This week, we have a bunch of new things for you. There are new discs in
stores from Superchic[k], LaRue, Chevelle, and many more. Plus, we have a
lengthy interview with Ohio's John Reuben, so make sure you check that out.
And, after a bit of a break, look for some new reviews hitting the site this
week!

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH JOHN REUBEN AT PURPLE DOOR 02
Reuben... what is he dippity doin'? We've got the story on what he's up to,
what his thoughts are on Christian music, and how cool his live shows are,
and his recent wedding. Read it all here:
http://www.cmusicweb.com/features/purpledoor02/johnreuben.shtml

Plus, check out more interviews with artists such as Switchfoot, Relient K
and Joy Electric online too! Sadly, though, we have run out of interviews
from Purple Door. But, we hope to have more exclusive interviews for you
soon!


REACHING - LARUE (2002)
by Rick Foux

The signs of the times show that Christian pop is headed nowhere. In spite
of a few very gifted individuals, like Wes King and Nichole Nordeman, the
majority of artists get worse by the season, producing pre-fabricated albums
of cheese. Now it seems that LaRue, a brother/sister duo I once had much
respect for, is dangerously close to joining those ranks. Their third
release, Reaching, is sufficient evidence of these claims, and here's why.

First of all, Reaching doesn't seem up to par with LaRue's previous two
records. The entire album seems rushed and is very shoddily put together.
Moreover, there are no real stand-out heavy pop tracks outside of "Tonight,"
which features a dance-vibe bass influence. Natalie and Phillip sing out
about their desire to live for God, crying out for Him and asking Him to
work in their lives and through their music. It's the catchiest track on the
album, with near-perfect harmonies and excellent production work.
Additionally, "Summertime" is a mediocre summery ballad, mid-tempo and
upbeat. Like many Christian love songs, it can be sung either to God or a
significant other, and it serves as a nice companion piece to "Tonight." The
same cannot be said for the rest of the album. Most of the songs have no
depth to them at all and never move past the shallow "God is really big and
good" message. "OK To Cry," for example, repeats the chorus line "It's okay
to cry, and it's okay to wonder why," over and over several times during the
song's course, but leaves it at that without delving any further into the
topic of suffering. Furthermore, several of the tracks are either over or
underproduced. One such track is "Unite," which sounds bare minimalist with
its melodies. It wholly feels stiff and monotone, and Phillip and Natalie's
harmonies are terrible and often mistimed. To further elaborate, "Lift Up"
begins and ends as a crawling, laid-back pop song with a unique tropical
flavor. Suddenly, smack-dab in the middle of the song, an out-of place rock
and roll interruption occurs, complete with crunching guitars and a short
pounding drum loop. And it's great, better than most interludes I've heard,
but why? It spans about 7 seconds, upon which it sinks back into the song's
normal melody. Such spontaneity might be viewed as a good thing, but in this
case it's simply uncalled for.

Reaching will undoubtedly serve both young and old listeners. It has enough
of the power pop that youth enjoy, but adults will appreciate how deep the
album dwells into Adult Contemporary territory. However, LaRue's surplus of
talent just seems to dwindle with every album they release. Reaching is
their lowest point so far. Unless they come upon some major inspiration and
put out some songs that sound a little different for a change, their future
as recording artists appears grim.

Read more about LaRue at cMusicWeb.com:
http://www.cmusicweb.com/pop/larue


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

BY SURPRISE - JOY WILLIAMS
Joy Williams returns with more cookie-cutter pop to feed the teens with
upbeat pop and the parents with slow ballads.

CAN'T STOP EATING EP - STARFLYER 59
Starflyer 59 is at the other end of the pop/rock sector, creating innovative
sounds with thoughtful lyrics. This EP delivers four new tracks plus a remix
of a track from their last album, Leave Here a Stranger.

LAST ONE PICKED - SUPERCHIC[K]
The girls and the guys move from their raw punk rock sound to add some more
pop sounds to the mix. Never fear, though, because the witty lyrics and
songs of encouragement to girls and teens is definitely still there.

THE LO-FI PROJECT - CHRIS TAYLOR
Taylor has been recording as an independent artist for years, and his folk
rock has become widely acclaimed. This latest project finds Chris pouring
much of his heart into the music and lyrics.

REACHING - LARUE
See review above.

THE RIGHT AMOUNT - BON VOYAGE
Jason Martin, head musician for Starflyer 59, is back again with another
side project from group Bon Voyage. Jason creates the music and his wife,
Julie, delivers on the vocals for a girl-rock sound.

YOU SHOULD BE LIVING - TWOTHIRTYEIGHT
The latest album finds the band rocking out in true Tooth and Nail fashion:
loud and raw.

WONDER WHAT'S NEXT - CHEVELLE
After hearing them rock out on Squint Entertainment, Epic Records decided to
pick them up and set them in the spotlight. Their new disc brings their hard
rock style to a new level. And, touring on Ozzfest this year, the Loeffler
brothers are ready for the onslaught of loyal fans. This major release is
definitely the PICK OF THE WEEK.


THE LATEST NEWS HEADLINES
- Bono Named "Person of the Year"
- Superchic[k] Releases New Album, Will Tour With Newsboys
- The Name Remains the Same…Almost
- Veggie Tales' "Jonah" Hits Theatres Today
- Grits on Third Watch
- And more!

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


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