Reviewed by Tony Cummings

According to their publicity, in America the ApologetiX are one of America's most popular touring bands and were even featured in a Time magazine article though one wonders whether their bubble is about to burst. The possible trouble ahead for the group is highlighted on the note prominent on their latest album. "ApologetiX specialises in biblical parodies of rock songs from the '50s through today. In 1994 the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that parodies can be a fair use of an original, requiring no permission or royalties." Clearly the ApologetiX, who here parody mega hits from Queen ("Bohemian Rhapsody" redone as "Bethlehemian Rhapsody") through to Eminem ("The Real Slim Shady" rewritten as "The Real Sin Saviour") have gotten poor legal advice. For that court ruling only gave musos permisison to parody songs, not to keep the royalties for themselves. But as we leave ApologetiX to sort out their legal/moral responsibilities, what about the 19 tracks here? Well, sometimes the new lyrics show wit and invention ("Theme From The Monkees" redone as an anti-evolution anthem). More othen the musical results are painful - grab the pathetic falsetto vocals on the Bee Gees' "Staying Alive". Christianised karaoke may have found a niche market Stateside. But with such invention in a lot of contemporary Christian music, the ApologetiX are, despite their obvious desire to communicate spiritual truth, a sad phenomenon.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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