Every so often, we come upon those artists who are not widely known or
distributed. These are a special breed of artists, forsaking the way of big
name record labels to retain complete control over their music.
Consequently, their music is usually more personal -- their fingerprints are
all over their albums. Today is a case in point: Jeremy Casella brings his
whole being into this disc. After checking this disc out, you will know the
highs and lows of Jeremy's life. Also, make sure to check out a number of
great new releases this week!

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FAITH AND HEARTACHE - JEREMY CASELLA (2003)
by Jason Ewert

Songwriting and storytelling are inexplicably intertwined. When a person
picks up a guitar and sings, he tells a story. It might be hard to discern,
and it might not be a very good story; nevertheless, the words he is
crafting have a tale to tell and a message to preach. Whether it's an
emotional love song, a driving rock anthem, or a rising ballad, it's hard to
escape "story" without losing all coherency.

Jeremy Casella is one who takes delight in his storytelling, even though
Faith & Heartache isn't the most pleasant story he's ever told. Wrapped up
within a package of tender music are tears and laughter, insecurity and
assurance, loss and love. Is this a collection of sappy tunes and
over-emotional lyrics? Far from it. The beauty of the music is not found in
temporary emotions, but in the simplicity of life. Or, rather, the simple
complications that fill our lives.

Beginning with questions and ending with some answers and more questions,
Jeremy takes us on a journey that is comprised of faith. Throughout the pain
of love ("Best Intentions"), the highs and lows of living ("Walking on
Water"), and the death that precedes redemption ("Lazarus"), Jeremy's eyes
rest on the Savior and Lord of all. "Speak and all my soul is peace," sings
Jeremy on the opening track of the same name (an adaptation of the Charles
Wesley hymn), setting a firm foundation on the One who holds us in the palm
of His hand. Midway through the album, he uses another hymn to set the mood:
Isaac Watts's "Hills of Light" raises our eyes from the grime of our trials
and strengthens us with visions of our future reward. With this assurance,
the tone of the album is more hopeful on "Place Your Bets" (an ode to
starting over) and "Psalm 62" (a hand-clappy tune that takes strong faith in
God's strength).

The final three songs present a trilogy for moving onwards. Intense but full
of faith, "Not Forgotten" climbs up the hill towards the great mountain,
knowing that we are always in the sight of the King. More contemplative is
"The Purchase," a delicate tune that revels in the wonder of Christ's
sacrifice, testifying that "I am not compelled to make it pleasing to the
ear, for the value of the purchase is measured in the price." A final hymn
adaptation, "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah," finishes off the album with
its subtle power that resolves to charge steadily down the road and overcome
any future trials.

You won't find many other albums that explore the hurt and pain that fill
our lives with such honesty and thought. There is a fine line between the
sterile scientific approach and the overly sentimental approach, yet Jeremy
has hit that line straight on. Faith & Heartache is a comfort for those who
are weary and long for rest. It provides encouragement for us when our eyes
are downcast. "Weeping may endure through the night, but joy comes in the
morning," the Psalmist wrote, and this album is a testimony to that. So go,
look across the river, and bid your anxious fears subside. Your Father has
promised to guide you, and His promises are sure.

Find more about Jeremy Casella at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/jeremycasella


OTHER NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM
DVD Review: Shine: The Hits Live - Newsboys
http://cMusicWeb.com/alternative/newsboys/shinethehitsdvd.shtml

Book Review: Phantastes - George MacDonald
http://cMusicWeb.com/books/phantastes/index.shtml

Views: The Bennies
http://cMusicWeb.com/views/archiveben/thebennies.shtml


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

ALL ELSE FAILED - ZAO
Zao has been touting their metal rock for years on Solid State, and their
latest release is no exception. The screaming vocals do not impress me, but
otherwise the music is top-notch hardcore.

THE BEAUTIFUL LETDOWN - SWITCHFOOT
Switchfoot is back on a new label, and it seems like most American stores
are stocking it for less than $10 this week! Read our full review on the
PICK OF THE WEEK here:
http://cMusicWeb.com/rock/switchfoot/beautifulletdown.shtml
Also, check out the really low prices, including $8.99 on Amazon.com and
$7.99 at Best Buy!

DESTINATION: BEAUTIFUL - MAE
Another of Tooth and Nail's new bands, Mae brings a pop/rock debut which
goes from edgy to soft in the course of one song. This album is yet another
contender for a debut hit at T&N.

GENERATIONS - PEACE 586
Coming from the very roots of Christian hip-hop, Peace 586 brings a highly
mature and refined style to the table in Generations. Included are
appearances from L.A. Symphony, Raphi, a high-profile appearance from Jon
Gibson and many more.

LOVE AND THUNDER - ANDREW PETERSON
Andrew Peterson and Co. bring an incredible, epic work with all acoustic
instruments, lush strings, and a look at the Old Testament and family life,
among other things.

THIS IS LOVE - VINEYARD MUSIC
Just a couple weeks before the Lenten season, Vineyard releases a collection
of new and old worship songs centered upon Christ's sacrifice on the cross.

WORLDWIDE - AUDIO ADRENALINE
In the last couple albums, Audio Adrenaline has become known for fun, youth
group rock and slower, worshippy rock ballads. The guys keep the tradition
going, trying to get a "Worldwide" feel but mostly sounding like trademark
Christian pop/rock.


THE LATEST NEWS HEADLINES
- Marcos Speaks Out
- Marcos Leaves P.O.D.
- And more!

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
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Dan Ficker
http://cMusicWeb.com/
a different approach to music
AOL IM - dMusicWeb