Apologetix

Adam Up
Love ‘em or lump ‘em, credit ApologetiX with consistency. Since the mid-1990s, every 18 months or so, there they are – in the shops that stock their discs and on the radio stations that play them either as drivetime novelty or integral playlist fodder (more than you might suspect, in both cases) – with a new album of 15-20 or more scripturally-minded parodies of pop, country and hip-hop hits from the 1950s to the current decade. Production hasn’t quite caught up to the level of comedy music king “Weird Al” Yankovic, and the ratio of “Oh no! They didn’t!” groaners to more astute satire that skewers the song or act they’re mimicking, the humor found in the Bible and/or current Christianity. I’m pretty much in the “love ‘em” camp, though an uptick in studio charms wouldn’t hurt. New twist for the guys is the addition of female vocal trio Everlife on a few cuts, most notably “Meshach,” a B-52s spoof wherein A’X singer J. Jackson vocally comes on like ol’ Fred Schneider (think ‘bout that). Jackson sounds to be getting more skilled at impersonation, aping Mick Jones decently on Clash mock-up “Should I Pray or Should I Go?” and getting down a Scottish brogue to make over The Proclaimers (“I’m Gonna Feed [500 Mouths]”). There’s another song about being a funnymusic act, set to a Grand Funk Railroad oldie (guess which), and another Eminem impression roughly as good as that done by Dr. Demento mainstay The Great Luke-Ski. Like Luke, they have a thing for a certain Prince of, ahem, Darkness (“Lazy Brain”). Neither do they steer from confronting believers whose biblical illiteracy allows error to creep in (Sam The Sham tackled on “Little-Read Bible Book”). Throughout, A’X put sacred texts to song as good as Michael Card or anyone more “serious” about it. Credit ApologetiX with consistency on that account, too.
[Parodudes] Jamie Lee Rake

This CD review was printed in the March/April issue (#106) of HM Magazine.
You can order a copy of this issue online in our store,
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Comments

By Joel

So, yeah, a few years ago i went to a concert of theirs with one of my friends, and 3 or 4 songs in to it me and my friend left. Seriously, these people insult the hard work and effort that mainstream artists put in to their music. I'm sure they have good intentions and all, but, seriously, if your gonna make a band, make your own music. Dont just rip on other's.

By Fabian

I dunno if 'Weird Al' can Spoof and be paid for it why not these guys....

By Brian W.

Music is fun. Lighten up people. This is a great way to get people's attention and share the gospel. It is tough to pull off a good parody and to put in the frame work of shareing the gospel is brilliant. When I first heard of Apologetix I thought that they would be lame, but they are hilarious. Read the lyrics then try to say they have no talent. And they are extremly talented musicians if you would of stayed for the whole show you would of found that out. They do live up to the name. There is more Bible in Apologetix songs than anyone else I have ever heard. They are theologians. They spend hours with fans at shows also

By Mike aka "The Oldiesmann"

I've seen these guys in concert twice. It's so much fun! No matter how many people complain, these guys are extremely talented, and it shows. Every CD is better than the last. If you like Weird Al, you'll love this group (and by the way - they don't get paid for this. They could care less about royalties). These guys always seem to dig up the most obscure biblical characters, and then tell you everything there is to know about them. Great group.

By TOAD

IF YOUR LOOKING FOR A BAND THAT SUCKS, LOOK NO FURTHER!! YOUVE FOUND THEM. THIS BAND BLOWS!!!

By pvt_wes

I used to intern in a studio/distro shop that shipped abovementioned band. We couldn't GIVE the CD's away when we closed. They are all (1500+ discs) currently at the bottom of a dumpster on the way to the city landfill.

By JOsh

I just can't get over how mush these guys suck. Its one thing if you suck, but you still write your own music. This band just rips off better bands songs. And then insane people go out and buy their cd. THIS MUST STOP!!! NEVER.. EVER... EVER.. EVER......... even give this band a spin in your cd player!

By Chris

I am a youth minister and my youth love Apologetix. That should say something to all of you criticizing them. How can anyone say that the original artists are better bands. In most cases, the original artists are opposed to everything that Christ calls us to. I say more power to you Apologetix! If you can turn a song meant to be used by satan for evil into a tool for Christ, keep doing it. I'd rather spend my money on a CD with the same music that the money does not go to glorify the cesspool of today's culture, no matter how "talented" other bands may be. I think the insane people may be the ones who justify their support to modern evil

By CrysmsonPheonix

i do not enjoy the music of apolagetix, or the ideas they stand for. ripping off songs or bands that are stupid to start with (all that sound alike pop) i have no problem with, but when you start doing it to music that was good to start with from people who worked hard on their music, thats wrong. and second i just wanted to say there is music that is made to help the devil, and there is music from the heart, where the artist is at, and as a christian in a secular garage band, im insulted by the statement that secular music is all about the devil. i hate Apolagetix, HATE THEM, when my brother hit this classic rock phase, i took all of his stuff, but the Apolagetix, i couldnt get rid of it, so i used it as a frisbe, and you know it was one of the best ones ive ever had.

By bill

They rock!! They are great!!

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By Cory

Apologetix is a wonderfulband. Just because thry use other people's music doesn't mean they are bad musicians. J Jackson is very versatile and can imitate nearly anyone. I highly recommend these guys