Friday night the Music Builds tour brought four big-name Christian bands to Minneapolis.
Jars of Clay
Jars of Clay opened the night with an excruciating early set time of 6 p.m. Kicking off with “Flood,” the band’s 1995 breakthrough hit — of which an alternative version appears on their new Closer EP — JOC did their best to translate their songs to the arena venue. Whether it was Target Center’s infamous wretched acoustics, or trouble back at the sound board, JOC had some sound issues that didn’t go away for the duration of their 35 minute set.
Dressed in white jumpsuits with a simple stage set-up, JOC wrapped up “Flood” and asked the crowd if anyone was at one of their very first shows in Bemidji (a few clapped).
It was great to hear the band expand the setlist to include some newer tracks like “Closer†off their latest EP and “Heaven,†a track from their forthcoming studio album that lead singer Dan Haseltine said is tentatively scheduled for a March 2009 release. “Heaven” is a synth-backed rocker with driving rhythms that reminds me of Pitchshifter’s early material. Good stuff, and definitely a reason to keep JOC in mind this Spring. True musicians, after their set, some of the band members headed over to the Fine Line Music Cafe for Cold War Kids. That’s my kind of band.
It was nice to hear the band expand the setlist to include some newer tracks like “Closer†off their latest EP and “Heaven,†a track from their upcoming studio album that lead singer Dan Haseltine said is tentatively scheduled for a March 2009 release.
True musicians, some of the band members headed over to the Fine Line for Cold War Kids.
Robert Randolph and the Family Band
In September 2004 I was in the former Ascot Room to see Macha open for Mouse on Mars. After the show wrapped, I snuck into the mainroom of the former Quest Club to see a party in progress. At the healm of the funkadelic freakout was Robert Randolph, who — although seated on a stool playing his steel guitar — had taken command of the audience who was literally jumping, shouting and singing like Jesus Christ himself was doing the two-step on-stage.
I imagine this is how all Robert Randolph stories begin. Something like, “So this dude is playing a steel guitar, and I’m a little hesistant. But, then he started playing, and now I’m a lifelong fan.”
Friday’s Target Center crowd also didn’t know what to think about RR. Kicking off with “Good Times,” the crowd literally sat and contemplated how much of a good time they were prepared to have. Of course, I’m giddy, on my feet and rocking out as RR digs into his steel guitar and the band funks it up.
But by the time RR and the Family Band (with little sister on gospel background vocals) hit the opening riff of “Deliver Me,” the crowd was on its feet and loving this guy.
Next up was “The March,” which included a holy departure into When the Saints Go Marching In†and had RR and drummer switch places, then bassist takedrums and RR plays bass, then drummer takes bass and RR back to the slide. The organist apparently just sticks to rockin’ B3 solos.
Impressed by their musicianship is an understatement as the Family Band absolutely won over the crowd, my wife and even me, again.
Switchfoot seemed to be awfully popular with the young’uns at this show. I have one of their albums and thought it was a lot of overproduced powerchords and cheesy faux rock. That’s pretty much what their live show was — complete with vocalist Jon Foreman crawling over the stage (and later the crowd) like a drunken monkey. After watching RR’s masterful, versatile talents at work, Switchfoot seemed like amateur hour.
Eventually I cut out and went to the merch booth, where the guy at the booth told me they had completely sold out of all RR albums, t-shirts and other merch. YES!
Third Day
Third Day was great, although I swear I heard them singing an unintended round with themselves thanks to Target Center’s acoustics.
Last December I first saw Jars of Clay and Third Day at a church in the suburbs. It was an intimate show and focused on both bands’ Christmas albums. However, it my first experience with both bands, and I was very impressed with JOC’s stage presence and musicality and TD’s command of the audience. Third Day put words from nearly all of their songs on the screen and turned the show into a worship experience.
That’s what I really missed at this concert. It wasn’t until three songs into Third Day’s set when I finally felt like the evening’s musicians were singing for more than the arena audience — for God.
More photos here.
Well..i guess everyone has their own opinion about Switchfoot. However, you kind of bashed on them a bit too much, dont you think?!? “Amateur hour”?! Alot of exaggeration! And “Awfully popular” kind of over dramatic!
Marie, thanks for the comment! If you had left a *real* e-mail address, I would have thanked you personally.
Can you share your opinion on why you like Switchfoot? I’m really anxious to hear it.
ouch, porridge. why hate on the s-foot? ok so one or two of their albums may be a bit overproduced, but their live show isn’t, and their musicianship definitely extends beyond a few powerchords. have you heard the solid drum-beats and intelligent bass lines? they’re not just “faux” rockers. i’m curious which album you have?
i was at this concert, and they put on a freakin’ awesome show! jon may have an awkward swagger sometimes, but i don’t think likening him to an inebriated primate is an accurate or mature description of his antics. the way he moves and interacts with the crowd is a sign of a good frontman. would you rather have had him stand in the same spot the whole time? how utterly boring.
anyway, since you asked marie to explain why she liked switchfoot, i’ll pre-empt you here and answer that question as well. their distinctive sound is different from other crappy rock bands out there today. they’re not content with just re-hashing the same lame formula or combination of chords over and over just to make money. (speaking of songs that all sound the same…did third day even play more than one song???). their lyrics are introspective, non-preachy and yet thought-provoking. the band members themselves are great guys, real people. when you talk to them, they give you the time of day and make you feel like the most important person in the world for those few minutes, no matter who you are.
i’m long-winded. so i’ll stop now.
Well put maggie!
Obviously the author is entitled to his own opinion, but I just wanted to share mine. I also found your comments about Switchfoot a little harsh – amusing, I’ll grant you – but harsh. Jon just gets lost in the music and in the energy. I personally enjoy the way he staggers around, climbs on things, and runs out into the crowd. He’s REALLY good at connecting with the audience.
I must say that I agree with Jeanna, Maggie, and Marie. Switchfoot has always had a unique form of rock that is not like most other bands, but that’s what makes them so amazing. Jon has the ability of none other to connect with the crowd. Their lyrics are well-written, passionate, and thought-provoking. Switchfoot always has the perfect amount of “serious” as well as “fun” music, which also makes them unique. As maggie said, they truly do make you feel important when you talk to them, as compared to other bands which don’t treat you like real people. Switchfoot has impressed me for years, and I’m sure they won’t let me down in the years to come.
Wow. So I agree with my good friends Kristina, Maggie, Marie, and Jeanna. You, dear Porridge really took a dump on Switchfoot. They are a great band with a ton, and I mean a TON of talent. It is totally fine with me if you didn’t enjoy their show. But you were definitely harsh up there.
I was actually at this concert and felt completely involved in the show. I saw no drunken monkey, amateur hour, or cheesy faux rock. Sad. I wish you’d seen the same show I had.
It is true, I’m a huge fan of Switchfoot. Their music and lyrics have helped me through some of the roughest times of my life. I’ve had the privilege of meeting the guys on a couple of different occasions, and I’ve always felt as thought I’m an important member of the team.
With all that said, I’m going to end by saying this: I love Switchfoot, and they did an excellent job on Friday night in Minneapolis.
Love all the feedback, guys.
Most of you mention lyrics in your love of SF. That’s really interesting to me, because most Christian bands seem to be lyrics (the meaning behind the song) first and melody second.
My take on SF is that they find a catchy guitar hook and then wrap a song around it — much like Top 40 pop. Thoughts on that comment?
i used to be a little self-righteous about the band switchfoot too. i didn’t get it, nor did i want to get it.
then, in a time of spiritual crisis in my life, i took another listen. it was then i realized what this band is about- living a see-thru life & singing about real internal & eternal battles while taking a lot of insult & criticism along the way.
i admire the fact that they have never given up, copped out, or changed to fit anyone’s mold of what a Christian oughta look like in the world of music.
they broke the mold & i believe it’s safe to say it’s beautiful in the eyes of our Creator.
if you recall David danced down the streets of Jerusalem as they brought the ark of the covenant back to its rightful resting place. he too was insulted for acting foolish.
similar to David, jon rejoices with a promise we’ve been given by the Savior- hope, love, & freedom.
i say LET THE MAN dance! let them seek perfection in their recordings! aren’t we called to rejoice and be excellent? aren’t we called to live life abundantly?
if not, what have we been given- hard hearts, stiff necks, or heavy burdens? no, it is for freedom Christ has set us free.
feel free to have an opinion. be careful how you judge lest you be judged with the same measure you dole out.
Lord, have mercy on us weary sinners!
Perfect Porridge – It may SOUND like that sometimes… (though I do wonder how many of their songs you’ve heard?) but that has never been their intent. They’ve said numerous times they’ve NEVER written for the radio.
That said, they DO have a number of feel-good, catchy, yes, even “pop” songs. But they also have just as many creative, interesting, different, I’ll-never-hear-this-on-the-radio tunes. I suggest checking out songs like Dirty Second Hands, Fatal Wound, Circles, Faust, Midas & Myself or even Jon Foreman’s brilliant solo The Moon Is A Magnet.
You might just be surprised!
I agree with Jeanna. Switchfoot does not conform to the world’s standards of music. They find their own way to play music that makes it deep, joyful, exciting, melancholy, depressing – anything you could possibly ask for musically. Jeanna’s right – songs like Dirty Second Hands, Fatal Wound, etc. are good examples of songs that are creative and interesting. I also enjoy 4:12, The Setting Sun, Burn Out Bright, and The Blues. Well, to be honest, I enjoy most all of their songs. But just in that group alone, you can find so much diversity and a unique style only switchfoot could acquire!
I agree with you once more Jeanna about Jon Foreman’s solo stuff. I highly recommend checking those out. While the music is quite different from switchfoot’s, it has lyrics that are still at that deep level Jon Foreman can easily obtain.
Oh, and which SF album do you have?
I am also wondering how many Switchfoot songs you have actually heard. I know for me, it was the lyrics that drew me in before anything else. In fact, Jon’s words have challenged me, inspired me, and given me hope in a way that no other band ever has…ever. And as for them building songs off of their catchy guitar riffs…I actually think that is the last thing I would say about their music. Jeanna gave you some excellent examples of songs that sound nothing like top 40 pop hits. I personally think they’re one of the most unique and versatile bands I’ve ever heard. I completely understand if Switchfoot is not your thing…I just think the things you said about their show were very exaggerated…and slightly disrespectful.
To be honest with you, I first came to love Switchfoot because of their lyrics, not their music.
I, too would like to know which SF album you have.
Switchfoot has some of the most deep, meaningful, eternally significant lyrics I have ever heard.
How many songs have you actually heard, or paid attention to the lyrics?
I would have to say that I am as well a huge fan of Switchfoot. But a big arena like the Staples Center is not thier usual venue. The best SF show you’ll see is in a small, sweaty rock club. That’s when you’ll feel the true energy SF has to offer. I didn’t attend the Minneapolis show, but I did attend the Music Builds show in New Jersey. I would say that RR was very good, and really got the crowd into it, but SF kind of let me down. I’m used to the 17 song set in a small rock club, but they had a shorter set, and they weren’t in their usual venue. I would have to say that you should review SF in a smaller, more intimate venue next time. Just like bands like Bon Jovi and Poison thrived in the big Arenas, Switchfoot excels in a small club.
Dear Porridge,
I beg you not to judge these guys too quickly before you read up about them a little more. They really are wonderful people.
Like others who have posted before me, switchfoot has played an important role in my life. Through my battle with depression, their music really helped me and gave me hope. Also, they aren’t afraid to ask the big questions.
What is most beautiful, in my opinion, is that Switchfoot doesn’t make music for you or me, nor do they really care what other people think. The only opinion they really care about is the only one that matters- God’s.
Hey nice discussion we have going on here.
Porridge has his own opinion on things, which is fine and cool : ) but at least he highlighted what was really important at the end of his post – which is all the bands were not trying to impress anyone else but the Audience of One.
I think Switchfoot is really different from a lot of the bands out there. It’s the way that Jon connects with the crowd that sets them apart as well. He makes it feel like we’ve known each other for a long time and the whole evening is about having a good time!
I do suggest getting Jon’s solo EPs. if you (Porridge) do not like their ‘pop’ sound.
I find it pretty awesome how wherever Switchfoot is bashed. We (Switchfoot fans) come and prove a point that Switchfoot IS a good band…thanks mostly in part thanks to Jeanna, who is awesome.
You’re article was pretty decent…and the bit about Switchfoot made me laugh…in a disagreeing way.
People judge Switchfoot by the surface to much too quick. They go Oh! music. I hate or I love it. It’s pop. It’s rock.
Switchfoot is more than just music, they’re more than gutiar strings, bass lines, vocals or keys!
Switchfoot is a community, it’s another word for people who want to change the world, give hope. I feel like the people I have met through Switchfoot, other fans, are family.
No other band, ever. ever. has produced this type of feeling.
To sum it up in one sentecne:
Again Switchfoot is more than music, they have changed my life forever, spirtiually, physically, and mentally, and they have changed the same in others for the better and while people bash them, I know God is smiling at what he sees in the Switchfoot community.
that is all
~andrew
andrew c. artwork
Thanks Tim. Still lots of comments about the lyrics but not much about what I perceived as formulaic structure of the songs. I will check out those solo EPs for sure.
perfect porridge,
whadda ya mean by “formulaic structure of the songs”?
Lyrics are important, Porridge, and I believe SF writes some of the most intelligent around. But if you’ve only listened to ONE SF CD, you’ve missed out on the range of Switchfoot’s musical talent. Just as you wouldn’t want us to judge you based on your one review here, I’m sure no band would be happy to be judged on the basis of one show and one CD unless of course that was the only CD they had produced.
I think if you hear all 6 of Switchfoot’s albums, you’ll appreciate their musicianship AND their progression as a band. Their last two CD’s were far from formulaic even to the point that some of my friends were turned off, feeling as if Switchfoot was going too far outside the lines musically. These friends loved The Beautiful Letdown, Switchfoot’s more “pop” sounding album but couldn’t stomach the alt-country Dirty Second Hands or the dark, halting Fatal Wound.
As fans, we’ve been privy to live streaming studio sessions, a wealth of interviews, and fan sites (shout out to Land of Broken Hearts) that keep us up-to-date on all of what goes on with our favorite band. In reviewing all of that information, I can assure you that the philosophy of this band is to never be making music simply to make money…and they have no interest in pandering to the “radio-crowd”. In fact, they’ve severed ties with Columbia in order to create music they way they want to and have formed their own independent label. It’s hard for me to believe that bands who want to settle for formulas have the courage and determination to make music without the constant approval of music industry moguls. What Switchfoot does is simply NOT typical of a “faux rock” band. You seriously need to take another listen (and another look at these comments. Several who commented have given you names of songs to check out)
And as far as Jon’s performance, well, I can understand why you might find it slightly distracting…but that’s only because you don’t seem to understand that Jon Foreman is passionate about what he does…and he performs with abandon. One person compared Jon’s performance to King David’s dance before the Lord, and I believe that is a very strong comparison. I truly believe that Jon sings to an audience of One and knows how very much he is loved by that Audience. That knowledge allows him to sing freely…and invite the crowd who is observing him to join him in that same kind of abandon.
My hope is that you’ll at least listen to Oh! Gravity and Nothing is Sound. I know what I hear in those two albums and it sounds nothing like formula rock to me. Maybe I’m not qualified to make those judgements about music, but have been involved with music, either as a student, and educator, or a reviewer for the past 34 years.
Oh, and DO listen to Jon’s EP’s. All of them are so well crafted, but Summer is brilliant. Start there and make your way through all four!
Porridge – Did you see my second comment? I specifically address some songs that I feel have a different structure than the norm. I suggest you check them out!
Another point though… with Switchfoot, it’s sometimes hard to seperate the lyrics from the music… because the lyrics are SO good. That’s what drew alot of us to the band. In fact, Chad Butler, the drummer, joined the band just because he was such a fan of Jon’s songwriting.
yeah i really agree with andrew on the community aspect.
Why is my comment still “awaiting moderation?” I feel so left out!
“Most of you mention lyrics in your love of SF. That’s really interesting to me, because most Christian bands seem to be lyrics (the meaning behind the song) first and melody second.”
true. i agree with you on that. which is why so many christian bands nowadays are bland and boring and all sound the same – because they don’t care as much about the instrumentation. but i think switchfoot – while they do place a lot of importance on the lyrics because they know they have a voice and they want to be singing about things that matter – has a true desire (and expresses that desire in many songs) to branch out and experiment and explore diversity in their songwriting. that may not always happen, simply because jon writes SO many songs (often as many as a song per day), and some of them are bound to sound pretty similar. besides the fact that jon just has a talent for writing really catchy tunes, and some people tag “catchy” as another word for “unintelligent,” “cheap,” or just trying to write something quick to make money. which is not always the case
“My take on SF is that they find a catchy guitar hook and then wrap a song around it — much like Top 40 pop. Thoughts on that comment?”
sometimes, perhaps. jon has said that he will sometimes start with a tune in his head, and then try to work lyrics into it. other times, though, he starts with the lyrics. and anyway, what’s wrong with starting with a catchy guitar hook, as long as you don’t end up with a cheap top-40-caliber song? (which the ‘foot doesn’t…usually). plus, a songwriter’s gotta have SOMEWHERE to start, right? why not a guitar hook that gets stuck in their heads? just because it’s only one hook, and happens to be catchy, that doesn’t mean an intelligent, rich song can’t come of it. with switchfoot, that can and does happen fairly often.
Porridge,
You are obviously a re-re.
Please stop trying to be a music critic. You know nothing of good music.
And your screen name is retarded.
Tia
I don’t quite understand why you call it “amateur hour”… They are one of the tightest rock bands out there musically, and calling them amateur makes me wonder how much musical knowledge you actually have.
As far as “drunken monkey” Jon Foreman, it’s his way of communicating with the audience, and getting involved. If you think his “act” is amateur, then wow, you must think Bono is an amateur. He’s only the frontman of one of the biggest rock bands in the world, and he’s even more theatrical than Foreman at some points.
That being said, I think Foreman is a better vocalist and has grown into one of the best frontmen in the business; forget Christian music, in all of music. That’s how good Switchfoot is.
What you’ve heard is probably their most generic Top 40 stuff (The Beautiful Letdown perhaps…?), but I’m certain that even those songs aren’t merely pop powerchords with great lyrics. I read earlier a reference to the intelligent basslines, but also how do you write songs with the chordage that Jon Foreman comes up with? It’s certainly NOT “faux rock” material. you want that? just listen to any pop punk band nowadays.
If you don’t like them, then fine. But at least put some thought into your statements before bashing anyone.
gosh, so many hateful/rude/accusatory comments…you know, you can disagree with the man’s review without making switchfoot fans look unintelligent and hot-headed.
“Most of you mention lyrics in your love of SF. That’s really interesting to me, because most Christian bands seem to be lyrics (the meaning behind the song) first and melody second.”
I hate to say it, but duh. The focus SHOULD be on the lyrics. In my opinion, that’s what is (and probably always has been) lacking in popular music.
That’s not to say the music itself isn’t important. A poetic beauty will fall flat without a sound that can communicate. That being said, music falls on subjective ears, and not everyone will like what they hear.
But formulaic? Switchfoot? They may their share of catchy riffs but I’d hardly call that formulaic. I’ve always felt their songs wrapped around the lyrics, not the other way around.
If any of those four bands falls into formulaic, it’s Third Day. I have nothing against them and occasionally enjoy listening to them (and you’re right, they are tremendous worship leaders), but almost all of their songs follow the same chord pattern i.e. they all sound alike.
Although I was not at this particular show, I have seen all of these bands live (except RR). Switchfoot has best live show hands down. Jon’s antics on stage are what they call passion, my friend, something sorely lacking in the Christian realm.
i didn’t get an answer to my previous question.
“whadda ya mean by “formulaic structure of the songs?” (Oct.15)
the reason i asked is because i am sincerely curious as to how you define switchfoot’s songs that way.
peace,
pam
Just clocking in with my two cents. As I’m not a musician or music professor or anything, I really can’t tell you anything about formulaic structure (although, have you listened to Oh! Gravity? doesn’t strike me as a big top-40 radio sell out album)… I just know what I like when I hear it, and I love Switchfoot. I saw them play this past September in Orlando Fl, and the show was incredible – they put on an amazing live show, with unbelieveable energy. And I do think your drunken monkey comment was just a bit harsh – Jon clearly gets really into the music, and he carried our crowd along with him. And I agree with a previous poster’s comparison to Bono, pretty similar movement style there. I’m definitely not one of the young’uns you mentioned – I saw the band perform live for the first time shortly after I turned 39 – I danced, jumped, and stood on my tiptoes through the entire set because the music just didn’t give me any other choice. Too bad that they’re not your thing; maybe try giving their CD’s a fair listen, you just might change your mind…
I saw the music builds tour, and I preferred Switchfoot to Robert Randolph. Don’t get me wrong, I really got into RR’s set, but it isn’t as much the style of music I listen to. I thought they were amazing musicians and I was impressed. I definitely wouldn’t mind seeing them again.
I can tell you that I actually like Jon’s vocals (SF) and that often plays a big part in the music I enjoy. I don’t quite like it as much when he does the more “talky” parts, although I think he does that well, but I like his vocals. And personally, I don’t have much problem with catchy tunes, I suppose. I just like what I like. I also can’t see a lot of their songs fitting on radio at all (I can’t imagine On Fire being particularly radio friendly.) I don’t see the point in overanalyzing music I like, though. If you don’t like it, I don’t have a problem with that, either. As for Jon’s stage presentation, I actually like that as well. He likes performing, and I think it shows. It’s probably just a matter of preference here. I like it, you don’t.
And I am not one of the young’uns, either, unless you are counting people in their 50′s.
I am curious what you’d think of Jon’s solo stuff. I think Fall and Winter are the best, especially, “Learning How to Die.”
Anyway, I saw the show in Phoenix, and I enjoyed all of the bands. Jars, Third Day and Switchfoot have been favorites of mine for a while now.
Whats up with the drunken mokey part?god,seriously HIS review is so bad its good enough to puke on.SWITCHFOOT ROCKS!!!
I went to the concert to see Third Day. Which didn’t disappoint. I had no real experience with Switchfoot. I came away an admiring fan. I had NEVER seen a frontman connect with the audience like John Foreman did. I loved it. And am getting acquainted with their music and still loving them. Subtle lyrics that make you think.
wow, you guys need to chill. I don’t agree with the reviewer about switchfoot either… but you guys make switchfoot fans look childish. don’t take it so personally, It’s just a band after all, not the end of the world if someone criticizes them.
p.s. check out jon’s solo EPs for sure.
hmmmmmmm….
porridge,
there is part of me that understands why you got such an impression of switchfoot at an MBT show and part of me that…..doesen’t.
switchfoot’s set on MBT was mostly fan favorites. they didn’t play a lot of their weirder songs (*cries* i wanted to seee dirty second hands live SO bad when i saw an MBT show) and they didn’t mix things up the way they have on previous tours. but “cheesy faux rock” ? c’mon!
just -try to- read the music they come up with! very complicated stuff.
and umm….”druken monkey”? HAHHAHAHA that is amusing. but i didn’t get that impression when i saw them play. they looked to me like they were having so much fun. you’d think after playing these songs for a few years, they would be so bored. but they were actually enjoying it! things were even slightly random, like when someone threw their phone up on stage, and jon was enjoying it.
and umm… popular with the young’uns? my dad is almost 52 and he is as crazy about them as i am (its embarassing cuz he still wants to get in the mosh pit even though he has knee problems) ‘nothing is sound’ and ‘learning to breathe’ are some of his favorite cd’s. and switchfoot is in his top five fav bands (his top five in no particular order: Showbread, Yes, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Switchfoot, Kutless).
I totally agree with maggie, and all others who have the same opinion, Whatever album you have, you obviously haven't listened to it very closely. I have all of their albums, and everyone is awesome. I was at this show, and have seen them before, and their stage performance has so much energy! When Jon and Tim jump around, they are into their music, they don't just stand around and sit their like they'd rather be doing something else.Their syncopated drum beats, and catchy bass lines, they're one of the hardest working bands out their! Maybe you should listen to the rest of their albums, and then maybe you'll change your mind.
I totally agree with maggie, and all others who have the same opinion, Whatever album you have, you obviously haven't listened to it very closely. I have all of their albums, and everyone is awesome. I was at this show, and have seen them before, and their stage performance has so much energy! When Jon and Tim jump around, they are into their music, they don't just stand around and sit their like they'd rather be doing something else.Their syncopated drum beats, and catchy bass lines, they're one of the hardest working bands out their! Maybe you should listen to the rest of their albums, and then maybe you'll change your mind.
switch foot is WAY better than what you think!!!!! that would be my opinion
switch foot is WAY better than what you think!!!!! that would be my opinion
switch foot is WAY better than what you think!!!!! that would be my opinion