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Open Forum => Off-Topic => Topic started by: Minister Polarius on July 19, 2009, 04:24:41 PM
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Ok, there have been people throwing out names of "good" Christian bands a lot lately. On this thread, I want you to post a Christian band you think is objectively good (not to be confused with bands you like) and then say why you think it is good. I have a few to do, but I'll let someone else start.
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here is a list of some good Christian bands and artists. Highlighted are the best in the biz
-Hillsong united-Great lyrics, musicians, singers, and they have a great variety since they have been around for a while.
-NewWorldSon- itz kind of different not your average Christian Band. Good musicians, great lead singer!
-Third day-a very well rounded group, good lead singer, good musicians, solid lrics imo not as good as Hillsong
-Lincoln Brewster-Best guitarist playing in Christian music! also he has a good voice.
-Phil Wickham-best male vocals and lyrics in Christian music. i.e. True Love, cannons
-Casting crowns-solid vocals and lyrics
-Fee-good lyrics and vocals, musicians but not great.
-Danyew-up and coming, his voice is almost on par with wickham's but his lyrics arnt at that level...YET
some people who have at least one amazing song
-addison road
-rush of fools
-starfield
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I look forward to seeing what people post here. I hope to see some posts with some bands who have good music as well as lyrics. Most of the Christian music that I hear people praise tends to fall too much into the worship, or sing-along, category (not that I have anything against worship music), and not enough in the listen-to category.
The closest thing to a good band I can come up with (I'm a picky listener) is probably Demon Hunter. Their songs are dense with lyrics that, when heard from a Christian perspective, contain powerful and inspirational meanings. Their lead vocalist is very effective in both clean vocals and, um, un-clean vocals. (I'm not sure if what he does qualifies as "growling.") They're also capable of writing comfortably heavy riffs and some pretty fun breakdowns.
My only complaints: they're metalcore, so they can be a little grating on the ears from time to time. And there's not enough guitar for my liking; the guitarists don't very often venture away from the main riffs into solos or fills or play anything very technical. What makes up for that in part is their amazing drummer. Any drummer who can play syncopated double-bass lines (which is not where syncopation is usually found) gets my approval.
P. S. If someone points me to a Christian progressive death metal band that, in addition to actually existing, is really good, you will be my friend forever. ;)
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Casting Crowns and Lifehouse are epic.
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Musically, I think that most Christian bands have gone downhill a little bit. But there is a Christian band for every type of genre. No matter if you like bluegrass, country, rock, rap, punk, ska, screamo, alternative, pop, contemporary, classical, hymns, electronica, or everything in between, there is a Christian band or 15 in that type of genre.
But your question is objectively good music, which is probably one of the most subjective topics. Myself, I can't stand country. I don't like any of it and think none of the music is good. Now, don't get me wrong, there are plenty of talented country music singers/groups. They can play an instrument and I can't. However, I just don't think any of it is good. But that's my opinion. Music is all about opinions. I know a lot of people that seriously think anything with a beat more than hymns and some contemporary Christian songs like hymns is from the devil. That is what they believe and no one can tell them otherwise. I personally do not believe that, but they are entitled to their opinion. Just like you. You can say what you think is good or need a professor of music to tell whether certain music is "objectively" good.
I could go on and on about this, because what you think is good, I can think is terrible and vice versa. However, here are some bands that I currently think are very good, with varying genres:
Thousand Foot Krutch
Project 86
Sanctus Real
Superchick
Fireflight
Barlow Girl
Anberlin
Cool Hand Luke
Ill Harmonics
John Reuben
Pillar
Relient K
Switchfoot
Skillet
Demon Hunter
As far as looking for Christian death metal, there are lots of different types. I'm not quite sure how metal/rock you're looking for, so check out Project 86, Demon Hunter, Zao, Underoath, and Blindside for a start. I know of some others, just can't think of their names right now.
If anyone can give a secular example of the type of music they like, I can give you a good Christian one or two.
Eric "good music ftw" Largent
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Becoming the Archetype
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tobyMac, DC talk, RED, Falling Up, Inhabited, TFK,
Stellar Kart, Andy Hunter, Relient K, The Becoming (my cousin's band on tooth and nail, they r gothic Christian lol), Fee, FAMILY FORCE 5, Whitecross, Skillet, Bride, Hawk Nelson, Capital Lights, The Classic Crime, Fireflight, Pillar, Underoath, This Beautiful Republic, Andy Hunter, B. Reith, KJ-52, David Crowder Band, Fee, Hillsong United, Newsboys, Petra, August Burns Red, War of Ages, Anberlin, Haste the Day, I am terrified, much, much, more i discover a new band every week lol. They are all christian, and i would encourage anyone to listen tothem. BTW u could consider underoath or War of ages, haste the day, or august burns red death metal. i have been looking for some Christian deeathmetal as well lol
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-Casting crowns-solid vocals and lyrics
Sanctus Real
Relient K
+1 :thumbup: also...
Dc Talk- awesome music,awesome vocals. Fave Song(s) Jesus Freak
Kutless- legendary vocals,awesome music. Fave Songs(s)Million Dollar man, Your Touch,Beyond The Surface,Somewhere In The Sky,Shut Me Out
Petra- awesome music,awesome vocals Fave Song(s)Second Wind, Shakin' The House,Think Twice, Right place,Get On Your Knees And Fight Like A man,Adonai, You Are I am,You Are My Rock *breathes*
Casting CrownsAwesome vocals, Awesome Lyrics,Awesome music Fave Song(s) American Dream,Voice Of Truth, If We Are The Body\
Relient KLegendary music, legendary music. Fave Song(s)Be My Escape, Must Have Done Something Right,Who I Am Hates Who I've been.
add a +1 if u like these bandstobyMac, DC talk
i would talk about them too but this is getting long
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Sixpence None the Richer: Leigh Nash has an incredible voice, the instrumentation and songwriting is incredible.
Relient K: They write really great songs and combine lyrics very well. I don't care for their style much anymore, but they definitely have musical ability.
Underoath: I don't think anyone else has been as innovative as they have been in the world of metal. Their new album's Sigur Ros influence especially gives them a place up here.
In all honesty, I think it's not so much that I hate Christian artists as much as it is that all Christian artists are corporate and I hate corporate music (with some exceptions). Since the world of indie isn't labeled Christian/non-Christian, by liking almost exclusively indie music after about '95, I am thereby hating Christian music.
Also, Jack White, Ricky Skaggs, Bono, Bob Dylan, Kanye West MC Hammer, R Kelley, Elvis Presley, Run DMC, Alice Cooper, Johnny Cash, Gram Parsons, and many other artists are all Christians.
The Becoming (my cousin's band on tooth and nail, they r gothic Christian lol),
They're from Nashville, I know some of the guys. Which one is your cousin?
Another great band of Christians would be Kings of Leon. Their dad is a pastor.
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My favorites right now are Leeland and NEEDTOBREATHE mainly because of their unique sound combined with good lyrics.
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My favorites right now are Leeland and NEEDTOBREATHE mainly because of their unique sound combined with good lyrics.
I met that guy (Leeland) at Michael W. Smith's house once. Pretty cool dude.
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if u like metal the devil wears prada is a really good band
i also like hawk nelson, red, relient k, demon hunter, family force 5, lecrae is a good christian rapper, and jeremy camp is a very good guitarist and singer
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Sixpence None the Richer: Leigh Nash has an incredible voice, the instrumentation and songwriting is incredible.
Relient K: They write really great songs and combine lyrics very well. I don't care for their style much anymore, but they definitely have musical ability.
Underoath: I don't think anyone else has been as innovative as they have been in the world of metal. Their new album's Sigur Ros influence especially gives them a place up here.
In all honesty, I think it's not so much that I hate Christian artists as much as it is that all Christian artists are corporate and I hate corporate music (with some exceptions). Since the world of indie isn't labeled Christian/non-Christian, by liking almost exclusively indie music after about '95, I am thereby hating Christian music.
Also, Jack White, Ricky Skaggs, Bono, Bob Dylan, Kanye West MC Hammer, R Kelley, Elvis Presley, Run DMC, Alice Cooper, Johnny Cash, Gram Parsons, and many other artists are all Christians.
The Becoming (my cousin's band on tooth and nail, they r gothic Christian lol),
They're from Nashville, I know some of the guys. Which one is your cousin?
Another great band of Christians would be Kings of Leon. Their dad is a pastor.
caleb owens. yup.
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if u like metal the devil wears prada is a really good band
i also like hawk nelson, red, relient k, demon hunter, family force 5, lecrae is a good christian rapper, and jeremy camp is a very good guitarist and singer
u stole my post lol
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I appreciate that all the Christian metal bands that everyone's been posting. I've already checked out some of their stuff on YouTube. But why is it that so many Christian metal bands fall into the metalcore genre? Demon Hunter, The Devil Wears Prada, Underoath, August Burns Red, Haste the Day, War of Ages, and Zao are all metalcore. I really do get tired of all the screaming...
I will go check out Becoming the Archetype, though...
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Sixpence None the Richer: Leigh Nash has an incredible voice, the instrumentation and songwriting is incredible.
Relient K: They write really great songs and combine lyrics very well. I don't care for their style much anymore, but they definitely have musical ability.
Underoath: I don't think anyone else has been as innovative as they have been in the world of metal. Their new album's Sigur Ros influence especially gives them a place up here.
In all honesty, I think it's not so much that I hate Christian artists as much as it is that all Christian artists are corporate and I hate corporate music (with some exceptions). Since the world of indie isn't labeled Christian/non-Christian, by liking almost exclusively indie music after about '95, I am thereby hating Christian music.
Also, Jack White, Ricky Skaggs, Bono, Bob Dylan, Kanye West MC Hammer, R Kelley, Elvis Presley, Run DMC, Alice Cooper, Johnny Cash, Gram Parsons, and many other artists are all Christians.
The Becoming (my cousin's band on tooth and nail, they r gothic Christian lol),
They're from Nashville, I know some of the guys. Which one is your cousin?
Another great band of Christians would be Kings of Leon. Their dad is a pastor.
caleb owens. yup.
I'm not sure if I know him. I know Patrick and one of the other guys who's name I can't remember.
Christian music seems to be lacking in the folk department. I suppose there's John Foreman, but I didn't think he was very good when I saw him. Also, I can't think of any Christian indie besides Deas Viel (who suck) and Leeland (who's pretty decent).
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I post these on every music thread, but I will post them again as rarely ANYONE on here has heard of them... shame really.
Theocracy. Originally a one-man band he stated the following. "when discussing the most powerful subject in the universe, you cannot back it up with weak music." So... he writes what he describes as "epic metal." Its kinda like, progressive power metal. Matt has great songwriting skills and a FANTASTIC voice. Try their new album (which actually has more than one person), Mirror of Souls. VERY good lyrics as well, especially the 20 minute title track.
Heres the heaviest and IMO the best track of this album.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B24j9fnkxo4&fmt=18# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B24j9fnkxo4&fmt=18#)
Neal Morse. This guy certianly takes a certian taste to enjoy, as he is EXTREMELY progressive, and rarely makes short songs (at least 8 of his songs are over 9 minutes long, one being 25 and another being 29). However, he has FANTASTIC lyrics, amazing songwriting, and as an added bonus, the drummer from Dream Theater has joined him on all his albums (who I consider to be the best drummer on the planet).
This song is a good mix of Neal's heavy and melodic sides.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHgrma1JM2Q&fmt=18#ws (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHgrma1JM2Q&fmt=18#ws)
Harmony. Basicly just a good christian power metal band. This song below is a good summary of their music. Oddly, its the only song with serious christian lyrics. The rest I'm not totally sure, but I doubt they'd go from saying Jesus died from you to something bad.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ium-bfjAMHc&fmt=18# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ium-bfjAMHc&fmt=18#)
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I've sort of heard of Theocracy. I found it once while searching around Wikipedia for Christian bands. I never really got to determine if I liked them or not, since it's hard to find their stuff on YouTube. And I looked up Harmony once, but when I read their lyrics, I couldn't decipher them to the point where I could determine if they were Christian or not. Aren't they Swedish or something?
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Somewhere in Europe yeah.
Listen to Eternity and you'll realize they're christian, or at least "positive grey" for the rest of their songs.
As far as Theocracy goes, their entire 2nd album can be found on Youtube, check it out if you want. I strongly suggest you do, as they're one of the most original Christian bands I have found.
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I appreciate the good posts people have been putting up here. Some people are continuing to just lists bands (or of they do describe why they are good, it's with weak adjectives that could apply to ice cream flavors as easily as music) but I expected that when I started this post.
I'm just going to start with the obvious choice for me: U2. The reasons why they are a good band are innovation, energy, and lyrical talent. The Edge's innovation speaks for itself, so I'm not even going to elaborate on that. When the War CD came out, it completely revolutionized music. New Year's Day was a sound that was unheard of before, and the drum part on Sunday Bloody Sunday changed the way I thought about drumming when I first heard it. And then there was Where the Streets Have No Name. The first few minutes of the song are a vocal-free jamboree of soaring music and building energy. Bullet in a Blue Sky is one of the most dynamic songs I've ever heard, especially the live version. Beautiful Day is another instance of pure brilliance from a songwriting standpoint.
The energy is something not unique to U2, but very unusual for the kind of music. There are no heavy, grungy riffs or throbbing drum parts, but nobody can deny the sheer explosiveness of Vertigo or Gloria. Even the slower songs like October or One Tree Hill have a certain quality of power that belays the tempo.
Then there are the lyrics. "People say this is the golden age, and gold is the reason for the wars we wage." "Sleep comes like a drug in God's country." "And it's true we are immune when fact is fiction, MTV reality." There are so many other great lyrics that doing justice would take up multiple pages, so I'm just going to stop here.
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Harmony. Basicly just a good christian power metal band. This song below is a good summary of their music. Oddly, its the only song with serious christian lyrics. The rest I'm not totally sure, but I doubt they'd go from saying Jesus died from you to something bad.
Props for being the first person to post a song on this board that I actually enjoyed listening. This group seems to be able to be enjoyed by you youngins as well as old fogeys like me :)
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And then there was Where the Streets Have No Name. The first few minutes of the song are a vocal-free jamboree of soaring music and building energy.
Sorry, I just found this kinda funny, but thats probably because I know numerous songs that at least 4 minutes for the lyrics to start... the Neal Morse song I posted is almost a perfect 4 minutes before the lyrics begin, and one Dream Theater song takes 5:30 for the lyrics to begin. :laugh:
Thats the problem with getting used to 20 minute + songs, 5 minutes and under become kinda boring. Its like, "wheres the song?" ;D
Harmony. Basicly just a good christian power metal band. This song below is a good summary of their music. Oddly, its the only song with serious christian lyrics. The rest I'm not totally sure, but I doubt they'd go from saying Jesus died from you to something bad.
Props for being the first person to post a song on this board that I actually enjoyed listening. This group seems to be able to be enjoyed by you youngins as well as old fogeys like me :)
If you like that, I'm sure I got more you'd like. Theocracy is sorta power metal-ish. I just happened to post their heaviest song because I love it so much. ;D
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I would have to say that John Reuben is objectively good, though I know a good portion of people will disagree simply because his genre is rap. I view him as a lyrical genius, personally, and his tracks line up with the words immaculately. He has a talent for switching, and keeping, tempos easily and at the right moments to string parts of verses together so that the words and the music become two halves of one whole.
Another group I would say is very good, if not great, is Flee the Seen. The vocals a great, and they are definitely one of my favorite metal bands. Their sound is unique (at least from what I've experienced) both through the vocals and the instrumentals. The videos they've done also pair with the music well, almost keeping you wondering what's happening until the whole is revealed.
Aaaand I have more, but I don't wanna tl;dr this.
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I'm a huge fan of Skillet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKT5SjcrSFg&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fke.nelson&feature=player_embedded# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKT5SjcrSFg&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fke.nelson&feature=player_embedded#)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuyupBmHfVQ&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fke.nelson&feature=player_embedded# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuyupBmHfVQ&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fke.nelson&feature=player_embedded#)
These are the two new songs that have been released as singles off their new album coming out next month. The reason I like Skillet is because every song of theirs does NOT sound the same. Some bands you hear the same sounds again and again. And the lyrics are pretty awesome too. Their stuff ranges from ballads (like "The Last Night" and "A Little More") to practically screaming (like Hero and Rebirthing). It's good stuff. They're probably the highest quality Christian band I know of at the moment.
I'm also a HUGE fan of Lincoln Brewster. We use a lot of his songs at the contemporary service at my church, and I really like how awesome he is at guitar. I heard him live at Creation for the first time this year, and really liked him live. I'm a big fan of his song "Today is the Day," and "The Power of Your Name"'s chorus is underneath my profile picture on my FB page. :)
~Marti
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Casting Crowns, Third Day, DC Talk, and Tobymac are my favourites.
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What's with all the death metal? What is so good about some guy screaming his head off?
I like heavy rock.
Screamo is NOT death metal... and I dislike both.
Death metal is a WHOLE different story, with what I call "Cookie Monster" vocals.
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I think this song is lyrically genius.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuPuc8zbQ5s# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuPuc8zbQ5s#)
I'm not a fan of Relient K, but I respect them.
This collaboration should speak for itself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4QbEcVVBHM# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4QbEcVVBHM#)
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Here's probably my favorite song my favorite song by Flee the seen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnaEiHlYQ4E# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnaEiHlYQ4E#)
and this one won't allow me to embed, but I love it as well. it's a bit heavier though. ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUR5V7ykdpA# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUR5V7ykdpA#)
And John Reuben has too many good songs for me to pick on to post. just Youtube his name if you wanna hear.
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Some of the best:
Phil Keaggy: Heavily regarded as the best guitarist in Christian music.
A.D.: Christian progressive band from the 80's, started by Kerry Livgren of Kansas.
Saviour Machine: Probably the closest band we have to progressive metal.
Mortal: One of the first (if not the first) Christian Industrial bands, and one of the most influential Christian bands (and not just in the Christian arena). Also, their lyrics are incredibly deep and very theological.
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Saviour Machine: Probably the closest band we have to progressive metal.
Never thought I'd see someone else bring them up on here.
However, I'd disagree they're the closest. Theocracy can get pretty progressive on Mirror of Souls, especially the 20 minute title track. I know there are others but my mind is blanking.
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Saviour Machine: Probably the closest band we have to progressive metal.
Never thought I'd see someone else bring them up on here.
However, I'd disagree they're the closest. Theocracy can get pretty progressive on Mirror of Souls, especially the 20 minute title track. I know there are others but my mind is blanking.
Actually, you're right. I completely forgot about Theocracy. Theocracy is, indeed, an amazing band and definitely progressive metal.
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Also, I listed Neal Morse earlier, while hes not always metal, hes VERY progressive, but he has the drummer from the #1 progressive band on board so... :D
Long live progressive metal, best music ever created. :)
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Christian rock hard!
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August burns Red: Right up there with Bury Your Dead and White Chapel they have one of the best if not the best drummers in music today the vocals aren't
I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to disagree with you :D The drummer for August Burns Red is good, don't get my wrong, but he's simply an above average drummer. I can play all of his stuff, its not that hard. Check out George Kollias, Derek Roddy, Bobby Jarzombek, Virgil Donati, Inferno, Romain Goulon, etc. All way above his level.
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I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to disagree with you :D The drummer for August Burns Red is good, don't get my wrong, but he's simply an above average drummer. I can play all of his stuff, its not that hard. Check out George Kollias, Derek Roddy, Bobby Jarzombek, Virgil Donati, Inferno, Romain Goulon, etc. All way above his level.
You failed to list Mike Portnoy.
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I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to disagree with you :D The drummer for August Burns Red is good, don't get my wrong, but he's simply an above average drummer. I can play all of his stuff, its not that hard. Check out George Kollias, Derek Roddy, Bobby Jarzombek, Virgil Donati, Inferno, Romain Goulon, etc. All way above his level.
You failed to list Mike Portnoy.
Portnoy is an awesome drummer, but I don't think he makes top ten, IMO. Jarzombek can easily play any of Portnoy's stuff, and he comes up with musical ideas that are far more interesting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYtUYw3t0wA# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYtUYw3t0wA#)
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Ok I'll admit hes good (and hes in a lot of Progressive metal bands, props), but I'll still raise you a Paradigm Shift!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pofqHfSvy_8&fmt=18# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pofqHfSvy_8&fmt=18#)
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Ok I'll admit hes good (and hes in a lot of Progressive metal bands, props), but I'll still raise you a Paradigm Shift!
Nice choice :D I've never seen Portnoy play something that I can't. I mean, quads and sextuplets are pretty elementary, especially at that speed. What he has a knack for is not overplaying, and throwing down really solid tracks. Jarzombek on the other hand... man, I can't even transcribe his stuff. His ability to innovate is truly an inspiration. If you could even give me a HINT as to what is going on from :30 to :37, you have a much better ear than I do. I've heard it many times, and I still can't come close to playing it. Thats such a crazy section, super technical, polyrhythmic, in an odd time sig, but it also has an awesome feel. On the other hand, the intro to Paradigm shift (which is probably the hardest section of the song) is actually really easy. Just alternating quads and sextuplets. Don't get me wrong though, technical difficulty is irrelevant if it doesn't sound good, and portnoy sounds good. But IMO jarzombek sounds better, and is far, far more technical.
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Personally, the fact that mike is CAPABLE of overplaying, but doesn't is what makes him my favorite. He makes the desicion to play what fits the song (and DT usually isnt uber fast), rather than just show off.
Though I agree that part at 30 to 37 is awesome.
Do you have AIM? We can just talk on there rather than hijack this thread. :D
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I'm a huge fan of Skillet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKT5SjcrSFg&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fke.nelson&feature=player_embedded# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKT5SjcrSFg&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fke.nelson&feature=player_embedded#)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuyupBmHfVQ&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fke.nelson&feature=player_embedded# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuyupBmHfVQ&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fke.nelson&feature=player_embedded#)
These are the two new songs that have been released as singles off their new album coming out next month. The reason I like Skillet is because every song of theirs does NOT sound the same. Some bands you hear the same sounds again and again. And the lyrics are pretty awesome too. Their stuff ranges from ballads (like "The Last Night" and "A Little More") to practically screaming (like Hero and Rebirthing). It's good stuff. They're probably the highest quality Christian band I know of at the moment.
I'm also a HUGE fan of Lincoln Brewster. We use a lot of his songs at the contemporary service at my church, and I really like how awesome he is at guitar. I heard him live at Creation for the first time this year, and really liked him live. I'm a big fan of his song "Today is the Day," and "The Power of Your Name"'s chorus is underneath my profile picture on my FB page. :)
~Marti
You and me both Marti. I am addicted to Skillet. The first song I put on my mp3 player when I turn it on is Savior but I think that will change when Awake comes out in August. Oh Yeah!!!!
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I read through this thread and was dissapointed not to see Emery ever be mentioned. I figure it's probably due to genre. Yeah, their pretty metalcore.
I think Emery is definately one of the best bands of christians that no one has ever heard of. I really enjoy their lyrics the most out of any band I have ever head. The way they flow the lyrics is so amazing, and when I listen to old songs by them, I can find new hidden meanings or things I didn't thnk of or notice before. Every time I listen to songs like "Don't bore us get to the chorus" or "Studying Politics" or "Returning the smile you had from the start" I find excellent observations of culture brilliantly woven into a song.
Another cool thing about Emery is how their songs sort of interact. Like, for example, their 3rd album, I'm only a man, is much more pop-like and not similar to any other work. They remained a somewhat unknown band. On their next EP, a song lyric was as follows: "We wrote the songs that they want, we thought they'd love us but they don't, but they don't". Personally, I think they wrote the 3rd album intentionally pop like due to its much more satirical feel. It was almost like they were making fun of some pop/techno sounds. Still a great album.
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This collaboration should speak for itself.
Ahh, so good. Have you heard of It Might Get Loud?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sBLir8H2zM#ws-hd (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sBLir8H2zM#ws-hd)
Does it get any better? I mean, really. :D
I read through this thread and was disappointed not to see Emery ever be mentioned. I figure it's probably due to genre. Yeah, their pretty metalcore.
I think Emery is definately one of the best bands of christians that no one has ever heard of. I really enjoy their lyrics the most out of any band I have ever head. The way they flow the lyrics is so amazing, and when I listen to old songs by them, I can find new hidden meanings or things I didn't thnk of or notice before. Every time I listen to songs like "Don't bore us get to the chorus" or "Studying Politics" or "Returning the smile you had from the start" I find excellent observations of culture brilliantly woven into a song.
Another cool thing about Emery is how their songs sort of interact. Like, for example, their 3rd album, I'm only a man, is much more pop-like and not similar to any other work. They remained a somewhat unknown band. On their next EP, a song lyric was as follows: "We wrote the songs that they want, we thought they'd love us but they don't, but they don't". Personally, I think they wrote the 3rd album intentionally pop like due to its much more satirical feel. It was almost like they were making fun of some pop/techno sounds. Still a great album.
+1 Emery is awesome.
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Emery is Christian? I love that one song... I don't know the names cause they're all weird... but it's like:
You kept on replying
It was all in my head
But you're just a liar
And I've got the proof
That's an AWESOME song.
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Yeah, they are christians. And that song is thoughtlife.
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Sixpence None the Richer: Leigh Nash has an incredible voice, the instrumentation and songwriting is incredible.
Relient K: They write really great songs and combine lyrics very well. I don't care for their style much anymore, but they definitely have musical ability.
Underoath: I don't think anyone else has been as innovative as they have been in the world of metal. Their new album's Sigur Ros influence especially gives them a place up here.
In all honesty, I think it's not so much that I hate Christian artists as much as it is that all Christian artists are corporate and I hate corporate music (with some exceptions). Since the world of indie isn't labeled Christian/non-Christian, by liking almost exclusively indie music after about '95, I am thereby hating Christian music.
Also, Jack White, Ricky Skaggs, Bono, Bob Dylan, Kanye West MC Hammer, R Kelley, Elvis Presley, Run DMC, Alice Cooper, Johnny Cash, Gram Parsons, and many other artists are all Christians.
The Becoming (my cousin's band on tooth and nail, they r gothic Christian lol),
They're from Nashville, I know some of the guys. Which one is your cousin?
Another great band of Christians would be Kings of Leon. Their dad is a pastor.
caleb owens. yup.
I'm not sure if I know him. I know Patrick and one of the other guys who's name I can't remember.
Christian music seems to be lacking in the folk department. I suppose there's John Foreman, but I didn't think he was very good when I saw him. Also, I can't think of any Christian indie besides Deas Viel (who suck) and Leeland (who's pretty decent).
If you're looking for Christian folk, I'd recommend Caedmon's Call, Silers Bald, Carolyn Arends, and Eli. Also, there's a band called Scarecrow and Tinmen. They're not around anymore, but they've often described their own sound as "techno-folk."
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I am a huge fan of Emery, they are definitely one of my favorite bands. I have one of their really sweet shirts in my closet.
However, I would disagree that they remained a somewhat unknown band after I'm Only a Man. The Question reached its peak at spot 45 on Billboard, which is the band's highest peak out of all of their albums. In Shallow Seas We Sail hit 50. I'm Only a Man hit 78.
I think they made the third album different to simply try new things and show they are capable of more than one style. I think the result was phenomenal.
Kirk
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I saw Emery with The Becoming, As Cities Burn, Gym Class Heroes (before they got big), and He is Legend. It was right after The Question came out.
He is Legend stole the show; I found Emery boring in comparison.
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Yea, I would agree that they aren't the best band live. I like their studio stuff. I saw He is Legend, mewithoutYou, Showbread, and a lot of other bands with them. Those three had way better live shows than Emery. mewithoutYou especially. But we all know that MuteMath has the best live show ever. Family Force 5 also knows how to put on a concert. House of Heroes is really good as well.
And I know these aren't Christian bands, but I saw Rise Against in concert a month ago and Chevelle in concert on Monday night. Both had good stage presence and put on good shows, feeding off the energy of the crowd.
Kirk
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I've been wanting to see Rise Against, but they are never around my area. Chevelle is comming in August though. Good to know they do well live. Maybe I'll go.
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But we all know that the Boss has the best live show ever.
fixed.
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But we all know that the Attack Attack has the best live show ever.
really fixed :maul:
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But we all know that "Weird Al" Yankovic has the best live show ever.
really fixed :maul:
Best of all. :kenobi:
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Awwwwwww, darn no one rose to the bait of my awful Attack Attack support, I even felt unclean typing it. I at least expected Colin to say something about it.
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I don't edit truth.
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Awwwwwww, darn no one rose to the bait of my awful Attack Attack support, I even felt unclean typing it. I at least expected Colin to say something about it.
Don't worry. I just fixed it. ;)
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But we all know that Ting Tings has the best live show ever.
really fixed :maul:
Best of all. :kenobi:
Uberly Great lol XD ;D