We just rented this documentary “Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music” through Blockbuster.com and it was really interesting. It looked like it was filmed mostly around 2001, and most of the footage was shot as Cornerstone Festival. Vickie Hunter and Heather Whinna are the directors.
The film comprised of interviews with Christian musicians, and some non-Christians as well. It is mostly about the Christian rock music “movement” so to speak, and how it is influenced and viewed by the artists making it.
Many of the artists interviewed talked about their disdain for Christians making second class music. I agree that there is quite a bit of that…second class music. I mean, listen to Christian radio and you’ll hear brand new stuff that sounds like late 80s or 90s music. It definitely bums me out.
Now, this documentary was talking more about music that is not mainstream. Music like Zao and Living Sacrifice is hard core, loud, screaming, low grunting kind of music. In fact, these two bands are (I’d say) up to par with secular stuff out there now.
This was one of the points mentioned, that if the music is not up to par with secular music, then it won’t get listened to, or at least not ridiculed. There was also some mention of the idea that Christian music should be better than secular music. Well, I have to agree with that.
My opinion as to why really creative musicians don’t get the airplay they deserve is because Christian radio won’t play it. You have to go to a festival like Cornerstone to hear stuff like Danielson Famile or Joy Electric or even good dance music. I’ll talk about Cornerstone later.
Some of the bands interviewed were Duvall, Cool Hand Luke, Living Sacrifice, Joy Electric, MXPX, O.C. Supertones, Detholz! and Pedro the Lion.
Definitely something to watch. I was really impressed with the hearts of some of the artists talking about their struggles with pride, as well as disappointed with some of the artists claiming to be Christians, but almost dispising their Christian fan base.
I think one of my favorite parts was when the lead singer from Living Sacrifice asked his daughter to “Sing like Daddy does!” Oh, and the live footage of ZAO singing about “Quiet Time!” That was great.
Have a good day.
What do you think?
1. What do you listen to?
2. Ever been to Cornerstone Festival?
3. What did you think of this movie?
Filed under: christian, cornerstone, documentary, film, movie, music, rock, worship
[...] recently watched the documentary “Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music” and saw a banner for “One Truth” in a shot or two. The graphic of the hand with [...]
hello there! i wanted to genuinely thank-you for spending the time to watch our film. i just found this link via technorati. i am pretty terrible with computers- i am grateful that the film spoke to you in some way. ultimately i realized the film was more interesting to christians although we have had nice responses from those who are not. i am a person always up for conversation- so this film really gave me the opportunity to do that. personally i believe that respectful conversation has been discouraged over the last 8 years and that honestly breaks my heart. thanks again for taking an hour and a half to watch a film that isn’t exactly easy on the eyes!