South African rock bands seem all the rage these days, with Tree63 and the
Benjamin Gate getting a lot of attention in both the Christian and
mainstream world. Tree63, an artist which we covered before they even had a
record deal in the states, is now back with their first full release since
being signed in the U.S., when they released a self-titled album, which was
a best-of from their overseas albums. Keep reading to find out about their
new release plus much more.

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THE LIFE AND TIMES OF ABSOLUTE TRUTH - TREE63 (2002)
by Melissa Miles

Remember the last Tree63 album? It released in '99 and held some amazing
songs underneath a muted package of timid blues and greens. There were only
two small pictures of the band. It was like they scared of seeming bold. The
passing of three years brings us to today, and the release of The Life and
Times of Absolute Truth. This time the colors are bright red and white, the
"t" in Tree63 is now crossed with a lightning bolt, and there are pictures,
pictures everywhere. Tree63 got bold. The music? Well hang on to somethin'
kid, cause you're goin' for a ride...

"Glorious Ones" blasts this album wide open. Lead singer/songwriter John
Ellis reminds us of our worth not as mere people, but as the Children of a
Lord who delights Himself in us. It is in this first song that we see the
infectious joy that flows all over this album like Hershey's syrup on Dutch
chocolate ice cream. A desire to share this worth with those who are lost is
visible in "All Hands" and "Anxious Seat." The first is a jiving invitation
to come to Christ- "All hands up. Who has had enough? Come on, make your
mind up. All hands, all hands up." "Anxious Seat" is a funky tune about an
unsaved girl. John sings to her, offering a peace for her anxiousness.
"Everything could turn around tonight. Baby let me turn on the light. You
will see for miles and miles it’s alright, alright."

Those who fell in love with Tree63 for their beautiful and fun worship songs
will not be disappointed with this album. Songs of love to God are rampant.
"All Because," "Be All, End All," "Surprise Surprise" and "How Did I Sleep"
are gorgeous songs of dependence on a Savior. Praise is the highest form of
music; a fact that John Ellis knows well. His utmost love for the Father
seeps through the simple, sincere words to touch the heart of the listener.
If his songs can move the heart of this hard human, what must it sound like
to God?

The production at the hands of Ellis and Nik Fairclough is great. They
sprinkled fun little quirks throughout the album, so every time you listen
to it you hear something new and interesting. Of all the albums that the
Christian music industry has put out this year, The Life and Times of
Absolute Truth tops the charts. So what is the "absolute truth?" Christ is
the way to much needed salvation, and the journey is full of joy when all
sights are set on the Lord. Come join some fellow travelers in The Life and
Times of Absolute Truth. You need it.

Read more about Tree63 at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/rock/tree63


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

THE BEST OF 1990-2000 - U2
The best of 1980-1990 was a big hit, so no doubt this one will be too. But,
we found U2's second decade, up until their latest, All That You Can't Leave
Behind, was an experimental time for the band, musically and lyrically.
Nevertheless, die-hard U2 fans will want this disc, which also comes with a
B-Sides CD and a DVD with music videos during the next week, as well as the
real album having two new tracks. This is the PICK OF THE WEEK.

JANNA - JANNA LONG
The second Avalon member to go solo, enjoy the vocals of Avalon's ballads by
herself, doing much of the same Christian pop thing.


THE LATEST NEWS HEADLINES
- Worship Again Debuts at #14
- Straight Out the Ghetto: Act III
- And more!

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


OTHER NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM
Wow, for some reason this section has been missing for a month or two.
Here's a catch up:

Review: Woven and Spun - Nichole Nordeman
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/nicholenordeman/wovenandspun.shtml

Review: The Life and Times of Absolute Truth - Tree63
http://cMusicWeb.com/rock/tree63/absolutetruth.shtml

Review: Myself When I Am Real - Bebo Norman
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/bebonorman/myselfwheniamreal.shtml

Interview: KJ-52
http://cMusicWeb.com/hiphop/kj-52/feature.shtml

Review: Contact - The Benjamin Gate
http://cMusicWeb.com/rock/thebenjamingate/contact.shtml

Review: Second Circle - Enter the Worship Circle
http://cMusicWeb.com/worship/worshipcircle/secondcircle.shtml

Review: Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie
http://cMusicWeb.com/movies/jonah


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