CD Review: The Dixie Melody Boys - "Heading Home"

Few albums have spoken through the wrds in their songs lately as this one has.  I know the Dixie Melody Boys aren't the most obscure group, but I felt compelled to review this album.
Fresh off their success from the re-cover of their hit 1982 song, "The Antioch Church Choir", "Heading Home" could be considered one of those forgotten albums.  No matter who remembers it, this album is definately memorable once you listen to the words of the songs.
The album starts out with a modern country Gospel song, "Giver of Amazing Grace".  Jamie Caldwell leads the verses and chorus very well.  Other faster songs include "I Wanna Go to Heaven", "I'm One of Them", "Wonderful Change", "It's Called Heaven", and "The River Still Flows".
Though the album has it's share of upbeat, up-tempo songs, the album slows down with Derrick Selph's solo on "I'm Not Weeping".  Bass singer, Ed O'Neal, sings "They're Playing Our Song".  "Arise" is a great song that uses a great deal of strings and brass.  "Grace Found a Place" is a slower song that features Ed O'Neal performing with the group and a selection of strings and woodwinds. The title song, "Heading Home" closes the album perfectly.
I dug up this album when I was looking through my dad's old CDs to put on my computer.  I had listened to it quite a bit before I got saved, but it didn't speak to me until I dug it up.  If you have the opportunity to own this great album, don't pass it up.  You will not be sorry if you have this CD in your collection.  It will be a great blessing
Average Song Rating: 5/5
Album Rating: 5/5
Members: Ed O'Neal - Bass; Derrick Selph - Baritone; Jamie Caldwell - Lead; Harold Reed - Tenor; Eric Ollis - Piano
Studio Musicians: Davis Johnson - Fiddle, Harmonica, Steel, Mandolin; David Moody: Acoustic & Lead Guitar; Milton Smith - Keyboards; Wesley Pritchard - Bass Guitar; Rick Murray - Drums
Strings: Paul Goldsberry, Marshall Johnson - Violin; Phyllis Whitlow - Viola; Jerry Nelson - Cello
Brass: Vince Winnies, Marlon McDonald - Trombone; John Anderson, David Herron - Trumpet
Prouced by Wesley Pritchard & Milton Smith

Tracy Dartt Has Kidney Transplant

As many of you may know, "God on the Mountain" writer, Tracy Dartt, went into surgery this morning for a kidney transplant.  His son, Stone just posted on Facebook that both he and his donor are doing well in recovery.  Apparently the new kidney started to adjust and kick in soon after surgery.  Praying all goes well in the coming months of recovery. 
Tracy has been of the road for a while, and it will be great for him to be back on the road and into the studio again.

DUCKS ARE DOWN!

Auburn wins 22-19!  The only thing that would have made this night more complete is if that navy blue was black.  I can't wait until Wednesday when I can rub it into my friends' faces.

BCS Game

Who's gonna win tonight? #1 Auburn Tigers or #2 Oregon Ducks?  GO TIGERS!  Any team that can beat teh Ducks is alright in my book.

The Sound - Here Comes The Bride

Back in the 1980's, Scott Fowler sang lead with a quartet from Houston, Texas called the Sound. Here he is singing back when he had a moustache. Other members include Craig Hodges on baritone and playing the keyboards, Terry Davis of the Florida Boys singing tenor, and Mike Presnell of Perfect Heart singing bass.

Gold City -Father This One Is Mine.wmv

Perhaps you've seen the recent videos of Gold City with Craig West.  Maybe you may not know the present lineup of the group is Brent Mitchell on tenor, Craig West on lead, Daniel Riley on baritone, Tim Riley singing bass, and Bryan Elliott on piano.  Well, here's a video of Gold City from 1984 featuring Jerry Ritchie, Greg Ritchie's father, singing "Father, This One's Mine".
Members are: Brian Free-Tenor, Ivan Parker-Lead, Jerry Ritchie-Baritone, Time Riley-Bass, Garry Jones-Piano, Ken Bennett-Bass Guitar, and John Noski-Drums.

Laugh and Be Merry

I'm gonna tell y'all a joke before I hit the sack.  As I write, it is about 11 PM on January 2, 2010 here in Oregon. 
Okay, so there's a Independent Fundamental God-fearing, Devil-hating Baptist preacher.  He's up in age.  Soon comes his time on his deathbed.  One of his final acts before his physical death is to call in his lawyer and tax assistant, both member of his church, to spend some time with him.
When they enter the bed room, he summons them to his bedside.  They each hold his hands on either side of him.  This touching moment wnet on for about a half hour.  Both men were puzzled.  Finally, one of them spoke up and asked, "Pastor, why exactly did you call us here."
That elderly, righteous pastor looked up at both of them and said with laughter in his eyes, "Well, Jesus died between two thieves, and I want to go just like my Lord did."
THE END