Post your favorite Christian album cover art here:

[Nevernose]

And oh so many more can be found here:
http://www.showandtellmusic.com/pages/home.html

[kick-ass-bob]

1. I'd have to pick that first one of yours...

:rofl:

[Dukkha]

26. These girls

so deep in the closet

[bertha katzenengel]

28. Neo!

You've heard of them too?!

[Dukkha]

36. oh it's worse

I've seen them live! I believe it was 1988 someone dragged me along. It was an unusual mixed crowd of Christians and headbangers. Imagine bending Styx & REO Speedwagon and making them suck worse! Really loud too.

[crimson333]

40. I have and always will like stryper

[AntiCoup2K4]

49. Now, they're just harmless Transvestite Bees for Christ

How could anybody possibly think they were in the closet?

[AntiCoup2K4]

2. Can't forget this gospel classic

[ghostsofgiants]

3. Okay, I'm actually gonna answer this one seriously

Underoath's "They're Only Chasing Safety"

[FizzFuzz]

13. my first thought on seeing this:

they don't have any problem objectifying and using women as nothing more than a prop. I would venture to guess there are no women playing instruments in the band.

no different from the seculars.

[ghostsofgiants]

15. So they have a photo of a woman's face on the cover...

And they're objectifying women? Does that mean every photographer who takes photos of women, but is not a woman, objectifies women as well?

[FizzFuzz]

22. you sound awfully angry at me for saying that.

I just told you my first thought, that's all.

[ghostsofgiants]

24. Frankly, I just don't understand where you're coming from

There are a lot of cases where I would agree with you 100% (just look at any mainstream rap video), but in this instance, I don't see it at all.

And, if you think that this cover objectifies women (or that the band has no problem with objectifying women), I might be able to infer that since I consider it to be my favourite Christian album cover, that you would think of me as an objectifier of women as well (or at least that I have no problem with their objectification). I'm not saying that you do think this about me, I don't know what you think about me, but it is a conclusion that could be reached, and I find that offensive.

So sorry if I'm coming off as angry, but I hope you can see where I'm coming from.

[FizzFuzz]

25. I see where you're coming from, and thank you for explaining

You sounded angry; I'm really glad I didn't jump in and react to that. I could have ruined a good chance for dialogue.
This is much better.

OK, I do see now that this is your fav. Christian cover and it is visually cool. and its undeniable, pretty women are nice to look at. And you're right, that doesn't mean you objectify women. I wasn't so much imputing attitudes to you personally; I was commenting on my first reaction and on societal habits.

So, where does this first reaction of mine come from?
Well, you're right, this cover is not like really blatant stuff which also pisses me off, obviously.

My thing is analyzing attitudes as they express in text and images, expecially in popular culture. Especially subtleties; I think its very important to look at subtle messages and how they affect our feelings. Also, how we build our personal maps of the world from these understandings. After all, words and behavior spring from thoughts and feelings, so I do believe that we need to be aware when our feelings are being manipulated. And we all know that media's purpose is to manipulate our feelings. (oh yeah, and make a profit. Lots and lots of profit. Piles and piles of profit. yeesh. :eyes:)

So, analyzing this crap is just my interest and my skill; I've been noticing how women are portrayed since I was a little kid. (back then it was less sexualized, but the trivializations and outright insults were really blatant)

anyway, where I was coming from in this particular one is the use of a woman as a prop. It is not about her as a person with a talent or skill or a contributing member of the band. It is about a pretty prop. Now, I realize this seems nitpicky, but I ask you to take a breath and relax; OK, now first, it is very rare to see men photographed in this objectified way. Plenty of men are photographed but mostly photos of them are celebrating their talent, coolness, influence in the world, their activities, what they DO that makes them who they are as individuals.

OK, now if you'll accept that premise, the corollary premise I'd like to state is that in this type of photo, the woman is as replaceable as a chair or flower vase. As individual and worthy as a piece of candy in a bowl full of treats. There are many images of women that use them in this way, far more so than there are of men using them in the same way. (not saying it doesn't exist. Just talking about a preponderance)

OK, now, I have yammered abit and thanks for your patience. I have one more experience I'd like to share because it will illustrate something that I believe almost all women can relate to. In contrast, its something I don't think men can relate to at all--since being represented as so passive is rare for men.

OK, the experience is, long ago, when I first saw Aliens II. Remember the scene where Ripley is at the controls on that huge-ass mechanical thing? And she is powerful and shooting the shit out of the Alien? She's not sexualized, she's not cutesy, she's brave and effective and she WINS. I was spellbound, and I left that movie feeling really powerful and energized and like maybe I could be heroic too.

Then it hit me.
I had never seen a woman portrayed in that powerful way, without a man coming to save her and take the glory. It was all her. And she wasn't even swinging her boobs around in a skintight wet tanktop or a leather corsett and latex pants. I will never forget. Gives me a chill even now.

I'm not sure men can relate to this, since men are mostly always portrayed as powerful and as individuals. But if you never got to have this feeling of reinforcement and inspiration well up in you as a response to fantasy of who you might be in your secret dreams, what do you think you might feel like? (can I add here, that for women, just about the only fantasy images we see is of ourselves as sexual. We can be stars of our romance fantasy, but can that really empower us in our lives?)

So there you have it. My little essay. If you've gotten this far, ( ;) ), then I have to say thanks for taking the time to read me.

[ghostsofgiants]

32. Alright, thank you for that

Now I know where you're coming from. Your first post just seemed really reactionary and standoffish to me. You seemed like you just wanted something to complain about. Glad to know that isn't the case.

Really though, you could say the exact same thing about the Mona Lisa. Da Vinci could have just as easily painted a vase, but somehow I doubt it would have been the masterpiece that the Mona Lisa is. To me it just seems that the beauty of a woman makes for better art. I'm sure if it was a male face on that album cover it would still be a great cover, but I just don't think it would have that same beauty. Maybe that's just me, and maybe I'm completely wrong, I don't know.

Side note: I haven't seen Aliens, but I did recently (four or five days ago) see Alien for the first time. Awesome movie. and I know what you mean about how Ripley is simply portrayed as strong and brave. It is sadly rare and a great thing to see.

I really do see where you're coming from now however, so I appreciate you taking the time to clarify.

And if I sounded angry then I'd hate to know how I come off when I'm REALLY angry, haha.

[FizzFuzz]

38. Alien I ..you just saw it?? Congratulations! Its great isn't it?

Its got a different feeling than part II. Part I is more of a dark horror sci-fiction, while part II is more of a space action flick. But they're both really well done. so interesting to see the different styles.


anyway, about art and the female form and the MOna Lisa. Yes, the female nude is a classic subject, has been for centuries (most artists who have made it into the canon are men. Straight men. The consequences of that are worth considering.) But Michealangelo painted and sculpted beautiful males, mostly. Greek statuary and other art has a strong emphasis on beautiful male nudes.

So, I don't think there's an inherent beauty in women that is lacking in men. Could it be that women have historically been prevented from pursuing artistic careers? (due to many factors--mostly childrearing duties but also cultural barriers and outright antipathy from men.) That those women who do produce art, and could show us a different perspective, are ignored by the institutions that arbitrate and define art and who is an artist? (If you're interested, a great and cool site on art and feminism, if you have the time, go to http://www.guerrillagirls.com/ )

The Mona Lisa is also particular for much more than being a depiction of womanly beauty, but to go on in my usual pedantic manner about that, I'd have to check some art critique and history books to refresh my memory. :D

Anyway, hmm I sounded reactionary and standoffish. Yeah I have a suspicion that wasn't the first time. I try to use smilies to hopefully counteract my blunt way of speaking or when I'm trying to be clear that I'm goofing around, but sometimes, I just want to say my point. I don't much like sugarcoating. If I'm serious, I mean it, and if I'm being warmhearted, I mean it. And if I'm being a lobotomized goon, I mean it!! :silly:

I guess that can come off wrong, especially online. sheesh, its hard enough in real life for most people to gauge what kind of impression we make; online its realllllly tough.

So, hey, big thank yous for reading through that dissertation of mine and all...seriously, thanks for taking the time and effort.

:hi: <---trying to show I'm not as big a bitch as I sound like, even though I am in close contact with my inner bitch and its a good thing! LOL :D (but yeah, same here, you should see me when I'm giving inner bitch the keys to the car!!!!!! :blush:)

[ghostsofgiants]

41. Thanks for that link

And thanks for a genuinely enlightening discussion. Feminism definitely isn't my area of expertise, but I do respect it profoundly and am always interested to hear the perspectives that it brings with it.

Also: when the hell did it become okay to have a civilized discussion on the internet? That's almost unheard of! Haha.

[FizzFuzz]

42. civilized discussion---

we're doing it!!!

just shows to go ya, we create the world. One little bit at a time.

This is, in my opinion, a demonstration in real life of the Buddhist maxim, "We are one with everything." High minded philosophy is nice, but I like it when I can use it in practice.

That is so cool that you are a guy who is interested to understand feminist thought. Far Out!!! Last year I worked with a professor who taught Women's Studies. She was so brilliant, I swoon just thinking about her! (smart people make me swoon ;) )

[ghostsofgiants]

43. I see feminism as part of an overall concept of humanity

I'm also a straight guy who's a very strong supporter of gay rights. To me, above all else, we're all human, and that's what really matters to me.

[FizzFuzz]

44. Yes!! Yes!! and may I reaffirm, Yes!

I could never understand bigotry and racism. Oh sure, I'm judgemental and shallow sometimes, like most of us, but the kind of primitive hate people project on "people who aren't like us" is something I have a realllll hard time with. Or when people refuse to stop and look at themselves. Ignorance. Makes me very angry. But then, there's anger again, and back to self-reflection.

It IS hard to discuss issues like the one we just did, and stay civilized. But I feel inspired, it was a good thing. Refreshing!

Anger and defensiveness can really cause problems, and I've certainly gone straight to that place before. Does NOT lend itself to genuine discussion, I can say from experience. It takes work to see where something like that causes problems, put down the anger and defenses, and to see how to change oneself, since its only in changing oneself that the world can be changed. (ooo! its work. Lots and lots of hard work. <---ahem )

Laterrr!

[GreenPartyVoter]

4. These, really

http://www.iona.uk.com/newindex/2004_pages/albums_2004.htm

[Nevernose]

5. Christian music's come a long way, hasn't it?

Some of those album covers are quite good.

[GreenPartyVoter]

6. The music is, too. Kinda like a celtic progressive rock on some of

their cuts.

[Nevernose]

12. I'm always leery of Christian music

I grew up in the South, with the requisite tent-revivals and Christian rock concerts. And the pleas for money, and the bribery of salvation, and the extortion of damnation. I have actually seen "Mike Crain: Karatist Preacher" in person, and he breaks a remarkable amount of stuff using the power of the Lord. I'm always reminded of that King of the Hill episode in which Hank says, "Bobby, can't you see? They're not making rock music any better, they're just making Christianity worse."

But I hate to dismiss something without even giving it a chance; if their music is as good as their album covers, I'll sample their songs. Besides, they can't possibly be any worse than this guy :):

[GreenPartyVoter]

16. They really aren't bad. You can always skip over the ones where they

sound too my-way-or-the-highway.

Definitely check out the JOURNEYS into the MORN album. I love it. :)

[FizzFuzz]

8. they don't fit the typical Christian rock or Gospel genre

to my mind.

I like celtic atmospheric music alot, and I actually have an Iona CD. I didn't even realize they were Christian.

interesting.

[GreenPartyVoter]

11. Some of their albums are more blatant than others. Book of Kells is not

one of them. Journey is a mixed bag.

[FizzFuzz]

19. I think its Book of Kells that I have

I'm not christian, it holds no appeal for me and I too am very leery of christian music. Especially these days, where christianity has been so badly twisted and the twisted version is what's getting such publicity. Sadly.

I do like spirituality--however, if they were doing "jesus is the only way", then I would have to disagree and move on.

[Reverend_Smitty]

7. this is a great site for that stuff too

http://bizarrerecords.com/index.html hours and hours of enjoyment!

like this one

[tjwash]

20. Superfly!! Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Vague "Carwash" reference.

[name not needed]

9. This one

[Nevernose]

14. My, how tasteful.

:)

[FizzFuzz]

23. HAHAHA!!

seems there's a real attraction to the "freak show" angle? You know, those poor defectives, let's simper over them and convert the poor misshapen things.

I can say this, Mr Fuzz is Deaf and we have had to fight off more than once, proselytizers coming to the door or trying to save him, or interrupting us when we are out in public. They learned sign language just to help the poor poor deaf people.

ick.

[VOX]

46. Good grief!!!!!!!!

To effing much!!!! :crazy:

[Rick Myers]

10. The second one is Mike Myers!!!

LOL

[Beware the Beast Man]

17. How about this?

And yes, they fucking rock!

[Nevernose]

18. I left off the best one:

They look so HAPPY to be in a lake of fire, don't they?

[FizzFuzz]

21. this makes me think of a great quote

I have to paraphrase, cuz I don't remember exactly,

"If people stopped worrying about the devil and just attended to doing good to others, he'd just die of ennui"

[bertha katzenengel]

27. How about some heavy metal?

edited to add images

[Nevernose]

29. Some of those girls are pretty hot!

Oh, er, wait a second... Is Christian music supposed to be giving me some kind of gender identity crisis?

[AntiCoup2K4]

50. That's nothing! Remember THIS album cover (NON Christian band)

I used to think these chicks were hot - and then I heard the album :scared:

[Zuni]

33. I actually owned that Stryper album

back when it was new, "To Hell With the Devil". I didn't have fundie parents either. I honestly don't remember how I ended up with that next to Poison and Europe's "The Final Countdown"

[bertha katzenengel]

30. for my serious answer

for reasons I don't have time to explain

'night, all

[Lannes]

31. Faith + 1

[Mrs_Beastman]

37. doh

did not see your post, sorry

[Lannes]

39. No problem

Happens to me all the time.

[asthmaticeog]

34. Hey, remember the '80s?

[blondeatlast]

47. So did A Flock of Seagulls win their lawsuit regarding the hairdon'ts? nt

[Mrs_Beastman]

35. This album brings me to tears..........

Couldn't find a bigger pic, sorry

[blondeatlast]

45. My favorite Christian album--and its cover art...

This, my friends, is Gospel Music:



RIP, Pops. You and Johnny Cash oughta be rocking them but good up there!

[VOX]

48. NOW you'e talking!!!!

Outstanding pick, blondeatlast! :thumbsup: