This week in stores across America is the debut EP of a new artist, Taylor.
His unique brand of rock will leave you begging for his full-length album
that will be coming out in the spring, so don't miss it. More new music is
in stores today from one of today's best female voices, Christine Dente, as
well as the second collection of Michael W. Smith's greatest hits.

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THE FILL EP - TAYLOR (2003)
by Rick Foux

When I first heard about Taylor, I automatically assumed he was going to
rock. For crying out loud, the guy's name is the same as a well-known guitar
company: you know he's got to have major skill pulsing through his veins.
Therefore, when a copy of his The Fill EP trickled into my hands, I
immediately jammed it into my CD player hoping for the best. And the best I
received. You have to understand, it's very rare when I can talk big about
something and then actually prove myself correct (I get shot down every time
I claim to be the world's best Halo player), so while I resist the
temptation to write out a list of "I told you so's" to everyone who doubted
me, allow me to explain why Taylor does indeed rock.

First of all, Taylor's on Rocketown Records, the only Christian label who
seems to have things all together recently. Instead of mass-producing carbon
copies of mainstream artists, Rocketown seems committed to tracking down
artists with pure talent. Taylor is no exception. Like Joy Electric (in a
non-electric way), his alternative roots are simply stylish -- they cannot
be emulated by anyone else in the industry. Rather than pulling off flashy
chords and solos, he prefers to keep it simple on the guitar, instead
letting his effortless vocals steal the show. The bluesy grit he provides on
"Follow Me," for example, throws around plenty of catchy hooks and unmatched
tone variation that begs for repeating. If that isn't enough to drag you in,
then the combination of brass and modern rock riffs will. Impressively,
"Follow Me" only scrapes the surface of Taylor's finesse; "Love Somebody
Else" reveals to us his true colors. Mark my words: Taylor IS the next Bono.
His voice resounds triumphantly throughout the track, taking highs and lows
with ease, mimicking a younger version of U2's frontman. The comparisons
don't stop there, however, as "Love Somebody Else" nearly echoes U2's
signature instrumentation, and if not for the presence of horns, you'd swear
you were listening to "Beautiful Day." This effect bleeds over into "Red
Fone" with somewhat of a slowdown, but Taylor makes up for it with superb
lyrical depth: "You've dwelt upon mistakes / while there's a door marked
'Truth' / Keep counting the blessing lights / That's what's gonna get you
through." Together, "Red Fone" and "Love Somebody Else" weave a crucial
reminder that no one is beneath God's love and mercy. Live recordings of
"Sanctuary" (a Bruce Springsteen inspired rock cut) and a heavier version of
"Love Somebody Else" compliment the aforementioned songs, rounding out the
disc to a much-too-short five tracks.

If The Fill EP is a taste of good things to come, we're brimming with
excitement over what Taylor's full-length album, The Overflow, is going to
sound like when it hits retailers in February 2004. Until then, just accept
the hype and believe that Taylor means talent. Not only will you get your
prescribed dose of alternative rock, but you'll also hear a message about
God's love that you can commit to memory for the rough paths you'll walk on.
So go purchase this disk and listen to it day and night until you pass out.
You know I'm right.

Read more about Taylor at his official site:
http://www.bluetaylor.com/


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

PURCHASE THIS MUSIC AND MORE AT GRASSROOTSMUSIC.COM:
http://www.grassrootsmusic.com/?associateid=249

ACCELERATE - JUMP5
They're still big on Radio Disney, all the pre-teens like them, and they're
ultra-hyper pop. What a combination.

BECOMING - CHRISTINE DENTE
Although it sounds much like the music of Out of the Grey without as much
guitar and a bit quieter, it is a beautiful album from Christine Dente.

CHRISTMAS EP - RIVERTRIBE
The interesting sounds of Rivertribe are now available in Christmas music
format. This EP features Christmas favorites in their outlandish, soothing
style.

THE FILL EP - TAYLOR
See review above for more on the PICK OF THE WEEK.

ROOTS - THE KATINAS
As the title alludes to, The Katinas are going back to their real stuff.
From what I've heard, this may be the best Katinas project yet, so fans
better make sure to pick it up.

THE SECOND DECADE - MICHAEL W. SMITH
As an album in itself, The Second Decade is too fragmented. With MWS works
running the gamut from pop to Celtic to Worship to Instrumental, it's hard
to get it to flow well on one disc. Nevertheless, all the favorites are
here, from the title track to Freedom to "Cry For Love," "Missing Person,"
and many more. And for a limited time, you can snag a bonus DVD with music
videos and interviews in a special packaging.

TRAVELING CIRCUS - REDCLOUD
Not many people have heard of this Syntax Records artist, but Redcloud has a
unique style of fast-paced rap. His follow-up to Is This Thing On? brings
more freestyles and appearances from friends.

WOW HITS 2004 - VARIOUS
If you read this website very often, you know more about Christian music
than the people who go out and pick up WOW. If you have any other Christian
CDs, you should skip this overpriced sampler and buy the good stuff.


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