ApologetiX

File:Apologetixband.JPG

ApologetiX from left to right: Karl Messner, Keith Haynie, Bill Rieger (drummer 2001-05), and J. Jackson.

ApologetiX (That Christian Parody Band) refers to itself as a cross between "Weird Al" Yankovic and Billy Graham.(As stated in their song, "We're in a Parody Band") Located in Pittsburgh, PA, the band consists of J. Jackson on vocals, Karl Messner on lead guitar, Keith Haynie on bass guitar, Jimmy "Vegas" Tanner on drums and Bill Hubauer on keyboard, guitar, and electric violin.Template:Facts

ApologetiX rewrites secular songs with often comical Christian lyrics. Some of their parodies include "Corinthians" (a parody of "In the End" by Linkin Park), "Look Yourself" ("Lose Yourself" by Eminem), "Smooth Grandmama" ("Smooth Criminal" by Michael Jackson), "Smells Like 30-something Spirit" ("Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana), "Sounds of Silas" ("Sounds of Silence" by Simon & Garfunkel) and "Bethlehemian Rhapsody" ("Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen).Template:Fact Smooth Grandmama is considered to be their most well-known parody.Template:Fact While maintaining the integrity of fundamentalist "grannies," the song pokes fun at its certain aspects.Template:Fact

ApologetiX gets their unusual name from the word "apologetics", which means "the defense of the Christian faith."Template:Fact It is based on the Greek word for defense, "apologia". The word is used in 1 Peter 3:15, "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer (defense or "apologia") to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..." (NIV). Their logo, a triquetra, is an ancient symbol of the Holy Trinity.Template:Fact

Trivia

• Jon "Bermuda" Schwartz, drummer for "Weird Al" Yankovic sat in on the recording of the album Biblical Graffiti, and played drums on 7 of the tracks.

Discography

The ApologetiX logo: a triquetra.

• Wordplay (2006)
• Samson Comes Alive: An Evening with ApologetiX DVD (2005)
• ApologetiX Hits: The Road (2005)
• Apol-AcoustiX (2005)
• Isn't Wasn't Ain't: Director's Cut (online fan club only) (2005)
• New & Used Hits (The Best of ApologetiX Vol 1 & 2) (2004)
• Isn't Wasn't Ain't [10th Anniversary re-issue (now discontinued)](2003)
• Downer of a Sister DVD (2003)
• Adam Up (2003)
• Grace Period (2002)
• Have Yourself a Parody Little Christmas [Christmas EP (now discontinued)] (2002)
• Keep the Change (2001)
• Spoofernatural (2000)
• Biblical Graffiti (1999)
• Jesus Christ Morning Star (1998)
• Ticked (1997)
• Radical History Tour (1994) (released on CD in 1999)
• Isn't Wasn't Ain't (1993)

Awards

• 2005 Best CD Award: "New & Used Hits" (Christianity Today's Reader's Choice Awards)
• 2004 Favorite Indie Artist (CCM Magazine Reader's Choice Awards)
• 2002 Recorded Fringe Song of the Year: "The Real Sin Savior" (American Christian Music Awards/ChristianBEATS)
• 2004 Alternative Song of the Year: "Lifestyles of the Rich & Nameless" (American Christian Music Awards)
• 2004 Alternative Artist Of The Year (American Christian Music Awards)

Chart Positions of Singles & Albums

ALBUMS

• "Keep the Change"

National Christian Retail Bestsellers Rock Chart, published by CCM (#15, November 2001)

• "Adam Up"

National Christian Modern/College Rock Album Chart, ChristianBEATS (#1, May/June 2004)

• "New & Used Hits: The Best of ApologetiX Vol. 1 & 2"

National Christian Newest Rock Album Chart, American Christian Music Journal (#1, December 2004) National Christian Modern/Alternative Album Chart, American Christian Music Journal (#1, December 2004)

SINGLES

• "JC's Mom"

Christian Alternative/Modern Singles, American Christian Music Journal (#1, January 2005)

• "Look Yourself"

Christian Rap/Hip Hop Singles, ChristianBEATS (#1, January 2004) Christian-hiphop.net (#1) R & R National Christian Rhythmic Charts (Top 10)

• "Lifestyles of the Rich & Nameless"

R & R National Christian Rock Charts (Top 30, April 2004) ChristianBEATS National Christian Modern/College Singles (#2, May 2004)

• "The Real Sin Savior"

ChristianBEATS National Christian rock charts (Top 30, Fall 2002)

Other Top 40 Hits on the National Christian Rock Charts:

• "Smooth Grandmama" (R & R. Top 30, September 2002)
• "How You Rewind Me" (R & R, Top 30, July 2003)
• "Downer of a Sister" (R & R, Top 40, October 2004)

External links

• Official Site
• Apologetix Lyrics
• Oldiesmann's ApologetiX Site (Fan Site)
• ApologetiX guitar tabs
• http://www.paulsapologetixwebsite.cjb.net Paul's ApologetiX Website (The first Unofficial Website of ApologetiX)
• Thought Quotient - Interview with Apologetix