Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Countdown" (Leon Thomas III and the Cast of VicTORious)





It's the Tuesday after Christmas and the Tuesday before the New Year...And...it's time for Tuesday's Musical Notes!!!  As we have reached the end of the year, we have arrived at our destination for the best of music, merriment, and a message!   Since we are here we may as well go ahead and begin.  "Begin What?", you may query?   It's time for Tuesday's Musical Notes compendium of our best blogs of the year!  Determined none other by you the TMNR (Tuesday's Musical Note Reader) and tabulated by blogspot.com  So let's get this party started and click that link!  It's a countdown!!!


Today's featured song is from the Nickelodeon TV show VicTORious which broadcast from 2010-2013.  Marketed as a Nickelodeon answer to popular Disney Channel features, Hannah Montana and High School Musical, VicTORious featured young teen situations with a pop music soundtrack.  Over its run, the show received mixed reviews but spawned 3 soundtrack albums as well as a spin-off TV show, Sam & Cat (2013-2014).  

Released as a promotional single February 28th, 2012, "Countdown" failed to chart.  

You may be wondering if you've entered a completely different blog.  Nope, you are at Tuesday's Musical Notes and yes we are featuring a non-charting song from a mediocre TV show.  This is not our normal fare as today is not a normal day! And besides all the other songs that have "Countdown" in the title are ones we've already used (Tuesday's Musical Notes - "The Final Countdown"), or are not quite as appropriate for our readers. Sorry Beyonce'...

As we start today, here's the lowdown on the countdown.  You see, dear friend, each week you and many other people, to date around 20,000 total, check in at the Notes Motel for a weekly excursion into music and melodies.  As we visit some of our favorite tunes, we visit about topics that are challenging, yet encouraging.  As you read our weekly tomes, a counter is kept.  At the end of the year, we share the top of the year blogs with you.  It usually winds up being more than 10 because of posts that receive the same number of views.  All you need do is read and click on the links!  We do try and make it easy... 

So let's get started!  Let's get underway!  It's the end of the year and it's Tuesday!  Where to begin?  What song will it be?  We'll count them down together, let's go...1...2...3

Welcome to our year-end countdown of the top blog posts at Tuesday's Musical Notes!  I'm Randy your host and for the next little while, we'll review together what you have determined to be the best of the year!  

The Creation ] In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.











John 1:1  Prologue ] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Matthew 28Resurrection Morning

28 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb

Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We start our countdown off with a 3-way tie.  All were written prior to 1971 but remain popular to this day.  Here at #10 are Chuck Berry, Carole King, and Martha & the Vandelas.



I confess that Tuesday's Musical Notes does have some bias when it comes to musical groups.  At #9, we have, in our opinion, the best band ever!!!  With 36 albums, the most recent entitled Now, Chicago continues to entertain crowds of old and new fans while attempting to revive Roman numerals in the process.  Here is our #9 read blog at Tuesday's Musical Notes, Chicago's "Hard to Say I'm Sorry"




Isaiah 7:14

14 Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: See, the virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.

Matthew 1:18-19The Nativity of the Christ - The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant from the Holy Spirit. 19 So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly.


Matthew 28:5-7 -The angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”


Revelation 5:8-10The Lamb Is Worthy

When he took the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and golden bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song:
You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals,
because you were slaughtered, and you purchased people
for God by your blood from every tribe and language
and people and nation. 10 You made them a kingdom[c]
and priests to our God, and they will reign on the earth.

You've read them.  We're countin' them down.  

#8

Tuesday's Musical Notes takes great efforts to feature music from a variety of decades as well as a variety of genre.  At #8 is one of those songs that is kind of difficult to classify.  Is it electronic acapella?  Pop?  Dance?  We'll let you decide as we read through The Notes inspired by the band Pentatonix mash-up and tribute to the band Daft Punk.



And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

Isaiah 41:10 - Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Luke 2:9-11- And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid,10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.



Matthew 28:4-6 - And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.


John 14:1-3 - Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.


Revelation 1:16-18 - And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.





This year's countdown has 4 spots that feature ties. We saw the first with the 3 way tie at #10.  At #7 in our countdown comes the next tie.   #7 features the Musical Note that inspired our weekly sign off to our meanderings of music and the Messiah.  "Voices Carry" is by the band 'Til Tuesday.  'Nuff said.  'Til Tuesday tied with our tribute to the late Tom Petty, who passed away this last year.  


Genesis 22:6-13 - And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.11 And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.


Isaiah 53 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.


Luke 23:26-47 And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.27 And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.28 But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.29 For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.30 Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.31 For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, This Is The King Of The Jews.39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.

At # 6 on the countdown is the biggest of our 4 blogs with the same number of views.  It features a Beauty, a Queen, a Suite, and a Carpenter.  From the months of March, April, June, and August comes the 4 way tie at the 6th position on the year end countdown of Tuesday's Musical Notes most viewed posts:



Genesis 3:14-15 And the Lord God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

John 20:11-16But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.



That brings us to our request and dedication.  This past year has seen its fill of passing musical greats.  Here's a partial list of entertainment figures that passed away in 2017:


But without a doubt the biggest name in Tuesday's Musical Notes world that we lost this year was Peggy Cross Shourd, my mom.   She inspired me musically and spiritually, which are the main components of our weekly musings here at the Notes.  She is greatly missed.  This Tuesday's Musical Note was dedicated to her:


I'm thinking King Solomon had met my mother...or at the very least my mom knew this scripture well.

Proverbs 31:10-31The Message (MSG)

Hymn to a Good Wife - A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it.  Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long.  She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing.  She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises.  She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day.  She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she’s put aside, plants a garden.  First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.  She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking. She’s quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor.  She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.  She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks.  Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers.  She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops. Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.  When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly.  She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive.  Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise: “Many women have done wonderful things, but you’ve outclassed them all!!!  Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.  Give her everything she deserves!  Festoon her life with praises!


We're not gonna stop til we reach the top!

#5

Here at Tuesday's Musical Notes we are never completely sure how a post will be received.  While most of the posts we've written live up to the expectations when we check the statistics, others simply surprise us.  At #5 comes one of those surprises.  The song was originally written in 1964 and it got The Notes treatment on October 24 of this past year.  Here is Shirley Ellis with her top hit and our Musical Notes twist on it:

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "The Name Game"

While the response to The Name Game came as a marvel, the biggest surprise came in the form of a First Edition.  No, we are not talking about a book, but the Kenny Rogers fronted band from the 60's who just dropped in.  I really thought I was the only person who had ever given this song much thought, but lo and behold, it comes in on our countdown at #4.

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)"

1 tie and 2 single songs make up the remainder of our 2017 countdown. But before we get to them, it's time for TMN extra. 
Since the last week of May 2012, we have met together with you on Tuesday to share insights, interludes, and maybe just a bit of self inspection.  The archives are full of Tuesday tidbits that have been Providentially on my heart to share.  If you've been blessed with some time off during the holidays, check out the archives.  You never know what song might be there!  We hope you have enjoyed meeting together!  You can use the search bar to see if your favorite song has been given The Notes analysis and application.  In all, close to 20,000 views have happened in the last 5 years.  We are humbled and full of gratitude and encouragement as we continue to be led to ideas for songs for the future.  

Since the inception of Tuesday Musical Notes, our host, blogspot.com, has been keeping track of the viewership of each blog.  Our Tuesday's Musical Extra is the song that has received the most views in the history of our blog.  With over 600 views, the #1 blog post so far at Tuesday's Musical Notes is from February 18, 2014:

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Let My Love Open the Door"

John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me

And now on with the countdown...
We only have 3 more spots till we get to the top! 

At #3 is the Janis Joplin hit from 1971.  It was featured as the May 30th entry to this year's Tuesday's Musical Notes.  From the album Pearl, here's Janis Joplin:

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Me and Bobby McGee"

Tied for #2 we have the Musical Notes dedicated to celebrating our Country's birthday and our nation's freedom with a hit song from Bob Dylan's touring band, a super group in and of itself.  In fact, one of the members of this 70's top bands, Levon Helm, was raised in my home state of Arkansas.  In the strangest pairing ever, here is James Brown and The Band with the tie for the #2 most viewed blog at Tuesday's Musical Notes:

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "The Weight"
Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Livin' in America"
 

1 John 15:13-15These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Ephesians 6:18-19Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,


Tuesday's Musical Notes are read all around the world in fantastic places like the United Kingdom, Poland, and Germany.  We are also viewed in some areas of the world where war and strife seem to be a way of life, like Ukraine and Russia. We are grateful for our readers in Australia and Ireland, as well as those of you in Canada and Portugal.   Please know that you are being prayed over regardless where you may read Tuesday's Musical Notes!!  We realize the power of prayer and lift you up at every occasion.  God listens to the prayer of the repentant soul when that soul embraces the truth about Jesus and His sacrifice for us.  Prayer restores.  Prayer heals.  Prayer allows us to confess and repent, thus restoring our relationship with God.  Prayer allows us constant communication to God through Holy Spirit.  You are not saved by a prayer, you are saved by Jesus, but you can communicate to God through prayer.  He is waiting.  Are you ready?
In this New Year, our prayer is for your salvation, the salvation of your country, and peace in your land regardless where you live.  Thanks for reading. 

And now on to #1.

Tuesday's Musical Notes is a blog that was established to combine 2 of my biggest passions.  Music and my relationship to Jesus.  He is the reason and inspiration for everything that is written at this blog and the interpretations that we take on popular music.  Thanks for getting this far in the countdown.
 
At #1 is a song about prayer.  Albeit, this prayer is not the one we hope you just prayed for salvation, rather, this song is about prayer being your last best chance.  Posted to The Notes on May 16th, our #1 song spent 4 weeks in 1986 at #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 and solidified icon status for this band.  With the #1 viewed Tuesday's Musical Note of 2017, here is Jon, Richie, Alec, Tico, and David, better known as Bon Jovi:

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Livin' on a Prayer"

And there you have it!!!  The most viewed posts of 2017 as well as some important passages from the Bible to consider.  As always Tuesday's Musical Notes exists to answer any questions you may have regarding any of the topics that cause you to ponder.  Just leave us a comment or email us at rawacr@gmail.com.  We'd love to hear from you!!! 
What will be the top posts for next year?  What does 2018 hold for us as we travel down the meandering highways and byways that we call life?  We promise we will be here to provide encouragement and possibly enlightenment as we enter into 2018 together.  Thanks for reading Tuesday's Musical Notes!!!

And as always...

'Til Tuesday,
Serving HIM by serving you,
randy