Jesus Freaks

This week’s songs all have some tangential relation to Jesus (or G-ZUS, as we like to call him), God, Christianity, the Church and all for different reasons. None could really be called a Christian song, however. Thank God.

Nina Persson – What The Hell…
Nina Persson had some minor hits as the vocalist for the Swedish band The Cardigans, but few are familiar with her solo work. Here she brings us a tale of an overworked housewife, or is it Cinderella, who has visions of the Lord while scrubbing the kitchen floor. A perfect Christian farce accompanied by an Appalachian guitar. I wonder if they’ll make a shrine out of that kitchen floor? Maybe she can sell her linoleum on eBay. For Sure.

Other Nina Persson Songs to Check Out: Song For The Leftovers, Walking The Cow, Hard As A Stone, Algebra

Legião Urbana – Monte Castelo
Legião Urbana was one of the largest bands in Brasil, formed in Brasilia back in the '80s as a rebellion against the corruption of Brasillian politics. They went on to headline huge concerts across the country and are still one of the most popular bands in Brasil, despite the fact that their lead singer/songwriter Renato Russo, died of AIDS in 1996, thereby dissolving the band. “Monte Castelo” is a beautifully crafted song with lyrics taken from 1. Corinthians 13:1 (from the Bible, people! But it's still a good song). Renato’s smooth vocals and the instrumental melody hook reminds one a bit of “Canon in D” by Pachelbel.

Other Legião Urbana Songs to Check Out: Pais e Filhos, Será, Há Tempos, Eu Sei, Teatro dos Vampiros, Tempo Perdido

Eve’s Plum – Jesus Loves You (But Not As Much As I Do)
Named after Eve Plum (Jan Brady) of the Brady Bunch fame, Eve’s Plum was a mid-90s punk rock band fronted by Colleen Fitzpatrick, who later recreated herself as the hip-hop star Vitamin C. Colleen also starred in the John Waters’ film “Hairspray” playing Debbie Harry’s daughter Amber and arch-rival of Ricki Lake, and in Wes Craven's "Vampires 2000," as the beautiful redheaded vampiress. “Jesus Loves You” is a cherry-flavored bit of lipstick punk rock. “They say I’m damned to hell, but I’ll be damned!”

Other Eve’s Plum Songs to Check Out: Blue, I Want It All, Wishing The Day Away, If I Can’t Have You, Save A Prayer, Fairy Princess

James – Sit Down
More Jesus Freaks should listen to this James song… “Those who find they’re touched by madness, sit down next to me.” This song is a bit manic-depressive, but has a perfect rhythm which makes you get up and dance, not sit down. Tim Booth’s whiny, nasal voice is the perfect ingredient in this recipe for a decidedly mad brit-pop rock track.

Other James Songs to Check Out: Top Of The World, Come Home, Gold Mother, Laid, How Was It For You

Jump Little Children – Cathedrals
This Jump Little Children song always sounds like it’s from the soundtrack of some film of star-crossed lovers: an Israeli Jew and a Utah Mormon with irreconcilable religious differences who meet in New York City, but who love no less. It’s a hauntingly beautiful song with gorgeous cello and acoustic guitar and a simple arrangement focusing on the tragic vocals of lead singer Jay Clifford.

Other Jump Little Children Songs to Check Out: Opium, 15 Stories, Early Years, Angel Dust, Come Around