Editor,
Much of Jim Reeds Connect Recommends for 1/5/05 is devoted to telling us why we shouldnt like local band Showbread. He does finally admit that their latest CD is one of the most impressive slabs of brutal, high-energy metalcore thats ever come from our local music scene.
But the rest of his Recommendation is Yeah, buts that are mostly (and unabashedly) based on conjecture. Evidently, their sin was Christianity.
Im not saying I know more about music than Jim does. Jim regularly knows more about the musicians he discusses than their own parents do, and frequently knows more about music and the business than the musicians do.
But something went wrong this time. He clearly made no attempt to interview anyone associated with the band, or do any research whatsoever openly admitting his ignorance about their beliefs, music, and motives.
Instead, he lumped them in with what he derisively called stealth Christian bands, all of whom he thinks believe, not in Christ, but simply that professing an abiding love for Jesus was a quick and easy shortcut through the often inhospitable and unprofitable world of indie touring.
Somethings really wrong here. Im not saying no bands have done that (I cant even say for sure that Showbread didnt do it), but to make those kinds of accusations while confessing ignorance about the alleged offender is just indefensible prejudice.
At least Jim could have found out something that I do know: Showbread is the Old Testament term for the Jewish bread of offering to Yahweh.
And Yahweh, by the way, is the title of the closing song on the latest CD by U2. Are they a bunch of no-talent frauds too?
Birney Bull
Editors Note: We had two separately scheduled interviews with the band, but unfortunately Showbread was a no-show for both.
