This suspicious package has a bomb inside. No one would expect this kind of authentic rock gem mined from the studios of Nashville (a swirling pit of self-serving safety propaganda we call art), but it explodes with wonderful, gritty (real) roots rock. Johnny Cash even steps to the microphone, adding credibility that wasn't even necessary. The brilliant moments come from the throat of John Ellis (of Tree63), who borrows some Middle Eastern sounds a la Zeppelin (think "Kashmir") for "Cry." Now, the big rock critics have always been wrong about Led Zeppelin. They were blinded by their anger at Jimmy Page's uncredited borrowing of Howlin' Wolf, Blind Willie Johnson and other preaching Gospel artists of yesteryear. Yes, credit should have been given, but good golly, this mixture of old and new created the best rock and roll ever. And Mike Roe proves this point with "Mercy Seat," which serves up these old blues with new, vibrant life. Close your eyes and you can almost hear this song in the middle of Zeppelin's "In My Time Of Dying." Bravo! Hats off to Rick Altizer, the visionary behind this wonderful project. Sure, there's a couple of CCM-friendly fillers on the disc, but it don't matter, 'cuz I've been to the top of the mountain.
Other coverage for this album
ReAL Magazine 2001Reviewed by Kevin D. HendricksIt's being billed as "Moby-esque" praise and worship, and true to form, any time Christians try to mimic a successful mainstream formula, the results are less than spectacular. The liner notes are riddled with big names, from Johnny Cash and Vestal Goodman, to Mark Stuart (Audio Adrenaline) and Steve Mason (Jars of Clay), to those behind the scenes, Rick Alitzer, Tony Palacios, and DJ Maj. There…Similar sounding releases
2005Sinéad O'ConnorCollaborations
2002GomezIn Our Gun
2002Del AmitriCan You Do Me Good
1997Rebecca St. JamesChristmas
2000NewsboysShine - The Hits
1997Natalie ImbrugliaLeft of the Middle
