A Review of The Phantom Tollbooth

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The Phantom Tollbooth finally reached the point where we can't do a full review every CD we received. We thought we'd say something about the best of them but even this proved difficult. While there wasn't a 5 tock disc among them, there also wasn't a bad disc in the lot. We used to get a lot of discs where we'd shake our heads and say "I hope them don't quit their day jobs." They were out of tune, had poor production, or they couldn't play their instruments. Well, things have changed--they all sang in tune, they all have no problems playing their instruments well, all their producers are ready for the big time. We present for your browsing pleasure some Short Bits. Linda & Shari, Co-publishers

Glorious Bride
Artist: Glorious Bride
Label: Independent
A Christian alternative melodic rock band form Alburn, AL who sounds a little like early Who. The music serves the message nicely but never rises above average.

A New Heart
Artist: K.W.A. (Kingdom Word Abide)
Label: Independent
This Black gospel group provides a very good album of inspirational music. There songs are packed with scripture references. It's really a shame this type of music doesn't get more play.

21:03 (Date of the group's birth--the 23rd day of 2003)
Artist: PaJam
Label: Gospocetric
PaJam was created by some successful music writers & producers who've worked with Destiny's Child, and Boyz2Men who ran a talent search for the right young, handsome voices to act as their mouthpieces. It should have some cross-over appeal with a sound similar to dc Talk mixing hip hop and Black Gospel. The name of the CD, 21:03, refers to the group's birthdate, the 23rd day of 2003 and features good production values, solid writing and catchy tunes. Given the its background, and solid touring support, succes will surely follow no later than 21:07.

Changing Places
Artist: June Rochelle
Label: Pyramid Records
An impressive soul singer from Indianapolis. Rochelle is a good vocalist without ever overreaching. The songs are more personal reflections than gospel.

Deliver us from Evil
Sacred Sorrow
Label: Wounded Records
Strident hardcore/punk with has a variety of Christian lyrics. Well-produced.

Twenty Years
Artist: Sad Girl
Label: Independent
Epic stories told to a light funky rock "n" roll from a husband and wife duo.

(No title, just a friendly picture of President Richard M. Nixon on the cover.)
Artist: Maxel Toft
Label: Independent
While this record had us scratching our head, this guy should be on Asthmatic Kitty Records. Strange production values and found sounds similar to Sufjan Stevens. Don't let the cover fool you, this is good stuff.

Born Again EP
Artist: XD Out
Label: Independent
Alternative rock sound with a singer that sounds similar to Billy Corgan. The instruments are all well played but the lyrics are a bit simplistic.

Who's Come'n With Me?
Artist: Zombie Gutz
Label: Wounded Records
Christian hardcore that is well-played, but monotonous. It all sounds the same. Lighthearted lyrics and carefully arranged guitar and drum hooks.

Linda LaFianza
Shari Lloyd