Eksjö Musik Encyklopedi

This collection presents some of the best and unique music that could be found on rare records released by the Swedish Christian communities between 1969-1979.

Between doubt and faith, there was way out pop, gospel, funk, rock and psychedelic sounds with wah-wah fuzz guitars and conga rhythms. The common determinator: to spread the Christian message through music.

Several of these cuts are from ultra-rare records that are known only to collectors, while others are from records so obscure that only a few copies are known to exist.

One can compare some of the musical expressions of the Swedish Free Churches with the burgeoning Swedish “progg” music movement of the time. They share the same experimental musical moods, lyrical messages about love and community, justice, and international solidarity, but the recordings presented here also incorporate the Holy Trinity.

Like the man it praised, much of this music was misunderstood in its time. But to a new generation of listeners, whether they seek salvation or soulfulness, these tracks may be a gospel that finally reaches its true believers.

Releases February 18, 2022