But when anything is exposed by the light it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Ephesians 5:13

For me music has an undeniable spiritual component—sometimes it’s explicit, sometimes more subtle. And as Easter approaches I have been thinking about this connection. With this in mind, I have pulled together a list of songs for Easter. These, by design, are by secular artists. I am definitely not a conservative/evangelical Christian. But a Christian I am. To me the whole focus on personal salvation really misses the main point of Jesus’ message. As Obery Hendricks states in his excellent book, The Politics of Jesus: Rediscovering the True Revolutionary Nature of Jesus' Teachings and How They Have Been Corrupted, Jesus’ teachings are those that will “transform our society—and the world—into a kingdom of justice in which all of God’s children, regardless of color, creed, or national origin can have life, and that in abundance, in every sphere of living.”

Or as Jeff Tweedy writes in Jesus, Etc., “Everyone is a burning sun.”

Easter Songs

His Truth is Marching On by Mike Doughty Listen Here

Jesus Is On The Main Line by Mavis Staples Listen Here

Jesus, Etc. by Wilco



Revival by Soul Savers



40 by U2



Lord, Help The Poor and Needy by Cat Power (Traditional)



Redemption Song by Bob Marley

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Tomorrow, Cat Power (Chan Marshall) is back with her second disc of cover tunes, Jukebox. The aptly named The Covers Record was her fist, released in 2000. She recorded Jukebox with the Dirty Delta Blues, which has replaced the Memphis Rhythm Band that she was previously touring with. She will also be touring with this lineup in 2008.

Jukebox is another great album by Cat Power. Like any compelling artist, she strikes the difficult balance of having some connectivity to her previous work, The Greatest, while still showing growth as an artist. I think this is made even more difficult by a record that is made up of all but two songs by other performers. And to her credit, she does this very successfully.

Beyond the songs, to me, one of the most appealing aspects of Cat Power is there’s a cracking or a rawness to her singing that is so compelling. It draws you into the music—wanting to listen carefully—so as not to miss what is coming next.

There are some gutsy choices on Jukebox, such as “Don’t Explain,” which was made famous by Billy Holiday or Joni Mitchell’s “Blue.” To attempt and successfully re-interpret songs by some of the great vocal stylists goes to show what an immense talent Chan Marshall is.


Here is the listing for the album. And if you just can’t wait until tomorrow, you can listen to it here.







1. New York (Frank Sinatra)
2. Ramblin’ (Wo)man (Hank Williams)
3. Metal Heart (Cat Power)
4. Silver Stallion (The Highwaymen)
5. Aretha, Sing One For Me (George Jackson)
6. Lost Someone (James Brown)
7. Lord, Help The Poor And Needy (Jessie Mae Hemphill)
8. I Believe In You (Bob Dylan)
9. Song To Bobby (Cat Power)
10. Don’t Explain (Billie Holiday)
11. Woman Left Lonely (Janis Joplin)
12. Blue (Joni Mitchell)

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