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The 77s
Holy Ghost Building
Album length: 11 tracks: 45 minutes, 40 seconds
Street Date: June 26, 2008
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The Seventy Sevens (also known as The 77's) were the first alternative Christian band to be picked up by a
mainstream label, Island Records (also home to U2), back in 1987. Over 20 years later, this band is still full of surprises
and brilliance. 77's have made a commitment to a unique project this time around. The listener will be placed into a time warp,
as the tone of this album will cover the late 60s, 70s, and even 80s.
The album kicks off with some rhythm and blues along with a little rock thrown in for good measure. 77's have actually
enhanced the pace of some of these songs in contrast to their originals. "Working on a Building," originally performed by Bill Monroe,
and "Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning" are songs that will echo memories of Credence Clearwater. "Stranger Won't You Change
Your Sinful Ways" (Steve Scott) is done with a style similar to Tom Petty. "I'll Remember You, Love, in My Prayers" is originally
performed by Alison Kraus on the Oh Brother, Where Art Thou soundtrack, and the Rolling Stones would be proud of 77's
version as it is much like their technique found in the early 70s such as "Gimme Shelter."
The album is full of inspirational and thought-provoking content as evidenced in songs like "What Would You Give in Exchange for
Your Soul" (Marty Stuart), "Brother how far, from the saviour today/ Risking your soul, for the things that he gave/ Oh if today,
God should call you away/ What would you give, in exchange for your soul." Next, 77's provide a rendition of Elvis' "When
My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again," and this version is done quite well in capturing the moment when this song was originally
released as Mike Roe sings the song quite confidently with the background vocals of all the "Ba-da-Ba-das." "City of Refuge"
provides some heavy guitar work that is reminiscent of some the punk bands of the late 70s and early 80s while at the same time;
the 77's introduce some blues into the mix. The album closes with the only original song, "A Lifetime Without You."
What separates this song from the rest of the album, other than being original, is that this is a style typically found in
ballads from the band's other albums, such as "Drowning with No Land in Sight" and "Sticks and Stones."
Holy Ghost Building consists of 10 cover songs that are given unique treatments from lead singer Michael Roe,
bassist Mark Harmon, and percussionist Bruce Spencer. Even though most of the songs were originally written by mainstream artists,
the lyrical content is very effective in for our walk with God. The style chosen for this album makes it a rare experience
among most of the praise and worship projects being released today. Although I prefer the classic sound of the 77's found in their
earlier releases, this is a unique album in its own right.
- Review date: 9/14/08, written by Wayne Myatt
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 Record Label: Lo-Fidelity Records
Album length: 11 tracks: 45 minutes, 40 seconds
Street Date: June 26, 2008
Buy It: 77s.com
- I'm Working on a Building
- Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning
- Stranger Won't You Change Your Sinful Ways
- I'll Remember You, Love, in My Prayers
- You're Gonna Be Sorry
- What Would You Give in Exchange for Your Soul
- He's a Mighty Good Leader
- When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again
- Everybody Ought to Pray Sometime
- I'm Gonna Run to the City of Refuge
- A Lifetime Without You
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