Agape - Gospel Hard Rock

Wednesday 1st February 1995
Agape - Gospel Hard Rock
Agape - Gospel Hard Rock

STYLE: Jesus Music
RATING 5 5 5 5 5
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 14541-CAS2438
LABEL: Agape Communications AC001
FORMAT: 12 inch vinyl Album

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

I've read about this album for years but never heard it until now. For instance, Jesus music historian Don Williams wrote "Larry Norman...heard the Agape hard rock Christian group play songs about Jesus. This convinced Larry that he could use his rock music to communicate the Gospel..." Agape formed in 1968, played throughout the West Coast and disbanded in 1972 leaving as their legacy this album, released on Mark in 1971 and a 1972 item, 'Victims Of Tradition' (also now reissued on CD). Today this ultra-rare albums is listed in Guide To Collectable Record Albums. There buffs are told that a mint copy of this album is worth 150 dollars. After all the history, what's the music like? Most of it is rambling psychedelic blues, with up front Jesus proclamation and bags of period charm. There is a major flaw however. You'll need to listen to tracks like "Believe" with something hard between your teeth - the lead singer is so stupefyingly flat that it will produce pain for all but the most tone deaf collector. This reissue also contains two previously unissued tracks "Street Walker" and "Alchemy" which with their country-rock leanings sound almost like a different band.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Reader Comments

Posted by Joanne Tatum in Dinuba, CA @ 07:47 on Jun 27 2009

In the early 70s I was in high school and involved in the Jesus mvmt. Buzz Brace and his family (from W. Covina) came here to start the Agape Inn Christian coffee house here. It meant a lot to me and others. Later, they moved away and we grew up and moved on. By any chance, do you know what happened to them? I often wonder. Thanks, Joanne



Posted by Josue Caban in Denver, Colorado @ 21:12 on Oct 17 2008

you have your dates wrong. I suggest you contact Fred Caban regarding the band Agape. He is the founder. Thank you. Josue Caban


Reply by John Cumbey in San Diego @ 22:45 on Jun 13 2009

Josue,

I used to go to the Church in the Park in Covina. I've been trying to find e-mail addresses for some of the folks. Can you provide me with Fred's e-mail?

Thanks.

[report abuse]


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