Right now, the world is sickening. This has been true almost every day since the fall. As you can see, the current state of disaster is even worse than normal. Inflation. War. Scriptural misappropriation. Internecine warfare. This can quickly become overwhelming, and often does. It is time to find real relief.
Enter Phil Keaggy.
In a career now spanning six decades, Keaggy’s liquid fire guitar mastery on both acoustic and electric, plus his tuneful McCartney-esque rock/pop songwriting skill, has firmly placed him among the greats, not only in contemporary Christian music but in popular music period. His vast recorded collection can seem daunting at first. However, his recent 1980 reissue makes it easy to get through. Ph’lip Side1981 One town to another albums provide a perfect point to become acquainted, or reacquainted, with this Master’s musician.
In the 1970s, Keaggy was first known for his work with Glass Harp. Following three albums, Keaggy left the band to focus on a solo career. Ph’lip Side One town to another are vital parts of Keaggy’s early discography, and their renewed availability after decades of invisibility is most welcome.
The first time it was released Ph’lip SideThey had electric and acoustic parts. The acoustic portion featured achingly beautiful moments such as the anti-abortion “Little Ones.”
Also included was the warm, breezy “Spend My Life With You.”
The electric side wasn’t a face-melting rock’n’roll assault, but it still possessed appropriate snarl, as witnessed by “Sunday School,” presented here in a 1980 live setting.
1981’s One town to anotherWas more adventurous musically than Ph’lip SideKeaggy stepping out with songs like the title song, which flow seamlessly from soft musings into rock anthem guitarist riffs and back.
The album’s highlight is “Let Everything Else Go,” with its pastoral, soaring beauty in music and words.
On Sunday, we chase down hot balloons
With a familiar tune, I aim for more than just a little bit of what is expected.
The wind blows at me most of my day, all the day.Talking to a friend that I trust is a good idea
It fills me with great anticipation, it fills mine heart, it fills up the air.
The wind blows all the time and I’m at my side every momentOh, I can’t wait to see you, Jesus, face to face
You can’t be taken to the top of this world.
All of the man’s pride and his gold works are now a thing of the past
There is nothing that can match what you are
All else should goI have the wind at my back
Oh, I can’t wait to see you Jesus, face to face
You can’t be taken to the top of this world.
All of the man’s pride and his gold works are now a thing of the past
There is nothing that can match what you are
All else should goAll the best!
All else should go
These songs are featured on the most recent Cephas hour podcast.
Both albums, plus other studio work, and numerous live recordings from throughout Keaggy’s career, are available on his Bandcamp page. Phil Keaggy is a treasure trove of exceptional musicianship, stellar songwriting and uncompromised talent. Do your self a favor. With today’s hideous headlines screaming in our faces, we need his masterful healing muse more than ever.
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