Yup, makes me giggle a little (and maybe a gag a bit too!) I remember most of the bands mentioned from the 80's. I used to be a bit of christian rock teenie-bopper, but thankfully the years have bought some wisdom and reality into my life. I now find the whole "christian music" ghetto somewhat repulsive. While I can appreciate some of the music and motivation of those who have been a part of it, I find the concept of a CM industry indicative of an unhealthy christian culture. Sadly some christians have a fortress mentality to life- that if we can only somehow build a wall around ourselves and keep that evil world out, everything will be peachy.
Most the bands discussed on this posting are not close to what your describing. 77's, Vector, The Call, Undercover, Randy Stonehill etc... these bands were made up of normal musicians that were indeed Christians, but sang about tragedy and how tough it can be in the real world. Many of us that latched on to U2 and what they sang about and Steve Taylor - don't forget "this disco, used to be a cute cathedral".
It has only been lately that "secular" records give these guys a chance - Jars of Clay, POD. I use to travel with Jars and because of their management they were very limited at their concerts on what they could and could not do... don't want to appear too "christian" etc...