Pigeon John is out to take over mainstream music, and to do that, he's
dating your sister... or something like that. Read below to find out what
he's up to, plus check out new reviews on cMusicWeb.com. This week also
finds new discs in stores from Jars of Clay, Tait, P.O.D., and other big
names as well as new about the latest goings-on in Christian music.

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IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR
Yes, we know, it's not Christmas yet. But, just like the shopping malls,
Christian music gets busy early to make sure that you get your Christmas
cheer. So stop by cMusicWeb.com's newly designed Christmas section to find
our favorite Christmas music releases and our pick for the best gift-giving
music of 2003.
http://cMusicWeb.com/christmas


PIGEON JOHN IS DATING YOUR SISTER - PIGEON JOHN (2003)
by Jon Corbin

Sometimes life throws you a curve ball. You are a talented emcee, slowly
gaining ground in the tough LA underground scene. Your crew is skilled and
though you've had label struggles in the past, you are slowly climbing the
ladder of success. Your style is incredibly unique, and your passion for
writing music is matched by few. Yet, with all you have going for you, one
piece of news will turn your world upside down: Pigeon John is Dating Your
Sister. Get ready for the silliness, the emotion, and the honesty from the
former member of LA Symphony.

You can always trust Pigeon John to be himself, and with this new batch of
songs he digs even deeper to get personal with the listener. "High School
Reunion" discusses the embarrassment of being a poor rapper as the ominous
reunion approaches. "Deception" deals with John's internal battle over his
calling to be an emcee. Other song topics include racial identity ("Identity
Crisis"), teenage drinking ("Orange County"), and fighting against lust
("What is Love?").

The guest appearances are fewer on this sophomore effort than on his debut
but they are very meaningful. Great Jason (J-Beits from LAS) contributes
some fine tracks, as does the Beat Junkies' DJ Rhettmatic. The lead single,
"Life Goes On," features Rhet on the beat and Abstract Rude on the mic. This
track offers encouragement and perseverance to those struggling through
life. Respected Californian emcees Mikah 9 and Murs bring their positive
messages to "Originalz" and "2 Step" respectively.

Pigeon's ability to provide quality hooks makes each song more accessible.
His half-singing, half-rapping delivery, doesn't annoy (see Nelly), instead
it draws in average hip-hop fans. The tunes are cleverly crafted in a pop
radio format, with two verses, a fun chorus, and a bridge. However, PJ holds
this style loosely so it does not become formulaic.

The end result is an album aimed at the general market. Pigeon John shares
his laughter and tears to relate with the listener. Positive messages are
combined with well-known guest emcees and catchy choruses. Fans of the Cross
Movement probably won't rush to buy this, but if you're looking for a
Christmas gift for your little sister, consider the PJ.

Read more about Pigeon John at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/hiphop/pigeonjohn


OTHER NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Interview: Pillar
http://cMusicWeb.com/features/pillar

Review: Ready To Fly - FFH
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/ffh/readytofly.shtml

Review: Sarah Sadler - Sarah Sadler
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/sarahsadler/sarahsadler.shtml

Review: Smash-Ups - Various
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/smashups

Review: Spiritual 1 EP - Cush
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/cush/spiritual1.shtml


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

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

A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH: THE JENNIFER KNAPP COLLECTION
For those who have missed Jennifer Knapp's career so far, this is the time
to catch up. This 15-track collection of her best is perfect for a new fan,
and does feature some of her best work. Plus, the fans can get the
limited-edition double-disc set with 15 more tracks of recordings from
compilations, collaborations with other artists, and rare demo versions of
songs.

LIVE DVD - STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN
Steven has a unique live show, complete with a fancy light show, reworking
his old songs, and lots of talking about his family. This DVD brings all of
that to your home, for you to enjoy anytime.

LOSE THIS LIFE - TAIT
Leaving the genius of rocker Pete Stewart for dc Talk producer Mark
Heimermann, Tait's sophomore disc finds a bit more variety in their all-out
rock style, plus even a hidden track of "The Christmas Song" just in time
for the holidays.

THE NAIL - VARIOUS
Tooth and Nail's budget sampler of their latest music is always worth a look
for the hard rockers.

PAYABLE ON DEATH - P.O.D.
Word on the street is that, although P.O.D. considers it going back to their
roots, they are getting even more pop-rock and less rap-rock, so their old
fans may not be so excited. However, what I have heard sounds exciting to
me, even if it is not old-school P.O.D.

THIRD CIRCLE - ENTER THE WORSHIP CIRCLE
This is the third collection of unique worship projects from the independent
group 100 Portraits and their friends. Expect a world music feel to their
worship.

WHO WE ARE INSTEAD - JARS OF CLAY
Although my sister finds it "too slow," this is possibly one of the Jars'
best releases yet. This PICK OF THE WEEK finds the Jars going further into
blues, gospel, and rock with a Beatlesesque sound to 'em. This is
cMusicWeb.com's favorite Jars album since Much Afraid.


THE LATEST NEWS HEADLINES
- !Hero-The Rock Opera Tour Sells Out Despite Protest Threats
- The Rise of Modern Simulation
- New Release Expected for Sixpence None The Richer's Mark and Leigh Nash
- The Elms To Go Into Studio In 2004
- In The Name of Love: Artists United for Africa Coming In January 2004
- Sanctus Real Discusses Sophomore Project
- 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
from you!

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