As a Christian, I know how difficult it can be to find music that both represents my beliefs and doesn't simultaneously suck. Those who know me, can attest to the fact that I am capable of long diatribes about what's wrong with Christian music, the ins and outs of the business, and how quality music is purposefully held back.
All of which means that if you want to find good Christian music, you have to willing to wade through a lot of sub par fare. I have done so, and I shall now pass on some excellent past and current artists. As always please click on the artist name\song title to be whisked away to a video on youtube. As far as the homemade videos people have done for a couple of these... well it's nice that they put up the songs at any rate.
Gentlemen (Go To Sleep) - Far-less - I've very much enjoyed the mishmash sounds of Far-less. It's always difficult to have a heavier sound while still keeping a melody running throughout. Unfortunately, they disbanded last year. Still they left a decent amount of some excellent music. This song starts out a little slower, and has some odder lyrics, but is one of my favorites.
On The Fritz - Steve Taylor - I could probably write pages on him. Steve is really the first person to bring a sense of humor to the Christian music world. When he came out in the 80's many Christians were offended at some of the satirical lyrics, as well as his obvious diggs at the church. A strong Christian, Steve Taylor has never been afraid to point out the hypocrisy and general 'better than thou' attitude that so many exhibit. While a lot of his 80's music sounds decidedly dated, his last album in 1994 still sounds remarkably fresh. This song taken from his live album is an updated version of one of his 80's hits.
Hurt - Thousand Foot Krutch - Proving once again that Canada has some of the best music, Thousand foot Krutch is one of best examples of what Christian music can be. While some of their lyrics can be a bit wishy-washy for my taste, their music is so fantastic I easily forgive those few errors. They're also a group that has managed to break from the 'Christian' label and cross over to mainstream rock radio. This song is from, I think, three albums ago.
Dance or Die - Family Force 5 - Another group that has preferred not being stuck with the Christian label. They have had decent mainstream acceptance. Trying to classify their sound might take an hour or two given how versatile they are. All I can say is, give them a try, and if you don't like them, switch to different song, and see if you like that one. Keep going and eventually you'll find something to love.
That's it for this week's edition. For those of you who know me and might question my not mentioning my favorite group of all time; I'm planning on doing a special edition for Five Iron Frenzy, for the release of their DVD next month.
I happen to be a drummer in a Christian band, but nothing famous, we just do mainly church gigs, so you'll not have heard of us. We don't make any money, but we have great fun. But know exactly what you are saying, because being a Christian myself, I have not liked much 'Christian' music. But the music our lead writes is pretty good, more rock n rolly, and he has excellent lyrics.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome man. I've got some friends who do some really killer indie music. They do churches but also play the local clubs. I applaud anyone who does that.
ReplyDeleteI never knew you were a 'C' word. I hope that you know any anti 'C' balloon juice I spouted was intended simply to inflame and incite you to reckless violence. Then we can depart you to that Isle of the Damned we non - 'C's have been building off the coast of Newfoundland for years now. I like you so I thought I would give you the heads up.
ReplyDeleteTruthfully thanks for being friends with a 'pagan'. I expect your full mockery whilst I look wistfully from beyond the walls of heaven while you are playing nude volleyball with a whole team of naked Christina Hendrickes
Cal, Your not being a Christian has nothing to with my being friends with you one way or the other. I enjoy your wit. As far your inciting, trust me, it takes a hell of a lot to offend me.
ReplyDeleteI don't speak much on the subject here, as I try to keep this blog strictly entertainment. However as I enjoy Christian entertainment as well, I'm not going to deny it.
I mention it purely with the intentions of sharing some good music. Regardless of faith it should be enjoyable.