Keeping You in Tune with Today's Music
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
It's been a tricky week for us at Christian Music Today, considering some of our new content. Follow along …
First, a heartfelt interview with Victor Oquendo, a producer and R&B/hip-hop artist better known as Liquid. His hyper-eclectic debut is one of my favorite albums of the year so far, but whether you like his music or not, there's a lot to appreciate in his message about redeeming the inner-city neighborhoods of Philadelphia—"The Badlands," as 20/20 once called them. Still, some readers may bristle at his use of the word "sucked," considering we received complaints about using that same word in last week's newsletter.
That's just the start. Bruce Cockburn is one of today's most highly regarded songwriters, and an influential pioneer in the Christian music genre. He's a professed believer, CCM magazine once named two of his albums among the 100 greatest in Christian music, Steve Bell recently recorded an album covering his work, and even worship band Starfield took their name from one of his songs. But his new folk-pop effort, Life Short Call Now, includes a profanity as part of a political rant toward President Bush.
Then there's Lost Dogs, a longtime underground favorite comprised of Christian rock veterans—Terry Taylor, Derri Daugherty, Mike Roe, and now Steve Hindalong (creator of the City on a Hill worship series). They're all outspoken about their faith, and their new album, The Lost Cabin and The Mystery Trees, features the same country rock sound that's endeared them to audiences for 14 years. But wait a second … was that some light profanity I heard in a few of the new songs?
For the record, I'm certainly not condoning the use of profanity, and I believe the Bible has a few things to say about watching our mouths (James 3:1-12 and Ephesians 4:29, for starters). At the same time, there have been days when I've been less than proud of myself due to Chicago's infamous traffic patterns. But how do we reconcile the more intentional use of coarse language in music?
This is a topic of which I can only scratch the surface in a short newsletter like this, and one that may trigger angry responses. As I've noted before, we've always been a diverse Christian culture that loves to squabble over the small stuff, even back in Paul's time. Some of you won't bat an eye at an artist's use of profanity, saying we should cover the artists who declare themselves followers of Christ. Others will say we shouldn't cover them because of their un-Christian behavior.
We feel the best course of action is to simply report on the facts and let you decide for yourselves. Some will be grateful we're covering these "outside the box" artists, while others might benefit from knowing not to buy an album that could potentially offend them. We hope to explore this in more detail in the not-too-distant future, but feel free to write us if you have a thoughtful opinion on the subject. And take our poll on the topic too.
Meanwhile, check out our new interview with worshipful Brit pop/rock band Leeland, and an independent artist spotlight with former American Idol contestant Joanna Martino. In addition to Cockburn and Lost Dogs, our review coverage this week includes worship from Bethany Live and Vineyard UK, plus the progressive indie rock of Hundred Year Storm.
Grace and peace to you,
Russ Breimeier
ChristianityToday.com
To reply to this newsletter: music@christianitytoday.com
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 Bruce Cockburn
Life Short Call Now (Rounder Records)
Americana pop/rock
 Lost Dogs
The Lost Cabin and the Mystery Trees (Fools of the World)
Americana pop/rock
 Hundred Year Storm
Hello from the Children of Planet Earth (Floodgate Records)
Progressive emo/indie rock
 Vineyard UK
Unfailing Love (Vineyard UK/Maranatha!))
Modern worship
 Bethany Live
Let the Church Rise (Integrity)
Contemporary worship
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 Out of the Ghetto
Hip-hop artist Liquid grew up in a Philadelphia neighborhood that's so tough they call it The Badlands. Though he's since left the ghetto behind, it's still a big part of his life—and music.
by Andree Farias
Introducing … Leeland
He fronts one of Christian music's hottest buzz bands. He writes with Michael W. Smith. And he's just 17. Meet Leeland Mooring and his 21-year-old keyboardist brother Jack.
by Russ Breimeier
The Scoop
ZOEgirl calls it quits; Switchfoot finishes album; Delirious drummer completes Ironman; U2's Zoo hits DVD; and more.
by Andree Farias
GLIMPSES OF GOD
India.Arie: Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship
He fronts one of The latest from the acclaimed neo-soul artist may be the first-ever inspirational break-up album, using her broken heart as an opportunity to express her spiritual beliefs more openly.
by Russ Breimeier
 Leaving the Abuse Behind
For years, Sarah Kelly was strangely attracted to abusive guys. But now shes left those days behind, and is dealing with the healing on her new album—and in this interview.
by Christa Banister
He Gives, and Takes Away
You're probably familiar with the Casting Crowns hit single "Praise You in This Storm." In this excerpt from his new book Lifestories, frontman Mark Hall tells the story behind the song.
by Mark Hall
 Don't Drink the Water, CD
Playdough returns to the studio with this collection of bouncy, bumpin' hip-hop songs with intelligent flows and his unmistakable voice. Includes "Dang!," and "Leave You."
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 Wide-Eyed and Mystified, CD
The third album release from Downhere carries on their sharp, clean, modern rock sound with fresh arrangements and worshipful lyrics. Includes "Dying to Know You," and more.
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 This Is Me, CD
Dove and Stellar Award Winner Kierra Kiki Sheard returns with a potent blend of passionate gospel, hip-hop, and R&B, including the club-ready "You're The Only One," and more!
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 CTI Celebrates 50 Years!
In October 1956, the first issue of Christianity Today rolled off the presses. Since then CTI has grown into an international communications ministry. To celebrate, we've launched our 50th Anniversary Channel. Visit now, and check back regularly to learn more about the rich heritage of Christianity Today International!
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Keeping a Clean Record
Skillet is busy wrapping up the recording of their seventh album, Comatose, but front man John Cooper took time out in the studio to discuss the recording process.
Coming Full Circle
Gabe Martinez of Circleslide explains his band's name, the delay in releasing their debut album, and what it was like to record with a couple of Choir-boy heroes.
Back to His Old Streets
Long before superstardom with the Backstreet Boys, Brian Littrell grew up on Christian music. Now he returns to his roots with a solo album brimming with the things of faith.
The United State of Worship
With artists like Michael W. Smith and Kirk Franklin leading the way, praise and worship music is booming in popularity—and bringing together Christians of all stripes and colors.
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Anadara
BarlowGirl
Salvador
Songs from the Voice
Spring Hill Worship
V3
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Some artists who identify themselves as Christians occasionally include a profanity in their lyrics. How do you feel about that?
- Doesn't bother me at all
- Could be OK, depending on context
- It's always inappropriate
Vote here, and see how your answer compares to others'.
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Leigh Nash releases her solo debut this week. Which is your favorite album from Sixpence None the Richer?- Divine Discontent (2002): 37%
- Sixpence None the Richer (1997): 23%
- This Beautiful Mess (1995): 23%
- The Best of Sixpence None the Richer (2004): 9%
- Tickets for a Prayer Wheel EP (1995): 4%
- The Fatherless and the Widow (1993): 2%
- Collage: A Portrait of Their Best (1999): 0%
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Redeemer: The Best of Nicole C. Mullen, CD
