Recent comments
Author: Richard Schletty
You are rockin' Mother Mary! Good ups. I must admit that I never heard of Slap House. I found this interesting article:
https://grayarea.co/magazine/anatomy-of-a-trend-slap-house
Do you know that we have had some contributions of Catholic Metal here at TCS?
https://www.topcatholicsongs.com/Via-Crucis-Katholicus-Catholic-Metal
Author: Richard Schletty
Thanks for your offer of uploading assistance. Not quite sure how that would work. I will let you know when and if SiteGround disallows this website which requires ancient PHP 5.6. What if cars and cash machines using old software were suddenly made to stop working? Where there's a will, there's a way, as my mother used to say.
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
I'm with Brian in that if you give me a couple pages to download to save something I can help. I'm also no good as far as tech stuff goes. What I do have experience in doing is YouTube uploading and the like, so if part of your migration is uploading to an off-site service, I can pull things off here, stick art on it if there is any art that went with it, and post it to a YouTube channel. Just an idea - I'm not clear on whether things would be hosted directly on WordPress or...
Author: Richard Schletty
Thanks so much for your input. Yes, I could rework this website along the lines of your suggestions. In fact, I built a website for performing songwriters using WordPress. The Artist Profiles section of the Minnesota Association of Songwriters website has all the features you suggest – plus more.
MAS Artist Profiles landing page: mnsongwriters.org/members
My profile: mnsongwriters.org/members/richard-schletty
MAS Members music gallery: mnsongwriters.org/music-gallery...
Author: balynch88
Wonder if you could add an archive page where all the old songs that won't transfer over can be uploaded again. I know that is probably a lot of work as there are a bunch of songs. Might be nice to be able to listen to everything off of one page anyhow. I'm not very tech savy so I don't know what all this would entail.
One thing that may be neat to do with an upgrade is have a playlist page (youtube or spotify or something), for artists who share their songs on here. Could make up...
Author: Dhaivid3
Hello Richard.
Long time!
Things are okay. Thank you! How are you doing?
No problem at all. Thank you very much for the feedback on this song.
I still compose but I've not sang for a long time.
Hope things are going well with you.
Stay well. May God Bless you too.
Many regards,
E
Author: Richard Schletty
Edewede: I hope you are well. We haven't conversed for quite a while. I like this Christmas song. Sorry that I did not take notice of it when you first posted it. Are you still composing and singing? God bless.
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
Thanks for sharing that. I didn't grow up Catholic so have no notion of how it would have been. I think I'll probably do more mixes like this. It works better for contemporary Catholic music circles (Lee O'Day at KSWZ had a strong reaction to it - hi Lee if you're reading this!) and it's inexpensive to have done (I don't do things much myself). Plus it evergreens the project longer. Only one more communist parody single left! Thanks for the continuing encouragement.
Author: balynch88
When I was a teen, our band played at our church's lock ins and retreats. Those probably aren't going on now due to COVID restrictions, and DJs have long replaced bands for the most part anyhow. So if I was a kid at a retreat now, I would be requesting this jam from the DJ.
You could probably do a an entire album in this style and push it out to youth ministers, I think that would work.
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
You awhile back sent me a video and some information about Prosody. I've found it useful and incorporated (some) of the principles I learned into my writing! Just wanted to state this helpfulness of yours publicly.
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
Ooh fun a CONTEST. Glad to see we have resolution. (For now)
Author: JB (not verified)
My dear songwriters who contributed to this Christmas song that I’ve tried to perfect for 33 years. Several of you have responded with lyrics and I thank you. I have been agonizing for days on making this song better with your lovely words, but as I said before it’s all about the song. I chose the words that fit best with the melody, the theme of the song and that were more singable and believe me I tried singing them all. So with that in mind, here is the newest version. [maybe not the...
Author: balynch88
I like it, if I were going to change anything with the last line in the song it would be:
But the Father above has blessed us with love, with the gift of His Son Christmas day
Author: Daniel Shaughnessy (not verified)
But through the Gift of God's Son, new life has been won, without it(Him), WHERE WOULD WE BE.
TITLE: WHERE WOULD WE BE?
Maybe repeat with
Oh tell me where would we be?
Could also say
The work has been done instead of new life has been won.
God's leading for you John.
Author: Richard Schletty
John, thanks very much for your line-by-line analysis. Helps to give us a fuller appreciation of this wonderful traditional Christmas hymn.
I had to reformat your layout because it did not look good on a smartphone screen – way too many spacebars.
Merry Christmas!
Author: Richard Schletty
Through the rising of the Son
or
Through the gifting of His Son
or
Through the giving of His Son
or
The gift of His Son to us all
or
His Son lights the way
I like the song. Needs a bit of tweaking as far as prosody. Here are my suggestions:
Oh, where would we be had not a savior been born
On that wonderful Christmas morning?
No prophecies fulfilled, no hope of redemption,
No Christmas hymns to sing.
Chorus:
But the guiding star has filled the night!
The shepherds knelt down at the...
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
I like it. And especially so when compared to Drupal or WordPress. Haha!
Author: Richard Schletty
My middle name is Cecil, not Drupal. I am actually much more adept with WordPress.
Author: Richard Schletty
I like it. Your voice has more presence in this recording. "Leading all the travelers to the door." Amen! Let's all mix and mingle at the manger this Christmas.
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
Great song, check this out everyone! I've been on a three month trial of Spotify so this was a nice surprise this morning. Solid song and effort - I like it!
Author: balynch88
I thought the music in it was the best one so far, I was just afraid to mention it in case it was a parody. It didnt' sound like anything I had heard before, but I didn't grow up listening to communist propaganda anthems either. It does have a soundtrack feel to it, which is cool. Thanks for the back story, that is a great title.
Author: Richard Schletty
I placed the correct YouTube URL for "Stars, How Do You Feel About Being Small?" Now you can see the two videos side by side. – Richard
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
Nope you're not missing anything -- apparently I can only embed one track at a time via YouTube. I'll post a direct link at a later point. Glad you pointed this out!
Author: Richard Schletty
I still can't find the B side. Both YouTubes are of the same 2:04 song "Look to the Chair of Peter". Am I missing something?
Regards,
Richard
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
Much appreciated. "Stars, How Do You Feel About Being Small?" is original, but I recorded another form of it a long time ago. I was inspired by watching PBS and there was some program that mentioned a child's artwork and the title of the artwork was the same as the song. I just loved the phrase. I used it with some music I had written even before that in my high school days in the piano practice rooms - this part is the instrumental breaks you're hearing. If it...
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
Thank you, Richard! I think my intention with the second YouTube was to give a link to the full single which includes a B-side. The B-side, the second song, is "Stars, How Do You Feel About Being Small?" but I might have messed up. There will probably be a lyric video for that in the next couple weeks which I'll post separately. Thank you again!
Author: balynch88
I like the song, thank you for sharing it with us.
I'll be checking out your other songs too!
Author: balynch88
I enjoyed the two new ones, can't wait for the full album to be released.
The "Stars" song has good instrumental breaks in it, is this one a paradody of another song too?
Keep up the good work!
Author: Stephen Pishner (not verified)
You might want to review and consider these pieces of music for Advent:
PSALM AND GOSPEL ACCLAMATION FOR ADVENT
https://www.giamusic.com/store/resource/psalm-and-gospel-acclamation-for-advent-print-g5259
PREPARE! PREPARE!
https://www.giamusic.com/store/resource/prepare-prepare-print-g7040
Author: Richard (not verified)
Good parodies that can help lead the faithful as well as converts to Paradise.
The second YouTube is not "Stars, How Do You Feel About Being Small?". It is "Look to the Chair".
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
These are lovely, beautiful, and echo softly in the soul after the music ends. Thanks for the share. I'm heading over to hear the whole Mass now. :-)
Author: John Bennett
We'd love to have you come play your original songs on stage at our local Christian songwriters showcase. We welcome Catholic songwriters and have promoted Catholics on our past compilation CD releases.. If you'd like to sample one of our shows please come to our September show:
SONGWRITERS SHOWCASE
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24TH, 2 - 4 PM
Dunn Brothers Coffee
1160 County Road E West Arden Hills, MN 55112
Worshipping and spreading God's LOVE through our songs,
,...
Author: asiansa09
Still feel inspire and true for this song lyrics as I wrote a while ago.
Author: Alexander John
Hi Steve,
I just listened to your track on topcatholicsongs. You bought such grace and emotion to it. It was really a joy to listen to. It is good that in the UK you have come so far like in America and I hope we get there soon. It looks like we are on track though! All the best mate and God Bless,
Alex.
Author: Richard Schletty
I regard it now as "the common covid" – same as "the common cold". Practice good hygiene, exercise daily and get plenty of sunshine and we'll all survive.
Author: Steve Byrne
Such an interesting discussion. Here in the UK we have lifted restrictions but still have masks on in Church. We can sing behind the masks - but no wind instruments allowed as yet. Cases are nationally high but we all seem to be ignoring it!
I've been listening to your music, gents. You're both very blessed.
hope you stay well.
Steve
Author: Richard Schletty
Nice. I like your take on these songs of faith. Sounds like a live gig full of passion. You rock!
Author: Alexander John
Hi Richard,
Sorry to hear you won't be able to perform at your church anymore. I hope you enjoy semi retirement and have extra time for the things that are important to you. It's looking like lockdown here will be lifted early in about a week, rather than two! I doubt I'll be back to work for at least a month though. Stay safe and hope you and your loved ones and safe and well.
All the best,
Alex
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
Give this a listen. Instrumentals of classics plus originals with vocals! If you don't use Spotify see the previous post in there is a link to YouTube also.
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
This small set opens with two instrumentals and then goes further in, adding vocals. The guitar-intensive songs resemble the better tracks from his last work, Flicker in the Dust. Bio says the artist "doesn't claim to be a singer" but his vocals are sincere. Good job, Brian! Keep it up.
Author: Richard Schletty
Hi, Alex. Our restrictions are less oppressive and hardly effect me cause I don't go out much. We can go to church and are now not required to wear masks. This last Sunday, about a third of the worshipers chose to still wear masks at the 8 am Mass at St. Stanislaus. I retired from my every-Saturday job at St. Mary's leading hymns solo with guitar and voice at the 4:30 Mass. The new pastors have outlawed guitar and piano. They only want plainchant and organ. Sigh...
On a positive note,...
Author: Richard Schletty
That's an excellent idea! I can visualize the Catholic Carousel.
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
Hey Brian,
Thank you so much for your encouraging words. Yes, let's get on this carousel, if it exists! Haha.
Author: Richard Schletty
Thanks, El Capitan. The words and melody came to me one night, out of nowhere. I first recorded it a cappella in 2008. See topcatholicsongs.com/heal-the-night
Several years later, my collaborator and mentor, André van Haren, added the beautiful symphonic soundtrack. André has posted blogs here at TCS which show how to engrave music with Sibelius. We have since both migrated to Steinberg Dorico.
André is here: www.andrevanharen.com
Author: Alexander John
Hey Richard, unfortunately the state I live in (Melbourne) is still locked down and will be until October the 26th. That's the earliest they will lift it, there is a possibility that we won't have restrictions eased until November. It is stressful because I work in hospitality so unfortunately I cant work from home. How are things in the States at the moment? I know you guys have been out of lockdown for quite some time. I miss the church as we can't go there either and it's been months now....
Author: Richard Schletty
I appreciate your vote of confidence for the HFH project. I hope things are looking up down under, despite all the heavy-handed lockdowns and mandates in your country.
Author: Richard Schletty
I'll try to conjure up some sort of virtual musical. I now have a very talented and mezzo soprano singer who can add her emotive voice to Hungry For Heaven. This has been on the backburner for too many years!
Author: Alexander John
I'm from Australia but lived in England for several years and unintentionally almost shook off my accent. Upon returning it was never as strong as when I left so it's not very traditional. If your ever interested in keeping in touch I'm not on social media but my e-mail address is: june082019@outlook.com (a strange e-mail address but that date is important to me). Always keeping an eye out on your latest music. All the best and God Bless.
Author: stevdrak
Hi
So sorry that I missed these earlier comments. Yes, we have guitar lead sheets available for all of our music. Just drop us a line, we're happy to share.
Thanks for the feedback as well, always welcome.
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
I always wondered where you were from with your accent in your tracks. Australia? Now I know!
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
Thank you for posting. I'm listening to the other movements right now on the project web site. Love that you have three dudes on two continents involved. If it were made into a musical and I was near enough to the location of the performance, I would go. If posted online, I would watch.
Author: balynch88
I like guitar work in "He Gave His Body"
This music needs to be played on Holy Land themed carousel!
I don't know if one exists, but it should.
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
That comment sure made me feel good. I'm trying to be more Spotify-intensive which I think is where you have your emphasis as both a listener and an artist, if I'm guessing correctly. I don't really understand it so I signed up as a listener to figure it out. I like it more than the free version of YouTube music I had previously used, it provides more variety.
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
Alex,
Thank you for your kind words! I enjoy your stuff as well. :-)
Author: Alexander John
Hi Richard, it's been a while since I have been here. Wanted to say hi from down under and let you know that I would love to see this made into a musical. So good to see so many new members too. All the best mate, Alex.
Author: Alexander John
Great song and video. I always find myself tapping my foot and smiling to the music you have done that I have listened to. Really great music Captain. Thank you for sharing
Author: Richard Schletty
Cool how it transitions to cool jazz about halfway through. Thanks for sending this song upstream to TCS!
Author: John Bennett
We'd love to have you come play your original songs on stage at our local Christian songwriters showcase. We welcome Catholic songwriters and have promoted Catholics on our past compilation CD releases.. If you'd like to sample one of our shows please come to our September show:
SONGWRITERS SHOWCASE
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2 - 4 PM
Dunn Brothers Coffee
1160 County Road E West Arden Hills, MN 55112
Worshipping and spreading God's LOVE through our songs,
,...
Author: Richard Schletty
Hello, John Bennett! Glad to see you signed up here at TCS. Thanks for sharing your upbeat song about "the time that fits in God's plan". – Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem followed by his suffering, death and resurrection. Amen.
Author: Richard Schletty
Email me at info@topcatholicsongs.com. I will then send you a Dropbox or Box "file request" upload link. No hurry on this. Whenever you have the time. The Audacity track exports approach is perfect. I do have Mac Audacity, by the way.
Author: balynch88
Thank you for the offer!
So far I have done everything in Audacity, I can export the tracks individually, all trimmed to the same length so they can be imported into any DAW and still line up. I'd have to double check that particular song to see how many tracks are in it, but I typically get them done in under 12 tracks, sometimes more if I split the stereo channels.
I can mail a data disc to you, or try to send electronically somehow.
It would be nice to hear someone else's take on a mix...
Author: Richard Schletty
Aha. I was sorta thinking that you lacked confidence in singing. Be confident. The words are so important. Bring them forward. Thanks for posting the lyrics. Well written. I'd be willing to do a "Schletty Remix" on this if you are willing, just for kicks. What DAW/sequencer app do you use? I have Logic, Cubase and GarageBand.
Author: balynch88
Thank you for the advice. Singing is my least favorite part of recording so it's probably subconsious that I leave the vocals a touch burried and the instruments more clear, but I will work on it.
Here are the lyrics:
I was running down the road
Life was beating me down
I'd seen to many troubling things
I had, yes I had, to get out of town
I was looking the for the woman
I heard prayed for us all
I had to ask for a favor
I saw her standing, by the cross, in a blue shawl
Hail Mary,...
Author: Richard Schletty
Thanks for sharing this song, Brian. I can't understand some of the lyrics but I get the general sense of your encounter with Mary.
I listened to your other songs at Spotify and several of those songs have more clarity/presence in your voice. I recommend making your vox track centered and equalized on this song to bring out more presence. Pan instruments left and right of center and tone them down a bit. Just some friendly suggestions from a fellow do-it-yourself recording artist....
Author: Richard Schletty
Let us pray for a profusion of grace and clarity to offset the confusion and illusion that beset many of us. Thank you, Filippo, for this song which traverses illusion and reaches out to God in hope.
Author: Richard Schletty
Hogcurl wrote: "While the Chinese Communist Party has elevated monsters to power that have destroyed people's rights, the Catholic Church elevates Christ from whom all true freedom comes." Well stated. Keep your parodies flying high!
Author: GpierSyoung@1016
Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Greg Pierson from Cincinnati. I am part of a duo called the Pierson-Young Project. My partner is Steve Young. Steve and I have known each other since we were teens in a charismatic prayer community called New Jerusalem. We played music in coffee houses and in our music ministry in NJ. As we got older we went off to live our lives; marriage, children,
and professional careers. I am now retired but Steve is still working. Steve reached out to me in 2015...
Author: balynch88
Never annoyed at comparisons, I'll take it as a compliment! I have not listened to that album so I will check it out.
Author: balynch88
Keep the hits a coming! Streaming your tunes as I type.
Author: Cora
I've been looking for this version and finally found the one I grew up with, that is, Maria's version. Back in the early 70's they used to sing it at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Metro Manila, Philippines. I remember it having been sung with several verses but only the 1st verse stuck in my head, the one Maria sang. Back then it was sung during Holy Communion. I remember this because we only came to this church annually during the 9 day novena for Our Lady of...
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
Looking as robust as ever, Father! Songwise, I appreciated the changing time signatures.
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
Brian,
Good to hear you're doing more music. You're far more prolific than we are - takes us forever.
I don't know if you're complimented or annoyed at comparisons to other artists but back in the day I used to listen to Pete Yorn's musicforthemorningafter and some of your vocal stylings in this "Hail Mary, Mary" record fondly bring me back to those days.
Thanks for posting this!
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
I enjoyed this - I like things that are a bit different - use of art to make a point or capture a mood. And it is sure comforting to know that God always has our back regardless of our perception! Romans 8:38-39
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
Katie,
Thank you for sharing, this was great. Poignant yet hopeful - you captured it well!
Author: balynch88
Awesome job!
Found your music on spotify and listened to a number of the tracks, they are all great.
Hope others check out the rest of your work as well.
I hope this is the right link for your spotify page for others to listen as well:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3F36ppwnF0IDBtM1uFGWbc
Very inspiring, thank you for sharing your music with us.
Author: Richard Schletty
Katie, this is a powerful and beautiful song. Thank you so much for sharing your backstory with us. May you grow even stronger in your faith journey. Live the good life with the One who matters. You are an inspiration.
Author: Nothingless
This is beautiful, very well written and played, congratulations!!!
I loved the unexpected solo too!!! with an even more unexpected Steve Vai guitar ;)))
Author: Richard Schletty
Truer words were never sung to this tune! Congratulations on another upbeat, catchy track for your collection of Catholic parody songs.
Author: Richard Schletty
Fr. Maximilian: This is an unexpected joy to see your song animated like this. Great job. Hopefully, it will attract lots of listeners who will take to heart your message of love for our Savior and King, Jesus Christ.
Author: Richard Schletty
Benjamin, I really appreciate your positive comments about TCS and am glad to hear about your association with Lee O'Day who programs a Catholic radio station. Good to hear that some TCS artists are getting airplay there! I encourage both you and Lee to contact Rob Ayoub who programs CME Radio:
www.catholicmusicexpress.com/cme-radio (make a comment in the Comments section)
Or send an email to music@catholicmusicexpress.com
Author: Richard Schletty
Eucharistic catechesis in an East Asian vessel. Take that, Kim Jong-un!
A worthy project. Bravo. One more way to bring the Good News to the world.
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
Another good one. Father's instinct for melody continues to shine. Good retro vibe to the tune. For those who don't Spotify I used YT here's the link: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=vCEdKSZcBSo&feature=share
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
Thank you. There are 3 more of this type. One you haven't heard yet but will soon and two that get recorded tomorrow. The Chinese propaganda songs seems to require tight and punchy lyrics. It's not the case with fully original stuff which will start to trickle out after that, at least a few songs to make enough to have a CD to hand to the old ladies who sit near me after Mass!
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
Your memory is fine, I believe I just communicated that I was going to write him but I don't know if I told you that I had actually written him ha ha. Yes, he does have verve. :-)
Author: Richard Schletty
Captain H: So far, I haven't commented much about your lyrics. They are good. They teach the truths and aims of the Catholic Church in catchy rhyming phrases. I hope that people of all ages will benefit from these lessons.
I like this short stanza:
Food needs salt
Eyes need light
Well said!
Author: Richard Schletty
See how dim my memory is? Oh well. Maybe Nick will resurface soon. He has verve.
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
Yes sir. I checked out and enjoyed his music. I also emailed him back in April at his email associated with his web site.
Author: Richard Schletty
Yes, I remember you did it correctly on prior posts. You are welcome. Keep those songs coming. By the way, Nick Alexander was one of the founders of this website. Drop him a line and tell him that you appreciate what he and a few other members of CAM (Catholic Association of Music) started back in 2007. https://www.catholicmusicministries.com