- Eric Burdon & War: Eric Burdon rose to fame in the early to mid-1960s as the lead singer of the British Invasion band, The Animals (House of the Rising Sun, It’s My Life…). And though their sound was solidly rooted in rhythm and blues, few could have forecast his re-emergence in 1970, fronting the California Funk band, War. Their classic, “Spill the Wine” was an unprecedented stew of funk, psychedelia, and beat poetry. Over fifty years later, it still defies categorization.
- Bing Crosby & David Bowie: The contrast between 1940s Crooner, Bing Crosby, and 70s Glam Rocker, David Bowie couldn’t have been more dramatic, and it remains unclear who thought their collaboration might be a good idea. Even less likely, was the selection of a children’s Christmas song as the vehicle for their duet. None the less, their medley of Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth created a memorable moment, when two iconic artists from differing generations came together in a completely unexpected way. Crosby would pass away in the weeks that followed their session.
- Carly Simon & Mick Jagger: Though Jagger’s backup vocals on the Simon classic, “You’re So Vain” aren’t substantial, they are memorable. And given his iconic counterculture status during the 1971 recording, his participation as a backup singer for the Pop Chanteuse seemed highly unlikely.
- Michael Jackson & Eddie Van Halen: Despite the huge success of the Jackson 5, Michael’s four solo projects for the Motown label were far less celebrated. That all changed in 1979, as Jackson switched to the Epic label, and worked with Producer, Quincy Jones, on his breakthrough album, “Off the Wall”. It was Jones who suggested the inclusion of a “rocker” for the follow-up album, and when they approached Eddie Van Halen, he happily jumped in. The resulting, “Beat It” sold over 8 million singles, while the “Thriller” album went on to sell over 50 million units, making this one of the most successful songs of all-time.
- Aerosmith & Run DMC: It’s hard to remember that there was once a time when the Rock and Hip-Hop worlds didn’t substantially intersect, but this was the song that most prominently broke down that barrier. At the time of it’s release, such a collaboration was unthinkable, but within a few short years, the air waves were filled with rap/rock tunes.
- Johnny Cash & Rick Rubin: Rick Rubin made his name in the 1980s, as the cofounder of Def Jam Records, and as a Producer of Hip-Hop artists like LL Cool J, the Beastie Boys and Run DMC. Later in the decade he went on to produce numerous Hard Rock / Heavy Metal bands as well. But it was his collaboration with the legendary Country artist, Johnny Cash that ultimately caught everyone off guard. While it may have seemed like a mismatch on paper, the records they created indicate otherwise.
- Stevie Nicks & Prince: On the heels of the wildly successful Fleetwood Mac album, “Rumours”, Stevie Nicks launched her solo career in 1981 with the multi-platinum album, “Bella Donna”. And as she prepared for her follow-up record (1983s “Wild at Heart”), she found inspiration in the form of the Prince classic, “Little Red Corvette”. Borrowing from both the melody and sound, she created the foundation of her hit single, “Stand Back”. Though it was a marked change from her grittier rock/folk sound, it proved to be equally successful. In acknowledgement of her source material, she split the songwriter credits with Prince, and even managed to get him to play some keyboards on the track.
- Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole: On the surface, there is nothing unusual about a father-daughter duet, especially when both are successful artists, but what makes this collaboration so unique is that it took place 25 years after the father’s death. Natalie Cole was only 15 years old when her father, Nat King Cole passed away from lung cancer (1965), but thanks to the marvels of modern technology, their duet on “Unforgettable” resulted in the 1991 Grammys for Song, Record and Album of the Year.
- Kanye West, Rihanna & Paul McCartney: This unlikely partnership (i.e. FourFive Seconds) began as a songwriting collaboration between West and McCartney, and further evolved with West’s involvement in the production of Rihanna’s album. Though a bit of a departure for all three artists, it proved to be highly successful. Ironically, many younger fans had no idea who Paul McCartney was.
- Lil NAS X & Billy Ray Cyrus: The melding of Country music with Rap music hasn’t necessarily been a winning combination, so there wasn’t much reason to believe that a little-known rapper, and a largely forgotten country singer would do much to change that. But “Old Town Road” went on to become one of the most successful singles of all time.
Posted in Entertainment/Music/Sports | Tagged Aerosmith, Billy Ray Cyrus, Bing Crosby, Carly Simon, collaborations, David Bowie, Eddie Van Halen, Eric Burdon, Johnny Cash, Kanye West, Lil NAS X, Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger, Nat King Cole, Natalie Cole, Paul McCartney, Prince, Rick Rubin, Rihanna, Run DMC, Stevie Nicks, War | Leave a Comment »
It is important to discern the difference between gifts, fruit, and anointing. While the gifts are not rescinded (Rom.11:29), real fruit comes from abiding in the vine (John 15:4), and true anointing flows from the Head (1John2:20). We must know them by their fruit (Matt.7:16)
Posted in Thought for the Day / Quotes | Tagged anointing, discern, discernment, fruit, gifts, rescinded | Leave a Comment »
I’m not making a case that these are the five “greatest singers of all-time”, but they are amongst my all-time favorites.
5. Peter Gabriel:
Peter Gabriel’s vocals are certainly distinctive, and while he doesn’t possess what would be considered a traditionally great voice, his ability to effectively convey a wide range of emotions is uncanny. Frequently his vocal performances are evocative and compelling. Listen to “Biko”, “In Your Eyes”, “Red Rain”, “Don’t Give Up” (w/Kate Bush), “Blood of Eden”, “Secret World”….
4. Burton Cummings:
Easily one of the most underrated vocalists of the rock era, this blue eyed soul powerhouse teamed with fellow Canadian Randy Bachman to create a host of memorable songs in the band the Guess Who. Their ongoing lack of recognition from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is further evidence of that organizations prodigious ineptitude. Checkout “These Eyes”, “Undone”, “No Time”, “Share the Land”, “No Sugar Tonight”, “American Woman”…
3. Ann Wilson:
Arguably the greatest female voice in rock history, Ann Wilson has created a catalogue of memorable vocal performances. Even when Heart’s music veered toward the pop-rock lane, Wilson’s singing remained an impressive centerpiece. Listen to “Magic Man”, “How Deep it Goes”, “Crazy On You”, “Barracuda”, “Sylvan Song”, “Nada One”, “Rock and Roll (Live)”, “Alone”…
2. Karen Carpenter:
There is no doubt that Richard Carpenter’s musical acumen was a huge part of the group’s success in the 1970’s, but it is those same arrangements / production elements that make their catalog sound so out of date today. Even so, the transcendent quality of Karen Carpenter’s voice remains a timeless pop music treasure. Listen to “Superstar”, “Ticket to Ride”, “Yesterday Once More”, “Rainy Days and Mondays”, “We’ve Only Just Begun”…
1. Steve Perry:
Although dismissed by critics for their pop sound, Journey consistently created well produced, and highly listenable records. Whatever they may have lacked in edginess, they more than made up for with virtuoso musicianship, and the impassioned vocals of singer Steve Perry. Decades later, Perry is widely held as on the greatest vocalists of all-time. Check out “Lights”, “Patiently”, “Walks Like a Lady (Live)”, “Still They Ride”, “Separate Ways”, “Send Her My Love”, “Faithfully”, “When You Love a Woman”…
Posted in Entertainment/Music/Sports | Tagged Ann Wilson, Burton Cummings, Heart, Journey, Karen Carpenter, Peter Gabriel, Randy Bachman, Richard Carpenter, Steve Perry, The Guess Who | Leave a Comment »
We seem to be far more adept at articulating what we’re against than manifesting what we claim to believe in.
Posted in Thought for the Day / Quotes | Tagged against, articulate | 1 Comment »
I’m not making a case that these are the five “greatest singers of all-time”, but they are amongst my all-time favorites.
5. Peter Gabriel:
Peter Gabriel’s vocals are certainly distinctive, and while he doesn’t possess what would be considered a traditionally great voice, his ability to effectively convey a wide range of emotions is uncanny. Frequently his vocal performances are evocative and compelling. Listen to “Biko”, “In Your Eyes”, “Red Rain”, “Don’t Give Up” (w/Kate Bush), “Blood of Eden”, “Secret World”….
4. Burton Cummings:
Easily one of the most underrated vocalists of the rock era, this blue eyed soul powerhouse teamed with fellow Canadian Randy Bachman to create a host of memorable songs in the band the Guess Who. Their ongoing lack of recognition from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is further evidence of that organizations prodigious ineptitude. Checkout “These Eyes”, “Undone”, “No Time”, “Share the Land”, “No Sugar Tonight”, “American Woman”…
3. Ann Wilson:
Arguably the greatest female voice in rock history, Ann Wilson has created a catalogue of memorable vocal performances. Even when Heart’s music veered toward the pop-rock lane, Wilson’s singing remained an impressive centerpiece. Listen to “Magic Man”, “How Deep it Goes”, “Crazy On You”, “Barracuda”, “Sylvan Song”, “Nada One”, “Rock and Roll (Live)”, “Alone”…
2. Karen Carpenter:
There is no doubt that Richard Carpenter’s musical acumen was a huge part of the group’s success in the 1970’s, but it is those same arrangements / production elements that make their catalog sound so out of date today. Even so, the transcendent quality of Karen Carpenter’s voice remains a timeless pop music treasure. Listen to “Superstar”, “Ticket to Ride”, “Yesterday Once More”, “Rainy Days and Mondays”, “We’ve Only Just Begun”…
1. Steve Perry:
Although dismissed by critics for their pop sound, Journey consistently created well produced, and highly listenable records. Whatever they may have lacked in edginess, they more than made up for with virtuoso musicianship, and the impassioned vocals of singer Steve Perry. Decades later, Perry is widely held as on the greatest vocalists of all-time. Check out “Lights”, “Patiently”, “Walks Like a Lady (Live)”, “Still They Ride”, “Separate Ways”, “Send Her My Love”, “Faithfully”, “When You Love a Woman”…
Posted in Entertainment/Music/Sports | Tagged Ann Wilson, Burton Cummings, Karen Carpenter, Peter Gabriel, singers, Steve Perry | Leave a Comment »
Imagine a people
Who prioritized the needs of others above their own
Who seek to serve above being served
Who’d willingly sacrifice their comfort to be a source of comfort to others
Who could literally be defined by their love for one another
.
Imagine!
.
Imagine a people
Who are so focused on eternal things that they are unmoved by temporal circumstance
Who are so secure in their identity as sons and daughters
that they lose their ability to be offended
Who are more interested in exalting their heavenly King,
than in returning their earthly king to the throne
Who are more engaged in the pursuit of holiness than in their pursuit of happiness
.
Imagine!
.
Imagine a people
Who are willing to humble themselves, and turn from their wicked ways,
before trying to pray for their nation
Who seek God’s face (i.e. relationship)
more than His hand (i.e. provision, protection, deliverance…)
Who’d gladly sacrifice their earthly riches in favor of storing up treasures in heaven
Who are more interested in manifesting God’s grace
than in winning a war of words and ideas
.
Imagine!
.
Imagine a bride
Whose passion for the betrothed fueled her lamp and kept it perfectly trimmed
Whose devotion could not be swayed by other suitors
Who enthusiastically surrendered her given name
to forever be known by her oneness with the bridegroom
Who’s excitement isn’t rooted in the hope of being unburdened,
but in the anticipation of the consummation of their union
.
Imagine!
.
Imagine!
.
I can only imagine.
Posted in Commentaries, Word Pictures | Tagged betrothed, bride, bridegroom, heavenly king, humble themselves, imagine, seek God's face | Leave a Comment »
Darkness is simply the absence of light. The only way for the dark to get darker is for the light to abdicate its position.
Posted in Thought for the Day / Quotes | Tagged abdicate, darker, darkness, light | Leave a Comment »
We tried to raise our kids with an awareness that they were special (i.e. unique, one of a kind), but we tempered that with the understanding that it didn’t make them better (or above) anyone.
Posted in Thought for the Day / Quotes | Tagged above, better, one of a kind, special, unique | Leave a Comment »
In many ways ESPN has been the death of sports for me. At first, I loved Sports Center, as I could catch all the highlights without spending hours watching the games, but over the years it has become an endless stream of mind-numbing dialogue, staged arguments, and tired narratives. Filling up 24 hours a day, 7 days a week raises sports talk to the ad nauseam level, and with the success of each channel comes the advent of a new one (e.g. ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNU, ESPNews, ESPN Goal Line, ESPN Bases Loaded…).
Perhaps the lamest of all dialogues are the ones surrounding the “Greatest of All Time (GOAT)”. Inevitably, people pick their favorite player, and simply trot out the stats that support their narrative, while ignoring anything that might challenge it.
If you’re a Michael Jordan fan, you’ll point out that he was 6 for 6 in NBA finals, and act as though he simply willed the Bulls to those championships, but you’ll leave out all the seasons that they didn’t make the finals, and most especially the two seasons spent in Washington. Indeed, the “Last Dance” wasn’t really the last dance, it’s just the last one MJ wanted you to remember.
You’ll argue that championships are the measuring stick, and taunt that 6 is better than 5 (Kobe) or 4 (Lebron, Tim Duncan…), but you won’t mention Robert Horry’s 7 rings, or Bill Russell’s 11 (in just 13 seasons). If it doesn’t support your conclusion, you’ll just leave it out.
It’s not that any of these counterpoints prove that MJ isn’t the greatest of all-time, but we shouldn’t kid ourselves into believing that this is anything more than our opinion. Attempting to gauge players from different eras, playing different roles, and with different team dynamics is for the most part, impossible. Moreover, there is really no point in trying to make such an argument, other than the need to fill up space on a slow sports day.
Perhaps the most damaging element of trying to elevate someone to the GOAT status is that it inevitably leads to tearing down all other potential challengers for the title. This ultimately steals the joy of watching some of sports greatest figures, and celebrating their unique accomplishments. You can rant that Lebron is no MJ, or that Elway was no Brady, or that Steffi Graf was no Serena Williams, or that Carl Lewis was no Usain Bolt, but that doesn’t really prove anything. Each of these individuals were spectacular in ways that their counterparts were not. Why not just celebrate all of them for what they were.
In a similar vein, talent competitions have created this same sort of dialogue within the artistic realm. Whether it is singing, or dancing, or cake decorating, we endeavor to judge one person’s artful expression to be superior to another’s. Does the greatness of Fred Astaire’s dancing somehow diminish that of Michael Jackson’s? Does Katherine Hepburn’s body of work really need to compete with Meryl Streep’s career? Can’t we be blown away by the extraordinary talent of both Whitney Houston and Adele? Do we really need to declare one as the “greatest of all time”?
Finally, there is the comparable issue of BFF’s. This is a seemingly harmless acronym used to express our deep affection for those who are closest to us, but in order to have a “best friend”, I would have to rate my friends against each other, which seems like a foolish, and destructive thing to do. The “forever” element of the acronym can also be troublesome, as friendships are often just for a season of our lives. I certainly have had wonderful friends, who walked with me through incredibly difficult chapters in my life, but who eventually moved on. That doesn’t diminish the value of what their friendship has meant to me, or their impact on my life.
Ultimately, I find it ironic that a culture that supposedly places great value on the ideas of diversity and inclusion, would be so obsessed with elevating one person above all the rest. I would rather just celebrate them all for the unique thing that they brought to the table.
Posted in Commentaries | Tagged BFF, diversity, ESPN, greatest of all time, Lebron James, Michael Jordan, The GOAT | Leave a Comment »
Bi-Polar Disorder
March 14, 2023 by bjcorbin
The scripture plainly states that we both know, and prophesy in part (1Cor.13:9), that we see as through a glass dimly (1Cor.13:12), and that the wisdom of men is foolishness to God (1Cor.3:19). It also warns that we should not lean on our own understanding (Prov.3:5-6), and encourages us to be slow to speak, and quick to listen (James1:19). Despite these admonishments, Christendom is filled with a host of confident voices, weighing in on every imaginable topic, and/or current event.
Sadly, much of this commentary centers on critiques, and criticisms of other believers, with countless “ministries” devoted to little more than discrediting and disparaging other doctrines, practices, ministers, and ministries. While we may rationalize that we’re simply trying to champion some sort of orthodox theology, to the naked eye it appears to be the anti-thesis of Jesus’ description of His body (i.e. they will know you by the way you love one another – John 13:35). Indeed, we “Christians” seem far more adept at expressing what we’re against, than manifesting what we claim to believe in.
Recent events at Asbury Theological Seminary are a great example of how this works. On one side, we have a chorus of voices attacking the authenticity of what’s happening there, based on a wide range of objections (e.g. it’s just emotionalism, no one is getting saved, there’s no legitimate authority, United Methodists are heretics…). On the other side, there are people declaring it, “The Third Great Awakening”.
Is it a revival, is it an outpouring, or is it hype? What actually constitutes revival? Do we really need revival? How does this compare with other revivals? Would God really manifest to a denomination who believes what they do? And on, and on, and on. Has there ever been a “Revival” that the religious establishment didn’t’ find a way to quench?
My question is, who really knows what’s happening at Asbury, and why is it so important to assume a position one way or another. Many of the loudest voices belong to those who haven’t actually been there. Even those who have attended can only speak to their own experience.
Does it really matter if we call it revival, or an outpouring, or an awakening, or simply a really good prayer meeting? Why are we so threatened by the idea that God might manifest Himself in a special way to a small group of young people? Could it be rooted in the fear that God may be doing something in someone else’s building that He’s not doing in ours.
Conversely, what is the value of declaring this to be the beginning of the next great move of God? After years of so called “Prophets” predicting an endless array of events that never actually happened, it seems prudent to simply watch and pray, lest we fall into the temptation to make something happen in our own strength. Haven’t we already cast enough doubt with regard to the prophetic?
When we process information through the lens of our own experience, what we’ve been taught, and how it makes us feel, we formulate opinions, which could rightfully be characterized as, “The way that seems right to us”. From a scriptural standpoint (Prov.14:12) that leads to death. Indeed, it is often our insatiable need to express our opinion that leads to the death of relationship; as we gleefully brag about blocking and/or unfriending anyone who might disagree with our perspective. Considering that relationship is the conduit through which the Lord works, this is no small matter.
As the extremes of any particular topic continue to provoke us into an endless loop of contentious verbal jousting, there is one issue that gains clarity. And that would be why our efforts toward discipleship aren’t more fruitful. Indeed, who would want to become a part of a community where neighbors treated each other with such apparent contempt? Who would want to marry into such a dysfunctional family?
If darkness is simply the absence of light, the only way for the dark to get darker is for the light to abdicate its position.
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Posted in Commentaries | Tagged Asbury, Bi-Polar, Christians, discipleship, discrediting, disparaging, Great Awakening, outpouring, revival | 1 Comment »