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Title: Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music by Mark Allan Powell ISBN: 1-56563-679-1 Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc. Pub. Date: August, 2002 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $29.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.44 (18 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: IT IS ABOUT TIME!!!
Comment: I have always hoped a book such as this would get written. I have many mainstream rock encyclopediasbut always wished there was one for CCM, and now there is, and it is AWESOME. Of course all the greats are here and well written about. He covers their music, their lives (where applicable) their strengths and weaknesses, their take on what is CCM. He gets into some of the artists belief systems-it's just an all around fantastic book. Some of the artists covered surprised me (ie Clockwise, Battlecry). Some of the information left out puzzled me. No mention of the fact that Galactic Cowboys came from the band Awful Truth (Enigma selftitled 1989). The fact that Chris Eaton was in the Mark Williamson Band (Missing In Action -Myrrh 1984). The band members of Mass:Louie St. August, Gene D'itria, Kevin Varrio and Joe "vee" Vadalia. Some bands/artists that weren't mentioned: Larry Bryant(The Artist-Light 1984), D.O.X (S/T Frontline 1986 produced by Terry Scott Taylor), Dual Edge (Knock Em Alive-Intense 1987), First Love Band (Thin Ice-Morada-1983), Force 3 (warrior of Light-Pure Metal-1988), Giant Killer(Valley of Decison-Star Song-1981), Jimmy Jines (Heart of Love-Straight Ahead-1985), Joseph Lamm-Standing In The Tower-HMS-1988), Dawn Rodgers(Srtaight to the Heart-Word-1986), Smyrna Band - (S/T-Morada-1984, and Lynn Sutter (Everlasting Love-Daysprin-1978 and Movin' On-Crescendo-1984). The one part that really impressed me, however was the section on Marsha Stevens. I wondered why someone I had never heard of has such a large write up. Then when I read it, the reason I never heard of he came clear. She was gay. Well so am i. And I quit the church because of that issue. I worked in a bible bookstore years ago (that's why i know all the above mentioned artists) and have never heard of her. For bringing Marsha, her music and plight to my attention I truly thank Powell. I was also surprised to read about Doug Pinnock being gay. King's x is one of my all time favorite bands. And last week's Advocate had a great interview with him. I am glad his bandmates are accepting of his sexual oientation.So bottom line -If you were like me and wish there was a great source fo information on CCM-this is the one to buy. Even though I may not be involved in any church as such I never lost my love for the great music-BUY THIS BOOK!
Rating: 4
Summary: Must-Own
Comment: If you library doesn't have a copy, give your inter-library-loan librarian some job security and request the library find you a copy outside their system. I got my first glimpse at Powell's Encyclopedia that way. I was in it every night before dozing off. I really didn't look forward to the day I had to return it. That day did come, and I ordered my own copy that night.
The book lives up to its Encyclopedia title. It gives bios and histories, musical reviews and more. Almost every musician who's impacted Christian music (CCM/rock) is mentioned. Some might even surprise you: Alice Cooper, Little Richard, Donna Summer, U-2, Bob Dylan. The book's current enough that it mentions Ginny Owens' first two CDs, and even Rock and Roll Worship Circus's independent work.
The only drawbacks I noted were that the book didn't list various awards like the Dove, or the big festivals like Cornerstone. Those areas could have gotten a bit of attention. Powell could also have included a history of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) and how it technically doesn't include Gospel or Southern Gospel which "could" really claim being contemporary, Christian, and music.
My computer precluded my loading the accompanying CD-ROM, so I can't comment on that. Hopefully, when my computer gets fixed and I receive my personal copy, I'll find the missing awards/history/festivals information.
Rating: 5
Summary: Christian Music Gets Taken Seriously At Last
Comment: Christian rock is adored by a few but is generally ignored within the world of pop music at large and within most segments of Christianity (outside a little ghetto of "evangelical" Christians who sometimes think they are the only ones). Now, in one fell swoop, that has changed forever.
Mark Allan Powell is a world-famous theologian and also a professional rock critic who has worked in the secular field for over 30 years. With this book, for the first time in history, Christian rock is being taken seriously within wider parameters of both religion and culture. He didn't need to do this, and I guess he's not getting anything for it (donating royalties) but he offers it to church and society as "a gift-and as a tribute to some people (the artists) who have made (his) life more meaningful and enjoyable."
What's most important is that the book is a critical resource, not just a collection of press releases. Powell provides all the necessary info about every artist and then also summarizes major reviews of their work that have appeared in the Christian media (gripes from some reviewers about Powell being too "opinionated" fail to notice that 98% of the "opinions" are those of other critics, which he merely reports). Such attention to critical reception is absolutely essential for Christian music ever being taken seriously outside of its own little fan club.
Powell obviously loves this music and strives to put a positive spin on every artist, even those who have been trashed by other critics. Still, he is more interested in promoting Christ than any particular singer or band, much less himself or his own ideas. ....
The book is a simply incredible achievement that will be deeply appreciated by all but the most small-minded.
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Title: The Billboard Guide to Contemporary Christian Music by Barry Alfonso ISBN: 0823077187 Publisher: Watson-Guptill Pubns Pub. Date: October, 2002 List Price(USD): $19.95 |
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Title: For the Glory of God : How Monotheism Led to Reformations, Science, Witch-Hunts, and the End of Slavery by Rodney Stark ISBN: 0691114366 Publisher: Princeton Univ Pr Pub. Date: 24 March, 2003 List Price(USD): $35.00 |
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Title: Raised by Wolves: The Story of Christian Rock & Roll by John J. Thompson, Dinah K. Kotthoff ISBN: 1550224212 Publisher: ECW Press Pub. Date: November, 2000 List Price(USD): $22.95 |
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Title: The Psychology of Paul: A Fresh Look at His Life and Teaching by James R. Beck ISBN: 0825420490 Publisher: Kregel Publications Pub. Date: December, 2002 List Price(USD): $16.99 |
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Title: Community Formation: In the Early Church and in the Church Today by Richard N. Longenecker ISBN: 1565637186 Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc. Pub. Date: November, 2002 List Price(USD): $19.95 |
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