If you have never listened to Chris Rice, you are missing out a bit. But
once you pick up Short Term Memories, his latest disc, you basically got it
covered. All his best songs are there, as Becca tells us in this edition of
cMusicMail. Plus, this week we find a somewhat new release from Switchfoot.
And cMusicWeb.com gives a rare book review plus CD reviews from Cool Hand
Luke and KJ-52. Finally, all this weekend, read about our experience "Live
From Creation '04" at cMusicWeb.com!

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SHORT TERM MEMORIES - CHRIS RICE (2004)
by Becca Tuttle

With a career as young as his eight-year-old label, it's hard for our fond
memories of Chris Rice to be anything but short term. Yet at a point when a
"best of" album from any other artist might seem premature, Chris manages to
pull off his jokingly-titled collection with the same finesse he's exercised
since day one. Short Term Memories reflects on the paradox that is Chris
Rice, offering honest, simple messages with a witty twist and touching on
heavy matters while maintaining an optimistic bounce. Adding that Chris's
poetic perspectives are set to acoustics and vocals comparable to James
Taylor, it's easy to realize why he's developed a comfortable niche at the
top of the Christian music charts.

The track list offers a first-rate assortment of Chris Rice classics, from
the recent, jaunty single "Other Side of the Radio," to the older but lively
affirmation of "Smellin' Coffee." Infused with Chris's signature insight,
the music invites listeners to experience quiet moments of worship
("Sometimes Love"), explore a Christian identity ("Face of Christ") or
simply revel in the joys of Christian life ("Life Means so Much".) Also
included are "Smell the Color Nine" and "Cartoons," light-hearted tracks
that serve up an obligatory dose of Chris's wacky humor. However, like all
"greatest hits" collections, Short Term Memories is lamentably brief. Of the
eleven number one radio hits in Chris Rice's career, nine are featured on
the album—resulting in a lineup that, albeit strong, overlooks some of the
lesser-known gems in Chris's repertoire. Among the missing tracks are
"Sam's Song," "My Cathedral," and "Hallelujahs:" songs that touched
hearts—or that at least spoke to this reviewer.

As unfortunate as those omissions are, Short Term Memories partially
compensates with its new material. The best in this category is Chris's
version of "Go Light Your World," a song originally written by Chris that
became a No. 1 hit on Christian radio after Kathy Troccoli recorded it in
1995. This piano driven melody charges listeners to illuminate the world
with Christ's love, to "Run to the darkness/ Seek out the hopeless, confused
and poor." "Mama Prays" is an equally heartwarming tribute to parents and a
recognition of the power of their countless prayers. Also featured is a
previously unreleased version of "Untitled Hymn," in which acoustic guitar
replaces the original basic piano for an inviting, more intimate feel. The
final addition is a live performance of "Clumsy," a longtime fan favorite
that is almost as excellent in concert as it is in the studio.

For serious Chris Rice fans, the familiarity of Short Term Memories may come
as a bit of a disappointment. After all, Chris had few studio projects to
draw from—a reality all too evident when owning even one amounts to about a
fourth of the CD. The cover art is similarly familiar, with orange hues and
the mysterious absence of the artist serving as the only details that set it
apart from Deep Enough to Dream. Even the CD's beginning is eerily similar
to this past project, as Short Term Memories, like Chris's debut, opens with
the quiet musings of "Deep Enough to Dream." Slight as these parallels may
be, the resulting sense of déjà vu may cause devoted enthusiasts to think
twice before purchasing.

Then again, 'best of' albums aren't necessarily meant for hardcore fans but
for lesser admirers who haven't invested in an artist's complete history.
For these and anyone else interested in over an hour of great music, Short
Term Memories is a must-have. It supplies a comprehensive selection of Chris
Rice's best work, with a variety of songs that promises music to match every
mood. Coupled with Chris Rice's unique songwriting style, Short Term
Memories is a CD that's sure to leave a lasting impression.

Find out more about Chris Rice at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/chrisrice


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Feature: Live From Creation '04
http://cMusicWeb.com/features/creation2004

Book Review: Love Him In The Morning by John Fischer
http://cMusicWeb.com/features/lovehiminthemorning

Review: Cool Hand Luke - The Fires of Life
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/coolhandluke/firesoflife.shtml

Review: KJ-52 - It's Pronounced "Five-Two"
http://cMusicWeb.com/hiphop/kj-52/itspronouncedfivetwo.shtml


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, JUNE 22 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

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

THE BEAUTIFUL LETDOWN (LIMITED EDITION) - SWITCHFOOT
Yeah, of course it's a label ploy to get you to buy it again. But
Switchfoot's latest is such a good disc, why not buy it again? Hardcore fans
will want the alternate packaging and the included DVD with the "Dare You To
Move" music video, bonus audio tracks (including the rare song "Monday Comes
Around") and other Switchfootage. Pick up this PICK OF THE WEEK and give
your old disc to a friend who likes their song on the radio.

HOLD YOU HIGH - BY THE TREE
The latest from By The Tree brings back a sound similar to their debut,
including a remake of their debut's song "Reveal". Half the disc contains
worship music you're already familiar with as well as some more
worship-oriented pop/rock.

SECRET PLACE - GENERATION J
The latest pop act from Word Records, these family members harmonize really
well and hope to be a multi-format urban success fusing gospel, pop, reggae,
and rap.


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