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Post by Josh on Jun 16, 2009 7:48:58 GMT -8
Any fans of Randy Stonehill out there? Hard to do a quick bio on Stonehill, but I'll try: Mentored by Larry Norman in the early 1970's, Randy soon became a pioneer of early "christian" music. He has been a tireless songwriter for four decades, and he's one of those artists whose personal journey you can really trace through his music over the years. He's also one of those artists who has shown himself capable in numerous music styles/ genres. Mostly he excels at the folk-rock thing. He's an excellent guitarist- one of my favorites. Listening to just him playing the guitar is like experiencing lead, rythmn, and bass guitars all at the same time. Randy was my "gateway" to the music of Larry Norman and Phil Keaggy. I wasn't too surprised later to find out that he's a good friend with my other favorite, Terry Taylor, and they've produced many albums together. One of the best aspects of Randy in concert is his manic comic wit. You have to see it to truly describe it. Anyway, Randy's produced countless albums, but here are some of my favorites: (be back after getting some more coffee and wrestling with the kids)
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Post by Josh on Jun 16, 2009 20:16:56 GMT -8
OK- favorite/ recommended Randy albums: Welcome to Paradise- his first well-known "Christian" album, produced with Larry Norman, 1976. Some great songs like Keep Me Runnin', High Card, and King of Hearts. The Wild Frontier Probably his best rock album- very Springsteenish. 1986. Can't Buy A MiracleSimilar to Wild Frontier, but a bit more folky. My first Stonehill album 1988. Return to ParadiseIn my opinion, his best album. Pretty much a perfect album if you like thoughtful folk/ country. 1989. The Lazarus Heart 1994. A good album with some great songs. More on the pop side. The Edge of the World 2002. Probably my second favorite Stonehill album. This one feels a lot like Return to Paradise. Lost of guests on this one- Keaggy, Norman, Mike Roe, Barry McGuire and more... There are other great songs on other albums, but these are my favorite albums.
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Post by Josh on Jun 19, 2009 13:48:57 GMT -8
I have a new recommendation, and I think it's a perfect intro album for those wanted to sample some Stonehill.
Paradise Sky, the soundtrack to the Larry Norman: Fallen Angel DVD, is excellent! Randy reworks all of his best songs from his first couple albums. It's like a 32 years later blast from the past, but unlike a lot of remakes, this one stays pretty true to the original sound, but actually has even more character than some of the originals.
It's now in the Aletheia library, for those interested in checking it out!
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Post by amyleigh on Jun 21, 2009 18:48:05 GMT -8
ok I must say I liked the song this morning and ive started googling him and downloading some music!!!!
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Post by Josh on Jun 21, 2009 18:53:30 GMT -8
Awesome....
Hey, I just bought a CD of his for the Aletheia Library. Chris has it right now, but you're free to check it out anytime.
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Post by Josh on Jun 22, 2009 9:58:48 GMT -8
Any other songs you particularly like?
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Post by Josh on Jun 29, 2009 10:04:10 GMT -8
A new recommendation! It's the new Keaggy/ Stonehill joint venture album: Mystery Highway, 2009This album basically combines the best of Phil Keaggy and Randy Stonehill's various talents. It's got a very Beatles meets Badfinger feel (akin to Keaggy's Crimson and Blue). It's a very fun and witty album as well. In addition to 10 new tunes, it features a great rendition of Mark Heard's "Love is Not the Only Thing", a great remix of "Sunday's Child", and a hilarious tribute to Keaggy entitled "Rockman". I'd give it 4 1/2 stars! I've been listening to it all week. If you can find it, get it!
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Post by Josh on Apr 19, 2010 12:47:16 GMT -8
OK, I just found out that Randy announced that he and his wife of 30 years are getting a divorce!!! What in the heck is going on here? Who's next? link: www.randystonehill.com
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