The band's theme song is a wonderful parody of Nirvana's All Apologies, entitled All Apologetix.  Play this a couple of times to hear every line.  Funny, and their philosophy nicely summed up.  "…if our songs get someone to see the Son, is it wrong?"

My favorite from the Ticked CD is definitely Naomi Gonna Be With Ruth.  The story line is clear, and the lyrics bring up the true emotions Naomi must certainly have had.  The vocal is excellent, and the song itself is better than the Hootie & the Blowfish original.

A chant?  Nah, it's Apologetix's rap of Psalm 23.  Shepherd's Paradise puts better words to Coolio's hugely popular Gangsta's Paradise, without losing the "attitude" that makes this song stand apart from much of today's vast wasteland of  *rap.  A clever play off of the original lyrics.

Counting Blessings is simply beautiful.  The chorus, Focus All Your Thoughts On God, was a wonderful word choice, because it will be in your head long after the song is over.

Apologetix' members were likely weaned on Dr. Demento and Weird Al.  Plump sounds straight off of one of Weird Al's CDs.  Though the reference is to Eglon's (of Judges 3) excesses and tyrannical rule, Plump might just as well be applicable to certain leaders closer to home.  A very fun song, and a sure favorite with Apologetix' fans.

Has Dave heard Letterman?  Doubtful, or we all certainly would have heard this clever satire on his show (or on his rivals'!).  It pokes fun, but draws a parallel between The Late Show and the world at large.  People comes straight from basic apologetics, defense of the faith (from which Apologetix gets its name).  "Why oh why would someone die if it was just a hoax?"

These guys might just be TOO good.  What I mean by that is that music is not a neutral medium of expression.  Apologetix' parodies are so well done that occasionally they are difficult for the casual listener to distinguish from the original.  Little Sins is a good example of that.  It has some of the best lyrics on the CD (if you can make them out), but Bush's (Little Things) chorus has an angry, unsettling refrain (vocally and musically) that Apologetix mimics all too well.  

It's clear that lyricist John Jackson has an incredibly well developed sense of humor.  He is not hiding behind the tongue-in-cheek lyrics, but using humor to its fullest potential.  His lyrics are direct from the Word, and unapologetic.  Who's There is a good example of his use of parody to present the true Gospel.

Ticked flows well; it's not a CD that you'll tire of.  Listen over and over again to make sure you catch all their little subtleties.  With the lyric changes, Apologetix' parodies are a step above the originals!  That's the case with "Blind Bartimelon" singing No Chain.  You might not care for Blind Melon's No Rain after listening to No Chain a couple of times.

The musicianship is exceptional on this album, far beyond simple copying of others guitar licks etc.  Lightning Flashes gives the band and producer a chance to really let loose.  This is just begging for an Apologetix video.  A superb vocal in front of a very well produced song.

The jacket design is clever, a mocking Rolling Clone magazine cover.  But considering that their ministry is set apart by their lyrics, it would've been nice not to have to use a magnifying glass to read them! This band has an incredible potential for outreach ministry, speaking to unsaved teens in their own "language" with a loving sense of humor.  Ticked is certain to move believers to pick up their Bible to reread the stories they're singing about.  

Paul Gentry, CMCA Staff

You can purchase their CD at Broken Records!

or at Apologetix' website