After last week's big e-mail, I personally am happy to have a short
cMusicMail. But, that does not mean it's one to delete, because we have a
great review of a great independent band, plus more reviews for you to check
out on-site. Plus, get the info on stuff to win!

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HORRAY FOR NOW - VIVA VOCE (1998)
by Melissa Miles

Confession time. I am a confirmed penny-pincher. Sales are my friends even
when it comes to the third most important thing in my life: Music. On my
last trip to the bookstore clearance rack, searching through the cases of
Allison Krauss and "25 Favorite Bluegrass Hymns" I came upon an album called
Hooray for Now by a little known band called Viva Voce (pronounced vee-vah
VOH-chay, meaning 'by word of mouth' i.e. I learned it Viva Voce).

One might describe the husband-wife duo of Kevin and Anita Robinson as a
coffeehouse style Alterna-Rock. A Sixpence None the Richer meets Skillet
sound. As a matter of fact, Sixpence founder Matt Slocum plays the cello on
a few tracks throughout the album. Deftly melding easy vocals with super
creative melodies and interesting lyrics, you're going to be hooked by track
one.

"Beautiful is all you are..." begins the first track "He Touches Stars."
Surrounded by crunchy electric guitars and a very experienced bass guitar,
Anita's vocals sparkle. To make another Sixpence correlation, Anita has the
same breathy, quiet sweetness that Leigh Nash possesses, though maybe not
quite as soulful. Seamlessly moving from one song to another, "June" brings
some upbeat joy and awesome (if all too short) harmonies to the confusing
verses. "Hi, say my name inside, wouldn't it be fine, we could talk all the
time." Unfortunately almost all of the lyrics follow this pattern of
semi-nonsense, but the melodies are so engaging it's a minor flaw to the
listener. There are a few songs with understandable words, such as "Closer
Than Far" and "Colour Wheel." In the former Anita quietly sings of the
everlasting Lord "Oceans are made, motion and fade, I know your eyes, I made
your skies... I AM." In "Colour Wheel" Viva Voce offers an awesome praise
song: "Our Father, Holy Father, be my vision, be my wisdom... Be my
everything." Average lyrics, but made rather non-traditional by searing
guitars and synthesizers.

Viva Voce has been around for over 6 years. Maybe in the year 2030 they will
have garnished the crowds that they deserve. Those who are lucky enough to
have 'discovered' this talented little band can revel in their find. I know
I am. Thank goodness for penny pinchers! Brings a verse to mind: "Those who
are stingy with their money shall find a great treasure." Okay, so it's not
a verse, but even still you should look into the music of Viva Voce. You'll
be glad you did!

Find out more about Viva Voce on their official site:
http://www.vivavoce.com/

Get some full-length MP3s from Viva Voce:
http://mp3.com/vivavoce


THE CREATION FESTIVAL IS COMING
Whether you are located on the east coast or the west coast, there is a
Creation Festival nearby. And, your favorite artists will probably be there,
because these are the nation's largest Christian music festivals. For more
info on either one, visit http://www.creationfest.com/


WIN CREATION STUFF
This week, two subscribers will be randomly chosen to receive a Creation
Festival video, which includes artist performances, interviews, and the
history of Creation. Keep reading cMusicMail too, because you may win a
Creation Worships CD from Vertical Music in the next week or two! Tell your
friends to sign up for cMusicMail, and they could win too.


OTHER NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM
Review: Stop the Music - New Breed
http://cMusicWeb.com/hiphop/newbreed/stopthemusic.shtml

Review: Worship God - Rebecca St. James
http://cMusicWeb.com/alternative/rebeccastjames/worshipgod.shtml

Review: Star Wars: Attack of the Clones
http://cMusicWeb.com/movies/starwars/attackoftheclones.shtml

Review: Live Vol. 1 - The O.C. Supertones
http://cMusicWeb.com/rock/supertones/livevol1.shtml

Review: Changing Lanes
http://cMusicWeb.com/movies/changinglanes


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
http://da-Man.com/