Tour Diary/Interview/Review by J. Marie Hall

The Lost Dogs are on the road again, supporting their latest album, Nazarene Crying Towel. Coming from many directions musically, the band is comprised of Terry Scott Taylor (Daniel Amos and The Swirling Eddies), Mike Roe (The 77s) and Derri Daughtery (The Choir). As the lead singers for some of Christian Music's most influentially alternative outfits from the 1980s and 90s, The Lost Dogs continue to make relevant music. "No gimmicks, no special effects" was the resonant theme as I caught up with Mike Roe to discuss the album and the Lost Dogs'progress.

Promoters of the Nazarene Crying Towel claimed that fans were to expect a variety of strong, traditional styles on this album but that it maintained a decidedly modern feel. Roe disagreed, concluding that the album was the most traditional record they ever made. It reminded him of Peter, Paul and Mary, circa 1962, and the tireless Christian Rock of bands like Shelter, Love Song and Gentle Faith. He interpreted the "decidedly modern feel" as a sort of "hip unawares," since there was certainly no intention by the "grumpy old men stumbling around the stage"to be modern.

In his words, the album sounds like a demo. He enthusiastically supported this approach because of his love for older records that were laid down before the advent of major production technology. In his opinion, demos and older albums captured a fresher version of the material. When bands mixed as they went along and recorded mostly live, there was a more authentic access to the true nature of the songs.

Roe pointed to a definitive simplicity since percussion was not a paramount concern in the beginning stages of Nazarene Crying Towel. He described the rhythmic elements as being "built sideways"and called them "concept percussion."In Roe's opinion, the record sounds a bit like Fleetwood Mac's "Tusk"in that regard. The Dogs used to cut albums with a rock band sound in mind, but they have embraced a gentler sound akin to a dusky, living room circle. The mix of voices and careful strumming provides a full sound in songs like "Be My Hiding Place" and "Come Down Here." The tempos are slow enough to embody a warmer approach, and the lyrics marry themselves to clarity either in prayers or stories.

To sum up the spirit of the band currently, Roe referenced a weathered balance of the sober and the hilarious. The tragic death of Gene Eugene (Adam Again), their dearly missed fourth member, wore the members down to a more focused state. Roe said, "the writing process has become more mature,"adding that they are growing into their style — and their voices — while feeling it more deeply.

Nazarene Crying Towel showcases a spacious idea of healing. The song "Crushing Hand"is a humble acceptance of pain and loss, but it is also a plea. Taylor writes, "Thy will move me/ Thy will use me/ You lay Your crushing hand/ Your mighty hand/ On me gently."

The tour promises to echo this sense of intimacy and ease in a "batteries not included" approach that has the three Lost Dogs on stage with just their guitars, cowboy hats and voices. Along with the stripped down performance, Roe mentioned that fans can expect lots of corny jokes as usual.

The Dogs found themselves having come full-circle musically not only in terms of the traditional music that formed their roots but also with regard to their beginnings in Christian Music. According to Roe, The Maranatha sound of the 70s and 80s was an aesthetic they used to consciously avoid; but he noted some strong similarities between their current record and their old CCM roots. While it was not a conscious move towards that sound, the band was pleased that they naturally arrived at a place unforeseen. Since it was unforced and almost organic, they embraced the irony.

When asked with whom he'd want to talk most of all (of any person now beyond reach, dead or alive), Roe divided his answer between the spiritual camp and the artistic. It seemed obvious that perhaps he would desire a conversation with John the Divine or the Apostle Paul, but he mentions Groucho Marx, Desi Arnés and Brian Wilson among others. Certainly the arts in varying genres inspired and influenced members of the Lost Dogs. Still, Mike Roe confessed that while he enjoys modern artists, they did not have a bearing on his participation with the Lost Dogs via Nazarene Crying Towel.

The common thread of influence, as always, was their life experience as Christians. The spiritual cloth from which the Lost Dogs were cut is often aired on the line for its integrity and real-life approach to faith. Many fans appreciate the difference and expect a firm stance on the margins. However, with great respectability, Roe made a point to express that he whole-heartedly believes that Christ is among His people anywhere and that his position is not reactionary towards traditional denominations.

Still, he understands the difficulties in the modern church. Roe stated, "It's hard to have a balanced viewpoint if you grow up in the traditional church. Experiences can be so intense in church that it's hard to integrate them into daily life."His current church, Kenosis (i.e. emptying in Greek), helps the divide between church life and "real life"grow thinner all the time. The barebones approach to Nazarene Crying Towel manifests a return to the Lost Dogs' roots and a simpler integration of all therein.