Many did not think it would happen. After Third Verse, the Smalltown Poets
disappeared and were probably not going to be heard from again. But 2004
brought them back with the fall release of It's Later Than It's Ever Been.
Check out their new sound and look for more new music at cMusicWeb.com.

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IT'S LATER THAN IT'S EVER BEEN - SMALLTOWN POETS (2004)
by Bert Gangl

Although most genealogists would be hard-pressed to prove it, Michael
Johnston and Tom Scholz could very well be related.  Scholz, for those too
young to remember (or too old to bother), was the M.I.T. grad student and
leader of the quintessentially '70s fivesome Boston, whose self-titled first
effort hit the Top 5 in 1976, produced still-popular classic rock radio
staples like "Long Time" and "More than a Feeling," and went on to become
the biggest-selling rock debut in history.  1978's equally successful Don't
Look Back claimed the top spot on the album charts, sent its title cut into
the Top 5 and went platinum within weeks of its release.

Nineteen years later, and the distance between Boston, Massachusetts, and
Tifton, Georgia, away, Michael Johnston and his bandmates in Smalltown Poets
have followed an eerily similar career arc to Scholz's.  The Poet's
self-named 1997 debut became the most successful first album ever by a
Christian group and generated no less than six Top 20 hits.  Following a
mere nine months behind the freshman project, Listen Closely vaulted an
additional three entries into the Top 20 and pulled down even more glowing
critical praise.  But, like Scholz, who took nearly eight years to follow
Don't Look Back with the disappointing Third Stage effort and has recorded
only sporadically since, Johnston's ever-thinning STP herd spent a long two
and a half years on their third project, the largely uneven Third Verse, and
an additional four years before turning out the latest offering.

Encouragingly, the opening strains of It's Later Than It's Ever Been find
Johnston, the lone remaining original Poet, and his newly-assembled outfit
at the top of their game.  The infectious leadoff track, "The Truth Is Out,"
blends crisp acoustic guitars, a lively melody and Johnston's
characteristically yearning voice into an irresistible
three-and-a-half-minute musical cocktail.  "Show Me Who You Are," with its
jangling guitar lines and crunchy modern pop/rock textures, continues the
winning streak, coming across as a slightly harder-edged "Prophet, Priest
and King."  And the likewise vigorous "Upside Down" bookends the stellar
opening three-song salvo with Johnston's imposing lyrical eloquence and
razor-sharp insight (She likes to have me by her side/ I guess I look good
over her shoulder/ Immune to gravity/ I can't seem to pull her closer).

From that point, the results vary.  "Here" features some fairly sublime
electric guitar work.  "There on the Sun" is a slightly less catchy cousin
to the first three songs.  And the rootsy, hard-rocking "A New Beginning"
hints at an interesting latent Stonsian bent.  By and large though, the
remainder of the album plays out as fairly nondescript.  In its defense,
Later is consummately played and produced, and the lion's share of its songs
would certainly sit well on Top 40 radio.   But with Johnston's imposing
songwriting skill and four years between records, one can't help but expect
a bit more.  While any new material from the Poets is certainly cause for
celebration, one can't help but cast a wistful backwards glance at the debut
and sophomore efforts – daunting high-water marks that Johnston and his
cohorts have yet to equal.

Read more about Smalltown Poets at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/smalltownpoets


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Review:  C.I.W.Y.W. - LA Symphony
http://cMusicWeb.com/hiphop/lasymphony/ciwyw.shtml

Review:  The Movement - Sharlok Poems
http://cMusicWeb.com/hiphop/sharlokpoems/movement.shtml


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

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

ROOM NOISES - EISLEY
I'll admit: this PICK OF THE WEEK is not for everybody. But at least give it
a try. Eisley is a new pop/rock band has their own unique sound. One minute
the music reminds you of Radiohead, the next of The Beatles, but the soaring
vocals of Stacey bring it all back together. These four siblings and a
friend from Texas deliver music that is like no other.  Check the band that
has toured with Coldplay, Brand New, Snow Patrol, and will be out this
spring with New Found Glory.

SNAPSHOTS: LIVE AND FAN FAVORITES - CHRIS RICE
Apparently a greatest hits album was not good enough for Rocketown Records
and Chris Rice fans. While there is nothing really new in these fifteen
tracks, fans will enjoy this collection of B-sides, live recordings, and
popular songs that didn't make it onto the greatest hits disc.


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

Sometimes this type of things happens. A couple years ago we received a copy
of Seventh Day Slumber's BEC debut, Picking Up The Pieces. While we deemed
the ministry value high, our reviewer found nothing noteworthy in the
release. However, a couple years later, another of our writers looks at
their sophomore effort. While she founds much of the same, she highly enjoys
the simple honesty of the music as well as the ministry value. This always
goes to show you that some people look for one thing and some for others.
Just because there is a negative vibe to one of our reviews does not mean it
is terrible; it's just that we did not like it. You are a different person,
so hopefully you can make your own decision.

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ONCE UPON A SHATTERED LIFE - SEVENTH DAY SLUMBER (2005)
by Hollie Stewart

I'm not as much of a hard rock fan as I used to be. After watching countless
bands rise to semi-celebrity status, I've become quite picky with my
selections. As countless bands continued to follow the footsteps of Creed in
sound and production, I threw in the towel.

So what draws me to Seventh Day Slumber, a band who could arguably sound
similar to everything else on the market? I'm drawn to the brutal honesty
reflected in rough, unpoetic lyrics. I'm drawn to the heavy guitars and
baritone vocals. I'm drawn to perhaps the most important aspect of this
band-their hearts. Seventh Day Slumber is not just a musical endeavor
seeking to entertain kids to death. This band has created a sophomore
release geared to the child on the brink of emotional collapse. Once Upon a
Shattered Life takes the pain dissected in Picking Up the Pieces and offers
a solution to the brokenness.

This is a universal pain, where the claws of a dark past overshadow a
promise for the future. "Break Me" discusses this struggle; the speaker
condemns the internal and external forces hindering him from moving on: "I'm
on my way / And I'm not falling / You're all the same / You try to break me
down." Screams erupt, powerful enough to address voices both in the past and
present. Let the listener be aware: the truth will be confronted in this
album through emotions experienced by every seeker of reality. It is a
prologue for change, because "when the smoke is gone / I have to face what
I've become" ("Shattered Life"). In "Shattered Life," heavy guitars and
piano exist alongside pleas to leave a destroyed existence. It becomes an
interesting musical turmoil of wanting to stay and wanting to move. After
chaos comes the tender "Caroline," a peaceful composition sung over a girl
wanting freedom from a present hell. Reminiscent in music to Creed's "With
Arms Wide Open," Joseph sings, "Let me wipe away your tears and give you
life / Make you feel beautiful again." The line "I will always take you
back" brings up images of the prodigal son; the song becomes God singing to
His lost ones. Caroline becomes you and me. She exemplifies the church gone
astray from her most passionate lover. A sense of security rests in this
track, for the past cannot hold Carolines apart from the Savior.

In trying to get the message across, Seventh Day Slumber leaves pretty prose
to the emo kids. Instead, the band hits your speakers with pounding power
chords, stellar solos, and deafening drums. "Break Me," "Make Believe," and
"Chris' Letter" represent classic power rock-chunky with enough watts to
satisfy any mosher. They then calm the pulse through tunes like
"Masquerade," "I Believe," and "Brand New Man." Here the guitars proceed
with care, and the drums remain steady background decoration. Their focus is
to keep the songs straightforward and solid-let the music pound and the
lyrics hit simply and immediately so they may be understood without a
lengthy analysis.

The song that speaks to me as a worshiper is "Oceans From the Rain." A
vintage keyboard opens the song, perhaps a bit more emo than normally seen
by these guys. Yet when the hearts of these men are compared to major emo
bands, all evidence will point to Seventh Day Slumber and say that this
group owns the larger heart. "Oceans From the Rain" contains more worshipful
passion than many albums created for congregational adoration. Joseph sings,
"And I'm amazed by You / Cause You're never far away / And all that I've
been through / Your love has never changed / You make oceans from the rain /
Breathing life into this place / And I will drown inside Your love / Until I
see Your perfect face." It reads like a modern hymn and becomes a paean of
praise whose profoundness lies in the fact that even a child could sing it.

The guys in Seventh Day Slumber may never grace the cover of CCM Magazine.
They may never be eulogized for creating a new musical genre. But that's not
the primary focus of this band. They instead picture the faces of their
listeners and play to provide them hope. They seek to minister through the
medium of music. "Oceans From the Rain" completes the album by citing the
crux of our relationship with Christ: "The blood of Jesus can wash [our]
pain away." As unfancy and unoriginal as that sounds, it shouts boldly,
because it is truth, and Once Upon a Shattered Life is all about shouting
truth.

Read more about Seventh Day Slumber at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/hardrock/seventhdayslumber


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Review:  A Time To Worship - Chillout
http://cMusicWeb.com/worship/chillout/atimetoworship.shtml

Review:  Transparent - LaRue
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/larue/transparent.shtml


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

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

ACTIVATE - BENJAMIN
Since the departure of Josh "Plastic" Niemyjski from Uprok Records, the T&N
empire has had very little to do with hip-hop music. Although some
stragglers still release records there, nothing new of great talent has been
released. And Benjamin is nothing different. This large white guy debuts
with hard-hitting rock-laden hip-hop reminiscent of BEC's earlier release,
Peace of Mind. It's nothing that the label or TobyMac hasn't done before.

BEHIND THE MUSIK - KJ-52
After hearing KJ-52 on dj Maj's Full Plates mixtape, I enjoyed picking up
his Collaborations album. The suburban rapper covered topics relevant to his
teen audience and his album was lots of fun to listen to. However, after
hearing more from this guy, I found it's all the same. His next album, It's
Pronounced "Five-Two", and this album covered the same topics and included
many songs that did the same things as before.

NEVER TAKE FRIENDSHIP PERSONAL - ANBERLIN
Anberlin has taken the world by storm since their debut released a year and
a half ago. Besides opening for Relient K, they played many mainstream tours
including the Nintendo Fusion Tour. While their second disc does not add
much new to the group, those who enjoyed their modern rock the first time
will definitely like this also. If you've never checked out Anberlin, make
it a point to listen to this PICK OF THE WEEK.

ONCE UPON A SHATTERED LIFE - SEVENTH DAY SLUMBER
See above for Hollie Stewart's review.

UNITE - THE O.C. SUPERTONES
A number of months ago The O.C. Supertones announced they were making 2005
their last year together. So to kick off 2005, the label is releasing this
collection of their best songs spanning their whole career. From a new
recording of their classic "Adonai" to the recent rocker "Superfly", this
disc includes 19 favorites and one new song.


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

2004 did not bring that many new music from the realm of holy hip hop. That
is, the labels did not deliver much. Independent releases from 4th Avenue
Jones' and LA Symphony were the biggest releases of the year, and all that
music was some of their best unreleased work from two or three years ago.
But then Sharlok landed on my desk, and 2004 became a good year again. I've
always enjoyed Sharlok a lot when he shows up on LAS albums and other
projects, so hearing a full disc from him was also good. Check our review
here and look for more great reviews to come on cMusicWeb.com.

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THE MOVEMENT - SHARLOK POEMS (2004)
by Josh Weekly

Hailing from the super crew LA Symphony, Sharlok often gets shoved to the
side and labeled as either simply the hook writer or most recently, the "low
end" of LA Symphony. Neither give the man the credit he deserves and are
more in the vein of insults rather than compliments. Sharlok makes more than
just hip hop; he makes art. It is very emotional and poetic, even abstract
at times, but always brilliant. Art is meant to be experienced, and this is
no exception. Prepare yourself for The Movement, Sharlok's sophomore release
and his major label debut.

If this album had to be labeled, I think it should be "Grown-Folk Hip-Hop."
This is music for grown folks, grown in a way that only comes from
experiencing life and through the survival of tragedy. Seasoned veterans of
life will be the ones who find the comfort in the hidden nuggets of this
disc. They will be the ones who relate to Sharlok when he tells them in
"Rock On,"

"With hammer and chisel shape a song for the fallen / The tried and true who
gave it all for there calling / From musician to marksmen here's a salute."

From the moment that you hear the first words of Sharlok, you feel
connected, like chums from back in the day who haven't spoken in a while but
still work toward the same goal and have the same purpose in life.  He
speaks to you as if he knows the road you have traveled and knows of the
pain you have endured.

"Dead Beat Dad" uses powerful words to open a window into a life that many
women are imprisoned in; words that should challenge those who are not in
this position to help those who are.
"Break up to make up Lancôme covers your face up / to camouflage the places
that his fist struck / you've been stuck between a fist and a wall / with
two kid's screaming in the hall."
As a true piece of art does, The Movement will not allow you to walk away
the same.  You will be changed.

Loyal to his artistic nature Sharlok provides a musical backdrop that is
every bit as creative as his words. With eleven of the fourteen songs
produced by Mr. J of the Procussions, we are treated to a focused sound.
Great Jason (a.k.a. J.Beits) emerges from hiding to deliver two very well
crafted beats ("California Lyricists" and "Limelight.") Fellow LA Sympher
Flynn ("Sunny Days") and Stro ("Freedom") both provides a single track each.
The sound of this record is best described as organic and raw. It is never
overbearing and always allows its partner, the spoken words, to be clearly
heard.  While some songs could be categorized as experimental ("Change"
borders on being annoying with its Nintendo sounding phaser playing
constantly) none of the songs will ever be accused of being boring and
mundane.

Guests are kept to an absolute minimum, a noteworthy achievement for a LA
Symphony solo album. Unlike his fellow crew mates who seem content releasing
what seem to be extensions of past group efforts, Sharlok simply does not
subscribe to this practice. Other than Flynn on production, there is not a
single member of the current roster on this disc, which immediately places
this record leaps and bounds ahead of past LA Symphony solo releases. On the
emcee side, Sharlok invites his Haileyloo Fishermen brethren, J.Beits and
Terry McFly to stop by and spit a few verses. It is always a pleasure to
hear these fine gentlemen on a track and this would be no exception to their
standing track record. The Lightheaed boys also put forth a wonderful
appearance that makes for a perfect close to the album.

Honestly, this is the best thing to come from the hip-hop genre this year.
Sharlok does not disappoint. If I could give it some stars I would, like at
least 8 of them.  Pick it up and enjoy this perfect winter hip-hop.

Read more about the Sharlok at LA Symphony's website:
http://www.lasymphony.com/


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Review:  Into Motion - Salvador
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/salvador/intomotion.shtml

Review:  Salvador - Salvador
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/salvador/salvador.shtml


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, JANUARY 25 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

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

GENTLE REVOLUTION - SCOTT KRIPPAYNE
If you would have asked me a couple days ago what I was favoring for the
PICK OF THE WEEK, I would surely not have said Scott Krippayne. His name is
fairly synonymous with the inspirational scene which I avoid. But, after
listening to this album yesterday, I found Scott deserves a second chance.
The disc is full of rock music, including a lot of piano-based rock. Plus,
Scott isn't making the usual radio singles on this disc; he's going for
something more honest and relevant.

HERE I AM TO WORSHIP VOL. 2 - VARIOUS
As a person who still respects the concept of an album, I find no good
explanation of why these worship compilations are released every week. Sure,
it has some of the best songs and lots that they might be singing at your
church, but I'd rather get a delirious? or Matt Redman and get a whole
experience instead of a best-of compilation.

IDENTITY - GRAND PRIZE
The second signing of A'Postrophe Records, this is one of those bands that
has been surviving in the independent market for a while. While their debut
is nothing special, it should fit well next to the pop/rock of other bands
such as Building 429 and Overflow.

IMPRINT - MICHAEL COOK
Jaci Velasquez heard this guy sing and decided she needed to start a record
label in order to get his music to the world. So she started A'Postrophe
Records and took him on tour with her. Cook has good songwriting and pop
sensibility.

NICHOLAS JONAS - NICHOLAS JONAS
When you put in this disc, you might say, "This doesn't sound like a guy."
Yeah, well, that's because Nicholas Jonas is only eleven years old. But this
kid has already starred in four Broadway musicals, numerous commercials, and
even sang on a couple CDs already. So don't get too attached to this new
voice in pop - the voice will be changing in a couple years.


THE LATEST NEWS HEADLINES
- Mat Kearney Gets His Big Break
- Todd Agnew sells 150,000 copies of debut disc
- 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

Right now it is all about the cold. Here in Minnesota we have received very
little snow this year, but it has been cold. A couple days ago the high of
the day was negative five degrees (that's negative 20 degrees for all you
non-Americans). That kind of weather makes we want to stay inside for days
on end and do very little to conserve heat. Yeah, I am still watching the
bonus features on the Matrix set and the Return of the King DVDs. But when
quiet, prayerful reflection is on the agenda, I put on a sweater and pop in
a Chillout disc. Read on for our review of this British sensation that made
its way into Christian music and across the pond.

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A TIME TO WORSHIP - CHILLOUT SERIES (2004)
by Hollie Stewart

Americans have been known to lovingly copy the trends of our UK big brother.
Whatever gains popularity there receives attention on this side of the
Atlantic.  (Anyone remember the fluke of Jimi Hendrix?  My point exactly.)
Here's an opportunity for us Yankees to launch onto something truly
beautiful.  When executive producer Hugh Robertson learned about the genre
called "Chillout," he sought to make a worship album that reflected its
soothing ambient feel.  While the European style serves as little more than
calm background music, the team making Chillout sought to use the music as a
tool to "be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).  With that higher
purpose in mind, A Time to Worship was born.

Chillout is unlike anything I've heard in the Christian market.  I've never
been a huge fan of electronica, but this album awakens a formerly unseen
delight in the synthesizer-driven genre.  There's not a traditional guitar,
bass, or drum kit to be heard; instead there's smooth trumpet and electronic
keyboards, and every instrument and vocal gets fed through reverb and
endless looping devices.  The musicians take songs made famous by the likes
of dc Talk, U2, and Mercy Me, and instead of making watered-down versions of
the hits, they turn the sound upside-down and produce entirely new
creations.  For example, the producers take "I Can Only Imagine" and give it
an otherworldly feel that compliments the lyrics more so than the original
instrumentation.  After a few listens, I've grown to like this version more
than the initial recording.  Even the over-used "Above All" receives new
life with the differing melodies and harmonies.  The chorus is simplified to
"Crucified / You lived to die."  Matt Redman's "The Heart of Worship" is
explored with a semi-80s keyboard approach.  Vocals are spoken instead of
sung, reminding me of Rebecca St. James' work on Transform.  "Jesus Freak"
turns to a jazz ballad, using a trumpet to sound more like a sultry
saxophone.  The only lyrics are the bridge: "People say I'm strange / Does
it make me a stranger / That my best friend was born in a manger?"  I don't
think Chillout reconstructs Out of Eden's "Lovely Day" and U2's "I Still
Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" with as much success as the other
tracks, but they don't make this smooth listening experience rocky in any
way.

There are a few original songs that deserve mention.  "I Belong to You" hits
the mark with its loops and airy vocals.  "Return to You" and "I Will Be
Your Friend" become sister songs: first there's a musical journey of return
to the Father, then a song of surrender.  The music blends together
seamlessly to form a successful continuum.  Then "I Trust in You" arrives,
the tune that sounds the most radio-friendly and the most like a traditional
worship song.  The female vocalist sings, "When I can't see the way / I
trust in You / I believe the things You say / I trust in You / Even when I'm
sinking down beneath the waves / I trust in you / I know that You will lift
me up and put my feet on solid ground."  There's a distinct sense of hope
and encouragement in the melody.

I think the purpose behind this album works; A Time to Worship creates the
right atmosphere for personal reflection.  It is in the quiet times that we
can often hear God speak the loudest, so this project provides a wonderful
time for the creation to be still before the Creator and just, well, chill
out.

Read more about the Chillout Series at the official website:
http://www.chilledworship.com/


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Feature:  Most Spun 2004
http://cMusicWeb.com/features/mostspun2004

Review:  Once Upon A Shattered Life - Seventh Day Slumber
http://cMusicWeb.com/hardrock/seventhdayslumber/onceuponashatteredlife.shtml


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, JANUARY 18 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

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

[UP]: UNIFIED PRAISE - HILLSONG + DELIRIOUS?
In July 2003 delirious? appeared at the Hillsong Conference at the Olympic
Superdome in Sydney. This performance in front of 20,000 people features six
songs performed by the Hillsong band followed by five tracks from modern
worship pioneers delirious?. Naturally, the second half is worth repeated
play while the first half is strictly for the parents who can't get enough
Darlene Zschech. Hopefully, though, this will bring delirious? some more
exposure. This PICK OF THE WEEK is also available in DVD format with a
slightly varied track list.

EXIT EAST - EXIT EAST
Call my cynical, but most of these bands sound the same. I am pretty god at
guessing a band I hear on Christian radio, but I have a really hard time
distinguishing bands like Building 429, Overflow, Starfield, and most
recently Exit East. Their debut features the stylized rock sound with the
worshipful lyrics that are all-so-popular these days. I enjoyed the days
when the new bands sounded different from the others, I guess.

OLIVIA THE BAND - OLIVIA THE BAND
Provident/Essential has really fallen into a rut with new bands. Last year
they debuted Overflow, a band with the formulaic rock/worship that made
Building 429 so popular. Now comes Olivia The Band, which is the same thing
all over again except the fact that these guys are from Hawaii. That fact,
however, does not differentiate their sound enough from the rest of the
pack.

THINGS YOU CAN'T STOP WITH YOUR HANDS - TARA LEIGH COBBLE
While she does not have that gritty rock girl voice, Tara Leigh Cobble does
rock. One of the many independent artists in Christian music, this is Tara's
second CD and shows a bright future for this up-and-coming artist. Look her
up and check out this quirky folk rocker. And, as her website says, make
sure to renew your membership to the NRA!


THE LATEST NEWS HEADLINES
- And he don’t stop...
- Relient K to launch February headlining tour
- U2 Tour Possibly Postponed
- Toby, Mike and...
- 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

So 2005 has finally arrived. Do you remember those days just five years ago
when people thought the world would end when computers couldn't handle the
year 2000? Yeah, so we didn't all die. So let's reminisce a bit farther
back. 2000 brought Third Day to the forefront of Christian pop/worship, but
we still remember way back when they rocked. Here for an "old timey" review
is Hollie with Third Day's debut. Make sure to also check out the finale of
our Most Spun 2004 recap with special guests from Relient K, The Normals,
FEED Magazine, and Cross Rhythms.

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THIRD DAY - THIRD DAY (1996)
by Hollie Stewart

A mere year separates this band from a decade of stardom. No matter how many
times they may sing "I wanna be a rockstar / but I ain't got what it takes"
on the album Wire, this band has entered the rock-star section of the
Christian rock canon. Yet I don't focus on the modern-day success. When I
think of these boys from Georgia, I think of this self-titled debut
distributed through a now-defunct Gray Dot Records. I think of this
bare-rock release where no song lasts longer than four and a half minutes. I
think of a low-key concert in a local theme park, where lead singer Mac
Powell helped sell his own merchandise and hung around until 1 am talking
with a small group of fans. And I think of the album's basic Christian
themes: a need for and acceptance of Christ's love, and the command to live
it out on earth.

This is the rough debut that revealed "Love Song," "Thief," and "Consuming
Fire," classics the band still play in concert. I suppose if one has never
heard this album, they would prefer the live renditions more so than the
studio productions, but I'm still drawn to the soft, melodic rock and
Powell's young voice. There's purity to these versions, perhaps because they
precede the notoriety. You can hear where David Carr needs to improve on
drums, Tai Anderson on bass, and Mark Lee and Brad Avery on guitars, but
this is before the countless hours of touring. This is before Conspiracy No.
5, an album that kicked the notches of production and produced a sound the
band has abandoned ever since. This is before Offerings, the worship CD that
launched them into the world of the Dove awards. Instead, these five men
create songs of praise, where Powell sings things like "You saved me / Thank
You Jesus" in his soft southern intonation ("Forever"). That isn't enough?
Then how about, "You can feel a new revival / Ask Jesus in your heart / And
you'll feel so free" ("Holy Spirit"). You could always turn to the downright
country "Livin' For Jesus," where the chorus reads, "Done made up my mind /
That I'm livin' for Jesus." Better yet, listen to Rich Mullins' talents on
the hammered dulcimer in "Praise Song," a tune that reads more like a hymn
than the last track of a rock record. Perhaps the most unappreciated song,
"Blackbird," contains the strengths of this band: gritty southern rock, a
vocal melody that makes it Third Day property, and lyrical imagery that
still makes me smile: "Blackbird, why you wearing that frown / Don't you
know Jesus loves you and me / And the preacher on T.V. you're putting down?"

The five faces that stare at me on the back jacket cover couldn't have
imagined where their faces and music would appear. If you have any opinion
of this band—positive or negative—this album is a necessary text for the
study of Third Day's roots. Take it from me; Third Day was the first band
this former 16-year-old girl followed with a die-hard-fan passion. You know
what that means? I saw something in these guys way before the Gospel Music
Association ever did.

Read more about Third Day at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/thirdday


THE MOST SPUN OF 2004
The cMusicWeb.com staff and some guests told us what five albums they
listened to the most in 2004. Here we tabulate the results so you don't have
to:

Most Listened To Soundtrack: The Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind
Most Indie Artist: The Dig Project

OK, that didn't work. We're listening to such diverse stuff that three
people listening to the same album makes it the top one! But, for sure,
you'll find stuff we don't have here on cMusicWeb.com, including British
bands and some guy I've never heard of named Sufjan Stevens.

So see what we're all listening to (and check back later this week for the
last installment):
http://cMusicWeb.com/features/mostspun2004


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Review:  Illuminate - Daniel's Window
http://cMusicWeb.com/worship/danielswindow/illuminate.shtml


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

I just realized while preparing this e-mail that cMusicMail has never
featured my favorite Christmas album. My favorite treat of the last three
Decembers is this disc, Your King Has Come. Yes, when I first heard it I did
not recognize any of the musicians on it, but that does not diminish from
its quality. Including a number of favorites performed superbly, the strong
points are the brand new musical reflections on Christ's birth. It's getting
somewhat late for the last-minute shopping, but you should definitely
purchase this disc for next year's holiday season if you've run out of time
for this one. Also, come back to cMusicWeb.com for the first part of our end
of the year feature, where some of your favorite artists as well as us staff
tell you what we've been listening to in 2004.

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YOUR KING HAS COME - VARIOUS (2000)
by Jason Ewert

Folk music—for some unbeknownst reason—is synonymous with storytelling.
Starting with the jazz classics of the early 20th century (Louis Armstrong
leading the way) and moving into the 70's with the rock-oriented musings of
Bob Dylan and Simon & Garfunkel, folk music has always had a tale to tell,
and it usually tells it well. Your King Has Come, an independent folk
collection headed by Matthew Smith, attempts to add a worthwhile disc to the
rich vein of folk music and the lengthy list of Christmas CD's everyone
should own. And, lo and behold, they pull it off quite nicely.

Your King Has Come doesn't just tell you the standard Christmas story of
shepherds and angels and wise men and stables--it tells you the story of
longing and fulfillment, depravity and redemption. "Come Thou Long Expected
Jesus" (Derek Webb and Sandra McCracken) and "O Come, O Come Emmanuel"
(Matthew Smith) present the paradox of an unfulfilled salvation: those who
lived and died before Christ's birth were saved by the death that would
come. One can hear the longing in the poetry, but in the end there is a
light of hope because God's promises are sure. It is no wonder, then, that
awe filled the hearts of those who saw the culmination of the prophets'
words. There is amazement at the humility of a God who is born a child
("What Child Is This"—Billy Cerveny). There is both peaceful reflection
("Still the Night," a re-working of "Silent Night," by Katy Bowser) and
powerful triumph ("O Holy Night"—Matthew Perryman Jones) on the anointed
night. Humble shepherds rejoice in the freedom announced by the heavenly
host who turned the lowly servants into royal messengers ("Joyful
Fire"—Jeremy Casella; "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear"—Jill Phillips). The
people of God are sent forth to announce to birth of a King and the arrival
of a Savior ("O Come All Ye Faithful"—Mandy Ihrig).

Yet, the most powerful songs on this album are those that sum up the event
and its implications. Matthew Smith builds on "O Come O Come Emmanuel" and
fulfills it on "Your King Has Come," a song of rejoicing that Christ has
come and has saved us from our sin. The old covenant has passed into the
new, and God's glory is made brighter still. The other summary song is "Of
the Father's Love Begotten." Aurelius Clemens Prudentius's words are given a
blues-rock package by Andrew Osenga's southern guitar workings and rolling
vocals. Christ is eternal, Christ is eternally praised, Christ's kingdom has
been eternally established. Amen!

Where many other Christian music projects fail to provide a well-rounded
approach to Christ's birth, Your King Has Come shines brightly. It hasn't
sold millions or lined the shelves of music stores. What it has done is
taught its listeners not to look at Christ's birth as a pretty snapshot, but
as one part of the glorious tapestry of history that God has created and is
creating. Rejoice! Your King has won.

Read more about Your King Has Come at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/christmas/yourkinghascome


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Review:  Christmas In Black And White - Nicole C. Mullen
http://cMusicWeb.com/christmas/nicolecmullen/christmasinblackandwhite.shtml


THE LATEST NEWS HEADLINES
- Long-Delayed Awards Broadcast Set To Air This Month
- 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

Today marks the last great achievement of Peter Jackson's Lord Of The Rings
trilogy: the release of the Return Of The King Extended Cut. New Line's epic
trilogy stretched over the last four years (plus more if you count
production), and now we can finally see it all. But if you are just watching
the movies, you've totally been missing out. J.R.R. Tolkien's epic book is
the original and best version of the story, giving much more detail and
meaning to the story you see in the movies. This week cMusicWeb.com talks
all about The Lord of the Rings, mainly through the conclusion of our
revealing series, Meanderings. This five-part look at the world beyond Peter
Jackson's award-winning movie trilogy delves deeper into the world of
Tolkien and his Christian faith. Below we feature only the last part of the
series - check out the earlier parts if you have not yet!

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MEANDERINGS #5: FANGORN AND THE CHURCH
by Josh M. Shepherd

"I dislike Allegory, the conscious and intentional allegory," J.R.R. Tolkien
wrote in an oft-quoted 1951 letter. What media pundits never do is let the
British author finish his thought: "Yet any attempt to explain the purport
of myth or fairy tale must use allegorical language" (The Letters of J.R.R.
Tolkien, Letter #145).

There is a distinction between the obvious parallels of an allegory and the
symbolism of a type (i.e. a myth), defined as "a person or thing believed to
foreshadow another." For example, if one saw the "Rings" saga as a metaphor
for World War II, the One Ring might play the part of nuclear energy. Or, as
other popular interpretation goes, Middle-earth's neighboring countries of
Rohan and Gondor could represent the on-and-off relationship of rural
Scotland and imperial England, ever unsure of whether to lend aid to each
other.

All this makes for stimulating thought, but where would Tolkien have readers
of his epic fiction look for types? Another selection from his "Letters"
holds the answer. "The Lord of the Rings is of course a fundamentally
religious and Catholic work... [wherein] the religious element is absorbed
into the story and its symbolism" (Tolkien, Letter #172).

So it is — like an Elf, a Man and a Dwarf tracking two hobbits — we come
across Fangorn Forest. Venturing into the dim, stuffy canopy, an intricate
picture of God's relation to man becomes obvious.

Tolkien used vivid language to describe this place, and Peter Jackson did a
phenomenal job visualizing Fangorn on the big screen. But why the mystery
surrounding a bunch of old, run-down trees? I believe it's because Tolkien
hid some startling truths among the towering greenery, observations about
the worldwide Body of Christ.

Three elements are at play in this Scripture-inspired metaphor: Treebeard
himself (a tree-like Ent), the Entmoot to which he calls his brethren and
their decision stemming from that meeting. Follow the story to its end, and
one will reveal a very applicable moral.

TREEBEARD. "Do not be hasty, that is my motto," says the 14-foot-tall Ent
when he first meets Merry and Pippin. To the hobbits and Tolkien's readers,
Treebeard seems too discouraged, too traditional to be anything but a slow
diversion. Yet this oldest of the Ents (sometimes called simply "Fangorn"
because of his close connection to the aging forest) has simply seen enough
years to know Man's nature. Underneath his "rough exterior" is a certain
care and discernment.

Comparing Treebeard to a priest or pastor gets easier as one examines his
occupation. As Merry and Pippin ride on his branches, the ancient Ent
explains his calling. "We keep off strangers and the foolhardy; and we train
and we teach, we walk and we weed. We are tree-herders," he says, much like
congregations have their "shepherds."

THE ENTMOOT. Traveling deep within Fangorn Forest, they arrive at
Treebeard's ent-house — an organic, open air "sanctuary" of trees glowing
with color and a brisk stream running through it. (A comment could be made
on how many churches lack "color" in their presentation or message, and are
instead stagnant; but that certainly reads into the text.)

A great gathering of Ents, to occur the following day, originates in
conversation with the hobbits. The talk begins lightly but soon becomes
serious. The topic turns to Saruman, the wizard who wages a war in which
Treebeard's race has refused to choose sides. "I do not like worrying about
the future," Treebeard says. Yet, in a testament to friends who don't evade
issues, a simple question from Pippin incites the old Ent to righteous
wrath.

"I have been idle. I have let things slip. It must stop!" Treebeard
exclaims. The next morning, he organizes all his kindred in a massive
assembly, sure to last a while considering the Ents' long-winded language.
Call it a church committee to the "Enth" degree.

THE MARCH TO ISENGARD. Merry and Pippin wait in anticipation. What they saw
in the Entmoot were creatures overly patient and pensive. Treebeard had
warned that "Many are growing sleepy, growing tree-ish, as you might say."
Yet they hope beyond hope that the Ents can be "roused." Days later the
hobbits hear a rumbling in the distance.

"Then with a crash came a great ringing shout," to quote Tolkien's
incomparable text of The Two Towers. "The Ents cried in many voices, 'Though
Isengard be strong and hard, as cold as stone and bare as bone / We go to
war!'" The resulting siege of the enemy's stronghold — seen in all its
special-effects splendor in the Extended DVD Edition — is history.

THE POINT. Within the very bark, or fabric, of the Church is a potency to
wreak havoc on our enemy's devices. He is real, "false and tricksy" as
Gollum might say. One key for effective combat is holy, genuine anger, as
Amos 5:15 exhorts: "Hate evil, love good; establish justice in the gate."
The Ents had to understand how Saruman threatened their very existence.
Because evil had crept in slowly, they resigned themselves to the fact that
hundreds of their own brothers and sisters has been axed and burned!

Tolkien once wrote, "I am a Christian (which can be deduced from my
stories)..." (Letter #288). Writing from his framework of faith, he brought
into being the fantastic race of Ents. Lethargy and tradition held back
their passions for a season, yet in time Treebeard and his living forest
proved the truth of Ephesians 4:26, "Be angry, and do not sin."

Read more Meanderings at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/features/meanderings


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Review:  Humble King - Vineyard Music
http://cMusicWeb.com/christmas/humbleking


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

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

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING EXTENDED EDITION DVD
Yeah, there is no new music this week (or this month, really), but this is
the biggest movie release of the season. The theatrical cut won eleven
Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Some, though, will definitely say
this extended cut is too long, for very few, if any, movies are over four
hours like this one. Fans of the book will like new character development
scenes as well as hate more perversions of Tolkien's original story, but
such is life from Hollywood. Still, this PICK OF THE WEEK is worth a look!
If not, get yourself a book version of the trilogy instead.


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

The last five years have been a rollercoaster ride for the band Fono. They
came out with a bang and made big waves in the industry. They took their
time coming up with a second album, and after numerous hardships, the band
finally has their second album released independently. Let's hope to hear
more from this breakthrough band in the next several years.

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IT'S THE WAY THAT YOU USE IT - FONO (2004)
by Bert Gangl

While most artists in the music world navigate their share of changing
fortune over the course of a career, Del Currie and his bandmates in Fono
have experienced higher highs and lower lows than most. Shortly after
forming in 1996, Currie, drummer Andy Ridley and bassist Ian Crawford put
together a demo recording. The demo garnered the threesome, who had yet to
even perform live together, an unlikely first gig opening for Bon Jovi
before a crowd of 50,000 people in the group's hometown of Milton Keynes,
England. The band's 1999 debut, goesaroundcomesaround, went on to net the
trio a 30 minute special on the BBC, Best Unsigned Band honors from the
world-famous Kerrang! Magazine, and opening slots for everyone from Tonic
and the Goo Goo Dolls to rock icon Robert Plant.

In early 2002, Currie and Ridley, weary of constant travel between Europe
and the US, relocated to California and enlisted Americans Soren Engen
(guitar) and Cindy Milliman (bass) for work on the follow-up. By October of
2003, work on the second album was completed and master recordings were
carried to the band's studio in San Diego for safekeeping. The next morning,
the studio — along with the group's instruments, equipment and computers,
which contained the tracks for the new record — was burned to the ground by
wildfires that swept through Southern California. Undaunted, the quartet
relocated to a new studio in February of 2004 and completed the sophomore
project in time for an early November release, nearly a year to the day from
the date of the fire.

From the opening strains of It's the Way that You Use It, one can tell that
Currie still favors Bono-esque vocal inflections and slightly oblique
language. The band, likewise, continues to adhere fairly closely to the
U2-meets-the-Goo-Goo-Dolls template laid out on the first release. This time
around, though, Currie and his mates have traded a good bit of their raucous
hard rock for more subtle fare. Guitar textures are lighter and airier;
rhythms are more subdued; and melody lines a bit more meandering than those
of the freshman outing. In the same way, the better portion of the sophomore
effort carries with it a certain feeling of restraint, as compared to its
forerunner which pretty much ran at full throttle from start to finish.

Wordwise, the band is still seeking to make the grand statement. The problem
here, as with the first album, is that phrases like "Have you found the
secret island / Somewhere you can hide away" ("Sunlight Silence") and "The
night and the ultraviolet shines / It takes your heart and puts it all on
show" ("Headlights") sound far deeper and more important than they really
are. Where the musical portion of goesaroundcomesaround largely made up for
its occasional lyrical lapses, the new project lacks the debut's infectious
energy and attention to hook and melody, which only works to pull its
word-related deficiencies into that much sharper focus. Indeed, it is
perhaps telling that the strongest cut on It's the Way... is an acoustic
remake of "Alcatraz" from the first release.

Of course, the fact that the new project pales in comparison to its
predecessor is certainly understandable in light of the circumstances
surrounding its creation. And, truth be told, most up-and-coming artists
would be glad to have their names attached to a record as respectable as
this one. That said, newcomers to the band will still be best served by
picking up the inaugural effort. Existing fans are likewise advised to
approach the latest release for what it is — a listenable, if unexceptional,
offering from a band in the midst of rebuilding. Both parties, though, can
look expectantly towards the third album which, one hopes, will herald a
welcome return to form for the tenacious Fono fold.

Find out more about Fono at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/fono


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Review:  Holding Hands at 35,000 ft. - Denison Marrs
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/denisonmarrs/holdinghandsat35000ft.shtml


THE LATEST NEWS HEADLINES
- Christian Music To Receive Network Attention
- Smith Hopes Success Continues
- 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

A few years ago I happened upon Jason Upton's second album, Faith. It was
unlike any other worship album I had listened to. The instrumentals were
amazing--violin and keyboards amongst a mostly acoustic rock bed. The
greatest part, though, was Upton's unbridled passion for music and his
passion for drawing closer to the heart of God. Many of his songs ran over
seven or eight minutes because God's Spirit just kept flowing. Although I
have not yet had a chance to explore more of the world of Jason Upton, one
of our other staff recently reviewed their latest disc, Touching The Angels.
Enjoy her review below.

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TOUCHING THE ANGELS - JASON UPTON (2004)
by Hollie Stewart

When faith is defined as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence
of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1), the person of faith must learn the lesson
of trust. Trusting the unseen (in a world where seeing is believing) is the
ultimate fallacy of man's kingdom. Yet in the heavenly kingdom, one cannot
walk with God without trusting Him. Jason Upton is a man who has come to
terms with this elementary lesson. His newest offering, Trusting the Angels,
delivers a much-needed message to the body of Christ. For while trusting Him
with our entire being is rudimentary in nature, we hardly know what it means
to completely surrender control and allow Him to take charge of our lives.

Because children can understand trust more than anyone else, Upton explores
their world in song form. He finds inspiration from his own two children to
create songs like "Emma (Not Alone)" and "When It Thunders." After a
soothing intro of digitally-delayed guitar, recorder, and violin, "Emma"
begins with the words, "Don't be afraid, baby, don't you cry / Daddy's here,
it will be alright / You're not alone." A song of comfort to a newborn
daughter turns into God Himself singing over his scared children: "Don't be
afraid of your blind belief / Because the more you fly, the more you'll see
/ You're not alone / ...Look beyond what you can see / Close your eyes and
just believe." The peaceful beginning gives way to an up-beat tempo, where
keyboards and drums add to the already refreshing sound. Upton's voice even
changes from soft crooning to a passionate cry, reflecting the Father's own
passion for us to understand that we are never alone, even when we can't
conceptualize our world. "When It Thunders" shows Upton singing to his son
Samuel "So I need for you to know, wherever I go / God is in control, and
you are in His arms." Even when those we love leave, we can hold onto a God
who will never leave; in every place of suffering we can reach out and find
a God worth worshiping ("Face of Time (Song of the Pearl)"). He calls
constantly, wanting us to come to Him in complete trust and receive all He
has to pour upon us ("Where Fools Turn to Gold").

Upton admits the hardship of trusting in the unseen. And yet God can be
"seen" in our world if we allow Him to work within it. The signs simply
differ from what we're trained to observe with our natural sight. In "Cloud
by Day," he admits, "It may seem strange, but I know it's right / I'll keep
moving on." Faith in Jesus Christ is foolishness to many non-believers, but
when we as believers take time to listen, we know that this is the path of
life. "One of These Days," a song of jubilation in both sound and lyrics,
says, "Some say that I'm only dreaming / And that this can't be true / But
my faith has only been increasing / Since the day that I met you." The
ultimate contrast between faith and sight appears in the title track. It
includes the same passion as "Emma"; not only are we not alone, but also we
have no reason to be afraid while trusting Him. Upton compares himself to a
penniless bird with tiny wings, and while that status would cause many to
fear, he refuses to be anything but secure in His Father's arms: "Hiding
here in Your shadow / Riding under Your wings / Flying, trusting the angels
/ Living in Your covering / I'm not afraid." The song ends with a calm
whistle and bird chirps, reminding the listener that just as the sparrows
fly without a care, we can do the same when we're living in His presence.

Upton shows throughout this album that God has done all He can to win our
trust. Now it is on our shoulders to fling our all upon the steady Rock.
This idea culminates in the final track, "Is There Room." Upton takes the
Christmas story and twists it ever so slightly. Mary is asked if there is
room in her womb for the Christ, just as the innkeeper is questioned. We are
individually asked the same: "Is there room in our world / For a new word
today / A holy child from God's right hand / Is a holy word from God to man
/ But is there room / Is there room for a child." The violin reflects the
sorrowful cry of Upton's vocals, and all the instruments beseech the
listener on behalf of the Father. They cry, "Can you hear the sweet melody
from heaven?" Can we hear God pleading for our whole hearts?

Trusting the Angels is a twist from traditional worship albums. The majority
of the songs show God singing to us, not us singing to God. I believe it's
because we need to be reminded once again of how much God loves us. Rather
than singing a declaration of our heart, we need to hear how much He adores
us, for we love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). When we can
fully rest in His love, we can fully give Him our trust. If you're like me
and in need of this timely reminder, this will end up being a treasured
favorite in your worship collection.

Find out more about Jason Upton at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/worship/jasonupton


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Review:  Fono - It's The Way That You Use It
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/fono/itsthewaythatyouuseit.shtml


THE LATEST NEWS HEADLINES
- KMax signs with Northern Records
- Supertones Announce 2005 Departure
- UPDATED: Evanescence Rocks On To Narnia
- 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

It's not every week we're running the same hype that the rest of the music
world is buzzing about. But today is a big day, for U2 have returned! For
the uninitiated, U2 has been a mainstream rock powerhouse for the past 20+
years. Their spiritually probing lyrics have even spawned a disc full of
Christian artists covering their tunes. Since we are not blessed enough to
have a review of their new album that is in stores today, we offer you a
review of their recent "Best Of" collection as well as a short look at the
album in our new releases section.

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THE BEST OF 1990-2000 (2002)
by Rick Foux

Walk into an art museum, and your senses will be instantly blasted by a
plethora of elegant paintings, sculptures, and other mind-bending works.
Some speak volumes through mere detail, some mystify and provoke deeper
thinking, some shock, appall, and stir controversy - and yet all invite and
intrigue the few who dare to witness them. U2's second theater of
masterpieces, The Best of 1990-2000, works a bit in the same way: this
colorful collection of compositions highlights some of the band's finest
hours from the 90's, resulting in an intense sensory overload that will have
you hitting the repeat button on your CD player.

U2's journey has not been a glamorous one. Having been labeled a Christian
band during the 80's (not on their own accord), the group decided to branch
out in both their musical abilities and their songwriting during the 1990's,
leading to some very controversial subject matter. In short, several of the
tracks on The Best of 1990-2000 are not for the faint of heart. "Even Better
Than the Real Thing," and "Until the End of the World" both include sexual
undertones, "The First Time" tells a story about an individual who throws
away the key to his Father's "mansion of many rooms," and the title of "Hold
Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me" speaks for itself. Only listeners willing
to look past such nuances will come to appreciate the overall quality of
these songs. Even if you can't, though, there's still plenty for you to
enjoy on the rest of the album. "Miss Sarajevo" spells pure relaxation -
it's the equivalent of getting your back massaged on a cloud. Slow and
mellow in its progression, Bono's voice glides seamlessly across an icy
musical backdrop until the climatic bridge, where Luciano Pavarotti himself
serenades listeners to sleep with an Italian operetta. "Numb" and
"Discotheque" are forays into U2's experimentation with dance music (see our
Pop review), and the conclusion is a very satisfying mix of programming and
rock that is more suited for a concert than a club. Included from the band's
smashing All That You Can't Leave Behind project (known in some Christian
circles as their "revival album") are "Beautiful Day," an upscale, confident
rock tune that is the definitive theme song for cruising the streets of your
hometown, and "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of," the ethereal pop
mascot of the disc. In addition to all of these, you'll hear "Mysterious
Ways," "One," "Stay (Faraway, So Close)," "Gone," "Staring at the Sun," and
two new songs. The first, "Electrical Storm," is a jolt of powerful guitar
and Bono's thunderous vocals singing about two lovers trying to clear the
air between them. Unfortunately, "The Hands That Built America" is much less
impressive; it was the theme of the movie Gangs of New York and like the
movie itself, gets old before it even begins.

If you manage to find the special edition of The Best of 1990-2000 (it'll
cost you a few extra bucks), you'll be treated to a bonus DVD with nearly an
hour of stunning U2 footage and a disc full of b-sides that never made it to
the band's original discography. Most of them are merely dance mixes of
older U2 songs, but there are a few hard-to-find rare tracks to be had,
including "Summer Rain" and "Your Blue Room." Another, "North and South of
the River," is worth the extra ten dollars alone.

Whether you're a U2 fan, an art enthusiast, both or neither, The Best of
1990-2000 is a collection that everyone should give a chance. The songs in
this collection never deviate from being anything short of masterful art,
proving that U2 is a band well-committed to their craft. It may not be many
Christians' cup o' tea, but the sixteen tracks on this record will astound,
incite, and seize hold of you, and you won't want them to let go. You'll
also get a brief glimpse into the band's future, which is something you're
sure to look back on whenever U2 releases The Best of 2000-2010 in a few
years.

Find out more about U2 at cMusicWeb.com:
http://www.kendallpayne.com/


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Review:  Grown - Kendall Payne
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/kendallpayne/grown.shtml

Interview:  Charlie Peacock
http://cMusicWeb.com/features/charliepeacock


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

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

EXODUS - VARIOUS
Exodus was the hit project of 1998. dc Talk, Jars of Clay, Third Day and
many more delivered great songs and worshipful performances. I guess
Rocketown Records decided to re-release the album because the worship music
is still selling well. This time, though, they beefed up the lineup to
feature a song by Taylor Sorenson, re-recorded as a duet with delirious?'
Martin Smith.  A delirious? tune, "Jesus' Blood", will be covered by
stunning singer Nirva plus an original song by the Robbie Seay Band.

HOW TO DISMANTLE AN ATOMIC BOMB - U2
Finally U2 is back! Their first full album since 2000's All That You Can't
Leave Behind is here! This PICK OF THE WEEK album features the punchy lead
single, "Vertigo," plus ten other songs that sound nothing like the first.
But that's OK for the rest of the CD has beautiful ballads, some stunning
guitar from The Edge, and poignant lyrics to keep the world clamoring for
more.

LIVE WIRE DVD/CD - THIRD DAY
Wire is the best CD from Third Day in years, so it is a great idea to
capture it live too. However, with plenty of other live DVDs from the band
in the past couple years, this seems like overkill. The best part is that
the full-length DVD is accompanied by an audio CD so you can listen to the
concert as well as watch it.


THE LATEST NEWS HEADLINES
- Evanescence Rocks On To Narnia
- Marines Find Inspiration Before Battle
- Josh Turner Hosts, Wins During CCMA Event
- "Audio A" Auction Success
- 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

Most of you probably do not remember the name Kendall Payne: Her CD appeared
in the mainstream market in 1999, and it was picked a year later up by a
Christian label. But the amazing songwriter did not get enough love from the
music world, and so she left the music world for a time. Luckily, she was
able to independently record a second full-length album, musing over the
last five years of her life. We seriously think you should check out this
disc, especially if you liked her first one (and even if you didn't). Also,
don't forget to take a look at the latest from Jeremy Camp too.

GOT COMMENTS?? - We want your input on cMusicWeb.com! Send it to
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GROWN - KENDALL PAYNE (2004)
by Hollie Stewart

It's been five years since this stellar, vocal powerhouse appeared on
Capitol Records.  But the years have aged this artist with wisdom: the
youthful wit and sarcasm that created tunes like "Supermodels" and "Perfect
By Thursday" has settled into a steady maturity.  Grown is the perfect title
for this independent recording. Kendall Payne has developed a deeper sense
of "being" and placed some of her insights into this new collection.
Instead of acquiring her identity from being Jordan's Sister, Payne has
grown into herself and her own perception.

The theme of recognizing that we can never know all there is to know about
life permeates this album.  "Ups & Downs" acknowledges that place of hidden
darkness we never want to dissect through a melody reminiscent of a French
café:  "Who can attest that when they're at their best / Oh their worst is
still crouching close behind? / It's coming to peace with the darkness in me
/ That allows the true light inside to shine."  "The Moon," a beautiful song
of legato piano and smooth guitar solos, discusses the strength found in
times of darkness, for just as the moon sits in inky black, "she still
shines though / The night falls around her / And by her light I find my way
/ And when I fear the path laid before me / I look to the light of her face
/ And thank her for being so brave."  Being able to shine through darkness
requires a learning that sometimes only passing time provides.  It's then we
can realize that "We pretend when we find the end of ourselves / Afraid to
be real so we say / That we're somebody else" ("Twenty-Three").  We fear the
darkness of the unknown, so we make up an identity, when being ourselves
provides the most freedom.  Payne admits, though, that "coming back to life
is harder than hell / Once you have died" ("Twenty-Three").  So Payne ends
the album with "Pray," a simple song of cello, acoustic guitar, and vocals.
Light picking accompanies hard-to-swallow prayers such as, "May you never be
sure / Of any plan you desire / But you'd learn to trust the plans / He has
for you / May your passions be tried and / Tested in the holy fire."  Then
the song twists as Payne asks her friends to say these prayers for her as
well.  True maturity comes when we can pray, for ourselves, "May you find
every step / To be harder than the last / So your character grows" ("Pray").

Grown does have a few songs that reflect the pop rock sounds found on
Jordan's Sister.  "Superstar" has the same musical flavor as "Hollywood."
"Little Things" addresses being secure in yourself, regardless of what
others think, because God loves us the way we are (even when we make silly
noises with our mouths at the beginning of our song).  "Happy" features a
country-rock beat and chronicles separation, divorce, and the desire to be
loved again.  "Backwards" begins with an 80's guitar distortion played by
Jason Wade, lead singer of Lifehouse.  Payne also devotes a song to Aslan,
the allegoric representation of God in C.S. Lewis' classic series The
Chronicles of Narnia, yet the sound is a bit reminiscent of  "Ups & Downs."
While the music arrangements overall don't reach the rock strength of
Jordan's Sister, they're a nice diversion from the slow tempos.

"Scratch," the sobering ballad that opens Grown, serves as the thesis to the
album.  Payne used to think she could "change the world with a song," but
now she wants to begin again:  "I'd like to know if you'd be open / To
starting over from scratch / I'd like to know if you'd be open / To giving
me a second chance."  This is a true sense of being grown.  While she wishes
she were young again, she knows that "It's a big girl world now / Full of
big girl things," and she must act accordingly.  Throughout Grown, we
witness a woman's desire to begin again—with God, with life, and perhaps
even with the past fans listening to her new offering.  Kendall Payne
returns to the scene with lyrics that cut to the heart and music that
soothes a developing soul.

Find out more about Kendall Payne at her official site:
http://www.kendallpayne.com/


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Review:  Becoming
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/christinedente/becoming.shtml


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

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

A CHORUS OF OBLITERATION - THE SHOWDOWN
From indie label Mono Vs. Stereo comes their first attempt in the world of
metal music. It's definitely metal, and fans of Solid State bands should
check this one out too. The good thing is there's not that much screaming
but instead lots of heavy guitar instrumentals.

EVERYTHING IS ALIVE, EVERYTHING IS BREATHING, NOTHING IS DEAD AND NOTHING IS
BLEEDING - THE CHARIOT
These guys have a good title. The only other thing they have is a whole lot
of screaming to their metal music. Too much for me.

THE NOISE INSIDE - ADAM WATTS
BEC Recording had lots of success in the new arena of poppier music with
Jeremy Camp. Adam Watts is the next logical conclusion. His music is even a
bit more poppy but does not skimp on musical genius. According to his bio,
Adam is a fairly accomplished songwriter, and this is his album full of his
own songs.

RESTORED - JEREMY CAMP
Of course, we have not forgotten how he brought The Benjamin Gate's amazing
career to a screeching halt. But we will give him the PICK OF THE WEEK. Much
like his first album, Stay, Jeremy has a number of ballads as well as
rockers such as "Lay Down My Pride". It stands as a good follow-up to his
debut.


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

To be honest, we don't entirely know what Lovedrug is either. But it's indie
rock 'n' roll, so we like it. They talk of weird stuff like monsters and
animals, but their music does include some spiritual overtones. The music is
exhilarating, though, and lots of fun to listen to. If you are feeling
adventurous, check out Lovedrug... I think you will enjoy it. Make sure you
check out the latest from Derek Webb and Salvador this week too!

GOT COMMENTS?? - We want your input on cMusicWeb.com! Send it to
webmaster@... or find me on AOL IM.

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PRETEND YOU'RE ALIVE - LOVEDRUG (2004)
by Hollie Stewart

Remember when you were a kid, and at night your closet would come alive with
hideous green monsters of various shapes? They would creep toward your feet
(you knew how they moved so you didn't need to open your eyes), anxiously
waiting to nibble your toes. Did any music coincide with their crawl across
the carpet? How about Lovedrug? Pretend You're Alive is the adult
monster-in-the-closet dream—a world of nasal yet stunning vocals, crisp yet
dirty guitars, and a hint of soft keys to tip the nursery.

The world of "Blackout" only exemplifies my attempt at analogy. Lyrics
bordering the hideous ring out against an addictive melody line of guitar
and drum patterns: "And when he's punching her skull on the bathroom floor /
Does it get him off, oh yeah / Does it get him off to know / That sometimes
we all blackout?" After studying the stick-person in the CD jacket, holding
what looks to be like a head of black hair, I can understand the image
present in the phrase, "It's 4 a.m. and I am is coming after you tonight."
And yet, like the 4 a.m. nightmare, understanding isn't completely
achievable. Misinterpretation of lyrics might occur on the part of
listeners, but lead singer Michael Shepard's writing ability displays depth
in poetic maturity. "Radiology" says, "I believe in my garden home / And the
chemicals I need to make it grow / Later on, the glowing teeth / Lessons
learned in radiology." "Paper Scars" reads, "Fall into pairs like two ugly
fish / Too rare for extinction I know / The veins in your hands felt soft
like summer / Calm to the touch."

"Down Toward the Healing" is the song that escapes the bedroom closet world.
Soft piano and floaty vocals begin this track with "I want to make you happy
/ But I've fallen, I'm sorry." Apologies and regrets combine with
thanksgiving right before the rest of the band kicks in: "You don't know how
cool you are / To find the ways to love me without shame." With the onset of
drums and jazz-influenced bass and guitars, Shepard dreams, "I want my life
to be red / With trees and like autumn." Considering the idyllic, easy life,
a life away from the vermin-crowded streets of "Blackout," Shepard says how
he would "give my soul to the one who has the courage / To find me and free
me now." After considering the options, and after the music crescendos to
rock supremacy, the moment of surrender arrives: "So let the thunders take
me under and break my legs tonight / Hallelujah, I'm breathing."

Biblical images invade this nighttime recording. Angels, demons, heaven and
hell appear throughout the lyrics. "Spiders" indirectly refers to the sermon
by Puritan leader Jonathan Edwards ("Sinners in the Hands of An Angry God").
The reference "I hear Egypt is nice this time of year" in "The Monster" is
reminiscent of the children of Israel wanting to return to their former
slavery. There's even a reflection of Elijah being caught up to heaven when
Shepard sings, "I closed my eyes as the chariot came" ("It Won't Last").

I still don't completely grasp Pretend You're Alive. The music reaches into
the unexpected and remains melodic enough to serve any setting. Yet a deeper
study of the lyrical content opens the mind to an Alice in Wonderland world.
The piano in "Paper Scars" brings the listener back home, back into the
morning sunlight, but there's still that haunted hole to dissect. The angels
and demons still require study. The potency of Lovedrug still takes time to
ware away.

Find out more about Lovedrug at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/lovedrug


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

It's Back:  Our Christmas Music Reviews
http://cMusicWeb.com/christmas

Review:  Potter's Field
http://cMusicWeb.com/hardrock/12stones/pottersfield.shtml


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

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

I SEE THINGS UPSIDE DOWN - DEREK WEBB
After the highly-focused debut effort She Must and Shall Go Free, Derek is
back with his latest collection of songs. We're told it is not as focused of
a topic as last time, but we have no doubt that it will be some amazing work
from Derek. While we work on getting a review, check out this PICK OF THE
WEEK.

SO NATURAL - SALVADOR
Besides their last live project, it has been a while since Salvador gave us
an album. Fans will enjoy brand new music from these Latin music band. From
the upbeat Spanish-flavored numbers to Nic Gonzales' soaring ballads and
even a couple worship standards, this disc brings Salvador's craft to a new
level. Plus, don't miss their spot-on cover of Los Lonely Boys' "Heaven".


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

Switchfoot and Relient K are two of the most popular bands in Christian
music. Their rock has reached Christians and non-Christians alike. This week
finds new and repackaged releases from Relient K and Switchfoot, so make
sure to stop by your local store after voting! To honor the three-disc
Switchfoot set, we offer you classic cMusicWeb.com reviews for two of the
albums.

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NEW WAY TO BE HUMAN - SWITCHFOOT (1999)
by Dan Ficker

Switchfoot's sophomore album brings many new delights for the listener, and
is more focused and stylized than their first album. These California
surfers came up with a song which was undoubtedly the anthem of this past
summer, "New Way to be Human", but also went much farther, creating a whole
album about this topic. Their blend of alternative rock starts the song with
this weird noise and three little bells, and develops into a chorus of
crunchy guitars singing "there's a new way to be human", and finally
climaxing in "You're a new way to be human ~ Where my humanity bends ~ To a
new way to be human ~ Redemption begins." The disc focuses on the New Way to
be Human throughout, further elaborating on the message of the title track.
"Incomplete" tells of our need to rely on God to "let yourself be found!"
The first ballad of the disc, "Sooner or Later", begins with the emptiness
without Christ that one feels and climaxes to full-blast guitars singing, "I
throw it all away ~ With everything to gain ~ And I'm taking the leap ~ With
dreams of sinking." With a couple fun horns throughout the song, "Company
Car" is a quirky song rejoicing in the "Company Car" that Jesus gives us.
Jonathan Foreman's personal ballad, "Let that be Enough" is a highlight of
the disc, very plain and simple, contemplating the mysterious ways God
works, and how we don't know His secret plans. Starting with some quirky
sounds from the far east, "Something More" tells of the story of Augustine
realizing that "There's gotta be something more ~ Than what I'm living for ~
I'm crying out to you." It's my favorite song on the disc, with the loud
guitars, simple lyrics, and silly noises at the start and end. In worship to
God, "Only Hope" tells simply of surrendering our life to God. The next song
is "Amy's Song", and Amy is "out to start a fire", to ignite people with the
Holy Spirit. Loud, crunchy guitars again define "I Turn Everything Over",
again talking of giving oneself up as a New Way to be Human. And finally
"Under the Floor" quietly ends the album, emphasizing that God is
everywhere. New Way to be Human is a fun album that emphasizes the joy,
struggles, and explores life in Christ.


LEARNING TO BREATHE - SWITCHFOOT (2000)
by Josh M. Shepherd

New Way to Be Human was 1999's summer-defining, industry-consuming
heavyweight, and Switchfoot's latest steps in where it left off. Keeping
human ways "new," and every day fresh are the themes of Learning to Breathe,
an unconquerable, but not necessarily advanced, project. Rummaging through
common tensions and feelings, "I Dare You to Move" awakens to redemption
with a tight, nippy band backup. The title track looks past self-realization
to God-realization, employing a textured melody that falls a bit flat on the
chorus. Keenly expanding on the wonder of everyday forgiveness, the first of
the Jacquire King-produced tracks, "You Already Take Me There," transfixes
listeners with steely bass lines, and crusty, distorted guitar. An
unmanageable barrage of noise and voices (including gospel artist Darwin
Hobbs) sway to "Love is the Movement," a smooth, groovin' dance that
definitely stands out on Learning to Breathe. Frontman Jon Foreman's droll
humor is woven into "Poparazzi," an absurd ditty mourning how cheese-pop is
so catchy. Between the merriment and moderation lies "Innocence Again," a
70s-styled song that grapples with the identity of self. "Playing for Keeps"
tries to make sense of the give-and-take nature in relationships, even as
track eight speculates on one called "The Loser." Illimitable and beaming,
"The Economy of Mercy" gasps at the Lord who got us this far despite
humanity's bruises. Flipping gears from 'neutral` to 'overdrive` in a matter
of seconds, Switchfoot's "Erosion" cracks the hardest of hearts with a
revelation that the Spirit crumbles us to make room for Himself. The "I need
a second shot again" bridge of this track is a moment where you hear the
improved brilliance of these twenty-something guys. Self-produced, the
finale reckons that "Living is Simple" in some fitting lines about doubts
and choices. Both unsettled and unmoved, Learning to Breathe greets the
sunrise with a smile, and rocks with an all-embracing message that audiences
need to hear. "We don't have to slow back down."

Find out more about Switchfoot at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/switchfoot


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Review:  Reset EP - Mute Math
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/mutemath/reset.shtml

Review:  The Passion of the Christ: Songs - Various
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/passionsongs

Feature:  Meanderings Part 4: Sub-Creation and Peter Jackson
http://cMusicWeb.com/features/meanderings/subcreation1.shtml


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

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

DEVOTION - NEWSBOYS
After the success of Adoration, it's only logical for the sales team to
convince the band to do another. This time around, the Newsboys contribute a
bit more original material but the disc still falls flat compared to their
signature rock releases.

DICHOTOMY B - GRITS
Hip-hop/rap duo GRITS are trying to leave a big mark on Christians and the
mainstream alike, and they just might get their wish. From what we have
heard, Dichotomy B is easily the better album, employing less female-backed
R&B and instead delivering more real GRITS hip-hop.

THE EARLY YEARS: 1997-2000 - SWITCHFOOT
What? You thought Switchfoot had only one CD? Well, since you're a newbie,
you definitely need this collection. Instead of paying $10-15 for each of
their three earlier albums, get them all together for $20. This 3-disc
"boxed set" features The Legend of Chin, New Way To Be Human, and Learning
to Breathe so that you can get caught up with their entire back catalogue.

LIVE IN JAPAN DVD - STACIE ORRICO
If you are a teen girl, you probably have worn out your Stacie Orrico CD by
now. Although there's been no word when you can expect a new Stacie Orrico
project, this young superstar delivers a feature-packed live DVD filmed
during her tour in Japan. Elaborate sets, choreographed dancing, and
screaming fans are all over this show.

MMHMM - RELIENT K
2000 brought the arrival of these guys from Ohio, and since then they've
completely blown up. For the first time, their new album actually gets
mainstream representation. The songs we've heard feature lead singer Matt
Thiessen on keys much more than on previous efforts, while the same
fun-loving spirit of punk rock exists. The only thing missing is a
mainstream push of "Sadie Hawkins Dance", probably their most infectious
song to date. Don't miss this week's PICK OF THE WEEK!


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

The Passion of the Christ was the movie phenomenon of the year, at least for
Christians if not for Hollywood. But jumping on the bandwagon just in time
for the DVD release, Wind-Up Records released a disc of songs "inspired" by
the movie. Our Bert Gangl looks at the compilation and finds that it's worth
a look, but not amazing. Also, don't forget to check out new content on
cMusicWeb.com, such as our interview with Michael Tait of dc Talk.

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THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST: SONGS - VARIOUS ARTISTS (2003)
by Bert Gangl

While the words "music inspired by the movie" are fairly commonplace in the
world of soundtrack releases, many listeners rightly wonder just what the
phrase means.  In the case of the Passion of the Christ Songs CD, a group of
artists from both the Christian and mainstream camps were invited to screen
Mel Gibson's highly successful film of the same name and then compose songs
based on their experience.

Although the Songs project marks the inaugural outing from the new Wind-Up
Records imprint, Lost Keyword Records, those expecting a Christian version
of the Daredevil or Punisher soundtracks are likely to be surprised.  Shying
away from the customary parade of post-grunge and nu-metal artists that
populate the Wind-Up compilations, Songs reflects the Lost Keyword label's
fondness for what might be considered a kinder, gentler sort of musical
fare.

Dan Lavery's "To Give Love" is a shimmering combination of modern worship
and melodic pop/rock.  Bebe Winans and Angie Stone offer a similarly
impressive fusion of gospel and jazz on the smoldering "Miracle of Love."
The prominent percussion and austere production sense of Lauryn Hill's "The
Passion" would have fit nicely on any of the City on a Hill records.  And
Brad Paisley and Sara Evans instill "New Again" with the sort of understated
grandness that so many of their peers in the contemporary country genre aim
for but rarely hit.

Interestingly, several of the performers on the album tackle styles of music
outside of their usual domain.  While groups like The Rembrandts and
Smalltown Poets probably aren't shaking in their boots at hearing Scott
Stapp's "Relearn Love," the former Creed front man demonstrates a promising
pop aptitude on his first solo outing.  "Finding My Own Way" shows classical
recording artist Charlotte Church enrolling in the Jessica Simpson/Stacie
Orrico school of teen pop and not only avoiding academic probation, but
actually making the honor roll.  In the same way, "Rainy Day" finds the lads
of the Floridian post-grunge quartet Big Dismal surveying a welcoming
pop-inclined landscape filled with buoyant melody lines, soaring harmonies
and sweeping orchestral flourishes.

The Third Day/Steven Curtis Chapman/Mercy Me collaboration "I See Love,"
which is reminiscent of Larry Norman's "Outlaw" with its theme of Jesus as
teacher, victim and martyr, comes across as somewhat musically listless.
MxPx's "The Empire" and POD's "Truly Amazing" feel similarly restrained.
That said, the album's stronger material outweighs its occasional weak
spots.  And while its eclectic lineup makes for a slightly less coherent
effort than the aforementioned Wind-Up soundtracks, its diverse stylistic
palette renders it a more interesting listen.  Though hardly a landmark
release, Passion of the Christ Songs is nonetheless a reasonably solid and
engaging collection of tracks that should appeal to fans of the groups
represented.

Read our reactions to the movie at cMusicWeb.com:
http://www.cmusicweb.com/features/passion


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Interview:  dc Talk Solo Update Part 3: Michael Tait
http://cMusicWeb.com/features/dctalksoloupdate/tait.shtml


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

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

THE BEST OF SIXPENCE NONE THE RICHER
Because we sorely miss new music by Sixpence, this is our PICK OF THE WEEK.
Fans will get a couple new tracks plus a couple rare tracks. And those who
have missed this amazing band can get a very small overview of the powerful
music of Matt Slocum and Leigh Nash.

DAY OF FIRE - DAY OF FIRE
Joshua Brown had it all. His band, Full Devil Jacket, was opening for Creed
on a national tour. They had a semi-successful album out. But, after
overdosing on drugs, Brown found that there was more to life than just rock
'n' roll. Now Brown has started Day of Fire, a high-quality alternative rock
band with some great, spiritual lyrics.

DENISON MARRS - DENISON MARRS
The latest from Denison Marrs finds them blazing the trail of rough,
creative rock 'n' roll. Like their previous releases, look for exciting rock
with lots of distorted jams.

GIFT RAP - THE CROSS MOVEMENT
The first Christmas hip-hop release from a Christian crew, this one is
already being hailed as a Christmas classic. We will get a review to you in
a couple weeks, but I've always wanted to hear what a Christmas hip-hop
album would sound like, and I'm surprised it took this long.

HEALING RAIN - MICHAEL W. SMITH
Fans of Michael W. Smith have been waiting patiently for Smitty to get back
to his pop roots. And with Healing Rain, they will not be disappointed. The
traditional sound is back, complete with ballads and power-pop tracks.
Expect a bit more of a worship leaning than older projects due to three
songs being co-written with delirious?' Martin Smith.

HIGHER DEFINITION - THE CROSS MOVEMENT
The Cross Movement has made some amazing albums. Hits like "Know Me" and
"Forever" have propelled them to the top of Gospel hip-hop. No doubt, Higher
Definition will bring an exciting new chapter to this crew's story.

LIVE DVD - MERCYME
MercyMe fans are definitely getting a nice package here. Two discs full of
content, this DVD features a full concert as well as tons of special
features. You get behind the scenes, the music video for "I Can Only
Imagine", and even the ability to karaoke along to your MercyMe favorites.
Only MercyMe fans need apply.


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

Frankly, what Jazz has to do with Christianity I don't know. But this book,
Blue Like Jazz, has been showing up in conversations with friends about the
Christian faith. Donald Miller manages to skip the deep theological
discussion but still bring spiritual insight to today's young people. Our
Hollie Stewart enjoyed the book, so here we have her review. Check in at
cMusicWeb.com later this week to witness our last part of the dc Talk Solo
Interviews where Michael Tait will tell us about dc Talk, touring with
Santana, and much more.

GOT COMMENTS?? - We want your input on cMusicWeb.com! Send it to
webmaster@... or find me on AOL IM.

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BLUE LIKE JAZZ BY DONALD MILLER (2003)
review by Hollie Stewart

I have to admit, I judged this book by its cover upon initial encounter: a
night view of a bridge arch, lines of wire crossing the sky, a non-serif
font, and a title that sounded more like a collection of poetry than a book
about Christianity. A quick scan of the interior showed a conversational
tone and a humor that included illustrations (and yes, I had to look at all
the illustrations). Any book on Christianity that tells stories of Don
Rabbit chasing Sexy Carrot and Don Astronaut circling the earth for 53 years
was well worth the price.

I can't imagine anyone being disappointed with this book (unless of course
you're looking for a theological construction of religious buzzwords like
"hermeneutics" and "dispensation"). And that's not to say Blue Like Jazz
avoids Christian thought. It instead takes a more human approach to finding
the Creator. In this memoir documenting his own search for God, Donald
Miller brings a humorously real account of the pros and cons of the current
Christian establishment while making God as real as the next-door neighbor.

Miller's words hold a cynical, sarcastic bite, drawing me into his world
immediately. His world covers all aspects of society with humor, not just
the church. He discusses the pitfalls of writing, for writers make no money.
"We make about a dollar," he says:
	 It is terrible. But then again we don't work either. We sit around
	 in our underwear until noon then go downstairs and make coffee….
	 read part of a book, smell the book, wonder if perhaps we
	 ourselves should work on our book, smell the book again, throw the
	 book across the room because we are quite jealous that any other
	 person wrote a book, feel terribly guilty about throwing the
	 schmuck's book across the room because we secretly wonder if God
	 in heaven noticed our evil jealousy, or worse, our laziness. (187)
He also talks about television, saying "television drives me crazy sometimes
because everybody is so good-looking, and yet you walk through the aisles of
the grocery stores, and nobody looks like that" (225). Miller used to not
own a television (because that was the trendy thing for writers to do), but
this changes: "A couple of years ago... I visited a church in the suburbs,
and there was this blowhard preacher talking about how television rots your
brain. He said that when we are watching television our minds are working no
harder than when we are sleeping. I thought that sounded heavenly. I bought
one that afternoon" (15). I could construct pages of this rhetoric; Miller's
humor comes naturally and casually, then it creeps up behind and slaps you
in the face.

This humor bites against the current fads and ideas that have been added to
Christianity. At one point Miller writes in the voice of an Israelite
talking to Moses after being caught making the golden calf. He says, "We
need a god to worship. We need a god to touch and feel and interact with in
a very personal way. So I made a cow. You can also wear it as a necklace"
(92). He talks how, when growing up, he "was into habit. I grew up going to
church, so I got used to hearing about God. He was like Uncle Harry or Aunt
Sally except we didn't have pictures" (13). After a while he describes his
suburbia church, saying how "it was like going to church at the Gap" (38).

The beauty of all this parody and finger-pointing is that it maintains a
purpose. Miller seeks to reawaken a generation that has forgotten
fundamental issues of Christianity. He attends Reed College in Portland,
Oregon, and all his Christian friends caution him to avoid the heathens, the
drug addicts, and the three-day festival Ren Fayre, where the campus shuts
down and students run down the streets naked. But within this environment
Miller finds some of the most loving and caring individuals. For instance,
the student with the Elmer Fudd voice is never criticized at Reed, while he
would be teased in a church setting. Miller acknowledges that "interacting
with these guys showed me how shallow and self-centered my Christian faith
had become. Many of these students hated the very idea of God, and yet they
cared about people more than I did" (42). So rather than hide during Ren
Fayre, Miller and his friends in the Christian club make their presence
known, and many lives are touched with genuine love. Chapter 11 is one of
those chapters everyone should read.

So is chapter 10, "Belief: The Birth of Cool." Here the issue of relevancy
undergoes a little dissection. "The problem with Christian belief," Miller
says, "—I mean real Christian belief, the belief that there is a God and a
devil and a heaven and a hell—is that it is not a fashionable thing to
believe" (107). Because of this fact, the Church can never be completely
relevant to society in this degree; an amount of opposition will always
exist. Yet we strive for cultural acceptance and relevancy, so we as a
Church have transformed our beliefs into trendy expressions: "We don't even
believe things because we believe them anymore. We only believe things
because they are cool things to believe" (Miller 107). Miller also admits,
"I don't think any church has ever been relevant to culture, to the human
struggle, unless it believed in Jesus and the power of His gospel. If the
supposed new church believes in trendy music and cool Web pages, then it is
not relevant to culture either. It is just another tool of Satan to get
people to be passionate about nothing" (111).

Miller believes that the solution is to embrace Biblical principles of love
and spiritual relevancy. Without love, people will not listen to us: "Nobody
will listen to you unless they sense that you like them. If a person senses
that you do not like them, that you do not approve of their existence, then
your religion and your political ideas will all seem wrong to them. If they
sense that you like them, then they are open to what you have to say"
(Miller 220). Without spiritual relevance in addition to love, the church
will remain powerless: "It took me a while to understand that the answer to
problems was not marketing or programs but rather spirituality. If we
[Imago-Dei, Miller's church] needed to reach youth, we wouldn't do a pizza
feed and a game night, we would get together and pray and fast and ask God
what to do... rather than the church serving itself, the church is serving
the lost and lonely" (136). Miller writes about people who put this kind of
life into action, like his friend Andrew the Protestor. Andrew is liberal, a
political activist, and more adamant about loving people and feeding the
poor than most Christians I've ever come across, including the one that
looks me in the mirror every morning. Miller admits, "I used to say that I
believed it was important to tell people about Jesus, but I never did.
Andrew very kindly explained that if I do not introduce people to Jesus,
then I don't believe Jesus is an important person. It doesn't matter what I
say" (110).

To get from mere words to the actions of faith (for faith without works is
dead) is just one of the many lessons to be learned from this postmodern
text. Blue Like Jazz is a call to be real about Jesus Christ and to love the
people He loves. It moves beyond personal memoir into a more general
critique of society. It's a book for change—for the change that we need to
make in ourselves.

Find out more about Blue Like Jazz at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/features/bluelikejazz


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Review:  Facedown - Matt Redman
http://cMusicWeb.com/worship/mattredman/facedown.shtml


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

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

BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD: THE TRUE TALL TALE OF THE COMING OF CHRIST - ANDREW
PETERSON
So what has Andrew Peterson been up to since his early 2003 release of Love
& Thunder? We don't know the full answer, but this disc gives a good idea of
what he has done the last couple Christmas seasons. Peterson has written his
own musical version of the Christmas story, and this CD delivers it for all
to hear. Featuring Peterson doing his Americana music, this PICK OF THE WEEK
also features guest appearances from Derek Webb and Jill Phillips.

BRACE YOURSELF FOR THE MEDIOCRE - ROPER
Of course, we all knew that the end of Five Iron Frenzy did not exactly mean
the complete end. We knew that lead singer Reese Roper couldn't stay off
stage for long, and sure enough he's back. Reese and his band, Roper, pull
out some new songs that are worshipful, silly, or just plain crazy.  Just
don't expect any of those ska horns - it's all rock here.

BULLET - MAT KEARNEY
Hip Hop fans might recognize Mat Kearny from his appearance on DJ Maj's Full
Plates Mixtape, but don't pigeonhole him. Like Paul Wright, Kearny does rap
but eclectically mixes acoustic guitar, drums, and even a bit of electric
guitar. His songs tell stories of redemption and encouragement in today's
hip language.

CLEAN - SHANE BARNARD & SHANE EVERETT
After the rarities album Upstairs earlier this year, the Texan duo returns
with their third full-length album, Clean. Produced by apt.core's Will Hunt,
this album fuses folk, rock, and worship for a unique new sound.

FAMILY CHRISTMAS - THE KATINAS
All fans of the Katinas should have this Christmas disc in their collection.
If you enjoy solid harmonies and Christmas favorites, then you might want to
pick this Christmas disc up.

IT'S LATER THAN IT'S EVER BEEN - SMALLTOWN POETS
We were unable to find any previews of this album, but with the old
Smalltown Poets crew back, I'm sure you can expect the folk-rock we've come
to expect from the group.

THE MOVEMENT - SHARLOK POEMS
Poems, whom I consider to be the "low end" of LA Symphony, now has his own
disc. Featuring guest appearances from a couple other LAS members, Sharlok
puts together great beats and great rhymes on this disc.

NO SIR NIHILISM IS NOT PRACTICAL - SHOWBREAD
When it comes to new bands at Tooth and Nail, we all expect them to be
screaming rock. This debut from Showbread seems to be business as usual for
the label. Showbread features screamo-rock but begs the question, "Where can
I get those bright red pants all seven members are wearing in the press
photos?"

TIMELESS CHRISTMAS - DENVER & THE MILE HIGH ORCHESTRA
Six years ago the swing craze got big and The W's appeared in Christian
music. They quickly disappeared, but the real swing band has showed up.
After three full-length, independent albums, Denver and his team are
releasing a Christmas disc, re-creating holiday favorites in the big band,
swing style.


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

The first time I heard the Rock 'n' Roll Worship Circus on the radio, I
dismissed them as yet another delirious? clone, a modern rock/worship hybrid
all too common these days. But then I saw them live and I saw what the band
was about. Their short CDs full of 4-minute songs are expanded in live
worship, letting the music flow out of the Holy Spirit. Yes, they may be
rock stars, but they use all of their rock 'n' roll might to bring glory to
God. This week we have a review of their humble beginnings at a live show in
1998, where the rock and worship first became a circus. Also enjoy new
reviews of new band Mourning September and an interview with Thousand Foot
Krutch this week on cMusicWeb.com.

GOT COMMENTS?? - We want your input on cMusicWeb.com! Send it to
webmaster@... or find me on AOL IM.

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LIVE AT TOMFEST - THE ROCK 'N' ROLL WORSHIP CIRCUS (1999)
by Hollie Stewart

"Cool. Dig it. Let's do it."

This is the call Gabriel Wilson, front man of a worship band from Evangel
Christian Fellowship in Longview, WA, gives to begin the set at Tom Fest
'98. He begins leading 2,000 people in a worship service of proportions
often only seen in traditional church services.

The Rock n' Roll Worship Circus has been leading worship for their local
church since 1995, long before Welcome to the Rock n' Roll Worship Circus
ever hit bookstore shelves. Live at Tomfest was the first collection of
worship songs they had written for the members of their congregation. The
festival was recording it, so the Circus took the live feed, refused to
overdub a thing, and crafted an album—giving away the first 1,000 copies.
They wrote on their CD jacket, "The Lord told us that He freely gave these
songs to us and that we are to give freely to others what He has given
freely to us. You may also make as many copies of this recording as you want
to..." This is why Live at Tomfest holds a beauty often unseen in modern
recordings; it's quite unprofessional yet raw in worship. The audience is
heard very easily, and Wilson responds to the crowd, saying things like,
"That's right, lift up a shout of praise." He urges the makeshift
congregation to worship God in freedom and not to fear what other people
might think, because "this whole room of people is not looking at you, man.
They're looking at Jesus." Listeners can enter the tent with this crowd from
the past and still enter into God's presence today.

Six songs comprise this recording, including a beautiful rendition of the
Doxology. Two songs reflect a battle theme both lyrically and musically.
"Watch On the Cities" calls out, "Who's gonna fight in the great big battle
/ Who's gonna fight in the great big war / Who's gonna fight in the great
big battle / Who's gonna sing the song of the Lord?" Here worship is equated
with warfare. "Battle Hymn" continues the fight with words like, "We are
calling children back to their borders / His Word has been revealed now the
Spirit's sword is shining / The shofar has been raised and the victory
banner's flying." By referring to the shofar, the instrument used to lead
the children of Israel into the fight, battle lines are drawn in the
atmosphere. Heavy drums by Zurn Praxair and vicious bass lines by Solo's
father "Shaggy" Mike Greely add to the warfare theme. After the battle comes
the cry, "Mercy triumphs over judgment." There are additional words to this
song ("Holy Spirit") listed in the jacket, but the band only sings this
phrase to reflect a powerful truth of Scripture. They then cry for unity to
reach the church in the song "Freedom." They ask for God to come down and
break the chains of fear that can bind us up and keep us from worshiping
Him. The culminating track, recorded in traditional studio format, speaks of
God's forgiveness and thanks Him for it: "So here, I have come, and I am
thankful / That You, You have cleansed all my sin / So I'll climb to the
tops of the mountains / And I'll sing to the world that there's forgiveness"
("Forgiveness").

Rough instrumentation, reflective of a live recording, appears throughout
the record. Wilson often dictates to the band when a verse is to be
repeated, sometimes the BGVs aren't completely lined up with the lead
melody, and someone who's nitpicky could critique the balance of the
instruments. But this rough sound helps produce the album's charm. Live at
Tomfest cannot be labeled as an over-produced CD; it holds a musical honesty
that hasn't been seen in a long while thanks to advanced sound equipment.
Live at Tomfest is an excellent freshman release for a matured band. It
avoids fluff and fashion to center in on worship, and that foundation has
held The Rock n' Roll Worship Circus' song-writing and recording ever since.

Find out more about The Rock 'n' Roll Worship Circus at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/worship/worshipcircus


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Interview:  Thousand Foot Krutch
http://cMusicWeb.com/hardrock/thousandfootkrutch/interview.shtml

Review:  A Man Can Change His Stars - Mourning September
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/mourningseptember/mancanchangehisstars.shtml

Review:  Welcome to Diverse City - Tobymac
http://cMusicWeb.com/hiphop/tobymac/welcometodiversecity.shtml


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

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

GREATEST HITS: 1986-2004 - AMY GRANT
Despite the fact that most of us do not really like her, there is no denying
that Amy Grant has left an indelible mark on Christian music. This disc
features some of her most popular songs as well as a couple new ones. Now we
just hope it means she's retiring after two years of attempting to re-enter
Christian music.

I CHOOSE YOU - POINT OF GRACE
Point of Grace is yet another act that has left their mark on 90s Christian
music. Those who are stuck in the 90s will probably enjoy this AC/pop disc.

LIVE IN ST. PAUL - FERNANDO ORTEGA
Fernando Ortega recently released his best disc yet, and this DVD should go
great with it. Although it was really recorded in the St. Paul suburb of
Roseville, there's no doubt the auditorium full of Minnesotans enjoyed a
performance from this inspirational/folk mainstay.

SHARE THE WELL - CAEDMON'S CALL
Definitely the PICK OF THE WEEK, the only way to describe this album is
unique. Caedmon's made trips all over the world and even recorded there.
From Brazil to India and elsewhere, they met with believers and musicians
from all over the world and recorded the album with them and their stories.


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

TobyMac definitely knows diversity. For years he led dc Talk, a mult-ethnic
trio. He started Gotee Records, which for ten years has hosted a diverse
list of artists from GRITS to Mars Ill to Jennifer Knapp to Relient K.
TobyMac's music is a fusion of styles from rap to rock to reggae to pop, and
his latest disc shows this more than any other. Read our review along with
our exclusive interview with one of the most respected persons in the
Christian music industry.

GOT COMMENTS?? - We want your input on cMusicWeb.com! Send it to
webmaster@... or find me on AOL IM.

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WELCOME TO DIVERSE CITY - TOBYMAC (2004)
by Josh Weekly

tobymac has name recognition. Allow me to demonstrate. I have been receiving
pre-releases, press kits, and other music related mail for as long as my
daughter has been able to make the journey to the mailbox. So needless to
say she has become familiar with the manila bubble packaging that this type
of content generally arrives in. This day was no different than any other --
the mail man approached and my daughter took her running leap out the door
to greet him. She ran back and naturally hands me the bills and junk mail
while she gladly opens the fun package (isn't that sweet). Then the jumping
and joy begins. I am thinking that we've won some large sum of money or a
brick of gold or something of incredible value … that's what I get for
thinking. She hands me the CD and immediately says, "Its tobymac, I know
I'll love this CD!!" That my friends is name recognition. She had not as
much heard the annoyingly infectious single "Gone" and already was
confessing her undying love for this piece of plastic. Bless her heart.

tobymac has finally released his follow up to the very successful selling
Momentum. After originally planning to title his sophomore release
Phenomenon and have it in stores last year, toby instead hit the road in
full force and allowed himself more time to let the creative juices flow.
When they stopped flowing, Diverse City was born, recorded, mastered,
pressed and then distributed. The cover art which includes the traditional
reggae colors of green, yellow and red pay homage to his wife's Jamaican
heritage while also acting as a symbol of diverseness.

The lyrics on this record are very elementary and almost laughable. Here for
your consideration are three examples (Note: There are more…however, space
is quite valuable in this review):

"Slackin' off like a bum, I'm feelin' ho hum
I'm feelin' luke warm like the water in my tub
Started out and we was hot, looked up and now we're not
We had that fire like we was boilin' in a pot"

"You got your pipeline clogged man get that puppy routed
You got the style down and since you don't know about it"

"Much obliged got the head of a moose
So mount me on the wall of your livin' room"

Other times they barely make sense. Look at this rambling:

"You got that right, I'm'a rock the Morse code tonight
Transmit 'n throwin' fits 'n paparazzi like zits
Get flipped out and squeezed fresh like juicy sun kissed
And if I miss with my missiles you're still gonna sizzle
'Cause I frizzle fry radiation style worldwide"

Perhaps the creative juices could have flowed a bit longer on the lyrical
tip? There are more creative things being written in your local 2nd grade
creative writing class than on this record. It is honestly that
embarrassing.

The music is your average, recycled Top 40 Pop sounds. "Hey Now" is able to
give the record that Nelly – Country Grammar feel. This sound is easily
achieved thanks to the mediocre raps of Coffee and Bonafide (GRITS).
"Catchafire (Whoopsi-Daisy)" and "The Slam" exceed the rapcore quota for the
record. "The Slam" also has the distinct pleasure of serving as tobymac's
worst musical collabartion to date. Not only do we get to hear the
overplayed rap/rock sound, we are also subjected to the rapping of T-Bone,
aka Boney Bone Carlone, aka Boney Sparano, aka whatever other gangsta name
he can think of. If you thought the lyrics were horrible before, you are in
for a treat! For the sake of your precious time I will only include a few
lines:

"The father slammed it like Shaq
For Latinos and Blacks
Packin' them straps
And Caucasians hooked on Ecstasy and the crack…
…We slam dunkin' and keep it jumpin' like jumper cables
And keep the crowd rowdy like Jesus tossin' them temple tables"

The aforementioned "Gone" serves as the summery happy song that you catch
yourself humming while clipping your toenails. "Getaway Car," "Atmosphere
remix ft. dc talk" and "Stories (Down To The Bottom) ft. Superchic[k]," add
nothing to the already dying album and would have never been missed.
"Phenomenon" is another rocky rap song saved only by the genius that is Paul
Meany. The only enjoyable song is the title track "Diverse City." This truly
fun throwback to the funk era of Parliament and War; can seriously get your
caboose grooving and shaking. It is also the only song with meaningful
lyrics;

"Said we're Diverse City, we're colorful goods
It's just a state of mind, we gonna shine the way that we should, baby
So, if you wanna praise you can come on down
Cause this freak show's leaving the ground"

This record is only worth the price if you collect dc talk memorabilia.
Otherwise I would seriously avoid this CD. Save your money and go see
"Napoleon Dynamite"-- at least that way you know that you're supposed to
laugh.

Find out more about TobyMac through our interview at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/features/dctalksoloupdate/tobymac.shtml

Read our initial reaction to TobyMac's album:
http://cMusicWeb.com/features/openlettertotobymac


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Review:  Shades of Grey - Braille
http://cMusicWeb.com/hiphop/braille/shadesofgrey.shtml

Interview:  TobyMac
http://cMusicWeb.com/features/dctalksoloupdate/tobymac.shtml

Review:  Hymns Ancient and Modern - Passion
http://cMusicWeb.com/worship/passion/hymnsancientandmodern.shtml


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

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

CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE - ERIN O'DONNELL
What do you do when you are having a hard time making a comeback in
Christian music? Of course, you follow Amy Grant's lead and release a
Christmas album! Erin O'Donnell releases an upbeat, keyboard-driven album
full of Christmas favorites, Christian and secular.

GOTEE 10 - VARIOUS ARTISTS
It's been ten years since TobyMac and Joey Elwood started a label to
showcase talent such as Out of Eden and GRITS. Since then the label has
signed many, many artists - some great and some not. This disc features one
track from each artist, including the lesser-known Gotee Brothers, Johnny Q.
Public, and Temple Yard.

HEAR US SAY JESUS - SEVEN PLACES
Seven Places has made an early name for themselves by fusing rock 'n' roll
with worship just like everybody else. However, after seeing them live, I
understand how they differentiate themselves from the rest of the pack -
they have rock star stage presence. Hopefully, though, their music will have
matured this time around.

VEGGIETALES HOLIDAY DOUBLE FEATURE DVD
There have been two Christmas releases from VeggieTales over the years, so
why don't you have them? I dunno, but if you have kids, they will want this
double feature of Christmas cheer.

WELCOME TO DIVERSE CITY - TOBYMAC
See review above.

WOW HITS 2005 - VARIOUS ARTISTS
If you don't have Christian radio and want to hear the junk everyone's been
listening to, then get this two-disc set. Otherwise, pick a favorite artist
from the disc (such as Jars of Clay or Third Day) and check out their latest
CD instead.

What, you think we need a PICK OF THE WEEK? OK, then, here's my pick:

ALADDIN SPECIAL EDITION DVD
My favorite animated Disney release of all time is finally on DVD! From the
grand heydey of Disney animated features comes the hilarious performance of
Robin Williams as the Genie. This adventurous and silly retelling of the
children's story is a fun family film.


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

Whoa! The past month has been unusually warm up here in Minnesota, and right
now talking about Christmas seems really awkward. But, alas, most Christmas
CDs are coming out this week, and a local department store already has their
Christmas tree displays up. To let our normal lives go on a bit without the
Christmas season intruding, we promise we'll not have any Christmas coverage
(besides new releases) for at least another month. And to prove it, here's a
review of a great new CD that isn't a Christmas disc!

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DIVINE INVITATION - SOMETHING LIKE SILAS (2004)
by Hollie Stewart

I've driven the California highway that holds the white windmills spanning
endlessly across the brown landscape. The arms blur, morphing into each
other with no distinction. But the cover of Divine Invitation shows the arms
bending, transforming into ribbons, and breaking the straight mold. The band
Something Like Silas is the ribbon arms of worship music. They're unexpected
and almost bizarre in musical style, yet their strangeness is a welcomed
diversion from the average worship project.

Something Like Silas finds inspiration in creating worship from bands like
delirious? and The Violet Burning. Divine Invitation incorporates heavy
guitars that soar one moment in airy acoustics only to plunge into deep
distortion several measures later. Malina Owyoung's Fender Rhodes keyboard
adds fillers within each movement to give that extra sparkle. Her husband
Eric leads the band toward a unified and passionate expression of praise.

The title track offers a perfect example of this band's range. Beginning
soft like whispers, Eric and Malina duet with keyboard and piano. Then the
guitars, bass and drums arrive, and Eric jumps to his falsetto, singing, "In
this divine invitation we find Your embrace / and in our deep adoration see
the light of Your face / In this divine invitation we all find the place /
For our souls, where the longings were born long ago." It's only in
answering the Divine call that we find rest for our wandering spirits.

This theme of invitation saturates much of this recording. In "Words that
You Say," the band invites God to make His presence manifest so He can speak
deep into their hearts: "I await the words that You say / I open my life / I
am longing just to hear these words / that You say, that You say." There's
also an invitation to be sent out and fulfill the Great Commission: "Can I
be a channel of Your love / a reflection of Your light?" These words are
framed by a pulsing yet delicate beat. The invitation to be brought into the
throne room of God appears in their cover of Matt Redman's classic, "Better
is One Day." While I normally dislike hearing songs that have been
over-recorded through covers (see Passion: Better is One Day and Passion:
One Day Live), Something Like Silas takes this song to renewed heights. The
tune "Please" asks God to draw near and remind the seeker of His
omnipresence: "Please tell me in this holy fear that You are near me / in
silence I will know that You will hear me, Lord." Invitations on this level
require a degree of openness, and Something Like Silas allows itself to be
transparent within this recording. The band is unafraid to question,
unafraid to reveal a dependence on God, unafraid to hurt.

"In the Burning"—the most reckless, power-driven cut on the album—shows how
fearless this band is in seeking the fire of God. The chorus rings, "In the
burning / I have the feeling my senses are far too small to contain Your
fire / You are so beautiful like no other / I am burning for You." After the
musical chaos settles to relative calm, Malina repeats, as a mantra, "In the
fire, I will find You." The truth of this lyric is profound: it's often in
the moment of crisis when the truth of one's character shines bright. When
the road stretches smooth it's often easy to claim dependence on God. But
when the road turns rocky, do we have the strength to forego self and stand
in this unseen entity called faith…and remain standing? Are we able to sing,
"In the fire, I will find You"?

Something Like Silas manages to find God in every circumstance, in every
road, and Divine Invitation is the documentation of these discoveries.
Experimental in both music and lyrics, Something Like Silas is a gem that
should remain visible if record executives want the bland state of worship
music to change. If you've written off worship albums as cliché and
overcooked, Divine Invitation will re-ignite your hunger. The next time you
take a turn down your road, make sure this album drives along with you.

Find out more about Something Like Silas at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/worship/somethinglikesilas


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Interview:  ApologetiX: That Christian Parody Band
http://cMusicWeb.com/features/apologetix


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

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

ABSOLUTE FAVORITE CHRISTMAS - VARIOUS
The latest in Provident's collection of "Absolute" compilations, this one
just might be worth checking out. A decent amount of the songs are
unreleased recordings, so look for new stuff from Derek Webb, Smalltown
Poets, Todd Agnew, Tree63 and more.

PHIL BAQUIE - PHIL BAQUIE
Here's a new artist with very little new to offer. Half the songs on the
disc are modern worship or covers in a pop/rock style that is all too often
played.

CCM'S TOP 100 GREATEST SONGS IN CHRISTIAN MUSIC VOL. 1 - VARIOUS ARTISTS
By design, there is very little new on this album. Yet, some of these are
undoubtedly the best Christian music tracks ever and could be a good listen
for those who are not familiar with the history of Christian music.

GLORIA - VARIOUS ARTISTS
Probably the best Christmas album to release this year, Gloria piggybacks on
the success of Rocketown's Exodus project. Featuring most of the Rocketown
family as well as Amy Grant and Charlie Peacock, this disc brings an
eclectic mix of Christmas cheer, old and new.

LET THE WORSHIPPERS ARISE - PHILLIPS, CRAIG & DEAN
Although PC&D is on a different label, the story stays the same. The pastors
cover some of their favorite songs on a disc produced by Nathan Nockels.

REAL CHRISTMAS - KIM HILL
Fans of Kim Hill will definitely love Christmas done Kim's way. This
passionate singer covers all your Christmas favorites.

RESET EP - MUTE MATH
Earthsuit is back ...sort of. Paul Meany and company bring that electronic
rock that made Earthsuit so unique minus the rap. This PICK OF THE WEEK EP
gives us a taste of what is in store for this band, including a great
instrumental title track and six other songs.

STILL THE CROSS - FFH
FFH is still here and going strong. Fans of the band will certainly still
find great songs, but I found little that a non-fan like myself would enjoy.


THE LATEST NEWS HEADLINES
- Switchfoot keeps fans up late
- The MP Network To Launch In October
- "American Music Awards" nominees announced
- 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

Some say we have gone insane. Why are we endorsing a candidate that has no
chance at winning the election? OK, OK, don't vote for Ian Eskelin. A month
or so ago Ian's marketing gurus had fun pretending Mr. Eskelin was running
for president and giving updates on his campaign. However, just a day before
we posted the album review on the site, they declared that he was not
running for President of the United States. While it may be a slight loss to
All Star United fans, we urge you to vote with your wallet today and
purchase Ian Eskelin's solo album.

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SAVE THE HUMANS - IAN ESKELIN (2004)
by Rick Foux

cMW NEWS BULLETIN - With the United States entrenched in the most intense
Presidential Election yet, President George W. Bush and Senator John Kerry
continue to exchange blows on relevant topics such as terrorism, the
economy, and the environment. We've just been notified that a new candidate
intends to enter the race for President, casting his bid on September 21,
2004. All Star United's lead singer, Ian Eskelin — who has no prior
political experience whatsoever — is blazing a campaign trail across the
country. His platform? Save the Humans.

After attending one of Eskelin's campaign rallies, we've drawn the
conclusion that not only is he an eloquent speaker, but he gets straight to
the heart of issues that matter. However, he prefers to let his actions do
the talking and believes that by setting an example for others to follow, we
can make a difference ["Shout"]. Eskelin strongly cites his faith in God as
the reason for being the man he is today ["Solid Rock"] and passionately
croons that he wants to tell everyone the Gospel story of Jesus Christ ["I
Love to Tell the Story"]. In fact, Eskelin believes that a lack of faith is
the reason the human condition is suffering, and nothing short of God's
mercy can save the world now. "...We're an awful mess," Eskelin comments.
"We can purify the oily seas, we can empathize with manatees, even chit-chat
with chimpanzees, but we're still dying from a sin disease. ['Save the
Humans']."

Eskelin blames pop culture for leaving God out in the cold. In fact, he
admits that people can get away with almost anything, but mentioning God's
name is met with bitter rebuttal and political correctness ["Taboo"]. "Party
on, let freedom ring for the shock-jocks and the gangsta' kings," he states.
"But mention Jesus in the public square... the tables turn and the tempers
flare." To correct this problem, Eskelin says that humanity needs to look at
our lives in perspective and think about what we're really worshipping:
money, popularity, and other false idols. Clearly he is not above using
sarcasm to get his point across. "Vegas lives inside my veins," he joked,
eliciting laughter from the throng of listeners. "Dating Britney is my dream
['American Idle']." Eskelin also postulates that earthly possessions have
little importance, and that humanity should strive for a higher calling
["Throw It Away"]. Finally, this new candidate is in tune with the younger
generation. He frequently declares that, "We are the future," and
commissions the youth of America to get "Amplified" and let their voices be
heard.

While the spirit of Eskelin's campaign is nearly synonymous with the glam
rock style of his band, All Star United, there is also a mellow, soft-spoken
side to this candidate. He has been closing his rallies as of late with his
performance of "Magnify," a beautifully flowing worship tune that sums up
exactly how he feels about his Savior: "To worship in your presence is the
reason I was made…let the angels cry and my soul reply, 'Holy, holy is your
name.'" These lyrics may seem no different than what's currently on the CCM
market, but Eskelin performs them with such passion and devotion behind his
vocals that they are ultimately more convincing than other "offerings."

Usually cMW News steers clear of drawing biases, but Ian Eskelin is a
candidate we are truly excited about. His Save the Humans campaign has a
high-strung energy behind it, painting us a clearer picture of this man's
heart. He is honest and outspoken on issues that matter, telling American
citizens what we need to hear rather than what we want to hear. His
inventive way of lacing pop culture into his speech is nothing short of
genius as well as his ability to change his attitude from sarcastic to
worshipful at will. For these reasons, cMW News would officially like to
throw its support behind this candidate for the 2004 Presidential Election.
A vote for Ian Eskelin is a vote to save the humans.

Find out more about Ian Eskelin at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/ianeskelin

Find out more about his former band, All Star United, at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/allstarunited


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Review:  Divine Invitation - Something Like Silas
http://cMusicWeb.com/worship/somethinglikesilas/divineinvitation.shtml

Review:  Moving On Faith - Jadon Lavik
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/jadonlavik/movingonfaith.shtml

Opinion:  An Open Letter To TobyMac
http://cMusicWeb.com/features/openlettertotobymac


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

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

ALL THINGS NEW - STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN
After 17 years and 12 albums, what is new about Steven Curtis Chapman? Well,
I have not heard the album yet, but the fans say it's a newer, edgier sound
that draws from more styles of music. Hopefully you will find a review from
us soon.

ARRIVING - CHRIS TOMLIN
Chris Tomlin tried something new this time around. He asked producer Ed Cash
to bring a new sound to Tomlin's latest batch of songs. But don't expect a
Bebo Norman album, for this disc has much of the same from Chris Tomlin's
past efforts.

EMMANUEL - VINEYARD MUSIC GROUP
Getting the award for the first Christmas release of the fall, this Vineyard
collection has some favorites as well as some lesser-known Christmas tunes
in signature Vineyard worship style. However, the track listing looks
amazingly similar to 2002's Humble King Vineyard release.

SAVE THE HUMANS - IAN ESKELIN
Read the review above for more info on this great album.

STAR WARS TRILOGY DVD
Yeah, the geeks here at cMusicWeb.com are excited. In stores today is the
most anticipated DVD release ever - the original Star Wars Trilogy is
finally in high-quality video! Although George Lucas has made a number of
slight changes to the 1997 Special Edition films, these are still mostly the
films that many of us grew up to. If you are a Star Wars fan, get this PICK
OF THE WEEK now!


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

This week is Kevin Max week, for Kmax is releasing his second solo offering,
an EP. Not only do we have the review in cMusicMail this week, but look at
cMusicWeb.com for an exciting interview with Kevin Max. Also, make sure to
check out the review of Ian Eskelin's solo project as well as the
Supertones' latest. As always, keep checking back for new content at
cMusicWeb.com.

GOT COMMENTS?? - We want your input on cMusicWeb.com! Send it to
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BETWEEN THE FENCE AND THE UNIVERSE - KEVIN MAX (2004)
by Becca Tuttle

Kevin Max is the musical equivalent of abstract art. As if his intense
vibrato was not enough to set him apart from other artists, Kevin's lyrics
are vague and symbolic, essentially poems set to music, and the music itself
does not conform to any fixed genre. Like abstract art, he is difficult to
understand and easy to dismiss as strange. However, it is this
individuality, as his fans are quick to relate, that draws people to his
music. Three years after the release of his solo debut, Stereotype Be, KMAX
has suddenly reappeared on the American music scene with an exciting new EP.
With its six tracks, Between the Fence and the Universe promises music to
satisfy fans, tiding them over until his sophomore album hits the shelves in
early 2005.

As the strongest song on the EP, "Seek" makes a fitting introduction and
sets the tone for the tracks that follow. It's also arguably the most
distinctly Christian song that KMAX has released since his dc Talk days, as
the relaxed verses give way to a compelling rock chorus that pulls directly
from Matthew 7:7. The lyrics exalt the Lord in a way only Kevin Max could,
ranging from poetic ("And I know you're the answer / For the wizened fool /
'Cause you blow away every myth / They taught me in Sunday school") to just
plain bizarre ("You are bigger than Paris France / or Bagger Vance").

"21st Century Darling" finds KMAX in grittier territory than ever before,
offering a fast-paced, electric guitar-driven song whose cynical lyrics
challenge the distorted values of modern society. The pace slows briefly
during the chorus, providing a momentary lull that makes the ensuing raspy
scream more powerful in contrast. Droning humming during the bridge presents
a brief throwback to dc Talk's "Dive," but the déjà vu is short-lived when
the song builds to an explosive peak just before its sudden end. The track
spans only a brief 2:34, but the short length is strangely appropriate, the
song a quick burst of anguish that cuts off as abruptly as it begins.

"Irish Hymn"'s plodding rhythm and dreary lyrics give it a depressing, bar
song quality that is interesting if not a bit wearisome. Unfortunately, the
EP takes a turn for the worse after this track as it struggles
unsuccessfully to maintain the musical quality of the first half. "Stranded
72.5" exchanges the album's prevailing '80s rock for an upbeat, softer
approach, relying on Kevin's double-layered harmony to add interest to the
melody. Regrettably, the song loses momentum with its bland, monotonous
chorus and isn't quite able to recover. "Golden" fails simply for its
musical banality—its pace almost identical to the earlier "Irish Hymn" and
its music a blend of the slower tracks from Stereotype Be. The song's slight
redemption is the three minutes of random music and wordless vocals tacked
on the end. This interlude serves as the EP's only trace of the
middle-eastern influences that saturated Stereotype Be—an unfortunate
absence that was felt heavily by this reviewer.

The last track, "To the Dearly Departed," is the extreme example of KMAX's
abstract approach to music. Much like "Golden," its lyrics seem to offer
relationship commentary, perhaps drawing from KMAX's recent divorce. The
song's synthesized rhythm has a strange stammer, giving the irritating
sensation that the CD is continually skipping. The vocals sound almost
discordant at the beginning, and the lack of strong instrumental back-up
gives the song an echoing, deserted sound. A sudden lapse into murmured
poetry (the likes of which also occur periodically throughout the CD) is
artistic but frustratingly difficult to understand. Chorus harmony softens
the song's unnerving edge with its contemplative feel, but an eerie,
repeated wail ensures that the song concludes on a creepy note. The bizarre
final product will put off some listeners, yet it manages to define KMAX
perfectly—simultaneously reflective and eccentric—in an appropriate end to
the EP.

Between the Fence and the Universe essentially promises three worthwhile
songs—a percentage out of the total six that, although not glowing, would
more than justify its purchase at a lesser price than a regular CD. Avid
KMAX fans and diehard dc Talk followers will no doubt want to pick up a
copy, if only to investigate Kevin's new direction. For the more hesitant
supporters, there is always the option of holding out for the new CD... if
they can bear the wait.

Find out more about Kevin Max at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/kevinmax


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Interview:  Kevin Max
http://cMusicWeb.com/features/dctalksoloupdate/kevinmax.shtml

Review:  Save The Humans - Ian Eskelin
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/ianeskelin/savethehumans.shtml

Review:  Revenge of the O.C. Supertones
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/supertones/revenge.shtml


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

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

BETWEEN THE FENCE AND THE UNIVERSE - KEVIN MAX
See review above for the story on this PICK OF THE WEEK.

EVERYDAY PEOPLE - NICOLE C. MULLEN
Although she's only released a couple albums, she's still the darling of the
Christian music industry. The next generation's Amy Grant, Mullen crafts
beautiful pop songs with a fusion of R&B and other styles.

LIVE FROM ATLANTA CD/DVD - CASTING CROWNS
For the avid Casting Crowns fan only, this overpriced promotional item only
has a 6-song live set on DVD and CD. Yeah, and there's only one new song.


THE LATEST NEWS HEADLINES
- Point of Grace works to "redeem the vote"
- Kendall Payne Returns!
- 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

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!

GOT COMMENTS?? - We want your input on cMusicWeb.com! Send it to
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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
- 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

This week finds just about the only new stuff in cMusicWeb.com world to be
DVDs. For example, we have the most entertaining VeggieTales video yet, Sumo
Of The Opera, available this week.  Plus, The Passion of the Christ is
finally in stores for everyone to buy, as well as a new CD full of songs
inspired by the movie. Along with some new reviews on cMusicWeb.com, we've
got a lot for you this week.

GOT COMMENTS?? - We want your input on cMusicWeb.com! Send it to
webmaster@... or find me on AOL IM.

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VEGGIETALES: SUMO OF THE OPERA (2004)
by Becca Tuttle

What do you get when you combine wrestling, opera singing and produce? The
answer, of course, is VeggieTales: Sumo of the Opera, the latest installment
in the cherished series of made-to-video VeggieTales tapes. Straying from
the typical VeggieTales format of using a vegetable cast to recount
simplified Bible stories, Sumo of the Opera offers original material infused
with Christian ideals, a testament to the creative prowess of the folks at
Big Idea. With its lively animation, vibrant characters and family-friendly
humor, there's little not to like about this DVD. If, as Bob sings in the
theme song, a "squash can make you smile," Sumo of the Opera can guarantee a
solid forty-five minutes of laughter.

In traditional VeggieTales fashion, Sumo of the Opera supplies several short
stories to cater to the brief attention span of its target audience.
Introducing these segments is Khalil (the caterpillar from Jonah: A
VeggieTales Movie) who poses as "teensy-weensy cucumber" Lutfi to co-host
the movie with Bob the Tomato. First up finds Larry the Cucumber and friends
as movers, challenged to hoist a piano up an enormously long staircase.
Presented in silent movie format, the story parodies classic film, borrowing
its plot from an old Laurel and Hardy short and outfitting its three
protagonists to resemble the Three Stooges. The resulting lesson in
perseverance is highly predictable, but enjoyable nonetheless. Moving
quickly along, Lutfi introduces a new feature, "Lutfi's Fanciful
Flannelgram," which uses shockingly vegetable-free, cutout style animation
to recount the legend of Saint Patrick. Although based on historical fact,
the story is enriched with humor, and highlights include jokes poking fun at
Patrick's original name (Maewyn Succat) and a simplistic but humorous
depiction of paganism ("Oh mighty pond scum! Ye are powerful and... um...
scummy?").

The infamous "Silly Songs with Larry" intermission offers "School House
Polka," a goofy look at parts of speech starring Larry in a toupee and
glasses. Although not quite on par with the legendary "Hairbrush Song,"
Larry's struggle to use multiple meanings of same-sounding words in his ode
to homophones is amazingly clever. Even the not-so grammatically inclined
will find it difficult to resist a smile when Larry "breaks it down"
mid-song, writhing on the floor as he passionately rocks out to his
accordion.

The final story, which lends its name to the movie's title, proves that the
directors saved the best for last. Slapstick stunts in the classic Veggie
vein keep kids entertained, from Jerry Gourd's antics as the out-of-sync
member of the carrot opera to Larry's astounding ability to juggle (despite
the slight handicap of having no hands). However, the veggie cast also
supplies a fair amount of material directed at an older audience—an almost
unprecedented feat for a VeggieTales movie. Rather than pulling from the
Bible, Sumo of the Opera draws from Japanese culture and the Rocky movies to
form a satire that will have children and their parents laughing out loud.

Larry stars in the role of "the Italian Scallion"—an aspiring sumo champion
hindered by his lack of resolve. Tempted by an alluring tiger bicycle prize,
Scallion/Larry vows to keep his "eyes on the tiger" and face "Apollo" Gourd
in the championship match. The training that follows is part Rocky, part
Karate Kid, as Pa Grape uses various unorthodox techniques to whip Scallion
into shape. Larry weaves between patrons, dodging blows from elderly ladies
as he determinedly ascends the down escalator that replaces Rocky's
Philadelphia steps. A recycling plant substitutes for a meat plant, with
bags of cans providing much friendlier punching bags than Rocky's bloody
sides of beef. Most hilarious is when Pa Grape passes Larry a glass of raw
egg, which, as Rocky fans will know, was the champ's equivalent of a
breakfast smoothie in the classic films. "Am I supposed to drink that?"
Larry asks in disgust, looking doubtfully at his grape mentor. "Of course
not, they're raw!" He exclaims. "Scramble 'em!"

Perhaps the movie's most admirable quality is that it parallels Rocky right
to its end, forgoing a superficial happy ending by allowing our hero to lose
the match. This surprising dose of reality drives home the movie's overall
moral: perseverance—not winning—is the real victory. Sumo of the Opera
fulfills the promise of the VeggieTales slogan, providing "Sunday morning
values and Saturday morning fun" in a film that is sure to become a family
favorite. With a richer story than ever before, it seems that veggies, like
most fine foods, only get better with age.

Find out more about Sumo Of The Opera (with pictures!) at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/features/sumooftheopera


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Review:  Starfield - Starfield
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/starfield/starfield.shtml

Review:  Jami Smith - Wash Over Me
http://cMusicWeb.com/worship/jamismith/washoverme.shtml


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, AUGUST 31 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

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

THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST DVD
If you missed this movie in theaters, I recommend renting it. If, like me,
you saw it once in theaters, I'd recommend renting it too. This movie is an
amazing spiritual reflection on the pain and suffering Jesus Christ went
through for our sins. While it is a long way from covering all of Jesus'
life, its message is good enough to be the PICK OF THE WEEK.

THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST: SONGS - VARIOUS
Christian music and mainstream music collide for this compilation of songs
inspired by the movie. Big Dismal provides two tracks while Third Day,
Steven Curtis Chapman, and MercyMe all join up for one song. Other
contributors include Scott Stapp (formerly of Creed), P.O.D., Lauryn Hill,
Kirk Franklin, and MxPx.

VEGGIETALES: SUMO OF THE OPERA DVD
Read above for our review of this new DVD, and also note that there are
bonus features on the DVD which are not mentioned in the review.


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

Today's theme in cMusicMail seems to be about worship. Although we have a
few folk albums and a few rock discs, the most noted ones here are about
worship. To start it off we have a review of Jami Smith's second studio
album, Wash Over Me. I've been enjoying Jami's music for a while now because
of her passion for worshipping God, which is shown through her rough vocals
and powerful songs. Plus, check out this week's new releases, including the
best of David Ruis and a new disc from Tim Hughes.

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WASH OVER ME - JAMI SMITH (2002)
by Hollie Stewart

The first thing that strikes me about Jami Smith is her low, gravelly voice,
similar in sound and style to Rita Springer.  Like Springer, when Smith lets
go on the choruses found in Wash Over Me, her passion for worshipping God
shines brilliant.  She encapsulates a refreshing honesty in her music.  Some
criticize that she sings too low for a woman, but I adore the gritty
expressions of praise in songs like "Only You Satisfy."  Her vocals are
scratchy yet beautiful when she cries out, "Open up my heart, Jesus / Open
up my mind, Jesus / Open up my life, Jesus / For only You satisfy."  Wash
Over Me has the soothing calm of a slow brook, bubbling simple yet true to
the nature of worship.

I could discuss the beauty of each song, of each river swell, but I'll focus
primarily on two favorites.  "You Prepare a Table" soothes me thematically
and musically.  Smith takes various Psalms and rearranges them into a
melodic hymn of praise.  She sings, "You prepare a table for me / And bless
me in the presence of my enemies / You fill me till my cup overflows / You
restore my soul."  Many of the songs, to my delight, incorporate scripture
and scriptural truth, like "Come Ye Sinners," "Come Unto Me," "Beautiful
Lovely Jesus," and "Find a World."  I love being able to read a passage from
the Bible and realize I already know it from a lyric in a song.

The strongest cut of the CD is the title track.  Here Smith is the most
honest, the guitars are the most pleasant, and the worship leader within her
is the most apparent.  This studio recording actually feels live; the
background singers remain steady, allowing Smith to break into spontaneous
praise.  While the lyrics remain simple, the simplicity brings a healing
quality to them: "Rain down Your favor on us / Lavish Your love upon us /
Pour out your presence on us / Let me taste Your mercy in the rain / Wash
over me / Wash over me."  This is a perfect song for congregational worship.
Yet "Wash Over Me"—and this entire album—would have been even stronger if it
had been recorded live.  Then we could have heard an audience sing along
with Smith rather than trained and almost-dry BGVs.  Wash Over Me is one of
the most energetic studio worship projects I've heard—"energetic" in the
sense that it doesn't feel pre-programmed.  I can only imagine a night of
live music with this musician.

This twelve-song album blends together so well that you can walk away,
return ten minutes later, and think you're still on the same song.  I tend
to enjoy worship albums reflecting this quality, but if you grow bored with
such consistency, this album is not for you.  However, if you need a new
worship soundtrack for your times with God, Wash Over Me is ideal, and Jami
Smith's voice and heart will work their way into your devotions with
simplistic ease, like water.

Find out more about Jami Smith at her official site:
http://www.jamismith.com/


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Feature:  If SoulFest Was A Contest...
http://cMusicWeb.com/features/soulfest/index.shtml

Review:  Flynn - In Like Flynn
http://cMusicWeb.com/hiphop/flynn/inlikeflynn.shtml

Review:  Copeland - Beneath Medicine Tree
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/copeland/beneathmedicinetree.shtml

Review:  George Rowe - Think About That
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/georgerowe/thinkaboutthat.shtml


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, AUGUST 24 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

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

A BETTER PLACE - OVERFLOW
In the vein of bands such as Building 429 and Starfield, Overflow is
Essential Records' pop/rock/worship band. This music will keep you rockin'
and worshippin' at the same time.

EVERLIFE - EVERLIFE
If ZOEgirl going rock wasn't proof enough, Everlife is proof that rock is
the new pop. From the photos, you would totally expect Avalon or Jump5 pop.
But pop this disc in and get ready for lots of crunchy guitars along with
the girls harmonizing.

EVERY MOVE I MAKE - DAVID RUIS
The first in Vineyard Music's "Vineyard Voices" series, this disc features
the best, most-loved songs penned by David Ruis. Songs such as "You Are
Worthy Of My Praise", "Let Your Glory Fall", and the title track are
performed by David Ruis as well as two never-before-heard tracks.

HIDE NOTHING - FURTHER SEEMS FOREVER
The trend of new members with every release continues as Further Seems
Forever gets a new vocalist. This new features some wacky cover art as well
as 10 new rock songs.

HIP HOPE HITS 2005 - VARIOUS
We've had WOW for years and now the X series brings the rock, so now all we
need is HIP HOPe. This disc has 18 tracks full of Christian hip-hop's best:
GRITS, Cross Movement, Ill Harmonics, T-Bone, and many more.

MONK AND NEAGLE - MONK AND NEAGLE
Indie folk youngsters Trent Monk and Michael Neagle found something out on
tour together... they worked really well together. So well, in fact, that
they decided to make their label debut as a duo. Don't expect the usual
Flicker Records hard rock thing, though, for these guys are folkies.

POTTER'S FIELD - 12 STONES
The second disc from Wind-Up's first Christian-market artist finds the band
a bit older and a bit wiser. Fans of their old disc will like this new one
for sure.

TRY - BEBO NORMAN
Although Bebo does not enlist the help of his longtime friend, Ed Cash, this
time around, Try is definitely one of his best albums. Although this is the
PICK OF THE WEEK, it is hard to say if the disc is as good as his previous
works. But that's only because it's all been amazing.

WHEN SILENCE FALLS - TIM HUGHES
If you're like me, you found Tim Hughes' first album, Here I Am To Worship,
a bit lacking besides the title track. The second effort is a different
story. With the production help of renowned producer Nathan Nockels, Hughes
keeps great new worship songs flowing as well as doing an amazing job with
"Holy, Holy" at the end of the disc.

WORSHIP AT RED ROCKS - JOHN TESH
Recently John Tesh has been known for covering worship songs through his
last couple releases. This release captures live worship at the famed Red
Rocks amphitheatre in Colorado. Also available in a DVD flavor too!


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

They say playing classical music is good for the babies, so if that's true,
I'd prescribe a healthy dose of Copeland to the teenagers and
twentysomethings out there. From the opening lines of the first quiet song
to the rock that comes in shortly afterwards, this disc is all about getting
through the hard times in life. Also this week, witness the return of
cMusicWeb.com as we hope to keep the site much more updated than it has been
in the past month. For example, this weekend we will have a look at the
SoulFest festival and how the bands stacked up against each other.

GOT COMMENTS?? - We want your input on cMusicWeb.com! Send it to
webmaster@... or find me on AOL IM.

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e-mail telling us why you're annoyed by hearing from us.


BENEATH MEDICINE TREE - COPELAND (2003)
by Hollie Stewart

Music, as much as any art, has been used as a balm for fragile wounds.  When
music is used in such a manner, it rings honest and heals other cracked
hearts.  Sir Phillip Sidney wrote how poetry was used to relieve one's
senses from the damaged world surrounding, and Beneath Medicine Tree has
this same soothing effect.  While Aaron Marsh struggled with the
hospitalization of two close friends, these songs poured out frustration and
healing.  Due to this transparency, listeners can find healing as well.

Copeland takes delicate instrumentation and intimate lyrics to craft a
hospital of rest without the cold, sterile environment.  "Testing The Strong
Ones" and "When Finally Set Free" discuss the purpose behind pain.  Marsh
states how this hurt is "testing the strong ones / It's scarring the
beautiful ones / It's holding the loved ones one last time" ("Testing The
Strong Ones").  A similar yet more progressive thought appears in "When
Finally Set Free": "Feel the pain teaching us how much more we can take /
Reminding us how far we've come."  Pain serves as a testing ground, proving
the strength of the suffering.  Many lessons are only learned by walking
through valleys the color of death.  "Take Care" speaks of serving the
hurting: "Don't lift a finger / Let me show you the only way to let this go
/ Don't lift a finger / Let me hold you here until the pain is all gone."
Through this song we once again see the heartache involved on both sides of
the hospital room, especially when Marsh adds, "Soon enough my strength will
return."

Strength does return in glimpses throughout many of these songs.  "She
Changes Your Mind" sings of this:  "It was your 'hello' that kept me hanging
on every word / And your 'goodbye' that keeps me listening for your voice
around each corner."  By maintaining the memory, the one left behind can
continue walking, even if the walking is difficult.

As much as pain is chronicled in this project, Beneath Medicine Tree
contains some deliciously light notes.  The songs "Coffee," "Walking
Downtown" and "There Cannot be a Close Second" discuss relationships:
grabbing coffee with a girl, admiring beauty, and embracing an other-worldly
purity within love.  The guitars, keys, and drums coincide with the
light-hearted feel of these tracks, and Marsh's voice rings high and soft
with pure falsetto.  "When Paula Sparks" showcases the musical genius of
Copeland in a well-balanced manner.  It starts with a soft tempo and hints
of harmony, almost ethereal.  With the onset of the second chorus, the
overdrive rises with heavy guitars.  "When Paula Sparks" lets loose with the
most energy by far, and it showcases the strength of Marsh's voice to yell
with passion and still maintain his light vocals.

Throughout the lyrics one can detect snippets of spirituality.  Many times
the second person addressed dances between the deceased loved one and the
Creator.  Hidden beneath layers of beautiful imagery, the seeker can find
God peeking through with a light not blinding, yet apparent.  The music has
a sense of depth not often seen in bands on major Christian labels, and one
can't help reflect on lying beneath a tree that offers healing.  Copeland's
honesty, transparent as IV lines, feeds the listener with music that will
help aid the healing process of a damaged society.

Find out more about Copeland at their official site:
http://www.thecopelandsite.com/


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Review:  Caedmon's Call - Chronicles
http://cMusicWeb.com/folk/caedmonscall/chronicles.shtml

Review:  Out of Eden - Love, Peace and Happiness
http://cMusicWeb.com/hiphop/outofeden/lovepeaceandhappiness.shtml

Review:  Rock 'n' Roll Worship Circus - The Listening EP
http://cMusicWeb.com/worship/worshipcircus/listening.shtml


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

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

FERNANDO ORTEGA - FERNANDO ORTEGA
After years as Word Records' Inspirational format baby, Ortega has moved on
to Curb Records. But this time around you will find Fernando digging more
deeply to find his transparent lyrics. Ortega also explores more of folk,
jazz, and even a bit of rock on this release, which is already being hailed
his best yet.

A MAN CAN CHANGE HIS STARS - MOURNING SEPTEMBER
Floodgate Records is doing a good job at making inroads into the Christian
punk rock market.  Joining bands such as Number One Gun, Denison Marrs, and
East West is Mourning September. Their debut offers some good rock tunes but
fails to really distinguish itself from the likes of Number One Gun and the
Evan Anthem. Nevertheless, this band may grow in time so keep an eye on
them.

THE PUREST PLACE - WATERMARK
Although Christy Nockels openly admits that their sophomore disc, All Things
New, is probably their best work yet, The Purest Place would be my pick for
close second.  This PICK OF THE WEEK includes a couple worship songs the duo
has performed on Passion CDs and showcases the ever-impressive production
work of Nathan Nockels.

SIMPLY NOTHING - SHAWN McDONALD
Not at all a surprise for a new Sparrow artist, the pretty-boy McDonald
delivers the usual acoustic-tinged pop with the God-centered, worshipful
lyrics.


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

As our reviewer Rick Foux says, "Rock is the new pop." It seems that many
people have been noticing this recently, with pop artists incorporating more
guitars and more rock artists making it on the radio. Today cMusicMail
features the band that has always rocked: The Rock 'n' Roll Worship Circus.
They have gone indie and this disc is their best yet. Plus, we have word on
new rock CDs out this week, from Lovedrug, Building 429, and The Swift.

GOT COMMENTS?? - We want your input on cMusicWeb.com! Send it to
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THE LISTENING - THE ROCK 'N' ROLL WORSHIP CIRCUS (2004)
by Hollie Stewart

The art of listening has diminished in our ADD-society of channel-flippers
and MP3-player addicts.  But the ability to listen—-to pause and
reflect-—needs to be embraced once again.  The artwork of The Rock 'n' Roll
Worship Circus' newest project shows a blurred white image underneath the
CD, with the question, "did you hear that?"  Not only must the listening
take place, but also the question and evaluation of what one hears must be
digested and discussed.  This is especially true when it comes to listening
for God's voice.  It's not a natural listening for car horns and beeping
cell phones, but a deeper soul-search, as another piece of the CD artwork
reveals: "May these things which are hidden from our eyes be revealed to our
souls."  The Rock 'n' Roll Worship Circus seeks this revelation, and The
Listening EP is one byproduct of such a search.

The band's search has taken them to embrace new musicians and new sounds.
Prodigy guitarist Solo Greely reins in lead lines with the ease of cutting
butter.  With this forefather returning to the stage, Eric Lemiere leaves
guitar and replaces Zurn P. Praxair on drums with a low-key, mellow sense to
keeping the beat.  And perhaps the greatest addition to the new sound of the
Worship Circus is Josiah Sherman.  He delivers techno keys in a Pink Floyd
style that's hard to miss and completely delightful.  Track 1, "Are We
Listening," displays Sherman's unique sense of synthesizer programming,
establishing the moody emotion that hangs over the entire project.

Once the journey is laid out, we're lead into the song "(Untitled)," a
documentation of the listening journey, of seeking Christ and not being able
to name your search or your salvation: "Have you climbed to the top of the
mountain yet / You walk through the valley of the shadow of death / It's the
sound of the man taking a breath / The feeling of the devil beating on your
chest / …You look through the stars, look for His eyes / Find yourself
hidden in the Savior's side."  It's a non-traditional sense of worship—very
distinct from the "Here I Am to Worship" flair.  "Dead Man" follows this
fresh worship phenomenon and the same moody atmosphere.  With
other-world/space noise shrouding the movement, lead-singer Gabriel Wilson
sings, "He who calls upon His name shall be saved / […] / He's calling out
to save us all / Let the light of Jesus shine on us."  "(Untitled)" and
"Dead Man" stand as stylistic and thematic bookends to the project.

The Listening EP contains moments where God sings to His creation, and where
the band sings to the audience on a horizontal level, urging them to worship
the Creator.  "Like I Do" is a song from God's point of view.  Wilson croons
along with a Beatle-ish guitar melody, singing, "I was sittin' on the corner
watching you go by / You had your sunshine on, a tear in your eye / If you
were close enough you would hear Me / Nobody loves you like I do / So you
talk to the different people that you see / You talk to anyone and everyone
but Me / If you come over here I would let you know / Nobody loves you like
I do."  After this rings "The Way That Love is Made," a call from band to
audience to walk in love toward one another.  The Beatles influence drenches
this song almost to oblivion.  The strength of this 6-song album lies in the
Pink Floyd sounds and all-around reflective and meditative environment.

A more familiar moment of worship culminates in track 3, "I Love the Rain."
It begins with light acoustic guitar and soft, filtered vocals in an
easy-to-digest tempo, very reminiscent of "We Sing Glory" from their project
Welcome to the Rock 'n' Roll Worship Circus.  By the middle of the song, the
electric guitar, backing vocals and drums kick in to produce a mighty
crescendo: "I love the rain / it's like tears are falling from my Father's
face / I love the rain / tears from up above / that's my Father's love."
For those who look for a more traditional expression of praise, this will be
the favorite cut off the album.  Yet for those listeners who seek a distinct
worship experience with fresh sounds currently uncultivated in the greater
CCM world, The Listening EP is a must-have.  It is a musical experience that
will leave both your ears and soul hungry for more.

Find out more about the Rock 'n' Roll Worship Circus at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/worship/worshipcircus


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Interview:  By The Tree's Chuck Dennie
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/bythetree/interview.shtml

Review:  Denver & The Mile High Orchestra - Stand
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/denvermho/stand.shtml

Review:  Various - Veggie Rocks!
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/veggierocks/index.shtml

Review:  The Insyderz - Soundtrack To A Revolution
http://cMusicWeb.com/hardrock/insyderz/soundtracktoarevolution.shtml


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, JULY 27 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

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

RACHAEL LAMPA - RACHAEL LAMPA
Touted as the coming-of-age album for Rachel, we find Lampa more involved in
the pop music process. Also, expect a bit more of a rock edge just like most
other pop these days.

PRETEND YOU'RE ALIVE - LOVEDRUG
While not many have heard of this new band, they're poised to be a big name
of the future. We think the band is comprised of Christians, for their music
definitely has spiritual undertones. Even more impressive is their amazing
brand of rock, which has rocketed them from Ohio indie band to major rock
name in just two years.

SPACE IN BETWEEN US - BUILDING 429
If you listen to Christian radio you've no doubt heard b429's "Glory
Defined". If you liked this single, you will probably enjoy this God-focused
pop/rock debut. However, if you're looking for something new and original
musically, look more to Lovedrug or The Swift this week for your fix.

TODAY - THE SWIFT
Possibly one of the most underrated bands in Christian music today, The
Swift are the only band making piano-based rock similar to Ben Fold's Five.
With their latest release, The Swift build upon their first disc with even
more lush instrumentation and catchy hooks. This PICK OF THE WEEK should be
a keeper.


THE LATEST NEWS HEADLINES
- Don’t squelch the creative juices while tobyMac mixes
- Paul Colman solo going double?
- 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

This week we have a number of great reviews on cMusicWeb.com. First, there's
the latest from Pillar, a true rocker of a disc. We've recently heard that
Virgin Records is picking up the disc for wider distribution, so here's
hoping you can request it as well as Skillet on mainstream rock radio. Then
we've got reviews of Bethany Dillon, Sara Groves, and more, plus a number of
news stories that may pique your interest.

GOT COMMENTS?? - We want your input on cMusicWeb.com! Send it to
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WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE - PILLAR (2004)
by Scott Bush

So the other day I got my pre-ordered, autographed copy of Pillar's latest,
Where Do We Go From Here. I've been waiting two long, long years since their
last album, 2002's Fireproof, and a lot can happen in two years. Some bands
form, release an album and burn-out in less time than that. Following a
second lineup change that sees Lester Estelle replace former drummer Brad
Noone, Pillar emerges from the studio like a bear after hibernation and
makes a simple, but powerful, statement to the world: "We're back."

A change in membership does not always indicate a change in sound; in this
case there is one minor change. Gone (mostly) is the "rap" part of the
rap-rock style that earned these guys a name. Instead, listeners are treated
to a healthy serving of straight-forward, in-your-face, hard rock. Twelve
glorious tracks, forty-two minutes and twelve seconds of driving guitar and
crashing drums that makes a guy like me start head-banging while playing air
instruments.

The thing Pillar does better than most Christian rock bands is find a way to
put forth an aggressive, challenging message about God's love and mercy in a
format that is entertaining as well. So many bands fall into the rut of
focusing only on struggles in life, but Pillar espouses the attitude that,
while life has a way of wearing us down, a positive outlook bordering on
defiance can be just as important as faith. It's hard to think of another
band making music capable of grabbing mainstream listeners' attention
without watering down the message. (Are you listening, P.O.D.?) And on this
offering, Pillar raises the bar just that much higher, simultaneously
building on and holding true to their roots.

While the bulk of the disc will sound very familiar on first listen, there
are some departures from the norm worth noting. Track 3, "Holding On," has
more of a punk feel to it, including the frenetic pacing and mono-chord
guitar. "Simply" is a slow, driving number complete with, fittingly, a
simple message: Let God help you. How many times have you regretted
something you've done, thinking "I've made it so hard on myself / turning my
back on how You felt"? One of my favorite cuts, "Frontline," reminds me a
lot of Fireproof's "Echelon," right down to the military theme. Immediately
after that is the heaviest song on the project, "Underneath It All." I heard
this track when I saw Pillar in concert earlier this year, and it seemed
then (and now) that this was a showcase piece for the new drummer.

It would be cliché to suggest third time's a charm for this band,
particularly since they had such a strong sophomore release. What I can say,
however, is that this group has a plan and the talent to execute it. Just
enough experimentation to bring something new, but holding onto enough of
the old to retain their listeners, Pillar has produced something that makes
them the early favorites for Best Rock Group at next year's GMA awards.

Find out more about Pillar at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/hardrock/pillar


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Review:  Sara Groves - The Other Side of Something
http://cMusicWeb.com/folk/saragroves/othersideofsomething.shtml

Review:  Jim Murphy - It Was You
http://cMusicWeb.com/worship/jimmurphy/itwasyou.shtml

Review:  Bethany Dillon - Bethany Dillon
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/bethanydillon/bethanydillon.shtml


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, JULY 20 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

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

PALISADE - PALISADE
This new pop/inspirational act will definitely do well in the radio arena.
First, the group is two guys and girl, which brings comparisons to adult pop
groups like Avalon. Second, their music is a bit less produced than Avalon,
bringing raw guitars and beautiful piano instead of the techno-pop sound. In
short, this is the exact formula for adult pop.


THE LATEST NEWS HEADLINES
- GRITS Deliver Even More In 2004
- Not the 400 meter relay race for Kutless
- Relief work spearheaded by the artists
- The Worship Circus Goes Indie, Releases EP
- 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

Wouldn't it be fun to have your favorite artist playing his acoustic and
sitting in your living room? All you best friends are gathered around,
everyone is enjoying the music and even singing along a bit. The artist
talks with you about his songs, what they mean, and you discuss whatever you
want. That's what Derek Webb did with last year's tour of America's living
rooms. Now we get to hear it for ourselves on The House Show. Check out our
review and keep checking cMusicWeb.com for more music info such as a review
of Bethany Dillon's stellar debut this weekend.

GOT COMMENTS?? - We want your input on cMusicWeb.com! Send it to
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THE HOUSE SHOW - DEREK WEBB (2004)
by Jason Ewert

Like many die-hard Derek Webb fans, I can still remember the excitement I
felt when I first heard his solo debut She Must and Shall Go Free. It was
not the bubblegum thrill one gets when riding roller coasters, nor was it
the "Ooh! Aah!" heartwarming fuzzies that populate baby showers. This
feeling was different. It was like seeing for the first time. As I listened
to Derek's words I was convicted and uplifted by what he said, and I felt
strengthened by what I had heard.

But time has a way of growing cataracts on the eyes of our souls, and I've
found that the more I've listened to She Must and Shall Go Free, the more
I'm able to shrug it off and forget the Gospel that it preaches. It's become
easy for me to say, "Yeah I'm crooked deep down," and not even think about
what that means or what Scripture teaches me about this.

If you, like me, have been afflicted by this forgetfulness of the soul, then
The House Show is the antidote you need. Forget that it's chock full of live
emotion and great acoustic performances by Derek: the novelty of those
things will wear off with time. Derek's mini-sermons—disguised as "Intro
to..." tracks—will not.

Why are these mini-sermons so important? Because they expound on what Derek
preached on She Must and Shall Go Free. You can only say so much in a three-
or four-minute song, so these intros provide Derek with the chance to
explain to his audiences why the Gospel is so important, why we must believe
that we are great sinners, and why our salvation is so glorious. Simply put,
Derek preaches the Gospel, and he preaches it in such a way as to leave the
listener no option of escape.

All that said, the redeeming factor here is not Derek or his songs. Rather,
it is that the Gospel is preached faithfully. Derek is simply the messenger,
the songs simply his tools. And as the disc ends, you will not be thinking,
"Man, I love Derek Webb!" Instead, you'll be praying, "Praise Christ for His
glorious Gospel."

And that is how it ought to be.

Find out more about Derek Webb at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/folk/derekwebb


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Interview:  Jars of Clay
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/jarsofclay/interview.shtml

Review:  Stu Dent - Nephilim
http://cMusicWeb.com/hiphop/student/nephilim.shtml

Review:  Building 429 - Glory Defined EP
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/building429/glorydefined.shtml

Feature:  Manafest's Destiny
http://cMusicWeb.com/hiphop/manafest/feature.shtml

Review:  David Crowder Band - The Lime CD
http://cMusicWeb.com/worship/davidcrowderband/lime.shtml

Review:  Dead Poetic - New Medicines
http://cMusicWeb.com/hardrock/deadpoetic/newmedicines.shtml

Review:  Third Day - Wire
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/thirdday/wire.shtml


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, JULY 13 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

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

ABSOLUTE SMASH HITS - VARIOUS
Fervent Records is trying to cash in on the success of the WOW series by
offering their own two-disc hits set. Sadly, the highlights of the disc,
older songs by Tree63, Jennifer Knapp, and 12 Stones take the spotlight and
Fervent artists such as Big Daddy Weave and Palisade are just filler.

KJ-52 AND TC PRESENT SOUL PURPOSE
Who would've thought KJ's producer, Todd Collins, could sing? And more
amazingly, maybe even KJ can sing? I don't think it goes that far, but with
this Soul Purpose project the two go more pop than KJ-52's albums. KJ still
raps and they goof off a lot, but here you get more singable choruses.

LETTERS TO THE PRESIDENT - HAWK NELSON
The Trevor effect has struck again. You've heard him leading Thousand Foot
Krutch and FM Static, but this time Trevor McNevan is producing. His
hometown friends, Hawk Nelson, are being billed as the Christian version of
Good Charlotte and Simple Plan, and it shows. This group's pop-punk is solid
and they could be another breakthrough for the portfolio of the T&N/Trevor
combo.

THE LISTENING EP - ROCK 'N' ROLL WORSHIP CIRCUS
OK, it didn't release today, it released on Sunday. And no, you cannot get
it anywhere but Worship Circus shows and www.worshipcircus.com, so you will
have to special order it. We have not heard it yet, but the early buzz is
that its the most mature disc from the Worship Circus yet. No doubt this
PICK OF THE WEEK will only keep fans stoked for another full-length disc.


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

This week we're proud to announce the return of Third Day. "But," you say,
"they never went anywhere, did they?" At cMusicWeb.com we are happy to
announce they are back to their rock roots. Yes, that is right... no more
pop/worship on their latest disc, Wire. Of course, you probably already knew
that, but read our review anyways to get the full scoop. Plus, visit
cMusicWeb.com to see a daily report for Creation East 2004, which transpired
this past weekend.

GOT COMMENTS?? - We want your input on cMusicWeb.com! Send it to
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WIRE - THIRD DAY (2004)
by Rick Foux

The most uncommon places often serve as the best songwriting locales. Steven
Curtis Chapman came up with the chorus to "Heaven in the Real World" in his
vegetable garden. Skillet frontman John Cooper penned bits and pieces of
"Rippin' Me Off" while at a Marilyn Manson concert. And Third Day wrote the
majority of their fifth studio album, Wire, while dangling over the abyss of
CCM mediocrity. After two sub-par forays into pop and worship, Wire was
shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the band. Even longtime, faithful fans
began to doubt. "Can Third Day still rock? Will they ever return to their
roots? Will Rick ever stop dissing them?" The answer to all of these
questions is a resounding, gratifying, "YES." Ladies and gentlemen, Third
Day is back, and they're making up for lost time.

Wire takes all that is good about Third Day and amplifies it by 600 watts.
While it doesn't match Time, Wire will definitely appease Third Day fans who
have long been waiting for the next best thing. Sonically, Third Day draws
elements from their first three projects and combines them for some amazing
tunes. "Til the Day I Die" opens with a recurring chord progression that
sounds eerily (and we're assuming purposefully) similar to the one found on
"Peace" from their Conspiracy No. 5 album. "It's a Shame," a folksy lament
that attempts to dissuade a close friend from giving up on life, resurrects
melodies resembling those from "Can't Take the Pain." The comparisons
continue as hints of "Have Mercy" and "Did You Mean It" surface in the
rugged rocker "I Got a Feeling," complete with Gospel choir and Mac Powell
hollering, "Can I get a witness?" Yes, folks, it doesn't get much better
than that.

I lied. It gets better. Drawing on prior experience is all well and good,
but it doesn't compare to the all-new material Third Day pioneers on this
CD. Brad Avery and Mark Lee are the all-stars of "Come on Back to Me,"
providing sublime guitar harmony during the chorus, and Powell's vocals have
never sounded better than on "Innocent," smoothly stretching to previously
unheard scales. "Rockstar" and "Billy Brown" are about as raw as the band
gets on Wire, using a bit of sarcasm in each to relay the importance of
being a positive role model. And as proof that everything producer Paul
Ebersold touches turns to gold, the title track is rich with lush string
arrangements and well-blended programming. Furthermore, while there is no
single wire tying every song together, Lee and Powell's songwriting
abilities are at their finest. For example, take Powell's "You Are Mine" –
the finest Third Day worship track since "Love Song." Powell is so grieved
at the thought of Christ's sacrifice that it breaks his heart, yet it's
because of that sacrifice "I can say that I am yours and you are mine." It's
a beautiful melody, and Powell's tender vocals add a level of emotional
depth that isn't even found on the Offerings albums. In contrast, it's hard
to tell if "Til the Day I Die" is written towards God or a significant
other, but the lyrics are a bold commitment all the same: "Nobody's ever
gonna love you like I am / you never can deny / that nobody's gonna hold you
like I am / I'll love you til I die." The biting satire on "Billy Brown" is
so clever that it borders on hysterical, and Lee's dramatic metaphor,
"Innocent," brings tears to the eyes and a flood of peace to the soul.
Finally, "Blind" receives honors as overall best cut on the album. It's
paced perfectly – not too soft, not too loud – and Powell's gritty vocals
describe a life all listeners can relate to: the life of a lost, desperate
seeker before God's intervention. The band really cuts loose at the end, but
unfortunately Mac keeps his vocals in check (we really would have loved to
hear him strike a high note on the last "blind"). Still, 3D's other members,
predominantly Tai Anderson, manage to fire things up while keeping it
melodic and organized. It all combines to produce a "WOW" factor unlike any
other track on the record. Any listener, regardless of their mood, can find
something that speaks to them in "Blind," and the variety of the album
guarantees that there's a song for everyone.

As everyone knows, there's no such thing as a perfect album, and Wire is no
exception. "I Believe," "San Angelo," and "I Will Hold My Head High" are
fairly weak, uninteresting efforts that are best skipped. Still, with ten
other superb songs and unique packaging, Wire emerges a winner. To borrow a
line from "Billy Brown," "We are all watching and expect / that whatever you
are doing next / well, it is gonna be the greatest thing / that we have ever
seen." As much as I recommend Wire, it's merely a transitory project for
something bigger and better on the horizon. For now, though, let's live in
the moment.

Skeptics, rejoice. Third Day has given us a reason to listen again.

Find out more about Third Day at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/thirdday


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Review:  Sanctus Real - Fight The Tide
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/sanctusreal/fightthetide.shtml

Review:  Chris Rice - Short Term Memories
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/chrisrice/shorttermmemories.shtml

Review:  Newsboys - Newsboys Remixed
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/newsboys/remixed.shtml

Feature:  Live From Creation '04 (now with photos!)
http://cMusicWeb.com/features/creation2004


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, JUNE 29 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

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

DICHOTOMY A - GRITS
The only release of the week, this PICK OF THE WEEK is the first of two
albums from Bonafide and Coffee this year. Fans of earlier GRITS releases
will find an ever-expanding musical landscape and a disc full of songs with
mainstream potential. Still, hardcore fans of hip-hop may not enjoy this
disc as much due to its pop flavor and lack of tackling heavy issues. And
remember, Dichotomy B hits stores in November.


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

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!

GOT COMMENTS?? - We want your input on cMusicWeb.com! Send it to
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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

Oh, what fun it is to be a webmaster for a music website! I have been
listening to the new Pillar and Sanctus Real CDs, both of which come out
this week. Both are amazing, so expect them to be getting more and more
attention in the future. Speaking of which, check out our interview with
Sanctus Real on cMusicWeb.com and take a look at the other discs out this
week.

GOT COMMENTS?? - We want your input on cMusicWeb.com! Send it to
webmaster@... or find me on AOL IM.

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FIGHT THE TIDE - SANCTUS REAL (2004)
by Rick Foux

Any sophomore release is crucial in the fact that listeners of the debut
want to know if the particular artist has staying power. Some have pulled it
off without a hitch, while others have produced less graceful offerings. In
the midst of trying to find their identity, Sanctus Real faces this same
increasing pressure of gaining a foothold in the modern rock arena.
Thankfully, with their second disc, Fight the Tide, they secure that
foothold, albeit using a repeat performance to do so.

From the first note of "Everything About You," it's evident how much these
guys have increased in talent. The melodies are tighter and more prominent
than material from Say It Loud, and the band balances decent songwriting
with more than a few catchy hooks. A remarkable bridge on "Everything About
You" throws vocals and instruments into chaotic turmoil, leaving the
listener amazed at the band's harder edge. Following up the opener are "The
Fight Song" and "Alone," both cuts that are the instrumental filet mignon of
the disc. Mark Hammitt and Chris Rohman pulverize their six-strings, and you
can tell they're having a ball doing so. Lyrical gems are found in the Goo
Goo Dolls-like "Things Like You (Everyone's Everything)," in which Sanctus
puts down their own desire for worldly possessions and all of the greed,
envy, and malice that comes with it. "Closer" echoes nearly the same
message, although citing a hunger for a deeper, more fulfilling relationship
with God, and the soft-spoken "Change Me" is a well-written, worshipful
ballad that pleads, "I want you to change me / from who I've been lately /
cause I know I'm nothing without you." Hammitt's voice resonates
beautifully, leaving the listener with a feeling of euphoric praise.
Surprisingly, Fight the Tide is some of producer Tedd T.'s finest work as
well. Every non-ballad track rocks incessantly, and not one song is
overproduced, contrary to some of his prior efforts.

Like their debut, however, problems arise about halfway through the record,
beginning with "The Show." Although it begins with one of Mark Graalman's
impressive drum loops, the funky ska deviation rains out the rest of the
track, leaving it awkward and crippled. The rapid-fire "Message" returns to
signature Sanctus style, but it's quickly killed again by the mismatched
pacing of music and vocals in "Deeds." The track's lyrical quality also
suffers when compared to the rest of the project; it's a simplistic look at
how faith and deeds are intertwined. While appealing to the tween crowd,
it'll most likely strike a sour chord with older listeners. "You Can't Hide"
whimsically takes a line from the popular Dr. Seuss book, Oh, The Places
You'll Go, but like its predecessor, it's a bit too sing-song in style and
points out the obvious message that God is omniscient and omnipresent. A
stellar guitar solo during the bridge is the only thing that saves the track
from yawns. Fortunately, "Where Will They Go" is a blissful combination of
the sounds of Newsboys and PFR, masterful songwriting, and solid vocal
performance. Hearing Hammitt pronounce, "I am lost without your love / Lord
show me the way," is a strikingly bright spot in the midst of a ho-hum
second half of the project. Fight the Tide concludes with the eminently
unmemorable "Say Goodbye," which serves as nothing more than another token
ballad with which to extend the album's length. Bold prediction: it'll close
a handful of Sanctus Real concerts, most likely through an encore.

Thanks to a strong eight or nine songs, Fight the Tide will no doubt win
over the legions of Sanctus Real fans clamoring for new material, and it may
even sway a few of those on the fence. The band's newfound talent proves
that they're ready to take their music to the next level, and you can expect
to hear praise for a couple of their radio singles. Fight the Tide also
proves, however, that there's nothing original or innovative at work here,
and at its core we merely have "just another" rock album.

Read our recent interview with Sanctus Real
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/sanctusreal/interview2.shtml

Find out more about Sanctus Real at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/sanctusreal


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Review:  Trevor Morgan - Wonderlight
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/trevormorgan/wonderlight.shtml

Interview:  Sanctus Real
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/sanctusreal/interview2.shtml


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, JUNE 15 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

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

AMAZING GRACE 3: A COUNTRY SALUTE TO GOSPEL - VARIOUS
In this disc, Nashville meets Nashville... or Country music meets Christian
music. The two genres have been crossing each other frequently, and this
compilation is the latest to do so. This disc finds eleven Gospel tracks
performed by some of today's biggest country music stars.

DIVINE INVITATION - SOMETHING LIKE SILAS
Rock music is definitely still big today, and Christian music's latest craze
is worship bands that rock. While the original rock/worship bands,
delirious? and the Rock 'n' Roll Worship Circus, seem to be under harder
times, bands such as Something Like Silas are getting all the attention.
While definitely not as good as the originals, this band delivers a decent
debut.

FACEDOWN - MATT REDMAN
This live disc by Matt Redman caught me off guard. When thinking of Matt
Redman I immediately expect well-produced studio albums, and this is not one
of them. This live disc captures Matt's raw energy but has failed to produce
any worship songs of the caliber of "The Heart of Worship" after a couple
listens. They may be there, though.

FIGHT THE TIDE - SANCTUS REAL
See full-length review above for more info on this disc.

JAMES CLAY - JAMES CLAY
He's been compared to singer/songwriter heavyweights in the mainstream and
its no doubt his pop/rock sound will get him somewhere. But just how far is
the question.

MOVING ON FAITH - JADON LAVIK
Since the success of Jeremy Camp, Brandon Ebel's Tooth and Nail and BEC
Recordings labels have been accused of going pop. Jadon Lavik does not help
the situation either, for his music will do well at AC radio and maybe even
get another Dove Award.

ONCE AGAIN - FUSEBOX
Fusebox, also known as Rebecca St. James' backup band, is back for their
second disc. Musically, their worship reminds me of the David Crowder Band
with their slickly-produced, "not afraid to rock" attitude.

REVENGE OF THE SUPERTONES - THE O.C. SUPERTONES
The fans who most liked the Supertone Strike Back disc will enjoy this disc
musically. But while it does hearken back to the glory days of ska, the
lyrics are less creative and more worshipful in nature.

THEY'RE ONLY CHASING SAFETY - UNDEROATH
If the girl with the clear air mask on the front does not draw in the
hardcore nerds, I don't know what will. Almost all the lyrics are screamed,
though, so while it's not really my style, the Solid State freaks will
definitely pick it up.

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE - PILLAR
In recent interviews, Pillar have proclaimed that they were no good at
rapping and have virtually done away with that on their latest disc. Some
may mourn the fact, but having listened to the disc numerous times, I
believe it is the best yet from Pillar. This PICK OF THE WEEK from Pillar
features hard-hitting rock and most stores will give you a free Flicker
Records sampler too.


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