Sanctified Oldies Reviews:
Volume III: Cruisin' in High Places

(Released 2000)

Tracks:

1. Dancin' in the Street
2. Just One Look
3. Angel Baby
4. Help
5. Shake, Rattle, and Roll
6. The Thrill Is Gone
7. Ain't To Proud to Beg
8. My Boyfriend's Back
9. My Dad
10. Signed, Sealed, Delivered
11. Shot Gun
12. Because

For other parodists I've reviewed on Webster, I've generally judged them by how well they parody or perform their songs (comparing them with the original. That criterion simply doesn't work when attempting to review Ron Perry's work. First of all, Ron doesn't really write parodies. As his CD titles suggest, he sanctifies oldies. He does this, not by rewriting the lyrics to a tune, but by simply adjusting the lyrics to an existing tune so that they praise God. J. Jackson comments on ApologetiX' video that ApologetiX rewrites the entire song, they don't simply change a few words (like "She Loves You" to "He Loves You"). Ron takes the road that ApologetiX avoids - he generally keeps, lyrically, as close to the original song as possible, changing just enough works to turn the song into a praise tune. Now from a "pure musician" point of view, some may claim that Ron's approach is somehow inferior to the approach other parodists take. I disagree. After all, if you're willing to head down that road, then we can criticize all the parodists for not writing their own music as well (of course, people do that too).

If you look at Ron Perry's ministry, you'll see that his lyrics are perfect for the job he's doing. Ron runs "sock hops" for youth and others; combining his brand of "oldies music" with the gospel. Sticking closely to the original songs is a very good way to invoke old memories in the minds of parents (okay, grandparents).

Perhaps the best example of Ron's focus appears on his CDs. Rather than listing a title like "A Child is Born (parody of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight"), Ron actually lists the original song titles and provides his own title parenthetically (e.g., "Lion Sleeps Tonight (A Child is Born).") Some may argue that this isn't giving the Lord the prominence He deserves; I find such arguments stupid. There is no questioning Ron's commitment to the Lord or the effectiveness of his ministry.

In any case, I can't review these tunes the same way I'd review ApologetiX, Nick Alexander's, or Mark Bradford's simply because the emphasis is so different. So please keep in mind, as you read these reviews, that they're not actually comparable to the other reviews of parody music on Webster.

One thing I will say about all the "Sanctified Oldies" CDs. The production is top-notch. The recording, mixing, and performances are almost perfect. There is no hint of "garage band-itis" on any of the tracks. Probably the best production of all the parody music I've reviewed. Definitely impressive for an "indie."

Dancin' in the Street

(Of course, I'd prefer the Van Halen version, guess I'm just not old enough...) The vocals (both background and lead) are a bit weak on this one. Otherwise it's a pretty good cover of the original.

Just One Look

I'm beginning to think I've been spoiled by the remakes. Above I wanted Van Halen, here I'd like Linda Rondstadt. This one's a touch too slow for me; but the execution is flawless otherwise.

Angel Baby

When I first saw the title I thought "oh no, Ron's singing another song that needs a female vocalist." Then I played it and was pleasantly surprised. This one was sung excellently by (I presume) Marina Flores. Excellent job on this tune.

Help

Ron Perry has a habit of slowing songs down. He did it on this one and that takes a lot of getting used to. It doesn't help that I've listened to Dean-o & the Dynamos "Pray" (also a parody of "Help") dozens of times before I've listened to this one. It's actually a good song though. I'm sure that by the time I've listened to this 10 or 20 times I'll love it. The instrument work on this one is great!

Shake, Rattle, & Roll

Normally, the productions of Ron's material is top-notch. The vocals on this one are a bit muddied however. That's probably why this one didn't do much for me. The guitar rocks out more than normal on this tune!

The Thrill is Gone (The Pain is Gone)

This is a pretty good version of the original. I'm not a big fan of blues/soul, but there are some "standards" you've just got to enjoy and this is one of them. My only complaint is that this one (like many slow songs), winds up getting a bit monotonous after awhile.

Ain't Too Proud to Beg

Okay, this one's off enough from the original that it bothers me. Maybe Ron's voice isn't "soulful" enough, I don't know. It just doesn't work for me. YMMV.

My Boyfriend's Back

Here's another one where Marina steps into the lead vocalist's shoes and delivers and excellent performance. If you're wondering, it's a tune about Jesus coming back. Great backing vocals too.

My Dad

I vaguely remember the original song. That I can't remember is okay, though, 'cause Ron does a great job on this one and I wouldn't want the original prejudicing my opinion on this one.

Signed, Sealed, and Delivered

Well, Ron Perry isn't Stevie Wonder; his voice is much lower on this tune than the original. While the singing is good, dropping the vocals reinforces the "lounge singer" image. I think I'd prefer a falsetto on this one.

Shot Gun (God's Son)

Here's another one that I just couldn't get into. Can't explain why.

Because

After "Signed, Sealed, and Delivered" I was expected the vocals to be dropped lower on this one. I was surprised; Ron et. al. did a great job on this Beatle tune.