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No Top 5, But...
I've been thinking about something a lot lately, mostly because of the existence of a Christian Radio station in close proximity to our quaint little town. The mere idea of listening to this station makes me cringe, but, until yesterday, I wasn't sure why. In fact, I had started to feel really crappy about my attitude and was afraid to say anything, especially to those faithful listeners of said station. Then, I figured it out: I cannot relate to most Christian music (especially the type played on Adult Contemporary Christian stations). These songs tend to celebrate God in a way which makes me uncomfortable -- they ignore doubt, speak in generalizations and describe the world as a rosy, happy place. Even if the songs bring up doubt or suffering, they always end on a good note, with a charge to 'accept' or 'have faith'. I guess if that sort of thing works for you, that's good; however, since my favorite bands include Pearl Jam and The Cure, I'm not a member of that category. To be honest, I haven't added a new Christian artist to my listening catalogue in quite a while. I enjoy Waterdeep and Caedmon's Call because I feel they don't try to gloss over the tough stuff. I'm not giving up hope, though. If you know of any Christian bands that would restore my faith in Christian music, please let me know. And if you have any insight into the Adult Contemporary Christian music scene that I am overlooking, again, please enlighten me. I don't want to be a jerk, it just comes naturally.
15 comments
I recommend checking out some of the bands on that Tooth and Nail DVD you borrowed from me. There's some good ones on there. My favorites are Starflyer 59 and Havalina Rail Co. I also really like Joy Electric, but that's probably not your thing. I think you would like Starflyer though. They're starting to get a lot of mainstream attention.
Oh yeah, you might also like Stavesacre. 
Hmmm, my tastes may run a little "lighter" than you prefer, but how about : Rich Mullins, Fernando Ortega, or Chris Rice. For a little harder, you might like Chasing Furies - who as far as I know only came out with one CD in '99. 
Along the Rich Mullins line, Andrew Peterson has some great stuff (and CCF's own Ben Shive plays in his band and writes some of his songs). Unfortunately his CDs seem to me kinda spotty. There will be about 4 brilliant songs, and the rest just sort of run together. And again, its "lighter." The "Silence of God" is a good "problem of pain" song though. And yes, Rich Mullins remains the only Christian musician I am continually be moved by ("Hard to Get" from the Jesus record being the best Christian song ever, in my opinion). 
andy peterson is a bit slow...
i like calibretto 13 (they're just 'calibretto' now) but their lyrics tell it like is with an old school punk sorta feel - i love old school punk.
i am just now starting to get back into "christian" music and i've got admit - there's plenty to pick and choose from.
tooth and nail have probably by far the best in "alternative" sounds - check out that dvd brendo let you borrow, sounds pretty nifty. 
I agree with you completely, Sara. I was turned off of Christian music long ago for the same reasons. However, there is one band that has stayed with me: Lost and Found. They are a small-time band with their own indie label. I saw them at a youth conference some years ago, and instantly fell in love with them. Their music would best fit the category of folk, although they describe themselves as "Speedwood": fast, agressive, acoustic guitar music.
What I love about them the most is that their lyrics represent the complicated, three-dimensional world that we all occupy. They don't just sing about loving Jesus (although they don't neglect that theme either). They also sing about broken relationships, personal shortcomings, and conflicts with other believers. Their website is www.speedwood.com 
Stien Auf!
Yeah, if you like TMBG, you'll definitely like Lost and Found.
Also, I know you're into Dashboard, so you'll probably like Further Seems Forever. Chris Caraba, the lead singer for Dashboard, used to be the lead singer for them. 
If you like Rusted Root, check out Madison Greene. I love Rich Mullins...though his music (not lyrics) could get a bit cheesey at times. Tree by Leaf is really cool - but really mellow (folk kind of stuff), and Miranda Stone is awesome - raw female hippy folk, or something like that! :) 
I can think of several more reasons Christian radio makes me cringe. I don't want to be the one to start the hate fest thought. Really though, the music isn't even half of it.
As for bands, I hate to throw out names like this but you've GOT to check out The Newsboys and Geoff Moore!!!
I think I agree with you Sara. Christian music in general tends to make me cringe. I think they try to make the music too happy, instead of just making music with a Christian worldview. I mean you don't always have to mention how much "Jesussss wuvs oo" in each and every song, but you can still be Christian without that. 
Wow. Thanks for your help, guys. I will definately check out your suggestions. (I saw Lost and Found at a youth conference, too and really liked them--I guess I forgot!) 
Think about the stereotypical Christian, though, as seen by the business world. They are all soft and cuddly and cute and optimistic. Christian record companies and radio stations have to make money, too, so they gotta play to the largest crowd.
Here are some bands I've enjoyed:
Pedro the Lion (a bit harsh at times, often questioned about his lyrics and his faith; whole new realm here)
Crash Rickshaw
Chevelle
Walking Dust (thought I'd throw that one in to get a laugh... BUT THEY ARE COOL!)
I know this is a bit of a tangent to the main thought of this line, but I just have to say, Jared, that Geoff Moore is nothing without the Distance. Can I get an "Amen" anyone?
-Rob 
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