Apologetix - "Biblical Graffiti"

Those parody dudes have done it again. New and seasoned fans of Apologetix are in for a real treat with Biblical Graffiti, their fourth and newest release. Biblical Graffiti is Apolgetix' foray into 22 Classic and Modern Rock hits. No band is safe from J. Jackson's wit and wry humor. Graffiti pokes a sometimes pointed finger at bands from the Monkees to the Rolling Stones. It's all in fun, but it's a serious message, too.

One Way opens the CD with rapid-fire, auctioneer-speed, very funny and very straightforward lyrics. It's worth listening to several times to catch all the evangelistic words. A good opener that will appeal to all. After listening to Twins Came Out, you'll never be able to hear the Beatles classic again without singing the chorus, "When Jacob was a baby now, twins came out." Ferris Buehler move over, Apologetix needs to do its own video of this one. Some of the best musicianship on the album is on Every Step to Take. Karl Messner's guitar is every bit as good as the original, and the lyrics are considerably better! It's that musical excellence that sets Apologetix apart. This is a serious band. Yes, they're having fun, presenting the Word while poking fun, but their musicianship is top-drawer.

How long did Methuselah live? "Got to learn a little history, oldest man in Bible times was 969... Those guys were blessed with such long lives." It reminds us of the promise in Proverbs 3, "Forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee." Oh, to have 10x the life we do now! But even Methuselah's 969 years are just a whisper in eternity. These are great lyrics and one of the songs on the CD that will be played over and over again.

"Anyone is good enough...[the Lord will] make you something yet." You Ain't Been Nothing Yet reminds us that it's through trusting the Lord and doing what He bids that we will be blessed. BTO should heed the words of this song now that they have reached their 50's and 60's. Do you remember the story of Balaam's ass? You won't ever forget it again after listening to Donkey Talked With Him, a parody of the Stones. Listen closely as they have a funny play on words at the end!

'Ronomy's keyboards give this Runaway take-off a summer beach feeling (or a hot day in the desert?). It's a light-hearted look at Moses' trip through the Pentateuch, er.. the wilderness. Spielberg missed a golden opportunity with Credence Thru Deepwater Survival. This would've made a great addition to the Prince of Egypt. J. Jackson's vocal is close enough to John Fogerty's to make the listener do a double-take. That is one of the band's gifts, not simply a caricature of the original, but an improved copy.

Though it tells the story of Joshua and Jericho, Kick in the Wall is applicable to us today. As Brick in the Wall became an anthem for angry youth, Kick in the Wall can be the cry for the battle currently waged. "The dark side cannot win the battle, we believe in Him alone." Again, this is excellently done, not something off the fly. I am continually impressed not only by their clever words, but by the musicianship behind them. Especially since they cover such a wide range of styles.

Fast Paul is a beautiful tribute to the Apostle. Join Paul, see the world. His preaching is not just a job, it's an Adventure. Move over Elvis! Don't know if J. Jackson was shaking his hips when singing Jail Got Rocked, but this cut rocks! Instead of singing the glories of prison life, Jail Got Rocked sings of the way to freedom, Jesus Christ. It's the story of Paul in the Macedonia prison.

The pace slows down for one of the best cuts on this CD, Put You Down in My Will. This is almost a worship song, its lyrics so longing and heartfelt. A lot of Apologetix' songs are fun. My Will is a serious presentation of the gospel, hurting for those who are yet lost. Brilliance among a sea of gems. Smart Blest Man maintains ZZTop's attitude with great guitars, excellent drums and a very good vocal imitation. Laugh out loud with the "He's Got Plagues" references. A whole lotta fun!

Turn it up for Revelation Man, a sure favorite. Certainly one of the most clever songs on the album, almost as if Secret Agent Man was written as a parody of Revelation Man instead of the other way 'round. The lyrics fit like a glove (no, not OJ's), and are backed up with bettter-than-the-original guitars and drums. In a nod to its country fans, Apologetix sings Bends to Low Places. I'm not sure this qualifies as a "classic" ;-), but it's a good tune. Wonder if they were wearing Garth's trademark black hat when recording this. Bends is a feel-good song, comforting the down-fallen reminding us that "my dues are paid, and I'll be okay." Enter Samson is a take-off of Metallica's Enter the Sandman. If you're not a metalhead or a serious rocker, you might want to end on the previous cut. If you like screaming guitars and edgy vocals, this is a hit. It's got some of the best drums on the CD, and an excellent bassline, but's it's definitely HARD rock.

It's been a long time since I've laughed out loud like this. But the laughter is only one benefit to Apologetix' creativity. These songs teach as well as entertain. Biblical Graffiti continues to prove that God has a great sense of humor, and Apologetix has inherited a lion's share of it.

Paul Gentry, CMCA Staff