Monday was Labor Day here in the United States, and I guess it spilled over
to the front of cMusicWeb.com. With school starting up and many other things
busying our lives, we have not been able to get anything new up this past
weekend. But look for new reviews on the latest from All Star United's Ian
Eskelin, the Supertones, plus the first interview with dc Talk solo artist
Kevin Max. Keep cMusicWeb.com on your favorites to make sure you don't miss
anything!

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JAMES CLAY - JAMES CLAY (2004)
by Jennifer Jones

James Clay doesn't sound like a 22-year-old. His gritty, soulful voice sings
of wisdom beyond his age. However, this worship leader, husband and father
of two has lived enough to fill a few lifetimes. Growing up in poverty, Clay
had to support his mother and siblings at the age of 14. He began to make
sense of his life with an $80 dollar guitar. Less than ten years later, Clay
is a new artist on Inpop Records, and his self-titled debut album reveals
the spiritual and musical maturity that can only come from knowing the
faithfulness of God.

Out of the gate, James Clay hits you with a modern rock cover of The Call's
"I Still Believe." Here you get a real flavor of Clay's skills with a
guitar. Influenced by Phil Keaggy and Jimi Hendrix, Clay can make a
six-string sing. Next up is the first radio single, "Franklin Park," a
bouncy, pop adventure through Clay's old neighborhood. With organs and
guitars, the quirky chorus reminded me of the Counting Crows' "Rain King."
Clay sings, "I'm a kid in Franklin Park / I feel I float in Noah's Ark / I
love my friends with all my heart / And they don't care / Lord I'm bringing
them to You / From this place we call the zoo."

The greatness of his album lies in its diversity. Clay's vocals differ
slightly in every song, recalling Edwin McCain one moment and Mac Powell of
Third Day the next. The same is true of James Clay musically. It is an
eclectic mix of blues, rock and just about anything that can be done on a
guitar. Clay lets his inner Bob Marley shine through on "Judah's Song" and
"Send Salvation." "Wicked Woman" rocks the hardest, while "Sabotage" is like
a lazy Sunday afternoon with a country twang.

It's an understatement to say Clay is multi-talented. In addition to his
strong voice and guitar talents, Clay's simple lyrics drive straight for
your heart. Many songs are written as divine messages. In "On Your Knees,"
he penned, "'Cause in my hands there are scars / I would've held you but you
nailed them down / In your heart there's holes only I can fill / But on your
knees / I know you there / I can touch you there." In another song,
"Anyway," Clay talks about the odd sense of peace God gave him during the
September 11th crisis. As he observed his daughter obliviously playing in
front of the television that replayed the tragedy, he wrote, "If I've
learned anything from Grace / Just from watching her play / You dance when
you want to / Don't let anyone stand in your way / If the whole world is
silent / Or if doubt is all they have to say / You sing your song anyway."

James Clay could be your favorite album if given the chance. Clay's honest,
humble lyrics tap into God's heart for the ordinary, everyday man. His sound
embraces a wide world of guitar-heavy melodies from reggae to rock.
Altogether James Clay is a spiritual journey described in folk music that
takes you someplace different every time.

Find out more about James Clay at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/jamesclay


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

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

FACEDOWN DVD - MATT REDMAN
If the Facedown CD was not enough of a worship experience for you, then
definitely check out the DVD. Matt Redman leads worship in Atlanta and this
DVD has it all on tape. Look Tree63' lead singer on guitar too!

GOLD - SONICFLOOD
Just in case you don't have these already, here's a two-disc set of the
original Sonicflood's first couple releases. Included is their self-titled
debut as well as their Sonicpraise album. Each disc has a few bonuses on
them, such as a live recording of "Agnus Dei", some alternate versions of
songs, and some studio tracks by Jeff Deyo.

ROOTS LIVE DVD - THE KATINAS
The brothers Katina are back with a live DVD to support their latest album.
See these amazing guys perform all their best music plus a couple new songs
and a bunch of bonus features.

SET IT OFF (RE-ISSUE) - THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH
If you were introduced to TFK after their major-label debut, Phenomenon, you
have to get this album. Although this PICK OF THE WEEK reveals that their
earlier sound was slightly different, there are still some gems that made
them a Christian rock hit without label support. Fans of the band will also
want the new song, plus the whole disc is remixed, remastered, and features
completely different packaging.


THE LATEST NEWS HEADLINES
- The Passion Continues
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