Youtube Find: Vintage Cathedrals Music

Last updated on: April 7, 2015 at 12:53 am By Esther O’Reilly

Some of us don’t have the space to amass a vinyl collection or the vinyl players to enjoy it on, but we still love vintage music. The other day, I found a goldmine of Cathedrals music on Youtube, including albums from the 60s/70s/80s that you still can’t purchase digitally. The music has been digitized from the user’s collection, and while the quality varies from record to record, it’s better than a through-the-air recording like some other vintage Cats uploads. The user hasn’t gathered most of... Read more

Passion Week Playlist #2: Songs For a Groaning Creation

Last updated on: April 1, 2015 at 12:29 am By Esther O’Reilly

Tonight I rose up with the moon, and looking down from high above, I saw a world carved and confused into valleys deep in need of love. And falling down, all thick with grace, Heaven’s cloud of mystery Was filling every empty space, down to the depth of human need. — Bebo Norman, “Deeper Still” *** In previous years, I’ve posted a hymn or classical piece per day to commemorate Passion week. This year, I decided to do something a little... Read more

Passion Week Playlist #1: Songs Of a Groaning Creation

Last updated on: March 31, 2015 at 1:19 am By Esther O’Reilly

What do a damaged Vietnam veteran, a heartbroken father, and a motherless child all have in common? All of their stories have been told in song form, and all of them are true. And there are thousands more just like them. Most people listen to music because it makes them feel good, and I am certainly no exception. We are naturally drawn to music with lyrics that will uplift and encourage us. That’s why we all come back to the grand old... Read more

Jesus, John, and The Last Supper

Last updated on: March 30, 2015 at 2:12 am By Esther O’Reilly

In honor of Passion Week, I’m preparing a few special playlists that will gather together some of my favorite songs ever written in any genre. So whether you like great songwriting or whether you’ve just been wondering, “That YankeeGospelGirl, man, what a grump she is! Isn’t there anything she likes?” then you won’t want to miss any of it. Meanwhile, to kick off the week, I thought I would share an interesting biblical tidbit that sheds light on a key moment in the Last Supper. I discovered... Read more

Harmony Master-Class: The Cactus Cuties

Last updated on: March 26, 2015 at 2:18 am By Esther O’Reilly

I still remember when the Cactus Cuties first became a viral sensation. I was watching it on Youtube, and my mom walked by in the background and said, “Huh, they sound good.” Then she leaned over to read the description and exclaimed, ” ‘Range in age from 8 to 13???'” That was basically America’s reaction too, and if you’re one of the five people who hasn’t seen the video yet, you’ll understand why once you do. The harmony, which could... Read more

Do you want to be a great singer? Then sing the song.

Last updated on: July 28, 2018 at 11:29 pm By Esther O’Reilly

One of my favorite contemporary musicians is Harry Connick, Jr. While I like some of his albums better than others, I respect his commitment to the craft and his deep understanding of American music and songwriting. I never watched American Idol at all until he became a judge. Then I tuned in last year just to hear his critiques, because they were so honest and insightful. Okay, maybe also to stare dreamily at Keith Urban, but never mind that for now. ANY-way, before... Read more

Monday Morning Humor: The Art of Acting

Last updated on: March 23, 2015 at 2:02 am By Esther O’Reilly

“Cut!” “Oh, technical problems?” Read more

Artists, Your Digital Music is on Youtube, Like it Or Not

Last updated on: March 20, 2015 at 1:03 am By Esther O’Reilly

Some time last fall, I began to notice a strange phenomenon on Youtube. Videos were cropping up all over the place with high quality songs from a variety of artists, both secular and sacred. They featured exactly the same thumbnail image (the cover reflected against a dark background), and they were all tagged as “auto-generated by Youtube.” Essentially, if an album was being sold in digital markets, it was made available for free streaming this way. I did some googling,... Read more

CD Review: Stay, by The Old Paths

Last updated on: March 18, 2015 at 2:22 am By Esther O’Reilly

The Old Paths Quartet may not be a household name even among fans of southern gospel music, but they have built a reputation as one of the most consistent groups in the industry. Last year, they garnered some well-deserved extra attention with their big ballad “Long Live the King.” With Stay, available today, they offer the same solid vocals their fans have come to expect, paired with new songs mostly penned by Dianne Wilkinson and Rebecca Peck. Click below the fold for... Read more

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Have some Irish music.

Last updated on: March 17, 2015 at 2:22 am By Esther O’Reilly

Well, I was going to publish a CD review today, but it didn’t happen. So on this Saint Paddy’s Day, enjoy this fine live performance of a love letter to Dublin: “Rare Auld Times.” Brian Dunphy of the High Kings dedicates it to his father, who had passed away recently at the time of this recording. It’s a stellar vocal, and I love the way they just strum away with abandon on the guitar and banjo sorry, not a banjo as I’m looking... Read more