Style: African-American gospel music from 1957-1982, gleaned from old recordings
Top tracks: "Put Your Hand in the Hand," "This May Be My Last Time," "I Got to Make It"
Compiler Mike McGonigal already proved to be an expert crate-digger and curator of rare, ragged gospel on 2009's Fire in My Bones, and he's done it again on this three-disc, 72-track set. The names on this comp probably won't ring any bells; some self-released their music while others relied on regional labels. "Almost anyone could raise enough money to release a seven-inch single," McGonigal says in the liner notes, itself a fascinating treasure trove and essential listening companion. You'll hear soul-stirring a capella arrangements, preachers and screechers interjecting wails and diatribes, incredible blues guitar, and some pop-influenced numbers, too. ("Jesus Been Good" could pass for a lo-fi, sanctified version of the Jackson 5.) This is gospel music as real as it gets.
While we pray for peace, we need moral clarity about this war.
We’ve got little information on Jesus’ appearance and personality. But that’s the way God designed it.españolFrançais
But experts say it can offer opportunities for leaders and congregations to grow.
