Positively Discouraging

This morning I was doing deliveries for work. I work at a wholesale bakery, and I deliver pastries to coffee shops all over northern California at 3:00 in the morning. Its not such a bad job, because even though I have to wake up really early, I get to drive around, listen to music, and spend time with God. It was while I was driving around this morning that I was yet again let down, by the positive alternative, Air 1.

Now, I want to start this out by saying that I don't hate Air 1. In case you don't know, Air 1 is one of the largest Christian Radio stations in the country. They are owned by EMF Broadcasting, who also owns K-Love. Now Air 1 does alot of great stuff, they do play wonderful Christian music that encourages people, they share verses of the day, and support good causes that help people.

And now, my issue, with Air 1. Air 1 has always advertised themselves as an a positive Alternative Radio Station. I used to listen to them before they were purchased by EMF broadcasting and they did play, alternative rock and hip hop Christian music. Listening to Air 1 today, you will find a station that is only slightly different then K-Love. It more resembles a top 40 station then an alternative station, and it has one of the shortest, and most repetitive playlists that I've ever heard on christian or non-christian radio.

Here's an example of what irritates me about Air 1. This morning, the station started playing a song called "Say this Sooner" by The Almost. Now, I was really happy to hear this, because its a great song, and its pretty hard rock for Air 1 to be playing. Then things went terribly wrong. They introduced the song as a brand new song, and a brand new sound. They literally talked about how it was brand new and wanted people to call in to let them know how they felt about it. The album has been out since April 3rd or this year. Not only that, but a secular alternative radio station in Sacramento has been playing this Christian band's song in pretty heavy rotation for at least the last 2 months. But wait, it gets worse. Air 1, has a different version of the song that calms the screamy bridge down and puts an entirely different part in its place. AHHHH!!!!! This wouldn't be a problem if they didn't constantly advertise themselves as being alternative.

I guess my question is this, shouldn't we, as Christians be doing better to go against culture, and be giving them an example of great alternatives to art that support Jesus? Why are we censoring great music that promotes Jesus? Why are we the last to promote our own team? Like I said, I support what Air 1 does, but I really believe we can do better. I've posted the Almost's song, "Say this Sooner" at the player at the bottom of this page.