  |
|
|
|
If ever there was a band deserving of an anthology, it would have to be Third Day, the Southern rockers who helped push the Christian music scene onto the playing field.
And with the just-released “Chronology, Volume One,” Provident has really stepped up to give Third Day the props they deserve. A second anthology is anticipated in August, and both come with a DVD overflowing with significant extras. Still, it’s really all about the music, so let’s get to it. “Chronology, Volume One (1996-2000)” is, as stated, focused on the early glory years and the first four albums, although their self-titled debut album gets most attention. The songs from that album and their second, “Conspiracy No. 5,” have been newly mixed, although generally the differences are minor enough to be unnoticeable, aside from bringing the vocals out slightly and the guitars out more. If you love the electric guitar, you’ll appreciate the new mixes; these earthy guitar nuances do enrich the tracks. Your favorite Third Day rockers are here, “Nothing At All” opening, and delivering Southern rock at its best, bluesy and raw. And it would be a crime to omit the majestic “Consuming Fire.” “I’ve Always Loved You” is reworked to a “steel mix,” and a gritty “Blackbird” and “Alien” are served up live. Also included are two tracks from the rarely seen 1999 EP, “Long Time Coming” and “She Sings in Riddles.” Provident put a lot of thought into this compilation album, not always the case in such a project. The same level of care shows up in the album’s packaging and the DVD of extras, which include six live Dove appearances, four music videos, a Chronology Two preview and best of all, a trip in the way-back machine to some of the band’s first public appearances. See Mac Powell without a goatee and Mark Lee and his mullet performing in their home church, as well as first-time performances of drummer David Carr and bassist Tai Anderson. This fully loaded DVD and the 17 song audio disc make “Chronology, Volume One” a sure bet for the diehard Third Day fan or the newbie.
The copyright of the article New Third Day Review in Christian Music is owned by Kevan Breitinger. Permission to republish New Third Day Review in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
