Comments on: Glimpses of God and Music on the Brain

By: Andy

Andy — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 03:29:04 +0000

PS, seeing your 20 Dec blog on David Byrne/Talking Heads, brings me to mind that they had a few, like the old Al Green remix “Take Me To The River” for one.

Also, I have a few Todd Rundgren albums and seems like every one had a song or two that was heavily inspired by old-time Negro Spiritual music, in theme and/or style.

By: Andy

Andy — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 04:50:20 +0000

The group Kansas, i.e Carry On My Wayward Son, Dust In The Wind, etc. Lead singer Kerry Livgren later went on to do his own Christian music – beautiful voice!

As for a few of the other artists mentioned, I cringe when I hear “Christ” in their music, I’m not naming names, but it seems that it’s a lot easier to do the talk (for cash) than struggle to do the walk.

By: not perfection

not perfection — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 23:44:00 +0000

and…

“Rebel Jesus” – Jackson Browne
“This Little Girl of Mine” – Ray Charles

By: not perfection

not perfection — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 03:47:19 +0000

Most of my suggestions are way before your time, LaShawn; but here goes.

“The Weight” – the Band
“Sinner’s Prayer” – Eric Clapton
“Change Gonna Come” – Sam Cooke
“Hallelujah, I Love Her So” – Ray Charles
“Tears of Rage” – the Band
“You Are My Light” – Edgar Winter & White Trash
“I Believe in Life” – Eric Clapton
“Your Love Has Lifted Me” – Otis Redding
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

Thanks, LaShawn. Good luck on the project. Looking forward to it.

By: Trish

Trish — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 01:19:57 +0000

Pilgrim–
Interesting that you mentioned Leonard Cohen. He is actually Jewish, but of course Judaism and Christianity are very closely related.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 22:09:52 +0000

Scrolling through my iPod to mention:

Dylan’s Saved album (and religious imagery throughout his catalog)

Bruce Cockburn (already mentioned)

Buddy Miller (it seems like it’s easier for the Nashville guys to get away with it)

Johnny Cash

The early King’s X albums such as Faith, Hope, Love

Mark Lanegan (formerly of Screaming Trees fills his albums with Catholic imagery)

“Golden” by My Morning Jacket

16 Horsepower

By: Dan Phillips

Dan Phillips — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 21:02:46 +0000

Ew.

You linked to a CT article.

Ew.

:^P

By: hawa

hawa — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 20:39:21 +0000

Creed.

Kanye West.

By: Shannon

Shannon — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 18:09:23 +0000

How about Evanescence? I think they are proclaimed Christian (not sure if Amy Lee acts in a Christian manner so much). Her voice is absolutely beautiful, and being a metal head, I love their sound.

By: Marvin the Martian

Marvin the Martian — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 17:20:37 +0000

U2 is an obvious one. They recently released an overtly christian song entitled “Yahweh”. The video is very moving from a Christian perspective.

I remember a band in the 90′s called Pornograffiti. The had a couple songs that reflected Christian themes. One was called “Hole-hearted”. The chorus said something to the affect that there is a hole in my heart that can only be filled by you. And this hole in my heart can’t be filled with the things I do. I should have known from the start I’d fall short with the things I do. Hole-hearted”. All you would have to do is add Jesus name somewhere in the song and you could easily sing that at a Sunday worship service.

By: La Shawn

La Shawn — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 09:09:27 +0000

Hey Mike – Good question. I’ll ask the editor. Sometimes the column appears in the Baltimore version, too, sometimes not.

By: Pilgrim

Pilgrim — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 03:28:50 +0000

Trish,
You’re right, music must be listened to with a discerning ear (including, or especially!, what passes for “Christian” music!).

I was thinking of artists who aren’t confessing Christians, or are out of the mainstream of Evangelical Christianity, who use Christian imagery/themes in their music. Maybe I misunderstood the nature of L.B.’s request.

Others along my previous line: The Violent Femmes, The Call, and I can’t believe I forgot Leonard Cohen!

By: MikeM

MikeM — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 01:47:02 +0000

Off-topic, La Shawn, but your mention of your Washington Examiner column reminds me that I’ve been meaning to ask if you know how we can get your column in the BALTIMORE Examiner on a regular basis?

By: Trish

Trish — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:06:54 +0000

There’s an older song by James Ingram and Michael McDonald, “Ya Mo Be There”, which has a Christian (and Rasta?) theme. I believe both these artists have done other, similar songs. The video of the song is fascinating, but you have to see the long version or it doesn’t make any sense.

I’d be careful about Bruce Cockburn. He’s done some Christian things–mostly earlier stuff–but also some very violent, nasty, depressing songs containing foul language. And I dunno about Tom Waits. My husband, who’s a big fan, says no, he’s never done anything Christian.

Many country artists incorporate Christian themes in their songs. Billy Dean and Paul Overstreet are two who come to mind, but there are many others.

Great review. The book sounds fascinating.

By: Stella!

Stella! — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 17:14:12 +0000

In terms of U2 particular songs: “40″ and “Love Rescue me” come to mind