Jesus Day

In the rotation today:

"The Body, The Blood, The Machine" by The Thermals.
This album is like half a dozen baked sociology students attending a Young Republican convention. Upon reflection, that doesn't sound like it would be a good thing. And, to be perfectly honest, the lyrics are what you might expect from that description: a collection of sometimes inane anti-Christian platitudes. "Wow! Christians are like Nazis! Do tell. I'm fascinated".

But, if you can accept that the album's not as deep or as subtle as it wants to be, it's really good. Scratchy, distorted guitar work and driving drums layered on top of screeching, earnest vocals. There's a really appealing core of spiritual conflict and disgust that seethes through tracks like "Back to the Sea" and "Returning to the Fold". And "Here's Your Future" is just damn catchy.

"Jesus Christ Superstar" by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice
I actually like very few musicals, but I had a roommate in college who listened to this album every once in a while. I've never actually seen the musical, but the music has stuck with me through the years. "King Herod's Song" and "Simon Zealotes/Poor Jerusalem" in particular. I sing the former at karaoke sometimes, and it is truly breathtaking. There's even a little dance that goes along with it. But, that is neither here nor there.