Reviewed by John Fisher

One definition of the word parody is that it is a literary or artistic work that imitates the characteristic style of an author or a work for comic effect or ridicule. Well to this matter Apologetix definitely got my attention, it made me laugh most notably for some of J Jackson's (the lead singer) outfits and not for the reasons that the band were thinking. This DVD brings together a collection of songs that span a career which started in 1992 and has produced nine full albums, and if you join the fan club via their website they have another two CDs which they make only available to their members. Now to the serious stuff, the back of the DVD notes describe them "With a style so unusual and eclectic that they're the only band to be featured on broadcasts by Billy Graham, Howard Stern, the 700 club, and Dr Demento..", and in 2004 they received the American Christian Music Award for Alternative Artist Of The Year. The artists that are parodied are definitely very varied and include the likes of Fountains Of Wayne, The Beatles, Charlie Daniels and even Metallica. Furthermore there is no denying that this group can play their instruments, check out Karl Messner playing guitar on "Cheap Bird" (a parody of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Freebird") in which he uses a drum stick to great effect, but at times they are let down a little by the vocalist who sometimes struggles, especially on "Tom Saw Ya". Apologetix don't appear to consider any group sacrosanct to the parody treatment. Interspersed amongst the music the DVD features interviews with members of the band giving the viewer a little bit more of an insight to the workings, visions and all things Apologetix. All in all parody seems to be more popular Stateside than here in the UK. But if you like a laugh and mixture of biblical topics explored with lyrics such as "I thought that God was only Jewish Fairytale" a parody of "I'm A Believer" then this is the one for you.

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.