The Take Time To Listen sampler returns with its fifth installment, and once again manages to venture beyond the stable of 5 Minute Walk recording artists. With 14 diverse alternative songs, a $3.99 sticker price, and the profits going to help children in Mexico, you can't go wrong.
The album starts with a quirky little introduction from Dr. Mavin, "the smarty pants squirrel scientist," who is reporting his findings in the field of "Rockology." It was probably a lot funnier in the studio and perhaps that's where it should have stayed, but at least you get a sense of personality. That's more than you can say for a lot of samplers.
After Dr. Mavin, Soul-Junk takes over with 'Ill-m-i,' a perfect sample of their quirky rap style. Even if Soul-Junk isn't your cup of tea, this is a small enough taste to enjoy. Next comes Philmore's 80s metal/punk anthem, 'Our Finest Hour,' which will leave you head-banging--or laughing. Relient K's 'Hello McFly' is a tight, smart punk number. Brave Saint Saturn, a side project of three Five Iron Frenzy members, offers 'Space Robot 5,' a slower, melodic rock song from their impressive debut album. 'I Hate You,' wins best of CD with its ironic lyrics, hooking melodies, and strong female vocals. It's also the best song on Promise, the debut CD from Rivulets & Violets, a promising band that sounds like a grittier Sixpence None The Richer.
'Somewhere Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea' is a new one from the W's you can only find here. It's in the vein of their last album Trouble With X, and continues to venture away from the smooth sounds of their debut album. I hate to compare a band to their own best work, but they haven't produced anything as good as 'The Devil is Bad'--with the possible exception of 'Rumor Weed' for the Veggie Tales video series. Earthsuit's 'One Time' is a conglomeration of too many different styles, stuck somewhere between pop-reggae and Limp Bizkit. Justin McRoberts' '5th Wheel' is a phenomenal folk-rock song, but something from his new CD, Father, would have worked better on a sampler CD.
Take Time To Listen is a broad sampling of modern alternative Christian music, perfect for anyone looking for something more daring than Steven Curtis Chapman or Audio Adrenaline. The mix of artists from four record companies is impressive for a CD designed to promote one label. The liner notes provide some insight: "5 Minute Walk has included other artists and labels on our sampler for simple reason that we all share the common goal of wanting to share the hope of Christ with as many people as possible. If you are not familiar with these other bands and labels, please take the time to check them out."
For once a sampler that actually functions as a sampler. You're bound to find something you like.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Michial FarmerI usually make it a point not to review these sampler CDs, but this one is for a good cause. 5 Minute Walk usually sends the money made on their compilations to some kind of missionary, and Take Time To Listen Volume 5 is no exception. The liner notes claim, "Profits from this sampler will be split between the 5 Minute Walk House (a program feeding 150+ children each day in Valle Verde, Mexico)…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Chelsea Lewis5 Minute Walk's sampler, Take Time to Listen Vol. 5, is unique to the other volumes, because bands from other labels are included. ForeFront Records' Pax 217, Gotee Records' Relient K and John Reuben, Sparrow Records' Earthsuit, The Elms and Luna Halo join 5 Minute Walk's Philmore, Brave Saint Saturn, The W's, Five Iron Frenzy, Justin McRoberts, Model Engine, Rivulets & Violets, and Soul-Junk on…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Bert GanglCompilation recordings are usually a mixed blessing. By virtue of their collecting multiple artists on a single disc, they can significantly streamline the tedious task of finding first-rate new music. But, by virtue of that same eclecticism, they usually wind up being highly uneven, mostly hit-and-miss affairs. The fifth installment from 5 Minute Walk Records' Take Time to Listen series bills…
