May 2, 2012

The Minneapolis-based Rund­man has built an unlikely career as a scruffy Lutheran rocker, tackling scripture and spirituality with finesse that transcends the vapid Christian rock scene. This disc surveys Rundman’s career from 2000 to the present, with cuts from the 52-song Sound Theology project such as “Carol of the Bells,” which celebrates a cute girl in the handbell choir. “Narthex” is a gnarly rocker, while “Workin’ My Com­mittee” lends a Neil Young snarl to Lutheran polity. Available at jonathanrundman.com.

Dion, a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, might have little left to prove. But the devout Catholic singer-songwriter turns in a feisty effort on this blues disc. On the title track, he sounds more like Gregg Allman than the Italian-American rebel who gave us “Runaround Sue.” On “Ride’s Blues,” a menacing tribute to Robert Johnson, Dion stays away from thick overdubs and shows able grasp of the genre. There’s neither fluff nor filler on this disc.

Richard Colligan, a Lutheran church musician, yields two uplifting discs and 30 songs inspired by the Psalms. The overall feel varies from minor-key folk to gospel-tinged rock. It’s anchored by Colligan’s voice, a creamy, sublime tenor reminiscent of Jars of Clay’s Dan Haseltine. Shout for Joy concentrates on Advent and Christ­mas, with psalm material from the Revised Common Lectionary; Road is geared toward Lent. Available at The River's Voice.

There’s no faster way for a movie to earn the disdain of critics than to rack up exorbitant costs and then fall on its face. And yes, John Carter, based on the Edgar Rice Burroughs fantasy A Princess of Mars, would be a better picture if it ­hadn’t cost $250 million, most of which is clearly visible in the overextended, dull Martian battle sequences.

Steve Martin’s novelty song “King Tut” contains the line “could’ve won a Grammy.” Now this disc by the actor-comedian is indeed Grammy nominated, in the bluegrass category. A deft banjo picker, Martin gets A-list help from Paul McCartney (who takes the lead vocal on “Best Love”) and the Dixie Chicks (who sing lovely, tight harmonies on the ballad “You”). Martin deserves kudos for his songwriting prowess—and for including a live rendition of “King Tut” as witty closer.

The Hunger Games, Gary Ross’s film version of the first novel in Suzanne Collins’s young adult sci-fi trilogy, is a predictable hit after the biggest opening weekend since ancient Rome staged gladiatorial combats. But that doesn’t mean it’s any good.