Daniel Amos burst on to the Christian music scene some 25 years ago, and
Christian music hasn't been the same since. From their original country
crooning to the cutting edge New Wave of the 80's and the alternative style
of the 90's, DA has managed to evolve its style to fit the demands of the
day without compromising their message. They have survived for nearly
three decades while other groups have come and gone. And yet, DA
has not compromised their musical integrity or their spiritual message.
Many artists tend to stray away from the Lord in both their lifestyles
and their music, but DA has stayed strong and true. They continue
to share with their listeners their own struggles, revelations, and personal
growth. Other groups, such as Petra, have changed from their original
cutting edge styles to the more widely accepted contemporary styles.
DA, on the contrary, continues to maintain their own unique style.
Unfortunately, in spite of their longevity, DA is not very well known.
If I ask fellow Christian music lovers if they like Daniel Amos, they generally
respond by saying "I've never heard of him" or "Who is he?" Usually
DA's albums, if I can find them at all, are under "A."
But why is this? I believe it's because DA's lyrics are deeper than
most people want to deal with. Most Christians are satisfied to listen
to music that doesn't hide its meaning under allegory. They want
things clear-cut and simple. They don't want to have to "think about"
what the music is saying. Now, there's nothing wrong with that in
and of itself, of course. But it doesn't do wonders for a band's
popularity, either.
I find DA's music to be very stimulating, both intellectually and spiritually.
I enjoy looking for the deeper meanings and listening for the double entendres.
Many of their albums tell a story, containing a central theme that weaves
the songs together. Often this theme is a journey, a journey whose
end is found in the arms of a loving Father. And literary references
abound. Terry Scott Taylor, lead singer and song writer, has been
influenced by authors such as C.S. Lewis, William Blake, Shakespeare, and
T.S. Elliot--works that are not in the reportroire of the typical Christian
musician. These influences are seen throughout DA's music.
(For a more complete examination of DA's literary allusions, please visit
J. Brandon
Barnes' page.) And although some songs may seem shallow or silly
on the surface, there is always a deeper meaning. One only has to
look for it.
The members of DA have also formed or participated in several other bands.
Terry S. Taylor has produced several solo albums,
including the amazing A Briefing for the Ascent. A look at
the musicians performing on these solo albums will turn up the familiar
names of fellow DA members. And in the early 90's, all of the members
of Daniel Amos changed their own names and renamed the band. Thus
was born the Swirling Eddies. Band member names
include Camarillo Eddy, Gene Pool, and Burger Roy Al. (They even
held a contest inviting fans to guess who they were!) Why?
Their Darn Floor--Big Bite album, considered to be the pinnacle
of DA's career by both the band and many fans, simply did not sell well.
"We didn't want to throw out another DA album and watch it die," says TST.
After blowing off some creative steam as the Eddies, DA began releasing
albums again, as well as simultaneously producing several more Eddies albums.
And, in the mid-90's, DA's TST, along with the The Choir's Derri Daugherty,
Adam Again's Gene Eugene, and the 77s' Mike Roe, formed the Lost
Dogs.
:: links
::
:: discussion
lists ::
:: poetry
::
:: my
writings ::
:: where
to buy albums ::
|