Christian music

[ButterflyBlood]

Poll question: Christian music

I went with the second option. The mainstream stuff is TOTAL crap, and the underground stuff is just rip offs of far better secular bands (aside from a few exceptions such as mewithoutyou)

[kixot]

1. Frankly:

It's sucks rhino badonkadonk.

[theemu]

2. CCM is TERRIBLE.

The only exception I'll ever grant is Pedro the Lion, which many don't even consider Christian Rock, despite the fact that most of his music is about God in some way or another. David Bazan kicks ass.

[incontrovertible]

3. The Resurrected Christ

would be infinitely more drawn to the likes of a Cocteau Twins, a Bjork or even a Diamanda Galas than the GODawful tripe they try to pawn off on the idiot masses of the painfully unenlightened.

Christian art? Try Michelangelo, uh, "Carman."

[Lydia Leftcoast]

4. My idea of "Christian music" is

1. Classical Christian music, such as that composed by Bach, Mozart, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, and countless others, but my absolute favorite is the choral music composed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries by composers such as Gabrieli, Monteverdi, Victoria, Byrd, Tallis. That's what the angels sing (after they've warmed up on Gregorian chants ;-) )

2. African-American Gospel music, especially the older stuff

3. Early American shape note singing and other folk hymns

4. Russian Orthodox liturgical music, especially sung a capella in four-part harmony

5. Hymn arrangements and compositions by twentieth century composers such as Ralph Vaughan Williams, Herbert Howells, John Tavener, Ned Rorem, and Randall Thomson.

[Aristus]

6. You said it, Lydia. That's the best stuff there is.

At my church, we have to sing God-awful stuff off an overhead projector that was probably written by the guy who runs the overhead projector. How I miss the wonderful hymns of my youth.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

8. Wow, you sound like someone who

should become an Episcopalian. We get to sing most of that stuff at one time or another.

(Even the Russian chants. As a graduate students I attended an Episcopal chaplaincy where the priests had set the liturgy to adaptations of Russian chants.)

[Aristus]

10. I was raised Methodist. I still am, I guess. I go to my wife's fundy

church because she won't go anywhere else. The pastor is a good, kind and decent man, so I stay with little complaint. Except about the music. Arrrrrgh!

[Rowdyboy]

13. I agree with Lydia that Episcopalian music is flawless...

At our small, 175 year old church, We do a lot of classical and very old pieces by the greats along with a few somewhat updated hymns. The music is a delight-very mood enhancing....

My favorite part of the service is the prelude. The organist always plays an asskicking classical piece before the processional begins. When I have occasion to visit St Andrews Cathedral in Jackson, the Dean-Joe Robinson, chants (he has a magnificent voice) during the Eucharist. Church always leaves me awed and desperately hungry for Italian food and a good house white wine.

Followed by a Sunday afternoon of adult oriented activities and you have a perfect cap to the weekend.

[Karenina]

65. You wanna get "happy?"

Try Fred Hammond's "We're Blessed" Skip past the Sister's "love." Turn up the volume and treble for the e-guitar solo at the end, THE GUY IS ALL OVER IT!! They ducked it WAY UNDER in the mix, which annoys me no end! :shrug:

SATAN?

[Ellen Forradalom]

68. Another Episcopalian chimes in

Music that has withstood the test of time is the way to go. The very best church music conveys to me some of the beauty and timeless of God.

[madrchsod]

9. sang in the church choir

till i was in high school. favs -gospel,bluegrass gospel and some classic christian songs. i`m pretty much a "shout`n methodist"

[PopSixSquish]

42. I'm With You Lydia

I love all of this type of music. Especially Gospel. :hi:

[carpetbagger]

5. Can't hold a candle to Aqualung.

And less filled with Jesus' teachings than Black Sabbath's Paranoid album.

There is some decent Christian music coming out these days, but it certainly ain't Bubble Gum for Jesus.

Try classical composer John Tavener's Akathist of Thanksgiving.

[Rabrrrrrr]

7. There are a few good Christian rock bands

But, as you noticed, not very many.

But some are quite good, and I will listen to them: DC Talk is a highly recommend one, also Delirious?. few others, but I can't think of their names right now. Most Christian bands seem to focus so much on the words - and the words tend to be rather unchallenging and Boomerishly feel-good without obligation and not very artistic - and then the music follows, and the music is generally quiet sophomoric so they are easily singalongable and remembered. But, you know, one can make GOOD music that is easily singalongable and remembered, WITHOUT resorting to constant repitition of cliche. Unless done with incredible skill, any song that modulates up a half step before the final verse is crap. And that's just about where every Christian rock song seems to exist.

Pretty sad when one works for the church and can't tolerate most Christian music (except, of course, the much more interesting Christian music of hymns and classical, gospel, chant, etc.)

[AntiCoup2K4]

11. My favorite Christian rock song

Have you ever thought about your soul - can it be saved?
Or perhaps you think that when you're dead you just stay in your grave
Is God just a thought within your head or is he a part of you?
Is Christ just a name that you read in a book when you were in school?

When you think about death do you lose your breath or
Do you keep your cool?
Would you like to see the pope on the end of a rope
Do you think he's a fool?
Well I have seen the truth, yes I've seen the light and I've changed my ways
And I'll be prepared when you're lonely and scared at the end of our days

Could it be you're afraid of what your friends might say
If they knew you believe in God above?
They should realize before they criticize
That God is the only way to love

Is your mind so small that you have to fall
In with the pack wherever they run
Will you still sneer when death is near
And say they may as well worship the sun?

I think it was true it was people like you that crucified Christ
I think it is sad the opinion you had was the only one voiced
Will you be so sure when your day is near, say you don't believe?
You had the chance but you turned it down, now you can't retrieve

Perhaps you'll think before you say that God is dead and gone
Open your eyes, just realize that he's the one
The only one who can save you now from all this sin and hate
Or will you still jeer at all you hear? yes! I think it's too late.


- As written by Black Sabbath :evilgrin:

[Rabrrrrrr]

12. Love Black Sabbath!

War Pigs another great Christian tune - though not specifically Christian, certainly hits the sentiments that Christians SHOULD have.

And - it f-ing ROCKS!

What song was that? I thought I had a pretty darn good handle on Sabbath tunes, but that's not ringing a bell with me at all.

[AntiCoup2K4]

16. The song is called "After Forever"

And it's from the third Black Sabbath album....

[rucky]

76. My Favorite Athiest Rock Song...

Well all's not well
but i'm told that it'll all be quite nice
you'll be drowned in boots like Mafia
but your feet will still float like Christ's
and i'll be damned
they were right
i'm drowning upside down
my feet afloat like Christ's
i'm in heaven
trying to figure out which stack
they're going to stuff us atheists into
when Peter and his monkey laugh
and i laugh with them
i'm not sure what at
they point and say
we'll keep you in the back
polishing halos, baking manna and gas
well some guy comes in looking a bit like everyone i ever seen
he moves just like crisco disco
breath 100% listerine
he says looking at something else
but directing everything to me
ever time anyone gets on their knees to pray
well it makes my telephone ring
and i'll be damned
he said you were right
no one's running this whole thing
he had a theory too
he said that god takes care of himself
and you of you
it's all nice on ice alright
and it's not day
and it's not night
but it's all nice on ice alright

-Isaac Brock/Modest Mouse

[no one in particular]

14. I'm a born-again agnostic, but I love some old-skool Christian Rock

I still love listening to old Steve Taylor songs. He's so relevant that many Christians still disavow him.

[AntiCoup2K4]

17. Meltdown was a great song! (for the new wave era anyway)

And "I Want To Be A Clone" had to be the best Devo song that Devo never wrote.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

23. Steve Taylor - remember the anti-Bob Jones University "Color code"?

That song was the first time I had heard about Bob Jones University and their racist policies, Taylor ripped them a new one in that song, and it had quite an effect in the Christian community.

I used to love Steve Taylor, but the guy is such a right-wing ass I won't listen to him anymore, at least I won't buy anything from him (is he still making music anyway?).

Remember "This disco used to be a cute cathedral" and the entire "Meltdown album"?

Remember Daniel Amos? I just downloaded parts of Terry Scott Taylor's new album. He's not the cool New Waver anymore, he's gone and done a "Sting" and plays romantic adult music, good, but not cool.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

24. check out these lyrics

Down in Carolina way
Lived a man name o' Big B.J.
B.J. went and got a school
Founded on causasian rule
Bumper sticker on his Ford
Says "Honkies If You Love The Lord".

We don't need to colour code, we don't need to colour code
Take your rules and hit the road
We don't need to color code.
Judgement day is goin' down
Better burn your cap and gown.

White man speak with forked tongue
White supremists eat their young.
Bigotry is on the loose.
Ignorance is no excuse.
I know Jesus loves that man
Even with a Greenville tan.

Marching to Pretoria
Colour codes in churches, huh?
Following the fascist creed.
Whose translation do you read?
True believers won't be snowed
We don't need to colour code.

[LynneSin]

39. I have those albums

it was the 80's and he had the 80's sound

[GoddessOfGuinness]

15. I call it CCC

Contemporary Christian Crap.

The weirdest gig I ever played was at a Baptist Church's Xmas pageant titled "A Living Christmas Tree". The chorus was arranged on risers in a pyramid shape, and each person's head fit perfectly into the curve of a bough on a plywood Xmas tree. All I could think as I watched them was that it would seem rather appealing to a Maori headhunter convert.

Except for the music.

[AntiCoup2K4]

18. Gotta mention Phil Keaggy

The guy's made albums in just about every musical genre possible, and some I like better than others, but there is no denying that the man is one of the best guitarists alive.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

72. Jimi Hendrix said Phil Keaggy is the best guitarist in the world

When asked "What does it feel like to be the best guitar player in the world" Jimi Hendrix said "I don't know, go ask Phil Keaggy"

Now I'm 99% positive this is an urban legend passed around the Christian music subculture, but I heard it so many times...

[BurtWorm]

19. There are other options, like

I'm atheist and I like some Christian music. I don't like all of it by a long shot, and hearing music referred to as "Christian" is an instant turn-off. But I like some gospel music, especially the earthiest kind. And I like some traditional oratorios and masses. But I can't stomach commercial Christian music for the most part.

[Kamika]

20. i like it

You guys ever listened to rap or punk? theres great christian bands of both, it doesnt have to be boring hymns and stuff.

Download officer negative they (were?) a great christian punk band but i think they gone into metal which i dont like.

I still sing just about anything in the church choir, gospel or hymns or such but its nothing id listen to.

[Cheswick2.0]

21. couldn't answer

Idon't know what you mean by christian music. I sing in a group that does eastern orthodox litergical music. In other words we sing the great russian and ukrainian classical composers. I also sing in my church choir and love the classical composers and some of the more contemporary composers such as britten, britton (however the heck you spell his name)and Gospel...but if you're talking comtemporary pop or heavy metal christian stuff that they play on the radio.... I think it is all pretty horrible.

[ChesWickatWork]

44. that would be liturgical.....jeesh

that'll teach me to dis music early in the morning.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

22. Terry Scott Taylor of Daniel Amos puts 90% of secular music to shame

Over his 30 year career he's done so much great music in so many different genres if he wasn't in the Christian ghetto he'd be world famous, and considered super-hip on the level of Radiohead, the Clash, or Husker Du. Doppleganger remains one of my absolute favorite albums of all time. His lyrics are heavily influenced by William Blake, the Christian poet.

However, most Christian music sucks, no doubt about it, for economic reasons - themes, music, and lyrics are heavily proscribed to avoid offended the sensibilities of parents, just like the hair metal bands of the 1980s were heavily proscribed TO offend the sensibilites of parents, thus destroying the art either way.

Of course, most secular musicians in the US are Christians, or of a Christian culture, and gospel has had a unmatched influence on all forms of popular music, not to mention Christian themes in lots of secular music.

Isn't it interesting that the Christian music for teens and young adults has been basically censored from the mainstream music industry? Even though it remains a very popular genre and a cash cow, corporations like Viacom/MTV and ClearChannel will hardly touch it.

[nuxvomica]

25. I heard one song that I really like

It's the one that goes "Saddle up your horses/We got a trail to ride..." I don't recall who sings it but I can't get the song out of my head.
Aside from that, I haven't heard much Christian music.

[sujan]

26. it sucks

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

28. really sujan? which bands do you hate?

You must have heard a lot to be able to give such an opinion?

[sujan]

30. lets say:

ALL

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

31. have you heard any?

just curious?

[sujan]

33. are you shitting me?

come to Utah.....

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

35. been there, never heard any Christian music there

just curious if you could name a band?

[sujan]

36. well you should listen more attentively

choose your pick:
http://ubl.artistdirect.com/music/genre/info/0,,871,00.html

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

38. heh, got it sujan

loud and clear :)

[Name removed]

40. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[sujan]

41. ok

you can speak for me from now on.....

[Kamika]

46. sure

heres me imitating you

Post1: what do you think about this music
you : IT SUCKS since it is christian it SUCKS (i just wont even pay attention to the fact most "secular" bands have christian members)
answer1: why does it suck?
you: BECAUSE IT DOES LAMEO
answer2: but just why? what did you listen to to determine this?
you: (looks up some website quick) AHA look at all these names since i found a page with funny looking christian records(of which i havent even heard one) CHRISTIAN MUSIC SUCKS

[sujan]

48. lol

thanks for a good laugh...you sure make a good christian.

[Kamika]

50. you know

aslong as you never provide any argument or something to back up your statements you look like a fool.

[sujan]

51. yep

thats me

[CO Liberal]

54. Or He Looks Like a Music Lover

I think Christian music sucks.

It's an opinion. I don't have to justify it. I don't have to quantify it.

All that matters is that I think it sucks.

'Nuff said.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

55. Can you name a Christian song?

That's all I want to know. I can list a Christian bands I despise, but I'm not convinced that people are just saying they hate Christian music because they hate Christians.

[sujan]

56. that is a nonsensical point

say you despise hitler, would you go listening to neo nazi music? Ditto. So if someone abhors christianity, he/she would most likely hate christian 'musack'.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

59. ha ha you mentioned Hitler and Nazis

You lose :)

[sujan]

60. ok

as you say...

[CO Liberal]

74. I've Heard Enough ......

....on those stupid "Songs of Praise" TV commercials to know that I would not be interested in that type of music at all.

Plus my wife, who used to be a born-again Christian, told me Christian music sucks, and I value her opinion.

[CO Liberal]

27. Apparantly, Even God Hates Christian Music

From the News Search feature in Google:

Godstock to continue even after disastrous year, organizer says

Despite the stage blowing over during the second day of the three-day festival, Henry Nuxoll, organizer of Godstock, said the show will go on again next year.

"Our resolve is still there," dsif Nuxoll, of the Second Wind Ranch in Comstock. "We got half way through and saw what a wonderful event it could have been."

Saturday night, 75 mph winds knocked over parts of the stage, which forced the cancellation of Sunday's musical acts. The big consideration for closing the festival on Sunday, Nuxoll said, was the damage to the sound system, which is instrumental in getting the artists to perform.

<more>

http://www.theindependent.com/stories/081203/new_godstock12.shtml

[NashVegas]

29. Ambivalent Agnostic Pipes In

Most CM I've ever heard that's intended to present itself as such is like getting hit on the head by a 2x4.

Then you have people like Ashley Cleveland, Gordon Gano who bring a joy to it; then it becomes not just palpable but even enjoyable.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

32. violent femmes are great

they even reviewed them in CCM magazine for their "Naked leading the Blind" album.

[NashVegas]

34. "Faith"

One of my favorite Femmes tunes, hands down.

[LynneSin]

37. Other: I'm a Christian and I don't judge others by what they listen to

Personally I'd rather listen to that then some of the crap modern music (and especially country music). However, since I have other choices in Music I'll listen to those instead.

I was once judged that I must love Satan since I listened to Devil's Music like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Queen, etc. I hated the fact that they judged me on my music and not for who I am and what I do.

They can listen to whatever they want to listen to. If I'm driving and they are in my car they have to listen to my music. However, if I'm in their car I would shut up and tolerate whatever they are playing (this is from my mother who constantly listens to Country music in her car).

Actually, I don't know anyone who listens to Christian Rock music, but I'll be honest - I love a good old fashioned Hymn Sing!

[ChesWickatWork]

43. Hymn sing

we have one for 15 minutes every sunday before the service starts. I think if they held it for 30 minutes people would show up. Everyone calls out there favorite hymn and we sing. I always try to pick one that all the little old ladies like.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

45. Church is one of the few places groups can sing in public

I love singing, but other than my little singer/songwriter acts at a few open mic nights, I hardly ever get a chance. Maybe I should start going to church? I'll have to go to one of the southern flavored ones so I can hear that rockabilly gospel style I like so much :)

[LynneSin]

66. I love trying to sing the alto lines

That's one thing I miss with the Quakers - no hymn singing. Maybe I'll go to a Methodist church for the hell of it just for the hymns!

[noonwitch]

47. I dislike christian rock music, with exceptions

Once upon a time, U2 was considered christian rock. Their first two or three albums contained highly liberal christian themes. They played a concert circa 1981 in Grand Rapids at Fountain Street Church (one of about three liberal oasis' in a very conservative town).

When I went through my born again phase at age 16, the group I was involved with took no stand on rock music. We did consider Kansas to be christian rock.

[Kat45]

49. I'm Chirstian, and I've never heard it!

I'm serious; I've never heard any of the Christian music out there, so I have no idea as to its quality. But I wouldn't be surprised if there isn't any in musical genres that I like.

[SPICYHOT]

52. What about

some stryper tunes??? pretty christian

[bicentennial_baby]

53. The Yellow &Black Attack!!

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

57. now there is a Christian band that I despise

Then again, I pretty much despise all hair metal bands. Although I did learn that one piano song "Honestly", which always impresses the ladies :)

[Parche]

58. No more religion

Religion should be outlawed, it is no good and the cause of so
many wars and hatred.
Churches should be taxed

[ChesWickatWork]

61. bite me

thanks for spamming...er playing

[sujan]

62. I hear you

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

63. yes outlaw paganism now!!!

/sarcasm

[DerekG]

64. Yeah, sure Parche...

Religion should be outlawed, because Stalin's Soviet Union and Mao's China were f@#$ing paradisiacal.

[Bake]

67. Not a fan of CCM, but I do LOVE that ol' time Gospel Music

I watch those Gaither Homecoming shows every chance I get. I can't stand some of their politics, but you gotta admit (well, maybe some of you don't/won't) that those folks can SING!!!

And Larnelle Harris???? Got to be one of the best voices anywhere. What a range. What control.

That ol' time Gospel music (sometimes referred to as Southern Gospel Music) is just the best. And bear in mind, (1) I'm a Christian, and (2) I've got pretty eclectic tastes in music.

Bake

[Character Assassin]

69. The greatest Christain band ever, who didn't 'preach': King's X

Never explicit, never trying to convert anyone, Beatles' quality harmonies and guitar monster Ty Tabor.

What's not to like?

[AntiCoup2K4]

70. How could I forget to mention The Alarm??

Forget the hairdos, just listen to the music!
This song especially fits today even more than the Reaganomics era in which it was written.

Well,There's a young boy standing
Staring at the world
You know he can't control his anger
You can see it in his eyes
He's gonna smash the window
He's gonna tear down the walls
Hey mister you don't understand it
Take a look at it through my eyes
These are the kids they're powerless
So you tell them so
These are the kids they're powerful
Don't say you haven't been told

(And we'll go)
MARCHING ON
Hear our sound hear our voice
We're growing stronger
(And we'll go)
MARCHING ON
We’re not alone and we're keeping on, we're
MARCHING ON

Take a walk round your city walls
Before it all comes down
(Tumbeling down)
Take a walk down any street
You're gonna feel the stares of us all
And can you feel it burning
(Burning)
Shame is what it's called
You'd better look at what you have created
And think of all the people who hate you
These are the people that made you
When you said you cared for us all
These are the people who’ll break you
Get prepared for the fall

(And we'll go)
MARCHING ON
Hear our sound hear our voice
We're growing stronger
(And we'll go)
MARCHING ON
We’re not alone and we're keeping on, we're
MARCHING ON

We're the young who stand up
We must never be silenced
We've gotta speak up now
For all our sakes
And lift our voices higher
`Let's sing our song
Keep on marching marching
And never forget
About the power on the right side
Fights the power on the left
We have got to stand together
Forget the east and west
'Cause there's another voice crying in the ghetto
Another mouth to feed
Another heart beating in the ghetto
Another soul to set free

(And we'll go)
MARCHING ON
Hear our sound hear our voice
We’re growing stronger
(And we'll go)
MARCHING ON
We’re not alone and we're keeping on, we're going
MARCHING ON

Keep on MARCHING, MARCHING, MARCHING ON
Lift up your voices higher

(MARCHING, MARCHING, MARCHING ON)
Oh yeah
Lift up your voices now
And sing this song

(MARCHING, MARCHING, MARCHING ON)

Cause our hearts must have the courage
To keep on
MARCHING ON

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

71. good catch!

I had almost forgoten about them - I still have a cassette somewhere!

[AntiBushRepub]

73. I saw...

I saw on the church channel some religious rap....

"J.C. Iz ya with me?"

It just wasn't working...

Sooo cheesy....

In the words of Obie Trice: With rappenin' it ain't happenin'

[baldguy]

75. It's all about marketing

and has nothing to do with faith.