The Call’s music was fuelled by the faith of bassist and front man Michael Been, whose urgent emotions lit up the band’s anthemic songs. In 2010, Michael suffered a fatal heart attack while working as a roadie for his son Robert’s popular band, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. This live CD/DVD pack celebrates Michael’s life, with Robert Been seamlessly taking on his father’s role.
This melodic indie-rock band has grungey overtones – and huge dollops of heart. Radio One’s Breakfast Show played The Call when few Christian releases were heard there. Bono and Peter Gabriel are among those to have sung with the band.
Effectively an updated greatest hits collection, these songs are impassioned outpourings and range from the teeth-gritted, resolute faith of ‘I Still Believe’ to celebration songs such as the slide guitar-clad single ‘Let the Day Begin’.
The DVD has a few bonus tracks and captures the reunion’s smoky club atmosphere. It helps if you loved them in the 80s, but those new to The Call can’t deny that these songs still stand tall.
DEREK WALKER is an Anglican lay minister, kitchen designer and writer
