Alternate setlists for the Crowners

Trying to be constructive about this, I made two alternate setlists.

1.)    La La Land (Demi Lovato)

2.)    Let’s Get Together (Frank and Derol)

3.)    When I Look At You (Miley Cyrus)

4.)    These Four Walls (Miley Cyrus)

5.)    Praise You in this storm (Casting Crowns cover, Miley, Demi, Codi and Brandi)

6.)    U Got Nothing on Me (Demi Lovato)

7.)    Spotlight (Miley Cyrus)

8.)    GNO (Miley Cyrus)

9.)    That’s What You Get (Hayley Williams)

10.) Back and Forth (Frank and Derol)

11.) Forgiveness and Love (Miley Cyrus)

12.) Hallelujah (Hayley Williams)

13.) Stained Glass Masquerade (Casting Crowns cover, Miley)

14.) While My Guitar Gently Weeps (Demi and Miley)

15.) Set Me Free (Casting Crowns Cover, Miley Cyrus)

16.) I Want You (She’s So Heavy) (Demi and Miley)

17.) Jesus Freak (DC Talk cover, sung by Miley and Demi)

18.) Party  (Demi Lovato)

19.) Can’t Be Tamed (Miley Cyrus)

20.) Face of God (Billy Ray Cyrus)

21.) Ready Set Don’t Go (BRC and MRC)

22.) Lie To Me (Billy Ray Cyrus)

23.) Here We Go Again (Demi Lovato)

24.) Achy Breaky Heart (Billy Ray Cyrus)

25.) The Climb (Miley Cyrus)

 

1.)    La La Land (Demi Lovato)

2.)    Let’s Get Together (Frank and Derol)

3.)    When I Look At You (Miley Cyrus)

4.)    These Four Walls (Miley Cyrus)

5.)    Praise You in this storm (Casting Crowns cover, Miley, Demi, Codi and Brandi)

6.)    U Got Nothing on Me (Demi Lovato)

7.)    Spotlight (Miley Cyrus)

8.)    GNO (Miley Cyrus)

9.)    That’s What You Get (Hayley Williams)

10.) Back and Forth (Frank and Derol)

11.) Forgiveness and Love (Miley Cyrus)

12.) Hallelujah (Hayley Williams)

13.) Stained Glass Masquerade (Casting Crowns cover, Miley)

14.) While My Guitar Gently Weeps (Demi and Miley)

15.) Set Me Free (Casting Crowns Cover, Miley Cyrus)

16.) I Want You (She’s So Heavy) (Demi and Miley)

17.) Jesus Freak (DC Talk cover, sung by Miley and Demi)

18.) Party  (Demi Lovato)

19.) Can’t Be Tamed (Miley Cyrus) 

20.) Face of God (Billy Ray Cyrus cover) 

21.) I Love Rock and Roll (Miley)

22.) Here We Go Again (Demi Lovato)

23.) Gimme Back My Bullets/Double Trouble/Free Bird (Lynyrd Skynyrd covers medley, Miley and Demi)

24.) The Climb (Miley Cyrus)

Harsh words send local aspiring author spiraling into doubt!

Well, today I found out BRC regrets the Hannah show, saying it ruined his family and he'd take it back if he could.  Naturally, given I wanted his music for the spiritual movie that was inspired by his daughter, this isn't fun news for me.  This tends to happen, I feel like the whole thing is falling into place, that I'll be the one who made Miley's spirituality public and a band featuring Miley, Demi and Brandi will rock the nation, then I totally get this anxiety from statements like this.  Should BRC not be in the film due to his stance?  Is there a family feud brewing, is the father-daughter relationship falling apart?  Maybe they'll give up the spotlight and it was all written for naught?  Maybe it was just a product of insanity, I've said it was divinely inspired and you know what CS Lewis says, it's either truth, lies or insanity when it comes to the divine.  Maybe it's all worthless, not my calling and I should give up, but I don't want to.  When this happens, I want to give up and walk away, but it's such a part of me, I don't want to quit.

Character bios 2

Here are some more character bios written about Nintendo (and Capcom), sorry if they don't fit your views of the characters.

Samus:

Height: 6’

Weight: 135 pounds, I’m guessing

Special Abilities: incredibly flexible, skilled acrobat, skilled with technology, martial arts training.

Weaknesses: Metroid DNA in cells causes bloating when exposed to energy, can be headstrong if Zelda is threatened.

Desires: See Zelda?  She’s hers.

Samus is one of the most feared bounty hunters in the galaxy.  She can be cold, ruthless and efficient on the battlefield.  This is primarily due to her harsh past, in which her parents got killed, as did a Metroid that believed her to be its mother.  She changed, though, when she met Zelda.  Zelda’s simplicity and kind nature unlocked Samus’ heart, enabling her to become warm.  Both support each other and love each other deeply.  Samus often worries about if things are going to be okay, as many magical events have caused problems for her and Zelda.  These have always been reversible, however, and the two have always remained dedicated to each other.  Samus is also very defensive and usually quiet, usually speaking when prodded.

Zelda:

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 130 pounds (again, a guess)

Special abilities: Magical powers, Triforce of Wisdom, can turn into Sheik

Weaknesses: is fairly young, as such, makes mistakes

Desires: to be Samus’ wife

Zelda is the Princess of Hyrule, as such; she is the second-most powerful political figure in This World.  However, she prefers a quiet, simple life in her Castle, where she lives alone, at least until she let Samus move in.  Zelda’s magic powers make her a formidable force in battle, but her and Samus frequently spend lazy days together doing little.  Much like Samus, Zelda worries about the problems magic can force upon them, but her fears faded somewhat as she became more experienced with her own magic.  Of course, usually the source of the magic is the thing that trumps it, sometimes disappointing her with the lack of a quick fix.  However, since they are all reversible, Zelda and Samus have never despaired a change for long.  The two enjoy watching movies, traveling together and practice battles (in which they are partners), as well as adventures involving Zelda’s magic. 

Jill:

Height: 5’9”

Weight: 135 pounds

Special abilities: good with martial arts, proficient with guns and rocket launcher weapons.

Weaknesses: was emotionally crippled due to experiments on her by Wesker.

Desires: To kill the zombies and live life free of garbage.

Jill Valentine is a lethal militaristic weapon, a slayer of zombies.  Armed with guns, Jill has all the professionalism of a good police officer.  Though experiments by Wesker have wounded her and given her anxiety, she opened her heart when Peach, Samus and Zelda entered her life.  Now, Jill splits her time between a house in the Mushroom Kingdom and living with Samus and Zelda, where she functions as co-bodyguard with Samus.

Character bios 1

Here are bios I wrote about the characters in the Nintendo movies.  There will be similar bios for The Crowners characters.  First, some Mario characters.

Mario:

Height: 5’

Weight: 115 pounds

Special abilities: Skilled jumper, can shoot fireballs from hands, skilled acrobat.

Strengths: Fireballs and jumping proficiently.

Weaknesses: can be impulsive if Peach’s life is threatened.

Desires: to marry Princess Peach.

The hero of the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario is a bold hero.  Unwilling to surrender for any reason, Mario gives all he has for any task.  He has a great sense of adventure and is very selfless, a true warrior of justice and truth.  While he has the moves of a classic action hero, he looks little like one, but that doesn’t bother him.  Mario fights bravely and heroically for Princess Peach, who always rewards him with a kiss and a cake.

Bowser:

Height: 7’1”

Weight: let’s just say really freaking heavy

Special abilities: Enormous strength, fire breath, whirling fortress attack, Bowser Bomb attack.

Strengths: Very powerful, reliant on physical strength, fire breath attack, capable of figuring out some things.

Weaknesses: very headstrong, prone to impulse, fairly vain.

Desires: to marry Princess Peach, or at least someone pretty…like Daisy or Rosalina.  Also, to best Mario in combat, just to say he can do it.

Bowser is the leader of the Koopa Troop, something he is very proud of.  He has an uncontrollable id, which fuels his massive desire for Princess Peach.  He is very pleased with his good looks and is also skilled at baseball and video games.  He always desires to be acknowledged as the toughest, willing to undergo many painful and humiliating trials just to prove it.  He does not like to get beaten, due to this; he has a severe grudge against Mario.  This fades, though, when a more serious threat that affects both of them, in these cases, Bowser will ally with Mario, assisting him against the foe.  Due to these events, the two’s rivalry has simmered some.  Bowser is a huge fan of metal-type music, think ZZ Top, Blue Oyster Cult, early Poison and The Beatles’ Helter Skelter.  He is skilled with fighting with a spiked flail; he is better at straight-forward brawling and also uses his fire breath and Bowser Bomb attack strategically in a fight.

Peach:

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 130 pounds, I guess

Special abilities: Can use dress to float, can use umbrella as a parachute, Peach Bomber attack, skilled with blunt instruments.

Strengths: Kind heart.

Weaknesses: Has a degree of naiveté.

Desires: To marry Mario.

The ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom, Princess Peach is a kind soul.  A good friend to most, Peach doesn’t reject people over sexual orientation, and is very kind to anyone, even Bowser.  Peach’s deepest love is for Mario, who has rescued her many times from Bowser and other villains.  Peach is also close to her friends, Samus, Zelda, Daisy (her cousin), Rosalina, Tifa and Jill, and will turn to them in a non-kidnapping crisis. Peach can be naive, though, getting into difficult situations without knowing of a way out, but her friends always help her through them.

Possible songs for The Crowners story

Here are some songs not in the story (yet), but have been considered for future drafts.

The Word: One of the few songs The Beatles did in Three-Part Harmony, this song was originally included due to it having the same message as All You Need Is Love.  The repeated messages made me decide to cut it.  If 1964 wants, the song could be brought back.

You Can’t Do That: John Lennon’s first song about jealousy, I love how it sounds sung by 1964.  I chose to cut it due to the fact that I wanted just 15 songs from the band in the story/movie, and its jealous tone seemed wrong.

Baby It’s You: A nice love song, this was going to be the song that Rachel and the character based on me would slow-dance to.  I dropped it since it felt like I was putting too much of my own desires in the book.

Rain: One of the first psychedelic songs, it was originally included since 1964 could and does sing it.  However, it was cut due to too many songs desired and the need to include it with its A-Side, Paperback Writer.  Paperback Writer is a song I like, but not enough to see it more than just in the Rock Band segment.

I Don’t Want To Spoil the Party: A John Lennon piece, this is accurate to how I would feel if I was stood up at a party.  It was cut for time and the presence of better Beatles songs.

My Heart Beats For Love: A hymn-styled Miley Cyrus piece, it was the song considered but rejected due to time issues.  I still love it, and if it could be included, that would be awesome.

Gimme Back My Bullets: I love this Lynyrd Skynyrd song for its rocking guitar line and lyrics about a desire to be free from garbage.  It could be included as a Billy Ray Cyrus or Miley Cyrus-sung cover, but I’m concerned about the setlist’s time.

Gimme Three Steps: This Lynyrd Skynyrd song has awesome guitar and awesome vocals.  It’s another possible cover song.

Good Hearted Woman: This Waylon Jennings song was sung to Miley was she was a little girl, hearing this story was heart-touching.  It could be used in the soundtrack if the book becomes a movie.

Working for MCA: Another possible Lynyrd Skynyrd concert cover, its live performance with I Ain’t the One was awesome and it could work for the concert, but again, time is an issue, and it was used as the opening song, something that feels wrong to the setlist.

I Ain’t the One: See Working for MCA, but I love both songs for their guitar lines and lyrics (Working for MCA’s about the difficulties of a miserly manager, I Ain’t the One is about dealing with a crazed lover who doesn’t understand).

I Got The Same Old Blues: A Lynyrd Skynyrd cover of J.J. Cale, I love how it’s a step slower than the next song (which follows it on the album).  The song is about dealing with the blues of a possibly cheating lover, it also has great guitar, nice Southern vocals and a sweet harmonica solo.

Double Trouble: This Lynyrd Skynyrd song about the difficulties of life could work as an alternative to Free Bird as a song BRC's character listens to, or be covered (one of the backing vocalists sounds like Miley, and the lyrics seem to fit her character’s hard luck in the story, example, “11 times I’ve been busted, 11 times I been to jail, some of the times I been there, nobody could post my bail.  Well it seems to me, Lord, this old boy just don’t fit.  Well I could jump in a rosebush and come out smelling like shhh”).

Simple Man: Another Lynyrd Skynyrd song, about seeking a simplistic life to avoid stress.  I love the vocals on this, and the message is a good one, it could be used in the concert.

Born Again: The Title Track of the latest Newsboys album (see below), this song could be another cover for the concert.  I love the alternative rock-styled sound, and the lyrics about being Born Again seem to suit Rachel, leaving drugs to find Jesus.

On Your Knees: Another song that could be used in either the concert or in general, I always see someone like Miley in my mind’s eye when I hear this.  The song details a woman who’s lost her friends due to falling from grace, but finds God, whose love in unconditional, and how when you pray, God will bless you.

That’s What You Get:  If Hayley Williams makes it into the band; this and the following are possible songs for her to sing.  I love the guitar riffs on this song and the attitude Hayley shows off.  The only thing that prevents me from outright choosing Hayley to sing is that to me, guitarists and singers are on the same level in rock concerts and she’d probably only sing a couple of songs or just one medley as a result.

Playing God: Like Can’t Be Tamed and Jesus Freak, this shocked me when I first heard it due to it being somewhat violent.  However, the fact it’s about judging others makes it a good candidate for use in the concert should Hayley join the band, since judgment of others is a factor in the story’s message of acceptance.

When It Rains: I always like the feel of this song, soft and mournful.  However, I’m not usually sure of the meaning of several of Paramore’s songs (this one for example), which keeps it restricted somewhat.

Misery Business: I always liked how loud and angry this is, however, since Hayley’s bothered by the lyrics, it’s hoped if she says yes to the band and asks to sing a song, this one could be used with some changed lyrics.

Hallelujah: Since Hayley (as well as presumably the other members of the band) are followers of Jesus Christ, this is a song that hits the forefront of songs she could sing.  Even still, I’m not usually sure of the meaning of several of Paramore’s songs, which keeps it restricted somewhat.

Crushcrushcrush: A rocking Paramore song, I’m not sure what it’s about, but it’s good.

That Smell: A Lynyrd Skynyrd song that warns of drug abuse.  It’s got good vocals and lyrics, and it could be used for a cover in the setlist, the problem is it deals with harsher drugs than alcohol, which I haven’t written in because a woman in screaming angry withdrawal doesn’t make for as good a story as one about a disgruntled recovering alcoholic who has hatred towards the one who stripped away her freedom so she could recover.

Possible Lynyrd Skynyrd medley: Working For MCA/I Ain’t The One/Gimme Back My Bullets/I Got the Same Old Blues/Double Trouble/That Smell/Simple Man/Free Bird

Other Songs in the Crowners Story

Here is a list of other songs used in the story, what they mean, and where they're used.

And Now My Lifesong Sings: This is a beautiful song, not only reminiscent of Amazing Grace while being soft and quiet, but it is probably the most spiritual song I’ve ever heard.  When I hear it, I swear, the peace of God surrounds me, my sins are forgiven, and I’m so overcome with love and beauty that I cry.  This song gains another meaning in the book, it is sung by Rachel after she stops the drug use.

Here Comes the Sun: This song isn’t in the concert (yet) but I think it’s important to have, it is used in a scene where the characters play Beatles; Rock Band.  Much like how Beatles; Rock Band portrays it; it is much the anti-While My Guitar Gently Weeps.  The song is beautiful; it is about the return of the song and with it, happiness.  I also love how everything in the song flows together (which is why I don’t care as much for the Concert for Bangladesh version), Ringo gives a solid drum part while Paul plays the bass well, and I also love the orchestra and Moog synthesizer on this track.  I need to play this more often when I’m sad.

Helter Skelter: This song is loud and rowdy, something odd for a Beatles song.  It defines the feelings one gets when the world stops making sense, it’s good to scream.  Rachel sings a drunk, slurred cover of this after she is abused by her fundamentalist boyfriend as her life goes crazy.  I love how loud and angry this is, it’s really one of the first Metal tracks.  Lines like “you may be a lover but you ain’t no dancer” also come to mind as to why this was good at that point in the story, the boyfriend may say he’s a Christian, but he’s not nice due to his fundamentalism.  John delivers a great bass, Paul and George’s guitars are awesome, and Ringo’s drums deliver, and I also love his cry of “I’ve got blisters on my fingers!!” (made even more awesome by John casually asking “how’s that?” beforehand)

Dig a Pony: Another Rock Band track, it’s one of my favorites for its rhythm and randomness in lyrics.  I also love that its recording comes straight from the rooftop, and would love to see Miley sing this song on a rooftop as well.

Don’t Let Me Down: A good Beatles blues-rocker in the Rock Band portion, it’s a song I think would be nice to hear Miley sing, it reminds me of the rooftop concert and I love the love present, the guitar work and keyboards.  Miley once faved a video of this song and the next one.

Get Back: Another good Beatles Rock Band song, this was included due to the video above and the fact that I love the rooftop concert.  I love this song for Paul’s vocals and the guitar and keyboard solos, as well as Ringo’s drums.

All You Need Is Love: Originally to end the concert, it was removed when I thought the concert was too secular.  It’s a beautiful song and I love the message, it was going to work for the book, it may still do so in its current spot as the Rock Band finale, but I’m not sure.  It would’ve been fun to see everyone sing it, but it’s okay that it isn’t happening, I think The Climb is a better ending song.

More Than Anything: This is a beautiful song by Point of Grace, sung at a concert they perform in the book, it’s a great CCM song that really defines God’s love well.  If I had to pick one song to define the Christian message, it would be this one.

Free Bird: This song was included because at the time, I didn’t know any other Lynyrd Skynyrd songs, it is used by the Billy Ray Cyrus character before he reveals the family's imperfections to an outsider.  However, I think how it opens and its lyrics about an inability to be changed suit the scene it’s in, and it’s a very good song.  It would be cool to the see the Crowners perform this song and/or other Lynyrd Skynyrd songs, but it’s okay if they don’t.

Awesome God: This is one of the first CCM songs I ever heard (by the way, CCM stands for Contemporary Christian Music, if you’re wondering), and it really defines who God is, showing Him through many Biblical References and displaying that He is true.  This song defines who God is to me; He does reign above with wisdom, power and love and He is Awesome.  It is used as a song the group sings in Church.

Jealous Guy: This is a beautiful John Lennon song, I would consider this the anti-I Want You (She’s So Heavy) to a degree as I Want You (She’s So Heavy) is obsessive and possessive, while Jealous Guy is apologetic, sorrowful, and beautifully sad.  It is used as a reference by Rachel as to why people are complex and have many more sides to them than we see.  When I hear this, it makes me sad that its composer got shot.

Give My Heart To You: This is a soft Billy Ray Cyrus song that I love, used at the wedding in the story.  It is the song I wrote Billy Ray’s character to sing at the wedding, it’s very poignant and passionate.  I love how honest it is, how it shows such a real life, and it’s got a part where he gives his soul to Jesus, so that’s cool.  I was honestly surprised that though it seems to BE Billy Ray Cyrus (based on what I know about him), he didn’t write it.  Billy Ray’s got a good heart, and he really shows it here.

I Will Be Here: This is my Mom’s favorite wedding song, it's used as a wedding song, and it's an appropriate wedding song.  Steven Curtis Chapman does well here and it’s one of his best.

Revolution: I love how loud the song is and it’s another Beatles song that I identified with when I wrote the story, we can change the world, but first we should change ourselves and accept God’s plan, only fight in self-defense.  This could still be worked in as a Beatles Rock Band song.

Sgt. Peppers/With a Little Help from my Friends: This was originally present to fulfill my desire to have "Billy Shears" in the film.  However, it seemed the presence of two Beatles bands glorified them, rather than God, which is why it, Revolution and Oh Darling are not in the ending concert, though they were considered.

Oh Darling: One of my favorite Paul McCartney songs, I love how this sounds like a Southern US love song.  I considered putting it in the concert as a Crowners cover, but I felt there were too many songs as is.  I still love it and it could be in the Beatles Rock Band sequence, if possible (that sequence may be cut from the film for time and to make it have less songs).

Octopus’s Garden: One of my favorite songs, written by Ringo Starr, this song is fun and it’s the song that makes me regret cutting the second band the most, as it doesn’t feel like a song The Crowners should sing, it feels out of place compared to the others.  At least I put it in the Rock Band sequence.

Finding Faith in the Movies 2: Tron

Another Sci-Fi film that's made me think of the Bible is Tron: Legacy.  The film details a son and his father entering a world of computer programs.  As such, they are sort of gods to the other people.  One of the programs seeks to escape the computer world and enter reality to be a ruler there.  As such, he not only resembles the devil, but also the worst of humanity (he is made in the image of the man who made the system), the belief we can do better than God and that we can do as we wish with the world.  Quorra, a character from the computer world, even says "I have been amongst the users, you are no user."  She also reminds me of a saint or an angel, she is valued by the humans for being unique, and is the one amongst all the computer programs the humans want to see leave the computer world.  She is enamored by the real world, like we are enamored by the beauties of Heaven.  She reminds me of an angel as the people call her beyond everything else in the computer world.  The scene where the son gets abused and they mock him makes me think of the crucifixion, but since he doesn't die and gets rescued (albeit at a great cost), it's best not to dwell on that.
There are plenty of other movies that deal with Biblical concepts, either through symbolism and allegory, or outright, so I can't list them all, but Transformers and Tron are the ones that spoke the most to me, so I wanted to share that.