Hi everyone!

I didn't see a place to post about Christian music...but I was wondering if anybody had any recommendations for good Christian artists. I of course have my favorites but I am always looking for new music! So let me know if you have any good ones!

Thanks!

The Gatlin Brothers are the only that I know of. My father had Alive and Well and Living in the Land of Dreams on cassette and I always liked it as a kid. I can't say that I listen to music with religious themes though.

If you like contemporary pop-punk with pianos (think Ben Folds meets Blink 182), Waking Ashland is really good.

I'm not a fan of Christian music on the whole, particularly the preachy kind, but somehow Waking Ashland doesn't bother me.

Jerermy Morris records not only power pop and prog albums but Christian music. There are samples at his JAM Records site. He's a great guy and excellent artist.

Page France - Hello, Dear Wind - A pretty simple, but incredible pop record.

Sufjan Stevens - Seven Swans - One of my all-time favorites.

Five Iron Frenzy is a Christian ska band that's got some pretty good tunes.

The only "Christian Music" I can listen to is Sujfan and Half-Handed Cloud.

Bob Dylan's Slow Train Coming. Best overtly Christian album ever.

Anyone notice all the weird reviews on Danielson's Ships about it being a christian record and listening to it and it having nothing that really pointed to a christian album at all? I guess when you're coming from Tooth and Nail records the critics just kind of pinhole you. I read a interview with Danielson where he thought the whole thing was kind of funny.

Not a fan of christian music, but there is one band I noticed being quite good. Their name is Earthsuit and they follow a wide verity of music types. But I would suggest checking out J Train (Math Remix), catchy christian rap exists, who knew?

quote:

Originally posted by Sicnarf:
Anyone notice all the weird reviews on Danielson's Ships about it being a christian record and listening to it and it having nothing that really pointed to a christian album at all? I guess when you're coming from Tooth and Nail records the critics just kind of pinhole you. I read a interview with Danielson where he thought the whole thing was kind of funny.

I think he's referred to as a Christian artist because his first few records were very outwardly religious (particularly his first).

knights of the new crusade- a ridiculous christian garage rock group. totally awesome.

and that song that goes "I Loooove youuuu jeeesus chriiist" a lot of times.

quote:

Originally posted by subrock:
knights of the new crusade- a ridiculous christian garage rock group. totally awesome.

Yeah the Knights are amazing. I enjoyed both albums they released. I wasn't sure if they're supposed to be a joke band or if their beliefs are real. Regardless, I always took their songs as tongue-in-cheek and love the garage rock sounds.

do they acutally wear body armour when they play live?

There was a Pitchfork column a while back about Christian music. I just searched for it but couldn't find it, even with their snazzy new archive format. I'm sure you could find it if you looked enough, i just got distracted rereading about ten resonant frequency columns. Anyways, the article was awesome, and didn't only focus on Sufjan. Basically, if anyone indie hears "christian," Sufjan is number one on the list, which isn't a bad thing considering his christianity can be blatently obvious and he makes amazing music

quote:

Originally posted by subrock:
do they acutally wear body armour when they play live?

I haven't seen any photos of them in concert though I've heard they do wear medieveal-type costumes when they play, whatever that means. Love to see the Mummies reunite and tour with the Knights.

leigh nash ? six pence none the richer ? they have a few catchy hooks in some of their songs. and leigh's pipes are to die for.

Here are a few of the best Christian artists that come to mind that I have listened to over the years, past and present.

Five Iron Frenzy - got into these guys right around 1997, ska/rock stuff but don't lump them in with the load of crappy Christian ska/rock bands that were around at the same time. Intelligent lyrics, competent musicianship, the Frenzy had it all. Favorite album: Upbeats and Beatdowns .

Stavesacre - still together, and have made several great albums. Hard rock, with huge guitars and drums, beautifully soaring and searing music. Favorite album: Speakeasy .

Rose Blossom Punch - only released two albums, one of which I can't find anywhere. But the one I have is a real doozy. Beautifully melodic rock, a real overlooked gem. Favorite album: Ephemere .

Sufjan Stevens - you've already heard of him, undoubtedly, but out of all these artists, it's most important that you listen to him. Any and all of his albums are spectacular. My personal favorite is Illinois . And no, he doesn't really fit under the Christian music moniker since he isn't confined to that in terms of what he writes about, but his Christianity certainly comes through in a lot of his songs. Don't be too mad at me, Sufjan. You're amazing.

Mike Knott - you have probably never heard of him, but this guy is one hell of a songwriter. Very prolific, playing in many bands, but his solo albums are where his best songs are found. Kind of a general rock feel to his songs, but his lyrics are wonderful. Definitely check out Strip Cycle and if you can find it Rocket and a Bomb . Great stuff.

Over the Rhine - again I'm hesitant to lump this artist in the specifically Christian scene, but they do write about Christian themes throughout their many albums. Gorgeous female vocals (one of my favorite voices even), and every album sounds different (sometimes good, sometimes less good, lol). Tons of albums, but my favorites are Good Dog, Bad Dog , Ohio , and Drunkard's Prayer .

The Violet Burning - can't speak for any of their newer albums, but their early ones are really awesome. Kind of a Smashing Pumpkins vibe, but much different singing voice and not as guitar-focused on some of their releases. Definitely check out their self-titled album and also demonstrates plastic and elastic .

That's all that comes to mind right now, hope this was helpful somehow.

David Eugene Edwards' bands, 16 Horsepower and Woven Hand, feature songs with strong (and spooky) Christian imagery.

Al Green released a number of great gospel albums. That man can sing the darn phone book listings and still give me chills down the spine.

Sufjan Stevens, Eisley, Pedro the Lion, Mae, Bob D, David Crowder Band, Danielson.

I guess the only overtly Christian bands on this list are really Mae, David Crowder, and Sufjan.

Here are two fantastic Christian bands:
As I Lay Dying
Norma jean

This message has been edited. Last edited by: MetalKid,