Tag Archives: Pulsations

The Crossover Connection Week 17: Electronic Praise

During the Coronavirus pandemic, I was fortunate to remain working, regularly putting in 50-60 hours a week to keep up with the rigorous demands of the supply chain crisis in America. While I didn’t have the luxury of binge-watching television series, I began searching You Tube for new music every night. This is how I discovered Capital Kings thanks to a couple of mixes by MJ Deech. I wasn’t sure what Electronic Praise was, but I was open to the idea as this sound brought me back to my college days going to night clubs like Pulsations.

Is anyone among you afflicted (ill-treated, suffering evil)? He should pray. Is anyone glad at heart? He should sing praise [to God], James 5:13.

This new era of disco combines hip-hop and rap to form a contemporary version of music. Over the course of their 8-year ministry career, Capital Kings worked with artists like Hollyn and Reconcile to create hit songs. While my favorite song Paradigm isn’t on the attached You Tube, MJ Deech created a music video featuring platform jumping to tie into the lyrics. I’m not sure how long the fad of electronic disco and praise will stick around, but I hope you enjoy the music of Capital Kings this week.

by Jay Mankus

S.A.N.S. Episode 53: Purify

During my first summer as a full-time youth director in Indiana, my church hosted 30 students from the Netherlands. One of my responsibilities was to give these teens a tour of downtown Columbus when their group first arrived. While playing tour guide for a day; I met a teenager who was desperately missing his European Techo Music. Today’s feature song comes from the group 65dBA who I discovered in a Christian bookstore on my quest to share Jesus with these Netherlanders.

And everyone who has this hope [resting] on Him cleanses (purifies) himself just as He is pure (chaste, undefiled, guiltless), 1 John 3:3.

One of my favorite pastimes in high school was going dancing. I first learned to dance at a Concord High School Homecoming with my cross-country teammates. Once I developed as a dancer, I went to a local disco night club called Pulsations. When I first listened to today’s song Purify by 65dBA, I felt like I was at a college nightclub. While today’s song may not be for everyone, if you appreciate modern dance, disco or techno music, this song is for you.

by Jay Mankus

Shut Up and Dance

My wife and I attended a wedding reception last weekend.  Following the typical bridal party introductions and special dances, the other guests were invited to join the dance floor.  Despite music changing from decade to decade, DJ’s tend to provide the perfect mix of oldies, classics and the best of today.  Thus, when I approached the stage, I felt right at home.

As I began to shake my booty, memories of the past raced through my mind.  Although I was never one for words, the beat of the music created an ideal environment to shut up and dance.  Since going to my first dance, homecoming of my sophomore year of high school, I was good at imitating other people’s movements.  Once my fears of embarrassment subsided, dancing became one of my favorite past times.  Whether it was going to a nightclub like Pulsations, school events or weddings, I found my comfort zone, moving and twisting all night long.

Believe it or not, Psalm 37:7 contains a similar message with a much deeper meaning.  The Hebrew word used to describe rest and be still actually means to shut up.  Meanwhile, the word in Hebrew for wait patiently refers to dancing in a circle, similar to a slow down except own your own.  The context of this passage involves God trying to teach David and current believers a lesson about following directions.  Essentially, the message implies that if life isn’t going the way you expect, hope or wanted, “shut and dance.”  When the dance is over, God will direct, guide and lead you like a dance partner to where you need to go, Psalm 37:23-24.

by Jay Mankus