Third Verse

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Known for its tireless touring and pronounced affection for the Gin Blossoms, Smalltown Poets has produced pop that's more potent than many of its Christian peers. Still, a few observers (including this critic) have wondered whether the group has yet to tap its artistic potential. On Third Verse lead vocalist Michael Johnston and company take a commendable step towards toughening and sharpening their sound, drawing on a range of rockin' influences from David Garza to Collective Soul. Judging by a nine-song pre-release (all that was available at press time), Smalltown has embraced more angular textures without losing its knack for crisp melodies. Perhaps the peak moment is the cover of The 77s' tune "The Lust, the Flesh, the Eyes and the Pride of Life." Despite its tongue-twisting title, this number could easily pass for a classic Byrds tune with its 12-string electric guitar and yearning chorus harmonies. Like a man with his back to the wall, Johnston delivers his vocal pinned against a pulsating down-tuned bass. It's a beautiful, sad song that chronicles the dark side of human nature with stark emotional honesty.

Elsewhere, "Clean" unfolds from a stripped drum loop into an engaging volley of guitar lines and feedback, propelled by a sweetly soaring chorus. And for fans of the vintage Smalltown sound, "Every Reason" boasts a ready-for-radio chorus (and owes more than a passing nod to the Blossoms). Still, there's room to mature; lyrically, Smalltown is solid but often formulaic. But alas, growth often comes one album at a time. Third Verse raises the musical bar a notch. Now, if the band can live up to its moniker and take chances with its wordsmithing, greatness awaits. -- Lou Carlozo (c) 2000 CCM Communications, Inc.

Third Verse,Smalltown Poets,Forefront / Emd,Adult Alternative Pop/Rock,Alternative CCM,Christian Rock,Contemporary Christian Music,Pop,Religious / Contemp. Christian

Average customer rating:

STP's 4th CD October 19, 2004
waiting for the 4th verse now...
One of My Favorites
Bards for the king
Best yet

Third Verse
Smalltown Poets
Manufacturer: Forefront / Emd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Alternative | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Listen Closely
Smalltown Poets
It's Later Than It's Ever Been
The Waiting
Big Tent Revival

ASIN: B00004YL5R
Release Date: 2000-09-26

Tracks:

Every Reason
Any Other Love
Firefly
Clean
The Lust, The Flesh, The Eyes, And The Pride Of Life
Waterfall
Beautiful, Scandalous Night
No Kinder Savior
That Line
100 Billion Watts

Customer Reviews:

STP's 4th CD October 19, 2004.......2004-05-16

Check Out www.becrecordings.com. Click on "Artists" menu. Then click on the picture of the four guys (Smalltown Poets). You will find a picture of the NEW Album Cover and a complete list of the 10 NEW Songs from the album due to be released 10/19/04. The new Smalltown Poets recording is complete! The album titled "It's Later Than It's Ever Been" is scheduled to be in stores October 19, 2004! Exactly 2 Weeks From Now!

waiting for the 4th verse now..........2003-05-07

I'm just a huge SP fan! This is a well thought out disc. I wish they would make another! I have all their stuff and I never been let down.

One of My Favorites.......2002-12-12

These guys are just great. I have been listening to them for quite some time. Honestly I bought this CD because I am the third. I love the lyrics and the tunes are melodic. Out of 300+ Christian CD's I now own this are certianly in the top ten.

Bards for the king.......2001-08-31

These guys did more with less on this album. The lyrics have intergrity. The beat rocks and the acoustic tracks are insightful. Not as polished as the first two albums, that's what makes this so complete. A true pursuit of excellence that reveal a love for an excellent Savior.

Best yet.......2001-07-11

I gave the last Smalltown Poets a less than glowing review. There were only a few songs on that CD I truly enjoyed (the spoken word intro to "Quasar" made me cringe). THIS time the Poets have hit a homerun. "Third Verse" is a strong CD from start to finish. "Any Other Love" is just a perfect song. It's the best thing they've done. And they certainly know a good song to cover... not once but twice! "The Lust...." and "Beautiful Scandalous Night"... Wow, great taste guys!! If you are looking for good, solid rock with smarts, this is it.

INNOCENT VOICES: The Verse of Terezin's Children

Average customer rating:

INNOCENT VOICES: The Verse of Terezin's Children
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Lost Planet
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Third Wave Ska | Ska | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000IL02
Release Date: 1996-09-01

Tracks:

-The Butterfly
-The Little Mouse
-Man Proposes, God Disposes
-A Letter to Daddy
-Birdsong
-The Forgotten
-View from the Coffee House
-Five
-Carry Me Back to Old Virginny
-With You Mother/

Album Description

The CD release of "Innocent Voices: The Verse of Terezin's Children" consists of original and traditional music composed to a compilation of children's poems (which appear in the 12 page CD insert), that were selected from two well known books:

I Never Saw Another Butterfly Published by Schoken Books Inc., New York (1993),

Vedem; We Are Children Just The Same Published by The Jewish Publication Society, Philadelphia(1995),

"Innocent Voices: The Verse of Terezin1s Children" marks a historic release of new music produced by five-time Grammy nominated producer Joe Ferry. "Innocent Voices" is a remarkable work that combines the heart-wrenching yet life-affirming poetry of the Holocaust's youngest victims - the children of Terezin, with music that reflects both the vast emotion and the musical heritage of history's most infamous event.

Terezin was Adolf Hitler1s "model" concentration camp during World War II. Among the everyday people interned, the camp included artists and intellectuals from throughout Europe. Along with these artists came their children. Amidst horror, squalor and depravation, art secretively flourished in Terezin. Among the music, plays, and artwork created, there was the poetry and letters of the children. This poetry has been beautifully molded into song with the help of producer Ferry, who has managed to bring to the world a child1s perspective on life in a Nazi concentration camp. Despair, bewilderment, heartache, hopelessness, love and hope are some of the emotions explored in these songs. The songs run the gamut of beautiful airy solos to full choral arrangements. It is clear that the songs faithfully and respectfully give voice to the surprisingly erudite writings and triumphant spirit of the youngest of victims.

Lost Planet Records was founded with the clear purpose of bringing "Innocent Voices" to the attention of the world. For more information about "Innocent Voices", Terezin, or Lost Planet Records, please contact Lost Planet.