Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Those stalwarts of Christian rock, Petra, get the tribute treatment. A selection of their early output is highjacked by a variety of American modern rock and pop acts and in some cases (this is really going to offend the purists!) their songs are improved with interpretation. Galactic Cowboys give us a funky grungy "Not Of This World" which makes the original sound slightly tame. Meanwhile MXPX deal out what can only be termed a raucous "I Can Be Friends With You". Caprill & My Sister's Garden took "The Colouring Song" and turned in a distinctive vocal performance so high that my pet dog smiled. Sixpence and Jars Of Clay make strong contributions, new artist Sarah Jahn's acoustic flavoured "Yahweh Love" has more bounce than the original and Grammatrain will rouse the neighbours with their pounding "Wake Up". Outstanding though is DC Talk's Kevin Smith teamed with the genius of Dave Perkins, Lyn Nichols and a sampler called John Elliott who've turned the whole thing inside out, taking samples of a Louie Weaver drum solo, a snatch of opera, some rocky guitar riffs and a passionate vocal from Smith. Brooding and brilliant with a sort of early Faith No More feel. Worth getting just for this track!

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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