Have You Heard? Church and Screams

Downtown Church--Patty Griffin--Various types of church music in this release, with Hank Williams' "House of Gold," the much covered "Wade in the Water," and "All Creatures of Our God and King," a familiar hymn to Catholics and perhaps those of other faiths, with lyrics apparently written by St. Francis of Assisi in the 13th century (Griffin's father was once a Trappist monk). But the reverence doesn't get in the way of making this an upbeat, interesting and entertaining recording with some surprises, including (!) a cover of a Leiber and Stoller's "I Smell A Rat," ("You won't tell me where you been, Whiskey running all down your chin") which has no religious message that I could find. Griffin's singing is stellar, as is the backup which includes Narrows alum Jim Lauderdale, as well as Emmylou Harris, Raul Malo, and Julie Miller. Produced by Buddy Miller, with the recording partially done in a Presbyterian church in Nashville.

Screamworks:Love in Theory and Practice, Chapters 1-13--HIM--This Finnish band calls its sound "love metal," but these ears hear creative power pop with a metal edge. It's probably impossible not to at least like this album: the songs are hooky and radio friendly for the most part, the production is smooth as are most of the vocals. And it's about love: "Let fall apart together now zipping cupid in a body bag..." go the opening lyrics. What's not to like?