There's so many things going on cMusicWeb.com, this e-mail cannot barely
even contain them. First, we have exclusive interviews with artists all this
month, and those are definitely too long to stick in your e-mail. Second, it
was very hard to pick the featured review for this week because we put so
many great new reviews on the site since we last sent you an e-mail. And
third, I was unable to send out cMusicMail last week because I was moving
and starting my junior year of college last week, so it was very busy. So,
remember, don't just read your cMusicMail, use the links and find more
online at cMusicWeb.com!

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


EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH SWITCHFOOT AT PURPLE DOOR 02
Two years ago, we brought you the inside scoop on Learning to Breathe,
Switchfoot's current album, from the Purple Door festival. This year, we met
with them to talk about The Beautiful Letdown, their next project, which
will be out in January. We have all the details, plus more info on other
projects, their involvement in A Walk to Remember, and their views on
Christian Music. Read it all here:
http://www.cmusicweb.com/features/purpledoor02/switchfoot.shtml

Also, for the next couple weeks, we will be delivering an interview every
week, with such artists as John Reuben, Joy Electric, and Relient K. So,
check back in for more.


THE ART OF TRANSLATION - GRITS (2002)
by Jon Corbin

The Art of Translation has been one of the most anticipated hip-hop discs of
the year. After blowing away commercial audiences with 1999's Grammatical
Revolution, fans were very eager for the next project from Grits. Almost
three years later, Bone and Cof are back, and they've made some exciting
changes.

This album is surprisingly more commercial than their previous albums. A
wide array of sounds is tapped into creating a more diverse blend of songs
than Grits have ever produced. The album's first single, "Here We Go", is a
dirty south combination of Ludacris and the Afro-Cuban All Stars. It is
evident that more attention has been paid to the hook, leaving a juicy,
head-bobbing track that will have mainstream success. Grits dig into their
southern roots early and often on this disc. "Tennessee Bwoys" is as dirty
as Grits has ever gotten. This is a chant filled number that will make you
bounce once you've gotten over the surprise of this new sound. The possible
influence of touring with tobyMac is seen in "Seriously." This track isn't a
full rap-rock number, but it is evidence that the crew is expanding their
horizons, leaving the listener's mouth hanging open. tobyMac does make an
appearance on the track "Ooh Ahh," a passionate cry out to God about life's
frustrations. The grand piano and steady bass line bring to mind some
soulful numbers by The Roots. Knowdaverbs joins the crew for the very
entertaining "Video Girl." Producer Ric Robbins creates an Addams Family
vibe while the three emcees sound off about their issues with the scantily
clad women in rap videos.

The dirty south influence is also seen in both "Make Room" and "Lovechild."
While "Make Room" has a hardcore edge that will get the party going,
"Lovechild" conversely draws from R&B influences such as Jagged Edge.
Jennifer Knapp steps in on the beautifully produced "Believe." Knapp sings a
provocative hook, stating that everybody is in search of the truth. Rising
star Nirva Dorsaint appears on two tracks, the swooning love tune "Be Mine"
and the upbeat track "Sunny Days." These two songs are excellent examples of
Grits' evolving sound: hook laden numbers with extra attention going to the
vocals on each track. However, the project is still lyrically satisfying. It
is very clear that Bonafide and Coffee have not lost their edge or their
talent. They still write thought-provoking lyrics that only go down smoother
with this radio friendly sound. Perhaps they've found the perfect
combination that makes the gospel accessible to a mainstream audience.

The message of Christ is never hidden on this disc. Challenging,
introspective songs like "Runnin'" and "Believe" are supplemented by those
little tidbits that make Grits one of the best groups in the industry.
Bonafide opens his verse on "Here We Go," "I was born in the cold / moved to
the heat / got used to the flame / now I spit it on beats." "What Do You
Believe?" is an overt interlude where Bonafide simply and boldly lays down
his beliefs. There are several interludes on this disc ranging from
entertaining to confusing. For The Art of Translation, this is the only blip
on the screen.

Yes, this album is different than past projects, which may upset some.
However, a second spin will quickly show that the boys from Grits have
elevated their game not only lyrically but also behind the boards. Along
with Ric Robbins and Otto Price (a.k.a. Incorporated Elements), Bone and Cof
co-produce the album. This could be the explanation for the more commercial
sound. The new effort from Grits is one for the radio and your collection.
Having trouble adjusting to the new sound? Having a beef with this record is
like fighting with your mom: you can't stay mad at her for long.

Read more about GRITS at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/hiphop/grits


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

BE AFRAID, BE VERY AFRAID DVD/VHS - CHRONDA PIERCE
Chronda is one of a rare breed: Christian comedians. So, when a new video or
CD comes out, it's time for laughter. This new video finds Chronda holding
back nothing to get you to laughing nonstop.

KARA (self-titled)
Another interesting new worship release from Vertical Music, Kara has been
in the industry for years, doing background vocals for Amy Grant and Michael
W. Smith, and most recently leading worship with her siblings as Three
Strand. Now, Kara goes solo with her own disc, which brings many pop
influences to popular worship tunes as well as writing some new ones. It's a
pop/worship PICK OF THE WEEK.


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

HUMBLE KING: CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD - VINEYARD
Melding many cultures and styles, Humble King brings Vineyard worship
leaders from across the globe to one night of Christmas worship, featuring
many Christmas favorites and some new songs, done in good style.

LET'S ROLL: TOGETHER IN UNITY, FAITH, AND HOPE - VARIOUS
This week's amazing PICK OF THE WEEK comes at the right time, on the
anniversary week of September 11. Although this album was recorded long ago
and has been pushed back for months, the disc could not be any better.
Featuring more artist appearances than most projects could ever boast, it
mixes the best of both Christian and mainstream video.

MYSELF WHEN I AM REAL - BEBO NORMAN
Featured all this month as our pop pick, Bebo's work just keeps getting
better and better! Improving on his amazing blend of pop and folk, Bebo
brings to the stereo many insights on life that only the most honest of men
can give.

NOT TO US - CHRIS TOMLIN
Back with his second album, Tomlin is hoping to bring fresh new worship to
Christian music, keeping the basic formula that made "Forever" from his
debut disc so popular. Look for "Enough" to be a good hit from this disc.

SARAH SADLER (self-titled)
After years of doing quiet songs on worship compilations, Sadler is finally
ready for her own debut! Thankfully, the disc shows an edgier side to the
music, fusing worshipful music with guitar-driven pop.


THE LATEST NEWS HEADLINES
- Grits in The Source
- New Sixpence Single Available on the Net
- Third Day, SCC to Participate at 9/11 Tribute
- P.O.D. Shut Out of VMA's
- Lifehouse: In a Christian Retailer Near You
- P.O.D. Chums Blindside the Competition
- Max Lucado Joins CTAW Tour
- New Relient K Material Available Only on Tour
- The Elms End Frampton Tour
- P.O.D. Cancels European Tour
- Watermark Announces Fall Tour With Ginny Owens
- True Vibe Launches Tour to Promote New Album
- And more!

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


OTHER NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM
Review: Where Angels Fear to Tread - Matt Redman
http://cMusicWeb.com/worship/mattredman/reviews.shtml

Interview: Switchfoot
http://cMusicWeb.com/features/purpledoor02/switchfoot.shtml

Review: Kutless (self-titled)
http://cMusicWeb.com/rock/kutless/kutless.shtml

Review: Turn the Tides - 38th Parallel
http://cMusicWeb.com/rock/38thparallel/turnthetides.shtml

Review: Much - Ten Shekel Shirt
http://cMusicWeb.com/worship/tenshekelshirt/much.shtml

Review: For the Love - Christin Cook
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/christincook/forthelove.shtml

Review: The Art and Craft of Popular Music - Joy Electric
http://cMusicWeb.com/alternative/joyelectrical/artandcraftofpopularmusic.sht
ml

Review: The Art of Translation - GRITS
http://cMusicWeb.com/hiphop/grits/artoftranslation.shtml


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