Friday Five: Alt Edge Women

After my last blog failed to bring meaningful sunshine to my home in the Hoosier State (it snowed often last week while I was traveling in Ohio and then snowed nine inches here in Indy on Monday), I missed a Friday.

But, the Friday Five (which is sometimes posted early Saturday morning) will soldier on.

Friday Five Category: Women Of The Alternative Edge

I worked for an Oklahoma City Christian Top-40/Rock radio station back in the 90s called 91 FM. At night, we played Christian Alternative Rock as the Alternative Edge. I thought it would be good to feature some of the ladies from that era. This is by no means a comprehensive list. I can think of a bunch of artists and girl fronted-bands I'll leave out, but it's the Friday Five not the Friday 36.

1. Miss Angie - Hands (1997)

I could pick many songs of Angie Turner's first album for this list. The album was pretty hard, aggressive for the time, some described it as "retro-eclectic." I'm not sure the music style was her fave, though. But, the worshipful tone of the lyrics was undeniable.

LYRIC SNAPSHOT: 

It's a mess!
It's a mess!
Some say my brain's a mess
For laying down my life for the One
They say is crazy

I lift my eyes up
I lift my eyes up
I lift my eyes up
You feel so real
You feel so real

LISTEN: http://youtu.be/VyH3zQcxZsM

BUY: https://itunes.apple.com/artist/miss-angie/id269728974

2. Viva Voce - Fear Of Flying (1998)

Viva Voce was only on the Christian scene for a short time, but this album (and their version of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen") made quite an impact for the short lived Cadence Records label. This band is still around, based out of Portland. They've gone in a more indie, mainstream direction, however.

LYRIC SNAPSHOT: 

You sounded perfect like an angel
You sounded perfect on a stage
You looked so perfect, just a picture
You'd look so perfect in a frame

Turn my world around
Turn it around

You're just afraid to fly, anyway
You're still afraid to try

LISTEN: http://youtu.be/7fPKir_MByQ

BUY: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/viva-voce/id440767595

3. Broomtree - Flower In The Mud (1997)

From Rustproof Records, Broomtree was a pop-ish, alt-rock band. Hailing from Ohio, they put out a couple of albums and sort of faded into obscurity. There's been talk of a reunion and new music, but I haven't seen much lately.

LYRICS SNAPSHOT: 

Everytime You're near me I feel a peace inside me
Your loving hand to guide me
Your peaceful way to show me

LISTEN/WATCH: http://youtu.be/7SeP9dvcDkA

BUY: http://www.amazon.com/Broomtree/dp/B00000J60P

4. Dakoda Motor Company- Sondancer (1993)

Many compared Broomtree to this mid-90s band. Great lyrics, great song.

LYRICS SNAPSHOT: 

Rain comes down on everyone
Sondancer's eyes are on the Son
Someone's eyes are set on the pain
The Son will bring You through the rain

LISTEN: http://youtu.be/S5LlqHB2eFY

BUY: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ocean-seem/id268972915?i=268973100

5. Plumb - Concrete (1997)

We know "Plumb" (aka Tiffany Arbuckle) as a singer, but back in the early days "Plumb" was the name of a band. Her "band" days were really good with songs becoming popular on both the Christian Top-40 and Rock charts. She changed her style a bit in the 2000s (even releasing a song or two targeted towards mainstream audiences).

By the way, the guy singing background vocals during the chorus is Dan Haseltine from Jars of Clay.

LYRICS SNAPSHOT:

Do you feel all alone
Faith has alway kept you strong
If you could see my fear
Should I believe or should I doubt

LISTEN: http://youtu.be/bkoaKxdW6mU

BUY: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/damaged/id309227479?i=309227506

HONORABLE MENTION:
Fleming and John -- Not Afraid
Sixpence None The Richer -- Love, Salvation and the Fear of Death