We’re definitely not into religious music, but we’ve long worshipped the songwriting of Josh Caterer. Caterer came to our attention as the frontman for Chicago’s excellent mid-nineties alt rock band The Smoking Popes. The Popes were decidedly non-religious despite their religious sounding name, though they did write some of the best worship songs ever — worship aimed squarely at the almighty woman, not the Almighty Savior. In the years since the band’s demise, their primary songwriter, Josh Caterer (who now leads Duvall), seems to have been born again, or at least begun to loudly proclaim his love of Jesus. This would be fine were his music and melodies not so darn catchy — for we love his music, but we don’t love his love of Jesus. Is it ok to be a devout agnostic (or are we atheist?) and still walk around singing gospel tunes? Herein lies our dilemma. Our solution: Only crank up his religious fare when no one else is around — that way we won’t be caught loudly singing songs about something we don’t believe in. We do the same thing when we listen to our Propaghandi records, only they’re into participatory economics not Jesus or chicks. Here are some of Mr. Caterer’s sweet sounds, but be forewarned, after listening you may walk around singing, “Jesus never leaves me!” at the top of your lungs.

Josh Caterer – “The Light of Christ”
Duvall – “Jesus Never Leaves Me”
The Smoking Popes – “Let’s Hear It For Love”