Hello Randy Travis fans, it is Anthony here at last with the third entry in my Digging Up Bones series of blogs. I do apologize for the late arrival of this entry, as I have been awaiting contact from Randy Travis's co-star Nancy Stafford from the movie 'The Wager'. I have contacted her assistant Sarah Baer, but unfortunately it appears at this time that Nancy is out of town and business and her busy schedule would prohibit the interview at this time. However, may I wish the best of luck to Nancy from myself in her career, as well as thank her for her contributions to 'The Wager', which will undoubtedly be an acclaimed work.

That being said, it has been quite the incredible time recently for the man who is synonymous with country music. The rebirth of a legend, the return of an icon...Randy has come back from his religiously inspirational music, which is amazing as well, to reclaim his glory in mainstream country. Fans were treated to amazing sessions in the famed Studio 330, where we all greatly treated with heartstopping acoustic renditions of Digging Up Bones, Forever and Ever Amen, Three Wooden Crosses, Faith in You, and the new instant classic, You Didn't Have a Good Time. His music video for Faith in You debuted on GAC on Thursday, and surfaced online for viewers in Randy's official YouTube community. All I can say is that these videos are all nothing short of true gems.

For those of you reading this who have not seen these videos yet...here are some direct links:

Faith in You music video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=UxjPnGlFukQ
Randy Travis at Studio 330: http://www.cmt.com/music/unplugged/performance/travis_randy/1584927/perf...

The Faith in You music video is a story of aging gracefully with the one you love, instilling full trust in the relationship's success. This faith cannot be held in any manmade product, as these technologically-sound devices are tangible and manufactured, while love is a mystical feeling. The concept of the song is basically that love cannot break down like a computer, corrupt itself like politics, and confuse you like complex religious concepts. We are treated to Randy performing the song on a wide projector screen at the drive in theater, while a couple repeatedly comes to view the performance throughout the years. No doubt, Randy leaves the viewer with an incredible impression. If you haven't seen it, definitely check out the above link.

The sessions at Studio 330 that CMT are featuring on their new 'Loaded' broadband distribution channel are phenomenal. However, Randy's sessions obviously take the cake. A little bias maybe on my behalf?? Maybe a little, haha. But seriously, 'You Didn't Have a Good Time' is definitely an emotional ride, and the acoustic performance as well as the sample of the album cut on Amazon.com only further satiate the taste buds. The full, mastered album cut will be a treat. And of course, the riveting renditions of Forever and Ever Amen, Three Wooden Crosses, Digging Up Bones, and Faith in You truly hit home. These acoustic masterpieces further cement the mainstream return of Randy Travis, the return of the icon.

Maybe Coca-Cola should take a hint and have Randy record a studio cut of his 'You Can't Beat the Real Thing' from his 80s commercial, and slap it on some new ads. A new commercial could feature mock 'Pepsi' employees hearing the song on a crackling radio in the warehouse, fade out, and then show them fill up the front row at a Randy concert as he belts out the song and throws them each a 20 oz. Coca-Cola classic. And in high def...of course. What do you think?

I would also like to take a brief moment to extend a heartfelt 'thank you' to K and Charlene of 'Team Travis' who have commended me on this Digging Up Bones blog series which is quickly becoming a hot and fresh piece on RandyTravis.com. The amount of hits it is receiving is tremendous, and I have seen links to the blog page on a few other blogs and music forums across the web. It means alot to me that those who work along Randy himself can take the time out of their busy lives to give me positive feedback. Thanks guys!

I have also received numerous messages, e-mails, and MySpace messages from Randy fans. Thank you guys. Please, keep them coming. I will address a few of them on the closing of this blog with each new entry.

Didn't you post the lyrics to Faith In You on this site some where? If so do you know where I can find them? Its not that I need them but I read on another site that they were the only site to have the lyrics and I mentioned that I was sure I saw them on this site as well.

- lademars


Yes, I posted them due to fan Pinsel-Paulie's request on the 'How Many Randy Travis albums do you own?' poll thread. They are there in both English and German.

You believe in me...
And I still have faith in you
I do have faith in you


Hey Anthony! I love the blogs and can't wait for the next volume! What is your favorite Randy Travis song?

- Katie F.


Well, probably one of the most underrated. I really enjoyed 'My Greatest Fear' off the 'Black Dog' motion picture soundtrack. Speaking of 'Black Dog', here's an interesting fact. The bridge where the FBI pull the truck over is the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, one of the few "center span" drawbridges left in the USA. The bridge opens by the entire center section being lifted straight up in the air between the two towers where, these days, it often gets stuck.


Anthony, do you think Faith in You will be the Forever and Ever Amen of the new millenium?

- Adam


I think it's definitely going to be considered the 'perfect' song off a 'perfect country album', but the intangible aura of 'Forever and Ever Amen' will be difficult to obtain. Do I think it will ultimately reach top notoriety? Does Bart Simpson have animated zits? :)


Have you been to a Randy Travis concert? Does he play Look Heart No Hands? Great articles Anthony. I printed the first two out for my mom to read too. Keep it up bro.

- Zipper


Interesting MySpace name :). I have seen Randy live and have heard the song live. Truly incredible. I highly recommend you get tickets when he comes around. Glad to hear your mom likes the article...has she heard 'Faith in You'?


Will Randy Travis come do a concert in New Zealand anytime soon?

- Grace Vivien


That's a question you have to ask Randy and his team. I know he's hitting up Canada on the 'Around the Bend' tour schedule.


RANDY TRAVIS #1!!!! LOVE THEEZ RANDYTRAVIS DOT COM BLOGS! GET ME A COPY OF AROUND THE BEND NOW! LOL! ;-)

- Rae


Wish I could Rae. Wish I could.

Until next time,

Forever and Ever Amen,

Anthony

anthonymaurizio2k2@yahoo.com
http://www.myspace.com/kid_dynamite85