Why Should The Devil
Have All The Good Music?
(Christian Rock
Documentary)
Picture: C
Sound: C Extras: B- Documentary: B-
Despite the money it has made, Christian Rock is always
laughed off. However, there are a few
new twists since the topic of debate took shape in the 1980s over its rise to
popularity. Forget whether the very
name is a self-contradictory oxy-moron.
The mainstream Rock genre is in decline. Hip Hop has been its successor, but it is already in
trouble. Is Mainstream Rock so weak
that it is now harder than ever to tell it from the Christian version? Even more interesting, what can you say now
that Christian Rock has gone beyond the days of Stryper and includes Punk,
Hardcore and Electronic acts? Why
Should The Devil Have All The Good Music? is a surprisingly watchable look
at the state of the music today.
No, it is not going mainstream, but some of the acts and
guest preachers are actually asking hard questions about their faith, music and
the world at a time when Rock is in trouble while the country is seeing real
Christianity hijacked by extremists who not surprisingly are ignoring this
vital section of real Christians who must be too sinful and radical for
them. When intolerance is reaching
record heights, the new generation bringing a new edge to their field is having
amazing second thoughts about all of it and asking for tolerance wisely for
their young age, seeing it as the only way the true word of Jesus as they see
it will ever get through.
As I watched, it was obvious they were struggling with the
world as it is, with facing real discrimination of the kind Right Wing media
keeps building up as a myth without any evidence except to justify intolerance
and cause divisions in our society.
Yes, as hard as it is to believe, Christian Rock has finally achieved a
power of radical subversion they could have never dreamed of just by the
artists being sincere and being themselves.
It also looks like they are not going anywhere. Will they hold the key to the de-hijacking of
a major religion?
Stryper, The Detholtz!, Danielson Famile, MXPX and other
bands are interviewed, as well as guests like Pansy Division (a band with an
openly gay male lead singer who is the furthest thing from this part of the
genre sharing some great thoughts), industry insiders and fans. Vickie Hunter and Heather Whinna have a
winner here and this may turn out to be a more key, vital work than anyone
imagines right now.
The 1.33 X 1 image was shot on analog NTSC video and
varies in quality throughout. The Dolby
Digital 2.0 sound is barely stereo at times and has volume variations
throughout, though the fine commentary track by the co-directors sounds
better. Extras include extensive
outtakes of interviews worth seeing almost as long as the main program and that
commentary. Dont be put off by a
reactionary no to this work, because it is not designed to be preachy or
convert anyone. It is about the music
and much more. Youll be glad you
caught it.
- Nicholas Sheffo
