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We Need Help, But Encouragement Abounds
September 4, 2021, 6:26 pm EDT
ApologetiX Fan Club Newsletter goes out to 61,516 subscribers.

In This Issue:

No Single This Wkd, But ... >>

Super Sentiments from 16 States & Saskatchewan >>

Bible-Reading Update >>

Darnell Cline Praise Report >>

Influential Albums: 477-483 >>

Over 1400 Tracks for $100 >>

New USB Flash Drives Include New CD & Single >>

How to Donate & Get MP3s >>


Tell Us About You.

Help us pick new songs to parody and cities to tour in by telling us about you. At least your zipcode and date of birth. (We won't tell anyone.)

Tell us about you >>


Photos from the Road

We try to take as many pictures of our concerts and fans as possible, and we have a bunch from our concert in Gahanna, OH on Sat., Nov 12.



See the photos from Gahanna, OH and other concerts.


Come to the Show
,
Nov. 30, 1999 at 12:00 am
,
info, tix, directions >>


Were You There?

Fans love to look up the photos on our website, and email them around. These are the ten most recent concerts that we have no photos from. Pick any concert you have photos for and please upload them.

1. Pittsburgh, PA  03.28.15
2. Barrington, RI  10.18.14
3. Harleysville, PA  10.17.14
4. Chesaning, MI  07.10.10


Upcoming Fan Birthdays

Happy birthday to all our fans and friends who are celebrating a birthday in the coming week including these 217 fans:

09.04Carl S. - PA
09.04Holger Hubertus T. - Germany
09.04Jason Y. - MD
09.04Josue G. - FL
09.04Cathy K. - MO
09.04Wesley W. - SC
09.04Glendal D. - KY
09.04Dan S. - PA
09.04Keith T. - MD
09.04Heidi F. - New Brunswick
09.04Cynthia P. - KY
09.04Glen L E. - CA
09.04Steve Q. - MD
09.04Carl S. - PA
09.04Vincent H. - AZ
09.04Patrick R M. - CA
09.04John C. - KY
09.04Jimmy S. - SC
09.04Dennis D. - WI
09.04Joey F. - IL
09.04Remington T. - SC
09.04Autumn H. - SC
09.04James C. - GA
09.04Chuck M. - IN
09.04Suzy M. - MO
09.04Glen D. - KY
09.04Ron T. - SC
09.05Skye P. - RI
09.05Juan Pablo R. - Colombia
09.05Kimberley P. - MI
09.05Ronald W. - FL
09.05Carlee R. - AZ
09.05Mike Thomas T. - OH
09.05Dan M. - PA
09.05Amy C. - GA
09.05Jeremy Y. - TX
09.05Juan R. - D.C.
09.05Lisa P. - ID
09.05Fiona C. - United Kingdom
09.05Sarah H. - MO
09.05Jacob B. - Belize
09.05Donielle L. - VA
09.05Samuel T. - VA
09.05Bethan L. - United Kingdom
09.05Ronald W. - FL
09.05Jonathan H. - IN
09.05Stephanie M. - TN
09.05Don S.
09.05Keith O. - MD
09.05Chris B. - AZ
09.05Jd I. - KY
09.05David W. - NC
09.05Adam H. - TN
09.05Chris V. - South Africa
09.05Skye S. - RI
09.05Ronald W. - FL
09.05Dennis R. - IL
09.05Dennis H. - CA
09.05Katie P. - NY
09.05Julie D. - SC
09.05Debbie D. - TX
09.05Vic M. - TX
09.05Abby C. - MN
09.05Charolette B. - AL
09.06Ashlee R. - VA
09.06Kim D. - United Kingdom
09.06Stephen C. - TX
09.06Christy O. - GA
09.06Chris P. - Queensland
09.06Jeffrey B. - CA
09.06Doug B. - IN
09.06Robert B. - PA
09.06Geordan W. - IL
09.06Dan D. - Canada
09.06Linda S. - GA
09.06Chris K. - Australia
09.06Scott R.
09.06Jay G. - NC
09.06Kevin K. - AZ
09.06Mary R. - MD
09.06Roby C. - OH
09.06Eric G. - CO
09.06Patty R. - KS
09.06Michael M. - PA
09.06Jeremy R. - MI
09.06Doug H. - TN
09.07Stephan P. - LA
09.07Vickie F. - TN
09.07Elizabeth E. - OH
09.07Aaron H. - LA
09.07Natalie V. - KY
09.07Sheila F. - CA
09.07Steve S. - PA
09.07Angela I. - NC
09.07Heather R. - WV
09.07Camille S. - TX
09.07Michael S. - MI
09.07Benny S. - Canada
09.07Tessa K. - ND
09.07Carson H. - TX
09.07Roger G. - ID
09.07James S. - TN
09.07Isaac K. - NC
09.07Austin B. - AR
09.07Rob D. - TX
09.07Noah R. - CA
09.07James S. - TN
09.07Thalys C. - WA
09.07Bryan F. - MT
09.07Ryan L. - PA
09.07Bradley H. - OH
09.07Kelsey P. - FL
09.07Brandon F. - IN
09.07Raphael B. - Germany
09.07Chris W. - NC
09.08April Lund L. - CA
09.08Laura M. - VA
09.08James R. - OH
09.08Allen K. - PA
09.08Michael E. - MO
09.08Mia S. - WV
09.08Michael E. - MO
09.08Anthony B. - NY
09.08Sean H. - CO
09.08Jennifer A. - CA
09.08Aaron B. - ID
09.08Brad R. - VA
09.08Jennifer G. - IL
09.08Sarah R. - TX
09.08Bonnie P. - MO
09.08Bou G. - MN
09.08Allison S. - MI
09.08Corey H. - WA
09.08Bryan H. - MO
09.08Chris S. - VA
09.08Josh S. - MO
09.08Michael D. - AL
09.08Michael E. - MO
09.08Deanna D. - MD
09.08Kelley I. - KS
09.08Tina B. - PA
09.08William F. - NY
09.08Greg C. - AL
09.08Tiny M. - MI
09.08Tamma M. - NE
09.09Lindsay C. - GA
09.09Jarrod L. - CA
09.09John H. - FL
09.09Michael D. - MA
09.09Lindsay C. - GA
09.09Brian P. - FL
09.09Buffy Z. - AR
09.09Don T. - NC
09.09Joe H. - KY
09.09Felipe K.
09.09David B. - IL
09.09Donna V. - MO
09.09Darryl B. - VA
09.09Curtis H. - TX
09.09Amber N. - IL
09.09Arlene O. - OH
09.09Alan S. - ID
09.09Caroline P. - WV
09.09Heath J. - AL
09.09Darryl B. - AL
09.09Sarah M. - MI
09.09Caleb (cal) H. - WA
09.09Lindsay C. - GA
09.09Chris W. - FL
09.09John O. - NY
09.09Kim S. - KS
09.09Rod C. - Canada
09.09Chad A. - PA
09.10Lisa L. - GA
09.10Sabrina H. - OR
09.10Matthew H. - OH
09.10Becky B. - IN
09.10David M. - FL
09.10Edward R. - NC
09.10Ben F. - CA
09.10David M. - VA
09.10Dave H. - United Kingdom
09.10Jonas C. - Sweden
09.10Patricia B. - PA
09.10Brent N. - OH
09.10Deborah L. - MO
09.10Luke R. - Australia
09.10Mark M. - WI
09.10Grant F. - OR
09.10Kim C. - WA
09.10Mark-anthony R. - Canada
09.10David S. - MI
09.10Wayne M. - TN
09.10Ivan K. - Indonesia
09.10Bill E. - WA
09.10Christina D. - IL
09.10Paul R. - CA
09.10Stephen V. - OH
09.10Dan B. - United Kingdom
09.10Rose Z. - MI
09.10Wayne M. - TN
09.10Bob K. - IL
09.10Samuel P W. - South Africa
09.10Luke R. - NSW
09.10Charlotte S. - OH
09.10Samuel P W. - South Africa
09.10Stefanie G. - MI
09.10Julio A. - Venezuela
09.10 . - OH
Make sure we know about your birthday -- For your name to appear above, your profile has to have your correct first and last name and in the correct fields.Tell us about you >>


Wanna Help the Band?

We're often asked if we accept donations. Yes we do. Like other ministries, we have many expenses. Although the donations aren't tax deductible, they are immediately put to good use. If you'd like to donate, thanks.

J. Jackson, lead singer and lyricist for ApologetiX here.

In a famous song from The Sound of Music, Julie Andrews (or whoever is playing Maria Von Trapp if you're watching the play on stage) sings about a few of her favorite things. Of the 14 things she lists among her favorites, I don't think any would rank in my Top 100.

In the time since I went full time with ApX at the end of 1998, my job has revolved around the sound of music (although our ministry is centered on Christ), but I would have a hard time narrowing down my list of favorite things about it. However, if I were to write a list of least favorite things, the first item that would come to mind is what I'm doing right now.

Yes, unfortunately I am spending part of Labor Day Weekend, writing and sending out an appeal letter. In the two months since our last one, we have done plenty of labor. We've released one new CD and eight new songs not yet on CD, with two more in the works for next weekend.

I'm super-happy with the lyrical and musical content of what we've been producing, and I wholeheartedly believe we're doing what God has called us to do and wants us to continue doing right now. In fact, in a world that seems to be getting crazier by the day, one of the things that helps keep me sane is being able to make music that ministers.

The creative process is a constant reminder to me of God's inspiration and guidance. As I watch each of our parodies go from the smallest seed of an idea to a full-grown, finished recording, I witness many miracles along the way. Meanwhile, times like these remind me of His provision and providence, other areas in which I witness many miracles.

As is always the case when I write these things, ApologetiX has many expenses (large and small) coming due. And the band is currently six months behind in paying me. God has provided in other ways, but now my family also has many expenses (large and small) coming due.

If you'd like to help, here are some options:

1. Pray (the best thing)
2. Get our singles and CDs:
http://apologetix.com/store/store.php
3. Get multiple MP3s for one donation:
http://apologetix.com/news/news-details.php?news_id=3564
4. Get our complete library (1406 tracks) on MP3 for $100:
http://apologetix.com/news/news-details.php?news_id=4024
5. Get our new digital interactive songbook for a donation of $50 at:
http://www.apologetix.com/store/store.php#songbook
6. Get our USBs: http://apologetix.com/store/store.php#USB
7. Give online: http://apologetix.com/store/store-donate.php
8. Give by mail: ApologetiX, 208 Charlemma Dr., Pittsburgh PA 15214

Donations aren't tax deductible. As we've said before, pease only give if you feel led and are able. If you'd like us to pray for you, email me at j@apologetix.com. Thank you. God bless you!


No Single This Wkd: Here's Why & What's in the Works
September 4, 2021, 3:01 pm EDT

J. Jackson, lead singer and lyricist for ApologetiX here again.

Unfortunately, we won't be releasing a new single this weekend. Jimmy "Vegas" Tanner, who engineers all of our recordings, has been taking a much-needed vacation at the beach with his wife, Eve.

Of course, that doesn't mean he isn't thinking about music. On Tuesday morning, Jimmy posted a photo of himself at the beach reading a book I lent him over a year ago, The Yacht Rock Book: The Oral History of the Soft, Smooth Sounds of the 70s and 80s by Greg Prato. He tagged me and commented, "Finally got to it!! Thanks!"

We had tried to get both songs for our next single recorded last week before he left (usually, we record one song per week), but we were only able to get the first one done. Jimmy was willing to record me on two different days, but I couldn't get the lyrics for the second parody just the way I wanted them in time. They were close to being finished, but I knew they could be better.

That happened another time recently with the lyrics to "Something of Value," but at that time, we were one song ahead of schedule, so it didn't affect our release date. In both cases, I'm glad we waited, because the lyrics improved dramatically with an extra week's worth of work. And I've been tweaking and polishing those lines every day.

I'm reminded of a story I've heard before that I just read again this week. When Bruce Springsteen was working on his classic album Born to Run, he was under pressure from his manager to get it done and set a release date. Springsteen replied, "Hey, man, the release date is just one day. The record is forever."

For the record, the song that just took me an extra week is based on Hebrews 4:12, John 1:1, and 2 Peter 3:2-18. The one song we did get recorded last week turned out great, though. Wayne has already sent us multiple mixes, and I'm quite happy with the results. It's based on Psalm 19, especially verse 14, and it's one of our rare "vertical" songs, sung directly to God.

I'm supposed to record the second song this coming Wednesday, and we'll plan to release a new single next weekend, Lord willing. Rich Mannion is already working on the music for the song after that (it's all keyboards, no other instruments), and I've already started on the lyrics. That one's about Galatians 5:13-15.

Both of the songs on the next single are from the mid-80's (like our other recent singles), and once they're finished, we'll have enough songs for another CD of material from that era to match our recent CD, Get Rich Quick. I hope we can have that one out in the first half of October. We already know the title, too.

All 12 songs on that CD will have something in common that can be said of no previous ApX CD. We didn't start with that intention, but once we got to a certain point, we had to seal the deal. I'll leave you to ponder what it is. And we haven't forgotten about the songs from earlier this year that weren't on Get Rich Quick. We plan to put those on a third CD in time for Christmas, Lord willing.


Super Sentiments from 16 States & Saskatchewan
September 4, 2021, 5:08 pm EDT

We love getting letters from loyal listeners; they brighten our days and helps us gage the effectiveness of this ministry. Here are some encouraging email excerpts we've received recently from 16 states and Saskatchewan, Canada.

As always, thank you for your ministry. And for what it's worth, I don't mind when you send out a letter asking for help (I know you don't like to do it). I like being able to help. Your music and its ability to minster will be around for a long time to come (yes, even after we're gone), ministering to others as it has to me.

John Nyquist
Parker CO


This is my first time writing you. You have been such a blessing to me! Thanks so much for your talent and work to redeem so many songs that accompanied my childhood and teen years. ApologetiX is my favorite band by far!

James Clement
Jonesboro GA


Many thanks for the new music downloads, but most of all, thank you for the songbook. I had no idea how impressive it would be. It is a beautiful thing and feeds my nerdiness.

Matt Borchers
Rowley MA


Love your ministry! I think I've been following you guys now since Keep the Change came out (2001). It's all great stuff! God bless you guys!

Joe Roberts
Rolling Meadows IL


So thankful for your music ministry. Keep on rocking those Bible truths!

Pastor Heath Kirkpatrick
Harrison AR


Thank you and your band mates for what you do. Thank you for doing it when you aren't sure where the next provision is coming from. Thank you for being intentional on your prayer walks and listening to what The LORD is saying to you. The results of your efforts are a blessing to me and I'm sure many, many others.

Steve Bertles
Dayton OH


I am a teacher, and I've been listening to your music for many years now. I am thankful and impressed with what your band has done and continues to do. It's a unique and influential ministry. I pray for you and wish you continued success.

Phil H.
Saline MI


Thank you so much! Btw, each new song the group does, gets better and better.

Chad Burris
Indianapolis IN


I continue to pray for your ministry. It seems the older I get, the more I appreciate your music. God bless you all.

John Daley
Chesterfield VA


I play your music on my radio show almost every week, and sometimes if we have visitors here at home. We enjoy your parodies so much. I am a wholehearted supporter of you and your mission.

Marc Marino
Sun City AZ


God has granted you wisdom and grace which is hardly matched in today's world. May He continue to bless you in the work He has called you to.

Scott Shehan
Three Springs PA


Thank you very much for your time and effort to make all the music and blessing every one with the music changed that blesses God's word through the songs lyrics

Daniel Moore
Wichita KS


I'm planning to visit my brother in Indianapolis for an extended weekend. On the way there and back, I will listen to ApologetiX on the stereo and say a prayer for your families as I pass through Western PA.

Dave F.
Claremont NH


I think "Get Rich Quick" is one of your best! I'm cranking it! Played three of them on the show this morning. You guys are very talented! I think I'm going to fire up my "Auto DJ" and play every one of your songs and have a "My Favorites" disc(s)! God bless you all! Thanks for what you do!

Mike Myers
Boone IA


Your music has been a blessing to me and many others I know. I've given your thumb drives to my brother, my son, and at least one other person I can't remember. That's one reason I keep ordering new thumb drives, besides wanting to keep somewhat up to date. I taught senior adults about Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal cook-off on Carmel recently and played your "I've Got Elijah Fightin Baal" and put the words on PowerPoint. One of the class members said, "That song is pretty much the lesson." Thank you for writing a song that catches the main lessons of this incident.

Tim Linn
Pensacola FL


This new cd is awesome!!! You know I love the '80's. Keep up the great work!

Jerry McNutt
Shelbyville KY


We're happy that God has blessed us to support Apologetix once again. It is still a great joy to hear my children singing out Bible verses along with you and then looking them up. I don't think we've gone many days (or hours) without Apologetix on in the house or car since we first got the USB. We pray for you often and thank God that you are still spreading the Word with so many inspired songs!

Tom Corbitt
Batesville AR


We absolutely love your music and see great value in your ministry. Our preacher says to preach to people's Monday because that is where they live. You preach to people's Monday! We were working in the yard today and Mike, my husband, was listening to your music all day. He says it drowns out the negative voices.

Tara Bradley
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Canada
Thank you all! We really, really appreciate your kind words!

Bible-Reading Update: 2 Chronicles 28-Job 3
September 4, 2021, 1:12 pm EDT

We began our latest trip through the Bible on April 28. Here's our Bible-reading plan for the next two weeks for those of you reading along with us:

Sun., Sept. 5 - 2 Chronicles 28-30
Mon., Sept. 6 - 2 Chronicles 31-33
Tue., Sept. 7 - 2 Chronicles 34-36
Wed., Sept. 8 - Ezra 1-3
Thu., Sept. 9 - Ezra 4-6
Fri., Sept. 10 - Ezra 7-10
Sat., Sept. 11 - Nehemiah 1-3
Sun., Sept. 12 - Nehemiah 4-6
Mon., Sept. 13 - Nehemiah 7-9
Tue., Sept. 14 - Nehemiah 10-13
Wed., Sept. 15 - Esther 1-3
Thu., Sept. 16 - Esther 4-6
Fri., Sept. 17 - Esther 7-10
Sat., Sept. 18 - Job 1-3

Note: If you don't have a Bible handy, you can look up these passages for free on http://www.biblegateway.com. They have about 60 different English translations/versions there to choose from, plus translations in many other languages, many of which also have multiple translations/versions.


Another Praise Report from Darnell Cline
September 4, 2021, 3:13 pm EDT

On Friday afternoon, we got an update from ApX fan Sonja Cline about her husband, Darnell, who has been fighting since May to overcome extreme complications created by COVID. This one was written by Darnell himself:

Status - 9/3…

With God's help, I…

- Took my second shower bright and early this morning. Was stronger and more efficient than the first time.
- Walkered about 270 feet.
- Did some standing and sitting repetitions.
- Did some stretch band repetitions for my ankles and legs.
- Was part of an occupational group therapy "kitchen simulation" where I had to walker around this room, gathering Ziploc bags that included two slices of bread, a jar of peanut butter, plastic spoons and knives, and napkins. Stood at a table and made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
- Also learned some tips that I can use to make doing things like this easier when I get home.
- Successfully got in and out of the "car."


Sonja added the following:

Hallelujah! PTL!!! God is so good! He has been unbelievably kind! His love is so so great! Please pray for Darnell's left foot. That's his surgery foot and it's giving him some trouble.


Thank you all for joining with us as we pray for Darnell and Sonja.

Influential Albums: 477-483
September 4, 2021, 1:35 pm EDT

J. Jackson, lead singer and lyricist for ApologetiX here again.

Here are the latest entries in the "albums that influenced me" series I started writing in May 2020. Rather than listing the albums in order of preference or excellence, I've been listing them in chronological order of when they influenced me, as best as I recall. We were well into 1987, and you'll start seeing a lot of Christian albums once we get to 1988.

However, in May 2021, I realized that I'd neglected to include many influential albums along the way, so I've been catching up on those for a while before we get to that momentous moment in '88 when my life and musical trajectory was forever changed. You'll still see plenty of secular albums after that, but music was never the same for me after.

477. K-Tel's Music Express – Various Artists
I bought a used copy of this collection in college, probably at Backstreet Records. Originally released in 1975, it included six #1 hits, but I think I may have already had them all elsewhere with the possible exception of "Mandy" by Barry Manilow. I already had the two fabulous #3 hits on it, too — "Sky High" by Jigsaw and "Jackie Blue" by The Ozark Mountain Daredevils — but they were on a severely scratched-up old copy of K-Tel's 36 Super Gold Hits, so it was nice to get an upgrade. Music Express also contained a couple of #5 hits — "Chevy Van" by Sammy Johns and "Poetry Man" by Phoebe Snow — two catchy tunes with lyrics that reflected the anything-goes attitude of the swingin' 70's. The other track I was most interested in was an instrumental TV theme that went to #10 — "The Rockford Files" by Mike Post. If that artist's name sounds familiar, it might be because he had another instrumental taken from television six year later that also went to #10 — "The Theme from Hill Street Blues." Furthermore, he wrote "Theme from The Greatest American Hero," which Joey Scarbury took to #2 in 1981, believe it or not. But the sleeper hit on Music Express that kept me coming back was "Dynomite" by Tony Camillo's Bazuka. That song also went to #10, although I'd never heard it on the radio. It's primarily an instrumental (and a very funky one), too, aside from the occasional exclamations of "Dynomite!" (based on an exclamation made popular by Jimmy "J.J." Walker on the television show Good Times) and choruses that repeat that word. It was also sampled in Dickie Goodman's #4 hit "Mr. Jaws" later that year. For a complete track listing, go to https://hercsktelalbums.blogspot.com/2013/11/music-express-1975.html

478. Hold Out – Jackson Browne
This isn't Jackson Browne's most critically acclaimed album, but it is his only #1 album, and the only one of his albums I actually owned, thanks to Columbia House Record Club and an unreturned record-of-the-month selection. I've purchased many of his songs on iTunes, though. Anyway, the singles on Hold Out were "Boulevard" (#19 on the Billboard Hot 100, but #4 on the Radio & Records Top 50), "That Girl Could Sing" (#22), and "Hold On, Hold Out" (#103). Our local FM station played them all. There were only seven songs on Hold Out. Of the non-singles, my favorite was the opening track, "Disco Apocalypse." I remember the first time I ever heard Jackson Browne; it was the song "Running on Empty," and they were playing its parent album in Rocket Records in Greensburg. ApologetiX eventually spoofed that song in 2019, but my favorite song from that album is "The Load Out/Stay." Of his hits, I also like "Doctor My Eyes," "Rock Me on the Water," "The Pretender," "Lawyers in Love," "Ready or Not" and "Redneck Friend." I also liked his 1985 duet with Clarence Clemmons, "You're a Friend of Mine." Many people don't realize this, but Jackson's biggest hit of all came from the Fast Times at Ridgement High soundtrack; "Somebody's Baby" went to #7 on the Billboard Hot 100. I wasn't a huge fan of that tune, but I sure did like the movie when I was in college.

479. First Under the Wire – Little River Band
This was yet another accidental purchase through the Columbia House Record Club. That being said, I liked Little River Band and already owned the 45 of their Top 10 hit "Lady" (which I thought was one of the most beautiful songs ever) from their previous LP, Sleeper Catcher. That album also included their biggest hit, "Reminiscing," a #3 hit in 1978. First Under the Wire had a couple of Top 10 hits, too — "Lonesome Loser" (#6) and "Cool Change" (#10). Of those two, I preferred "Cool Change," but I grew to appreciate the splendor of "Lonesome Loser" and eventually suggested that ApologetiX spoof it, which we did in 2020. The one non-hit from First Under the Wire that has stuck with me through the years is "The Rumour." The first LRB hits I ever heard were "Help Is on Its Way" and "Happy Anniversary," in 1977, and I liked both of them. I later learned the group had an earlier Top 40 hit in 1975, "It's a Long Way There," which I've never heard on the radio. When I finally searched it out and gave it a listen, I was pretty impressed. Little River Band had 13 U.S. Top 40 hits in all. Of the later ones, my favorite was "The Other Guy."

480. Stevie Wonder's Original Musiquarium I – Stevie Wonder
This compilation features Stevie Wonder's most popular songs from 1972 through 1982, the year it was released. I was excited when I first saw it in stores, but double albums were daunting to this boy's budget. I finally bought it 20 years later, after I already had recordings of a number of its songs. Stevie Wonder's Original Musiquarium I included five #1 hits and six others that hit the Top 10. That was before the days of iTunes. Now you can make your own Musiquariums. Unlike most greatest-hits collections, this one featured 25 percent all-new material — four out of 16 tracks, all released as singles. Two of them ("That Girl" and "Do I Do") became big pop hits, and a third one ("Ribbon in the Sky") was a Grammy-nominated Top 10 R&B hit that has since become a standard of sorts. My favorite cuts on Musiquarium are "Higher Ground," "Sir Duke," "Boogie On, Reggae Woman," "You Haven't Done Nothin'," "Isn't She Lovely," "Master Blaster (Jammin')," "I Wish," and "Superstition" (which I first purchased as a reissue 45 in 1979). ApologetiX has already spoofed the last two, and I'd like to do more.

481. Play It Loud: A Decade of Gold Rock and Roll – Various Artists
This is the first of two compilations from the Arista Flashback Series I found in the bargain bins in the summer of 1984. Released in 1982, Play It Loud: A Decade of Gold Rock and Roll featured 10 songs from 1961 through 1975, so they gave you four bonus years with your decade. It featured two #1 hits that were fairly hard to find at the time: "Saturday Night" by Bay City Rollers and "Brother Louie" by Stories. It also provided me with pristine vinyl versions of two other #1 hits, "I'm a Believer" by The Monkees and "The Letter" by The Box Tops. Furthermore, it contained a #2 hit that wasn't easily obtained on an album in the mid-80's — "The Rapper" by The Jaggerz, led by Pittsburgh's Donnie Iris. Other uncommon goodies included "Little Girl" by Syndicate of Sound, "Little Willy" by The Sweet, and "I'm on Fire" by Dwight Twilley Band. For a complete track listing, go to https://www.discogs.com/Various-Play-It-Loud-A-Decade-Of-Gold-Rock-And-Roll/release/8412497

482. Golden Emotion: A Treasury of Million-Selling Ballads – Various Artists
This is the second of two compilations from the Arista Flashback Series I found in the bargain bins in the summer of 1984. Released in 1982, Golden Emotion featured 10 classic ballads from 1968 ("Angel of the Morning" by Merilee Rush) through 1979 ("I'll Never Love This Way Again" by Dionne Warwick). It only boasted one #1 hit, but that hit was "Seasons in the Sun" by Terry Jacks, a terrific tearjerker adored by any American kid who had a heart in 1974. It included two #2 hits, too: "All by Myself" (Eric Carmen) and "One Less Bell to Answer" (The Fifth Dimension). Furthermore, it featured two #3 hits with titles from opposite ends of the spectrum: "The Worst That Could Happen" (Brooklyn Bridge) and "The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me" (Gladys Knight & The Pips). I also appreciated the two #6 hits: "Midnight Blue by Melissa Manchester and "Right Time of the Night" by Jennifer Warnes, an artist who was a part of two duets that hit #1, "Up Where We Belong" (with Joe Cocker in 1982) and "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" (with Bill Medley in 1987). Nine of the tracks on Golden Emotion hit the Top 10, but one of these things was not like the others. The person singing the tenth track, "You Light Up My Life," was not Debby Boone ... it was Kacey Cisyk. Boone's version went to #1 for 10 weeks in 1977; Cisyk's version was released two months later and only went to #80. Believe it or not, though, hers is actually the original version from the soundtrack of the movie of the same title. In the movie, Cisyk's vocals are lip-synched by actress Didi Conn, who went on to play Frenchy in the movie Grease in 1978 ... and in Grease 2 in 1982.

483. The Album – ABBA
As I've mentioned before, my old neighborhood friend Dave Rhodes had the most kid-friendly mom in the neighborhood. She was just about always willing to let us play in their basement. And when you played in Dave Rhodes' basement, you got to hear whatever his latest album (or 45) was. He didn't foist it on you; I was eager to hear his new records, because Dave had good taste. He bought this album in 1978, probably because we all liked the second single, "Take a Chance on Me," which became ABBA's second-biggest U.S. hit, peaking at #3. The previous single, "The Name of the Game," went to #12 and was a song I ended up liking even better than "Take a Chance" in the long run. My other favorite song on the album was "Eagle," which was intended to be the third U.S. single but was later withdrawn. At 5:51, it's the longest ABBA song, and not a second of it is wasted. Other notable tracks are "I Wonder" and "Thank You for the Music." Those ones took years to grow on me, but "Thank You for the Music" is now one of my favorites.

Note: Just because the albums on my list influenced me back then doesn't mean I give them all a blanket endorsement now. I started actively listening to music in the early 70's and didn't become a born-again Christian until early '88. However, I hope you'll see (as I do) how God's hand was at work behind the scenes from the start, preparing me for the work I believe He intended for me to do.


Get Over 1400 Tracks for $100 This Week
September 4, 2021, 1:15 pm EDT

We're giving our complete library on download to everyone who donates $100 this week.

That's 1406 tracks, including various versions (studio, live, rarity, album, single, EP, revised, remastered, etc.), plus side projects.

Standard CDs 1993-2021 (784 tracks)
Remastered Classics CDs (219 tracks)
Singles, EPs, Rarities, Side Projects (403 tracks)

Just make your donation at http://www.apologetix.com/store/store-donate.php

After we receive your donation, we'll send you an email with links for all the downloads. Want to gift our library to a friend? Tell us their name, and we'll write 'em a personal email saying it's a gift from you. We'll send it and cc: you (or you can send it yourself).


New USB Flash Drives Include New CD & Single
September 4, 2021, 1:14 pm EDT

We recently got a brand new batch of USB flash drives.

Emblazoned with the ApologetiX logo, the USBs include the digital versions of all 62 of our CDs, including Get Rich Quick, plus any parodies or rarities we've released that aren't on those CDs.

That means they also have all of our singles from this year, including our latest, "Trumpet Sound" and "Something of Value."

They're available for a donation of $150 or more. If you've donated for our complete library before, they're available for a donation of $50 or more.

http://apologetix.com/store/store.php#USB


How to Donate & How to Get Multiple MP3s
September 4, 2021, 1:16 pm EDT

If you'd like to donate to the ministry of ApologetiX, you can do so online at http://www.apologetix.com/store/store-donate.php

If you prefer to mail a check or money order, please make it out to "ApologetiX" and send it to:

ApologetiX
208 Charlemma Drive
Pittsburgh PA 15214-1414

There are now 173 singles/EPs (351 songs) in our "downloads for a donation" series, including our latest single, "Trumpet Sound" and "Something of Value."

To get multiple downloads with one donation go to http://apologetix.com/news/news-details.php?news_id=3564 for a complete list of songs and how to do it.

Although the donations are not tax-deductible, they will be received very gratefully and used immediately.


2 Chronicles 25:9
Amaziah asked the man of God, "But what about the hundred talents I paid for these Israelite troops?" The man of God replied, "The LORD can give you much more than that."

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