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Music to Raise the Dead Music to Raise the Dead

Box set chronicles the Rez Band's mark on CCM history.

Review by Andy Whitman | posted 10/21/2008 09:31AM

To understand the impact of the Resurrection Band on Christian music, consider the landscape in 1978, the year the band's debut album, Awaiting Your Reply, was released. Many conservative pastors and ...

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Carol Wilde

Posted: October 23, 2008 11:22 AM

Friends, It was always a privilege to play REZ on WCRM FM 103.9 in the Chicago suburbs. The albums came straight from REZ, and we dropped the needle on each cut and picked the hit--from 1981-1989 when the station was sold, and changed to a secular rock format. I remember how fun and dangerous it was to play, "AREA 312" on the Saturday Night All Request Party each week, and I'll never forget the impact other REZ songs had on my life, and on thousands of us fortunate enough to be there in the Chicago area at that time. In the last weeks before WCRM was turned over to the new owners, we got really crazy and played REZ in the MORNING DRIVE time, and around the clock, not just in my 7 to midnight shifts. Yep, we played REZ right up to the last minute of CCM airtime. And we thank REZ for starting CORNERSTONE, another once in a lifetime CCM moments that brought us all together for the glory of God, through voices, drums, loud stringed instruments, and danc

Jim Reynolds

Posted: October 22, 2008 11:44 PM

I have been a huge fan of Rez since 1979 and also believe that they have been the most influential Christian Rock band in history, supported by their Jesus People USA community, Cornerstone magazine, and the C-Stone Festival. They have also been mentors to other bands. Great pioneers and role models who had great lyrics, a great sound, and a revolutionary ministry. But, those who claim that there are no current Christian Rock acts rolling in the same Spirit are ill-informed, as there are now literally hundreds and thousands of recent albums produced by many, many bands who are carrying the same light and message via this hard music genre. Most of them cannot be found on the Christian Pop Rock TV shows, which are more superficial by nature. These new bands are growing and thriving in the current underground, just where Rez had their beginnings. And just like in the old days, one has to do some research to find them.

Marty Phillips

Posted: October 22, 2008 2:01 PM


I have this box set of REZ Bands. It is amazing! Not just the music but the live concert DVD and the 80 Page booklet outlining more than just Rez History but the whole modern Christian culture in it's beginnings! The commentary is full of funny stories on the DVD... Way worth the price!

Tom H.

Posted: October 22, 2008 8:38 AM

When Awaiting Your Reply came out in 1978 it was advertised as “possibly the first Christian rock album” And for me it was (Sorry Petra, you have your place in history, too). The music was good hard rockin’ and the words were straightforward, though the band could be poetic, too. For me Resurrection Band really hit their zenith on their second album, Rainbow’s End. Skyline is one of my favorite Christian songs of all time. I saw them in concert one time and their message was uncompromising. They didn’t just hope people would get the message from the music, they preached it! Glad to see this new compilation coming out.

Thomas Wagner

Posted: October 22, 2008 1:59 AM

This article speaks well of this band, but have you seen the Friday and Saturday late night TV "Contemporary Christian Rock" offerings? Dreck, if I can't use a more accurate word. It is really a bit much to see what is proffered today and find something evangelical about it. My background? Saved since 18, and that through Christian music to the likes of the Archers, Sweet Comfort Band, Bob Bennett, 2nd Chapter of Acts, and the late great Keith Green. I felt the grace, true grace, through that music, and understandable words that guided me to Christ. But such acts as Larry Norman were no more artistic or evangelical then than now. I have served for a decade in Praise and Worship music as a musician and sometimes producer and soundman, and really, I have seen what works. Music like the current offerings just don't have the Spirit in any form. Just what is it the youth are accepting? To be just like the world in sound, but wait, some Christian-esc words? We need something better.

Patrick Dennis

Posted: October 21, 2008 4:05 PM


REZ is hands down my favorite Jesus Music Band of all time. I always purchased LPs so now I finally get all this digitalized. Also the preaching and ministry at the concerts was always awesome. I remember the first time I saw them in 1979 at Florida Atlantic University. I saw them in many different states and venue types. It was always great

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