Denny Burk » Music

Jill Phillips, “You Came Down”

Denny Burk — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:31:12 +0000

I’ve really been enjoying Jill Phillips and Andy Gullahorn’s song “You Came Down” this Christmas season. I heard them perform it at the “Behold, the Lamb of God” concert here in Louisville a couple of weeks ago. After that, I bought it and have been listening to it ever since. It’s one that I think you will appreciate as well. It’s from their album “Christmas.” Push the play button below to preview the song, then go buy it. The single is $.99 and the album is only $8.99.

Also, one other item is worth mentioning. Phillips and Gullahorn are husband and wife, and they covered “It’s Cold Outside” on this album. Before the concert, I had already noticed that this song appeared on their album, and I was disappointed. For me, “It’s Cold Outside” ranks right up there with “Santa Baby” as one of the worst Christmas songs ever. But I didn’t listen to it when I first saw it. Little did I know that it’s a parody, and it’s pretty funny. I was delighted to hear them lampoon it at the concert. Be sure to take a listen.

The Son of God Came Down

Denny Burk — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:48:54 +0000

Barry Joslin is a professor at Boyce College who also serves as worship pastor at Ninth & O Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. He and his worship team got permission from Sovereign Grace ministries to record the song “The Son of God Came Down” and to give it away as a gift to their congregation. Barry sings and plays guitar himself on this one. It’s a great recording, and it’s certainly a great song. You can download it here or listen to it below. The lyrics are below.

The Son of God Came Down

The Son of God came down and laid aside His crown
Born without great renown, this Sovereign One
All holiness and might, all glory shining bright
Have come to earth this night in Mary’s son
O come, let us adore

O Christ the Lord, our hope and Savior
Son of God yet made like us
O Christ the Lord, our King adored
Born a child, our Lord Jesus

Messiah born so small, asleep in cattle stall
Come to redeem our fall, nailed to a tree
This tiny, helpless child through death would reconcile
The holy God and vile, His grace so free
O come, let us adore

A Christmas Song for the Ages

Denny Burk — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:18:01 +0000

As a Christian, I am astonished that the world still sings our songs—especially ones like the Hallelujah chorus. The song proclaims the kingdom of Christ and the absolute sovereignty of God over all creation. Yet every year the world sings this song at Christmas time, and wherever it is played people stand to their feet in reverence. Can you believe that?

There are few songs that lift my heart up to heaven like the Hallelujah chorus. I can hardly make it through to the end without weeping. Of all the pieces of human culture that I hope to make it through the fires of God’s judgment to the new heavens and new earth, Handel’s Messiah is near the top my list.

I recently discovered a beautiful rendition of the song sung by thje King’s College Choir in Cambridge, England. It was so good that I thought I would share it with you. Here is a link to the YouTube version, or you can download the song from Amazon.com. Merry Christmas!

|: Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

|: For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
|: Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

The kingdom of this world
Is become the kingdom of our Lord,
And of His Christ, and of His Christ;
And He shall reign for ever and ever,
For ever and ever, forever and ever,

King of kings, and Lord of lords,
|: King of kings, and Lord of lords,
And Lord of lords,
And He shall reign,
And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of kings, forever and ever,
And Lord of lords,
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

And He shall reign forever and ever,
|: King of kings! and Lord of lords!
And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of kings! and Lord of lords!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Christmas Music – Pop

Denny Burk — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:00:12 +0000

This third category is a bit of a catch-all. In short, the “Pop” category includes recent-ish holiday tunes that we have come to enjoy. Some of the items in this category are well-received by a wide audience and are on their way to moving into the “traditional” list. Some of the others may never make it there, though we still really enjoy them around our house. Once again, each album cover links to an Amazon.com page where you can order or download the music.

James Taylor – “At Christmas”

I will never forget watching James Taylor perform “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” on the Today Show in December 2001. It was the best version I ever heard then, and I still believe it to be now. The song appeared on Taylor’s album “October Road” and was then released again some years later on this Christmas album. My favorite version of “Auld Lang Syne” is also on this album.

Michael W. Smith – “Christmastime”

I saw Michael W. Smith perform this album live with the Dallas Symphony back in 2006. I have been a fan of this album ever since. There is some sacred music on here, but there’s also a fair bit of pop music as well.

Shawn Colvin – “Holiday Songs And Lullabies”

“Love Came Down at Christmas” is my favorite song on this album. I also like her cover of the Peanut’s classic “Christmas Time Is Here.” There are several lullabies on here that are also very good. Great album.

Jewel – “Joy- A Holiday collection”

Jewel sings some the old familiar tunes, and she sings them straight. No scatological locutions here, and that’s what makes her renditions so good. The song “Gloria” is worth the price of the album.

John Darnall – “Midnight Clear”

If you come into my office at this time of the year, this album is likely what you’ll hear playing. This is an instrumental album with the acoustic guitar at the center.

Weezer – “Christmas with Weezer”

It really is amazing what otherwise very secular people will sing at Christmas time. On this album, every song except for one is sacred. You may be wondering what a Weezer Christmas album would sound like. Well, it sounds just like Weezer trying to sing Christmas songs, and it’s great.

Outliers

Ray Charles – “That Spirit of Christmas”

Alabama – “Christmas in Dixie”

Destiny’s Child – “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” – This song was released several years ago as an “extra” for anyone who purchased the DVD re-release of the animated classic “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” We have been listening to it ever since.

The Bird and the Bee – “Carol of the Bells”

The Eagles – “Please Come Home For Christmas”

Sarah McLachlan – “Silent Night”

Faith Hill – “O Holy Night”

Mariah Carey – “All I Want for Christmas Is You”

Wham! – “Last Christmas” – This is one of those songs that you either love or hate. Though not really fans of George Michael, we like this one.

Jimmy Eat World – “Last Christmas” – This is our favorite cover of “Last Christmas.”

Leigh Nash – “Last Christmas” – Can you believe…

Hawk Nelson – “Last Christmas” – …how many times this song has been covered?

Christmas Music – Traditional

Denny Burk — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 04:00:44 +0000

Here is the second part of my post from yesterday. The main criterion for being included in my “traditional” category is the music’s ability to evoke nostalgia. Some of these are sacred music, but some of them are not. Once again, I am eager to hear what music you would have included on this list. Tomorrow we’ll finish with “pop” favorites.

The Time-Life Treasury of Christmas

This 3-CD set is nostalgia on steroids. It has all the classic performances that you and your parents have grown up hearing over the years. Think Burl Ives, Perry Como, Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Julie Andrews, Elvis Presley, Mel Tormei, and you get the picture. It even has Gene Autrey’s version of “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” which is hands-down the all-time best version. Somehow Alabama’s “Tender Tennessee Christmas” made it on here as well. If you don’t have this one, get it.

Alvin and The Chipmunks – “Merry Christmas from the Chipmunks”

I loved this when I was a kid, and now my kids love it too. In fact, I think it is their favorite Christmas album. Of course, the song to listen to on this one is “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late).”

Bing Crosby – “White Christmas”

Do I even need to explain why this one is on the list? Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” is one of the best Christmas recordings ever produced. There’s another song on here that has had a revival in popularity in recent years because it was featured in the movie “Christmas Vacation.” It’s the last song on the album, and it’s titled “Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas).”

Vince Guaraldi Trio – “A Charlie Brown Christmas”

When the animated feature was first produced, the Vince Guaraldi soundtrack gave it a hip feel that was meant to draw in a wide audience. Now it’s a classic. You know it is by how many times “Christmas Time Is Here” has been covered by other artists. Great album.

Nat King Cole – The Christmas Song

Nat King Cole owns “The Christmas Song.” Always has, always will.

Harry Connick, Jr. – “When My Heart Finds Christmas”

This album is so new that some might dispute including it in the “traditional” category. I think, however, that it is a classic already and belongs here. Some of the songs are Christmas standards while others are original. “It Must Have Been Old Santa” is probably the most popular original song. His rendition of “Ave Maria” is not to be missed.

“Ave Maria”

“When My Heart Finds Christmas”

Ray Conniff Singers – “Christmas with Conniff”

How many of you remember The Ray Conniff Singers? They were really big in the 60′s, and their Christmas album became a holiday staple for my wife’s family.

Outliers

Ella Fitzgerald – “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” – Gotta have this one. Best version ever.

Jimmy Durante – “Frosty the Snowman”

Spike Jones – “All I Want for Christmas”

Frank Sinatra – “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”

Mahalia Jackson – “Silent Night, Holy Night”

Christmas Music – Sacred

Denny Burk — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 04:00:34 +0000

Music is so much a part of this season of the year that I thought it would be worth a few posts to talk about the music that my family listens to most at Christmas time. I’m certain you’ll find some items here that you are already well-acquainted with. Perhaps there will be some other items that are new to you or that you had forgotten about and are glad to be reminded of. So for what it’s worth, here it goes.

Each album cover below links to an Amazon.com page where you can order or download the music. I will break this into three sections: sacred, traditional, and pop. These categories overlap somewhat, but hopefully this division will make sense to you by the time I’m done. Today’s post will focus on sacred music. The main criterion for being included on this list is the music’s ability to evoke worship. I will be interested to hear from you what you would have included in this list.

Andrew Peterson – “Behold the Lamb of God”

Andrew Peterson’s Behold the Lamb of God is perhaps the most worshipful Christmas album I have ever heard. The album tells a story of expectation and fulfillment. It contemplates a world that long lay in sin and error pining but that ultimately is found by her Redeemer and King. It’s the story of the Bible, and it is glorious.

If you haven’t seen Andrew Peterson perform this album live, then you need to do so. The tour begins on December 1. If it comes anywhere near you, I highly recommend that you attend. Concert information and dates are here.

Steven Curtis Chapman – “The Music of Christmas”

I’ve been listening to this album every Christmas since college. For me, the best songs are “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and “Our God Is with Us”—two songs that have to be listened to together. Another favorite is “Precious Promise.” Also, be sure to listen to the “Silent Night/Away In A Manger/O Holy Night” medley.

Sojourn – “Advent Songs”

This is a new favorite in our family. It comes from Mike Cosper and the worship leaders at Sojourn Community Church here in Louisville, Kentucky. The album offers new spins on old favorites. By far, my favorite song on here is the first one. It’s the best new version of “Joy to the World” that I have ever heard.

Sovereign Grace Music – “Savior”

This album offers a whole new set of advent songs. Because the tunes are new and don’t evoke holiday associations, we like to listen to these songs year-round.

Take 6 – “He Is Christmas”

“Amen” and “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” are worth the price of the album. Also, their version of “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” is probably my favorite.

Outliers

London Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus – “Hallelujah Chorus” – This may be the most worshipful song of them all. I can hardly make it through this song with dry eyes. “And he shall reign forever and ever!”

Red Mountain Church – “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”

Michael W. Smith – “Welcome to Our World”

Josh Groban – Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring

Tis the Season for Music: Michael Bublé

Denny Burk — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 04:00:54 +0000

If you’ve been reading this blog for any amount of time, you know that I like to link to Christmas music about this time of year. One new Christmas album that just dropped this past October is Michael Bublé’s “Christmas.” The only downside to this album is that it has the song “Santa Baby” on it—which is, in my view, one of the most worthless holiday tunes every written. Having said that, the album is vintage Bublé with a holiday twist. If you like Bublé, then you’ll enjoy this record. You can listen to the album below, or download it here.

Chris Thile Teams-up with Yo-Yo Ma

Denny Burk — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:58:46 +0000

I was a big fan of Chris Thile when he was the lead singer for the bluegrass-ish band Nickel Creek. In the video below, you can see that he has recently teamed up with Yo-Yo Ma on a new single titled “Here and Heaven.” The song is part of a larger project called “The Goat Rodeo Sessions.”

I once heard Chris Thile and Nickel Creek perform live here in Louisville, Kentucky. It was a very secular venue and a very secular crowd, yet the band closed the show with one of the most beautiful renditions of “Be Thou My Vision” that I have ever heard. The band (including Chris Thile) appeared to be committed Christians.

That was then, this is now. I was sad to read recently that Thile no longer calls himself a Christian. In an interview with The Register-Guard, Thile says that if believing in Jesus as the only way to salvation is a part of being a Christian, then he is not a Christian. If you are interested, you can read the full interview here.

Tim McGraw Sings Petra Classic “More Power To Ya”

Denny Burk — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 15:04:09 +0000

Tim McGraw performed the classic Petra song “More Power To Ya” in 2005 for “A Concert for Hurricane Relief” sponsored by the Red Cross. This concert is mainly remembered for the infamous Kanye West tirade. I had entirely forgotten about McGraw’s performance and did not even know that this recording existed until Tim Challies pointed it out today. I am betting that I am not the only one who will be eager to hear it.

I was only able to find the recording on YouTube. If anyone out there knows an album that this is on, please leave the info in the comments. I will pass the album title on to readers if the information is forthcoming. In the meantime, you can listen to the song below.

The Story of Indelible Grace Music and the RUF Hymns

Denny Burk — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 13:00:39 +0000

If you enjoy singing the hymns of Indelible Grace, you might be interested to know that there is a documentary chronicling the history of Indelible Grace music and the RUF hymns. The trailer is above, and you can order the full documentary here.

A video intro to Indelible Grace’s 2010 concert at the Ryman is below. That entire concert was recorded as an album and is available for download here.