It would be difficult to overstate the importance of Resurrection Band in the history of Christian rock. As the hard rock music ministry outreach of Chicago's Jesus People USA since 1972, they have always been more interested in work and ministry than in flash and trend. They've stretched the boundaries of what's acceptable in Christian music. They've tied their music ministry to social and spiritual causes. As part of JPUSA, they've reached out and ministered to the homeless, the hungry, the abused, the lost and broken. For their 25th anniversary, Resurrection Band celebrates with an acoustic retrospective, Ampendectomy. With fresh arrangements, the band covers all the bases, from a pained "Broken Promises" (from their label debut, Awaiting Your Reply) to "Across These Fields" (from their last, the concept album Lament). It's laudable that this is no "reunion" record--every member has been with the group since that first record (even the "new guy," bassist Roy Montroy, was on the first record). Although fans will never be truly served until the whole Rez catalogue is reissued on CD (a big box set would be nice), Ampendectomy will do for now. It's a welcome note from old friends, and a delightful way to remember the old times.