Copyright ©1997, ProMotion, inc.
www@acloserlook.com
One is almost tempted to write off the new live recording of Welcome to the Freak Show: dc Talk Live in Concert as something more akin to a cultural document, instead of the strong musical statement it actually is. The group, a bi-racial trio (two whites, one black), has helped to unify many of the church's youth through music by combining rap -- a style that is most closely associated with the African American community -- and grunge rock, which has traditionally been a Caucasian dominated genre. Additionally, with songs such as "Colored People," the group has put into musical form its strong feelings about the world's dire need for racial reconciliation.
But racial issues are only a part of this musical phenomena. dc Talk easily combines a thoughtful social conscience with a deep-seated sense of spirituality, to give the group's music a relevance that few other current pop groups can match.
The title cut of the original Welcome to the Freak Show has become an anthem for the unashamed Christian; "What if I Stumble" is a lesson in understanding grace; and "Like It, Love it, Need It" is like a laundry list of woes faced by the teen of the 90s.
These same compositions (and the 13 additional songs which play for well over an hour) comprise the new live-in-concert CD and video. Although listening to a live Christian album where each song is preceded by the sound of screaming fans may be a new experience for listeners, in a world where ministry, celebrity, art, and pop culture are all intermingled -- and almost inseparable -- this kind of reaction should not be all that much of a surprise.
Kevin Smith, Michael Tait, and Toby McKeehan use this concert forum to exemplify what they've learned from their road experiences, and the disc is a testament to how well they feed off the enthusiasm of the audience to create memorable performances of their hit songs.
All told, it makes Welcome to the Freak Show: dc Talk Live in Concert a welcome addition for anyone even the slightest bit interested in the direction Christian music is going. dc Talk may not be the most innovative group on the circuit, but it is one of the scene's most popular attractions, and one which appears to have staying power. Give it a listen, and you can see for yourself why dc Talk continues to be the "talk" of the town.
Copyright ©1997, ProMotion, inc.
www@acloserlook.com