Check out our big winners of the Elms contest (and the possibility
that you might still win)! Also, check out some great releases lined
up for this fall, plus a new review of a classic album, the debut of
Smalltown Poets. And finally, this month, look for a new look for
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SMALLTOWN POETS (self-titled) (1997)
by Josh M. Shepherd

Any performers calling themselves "poets" set high hopes for music
aficionados, especially on their debut. These Smalltown lyricists
don't disappoint, apprehending the fierceness and delectation of life
from a spry, unconformed standpoint. The first five tracks are
remarkably cultivated, a pop/rock symphony unequaled by most of
today's artists. "My closet's a shrine," asserts frontman Michael
Johnston and the band as they compare the hard-to-access sovereigns
of this world to the "Prophet, Priest, and King" who can always
commune with.

Unsuppressed acoustic energy points "If You'll Let Me Love You" in an
imploring direction, showing the affinity and depth of vulnerable
relationships. "Everything I Hate" shreds self-satisfaction with
warped, deflecting guitar, and a hope God will "cover me like a dime
store suit." With radius and certainty, the Poets versify the subject
of surrender in "I'll Give," an all-or-none restatement of God's
power to suffice our needs. "Anymore" breaks the silence, uncovering
a desire for closeness with Christ, hidden beneath a crowded,
consumed life. Track six glimpses "Who You Are" in a shining star on
a midnight clear, while "Scenario" locates a rocking, sublime vein of
the SP guys' sound. A suite of subsequent melodies spur consideration
of our tenure on earth, the first proclaiming the future "Day" of
Christ's victory. "Monkey's Paw" rides on an unchecked groove,
obeying Christ even when the flesh demands to be fulfilled.

Though a bit country, the hymn-like tenth cut wrestles with an
individual's hollow, hesitant answer to God's call, illustrating so
resourcefully the vitality of "Truth." Jovial and lenient, the
closer "Inside the Bubble" muddles through the decision of salvation,
daring the seekers to "come and join me." Showing equilibrium in both
the elastic pop and brutal rock songs, Smalltown Poets brings a new,
recurrent rhyme and method to Christian music.

Find out more about Smalltown Poets on cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/alternative/smalltownpoets


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AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER (on cMusicWeb.com)

ROCK: http://cMusicWeb.com/rock
Satellite - P.O.D. [9/11]

ALTERNATIVE: http://cMusicWeb.com/alternative
In the Company of Angels - Caedmonm's Call [9/25]
Real Men Cry - Lost Dogs [9/25]

POP: http://cMusicWeb.com/pop
Greatest Hits - Twila Paris [9/11]
Past the Wishing - Sara Groves [9/18]
Declaration - Steven Curtis Chapman [9/25]
Dream - Michelle Tumes [9/25]
More - Crystal Lewis [10/02]
Chapter One: A Decade - 4HIM [10/09]
What Matters Most - Wes King [10/30]

WORSHIP: http://cMusicWeb.com/worship
RESONATe - SONICFLOOd [10/02]
Deeper: the d:finitive Worship Collection - delirious? [10/09]

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