Happy Easter

Page France - Jesus [mp3]

Apparently, perplexingly, and sadly, Michael Nau came under some fire for this song, probably for the chorus:

Jesus will come through the ground so dirty
With worms in his hair and a hand so sturdy
He'll call us his magic, we call him worthy
Jesus came up through the ground so dirty

Detractors, I think, are missing the song's beautifully celebratory intent. Nau has a way with images, and "Jesus" may be his finest work, filled with dancing animals, wine and cheer. Like the best art, for all its surrealist leanings the song betrays a remarkably human emotion; namely an absolute, unshackled and wobbly joy. It's the sound of the biggest grin through the happiest tears, love love love.

Visit Page France online, buy the album.

The Velvet Underground - Jesus [mp3]

A year before, the Velvets wrote songs about transvestite smack dealers and luckless Waldos, with a jarring intensity which would come to be recognized as the root of the next decade's punk paroxysm. Of course, a year can make all the difference, especially if you're a volatile, immensely talented and ambitious group. 1969's The Velvet Underground, now Lou Reed's show, amplified the accessibility while reducing the volume, a collection of undeniable pop songs often bordering on folkiness. Somewhat appropriately, the debauchery delineated in previous albums gave way to disarmingly beautiful and straightforward confessionals, with a theme of redemption running through the songs. "Jesus," in particular, shows this, the lyrics simply reading:

Jesus, help me find my proper place
Jesus, help me find my proper place
Help me in my weakness
'Cause I'm falling out of grace
Jesus
Jesus

Reed's plea couldn't be any more direct, or heartbreaking. Or absolutely beautiful. There's hope in this naked appeal, in both the honesty of Reed's voice and the music's quiet determination. It's a deeply inspiring tune, hope you like it. Happy Easter.

Buy the album.