This week we have another hot-off-the-press review for you cMusicMail
readers to eat up. Although it's hot, it's not a new disc. This is the old
flavor of DC Talk, back in the day when it was TobyMac and Co. and not a
trio. Also, Smitty offers a look back at his 20 years of music in our new
releases. Plus, we have some of the new school too with a talk with Everyday
Sunday and new releases from delirious?, Jeff Deyo, Out of Eden, and Jeremy
Camp.

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NU THANG - DC TALK (1990)
by Becca Tuttle

Take a moment and imagine you're in the early 90's. Better yet, just take a
look at the Nu Thang CD cover. You're entering an age of brightly colored
clothing, of puffy hair, of men wearing fanny-packs over sweatshirts...
well, ok, maybe that's just Toby Mac. At any rate, Nu Thang is from a
different period of musical history. As such, it really only appeals to two
groups of people: fans of the corny, synthesized sound of early 90's pop or
hardcore DC Talk fans like yours truly. As the group's second CD, Nu Thang
shows definite purpose and budding potential and it marks a unique point in
DC Talk's growth. Although not refined enough to have gained much
recognition, it served as a platform for their future fame and success.

Toby Mac's rapping is the core of the album, and considering he wrote every
song, this comes as no surprise. What may be surprising is the difference in
sound between this and his current, more urban style in Momentum. Unlike
later DC Talk hits, Nu Thang is more like laid-back rap with a pop feel
(think Fresh Prince). Also in contrast to the later DCT days are Michael
Tait's and Kevin Max's lesser roles in the CD. Although Tait's strong voice
and Kevin's distinctive vibrato carry the chorus, their overall contribution
is less significant than what their fans have come to expect.

Corny slang abounds in every song, which can get annoying at times.
Nevertheless, some of it is so purposefully comical that you can't help but
laugh. Take, for example, this little intermission from "No More":
"Word up people, we ain’t about sin no more...
Yo K-max, you down with that?
[I’m steppin’ to that!]
Yo T, you got my back on this boycott sin thang?
[Ya know it, Homes!]
Word up sin, you are history!

The CD's other potential flaws are musical simplicity and a tendency to
lecture. Musically, drums are the backbone of the CD. This is to be expected
for a rap CD, though the final product is a tad monotonous as a result.
Also, although DC Talk is known for their strong, Christian stances on
certain issues, this CD is significantly more "preachy" than their others.
Examples of this are found in the opinionated "Children Can Live," which
takes a stand against abortion, and in "Talk it Out," which pushes
inter-family communication.

"Things of This World" is the CD's most powerful song. Kevin delivers a
haunting chorus that blends well with Toby's more serious rap, and a round
between Kevin and Michael at the end of the song creates a nice ending
harmony. The lyrics are surprisingly slang-free as they warn against the
waste of a lifetime on materialistic things. Musically, a bass, subtle
chorus and light percussion support the simple melody. While the track is
not overly interesting from a musical perspective, its message is sure to
linger long after the song is over.

"Walls" is the only song credited in part to Michael Tait, and it leans
towards DC Talk's later rock sound. In fighting racism, it also introduces
the prevailing theme of racial acceptance that thrives in DC Talk's music.
Audio clips from Martin Luther King Jr. add weight to the song, giving it
staying power that allowed it to become a part of the Jesus Freak tour much
later on.

In the life of DC Talk, Nu Thang was an awkward growing stage. The band was
stretching its musical and spiritual legs, developing experience and a union
that would serve them well into their later years. But even before they
reached full maturity, DC Talk was starting to do a "new thing" in the lives
of their fans—an impact that, for me, continues today.

"God is doin’ a nu thang
In our lives so...
We’re doin’ a nu thang
Through Jesus Christ
God is doin’ a nu thang
Through our music
We’re doin’ a nu thang
So He can use it!"

Read more about DC Talk at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/dctalk


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Feature: Just a Story with Everyday Sunday
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/everydaysunday/feature.shtml

Review: Fly Away - Paul Wright
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/paulwright/flyaway.shtml

Review: Across The Sky - Across The Sky
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/acrossthesky/acrossthesky.shtml

Review: More Life - Newsong
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/newsong/morelife.shtml

Review: This Is The Beginning - Wisdom's Cry
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/wisdomscry/thisisthebeginning.shtml


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

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

CARRIED ME: THE WORSHIP PROJECT - JEREMY CAMP
In all fairness, this is not Jeremy Camp's second disc. This is a worship
disc, and Jeremy Camp is a rocker. However, we found the worship to be
top-notch and almost just as rockin'. It is curious, though, that two tracks
are his version of Chris Tomlin songs.

LACKLUSTER - AARON SPRINKLE
These days you would be hard pressed to find Aaron Sprinkle's CDs. The indie
efforts by this well-known producer are very good, and so Tooth and Nail has
decided to give you a chance to hear some. This disc has 10 classic Sprinkle
tracks that have been remixed or even re-recorded plus one brand new song.

LIGHT - JEFF DEYO
The founder of SONICFLOOd is back for more intense praise and worship. For
more info, read it in his own words in our interview:
http://cmusicweb.com/worship/jeffdeyo/interview.shtml

LIVE IN CONCERT: A 20 YEAR CELEBRATION DVD - MICHAEL W. SMITH
We just had a concert DVD from MWS release less than two years ago, but that
was just worship (except for the hidden video with "Friends"). This time, we
get a concert that does not happen every day: Michael W. Smith looking back
on his 20-year career. Here you will find songs you probably have not heard
in a while, such as "Rocketown" and "Secret Ambition". The concert includes
an acoustic set and a set featuring Amy Grant alongside Smith, as well as a
Worship set.

LOVE, PEACE AND HAPPINESS - OUT OF EDEN
After being the reason that Gotee Records was started over 10 years ago, Out
of Eden are still getting better. Their disc keeps the R&B fans bumping to
great beats, smooth harmonies, and messages unlike anything you hear from
Destiny's Child.

WORLD SERVICE - DELIRIOUS?
We've been listening to this one, and it sure is nice to have something new
from delirious?. However, this PICK OF THE WEEK has a few downsides. Maybe
it's just nostalgia, but earlier discs from the d:boys impressed us more.
Plus, some of the worshippy lyrics are the same that you hear from everybody
else. Of course, this disc will teach America all over again that worship
rocks!


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View all the latest stories on cMusicWeb.com:
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