There’s the Celtic/Christian/Progressive band Iona as well.
I find most of the other Christian bands to be far too literal and obvious with their lyrics, which is a major turnoff for someone (non-Christian) who wants something uplifting without being cheesy-guess they feel that they have to spell everything out literally so that us heathens which might catch a few bars will immediately get the message. While Iona occasionally veers towards such territory you rarely hear the usual terms being dropped by them (“Jesus”, “God”, “Holy Spirit”, etc.).
Much agreed! I’ve always thought that “Given to Fly” is a great example of a non-traditional Christian song. And Pearl Jam, being, like, probably my favorite band of all time, does NOT suck donkey testicles.
the entire October album
40
All Because of You
Peace on Earth
Wake Up Dead Man
If God Will Send His Angels
Until the End of the World (Judas checking in with Jesus today)
The First Time
Yahweh
“Boom” was an X-Games staple back in the 90s.
“School of Hard Knocks” was featured prominantly in the film Little Nicky (ironically, about Satans retarded son)
I suprised no mention of Creed yet (but the OP did specify “not sucking donkey balls”)
My wife and I were discussing this. We find many of Vedder’s lyrics resonate with our Christianity. But my wife is sure she’s read that Vedder is a confirmed Atheist.
I figured Christian ideas have just done such a good job ensconsing themselves into many aspects of culture that they can find themselves expressed even in declaredly secular work.
But do you guys know something my wife doesn’t? Is Vedder Christian?
I really like Barlow Girl. I got so see them live a couple years ago. They’re three sisters, playing guitar/bass/drums; the bassist handles most of the lead vocals and also plays keyboards, ala Geddy Lee And the drummer is a real kick to watch play.
While not especially well versed in this topic, I’m still a little surprised* to be able to add:
Neal Morse (founding and former member of Spock’s Beard) has released a few solo projects about his personal spiritual journey. One is called “Testimony” and the sequel (some reviewer’s description, not mine) is called “?”. (That second name may not have been the best marketing decision ever made.)
Kerry Livgren (formerly of Kansas) has done a number of Xian-themed projects, some under the name A.D.
Both of these may be what the OP had in mind when he mentioned the donkey balls, although I like a lot of what Morse has done (just not the two I named).
Personally, I’d rather they both rejoined their previous bands. But, “there you go”.
Less overtly Christian is a band from Sweden called The Flower Kings. Christian or not, this is a band doing some very interesting progressive rock without the “metal” overtones typical of prog these days. (And in case anyone notices, I have mentioned them in many other threads. What can I say? Roine Stolt RAWKS!!)
*I say surprised because I thought Morse and Livgren were well enough known to have already been mentioned. Were they simply overlooked? Or are they not as famous as I thought?
I’ll definitely second Page France and Sufjan Stevens. Also, Low is a great Christian band, although I don’t know if they are a Christian Band so much as a band whose members are Christian. My favorite song of their is “Broadway (So Many People)”.
I’d also suggest Justice, a French DJ who does a lot of remixes and electronica music. I know he’s Christian, but again I don’t think there is much Christian influence in his work. Check out “NY Excuse” and “We Are Your Friends” if you can find the MP3’s.
There are a lot of other good bands in the indie scene who are Christian or have Christian themes. One person you might ask about it is the kid who runs this blog, he’s a really nice kid who knows a lot about indie music, and will definitely respond to your email. He’s also Catholic himself, and sometimes plugs an indie/Christian group on the blog, although he keeps his religion out of the blog for the most part.
Finally, re: P.O.D, I used to be way into them back in my Goth days. The only CD of theirs that doesn’t suck is The Fundamental Elements of Southtown. Although the art on some of their other CD’s is really cool too.
I don’t really listen to Christian Rock, but I pegged MxPx as Christian-influenced before I knew that they started out as Christian Rock. Then again, I don’t see any direct references to religious themes in their music, more of just a clean-cut punk group (then again, I only have one album of theirs.)
Now I also didn’t know about the roots of Jimmy Eat World, but it wouldn’t surprise me considering they exude the same sort of vibe as MxPx. Of course, it’s ironic considering their acronym
Beats me. (And of course he wouldn’t have to be a Christian to incorporate Christian themes in his music. Or he might have been a Christian at one time and an atheist now. Or vice versa.) “Given to Fly” sure sounds like a song about Jesus. Sample lyric:
He floated back down cause he wanted to share
His key to the locks on the chains he saw everywhere
But first he was stripped and then he was stabbed
By faceless men, well, f*ers
He still stands;
And he still gives his love, he just gives it away
The love he receives is the love that is saved