Reviewed by Andy Shaw

Describing themselves as a cross between Weird Al Yankovic and Billy Graham, Christendom's favourite parody band released this album in 2016. This one is themed around the 12 minor prophets that come at the end of the Old Testament, with the lyrics of 12 popular songs rewritten to focus on the prophets from Hosea to Malachi. The majority of the record sits firmly in the classic rock domain with the one outlier being the opener "Hosea" reworking the jazz/funk infused rock of "Josie" by Steely Dan. The original tracks were all big chart hits dating from Steppenwolf's 1968 hit "Magic Carpet Ride" through to The Firm's "Radioactive". They stay true to the original tracks in terms of the arrangement and instrumentation making them instantly recognisable. It is a difficult skill to mimic the sound of so many different artists, and some are more successful than others. "Amos" sounds just like the Derek & The Dominos classic "Layla", with the obvious replacement of the title in the chorus lyrics. The attempt to fit "Obed-Edom, Obadiah" into The Beatles track "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da" is a bit more clunky with both the sound and the lyrics not quite fitting. For me, a good parody should at first glance sound like a cover as the lyrics fit rhythmically with the original and aren't forced in. It is only on closer inspection, when you take time to focus on the lyrics, that you realise what they have done. This is achieved in part on this record with tracks like "Man On The Run" ("Band On The Run" by Paul McCartney & Wings) offering lyrics that fit well with the original and provide a humorous retelling of the story of Jonah.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.