It's hard to believe that PFR appeared on the Christian music scene back in 1992. The trio from Minnesota had six #1 Christian radio hits before taking a break around 1997. Drummer Mark Nash spent some time touring with his wife Leigh and her band, Sixpence None The Richer. Singer/guitarist Joel Hanson released a couple of solo projects, and bassist Patrick Andrew toured with his band Eager. They reunited forDisappear in 2001, and then did exactly that.
Now they've returned with an unusual "greatest hits" CD--they went back into the studio, not only to add three new songs, but to re-record seven old favorites with some new touches. Overall, they went for a little more of a modern rock feel with minimal production. The resulting project sounds more like a demo at times, like on their cheerfully simple paean to domesticity, Home. One of the old songs to get more of a rock treatment was Wonder Why, which adds some intensity with plenty of distorted guitars, although I still prefer the more polished original. The CD closes with Last Breath, which works pretty well with an acoustic feel. It's my favorite song of the remakes.
The Bookhouse Recordings is currently available at Family Christian Stores only. It seems to be aimed more at PFR collectors than at the general market. I enjoyed it, but when I think of listening to PFR, I'll be more likely to pull out the Great Lengths and Them CDs. Still, PFR fans will enjoy hearing them again, and will want to add the new songs to their collections. I hope PFR decides to do another full-budget project before they disappear for good. They're a talented bunch of guys who do their best work as a team.
Visit: Family Christian Stores.
