It's been a while since we've had a new, exciting feature here at
cMusicWeb.com. Now, we're back with CDs Worth a Second Spin, our guide to
the ones that don't click immediately. Plus, check back to cMusicWeb.com
later this week (or next week in cMusicMail) for a wrap of the top news of
2001.

GOT COMMENTS?? - We want your input on cMusicWeb.com! Send it to
webmaster@... or find me on AOL IM.

UNSUBSCRIBE?? - Logon to http://groups.yahoo.com to do so, or drop us
an e-mail telling us why you're annoyed by hearing from us.


CDs WORTH A SECOND SPIN, VOLUME 2
by Rick Foux

Get some CDs for Christmas that you were kind of "iffy" about? Maybe Santa
stuffed your stockings with some artists you've never heard of, or some
groups you'd normally never listen to. Before you get quick to judge,
abandon any ideas you have of using your new music as a torture device on
your little brother or sister and run them a second time through your CD
player. Notice any differences?

Truth be told, some albums just won't reel in listeners on the first cast.
The second time around, however, you just might feel a growing attachment to
that disc you were planning to run through the trash compactor a few minutes
ago. To prevent anyone from making that mistake, cMW brings you ten CDs
worth a second spin. These are albums that might not make a huge impression
after hearing them only once, but are liable to cause at least a dent when
given another chance.

DELIRIOUS? - AUDIO LESSONOVER?
Honestly, this is going to be a CD that fans of traditional d: anthems will
be disappointed in. AL? has a unique style all its own, unlike anything
heard on previous albums such as Mezzamorphis and Glo. The good news is that
Audio Lessonover? is the most artistic and musically brilliant of the band's
works thus far. Drawing from early 1960-70s styles ("Bicycle Gasoline"
sounds like something ripped fresh off of a Beatles album), it appears that
the members of Delirious? have aced their latest music lesson.

JOY ELECTRIC - LEGACY, VOL. 1: THE WHITE SONGBOOK
Synth-pop isn't for everyone. Granted, everyone should give it a chance,
especially with Joy E's latest album, The White Songbook. Abandoning their
happy-go-lucky sugarcoated style of records past, Ronnie Martin and crew
turn towards a deeper and darker way of telling a fairy tale. The songs on
the record are even divided into "chapters" and "subchapters," from the
techno should-be-a-dance-club-hit "A New Pirate Traditional" to the
reflective and relaxing "Unicornucopia."

SWITCHFOOT - LEARNING TO BREATHE
Learning to Breathe is Switchfoot's most introspective and interesting album
yet and is one not to be passed by. Sleeper hits like "Dare You to Move" and
"Love is the Movement" drive home powerful messages, while straight rockers
"Poparazzi" and "You Already Take Me There" make the album well worth its
price. Other than having several other songs in the upcoming feature film, A
Walk to Remember, these guys are just a cool band. Don't wait until the
movie hits theaters...check them out now.

SMALLTOWN POETS - THIRD VERSE
On the brink of obscurity, Smalltown Poets is a band not getting much
attention these days. The reason why is a mystery, seeing as Third Verse is
littered with smooth, passionate rock songs. Energy surges through songs
like "Every Reason" and "100 Billion Watts," but the more laid-back tracks,
including "Any Other Love" and "Beautiful Scandalous Night," are where the
Poets really live up to their name.

NEWSBOYS - SHINE: THE HITS
Surprise, surprise! The Newsboys have FINALLY managed to crank out a few
decent songs! Not only does this album contain all of their past greatest
hits, but there's also no trace of any Love, Liberty Disco tracks! (Hmmm,
wonder what happened there?) With three totally new songs, one remix, the
infamous "Newsboys MegaMix," and not to mention all of the past fan
favorites, there's something on here to please everyone.

PFR - DISAPPEAR
The triumphant return of PFR isn't exactly what you'd expect from the band
we all know and love. Instead of producing another album of solid rock
tunes, Disappear contains meaningful lyrics written from the heart of three
guys who desire to serve God. Their new musical style can be closely
described as U2 meets Savage Garden. While it's a little slack as a rocker,
it's a disc that will definitely make you think, provided you give it a
chance to.

WES KING - WHAT MATTERS MOST
After a four year absence from the music scene, Wes King returned on the
artist-friendly Word Artisan label with a truly artistic work, What Matters
Most. Exploring issues such as faith, love, and family, King delivers what
is by far his best album to date. Though the acoustic sound may not be
immediately accessible to listeners, the musicianship on this album makes it
well worth the repeated listens. Don't simply give it one listen and then
relegate to a place on your CD shelf. Not only will you miss some excellent
guitar work and musicianship, but you'll also miss the excellent lessons
that are offered to listeners on this jewel.

OUT OF EDEN - THIS IS YOUR LIFE
These three sisters have been cranking out some sweet Christian urban
grooves for years, but their latest album set to release later this month is
sure to throw fans a curve. Adapting to the popular "teen pop" genre of the
decade, cuts like "Different Now" and the title track will give teenagers a
fresh alternative to groups like Destiny's Child. Look for it to release
later this month.

TOBYMAC - MOMENTUM
Pop and hip-hop combine on tobyMac's solo debut, possibly showing where dc
Talk would have ended up had they kept their rap influences. Listeners who
shy away from rap-core may back off during the disc's first few tracks, but
be sure to listen for the heart of the album, displayed through songs such
as "Love Is In the House," "Do You Know," and "In The Air." As if that
wasn't reason enough, you'll want to give this CD a second listen anyway
just to make sure you heard right when Toby voices the lyric, "Nobody ever
told me that my doodoo stunk."

STEVE - FALLING DOWN
Definitely not another Delirious?, but these British rockers aren't far off
the mark. In fact, they also sound like Jars of Clay, dc Talk, All Star
United, The Elms, The Strokes, and various other bands all rolled into one.
Not having a definite identity might turn some people off at first, but true
artistry is found in the moving ballads of "M" and "I Am Here," while fun
reigns on tracks such as "Hunger," "Fine," and the title track. Give Falling
Down a second shot and see why the newest signee to Forefront Records is
already gaining huge popularity in the Christian Rock genre.

And there you have it; our second batch of CDs Worth a Second Spin. They may
not win any Doves or secure any Grammy nominations, but no doubt that these
discs are worthy of a spot in everyone's CD collection. Just give them a
chance, and you'll see why.

Check out the first volume at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/features/secondlisten


AVAILABLE TODAY (at cMusicWeb.com or at your local store)

ABOVE ALL - INTEGRITY MUSIC
Cashing in on the impressive success of the title track that Smitty
popularized, Integrity decides to release another collection of the most
popular modern worship anthems. It includes 26 songs on two discs, with a
large list of Integrity's lineup contributing.


IN THEATRES FRIDAY

A WALK TO REMEMBER - WARNER BROTHERS
Most of the time, we do not note new movies to the big screen. But, A Walk
to Remember is somewhat special. Although it is your common teen romance
movie, it is a relatively clean movie. Pop musician Mandy Moore stars as a
rejected, nerdy high-schooler. She crosses paths with Landon Carter (Shane
West), a compassionate senior caught hanging out with the wrong crowd. In
they end they find it is not popularity, looks, or what others think, but
love, faith, and hope. Christian rockers Switchfoot also help out with the
movie, contributing a couple songs to the soundtrack. Although it may not
be a family movie, it definitely is a viable alternative to other teen
romance flicks. Rated PG.


THE LATEST NEWS HEADLINES
. Stellar Awards Winners Announced
. The Saga Continues
. Max Lucado Book Spawns an Album
. And much more!

We are sorry, but we have been having problems with the news system.
Currently, no earlier news is available, but we hope to fix this very soon.

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


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
AOL IM - dMusicWeb