So, based on the overwhelming positive reviews of the newest release from the David Crowder Band, I went against my better judgment and spent the $10 on iTunes to download. I have always just liked DCB, only love a few of his songs but never a full or even majority of any of his albums...I admit they're good in concert, but I've still never understood the hype.
I would normally give a track by track review of the album, but because it was so underwhelming (again, compared with the comments I'd read, not comapred with my previous experience) that it really wouldn't be worth my time. I readily admit that part of my bias is due to the fact that I can use very little DCB material at our church for worship or other stuff. I will also admit that DCB is incredibly creative and talented musically and lyrically, their willingness to incorporate deeper theology than the norm is to be applauded, and I have extreme DC hair envy...it's just not my favorite style of music.
So, I'm sorry DCB...continue doing what you're doing because you've obviously got a huge following...and I certainly won't easily passup an opportunity to attend another of your concerts. I just won't be "la-la-la-ing" with my iPod anytime soon...
Nate
(my feelings for DCB always feel really weird because I know because of my age, musical tastes, culture, beliefs, etc. I should be the stereotypical DCB fan...)
14 comments:
in reading the many "I love it, I absolutely love it" reviews (I've yet to see another negative review), it seems to me that, more than most other Christian bands, DCB has a very large "bandwagon" following. What I mean is simply that, it seems that being a DCB fan makes you very cool, and a lot of people have kind of brainwashed themselves into being fans simply to that they can be fans.
Again, I'm not trying to take anything away from DCB...like I said, I think they're incredibly talented. The only reason I don't love them is simply because I don't love them...
Yeah, I'm with you guys on this...and I don't think it's an age thing, as I've heard some say.
I found Remedy to be much more "accessible" than A Collision. But yeah, I just don't care for it much. And I've seen DC*B in concert numerous times, and had a great time...so there seems to be some disconnect for me between live and album for these guys.
But still, there's an audience of twenty-somethings that will sing these tunes at the top of their lungs and totally be blessed. So Godspeed to DC*B and what they're doing.
And some days, I TOTALLY wish my goatee would do that...
I feel your pain man and appreciate the honest opinion. I have seen a TON of negative feedback from the groupies that joined on around the A Collision time and have blasted Remedy for not living up to the previous release. This, to me, is from the 'bandwagon' group who have joined the ranks of fandom around the hype of the most creative band in Christian music.
However, there are those of us who have been fans and remember the days before loop tracks and dj turn tables. A day before the Crowdster Twins even. And seeing the ark these guys have made musically while still remaining grounded has been incredible.
But I do applaud your honest opinion. That's why there's so many making music.
DCB is incredibly creative and talented musically and lyrically, their willingness to incorporate deeper theology than the norm is to be applauded
In what way is DCB lyrically creative. What's an example?
And what would you call deeper theology in their lyrics?
Curious is all.
-SG
I personally never got the whole Crowder thing. I just can't get past the one-too-many-espressos vibrato.
At first I had a hard time with Crowder and similar to what you said about these great reviews etc. It got me curious though and picked up an album. I cannot pinpoint what it is but he has really grown on me. I find times during the week or month that I feel an irresistible urge to plug in some DCB. Can't explain it, not sure if I ever will...
Hey Nate - followed your link from the WT.com site. I think part of the DCB excitement may just be that they're different. So much CCM sounds exactly the same. You can never tell the difference between Casting Crowns, Mercy Me, Steven Curtis Chapman, Big Daddy Weave, Warren Barfield, and whatever Bebo Norman has become. . .every time I turn on Christian radio it all sounds the same. It's like food in an old folks home - just bland and starchy. And along comes DCB, who are fresh and exciting and hip and sound. . .different. Not like the K-LOVE clones. And after a diet of bland potatoes, anything that comes along with a little spice is exciting.
Hmmmm...I obviously should blog about DCB more often.
To answer shaun's first question: maybe I should use the word "different" instead of "creative" (although I suppose they still mean the same in how I'm using them). He's a little more poetic and "train of thought" oriented with his writing (and maybe I should use "grammar" instead of "lyrics") than others in the "worship band/artist" genre (which most I think most consider him to be a part of). Take "A Beautiful Collision" for example:
"The breaking makes a sound
I never knew could be so beautiful and loud
Fury filled and we collide
So courageous until now
Fumbling and scared
So afraid You'll find me out
Alone here with my doubt
Here it comes"
I find these lyrics to be incredibly difficult to use in a corporate worship setting in MY church. I may have a handle on them, but they don't fit the culture of our church. Chris Tomlin, in comparison can't seem to write a song that is unsingable. But, I don't consider CT so have much creativity in his writing...
To answer shaun's second question: I've read DC interviews in which they talk about their commitment to theologically acurate songs (and in this day, any commitment to theology in song-writing can be considered deep). And most of the "critiques" I've read of DCB's stuff seem to mention this as well. I'm kind of going off of what I've read more than what I've actually witnessed (again, I haven't spent as much time with DCB as others), so maybe I'm wrong here?
thanks all for contributing in the discussion!
Don't know much about DCB. But I was into "I Saw the Light" at Willow!
Play that funky banjo, white boy.
that's my very white father...
Hi there Nate Thanks for the heads up . I think I will borrow that one. 3CF
The gotee has hypnotized many a christian fan. I have yet to find a David Crowder song that is accessible for Sunday worship. Great music for rallies and youth events. But, it's just not practical for my use. I listened to the new CD, and he's gotten less expressive and creative. Very bland stuff. I give it a solid 1 star rating. That's for the production team.
Yeah, I'm not a big DC*B fan either. I have all their albums trying to give them a chance, but this last one "remedy" is by far the worst. I don't get into all that sequencing stuff. But like others have said, they have touched alot of lives and God bless them for being able to reach those I never would be able to with my music.
But in reality, it was a waste of $10.
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