Dills - Uncommon, CD Review - SoGospelNews.com

Oct

2007

Dills - Uncommon

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Producer: Kevin Ward
Label: Brookfield Music Group
Website: http://www.thedills.net

Since the first time I heard their music, I've been a huge fan of the Dills. I predict these guys will make a huge splash in this industry, for not just their music (which stands on its own merit), but also for their spirit because these guys are the real deal. These 4 individuals are not only loaded with tons of talent as a collective, but also as individuals, as each individual brings passionate vocals and unique qualities to the table. If you've not yet heard these guys, now is the time.

The progressive "I WILL GO THE DISTANCE", featuring Shawn, starts things off and leads into the uptempo, guitar infested, "FIGHT TO THE FINISH", which features Bridget. The tempo then slows down for Tim's commanding performance on the thought provoking, "I CARRIED HIS CROSS", before picking the pace back up as LeeAnn is featured next singing, "TO WORSHIP YOU".

Shawn kicks the mid way point off with the power ballad, "THE CLOSER I GET TO THE CROSS" before Tim turns in his rendition of "THE SOUND OF HIS VOICE", which had previously been recorded by the Hoskins Family about 4 years ago. Bridget takes the encore of the song and then continues on as she sings the title song, "UNCOMMON", which fit Bridget like a glove.

The uptempo "WONDER WORKING POWER" (also recently recorded by the Crist Family) and "GOD WILL GO" (I can't help but think that radio would just eat this song up!) finish out the recording on a positive, uplifting note.

Even though the title of this recording is named after a song, it aptly describes the music of the Dills; as these guys are an uncommon find, and a rare gem. Even though I thought they sounded great on their previous works, musically this is definitely a step up for the Dills. Only a couple of gripes.one is the lack of songs. With only 9 songs, and a total running time of slightly over 32 minutes, I felt cheated, and I think the majority of the buying public may feel the same. Also, I was really looking for another "Jesus Never Fails" or "I am Redeemed", but none were to be found. Other than that, this is a top notch recording by one of Southern Gospel Music's brightest talents, and a wonderful collaboration between the Dills and producer, Kevin Ward.

Song titles: (stars denote personal favorites)
1 - I Will Go the Distance
2 - Fight to the Finish**
3 - I Carried His Cross**
4 - To Worship You
5 - The Closer I Get to the Cross
6 - The Sound of His Voice**
7 - Uncommon**
8 - Wonder Working Power
9 - God Will Go**

Reader Comments

Ok Jason, so you are a professional and been everywhere and seen everyone. But you said they have stars in their eyes and hide behind the ministry? I've known these people for years (the boys since we were kids) and to say they have stars in their eyes is utterly ridiculous and shows that you have no idea what you are talking about. And money? I don't think I'll even go there.Oh and by the way, who's hiding? They do use their real names. You remind me of the Simon Cowell of S G Music. And I for one feel that you owe them an apology for your unwarranted criticism and us and apology for implying that we don't know talent. Their fan base alone shows their talent and the fact that God is using them in a mighty way is a testament to how real they are. Have a Blessed Day.

Commented by On 10/19/2007

In the first place, "Jason"... I have a hunch I know who you are, but I'll give you the courtesy of not giving away your secret, if I'm right.

In the second place, it's said that you don't truly know someone until you live with them. Tim Dill DID live with me and my wife for about a year while he was in college. We have talked late into the night about our ministries [in the interest of full disclosure, I'm a vocalist/pianist in a "part-time" SG group] on many occasions after coming in after a weekend of singing. I know the heart of this group, and especially Tim's because of this. They sum it up will in this line from one of their recent newsletters:

"The weekend ended with a bang...at [****** Church] a young lady accepted Jesus Christ!!! Friends, that's what it's all about!"

You seem so certain that the Dills aim to be the next Gaither Vocal Band, or the next Crabb Family. I assure you that if that's God's plan, they will willingly follow it. If it's not, they will serve where they are called. Believe it or not, there are still groups out here that still see what they do as ministry over industry, often gladly paying more out of their own pocket than they will ever recoup from the love offerings they receive.

Speaking of money, you state:

"Hey...the local group at my home church can top the big groups with their geniue[sic], heartfelt, sincere, uplifting spirit that they bring on stage, proclaiming the message of Christ. But are they blessed with the talent to reach out nationally? No...the good news is that they know this, and don't attempt to waste their money chasing stars..."

"...they are going to be just another group for this industry to feed and try and take care of."

"They could get along with a van and trailer, and save their money."

Do YOU know how much money the Dills have spent? How much they owe? Would YOU travel the miles that the Dills travel every weekend in a van, pulling a trailer with four adults and two kids (and a dog)? Your comments are appallingly condescending and downright mean-spirited! The Dills don't depend on you, or on the industry to "feed and try to take care of [them]", or to bring them national exposure, or to pay for their bus, CD's, clothing, etc.; they've got to where they are by depending on the Lord. It sounds like you think they're going to ask you for a loan...

God calls us to lift each other up. Your comments are not the words of someone trying to offer constructive criticism--the "truth in love"; these are the words of an "industry insider" that seems to feel threatened by the success of a group that has grown in popularity *on their own terms*, largely ignoring the "industry". Just what are you so afraid of??

And finally, "Jason", I personally don't CARE what the "industry" thinks about me; God's opinion comes first, the opinion of our audience comes second. You have just insulted and accused the entire SG fan base of being fans of the wrong groups for the wrong reasons. Give me a group with abilities far less than that of the Dills who genuinely love our Lord, our music, and minister out of love, over a technically-perfect, but spiritually dead group anyday! We have far too many groups with a lot of knowledge of musical technique, and too little knowledge of Jesus Christ! Yes, we should develop the talents He has given us as much as possible, but that can never take the place of a genuine love for Jesus and for people.

You have the right to your own opinion of their abilities, but you put yourself in God's position when you try to tell them how and how far their ministry should take them. It is not for you to judge who should and should not "reach out nationally". Southern Gospel is a free market economy. Fans will ultimately decide who they like, and will support those groups. Is God so limited by our imperfection that He can only use someone in a national market that is technically flawless? From your comments, you probably would have thought that the McKameys should have stayed with their van and trailer back in the 80's. Fortunately for all of us who love them dearly, for all of the hearts and lives they've touched, Reuben and Peg didn't listen to people like you, and neither should Tim, Shawn, Bridget and LeeAnn.

Terry L. Lewis
The Labourers Quartet
http://www.thelabourers.com

Commented by Labourer On 10/19/2007

Back to the CD review, this is a great CD if I may say so. Great job guys, you too kevin. And no, I'm not Jason Cotter. lol

Commented by On 10/21/2007

my name is randy moore not jason i have recieved sevral responces thinking im jason but im not.we me and my wife love the dills we think they are great we go hear them every chance in world we even speak and talk with them at thier concerts we are big fans.......im not jason

Commented by On 10/22/2007

Jason,

You are correct that you have a right to use a fake name. However, if you want to be taken seriously as an "industry insider" as you say you are, then you would need to provide your credentials. Otherwise as far as those of us who are reading what you write are concerned, you could be any fan or perhaps even a jealous performer who only claims to be something that he may not be.

Maybe you are indeed who you say you are, but if you are going to use the fact that you are a professional and an industry insider to validate what you say, then you should be able to validate the fact that you are "WHO" you say you are. If you aren't willing to "come out" with your true identity, then you should not state that you are a professional to make your opinion seem more valid than everyone elses.

So again, I'll just say this. I disagree with you on the weak vocals, and not belonging where they are in the industry. Can they improve? Absolutely. Can any other group with national status improve? Absolutely. No one will reach perfection here on earth. There is alway room for improvement.

I do agree with you that how sweet they are or how much they minister has nothing to do with their talent. I think the merits of their talent speaks for itself. I also think that my opinion is just as valid as your is. Our opinions are just different.

(and you have a right to be wrong. <grin> )

Karen \o/

http://www.yielded-ministries.com

“Let the keyboard of my heart be touched by the Master’s hand”

When a person is down in the world, an ounce of help is better than a pound of preaching.

Commented by Karen_ptl On 10/22/2007

Oh yeah, one more thing. You are right. I do sing in a weekend group. And have for about 25 years. Five of those years were full time and any group I was in has never released a single to date. (I'm smart enough to know that releasing a single is required if you want to make it "big" in the industry). But you are right, If the "Big Break" came for me, I wouldn't turn down the opportunity to do something I love on that level. I hope I wouldn't do it by tearing others down on the way, and that we could all be an encouragement to each other.

We have a bus too that according to you should be a van and a trailer. Only when we travel the whole weekend, it would be kind of expensive to get motel rooms for everyone so the bus works well for us. (We are also installing a shower so that after we set up equipment and are hot and sweaty, we can go in clean and refreshed to have our service) Part-timers get hot and sweaty too and want to look and smell clean.

It's hard working 40+ hours a week and traveling on the weekends. The bus helps us get the rest we need to continue to do this. It's not to make our status seem bigger than it is.

Once again..... I'll climb off my soap box....

Karen \o/

http://www.yielded-ministries.com

“Let the keyboard of my heart be touched by the Master’s hand”

When a person is down in the world, an ounce of help is better than a pound of preaching.

Commented by Karen_ptl On 10/22/2007

This group continues to get better and better. The new song, "The Sound of His Voice," is just awesome. This will be their first MAJOR hit!!!
God bless, LeeAnn, Bridgett, Shawn and Tim!!!

Commented by On 10/26/2007

the dills are no matter what any one says we have most of thier cds and dvd.these guys are great i would put them up against earnie hasse anytime.... briggit is beautiful and tim is very lucky and shawn is the smart one of the group and has a lovely and two great kids....

Commented by On 11/14/2007

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