I LOVE LOVE LOVE when my readers throw out questions that we can all chat about. And yesterday, I got a great one from a reader we’ll call … um … Paula:

So, here’s the question: are there any CCM bands out there with some talent or some yearning for innovation? Any bands out there that want to glorify God with their musical gifts instead of embarrassing him? For all of the Christian versions of this mainstream band or that mainstream band, are there any Christian bands that simply make great music? If we’re going to play the comparison game, where’s the Christian Yo La Tengo, the Christian Grateful Dead, the Christian King Crimson or the Christian Jane’s Addiction? Where’s the Christian Sigur Ros? The Christian Deer Hoof? I could go on forever. I just want to hear a band or two that takes its music as seriously as it takes its lyrics. And that ain’t Third Day or Casting Crowns or the Newsboys.

For sure, she’s not going to find the music she’s looking for on the top of the Christian charts. So help a girl out – what bands can you recommend? What artists are out there, probably flying totally under the radar, who are using their gifts to create art, not just radio hits?
I’d recommend Shawn McDonald (pictured) and MuteMath to start. Your thoughts?