This definitive Resurrection Band box set is a must for anyone interested in the history of the pioneering Christian hard rock/blues metal band. While long-time fans will already have most of the 52 songs on the three CDs, the 20th anniversary concert DVD and the 80-page insert booklet packed with pictures and a complete history of the band make this a treasure. As a bonus, the songs have been re-mastered for this release to maximize the quality of the sound.
As with any set of this magnitude, the first question is always, "Which of my favorite songs were left off?" The 70s are well-represented with and the best of Awaiting Your Reply and Rainbow's End. "Skyline" is the most obvious song I would have liked to have seen included, but something had to be cut. A special treat is the blues rock of "Quite Enough" from the band's 1974 Music To Raise The Dead tape.
The 80s start with Colours, perhaps my favorite overall album by the band. "Colours," "Amazing," "American Dream" and "The Struggle," are here, which means six great songs are left out, including the hard-hitting "N.Y.C.," "City Streets," and "Beggar In The Alleyway." The selections from Mommy Don't Love Daddy Anymore include "The Chair" and "The Crossing," but leave off "I Can't Do It On My Own" and the title track.
I wasn't into Rez as heavily in the early 80s as I got busy with college and married life while they moved in more of a New Wave direction, so I'm happy with tracks like "Military Man" from DMZ, "Tears In The Rain" from Hostage, the intense "Zuid Afrikan" and "Shadows" from Between Heaven 'N Hell, although I really like "2000" from the latter album. It might be a little dated, but it's still a great song.
I "rediscovered" the band in 1988 with Silence Screams and the one song I really miss from this set is "Someone Sleeps," a song I rank as one of the band's finest ever. The 80s close out with Innocent Blood and the classic "Rooster Crow." "Right On Time" is another fine addition and "Where Roses Grow" is a blues rock gem, clocking in here at almost seven and a half minutes. "Child of the Blues" is probably the best song that got cut.
The 90s start with Civil Rites and another blues treasure in "Lincoln's Train" along with the classic "Players," one of Wendi's favorites and one of mine as well. "Mission Bells" is the track I miss the most, and I would have included it instead of "Somebody to Love" just because the latter is a cover of Jefferson Airplane song, although it is admittedly fitting for Wendi's voice. Reach of Love is represented by the title song and the haunting "Land of Stolen Breath," my favorite from that project. The band's "regular" recording career wraps up with four selections from 1995's Lament concept album.
The DVD features 16 tracks from the 1992 XX anniversary concert, with the band in fine rocking form. Brief messages from Glenn and Wendi are included in the bonus features, along with videos of "Crimes," "Love Comes Down" and "Surprised."
Music To Raise The Dead is a must for all serious Christian rock collectors.
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