DCB*

You may know that I am not a fan of contemporary Christian music (CCM to make it easier from here on out). really there are only two Artists (I use the term loosley when it comes to CCM) that I actually like when it comes to the genre. Jars of Clay, because they consistently put out material that is not only obviously christian but musically creative and innovative. And the David Crowder Band. The DCB has been putting out sonically and lyrically innovative stuff for some time now (innovative for a worship band?). Well yes, this is not your tired Michael W. Smith cheesey songwriting here, they actually write thoughtful and catchy lyrics that just so happen to be about God. If more christian artists would think about the craft then just being high-school cheerleaders for Jesus I think more people would actually listen. Anyway I saw DCB thios past weekend and they rocked, more so than any other band at the festival I saw them at. And the best thing about them, no preaching between songs. It's as if they got up there and said "Here is our stuff, sing along if you'd like if not just listen." And they had fun doing it. They don't take themselves too seriously, which most CCM artists do, they don't do silly posturing a la Toby Mac, they just go out and play. Which happens to be my favorite trait of JOC too. I became a fan after I saw them live.

Granted you have to be in the mood for DCB. Sundays is a good place to start. They still are not my favorite of all time (Paul Weller is with a host of others close behind). But in the realm of CCM (which is very small artistically) There are only two that I think matter. Jars becausethey write stuff that is applicable to real life, and can stand up to most secular contemporaries. And DCB because they do it how it should be done, creatively.

I talked to Tyrone Wells once many years ago, and he said this about the CCM industry. He told me that the label wanted them to say the name of Jesus more. That tells me all I need to know about the industry. They Just want to sell Jesus, to make money. No craft, no creativeity, just write some songs that say Jesus and let the CCM radio industry sell it. It is horrible, let these guys write some good songs, so what if it about being angry or getting dumped. Stuff that almost everyone has gone through btw. If someone hears a song they like and can relate to, then maybe they will be attracted to God through the life of the artist not just the song.