This month on ’33&1/3' we delve into the 1998 album ‘Sparkle’ by Christian rock/pop singer Sarah Jahn. The album was produced by Glenn Rosenstein and includes performance and songwriting contributions from members of Jars of Clay and the group Plumb. On Sparkle, Jahn subtly introduces spirituality into the lyrics without beating the listener over the head. Vocally she resembles a throatier, more alternative pop version of KD Lang and this record conjures up slinky alternative mid 90’s hypnotic sounds. A very evocative recording, one that will sound a little different every time you hear it. Sarah Jahn, an uncompromising and somewhat mysterious Christian artist states that she believed she was called to make an album. If it’s a single album of this calibre then maybe we need no other? The artist is true to her God and true to herself. Real artists like Sarah Jahn are particularly rare and here at ’33&1/3’ as you know, we like to bring you the hidden gems from the deepest caverns of the mountains of forgotten and obscure albums. This is certainly that. We wish she would release another, but fortunately for all her fans and for us at ’33&1/3’ we do have ‘Sparkle’. Come take a journey through selfless themes of spiritual regeneration and subjects dealing with cleansing of the old man nature whilst pressing on in faith hoping for a major breakthrough. ‘Sparkle’ is breaking through now on this enigmatic and surprising ’33&1/3’ podcast 21 years after it was first released.
After bursting on to the late nineties CCM scene with her critically lauded and 600,000 plus selling debut album ‘Kansas’, Jennifer Knapp had a lot to live up to with her sophomore effort. It is hardly surprising therefore that ‘Lay It Down’ often gets bumped from thought, if not forgotten altogether. And when discussed, it's frequently dubbed "not as good as Kansas" and "not as exciting as ‘The Way I Am’ her third and most sonically charged album of her ‘Christian trio’. Regardless of these comments, ‘Lay it Down’ is an album that showcases the true meaning of Christian folk rock music and contains some of Knapp's best songwriting. Good music involves peaks and valleys, taking the listener to the mountaintop one minute and back down to the valley the next. Emotionally and dynamically Jennifer Knapp somehow manages to do just that on this record. On this disc Knapp shows the kind of artistic growth expected from a seasoned veteran. One minute it's Carole King in a coffee shop courtesy of "A Little More," the next you're tapping your toe to a snappy Sheryl Crow vibe on "Lay It Down." Rich in texture and vocally passionate, complemented by deep biblical lyrics ‘Lay It Down’ offers the listener an exciting musical journey through the Psalms. Is it any wonder then that the album was nominated for "Best Rock Gospel Album" at the 43rd Grammy Awards of 2001.
U2 have never really been shy about their Christian faith. From their early days when they nearly eschewed rock’n’roll fame to devote themselves to full time Christian ministry they were always going to stand out from the pack. Indeed their sophomore effort ‘October’ is as close as any mainstream rock act will ever get to a full on worship album. Nearly 40 years and 14 studio albums later U2 are one of the best selling music artists in history having sold 170 million records worldwide. They’ve won 22 Grammy Awards, more than any other band, and in 2005, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility. Yet through it all U2 have maintained their faith and their Christianity still pours out of every album (check out ‘Lights Of Home’ on their latest offering ‘Songs Of Experience’). So with that in mind and with this month being our 1 Year Anniversary here at 33&1/3 we thought we’d do something a bit different and play what we consider to be the Top 10 spiritual songs by the Irish foursome. Ben and Alex will count you down from 10 to the number 1 song over a special extended show of 90 minutes. During that time we hear from Bono as he speaks on faith, hope, love, grace, the church and who Jesus is to him. We also hear from long time U2 producer Brian Eno on what magic happened in the studio to create one of the bands most memorable songs. So start predicting, pick your own top 10 U2 faith fuelled songs and see how you go as our 1 Year Anniversary Special, ‘The Church of U2’ is sure to entertain, enlighten and ultimately surprise you.
In this episode we bring you the Christian classic “Name Above All Names” by Chuck Girard from 1983. One of the original CCM Jesus movement pioneers Chuck gives his all on this record which some critics have cited as “one of the most anointed albums I’ve ever heard. I would be hard pressed to find an equal”. Replete with songs of scriptural Pauline wisdom and themes of spiritual warfare Chuck still manages to leave plenty of room for deep devotional worship amidst his clarion call to the church to rise up as an anointed army and take on the strongholds of this world for the Name above all Names. With music that evokes sounds and images of many great artists such as The Beach Boys, Queen, The Pretenders, Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Billy Joel and even Pink Floyd, Chuck leaves no stone unturned in his attempt to make the ultimate and maybe even first genuine CCM album. But of course here at ’33&1/3’ we like to be pioneers ourselves and bring you exclusive content which this month we have managed to do. In this episode, thanks to persistent hard work by Ben, we speak to the man himself. Yes that’s right! We have Chuck Girard talking to us about the background to the making and recording of this album. Chuck talks us through how many songs came to him from the Lord and were literally ‘downloaded’ into his spirit…and a whole lot more. Nothing but genuine revolutionary revelations, this month, from legendary Christian music pioneer himself, Mr. Chuck Girard. Simply unmissable.
Bursting on to the Contemporary Christian Music scene with their eponymous debut album in 1995 Jars Of Clay took everyone by surprise. Driven by a unique combination of drum loops, alternate-tuned acoustic guitar strumming and organic string accompaniment, Jars Of Clay didn’t sound like grunge or other alternative bands, or like much of anything else CCM was cooking up at the time. Taking their name from a verse in 2 Corinthians chapter 4 verse 7 the drummerless foursome penned songs which were honest, intense, poetic, and harmonic with sonic influences as diverse as Gregorian chants, mandolin, and gothic layered vocals. With their overtly Christian lyrics these fresh faced college kids from Greenville Illinois were a refreshing break from the pessimism and angst that dominated the mid-90s music scene. Jars of Clay not only succeeded within the realm of Christian music but thrived outside of it with their Adrian Belew produced single ‘Flood’ getting regular air play on secular radio stations and becoming a crossover radio hit that made them as close to a household name as any Christian band ever managed. 24 years on and 12 studio albums later they’re still going strong. But have they ever topped this initial groundbreaking platinum release? Find out with Ben and Alex upon clicking that Play button.
Here at ’33&1/3’ we pride ourselves on bringing you music that is not only well known CCM fare but also on revealing to you hidden gems which may have passed you by. In that vein, this month we delve into an album that is such a rare and precious find and so unheard of by a wide spectrum of the artist’s fans that we actually had trouble buying it online. The main reason being that this artist went by his birth name, Dicky Ochoa, when he recorded this Christian sophomore solo effort in 2000. A talented and idiosyncratic singer-songwriter, a collaborator, a friend of many in both the Christian and secular scene, Dicky was an indie rock treasure and an acclaimed producer. He was a musician’s musician.Although he went on to record numerous solo albums as the more well known Richard Swift, with this early album we get an unbridled vision of Dicky’s universe in his early Quaker days. On this record Dicky displays the confidence and skill of an artist who’s not concerned about showing off. The deep worshipful lyrics reveal a humble and tender soul who is only too aware of his own frailty, yet knows the sure and loving hand of his God thereby drawing the listener in to bathe in the warm glow of his gratitude for his personal redemption. Drawing on numerous Psalms and other Biblical passages for inspiration, Dicky takes you on a musical journey where you will find yourself thinking of Bruce Springsteen, Badly Drawn Boy, Neil Finn and even Radiohead. Yes it’s true that Dicky was some sort of impossible amalgamation of influences, a real ‘renaissance man’. As a bonus, for this episode, Benno was privy to some very candid and intimate details surrounding Mr. Ochoa and this early album through personal connections with his father and brother. To hear all this and much more make sure you click on that Play button for a real revelation of an album and an artist.
HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!! Welcome to 2019. To kick things off this year on ’33&1/3’ we dissect ‘Supernatural’. The 5th and final studio album from DC Talk released in 1998. Having wowed the CCM industry (and regular radio stations) with their groundbreaking ‘Jesus Freak’ where could the dynamic trio go to next? Well the answer was simple. Create one of the most powerful eclectic Christian albums of our time. ‘Supernatural’ features Christian rock, alternative rock and a touch of funk but this swan song album by DC Talk is, at its core, a full on POP album with the trio's vocals powerfully interweaving to create a tapestry of sound showcasing a wide range of stylistic influences. They adopt a very mainstream approach on this record but they do it so well it’s hard not to like it. DC Talk have always been unapologetic about their faith and never more so here but this time the presentation of it is somewhat more refined and subtle. The trio possessed more of a collective vision than they ever did before and the 1998 album also appears to be deliberately egalitarian. . . you hear Michael, Kevin & Toby all sharing time on the lead mike. This album, in our opinion, combined all of the talent from all their previous albums into one. The most astonishing thing is that they don't sound like any other artist out there...Christian or secular. Of course after everything else the big question is: Is it better than 'Jesus Freak'? If not, why not? If so, why and how? Well to get the answers to those questions and to give your ears an otherworldly treat join Ben and Alex in this podcast for what promises to be an explosive opening to 2019.
Hey everyone it’s summer so this month on '33&1/3' we’re here to give you the hottest debut ever. “For Him Who Has Ears to Hear” is the 1977 debut release by the late and formidably great contemporary Christian music pianist & singer songwriter, Keith Green. A ‘John the Baptist’ of his day, Keith Green needs no introduction for most CCM fans. His influence and lasting impact on Christian music as a songwriter and musician cannot be understated and continues to be felt today. There have been tribute albums made by artists who were in diapers when he was in his prime. Keith was the ‘real deal’ folks! From start to finish we hear a man with amazing piano skills and a passionate display of faith perfectly fused with skilful songwriting. He's frank, fearless and zealous in his love for God and His kingdom. This man was truly born again! Here we inspect this mammoth of a masterpiece which, in hindsight, showcases his finest work, best described as 70’s piano focused-oriented chamber pop that wouldn’t be out of place between late Cat Stevens and early Elton John. There are several fresh and stunningly beautiful ballads on this debut including ‘When I Hear The Praises Start’, ‘Your Love Broke Through’ and ‘Song to My Parents’. What is staggering is that this album could easily stand alone as a ‘Greatest Hits’ . . . And it’s a debut! This album is literally dripping with an other worldly raw energy and power that can only be put down to a supernatural anointing. So join us for a truly Holy Spirit infused show as Ben & Alex explore this classic album.
Hey everyone do you know what it feels like to live in the lap of Luxury? Well if not, find out in this podcast with Ben and Alex as they present 'Luxury' by Luxury. Showcasing probably the most ordained band in rock history (currently three of the five members - Chris Foley, Jamey Bozeman and brother Lee Bozeman - are ordained Orthodox priests serving in the Orthodox Church in America) and arguably one of America’s most underrated outfits who never quite got the recognition they deserved on the outer fringes, after close observation it’s hard to deny Luxury’s artistic calibre. With their 1999 self titled release ‘Luxury’ we meet a band who recorded a somewhat raw album after surviving a horrific motor vehicle crash. Themes of coming to grips with theodicy and transformational personal perceptions of God makes for a listening journey with somewhat confronting material and although a departure from their previous live sound this album was weaved in a wall of powerful production - distorted guitars, heavy drumming - but nonetheless exhibiting that high end songwriting standard the band has such repute for amongst their followers. This album has aged remarkably well since its first release and Ben was privileged to be able to get some candid answers from a couple of the band members regarding the background behind the album tracks. Although being ordained priests and strongly identifying as Christian, Luxury largely eschewed the Christian music scene on principle. Does this diminish the quality of their music or more importantly, does it water down the effectiveness of their message and witness? When you hit 'Play' you will most assuredly find out.
In this month's podcast Ben and Alex bring you one of the all time great albums, 'Slow Train Coming' by Bob Dylan. The mystical Tambourine Man’s 19th studio album was a watershed moment in his career. Having had a conversion experience in a Tucson hotel room in November 1978 Dylan set about writing a slew of radical new songs which all testified to the truth and conviction of his new found faith. Bringing on board veteran producers Jerry Wexler and Barry Beckett aided by Dire Straits lead guitarist and songwriter Mark Knopfler, Dylan crafted what Jann Wenner, founding editor of Rolling Stone magazine, called “one of the finest records Dylan has ever made. In time, it is possible that it might even be considered his greatest.” Replete with apocalyptic imagery, Christocentric devotional and angry lyrics (yes), rich and beautiful vocals enhanced with Knopfler’s beguiling guitar licks, Slow Train Coming is pure, true Dylan, probably the purest and truest Dylan ever. A rare coming together of inspiration, desire and talent that completely fuse strength, vision and art. Ladies & Gentlemen jump on board and hear the poet of rock 'n' roll. The voice of promise from the 60’s counterculture. The man who forced folk into bed with rock & became born again when his peers thought it was un-cool. The man himself. The Poet/Prophet/Singer/“SongandDanceMan”…Mr Bob Dylan!
Hey wake up everyone it’s Spring time! Come and join Ben and Alex this month as they dance around - not the maypole or the mulberry bush - but The Fashion Focus, Starflyer 59’s fourth studio album. Released in 1998 this record marked a significant change in the band’s direction. Eschewing their earlier crunching guitar shoegazing sound Jason Martin and his cohorts tackle existential crisis, depression, and impotence with a much softer, synthier feel. Described as a ‘coming of age’ album, replete with Old Testament themes of sibling rivalry and sorrow, The Fashion Focus does a merry dance taking the listener on an eclectic journey of foreboding, faith, fun and friendship. If Elvis Costello and Frank Black were produced by Morrisey in an attempt to rival Radiohead then you’ve got some idea of what’s in store for you with The Fashion Focus. And Ben and Alex might even tell you what Starflyer 59 means… ...but then again they may not.
This month Ben and Alex delve into ‘The Reckoning’, Needtobreathe’s fourth studio album. Described variously as a Southern Rock/Alternative/Country/Folk outfit the South Carolina quartet have produced half a dozen albums but perhaps none as ambitious as The Reckoning. Embracing both sides of the band by emphasising brothers Bear and Bo Rinehart's emotional songwriting while trying out new sounds and musical approaches, The Reckoning evokes themes of wandering and longing in a timeless sound. A somewhat eclectic record with an ability to effortlessly merge aspects of classic rock, blues, folk, pop, Springsteen inspired Americana, bluegrass, and country, The Reckoning has been described by various critics as, “a delightful hodge-podge of rootsy folk and crunching alternative rock”, “genre busting”, “a mix of heartland rock & roll and chest-thumping, rafter-reaching uplift” and “grandiose pop”. It has, however, also been labeled “bombastic and corny”, “over sentimental stadium schlock” consisting of “vast gospel choirs and gaudy lyrics”, skating dangerously close to “Meatloaf/Josh Groban territory of puffery”. So is this their magnum opus, a flawed masterpiece or merely an enjoyable blip on the Needtobreathe artistic timeline? What do Ben and Alex reckon of The Reckoning? Just click on that Play button and find out.
This month Ben and Alex give Derek Webb's clarion call to the sleepwalking church, 'Mockingbird' a vigorous going over.Never one to pull any punches or leave you in any doubt as to what he really thinks, the ex Caedmon's Call frontman's 3rd solo outing is a thought provoking, confronting work of art.In it he challenges Christians' views on poverty, politics, legalism and life in general and asks probing questions in his acerbic attempt to jolt us out of our complacency and comfort zone.He says he wants people to know what Christ wants his people to know and to get where he's coming from all you need to do is read the titles of most of his songs: "Rich Young Ruler", "My Enemies Are Men Like Me", "I Hate Everything (But You)", "Love Is Not Against The Law".Mockingbird is not comfortable listening but when was living as a Christian in this sin infected world ever meant to be comfortable. Webb's usual tuneful mellow acoustic folk/pop arrangements are a soothing balm on the listener's ear but his lyrics are a searing cattle prod to the flabby backside of the contemporary church.While Mockingbird certainly confronts the church and asks a lot of questions, does it however, provide any worthwhile answers? Is it meant to?Find out with Ben and Alex in this unmissable podcast.
It's June and winter has arrived, but don't let that bring a chill to your bones. Grab a hot toddy (er that's a drink) and let Ben and Alex give you the highbrow lowdown on the only Switchfoot album to win a Grammy award. They'll take you through the ins and outs of how the band came to record their finest piece of work and play you the standout tracks from what one critic called "a sleekly presented modern-rock album with no shortage of bruising guitars or catchy choruses." This was the San Diego outfit’s 7th offering and it may appear no coincidence that the number 7 has been said to signify divine completeness, perfection and wholeness. Thus 'Hello Hurricane' established its legacy by winning Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album at the 2011 Grammy Awards.
This May Ben and Alex check out Kevin Max's latest offering 'Serve Somebody'. The ex dc Talk member & Audio Adrenaline frontman offers up a covers project full of spiritual songs. Covering such iconic bands and artists like The Call, Mr. Mister, U2, Rich Mullins, Larry Norman, Bob Dylan, and even Kevin's former band dc Talk, we hear a Kevin Max that sounds seasoned and as confident as ever in his unmistakably unique voice. The question to be answered with any covers album is, "does the artist walk the fine line of respecting the original version, and simultaneously make it different enough to claim it as their own?" The short answer here is yes, as each arrangement artfully walks this line in a way that only a veteran artist can.