Jesus Died for Somebody’s Sins

Was thinking about how gospel music so often has a strong appeal for even the most committed of heathens (like S and I, though I’d say I’m slightly more recent in my heathenhood than she). And I know it’s rock-crit-unfashionable to pay any heed to notions of intent or authenticity or “soul,” but sometimes I do wonder if belief simply makes music sound better. I mean, listen to this gospel-blues stuff.

Of course, “belief” could refer to the listener just as much as to the singer. We may not believe in the same things that Son House believes in, but we believe he believes in them, and we convince ourselves that we can hear that belief in the sound coming out of the speakers. The singer asks for our faith in the Lord, but in our pagan age the best we can do is put our faith in the singer.

Anyway, it’s getting late & I’m tired & eternally pressed for time, but happy Easter weekend to all.

• Son House, “John the Revelator”
• Blind Willie Johnson, “Let Your Light Shine on Me”
• Reverend Gary Davis, “Crucifixion”