Best Delay Pedals

As a guitarist, my favourite effect to use is delay. Especially in worship settings, delay fills up the guitar's sound, and smooths out a lot of rough edges in transitions between notes and chords. Pioneers in the worship industry, Hillsong United spearheaded the movement to include more and more delay in their music. Electric guitarist Nigel Hendroff frequently uses the coveted Boss DD-5 Digital Delay pedal on the dotted eighth setting during many worldwide famous worship songs. The delay effect pedal market is rapidly expanding to include numerous options from small stompboxes, to douple effects, to large modelers. Here are some of the best for various price ranges for guitarists of all skill levels;

Boss US

1. Boss DD Series Stompboxes - http://www.bossus.com/gear/productdetails.php?ProductId=958&ParentId=255 - 229.00-269.00 - 4.9/5

There are 4 DD Series Stompboxes from Boss, the DD-3, DD-5, DD-6, and DD-7. Each is generally the same with the 3 having the least amount of features, and the 7 having the most. Obviously because of that the 3 Series are the cheapest, with the price increasing each interval of Series.

Overall, these are extremely trustworthy pedals. With the stompbox frame, they can be dropped, kicked, and stomped on without any lasting impact on the pedal at all. Again, the small size of the pedal allows for easy transportation or attachment to a pedal board.

While there may not be an amazing variety of delay options, the control over the delays that are available are top class. The different time options are excellent, especially the dotted eighth delay. The down fall is that the tempo cannot be controlled unless the extra tap tempo pedal is bought.

Delay time can also be controlled, as well as Feedback. The Feedback control knob is one I use frequently, sometimes just to add an extra dimension to my sound, or find a pure delay tone. The DD series are simple, yet extremely efficient delay pedals. They should definitely be the first choice for anyone entering the delay market, or looking to begin to build the delay section of their effect setup.

Boss US

2. Boss DD-20 Giga Delay Twin Pedal - http://www.bossus.com/gear/productdetails.php?ProductId=531 - 329.00 - 4.5/5

This is kind of Boss's pinnacle of delay pedals. It combines every aspect of their DD series stompboxes into a twin pedal with so many options and such quality. This may be the most high tech delay pedal, and the one with the most options on the market.

Again, this is a sturdy pedal. Boss is known for making durable pedals, and the twin pedals are no exception. Essentially they are kind of like two stompboxes squeezed in together. The size isn't actually that much of a problem, and can still easily fit on a pedalboard or in a gigbag for transportation.

The pedal includes the same famous delay settings from the DD series, and also features more modes such as dual or analog. The coolest feature of this pedal is it's user memory. With 4 easy accessible, writable settings, the pedal allows for endless options.

Really, this is the upgraded version of the DD Series. For those that have enough money to take the upgrade, this pedal is amazing in what it has to offer.

3. Line 6 DL4 Stompbox Modeler - http://line6.com/dl4/ - 279.00$ - 4.8/5

Known for their expertise with delay pedals, this is now the only Line 6 specific delay pedal, after they discontinued their others models. Even with the other Line 6 models on the market, this was and will continue to be their best offer in the delay section. The DL4 is only 1 part in Line 6's stompbox modeler series, with the MM4, DM4, and the FM4 finishing the combination.

Amazon

The make and build, which are extremely important to the safety and longevity of the pedal, are structurally sound. While the pedal is larger, it is box shaped, and therefore easy to fit in a bag, or on a pedalboard. The frame is strong, and the front panel is sturdy.

The pedal features 16 delay models, ranging from practical U2 sounds, to exciting innovative ping pong delays. Four footswitches are included for easy saving and recalling of sounds. The pedal also allows for control over delay time, repeats, tweak, tweez and mix.

For the amount of options included, and the quality of the options, this pedal is one of the lead runners in the delay market. The size of the pedal is manageable, and the features of extraordinary. The DL4 remains one of the best.

Interstate Music

4. TC Electronic ND-1 Nova Delay - http://www.tcelectronic.com/nd-1-nova-delay/ - 395.00 - 3.6/5

While I have never actually used this pedal, I've only heard good things about it. Again, this is a pedal that utilizes technology to the utmost degree. Extremely programmable, this pedal has everything.

This seems to be a strong pedal, with a strong metal frame. The size and shape does seem to be a little unique. The pedal in its square shape is again very different, and therefore may not be the usual shape required for a pedal board.

The actual delay on the pedal is decently good. The control over the delay is amazing, definitely top class. There are 7 types of delays available, with control over the tempo, and multiple other options. Much like a computer, the pedal again allows for saving certain settings, and other nifty options.

The Nova Delay is a great delay pedal, and extremely innovative. TC Electronic is doing a great job developing their delay sound, and this is only the first step. Actually, the company recently released a new delay pedal called Flashback, and it is gaining a lot of acclaim internationally.

Amazon

5. MXR Carbon Copy Delay - http://www.jimdunlop.com/product/m169-carbon-copy-analog-delay - 227.00 - 3.9/5

Finally, the MXR Carbon Copy Delay. While the sound may not be as developed as some of the other delay options, the build of this pedal may be it's most impressive feature.

This pedal is extremely strong, built to endure almost anything. The size of the pedal is perfect, able to easily carry anywhere, or squeeze onto even the most crowded pedal board.

The actual sound coming from the pedal is also pretty impressive. However, there are not as many delay options as some of the other pedals on the market. This could be a good things for beginners, and possibly not as great for experts, but the pedal does include one special feature. There are two ways to run the delay through the pedal; modulation or no modulation. This feature allows for two very different sides of delay sounds to be heard at all times.

Top Ten Songs for January

January tends to be a slow month for new musical releases. Because of that, I've reached into the vault for some of the songs that I was unable to include for any months in 2014. However, some of these songs are also upcoming singles that have a lot of potential, especially some of the Christian material.

1. Time After Time - Eva Cassidy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWvPOJOYqGA
This is an older song, and a cover song, but amazing! I love these acoustic style songs, as they are true marks of musical skill. The ability to cover a song in this way, completely re-creating it into a new song, is also extremely skillful, and demands respect.

2. Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vzo-EL_62fQ
One of the hidden talents of lead singer Ryan Tedder from the band One Republic is his songwriting skills. The past few seasons of The Voice, he has worked closely with the show producing songs for the competitors, and he has written for Jennifer Lopez and Natasha Bedingfield, as well as for his own band. Still, I was surprised to hear that he wrote this song as well, partnering with Jesse McCartney to finish the song. Apparently, he was inspired by his new marriage to his wife, and the way he felt opening up to her.

3. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpyfrixXBqU
I've been playing around on guitar with this song for a while now, and surprising fact; it works in almost every key! The way Sheeran crafted the chord transitions together seemingly can't sound bad, no matter what key you play it in! Stay tuned for my cover of the song which will be coming soon on my new YouTube page!

4. Overwhelmed - Big Daddy Weave - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6oxXwRWFTo
So far this is my top worship song of the year (although only being a month in!). The idea behind the song is extremely unique. Most times with songs, they all are about the same topics with just different perspectives or spins. This song takes a topic that isn't commonly sung about, and opens it up for the listener to hear about and in turn, think about, and hopefully internalize.

5. You Are My Fire - Sky Terminal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBgxGyUlfSk
Another song from Sky Terminal's 2014 album We Are One! This one is slightly more upbeat, and is a simple song. Most of the lyrics are just repeated time after time, but I find that the lead singer's voice meshes in with the instruments extremely well. I've found that this is generally true for almost all Sky Terminal songs. If you haven't checked them out yet, give this song a listen!

6. Life of the Party - Shawn Mendes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fcTCMWx2-s
Shawn Mendes has huge potential to become the next great music star. I've heard a lot about how Ariana Grande will claim Beyonce's crown soon, but I can't really think of who Shawn Mendes will be replacing! Maybe Elton John? Although, Mendes seems to have some additional skill sets, the core components of piano playing and songwriting are there.

7. Like a Lion - David Crowder Band - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FO3ukzt-QHs
This song may be the most covered of the modern era of praise and worship songs. Originally written by Daniel Bashta, Like a Lion has already been covered by huge names such as Passion Band, Newsboys, and of course, David Crowder. While a lot of the other versions are starting to grow on me, David Crowder's cover remains my favourite. The way he animates each word is an unheard of vocal skill.

8. Rather Be - Clean Bandit feat. Jess Glynne - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-M1AtrxztU
This is just a weird song, and the music video is even weirder. Relying on quick harsh interchanges between notes, the song has a kind of dance beat to it, while also utilizing orchestra strings and pianos, and electronic sounds. The combinations and rhythm patterns are crazy unique!

9. Mountaintop - The City Harmonic - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUYAqH2yRqQ
This was another amazing song to listen to live. To be honest, I feel that The City Harmonic's first album, I Have a Dream (It Feels Like Home) contains a lot more hits then their new one Take Heart. I do feel The City Harmonic are progressing as a band, but their first album is a lot better then their second one.

10. Sugar - Maroon 5 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09R8_2nJtjg
I stumbled upon this song from the music video for it, where the band travels around LA and crashes weddings. Maroon 5 is an extremely talented band that seems to really enjoy their music, and spreading it to as many people as they can. Granted, they also have Adam Levine, definitely one of the most talented male vocalists and rock icons in the industry today. His voice is incredibly unique.

Year Review/Preview

For my first year as a blogger, I've been pleasantly surprised with the results for Delayed Distortion. Over the course of the year, I've managed to obtain just over 700 total views, which is a strong number for a rookie start. The site has expanded to include Sponsored Sites and Booking Arrangements. I've been able to rate songs every month, and have also concentrated on posting some reviews of my favourite albums.

Going into this project, I was merely testing out what I could do with a music themed blog. Because of the initial success of Delayed Distortion, I have decided to continue working with the site for the upcoming year. My main focus will continue to be monthly top ten songs, but I'm also going to try working on some other posts as well.

I want to continue to develop my album reviews, posting more, and of a wider variety. I also want to begin to include reviews of artists, of singles, and of music videos.

One area I did not work on this year at all was my musical equipment review section. For next year, I'm going to attempt to develop this area. However, the reviews will be restricted mainly to software, recording hardware, and of course all things guitar related.

The area I want to add to Delayed Distortion the most is music news. This will include news of artists and what they are working on, musical developments in the industry, possible new albums, or concerts, and new musical equipment news.

I'm really enjoying this blog so far, and I hope 2015 brings even greater results, and allows for a professional aspect of music perspective to be developed.

Top Ten Songs of 2014

2014 seemed to be a year that was dominated by pop female vocalists. With songs like Anaconda, All About that Bass, and Problem, the charts were dominated with few males arriving on the scene. However, in my top ten list for 2014, males dominate with their new releases. Perhaps it's because the music from the males seemed to be a lot more serious than the females and their marketing techniques.

1. Life of the Party - Shawn Mendes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fcTCMWx2-s 
Life of the Party pulled out inches ahead of Say Something to claim my top spot for 2014. Although being extremely similar to Say Something, Life of the Party held a more motivational message for me, and was the more inspiring song. Ultimately, this was the swaying factor that favoured Shawn Mendes' song to come in first.

2. Say Something - A Great Big World - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVgixOjGhVU
This song could have claimed the top spot if it had been released closer to the end of the year. Over the course of the year, it lost its special appeal. However, it remains an amazing song. The harmonies are spot on, the piano work is simply inspiring, and the passion behind the song is unrivalled. Definitely a top song for the year.

3. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpyfrixXBqU
Coming out of 2014, I can safely say that Ed Sheeran is my favourite musical artist. I believe I can also say that he is the most talented musician alive right now. His understanding of the guitar and how it can create a song is amazing. His vocal improvement can easily be seen, and all of a sudden, he has crafted himself into a musical genius. I expect for Sheeran to be around for a very long time.

4. Say Hello - Sky Terminal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QvrYYt5eRg
The top Christian release of the year for me. The song could also be played on contemporary radios, but maintains its Christian message. Truly an inspirational song, and the best that Sky Terminal has to offer thus far. This song now has me hooked on the band, and I hope they can continue their upward development.

5. Stay with Me - Sam Smith - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB-5XG-DbAA
Definitely one of the top if not the greatest breakout artist of this year, Sam Smith has a gem in Stay with Me. The song has introduced him to the world, with his soulful vocals a wonder in the industry today. The big question for him is can he duplicate this song's success next year?

6. One - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ix9NXVIbm2A
Another new release from Sheeran's album X, or Multiply, has to make the summer release album the best of the year. Again, it shows the diversity of Sheeran's skill, from dabbling in hiphop to returning to his famed ballad style. On stage with his guitar and a mic, Sheeran can make magic. Goes to show that all the tricks and fancy displays that many artists use today aren't the only things that can provide a good show; pure talent is enough to draw people in too.

7. Holy (Wedding Day) - The City Harmonic - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B0-ll_T7f8
The next three songs are by no means new releases, but they still crack my top ten list for 2014, as they are amazing songs. While The City Harmonic did come out with a new album in 2014, titled Heart, nothing can rival the pure star power of Holy.

8. I See Fire - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mllXxyHTzfg
Again, not a new release, in fact the final movie to the Hobbit series was released this year, but this song was from the second one. Most times I don't like movie soundtracks, but this was one song that I had to have. Perfectly structured for the Hobbit series, it displays a new asset to Ed Sheeran's skill set; songwriting.

9. One Thing Remains - Jesus Culture - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtmA3ji8RkY
This song is a perfect example of where I can see worship music heading in the next few years. Passionate, free singing driven by emotional instruments that aim to inspire and motivate. The lyrics are fairly simple, and the song relies on a lot of repetition. It leaves room for the Spirit to move though, and forces worshippers to rely on God for the right words.

10. Alive - Hillsong Young and Free - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEvEVALLjNQ
The emergence of Hillsong Young and Free into the Christian music industry fills a void that has been missing for many years. This song displays the potential of this style of music to take Hillsong and Christian music to a new level, or to new places.

Top Ten Songs for December

Last month for Top Ten Song lists for 2014. It's also really the last time of the year to play holiday songs. So, Christmas songs dominate my Top Ten list once again, but a few contemporary songs have also managed to maintain their hold for the month.

1. Hands - Paul Brandt - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDpS5lQQLyQ
I've really been focusing on what our attitude should be going into Christmas. This song sums it up perfectly. The telling of the story makes us remember that the birth of Jesus was only the beginning. The time of Christmas is meant to celebrate the birth of Christ, but also his life and ultimate sacrifice for us.

2. Life of the Party - Shawn Mendes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fcTCMWx2-s
Closing out the year close to the top. Again, I think it is between this song and Say Something for the top song of the year, and it's going to be extremely close, because the songs are extremely similar. I was surprised to learn that Shawn Mendes is Canadian, and is only 16!

3. Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vzo-EL_62fQ
This song was actually extremely close to taking over the top spot for this month. I rate this song very highly, mainly because it seems to be perfect. The intro is amazing, the dynamics are smooth, and the vocals fit in with the instruments impeccably. I haven't heard many covers of this song, but I don't think many could pull it off. This is simply Leona Lewis' song; it's perfect for her vocals.

4. Miraculum - Lincoln Brewster - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeUb0o0EXP0
While listening to a lot of Christmas songs this season, I found one common theme which perhaps is why I like Christmas songs so much. A lot of the most popular holiday songs are extremely theatrical. They all attempt to have a mysterious entry, and a climax in the middle, and finally an emotional ending. Miraculum follows that pattern, and completes the cycle perfectly.

5. Hanukkah Blessings - Barenaked Ladies - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Spq-2-rhCME
While I may not completely agree with the religion that this song celebrates, it cannot be denied that this song is extremely beautiful. I love almost every aspect of the song! Singing in the Hebrew language seems to add another dimension of emotions for the singer, and you can hear it in his voice. A very pretty holiday song.

6. O Come All Ye Faithful/O Holy Night - Trans Siberian Orchestra - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcMe551smvs
Every year I have a certain memory from Christmas that sticks out more so then any other. For me this year, I have no doubt that memory will be Christmas Eve, when I performed this song with some friends. I put a lot of work into the guitar solos for the song, and to pull it off left an amazing feeling that stayed with me throughout the holidays. I live for performances such as the one that night.

7. The Christmas Song - Clay Aiken - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JYa0atZM4g
I'm amazed that Clay Aiken didn't win American Idol, but instead finished runner-up. This song demonstrates his vocal power, and his control over that power, perfectly. During the intimate moments of the song, he reins in his full range, but then he can release into full strength for the powerful moments. That is true vocal skill.

8. Tumbling After - Starfield - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNSfVQjxLdo
Listening to this song over the month, I was struck by how amateur the song actually sounds. Coming from one of the first Starfield albums, the recording is only of decent quality, and the vocals particularly aren't as good as many other Starfield songs. However, I think this is a part of the song's appeal. It's almost as if you are listening to the song live in your garage or at a cafe.

9. Silent Night - Casting Crowns - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FlKC2DQvo4
Mark Hall, the lead singer for Casting Crowns, has one of the most recognizable voices ever. It slots in perfectly with most Christmas carols! This one is the most special for me, because of the harmonies that dominate throughout the song. It is extremely difficult to pull off a decent sounding harmony, but when it is done, it adds another dimension to a song that takes it to the next level.

10. Messengers - Lecrae feat. for King & Country - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxW3stJHdJk
I'm surprised that a hip hop/rap song has stayed on my top ten list for two straight months! Granted it has only occupied my last spot, but normally I don't ever listen to this style of music. I really like this song though, especially the groove that it has. It's really easy for me to get into the mood of the song, whereas with other similar songs, I immediately shut off.

Chris Tomlin's Glory in the Highest: Christmas Songs Album Review

Rating: 7.8/10
Website: http://christomlin.com/home
Purchase: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/glory-in-highest-christmas/id723793424

This acoustically driven Christmas album is another glowing gem from Chris Tomlin's ever growing collection of records. Tomlin follows suit with many other contemporary Christian albums, and tries to create a balanced set of tracks. He does favor a certain acoustic sound, although he does include some rock songs. Glory in the Highest is more of a celebration album, one that focuses on the true worship attitude of Christmas, rather then highlight his own talents. Tomlin features many different artists on the album, including good friend Mat Redman, as well as some vocalists that he has fostered on his worship team. He also includes some strong original songs, ones that he worked closely with other artists on. He doesn't neglect the original Christmas carols, but at the same time, strives to put a unique twist on them.

Chris Tomlin sets the mood for this album right away with a carol-like version of O Come All Ye Faithful, sticking to the original roots of the song, while also adding a worship tone to the track. The album continues with more of the same, worship themed carols. Interestingly, a lot of these carols sound very similar, perhaps because of the limitations or restrictions to what Tomlin has set out to do with this album. Some of Tomlin's own worship material is included, such as title track Glory in the Highest. Finally, Tomlin closes out the album with more original material that feature certain artists.

Overall, this is a very decent album. A lot of the songs would be great in a church worship setting, and some would even work in cafes! Some of the songs do sound a lot a like, but the unique original material makes up for the similarity in other tracks. Once again, Chris Tomlin has used his musical gift to craft a Christmas masterpiece.

Amazon

Lincoln Brewster's Joy to the World Album Review

Rating: 8.5/10
Website: http://www.lincolnbrewster.com/
Purchase: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/joy-to-world-christmas-collection/id567136824

Perhaps Lincoln Brewster's most theatrical album in his repertoire, Joy to the World is a classic Christmas album with a twist in accordance to Brewster's style. Brewster makes use of a lot of strings, and bells, and other Christmas sounds to craft songs that allow for his usual guitar work to fit in nicely. He recently stated that this album was the beginning of a new project in music for him, working to combine a more pop sound with his usual electric guitar sound. The result is a very good Christmas album.

 Joy to the World contains an excellent balance of fast, medium, and slower paced songs. The trick to making a good Christmas album is including good original Christmas material. Brewster does a great job with this task, including a version of his worship hit Shout for Joy, and the highlight of the album; an instrumental solo riddled song titled Miraculum. He also adds an original version of the song Our God, again attempting to balance the album. His upbeat Christmas songs definitely have the upper hand over his slower ones. Along with Hark the Herald Angels Sing and Drummer Boy, the best carol has to be Brewster's amped up version of Joy to the World. His slower material is also decent, but definitely not as good as the upbeat ones. Brewster includes O Come O Come Emmanuel, Do You Hear What I Hear?, Silent Night, and O Holy Night.

Overall, this album is a must have for Lincoln Brewster fans, and a few select songs are must haves for Christmas song fans.

Wikipedia