As I just said to kelliecoo...

[kellinator]

It seems to me that when something is so focused on imparting a lesson -- be it "I love Jesus" or "drugs are bad" or "eat your veggies" -- that it usually ignores the creative elements and utterly fails as art.

As a Christian, I always feel mildly guilty for not liking Christian music -- but almost all that I've heard really does suck! Creed, anybody? :P

Comments

[funkjunky.livejournal.com]

Creed is a Christian band ehh?

What does the bible say about picking up strippers on Burbon Street and having "The best coke and the best pot"?

[darkmattr.livejournal.com]

What about stryper?? WHAT ABOUT STRYPER!

Re:

[funkjunky.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't know about stryper.

why didn't you ask me???

[not-hothead-yet.livejournal.com]

check out:

Earthsuit
Beanbag
Bleach
Skillet
Plumb (my favorite)

Funny, that...

[feachador.livejournal.com]

You know, it's funny, I had almost the direct opposite of this conversation a few weeks ago. I let a friend borrow my car. In the CD player happened to be an Amy Grant CD. I am not Christian. She gave me a big "I don't understand you" speech.

The fact is, I like christian music. Well some of it. I'm not real big on Creed, either. Or Stryper. But anyway, I do like lots of other Christian music, which she seemed to find incredibly odd.

Anyway, that's my story. It's late, I go sleep now.

:)

Brian

[tygerlilly.livejournal.com]

You're a Christian?

Anyways, isn't POD a christian band too?

[kellinator.livejournal.com]

Yeah, and POD sucks too!

Yup, I'm a Christian, though an unconventional (tarot) and flawed one (I cuss like a fuckin' sailor).

[technomom]

I'm not a Christian any more, but when I was I subjected to lots of Christian music (husband V.1 was a youth minister). And my mother would get SO offended when I'd say something sucked, because she considered it sacriligious to say anything bad about ANYTHING Christian. I told her I felt that religious art should be held to a higher standard, not a lower one - you're supposed to give your best for God, right?

[dslartoo.livejournal.com]

Reading through your archives and came upon this post, and just had to add my own remarks. (hope you still have email notification turned on). If you can deal with recommendations on Christian music from an atheist, I suggest three bands who make the music AND the message interesting. Now with handy-dandy links!

1) Stryper. Some of their tunes were cheesy, but the blended harmonies, the polished production, and the bright edge to their rock tunes made them more than a joke (unless you looked twice at their outfits. fortunately they got smart around the time of "Against the Law" and got rid of the bumblebee theme).

2) Barren Cross. This group is hard to find (and I think they're now disbanded) but they put out some good music. "State of Control" is a pretty damn good metal album (and I've heard plenty) -- it just happens to be Christian as well. Also worth hearing are "Atomic Arena" and "Hotter Than Hell (live)".

3) Saviour Machine. Saviour Machine plays, if you can deal with this description, gothic progressive Christian metal. Imagine a concept album based upon the Old Testament, with an apocalyptic feel, tons of keyboards, a full choir, and metal crunch all mixed together. That's "Legend Pt. I". Then imagine a second concept disc based on the New Testament. "Legend Pt. II". And a third concept album, split into two discs, based upon the Book of Revelation. "Legend Pt. III: I" (and III: II to follow later this year). The music is excellent.

Just a few ideas. :)

cheers,
Phil