Issue #27
07-26-2004
by Michael Janke

Got a burning question? Trying to understand recent events? Need clarification on a rumor? Want to know how and why things happen the way they do? Ask CMCentral!

Welcome back to Ask CMCentral. I am your host and answer man, Michael Janke. Currently on my hot list: Hillsong London's Shout God's Fame, Something Like Silas' Divine Invitation, Rachael Lampa's Rachael Lampa, and Gretchen Wilson's Here For the Party. Oh, you didn't know I liked country music?

Reality TV Update: The Amazing Race is going strong, and this time it's actually got a sizeable viewing audience. About time America woke up to what a great show this is. I was very sad to see Jim and Marsha eliminated last week - they were a classy, fun team with a never-give-up attitude. I'm a bit torn on Brandon and Nicole right now. They're a Christian couple, but they've acted in a manner that is probably not the best witness lately. I'd rather see them stick to their word if they're going to give it to another team. At any rate, it's a good season so far and I can't wait to see how it finishes.

Remember, if you spell check and use proper grammar before you send in your letter it has a better chance of being used in the column. Now, on with the questions.

Q: I would love to find out what the latest is from Paul Alan as Ii am a big fan. His web page has not been updated and because I am from South Africa I don't know where to find more info. Do you know what the latest news is from Paul and if he is going to record another album?
    Hylton

A: I'm using this letter first, because I don't know the answer to it and, gosh darn it, I would like to hear some news. I loved Paul Alan's Falling Awake record. It is one of my all-time favorite rock/pop records. Paul, if you're out there, we've got you listed in the Missing Artists section but I would love to hear an update from you. Please write in and let us know what is going on with you and your music.

Q: Where are you located? What is your mailing address?
    George

A: Gee, George. I appreciate the interest, but unless you're having a pizza dropped off I think I'll keep that information to myself, thank you.

Q: While online, I was reading lyrics to Jennifer Knapp songs and came across a song called "To Know You." This song isn't on any of her albums and was wondering if you knew anything about it. Thanks for your time!
    Nate

A: I did a little online research on this one and I'm pretty sure that what you read was just mis-information. There is no Jennifer Knapp song entitled "To Know You," and what I did come up with were lyrics to the song "To Know You" by Nichole Nordeman. The song is off of her debut album, Wide Eyed. Check it out, because it's a keeper.

Q: I recently have heard both Josh Groban and Selah singing "You Raise Me Up". I believe I first heard Josh Groban's version at the Super Bowl but it's doing well on the charts now, as well as Selah's version. I was wondering, who recorded it first? And, who wrote the song?
    Kevin

A: The song was originally written and recorded by Carman, on his Addicted To Jesus record. No, not really. The answer to that question can be found in an interview I conducted with Selah a few months ago, here.

Q:I have heard a lot said about Phillips, Craig, and Dean and that what they believe about the trinity (according to their websites) is that only one of the God head (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) is active at any one point in time. Can you shed some light on this?
    Bill

A: I'm actually surprised no one has ever asked this before. I'm also surprised that it is not talked about more in Christian music circles, since theology of God is an essential part of Christianity. Unless they have changed their beliefs in the past year or so, it is my understanding that Phillips Craig and Dean - three pastors (Randy Phillips, Sean Craig and Dan Dean) - belong to churches that teach Oneness Pentecostalism. Among other things, Oneness theology teaches an understanding of God that denies the Trinity, as orthodox Christianity has always understood it. Dan Dean has stated: "We believe in one God who is eternal in His existence, Triune in His manifestation, being both Father, Son and Holy Ghost AND that He is Sovereign and Absolute in His authority," and his church's website once said that "...there is One True God that has manifested Himself as Father in creation, Son in redemption and the Holy Spirit in emanation." Essentially, God will manifest himself in three different roles, but there are not three distinct persons. To learn more about Oneness theology you only have to do a simple search online.

Q: My mom wants to know if the Steve Taylor who wrote the Newsboys/Veggietales song "In the Belly of the Whale" is the same Steve Taylor who sang Christian songs from the 80's, such as "I Wanna Be A Clone".
    Cimarron

A: He's not only the same man who wrote "I Wanna Be A Clone," but he's the same man who also caused a meltdown at Madame Tussaud and composed an ode to the guy who holds up the John 3:16 signs at football games. I'd sure like to hear some new music from this guy sometime...

Q: Where Is Jonah 33 these days? Any info on their 2nd cd?
    Ryat

A: Speaking of belly of a whale... Anyway, when I talked to the band at GMA they said they were working on their sophomore project. I'd expect something late this year or early 2005, most likely.

Q:Hi, one of my friends recently told me that they hear Stacie Orrico wants to completely cross over into secular music. By this I mean, she won't really mention her faith in any of her music... is this true?
    Kwenge

A: Short answer? No.

Q: I was wondering why such amazing Christian artists such as Starflyer59, Joy Electric, Luna Halo, Stereo Deluxx and Bleach get hardly (if any) Christian radio airplay. Most of them have been around for years and have continually put out amazing music - but they seem to be rarely noticed while much more mediocre and country-ish pop gets all the media. Part of it, I am sure, is that they are all on smaller labels - but even when Bleach was on Forefront they seemed to never get much air - do you know why?
    Samuel

A: It's true, that the smaller label probably plays some part in it. But the real answer lies in the simple fact that the bands you like play alternative - true alternative - music, and there is little to no alternative Christian radio. And what we do have, with pop and rock, is extremely un-interested in taking chances and pushing the envelope. Christian radio, for the most part, plays it safe. Even Christian rock radio. If you're lucky enough to find a station that does not program like this, thank your Lord and send them some money or frequent their advertisers so that they don't go off the air.

Q: Dear wealth of inside information, I was wondering if you have heard a specific date of when Sixpence None the Richer is supposed to release their last album, with all their unreleased and compilation songs on it. Also, any word on what specific songs are going to be on it?
    Chris

A: Entitled the Best of Sixpence None the Richer, and releasing October 12th, you will find the following songs:

• Loser Like Me (new)
• Us (new)
• Too Far Gone (new)
• The Ground You Shook (Roaring Lambs)
• Kiss Me (Sixpence None The Richer)
• Breathe Your Name (Divine Discontent)
• Melody Of You (Divine Discontent)
• Dancing Queen (Dick Soundtrack)
• Don't Dream It's Over (Divine Discontent)
• There She Goes (Sixpence None The Richer)
• I Need Love (Here On Earth Soundtrack)
• I Just Wasn't Made For These Times (Making God Smile)
• Breathe (Streams)
• Brighten My Heart (Exodus)
• Angeltread (This Beautiful Mess)
• Within A Room Somewhere (This Beautiful Mess)
• Trust (Reprise) (The Fatherless And The Widow)
• Kiss Me (Japanese commercial single version import)

Q:I love the music of Lincoln Brewster but haven't heard from him or about him lately. Do you know if he's planning on putting out an album any time soon? His website was pretty dated last I checked and didn't have much current information.
    Chris

A: From what I understand, his music has been banned from Christian stores because the cover of his last album was too pink and it blinded a customer at a Lifeway in Lewisville, Texas. No, I made that up. Brewster is said to be working on a new project now, though there is no announced release date yet.

That wraps up this issue. Keep the questions coming, to ask@cmcentral.com. I'll be back in a few weeks with a new AskCMC for your reading pleasure.
          Michael Janke

There is a new section of CMCentral for Missing Artists. It's quite thorough and updated, so please visit there before you send me any new questions on missing bands. I will not answer any question that can be answered by clicking over to that portion of the site unless there is breaking news of some sort.

Please include your name with all submissions. No name, no answer. If your e-mail subject is descriptive it has a better chance of catching my attention. All questions are subject to editing. Not all questions can be answered due to editorial and other considerations, and personal replies are not possible.