~Music~

Having said all that, let's get on to the collection. : )

• Soundtracks


• Hook
  Just your basic soundtrack to the sequal type movie based on the Peter & Wendy novel. Can't go wrong with John Williams.
  
  
• Independence Day
  You all should know this one. Good if you're in the mood for some orchistral apocoliptic type of music.
  
  
• James Bond Soundtracks
  Most everyone is familiar with Monty Norman's "James Bond Theme", and these two albums incorporate them into modern styles quite nicely, as well as adding in the music themes for their respective movies. The Goldeneye soundtrack was produced by Eric Serra and includes many symphonic pieces which are often fused with fast paced techno sounds. It also includes the single "Goldeneye", performed by Tina Turner. The Tomorrow Never Dies soundtrack was done primarily by David Arnold, the composer who did the soundtrack for Independance day. This includes the single "Tomorrow Never Dies" performed by Sheryl Crow, "Surrender" performed by K.D. Lang, and a remixed "James Bond Theme" performed by Moby.
  
  
• Jurassic Park
  More John Williams. Gotta love that.
  
  
• Comedy/Parody
• Mark Lowry
  This is one of the most hilarious (if not most popular) Christian comedians out there. And don't make the mistake of thinking that just becuase he's Christian means he has weak humor. He can bust a gut with the best of 'em. Not only does he have a great stand up routine, but he's also done many parodies of many other CCM artitsts. If you've heard the originals, these will probably have you rolling on the floor. If not, well, they're still funny anyway.
  
  
• Swirling Eddies
  The album put out by these loony guys does nothing besides parody CCM artists. They don't even change the lyrics around, but they do some rather interesting things with the vocals... heh heh.
  
  
• Acoustic-Contemporary


• Steven Curtis Chapman
  This guy is undoubtedly an icon in the Christian conteporary genre, for good reason. His style has been described as a cross between pop rock and country. I've never been a huge fan of country music, but this guy i like. Sometimes energetic, sometimes soothing guitar combined with his clean-cut vocals make him a top pick.
  
  
• Thom Shumate
  If ya like Steven Curtis, you'll probably like this guy too. The styles of music are nearly identical. I had the privilage of meeting Thom (the "h" is silent) at a youth group winter retreat back in '96 before his first album ever came out on the Mission Records label. His humility is overshadowed only by his love for God.
  
  
• The Kry
  Two Canadian bros teamed up with one American to make a great sounding band on the Freedom Records label. They've cranked out some wonderful tunes, some rockishly upbeat, others beautiful tear-jerkers.
  
  
• Acoustic/Alternative


• Jars Of Clay
  The Jars have to be one of the most original bands i've heard. They have a gentle yet driving sound the like of which i've not heard before or since. They are acoustic in that they incorporate many classical instruments into their songs (violin, cello, oboe, clarinet, classical guitar, etc) yet they blend these sounds with contemporary rock instruments and techniques. Their latest album, Much Afraid recently went gold only a few weeks after its release.
  
  
• Small Town Poets
  These Atlanta Poets seemingly popped out of nowhere becomeing widely popular very quickly. They are somewhat similar to The Kry, but their sound has a harder-edged modern sound to it, and their lyrics are more poetical, as should be expected. In '97 their debut album was declared the fastest selling new album in Forefront Records history.
  
  
• Deliriou5?
  Already successful in their homeland the United Kingdom (England for the geograhpiclly challanged) these Brits signed on with Sparrow Records and were introduced to the American public. It seems they've gotten a warm reception too. Their style is a neat blend of worship music and alternative/modern rockand their lyrics are nothing short of humility and praise (though not at all to say that they don't know how to rock).
  
  
• PFR
  PFR is also another legend in the Alternative Rock scene. Many of their songs and chord progressions will remind listeners of the ballad rock style of The Beatles, while many other songs can only be described as high energy rock. In '96 they believed God was calling them to other fields, and they broke up, much to the dismay of countless fans. However, as of '97 bass guitarist and vocalist Patrick Andrew has joined with a new group, Eager (see just below). PFR also put together a greatest hits album with three new songs included that same year. Definatly worth checking out for any avid fan of this great band.
  
  
• Eager
  As mentioned before, one of Eager's most noteable features within the Christian Rock community is that one of the lead vocalists is Patrick Andrew, formerly PFR's bassist/vocalist. And it looks like he carried much of his previous experiances with him in the lyrics and styles in this debut album. Eager plays beautiful ballads as well as agressive modern rock.
  
  
• Dime Store Prophets
  "Everone's got something to say" is the motto of this down-to-earth modern rock band. Excelling at ballads, they're sure to please if you're looking for a few good old time rock n' roll riffs. With point blank lyrics from such as "Hitler's Girlfriend" and "Baby's Got a New Dress", the Prophets are sure to leave a lasting impression.
  
  
• Dryve
  With Acoustic guitar, electric guitar, Hammond organ, accordian, and even some harmonica, Dryve blends gorgous vocals with deep poetic lyrics played to a folk/60's rock style that is played simply and cleanly.
  
  
• John Cox
  There is really only one way to describe John Cox's music. He plays impressive acoustic guitar that isn't hard rock, but isn't exactly easy listening either. His lyrics are personal, expressive, and candid. He's nobody's clone.
  
  
• Dogs Of Peace
  This was a duo project made by Jimmy Lee Sloas and Gordon Kennedy (Producers of PFR, Geoff Moore, and others). Similar to PFR in style, they offer many rockish tunes, and many soft tunes, akin to the Beatles and Elton John, with strong melodic guitars all the way through.
  
  
• Newsboys
  Another hugely popular band, these guys came on the scene in the late 80's, and have since gone through a huge transformation as far as their musicians. I believe that currently, only one of the original members is still with the band, Peter Fuler the drummer. Thier earlier albums have a pop-ish sound to them, and their latter ones have a stronger rock influence. Go on and check 'em out. (Make sure you have the Shockwave plugin, though.)
  
  
• Alternative Rock


• dc Talk
  Without a doubt, this group is one of the most well known well liked Christian bands of all time. Already tremendously popular with their hip-hop style in the late 80's, the album Jesus Freak rocked fans' expectations (not to mention the charts) by blending their rapping hip-hop style with a distinct alternative rock. Now with their latest release Supernatural, the group has moved almost totally to a distinct rock. Their vocals are as clean as ever, and are cut with some of their best songs to date.
  
  
• Reality Check
  This band came out in late '96. They're somewhat similar to some earlier dc Talk, with some funk/rap elements, and a heavy dose of alternative rock.
  
  
• Audio Adrenaline
  Another huge band in the Christian realm, these guys have been around about as long as dc Talk and they've done things from rap songs on their earliest albumbs to ska with the Supertones on their '97 realease. But mostly, they stick to a good modern rock.
  
  
• Third Day
  Now here is some good rock, in my opinion. These guys' style will remind many of Hootie And The Blowfish, especially when they hear the lead singer, who hails from Atlanta. (He's caucasion, however.) Highly recommended upbeat rock.
  
  
• Bleach
  A fairly new band, Bleach won a totally unexpected Dove Award for their song "Epidermis Girl" on their debut album (which was accepted by the members wearing jean shorts and T-shirts). But i think it was an award well deserved. I'd reccomend 'em to anyone, especially fans of the Smashing Pumpkins or RadioHead.
  
  
• Alternative Rock--Featured Female Artists
• Considering Lily
  Considering Lily features two very talented female vocalists coupled with a rock group that can play an alternative beat all too well. One of the reasons i like this band is that it can play the harder alternative melodies well, but can also do the soft and the beautiful with unmatched passion and gentleness.
  
  
• Plumb
  Now here is some impressive stuff. For those of you who like the rock styles and blatently candid music of Alanis Morisette, or even if you'd just like to hear some powerful rock with a talented female artist, then give this band a look.
  
  
• Mancy A'lan Kane
  The fact that this artist was 19 at the time of the recording probably explains the youthful naivete sound of her voice, while her soul and spirit explain the content. On the surface she's a stereotypical teenaged girl. Beyond the surface she is introspective, familiar with pain, and deeply emotional. Both sides of her personality shine through in her debut album "Paper Moon", who's genesis began when she turned to songwriting as a means of dealing with her parent's divorce. Simple, haunting, and pretty songs are what define this album's sound.
  
  
• Heavier Rock
• Skillet
  Skillet is a good pick if you like your rock a bit on the heavier side. Their music style is similar to Bush. They're best known for the song "Gasoline", a graphic portrayal having one's life consumed by God.
  
  
• Grammatrain
  Grammatrain has to be the second hardest rock group i own. Also on the ForeFront label, they're highly recommended if you enjoy the styles of Metallica.
  
  
• Guardian
  Another great hard rock band, i'd recommend Guardian to anyone who enjoys some of the heavy energetic music. Though not quite as hard as Grammatrain, they still have a powerful sound and message.
  
  
• Johnny Q. Public
  Now this is an interesting alternative band. Some of their songs could be labeled hard alternative. Others could be labled metal. Still others could only be identified as some form of jazz. Whatever name you wish to give them, one can't deny they have a uniqueness to them. (One need only listen to "Women Of Zion" or "Reader's Digest" to know this for sure.)
  
  
• John Schlitt
  The debut solo project of Petra's lead singer John Schiltt is a good pick for any fan of Petra, or those who enjoy more of a classic rock style.
  
  
• Stavesacre
  This has to be the hardest hitting album i've ever owned, musically speaking. From the infamous Tooth and Nail records, this alternative/metel is recommended for fans of Tool. And though Stavesacre is hard edged in their lyrics, though they do not shy away from painful issues in their writing, Tool's wallowings in sexual perverseness won't be found in Stavesacre.
  
  
• Techno/Industrial/Dance
• ErinFall
  Related to the band Mortal, not only in sound but in bloodline as well, Erinfall is an interesting mix of techno-industrial/dance music, somewhat similar to the Chemical Brothers and the like. Many of the tracks on this album are instrumental dance songs. But when they do bring the vocals in, hold on tight, they'll rock you up something fierce.
  
  
• Vibe Central
  This almost belongs under my Various heading down there, since it's a compilation of remixes by Jars of Clay, Eric (the) Champion, and Imagine This, i thought i'd put it here since most all remixes usually come out sounding very techno-ish. I originally bought this album just for the Jars' remixes of "Flood", "Liquid", and "Blind". Upon hearing it, i became rather impressed with Eric Champion. Some of Imagine This's songs, though a little old, aren't bad either.
  
  
• Eric Champion
  Another unique musician off of the Essential label, Eric Champion has put together a interesting blend of rockish upbeat techno. If you'd like to hear something danceable, something different, Try out this one.
  
  
• Ska
• Five Iron Frenzy
  Said to have a similar sound to Goldfinger (not the movie), Five Iron Frenzy is a group of (somewhat insane) ska players. They seem to be anything but patriotic, often focusing on the mistreatment of Native Americans in this country's history. Listen to them and you'll quickly find they believe that putting much faith in a country/government is a foolish idea. However, it's also clear that they have a real heart for God and for people.
  
  
• Insyderz
  Like the sounds of the Mighty-Mighty Bosstones? You may want to give these guys a look sometime. A ska band from the Moter City, you can tell the Insyderz have a lot of fun with their music. Give 'em a listen. You might just get "funktified".
  
  
• Supertones
  The Supertones might not have been the first Christian ska band around, but they were the first to really spread the style within the Christian realm. In a nutshell, they're just plain good stuff.
  
  
• Various
• Exodus
  Produced by Michael W Smith, this album includes new and remixed songs from artists such as dc Talk, Jars of Clay, Sixpence None the Richer, Chris Rice, and Third Day to name a few. The content of the album has a definate worship theme and on the whole is filled with beautiful melodies. Highlights include dc Talk's "My Will", Jars of Clay's "Needful Hands" and Michael W Smith's "Agnus Dei" redone by Third day.
  
  
• Never Say Dinosaur
  This was a Petra tribute album, a group of songs written by the band and re-recorded by other bands like Audio Adrenaline, The Walter Eugenes, The Galacitc Cowboys, Sarah Jahn, MxPx, Jars of Clay, Passafist, Sixpence None The Richer, Grammatrain, Caprill And My Sister's Garden, and Plankeye. I'd post a link to this album if i could find one that didn't write it up like: <WHINE> I hated this album, it sounds nothing like Petra, it's an insult to the songs, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah </WHINE> . Apparently, the reviewers wanted the individual bands to make the songs sound exactly like Petra did them instead of actually using their own styles.
  
  
• Seltzer
  Here's the song list for this album:
  
  1. God Is Not A Secret (Newsboys)
  2. Liquid (Jars of Clay)
  3. Where Were All of You? (Poor Old Lu)
  4. B.C. (Plankeye)
  5. I'm Not The King (Audio Adrenaline)
  6. Forever (Third Day)
  7. Jesus Freak (dc Talk)
  8. Garden (PFR)
  9. Body Be (Johnny Q. Public)
  10. Teenage Politics (MxPx)
  11. Believe (Grammatrain)
  12. My World (Holy Soldier)
  13. Who Can Be Against Me? (Supertones)
  14. The Ocean (The Choir)
  15. The Best Thing (Big Tent Revival)
  
  
  
• Bonus:

A distribution company named Diamante put up a artist recommendation chart for the albums they solicit. It's worth a peek. : )
Recommnedation Chart

Counter last reset 9-26-98