Tabernackle of Praise J CardBack from transdimensional adventures, it’s time to get back to our roots with the Tabernackle of Praise. This tape, likely constructed in the basement workshop of Los Angeles Christ-o-phile/preacher Marshall Blue, is actually much more listenable than it appears at first glance. Clad in a sea foam green xeroxed cover, I can’t remember where I got it, but I may have grabbed it from the free bin over at Rocketship Records, back when they were still open.

Regardless of it’s humble origin, this tape is a serviceable lo-fi hip-hip/samplerific adventure, and the religious content is much more interesting than the self-absorbed mumbo jumbo that makes up the lyrical content of what passes for hip-hop these days. For some reason, I find the honest Christian devotion expressed on this tape, as well as the genuine attempt to frame religious language in some truly primitive beats, a refreshing and entertaining listen. Don’t get me wrong, this Yid isn’t switching teams yet, I’m still swinging for the earlock and beanie crowd. something about this record takes me back to the days when Hip-Hop was seen as a propaganda tool, capable of preaching socialistic propaganda to the masses, there’s something harking back to the Disposable Heroes of Hiphopricy and Consolidated in it.

The track Keep the Faith moves from straight Casio beat rapping, to a reading of Romans 1-5, fading out with what is intended as a thought provoking sample. Salvation is Free contains the lyric “Jesus is the only one I can trust”, echoing perfectly the sentiment of Christian goth band Scarlet, whom I had the privledge to see with Eva O and Rozz Williams at the Roxy, a disconcerting experience that still have not fully processed. The track ends with the chorus “Jesus is coming back ya’all, and that’s a fact ya’ll, and that’s a fact” which can’t be beat, as it fades into raw scripture from Revelations. Every track on this album contains tiny lyrical gems that idolators like myself could never invent in our most sarcastic moments, and all are worth a cursory listen.

Trust Jesus Today!

Not only are the tracks all listenable (especially in comparison to our last meal, the Howard the Duck soundtrack), but the album cover contains a four step guide to getting Jesus into your life, including what to pray. It’s even better than a Chick tract.

Side A

  1. Intro
  2. Salvation is Free
  3. How Long?
  4. JESUS is the way (did you know)
  5. Let Down Your Nets

Side B

  1. The Bomb (JESUS)
  2. Keep the Faith
  3. Galatians 1:11-12