) tie...Vertigo...Sunday, Bloody Sunday...Pride...With or Without You...Yahweh...When Love Comes To Town...Elevation

How's that for making a choice It's now a top 11 list!

Until next time...see ya!

I thought this would be kind of a fun article...the history of how Christian's listened to music. For those who go back over 20 years like I do, this will bring back memories. For you younger listeners, who are used to downloading music a song at a time and listening to it on your MP3 player, this might totally freak you out!

I don't know if Christian music was ever done on 8-Tracks, but for me in the early 80's you had the choice of a cassette or a vinyl record. The best part of a record was the art work was pretty cool on Petra records, plus you could actually read the lyrics on the sleeve without getting out a magnifying glass. Actually, most cassettes back in the day didn't include lyrics. You couldn't find Christian music at a wal-mart or local record store, you had to find a Christian book store. Most of those stores had  tapes that you could sample the music first. This was actually ahead of it's time in that regard. Since there was no good Christian radio stations, you had to sample first before spending your 6 bucks to see if it was worth it. What CCM magazine said was rock might have been mellow in your eyes!

The good things about cassettes were you could listen on was home, or any other time you were in your car. When you got an album you would have to make a cassette of it anyway. But sometimes cassettes would break, but vinyl got scratchy...oh,  the choices were tough until CD's came out!

I'll tell you what I miss though, and here is today's list:

1) Christian cassettes would have stickers on them...collect 4 and you would get one free. Then about twice a year they would have double stickers. There was NOTHING better than going to the Christian book store with the latest from Amy, Petra or Smitty with 4 stickers in your pocket knowing you would be getting a brand new tape for free!

2) Sparrow put out blue cassettes...Whiteheart, Rick Cua on a blue tape...THAT'S what I'm talking about. Actually, those tapes still sound good today. After 20 years you never know what you are going to get out of a cassette if you pop it in!

3) Cassettes used to play this little sound at the start and the end of the tape. There was nothing better than hearing that little sound, anticipating Idle Cure about to sing "Breakaway". You would have to have had experienced it.

4) This wasn't so long ago, but I miss the Release .99 cent sampler cassettes. Before good Christian radio, to hear 10 new songs for a buck was great. Plus the magazine (though not NEARLY as good as CCM) that was free that went along with the cassette was pretty good, I still have about 40 of those tapes, and my girls love to play them.

OK, that's enough of a trip down memory lane. Old school people probably liked it, sorry I bored the rest of you.

Quick commentary on 2 reality shows. This year's Amazing Race has the 2 nicest guys..the Cho brothers. I never saw a team that will put other people ahead of their own chances out of a real friendship they made.

Survivor has the most annoying guy to me in awhile...Jonathan. He talks loyalty, than leaves his tribe in an instant. The team left with only 4 I hope keeps doing well. I can only think of one name...Ozzy, but I like them all. The winner from a few years ago, Danni, was a strong Christian, you know.

That's all for today...going to try to tackle my favorite songs of all time in the near future. Still haven't received Smitty's CD in mail. The latest Veggietale DVD's are excellent. The band "Shux" performing "Rock On Larryboy" ROCKED!

I got this idea from the Smitty concert.

1) Flood...Jars of Clay

2) Praise You In The Storm...Casting Crowns

3) Let It Rain...Smitty

4) Sunny Day...John Cox

5) Winds of Change...Russ Taff

6) Walkin' on Sunshine...Jump 5

7) Stand in the Rain...Superchick

8) All HAIL the Power of Jesus Name..classic hymn.

There has to be a ton more...any idea's feel free to post a comment. I love feedback.

OK...let's finish this review while it is still fresh in my mind. During the intermission I pre-ordered  his "Stand" CD. So I hope to get it in mail the next day or two, then I will review the CD as well.

When Michael came back on stage he was playing the guitar and was singing "Take it All", the fun Hillside United song. I thought this would be a good time to run down to the front and try to take a few pictures. Like I said, most came out blurry when he was moving, but I got a decent shot when he was just talking after the song. I then went back and settled in my seat. He brought up a guy and gave him a Presidential award of some sort, but I didn't catch that whole story.

He then took to the keyboard and started the classic opening to "Friends". Of course I just HAD to be the first to start applauding, then the crowd followed suit. After that he played "Live Forever" and dedicated it to his father-in-law who just passed away a few months ago. Then it was a combo of "Healing Rain' and 'Let it Rain' That gave me an idea for my next list...you will have to wait and see for that.

He continued with the worshipful tone of the evening with "You Be Lifted High', "Here I Am to Worship", "Agnus Dei", "How Great is our God", and "How Great Thou Art". Simply awesome. He finished with the new title track "Stand", which is sure to be a huge song as well. For the encore he did another new song, "You Come To Me With Your Love", which was the closest he came to rockin' out this evening. All in all, over 2 hours of music.

I was afraid we would be 2 hours in the parking lot, but since we sat back near the exit, we got a great jump and beat the crowd out. Finished the date with my wife with a stop at Starbucks and we were back in Rochester by 11:30...not too bad. When I saw him at Kingdom Bound I did get in a 2 hour traffic jam and didn't make it back until 1:30...on a work night!

Last night was the big concert. The kids were with the in-laws, I got out of work in Rochester a little early, and we shuffled off to Buffalo. Stopped to eat with my Sabres jersey on, and since the Sabres were playing that night people kept asking if I was heading to the game.

Anyway, we arrived at The Chapel at CrossPoint, and the place was huge. We had reserve seats, but up in the corner. We must have got tickets just before it sold out. Sue had never seen Smitty before and was getting excited. It was my third time, the first opening for Amy Grant back in 1988, and a few years ago at our Music festival Kingdom Bound. It was to be an acoustic worship concert, so I knew not to expect a lot of props and lights and stuff.

Smitty came out with his long time bandmates, keyboard player Jim Daneker, and violin and guitar player Christa Black (I hope I got that name right). He started off like a worship service at church with the crowd on it's feet and singing along to "Open the Eyes", "Forever", and "Lord, I Lift Your Name On High. Then he had a song I wasn't familiar with, "Everyone Can Come to the Cross". I guess it may be on his new album "Stand", due out the 7th.

The next song might have been the highlight of the night for me. I was reading about this song in CCM, and couldn't wait to hear it. Leeland Mooring wrote it, and I'm telling you right now it will be a classic, called "Open Arms" No, it's not the Journey song, though that's a great song in it's own right. I can't wait to get the CD in a few days to play it over and over again. He then did "Draw Me Close" and "Above All", that Christa added a nice touch with her lovely voice. Smitty then had her sing a song from her EP, which was fantastic. She is an amazing talent. He then did "Carol Ann" from his Freedom CD, dedicating it to his dear friend Carol Ann Lee who had passed away and left a large family behind a few years ago.

He then finished the first set with "All I Want', "This Is The Time", and "There She Stands", which had a beautiful video with it to show tribute to our country and all she fights for. It was now over an hour, which is about how long most concerts are these days, but with this one it was just time for intermission.

I think I need one as well...it's time for bed so I will wrap up the review in my next blog.

I will be writing a full review of last night's Smitty concert later. Here is a picture from the show. They didn't allow flash so my digital picture was a bit blurry. I sat far back so I just went down to take a few shots, and this was the best of the blurry lot.

I also just found out how to allow comments at the bottom of my blogs. (Thanks Chris!) I apoligize for those trying to do that before and were unable. I am always asking for feedback, yet I was making it tough on you to do so. I'm learning on the job!

Well, I just tried to download picture and I'm still having problems with that. The picture will have to wait. Halftime of the Bills game is over, so I'm back to watching that.

Here is a weird list...top 3 Christian songs about murder.

1) Killing My Old Man...Petra

C'mon guys, didn't you get that special present you always wanted as a kid or something?

2) Satan, Bite the Dust...Carman

This is more like it...we would all like that!

3) Al Should Die...Amy Grant

It's bad enough that Amy would like to kill poor old Al, but Michael Card sang it as well. To top it off, CCM promoted this evil thought by naming it the 3rd best song of all time.

Can't wait for the big Smitty concert tomorrow night...wait a minute....what ...the title to that third song is "El Shaddai?" Well, Excuuuussse Meeeeee.

I thought it would be fun to ask what the best prize you readers might have ever won.

Today on the radio I won the latest 2 veggietale DVD's,  which got my kids excited. But the best prize I ever won was on the same station last Christmas when I won the grand prize of a 30 CD brick. It had all the latest releases...I hardly had to buy a CD this year until June! I already had about 12 of them, but they made great gifts.

Still didn't top my friends a few years earlier winning a trip to the Dove awards. Now THAT would be my ultimate trip. I've never even been to Nashville, let alone the Dove's!

But that still couldn't top my brother winning a trip to Mexico back in the 80's from a drawing at the mall. He's always had the knack for winning things.

Hey, does anyone out there know why pictures haven't been downloading the past few days on myCCM?

Thought I would give a history of myself, so when you read my blogs, you know where I'm coming from. Sadly, I had a beautiful one written, but erased it by accident. So now I'll do the Reader's digest version!

Was born In Rochester in 1961. Was mostly into sports until my later high school years, when I got into secular music. My sis inviting me to see Petra in 1981 changed my outlook on Christian music being boring, and after recommiting my life in 1984, I was into Christian music full speed. Got my first subscription to CCM then as well. Starting going to concerts all over New Yoek and Canada, where you will see many of the pictures on this blog.

Was involved at my church in youth ministry, when I joined the drama team in 1987. This is where I met my best friend Susan, and after finally begining to court we married in 1990. We have been blessed with the birth of Kayla in 1998, and Kristi in 2001. Sue does a great job homeschooling them. She still does Nursing work one night a week, and I've been with the Post Office since 1991. We are also greatly blessed to teach 5-7 year olds at our terrific Calvary Chapel for the past 4 years. Sue has been the most wonderful wife a guy could want!

Well, I'm going to quit before I erase my mistake again. I was going to print a picture of my family here, but this is where it was having problems earlier, so I'll save that for another day or put it in my photo section. Next time I'll go back to my goofy music blogs.

Agape...Jim

Thanks to all who gave some feedback on my lists. I was really excited to see Jay was diggin' it, and Ryan had some great adds to some of my lists.

For a mailman song..."Letters from War" from Mark Schultz. This was so obvious, and from one of my faves to boot. He also suggested "Signs of Life" by Stephen Curtis Chapman for a UFO song. Now that's one I would have not thought of...good stuff bro!

I was also thinking of songs a mailman would hate. The only one off the top of my head for now would be U2's classic, "Where the Streets Have No Name". That would be a disaster for a mailman to try to find where people lived...c'mon Bono, your Pop was a mailman, you should know better:)

Today's JOTB...The first insurance agent was David...he gave Goliath a piece of the rock.

I shared the cat on my route, now here is a picture of my 2 cats when they were kittens. I always had dogs, but when my faithful Mandy went to doggy paradise, we had a bad experience replacing her. My daughters loved my Brother's cats, so I thought I'd try cats for the first time in my life. Found the orange one, Katie, at the shelter, but she was the only one we liked at the shelter. Afew weeks later we found another friendly one, Abby, and brought her home. We weren't sure if Katie would accept her right away, but the second day we found her hugging her,(as the picture shows, this wasn't a put on) and we knew they would be best buds!