Sometimes you hear Christian types lament that the devil has all the good music. Nonsense! There’s plenty of good music for the righteous crowd. And the heathens in the audience should keep in mind that a good song is a good song, even if you might disagree with its message.

Notting Hillbillies “Weapon of Prayer” (Louvin Brothers)
The Notting Hillbillies were a one-off side project that Mark Knopfler did back when Dire Straits was still happening.

I believe that the Louvin Brothers were Southern Baptists but this song has a Quaker vibe that I reallly like.

The Persuasions “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” (The Jubilee Singers)
Great doo-wop vocal arrangement of the old spiritual. For some reason the Persuasions included this tune on a collection of children’s songs.

Jello Biafra and Mojo Nixon “Plastic Jesus” (The Goldcoast Singers)
The breakup of the Dead Kennedys made Jello look like a huge jerk, but he sounds like a fun loving guy here. One of my all-time favorite hymns.

Groovegrass Boyz “Stand By Me” (Comp. Charles Tindley)
This album featured Doc Watson and Bootsy Collins (neither of whom is on this song) and sought to introduce country and western music to a new audience of young fans. I don’t know if they achieved their goals, but I like it a lot.

Bauhaus “Spirit In The Sky” (Norman Greenbaum)
These guys don’t sound nearly as happy to be going up to see the Spirit In The Sky as Mr. Greenbaum is. I guess that’s what being Goth is all about.