To show you what kind of geek I am on the old school LA Christian band scene, I own a “No surfing in Hell” T-shirt and the Undercover CD boxed set, the only thing I ever bought on eBay was a rare CD version of The Altar Boys’ Gut Level Music, and—and this is the real killer—the song my wife and I danced to for our first dance at our wedding was Charlie Peacock’s “No Place Closer to Heaven.” So try to outdo that!

I’d have to say that if it wasn’t for Charlie Peacock and Steve Taylor, the entire Christian music scene would’ve died a horrible death by now. I’m a big Keith Green fan, and Peacock offered the only risky cover on Green’s tribute CD; in fact Peacock’s version of “I Can’t Believe It” was one of those rare covers that is better than the original. Needless to say, the man knows his way around an arrangement. If he stops producing for other artists, we’ll lose a huge source of imagination.

One of the few popular Christian bands making consistently fine, genuine pop music is Newsboys, produced by—Steve Taylor. Of course, Taylor rocked everyone’s world with his brand of quirky humor and knife to the gut lyrics back in the 80s. Now he’s directing Michael W. Smith in movies. Ain’t it a weird world? When will Randy Stonehill run for president?

I couldn’t agree more with your assessment of the corporatization of Christian radio, and Christian music. I can’t even stand to hear 99% of Christian music or radio anymore.

I was lucky enough to come of age at a time (the 1980′s) and in a place (Southern California) where there was a vibrant Christian music scene (artists like Undercover, the Altar Boys, LSU, Vector, Charlie Peacock) were doing something really new. It was always a small minority of what you’d hear on Christian radio (which was dominated by the Amy Grants, Sandy Pattis, and Michael W. Smiths of the world), but it was there. It’s definitely grown even harder to find in the years since.

If you want a good read about the Christian music industry and its relationship (or lack thereof) with the Christian faith, try Charlie Peacock’s “At The Crossroads”. He’s one of the most creative Christian artists out there, and his range of genres is absolutely incredible. Anyway, he became very disillusioned by his first decade in the music business. Now he just records what he wants. Not too commercial, but excellent nonetheless.

Blessings.