JOHN R. BUTLER: Surprise!

John R. Butler

Surprise!

© 2003 John R. Butler (634479313141)

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Postmodern Honky Blasphemy

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notes

John R. Butler was once described by his songwriting hero, Roger Miller, as "that f*&#er standing in front of the limo," when he tried to approach Mr. Miller for an autograph. Other than that, Butler has had few brushes with greatness.

Currently, Butler entertains visitors to Captiva Island on Florida's Gulf Coast. He juggles pastel-dyed poodles and flaming chainsaws...at the same time.

Butler has two grown children who lead meaningful, productive lives despite his influence. He used to have a really nice dog, maybe the best dog that ever was. His hobbies include stunt flying, mountain climbing and lying about his hobbies.

reviews

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  • Surprise
    author: Robert Endicott

    Well Jeez…. What can I say? I bought the album for “Gulf Coast of Florida” and “Hand of the Almighty”, which I had heard on YouTube. Had to OWN ‘em! What a delight the rest of the tracks are…. I tried to figure out why I identify so much with John R.’s songs: Let’s see… I’m a native Hoosier (based on Yodel In Reverse, I suspect he is as well), I transplanted to Florida for 23 years, I’ve been a fan of Tom Lehrer since I can remember, and I pick a bit myself. How can I not LOVE this guy! Love the album! Love the songs. Unfortunately, my range is more like John Prine’s than John Butler’s, so I’ll only be able to work up a few of them.

  • Rocky Mountain Honky Blasphemist
    author: trent gillispie

    John is the ultimate master blasphter. after all "it was her own damn fault when god turned that bitch to salt". that is pure genius. and god damn funny as hell.

  • John R.
    author: Laurence Kitsch

    John is talented beyond measure. I love this CD. He takes pot-shots at all the right things. I am not a good ol boy from the Southland, but he's almost converted me from my wayward Yankee ways. Keep it up John, let's have another CD soon. Palin would be a good subject indeed. Amen and amen.

  • Surprise
    author: Doug Ittner

    I've played Hand of the Almighty to my friends and they've become instant converts to fans of the album.

  • The Hand of the Allmighty
    author: The Weasel

    This is by far one of the best comedic albums. It's in my top 10!!!!!

  • Surprise
    author: Linda Bryant

    This is a fantastic album. I bought it for the Hand of the Almighty, but every tune is unique. We especially loved "Let's Keep Christ in Christmas" My husband's favorite is Wife with a hyphenated name. I,m with Charles' review. Sarah Palin song, soon!! Thanks for your wonderful storytelling. We love every inch of this album!

  • Hand of the Tele-VP candidate?
    author: Charles D Earle

    OK. With Hand of the Almighty and Televangelist in your repretoire, where's the song about Sarah Palin that we haven't heard???????? There's gotta be one in there somewhere. The future of the free world depends on you. Progressivly yours, A Clergy-person

  • Superb
    author: Greg Levers

    Astonishing

  • You are a prophet and a jester. Love it!
    author: Curry

    The harmony on "The Hand of The Almighty" is superb and so completely in the traditional Gospel gendre and so well done straight faced that the lyrics stand in the best and most stark contrast, "He'll fuck you up...." Bill Gaither's nemisis, no doubt. Where's the song about the high calling that James Dobson has to make sure that real Christians don't vote Democrat? How about the rapture? We wouldn't want any Christians here during the time of trouble. Jews should be your next subject. But then why shouldn't we believe the Jews have a right to a land that's been occupied by Moslems for 1500 years? I'm sure you could tell us. Why shouldn't we support one Moslem group so they can kill and grab the property of another Moslem group? Bet you could answer that too. There's fertile ground here, maybe Holy Ground. Write more. It is your sacred duty. I believe Ezekial and other prophets used sarcasm. Preach on brother! I have taught World Religions for years at the college level. Your songs say things I can only hint at in class.

  • the hamd of the almighty
    author: Peter Tracy

    One of the finest songs ever written. John, I want to send you my new C.D. with that song on it. Please send me your address - thanks, Peter Tracy

  • #5
    author: Connie McClintock

    THIS IS SO GREAT , BUT TRUE!!!

  • author: FrGus

    I heard a chorus of Ministers sing this at a conference. It was the funniest thing I ever heard! I played it for my Bishopand he, too, laughed so hard! It has given a perverse joy to many.

  • author: seth powers

    Excellent

  • Surprise
    author: DJ

    This is some of the funniest stuff I have ever heard. I have family in Florida and they will all be recieving a copy of this, along with my family here at home. Amazing song writing.

  • Hand of the Almighty
    author: Carrie

    I absolutely love it!!!!! You should send it to every Catholic you know....

  • Enjoyable
    author: Franklin Ayers

    LOVED Hand of the Almighty! The rest of the album was OK too. Hand of the Almighty was worth the price of admission!

  • Surprise
    author: Edwin George

    A fantastic CD. Every song on it could stand alone and be a great song.

  • Sick, but Hilarious!
    author: Mike S.

    John R. is a gifted musician and composer who loves to poke fun at human foibles. He takes potshots at easy targets such as Televangelists, Florida Senior Citizens, Right Wing Talk Show hosts, etc. He can't seem to help himself when his songs briefly touch on Sado-Masochism, Necrophilia, and Flatulance. However, his real genius is evident when he takes aim at Christianity, as he does directly or indirectly on five of these songs. "The Hand of the Almighty", a song flying around the internet under the title "godwill03", skewers the God that delivers personalized retribution for each of our misdeeds. It's a "Testament" to his skill as a humorist that even devout listeners could enjoy these songs, because he can poke fun without passing judgment. I would prefer to see him get away from the playground-level humor found on some of these songs, and concentrate on further mining the rich subject matter contained in the Old and New Testament. It's his best and most popular subject. There's enough material out there that he could do a full CD, a double CD, or heaven forbid, even a "Trilogy".

  • Can't get enough
    author: Stephen L Hoffmann

    Over the last few months, since first hearing this CD, I've ordered about 10 copies from CDBaby. People keep wanting it once they've heard it, and although I do enjoy strip-searching my friends as they leave after a visit, I feel they should get something as a consolation prize.

  • Surpise!
    author: Darryl Boom

    I loved it and tried to order a copy for a present but your site is blocking my feeble attempt. I'll call in my order tomorrow...

  • surprise
    author: robert r nye

    kicks ass please make sure both my dics r cd . thanks robert nye

  • So damn funny
    author: Gordon

    This is great original material and the fact that every other song takes at least a passing shot at religion just makes it better. Almost every song is an ear worm that keeps running through your head. The musical skill and production are first rate as well. This guy deserves to be famous and I can't wait to hear more from him.

  • Some things are funny once or twice... this one is always a riot
    author: Gordon Fay

    Like many other people, I heard 'The Hand of the Almighty' first and had to do a bit of searching to find the man responsible. Oddly, it's NOT the best one on this album: it shares that dubious distinction with 'She Came On To Me' and 'Televangelist'. Butler is at his best with strictly 'proper' country/gospel form -- but he's still wonderful when he leaves that behind for more modern cliches. Overall, he's an updated Tom Lehrer for the Deep South: classically inspired, talented, incisive, unabashed, and mildly offensive in all the right ways. Final note: 'The Gulf Coast of Florida' is ALL true. I grew up there, I should know.

  • Funny!
    author: Rob Roper

    Somebody emailed me "The Hand of the Almighty" so I found Mr. Butler on CDBaby and bought both his CDs. This guy is really funny! Recommended!

  • Had to buy more
    author: Dawn T.

    My daddy loved this CD so much, he had to buy copies for his sibs. "The Hand of the Almighty" alone is worth the modest price.

  • Wonderfully funny!!!
    author: Olympias

    I bought this CD strictly because of 'The Almighty Hand of God'. The other songs are extremely funny!!! Mr. Butler has a legitimate voice. I highly recommend.

  • He's got it right and kept us howling!
    author: Jay Wang

    This album is just the kick in the pants the folk idiom needed to continue on forever. The music and lyrics are really top notch. I got it as a gift in the mail, and am now ordering more to send to others.

  • Just Yodeling and Laughing!!!
    author: thurkun

    A friend said I had to find "this God song"and it took a while but The..Almighty and the rest of the album were well worth the search. Bought both CD's and hope there will be more. I work Festivals if Mr. Butler travels.

  • John R Butler, the next american idol? maybe.
    author: clinton bunting

    I got turned onto John by my local radio station KQRC 98.9 The Rock... I came here and bought the cd straight away. He rocks, and should make alot more albums.

  • John R. Butler is comic gold
    author: Greg from Asheville

    Hand of the Almighty brought me here, but "Hyphenated Name" is what sold the CD. You're a country-western Tom Lehrer.

  • God bless you, Mr. Butler.
    author: Jack LoCastro

    You is truly a one man wonder and a inspiration for all mankind and some womens what even bother to pay attention to even a 8th of what you're singing on an if they only knowed what they's missing while they's watching that goddamm T.V. instead of givin a serious listen to your songs well piss on'em.

  • Everybody laughs...even if they don't really want to.
    author: Roxanne Loget

    I gave SURPRISE as Christmas gifts and played my "top 4" at 2 different Christmas parties. EVERYBODY laughed their rosy buns off! It was everyone's favorite gift, including me.

  • GENIUS!!!!
    author: Shane Hilee

    Why isn't this man a Star????? I say he is. Thanks, John for putting life into perspective and for mooning the establishment. You ROCK!!!!!!!!

  • If you're in the mood for wacky ribald irreverence--this one's for you!!
    author: Stephen Parker

    I have several friends who are serious acapella gospel singers who also are spiritual enough to have a sense of humor about what they do. I bought this CD for them--someone had already sent them a cut by e-mail. Hand of the Almighty is clearly the star attraction, but the rest is also quite good and a welcome relief when things are getting too serious.

  • GREAT STUFF
    author: sweetbaby69

    Great music, wonderful lyrics for REAL PEOPLE!

  • funny funny funny
    author: Rebecca Allen

    Someone sent me the God will... song (such a common theme!) and I promptly went out to find the source for more. At CDBaby, the price was right. The song I heard first was probably the best, but the rest was good as well and no disappointment. Great stuff to share with all your friends (altho possibly not all of your family).

  • Great Album
    author: Chris Haynes

    Really Great Album. Funny, entertaining, good music. What more do you want?

  • Billy Bob Thornton...here is your golden goose!
    author: Juan Junos

    John R. Butler would be the perfect match up for Billy Bob Thornton. They would understand each other to the T, because I think they're cut of the same cloth. This C.D. is just one perfect example of how John's songs go much deeper than the cocktail napkins they're written on. Billy Bob, if you don't make this guy a permanent part of your artistic think tank, then you're missin' the boat, man. Take it from Juan Junos, Butler be da' bomba!

  • John R. Butler is a true "road" scholar.
    author: My code name is Bob.

    John has rightfully earned an honorary degree in Hillbillogy. The paramount Hillbillogist, John paints with words. You can actually see his songs happening before your eyes. His tongue-in-cheek humor can fly past the casual listener with even the most observant finding themselves re-listening with greater appreciation each time they hit 'replay'. His multi-talents run deep. He's a writer, a singer, and a picker that can bring tears to your eyes with laughter or deep emotion. John, may you become a household name, like "James Taylor", "Hank Snow", or "Tide". Damn buddy, time you start playin' for some real money.

  • Udderly Great!
    author: Ray

    The cows all enjoyed it so I put in their comment for ya. Spent a dog's years tryin to find this thang after gettin a copy in my email of The Hand Of The Almighty. Iffin God don't have a sense of humor, you'd best get the hell out of Florida before the next hurricane season. For us humans with some humor your CD is wonderful. Keep it up and learn how to duck fast.

  • SOOOOO Glad to find this
    author: Mary Lynn

    I, like so many, got the 'God Will' music clip and I have hunted for a year for the source. Found it, bought multiple copies to pass out to friends and family, and I probably will buy more. "God Will" is merely the appetizer to the rest of the CD.

  • Thanks Brother!!!
    author: Amy Middleton

    GREAT CD. My Brother Matthew sent this CD to me and it is some of the BEST stuff I have ever listened to. Every word spoke to me just like it was reading my mind. Well sung and well said!!!

  • Wow
    author: Harebare

    "The Hand of the Almighty" is worth the price of admission. I heard this song on a download and just HAD to put some money in John Butler's pocket. Thanks for a GREAT laugh, John.

  • John is incredible. I hope he has other CD's
    author: Mike & Paula Welch

    There is no doubt that John is a redneck hero. His music made me happy to listen to. We are now permanent fans of his. He is a songwriter's songwriter.

  • This guy is terrific
    author: Paula Welch

    I have never had so much fun listening to music like John's. He's a redneck hero.

  • Love it!
    author: Don Lacey

    Played cut #5 Hand of the Almighty to a coworker and it is now his new favaorite song. The CD brought joy in my life and put a smile on my face.

  • great CD
    author: Dave

    bought the CD for Hand of the Almighty and got 9 other great songs as a bonus. also bought a second as a gift.

  • This thing kicks ass!
    author: Robert Knott

    Really clever, very well performed. Funny, funny stuff with a hard core of truth. A bargain. Help this guy out, there isn't that much original stuff out there.

  • A Work of Utter Genius!
    author: Maria J.

    I'd received countless mp3 copies of "Hand of the Almighty" from church musician friends, but nobody knew where it came from. I finally tracked it down, and now can worship at the feet of this Master! Even if that were the only track, it'd be worth buying. Quit passing that mp3 around, and get copies for all your irreverent pals-- this guy deserves to make a buck!

  • We love It!!@!
    author: Barb & Ed H

    We searched it out after a minister friend played the Hand of the Almighty cut for us as one of the best "religious songs" he had ever heard -----all said with a straight face. Now that we have it there are so many great cuts. I (Barb) especially like the gravelly voice cut, but what's not to like on the whole thing. The only thing wrong with the albumn is that we are slow to share it. We refuse to share it unless we are there to see the look on our friends faces when the punch lines hit! Great fun and great laughs at a time the world needs them!!

  • God's gonna get you for that! Really funny, especially "Hand of the Almighty."
    author: Greg

    I bought this for the Hand of the Almighty since I grew up with this sort of music and mentality constantly on local radio. Fifty years later, that mentality is still around. This song particularly is a real hoot! I laugh to tears when I play it.

  • Gospel as God intended
    author: Ron Pen

    Who says God doesn't have a sense of humor...and Butler articulated that humor with tongue firmly wedged in cheek and in faultless gospel echo chorus style. I am eagerly anticipating slipping this cut into my Appalachian music course unit on sacred music...There it will shine resplendent next to shape note hymnody, Old Regular Baptist lined out psalms, and Pentecostal gospel. The entire album is growing on me as well--like a curiously delightful fungus.

  • Godless heathens!
    author: Steeve

    You people are all going to hell ... see you there. Funny as hell, great fun for people with a sense of humour.

  • Godless HEATHEN music!
    author: Porgie Tirebiter

    And what better kind is there? An online friend made me aware of "The Hand of the Almighty", and on the strength of that tune alone, I bought TWO copies of the CD - one for me, and another for my best atheist (ex-Catlick...) friend. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the remainder of the songs on the CD made it a *VERY* worthwhile purchase!

  • Very amusing
    author: JP Sugarbroad

    I got this CD for the song "The Hand of the Almighty", a thoroughly amusing song. The rest of the CD is in a similar vein, not quite as hilarious but thoroughly enjoyable music. Definitely a good buy.

  • Great fun and sharp wit!
    author: Richard Adams

    The Hand of the Almighty is a hoot and the reason I bought the CD. None of the other songs grab me in quite the same way, but that often changes over time as I listen more to the other songs.

  • Fantastic!
    author: Bryan Owen

    Every song on this CD shows that John R. Butler is a fine musician and a hilarious songwriter with a keen sense for the absurdities and hypocrisies of life. If you like satire mixed with a warped sense of humor, you'll love Surprise!

  • This is SO funny
    author: Fred Ennis

    If you're a senior citizen, PLEASE empty your bladder before you listen to John R. Butler's Surprise! CD. From the flatulenly melodic Yodel in Reverse, to the historically accurate Gulf Coast of Florida John overtakes the satiric skills of a Daniel Ruth (obligatory Tampa reference) and couples it with superb musical ability to make gentlemen laugh and little old ladies blush. But it is thru the wickedly accurate Holiday Play, the outright jaw dropping surprise of Hand of the Almighty and the swift kick to the revivalists pants (when they' re wearing them anyway )in Televangelist that you will hear songs that would be worth millions in FCC fines if they were played on the air. The music is catchy - and the lyrics - well who else would write: Take me out of this revival tent, make me a friend of the President, and let me preach from Leviticus when I'm pissed, But please - I beg you - go have a whiz before you sit down to listen to the CD. Fred

  • Excellent!!
    author: Billy Leake

    How can you not love "Hand of The Almighty"? It's probably flat out one of the funniest, yet, honest songs I've ever heard. Great CD John! Can't wait to hear the next one!

  • It's on the mark
    author: R Maxwell

    After hearing this music, I feel more human. If Junior Brown made an album with Roger Miller and David Allen Coe, this might have come of it.

  • Good Stuff!
    author: Dan

    Great stuff! A keen eye on the world...

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