It's 1956. Dwight Eisenhower is president, the Cold War is raging and Elvis Presley has revolutionized popular culture with "Blue Suede Shoes." After three notes on a big old church organ, we hear a preacher's voice, followed instantly by shouts from his congregation. "Subject: rock & roll! Can I get an Amen?!" he shout-sings (and yes, he receives enthusiastic "Amen"s). This guy's already revved up about a hot topic on pulpits all over the United States. "Rock & roll has just about brought about the disintegration of our civilization," the preacher declares, and as soon as he says "rock & roll" for the second time, a sinewy electric guitar appears.

"Rock & Roll Sermon, Pts. 1 & 2" by Elder Charles Beck has to be the raddest piece of anti-rock propaganda ever produced. "Some of the records are so suggestive 'til even the disc jockeys won't even play them!" Beck intones, a little bit louder now. "After a while, God's gonna set this world on fire!" he shouts, and now the unknown backing group is starting to let it be known that they can handle "blue" notes as well as any rock band. "After a while, this old world is… read more »