iPod Convert: Gospel Urban Soul

The recent trip to Maine provided plenty of podcast listening time, and my review for this week comes from approximately hour five of our first day's drive. This was not a universally appreciated choice in the minivan, but the dissenters can write their own blogs. Three out of the four of us were awake, and I'm pretty sure I can count on Miss T's vote, as she seems to appreciate a good vibe. My podcast choice for this week is Gospel Urban Soul, presented by DJ Herman MonStar out of Jacksonville, Florida.

I've written before about my love for "dusties" and urban soul music, and also pointed out the somewhat laughable conceit of my being able to speak with any legitimacy to music from the African-American experience. I try to broach the topic with humility and an acknowledgment of my profound ignorance. Good music is good music, and when listened to with a respectful ear and curiosity, I hope I can still learn and appreciate. In this case, gospel music legitimately has its own evangelical agenda, and you can count me among the converted.

I will be frank; Gospel Urban Soul will not be for everyone. This modern, funky gospel music with a distinctly urban twist is unapologetic about praising God and espousing personal salvation. This isn't a problem for me. If I'm listening to gospel music, I expect it to reflect and to present, well, the Gospel. I spent a brief year as a member of a small gospel choir, and although I was young and stupid at the time, the experience is still important to my spiritual formation. My own take on and practice of Christianity may not be the same as everything sung about in modern gospel music, but I think I can benefit from the forthrightness of the music and the witness it offers.

God comes to us in many different ways. If I am shy to shout, "Praise God!", the artists presented by the DJ Herman MonStar are not. And the standard of musicality for artists is high ... not once did I feel bored or as if the music being presented was derivative, even if I personally liked some songs or artist more than others. The selections were joyous, often beautifully sung, catchy and always deeply felt. I particularly liked "I Can Feel Him", by DJ EL from Episode 11. (Although this track did leave the Hubby opening our glovebox on a search for "Jesus in my car." Heathen.)

This isn't a weekly podcast ... episodes appear to come out every three months or so. I certainly hope that DJ Herman MonStar will continue in his efforts with Gospel Urban Soul, and that he and his program enjoy broad distribution. I'm sure that I'm not alone when I admit that I struggle with my faith; I can't say it reaches to the level of wrestling with God as Jacob did, but I walked away for several years, and came back despite myself. Gospel Urban Soul helps to remind me of the joy and profundity of that return, and of the rich diversity of God's grace. From the Gospel Urban Soul website: "The Gospel Music Network plays blazin' hot music from God's gifted and talented recording artists spreading the good news. God's word will nourish your spirit and the music inspired by God will satisfy your soul. You will surely be entertained, encouraged and uplifted. Get ready to experience the next movement in gospel music."

Amen (and thank you).