Although nothing yet is new on cMusicWeb.com, we do have a treat or
two here in cMusicMail. This week we introduce a brand new writer to
cMusicWeb.com, Melissa Miles. Although she is from Texas (like most
of our other writers), she does bring a fresh new perspective on
music to cMusicWeb.com. We're happy to have you on the team,
Melissa! And, also, we have some cool new releases this week, plus
the new cMusicWeb.com coming soon.

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LISTEN CLOSELY - SMALLTOWN POETS (2000)
by Melissa Miles

Are you listening?

"I'd like to remind you..." Begins the intro to "Quasar" "...That
these five young men have been called by God to communicate Christ in
a creative way..."

The Poets are back with their sophomore album, "Listen Closely."
Search high and low, but a better title for this project will not be
found. There is a wealth of subtle nuances and profound truths that
will only be noticed by those who are willing to pay attention. The
Wisdom of Proverbs whispers in the lyrics of these songs, just
waiting to teach you something about life, about God, about how you
should veiw things. Those who have ears...

The album starts out with the catchy "Call me Christian" which shows
off the Smalltown talent with a perfect blend of acoustic and
electric guitars, and a great keyboard. "Gloria" has to be one of the
best songs on this CD. Co-written with the guys from The
Waiting, "Gloria" grabs your ear with a contagious beat and proceeds
to exclaim the joys of praising our Lord. "I'm bringing gloria,
giving gloria, and to the Father may the greater glory be..."

An A++ goes to SP for their outrageously inventive "48 States."
Imagine the sound of a civil war-era drummer, add Keith Green styled
keyboards and a generous helping of Poet guitars, and you have a song
that is original in all ways!

Laced with the sweet sounds of a mandolin, "Long, Long Way" slows
things down a bit. "I'm a long, long way/ From where I left to begin
this refrain / From where your mercy and grace remain / From where
you sit is it true, I'm not that far from you." Michael Johnston's
smooth vocals make this one an easy song to listen to.

"One of these days" is a dissapointment when compared to the rest of
the songs on this album. Written, played, and sung by keyboardist
Danny Stephens, this song sounds as if it would be more at home on
the soundtrack of a depressing movie. Not the grand finish that one
would hope for.

Exclude the fizzling ending, and this is a CD with very few flaws.
Smalltown Poets have created an album that is both wise and
entertaining at the same time. Wonderful truths delivered with
interesting musical style is something that is not to be missed. Go
get it, and please, Listen Closely!

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


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local store)

A DECADE OF 4HIM - 4HIM
A 15-track collection of the first chapter of 4HIM music. A good
collection, but new songs are coming out at the end of the month, on
a new label, on Walk On.

CHRISTMAS - SONGS 4 WORSHIP
This popular "As Seen On TV" Worship series delivers a collection of
Christmas worship, including many of the classics.

MORE - CRYSTAL LEWIS
Lewis has been around for a good while, and so it's time for a
Greatest Hits album! This one brings together 11 hits, 2 re-recorded
songs, and 3 new ones.

RESONATE - SONICFLOOD
Although the original SONICFLOOd has parted ways and is no longer,
the name is continued with a new album full of high-energy, mega-
production praise and worship. For lack of other contenders, this is
the PICK OF THE WEEK.


THE LATEST NEWS HEADLINES
• New Label Spawned By Bettie Rocket Records
• "Declaration" SCC's Most Successful Album Yet
• SOLO Tour Postponed for Unknown Reasons
• Burlap Lives On
• Allen Iverson Album Put On Ice
• Green Tribute Album Coming Soon
• Collective Soul Parts With Guitarist
• And much more!

View all the latest stories on cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/


AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER (on cMusicWeb.com)

POP: http://cMusicWeb.com/pop
What Matters Most - Wes King [10/30]

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

Click on the album titles on the genre page to order them and recieve
them on the release date.


Next week we'll have another review from Melissa, plus some more
great releases. Thanks for reading this week's cMusicMail, and we'll
be back next week with even more great content. If you have any
comments or questions, please reply to this e-mail or send them to
webmaster@... We'd love to hear from you!

Dan Ficker
http://cMusicWeb.com/
a different approach to music
ICQ - 43224317 AOL IM - dMusicWeb