Kingdom Metal

OK. No one could ever really accuse Terry Taylor and gang of actually playing Christian metal music.

However, given that the Right Reverend Dr. Taylor lent his amazing production skills to some of the best Deliverance albums — most memorably, River Disturbance, although the cover of “Horrendous Disc” on Stay of Execution left me breathless — I’m good with talking about DA here.

Without doubt one of the most influential artists in Christian music, Terry Scott Taylor is truly an unsung hero.  Unsung, that is, in the collective consciousness of the fans of so-called “CCM” music.  The artists tend to know and appreciate who he is.

But… I digress.  Back to the point:

Ripping music into iTunes for syncing with the iPod has proved to be quite the experience for me.  Reminiscing about the good ole’ days is an automatic, since music is such a powerful marker for me. It serves as the backdrop, the context, and sometimes the focus of entire passages of my life.  And some music — like some strong smells — serves as a more vivid marker in my memory than others.

Kalhoun is exactly that sort of record.

Now… my exposure to Daniel Amos goes back to Shotgun Angel — not the only prank of Taylor’s that backfired over the years and become a hit (Pray Where You Are” by the Lost Dogs comes to mind).  Mind you, I was a toddler when “Shotgun Angel” took to the airwaves, but I remember the song from my early days in Christian radio.  It was one of the few leftovers from the 70s that carved a permanent place in the studio’s stash.

So… there are lots of memorable moments with Terry Taylor.  Most of them bring a smile to my face, and some a gut-wrenching chuckle (”Sprinklerhead” — the original Isaac Air Freight version, for example).  The man is not only a musical genius… he’s a genius in every other application, as well.  His sense of humor is woven throughout the poetic lyrics and the tapestry of sound that makes up his compositions and productions.

But Kalhoun takes me right back to 1991.  I can feel the feelings and smell the smells.  Having this record on my iPod is truly a joy of life.  It’s like savoring a fine wine (can I say that on a Christian site? I guess so… I own it!).

From lambasting personality cult-ish spiritual “leaders,” to teasing with goofy dispensationalist eschatology, to poking fun at “weekend warriors in their TV seats,” the album took a cogent look at the spirit of the age in its day.  Thanks, Terry, for your perspective.

And by no means to I desire to slight Tim Chandler (bass), Greg Flesch (guitar) or Ed McTaggart (drums). You guys rock.  You always did.

And… congratulations on the 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition.  I’m off to order my copy now.

Visit the Daniel Amos website for all things DA & Taylor.  Too bad the Prickly Heat Miracle Faith Telethon of Love is out of print.  I found it on CD in a pawn shop about 10 years ago… no doubt hocked by some confused schmuck.  Thank You, Jesus!!  (My cassette was nearly worn out!)