Random Start: One True Love by Rich Mullins

Rich Mullins was the realest. In 6th or 7th grade a missionary came to our church and introduced me to Christian music. I wasn't really looking for it, and I didn't really have any limitations on what I could listen to from my parents - but I dove in. Maybe because it was a small, more exclusive community where I fit in - as opposed to the bigger world out there. Thinking back...there's something to that - something that's off.

Anyway, this tape was included among the tapes this guy gave me to go home and dub. I liked the melodies and feel of the music. In the late 80s this had kind of a Paul Simon/Billy Joel/Singer-Songwriter vibe that I was into. Musically this is very 80s - echo chamber drums, spacey-sounding keyboard bits, bass line that flows but seems more treble than bass.

Back to Rich being the realest. This guy kept making music and was part of the "Ragamuffin" community that embraced grace and simple living. He even had his accountants figure out the minimum amount of income he could live on and donate the rest to charity.

Unfortunately Rich died in a jeep wreck in 1997. I'd be curious to see what part of the faith community he'd be in today. I have a feeling he would shun the evangelical title just as I have.