Reviews (4)

Best there is in genre(could be better :-)
Outburn is essential reading for those interested in what is left of the "real" alternative music genres, from Industrial to Goth to Electronika. The bands' profiled are almost all below the radar, which makes for interesting reading. The reviews are somewhat slanted, anything shiny or refined is usually slammed.

I think more coverage of electronic pop (aka Modern Synthpop) would be nice, but then again I am biased that way.

Forget AP, Spin, RS or CMJ, this is where to find out about the real underground/alternative rock scene!

My favorite magazine
Of all the music orientated magazines that I subscribe, Outburn is my personal favorite. This is the only magazine that caters to my favorite music...techno, goth, and industrial music. Rolling Stone stopped being relevant 10 years ago. Spin magazine is a joke. Alternative Press is also a joke and has stopped being relevant many, many moons ago. I discovered Outburn when I saw an article on one of my personal favorite bands of all time, VNV Nation. Rolling Stone, Spin, and AP wouldn't touch VNV Nation with a ten foot pole because it isn't popular with the brainwashed masses. That was last year. Since then, I have been a loyal reader as well as a loyal subscriber to the quarterly magazine. What appeals to me the most about Outburn is that the magazine covers more than just goth and industrial music but also lesser known metal bands like Lacuna Coil and Opeth. I'm not a metal fan by a long shot but it is refreshing to read a magazine in which heavy metal bands are the [pooh] that MTV and Clear Channel, er, radio plays non-stop (i.e Korn, Deftones, Limp Bizkit). Outburn covers lesser known metal bands that MTV wouldn't dare play except maybe on the new incarnation of "Headbanger's Ball". I also enjoy the original questions the writers throws at the artists and bands they interview. They also don't sound patronizing or condescending one bit. And unlike Spin magazine which has now become a forum for video games and fashion as opposed to music, Outburn sticks to what it knows best which is music. Although Marilyn Manson is on the cover of the new issue of Outburn, at least I can be grateful that the editors didn't throw Good Charlotte on the cover. Another thing I love about Outburn is the free cd offer for subscribers. Nothing beats like a free cd. My only problem with Outburn is that it is a quarterly magazine, not a monthly magazine. I wish that rags like AP, Spin, and RS were quarterly magazines and Outburn were monthly but for all its worth, at least Outburn is reliable in terms of quality articles and doesn't insult my intelligence by throwing Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera on the cover like RS did recently. Outburn is truly one of the few magazines that I can enjoy reading word for word.

My favorite magazine
Of all the music magazines I subscribe to, Outburn is my favorite magazine. It is the only magazine that I know of that covers everything from Apoptygma Berzerk to Wumpscut. This magazine actually covers artists and bands that most radio stations and MTV/VH1 won't touch with a ten foot pole. Although I don't care for Marilyn Manson, who is on the new issue of Outburn, I will definitely take him over [bands] like Good Charlotte and Linkin Park. What I also appreciate about Outburn is that they don't clutter the magazine with photo spreads of anorexic models wearing the latest fashion wear or articles on the latest video games. Outburn actually talks about music that appeals to people who are turned off by artists and bands such as Good Charlotte and Avril Lavigne. Not only does the magazine discuss about two of my favorite genres of music, goth and industrial music, but also a wide range of music like techno, metal (and not that godawful nu metal), and lesser known alternative bands. My only beef with Outburn is that the magazine is a quarterly magazine as opposed to monthly (like those icky rags like Spin and Alternative Press). Still I will take Outburn over Spin and Alternative Press any day.

OUTBURN MAGAZINE
Outburn Magazine is the influential leader of the new music revolution. From hard and heavy to subtle and sublime, Outburn is the source for everything exciting in music today. Whether it's rock, electronic, or anything else, Outburn is always one step ahead of the mainstream. Outburn includes in-depth interviews with today's popular musicians and established underground favorites, features on emerging talent and new artists, exclusive band photography, new music news, record label profiles, and more than 150 music reviews. With an informative, straightforward, and open minded editorial edge, intelligent layout and design, and stunning color photography, Outburn is a magazine filled with both substance and style.
Outburn has featured exclusive photographs and acclaimed interviews with such high profile recording artists as: Marilyn Manson, AFI, Deadsy, Fear Factory, A Perfect Circle, Orbital, Type O Negative, Luke Slater, Death in Vegas, Underworld, Recoil, and Ministry. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Christian Rolling Stone
This magazine, on all counts, is nothing more than a Christian version of Rolling Stone. It does not have the insane conservative slant of other Christian magazines. It seems to be geared towards talking about up-and coming bands, and makes no shame in promoting Christian and non-Christian celebrities, even those like Jaci Velasquez and Bono, who have, on and off again made some rather interesting decisions regarding thier talent. Aimed at an audience of mainly Christian college students and twenty-somethings, this magazine is rather interesting. It features musical instrument reviews, controversial stories, and was among the first to mention Mel Gibson's "Passion of the Christ." But like newer issues of Rolling Stone, CCM is lacking at times, and seems to have forgotten its roots. I gave it four stars because, at times, there is a lack of attention given to research. The magazine promoted the movie "Johnny Lingo" having paid absolutely no attention to the fact that Johnny Lingo is a character promoted by the Mormons, and the original Johnny Lingo movie exists is just about every Mormon church on the planet. A rather confusing thing to explain to my LDS roommates, who might see this as justification that born-again Christians and Mormons are one and the same. Hence the reason why this magazine sits under my bed, where my roommates cannnot find it easily. Overall, this magazine is good. But like much of my college essays, it is not "A" work. It falls more in a category of "B" work, and often clashes with other Christian magazines, including the full line offered by Focus on the Family and the famous Beautiful Girl magazine. Read this with a grain of salt, but be happy that they do report on Christians that are not just the typical Rebecca St. James/Newsboys lot. I was especially impressed with the article on Tom Shadyac, and read a book he recommended. I also liked thier reviews of Robin Jones Gunn's Sisterchicks series; in fact CCM was what got me to read the first book in the series. The Christian college reviews were especially nice, and so were the reviews of musical instruments. I also liked how this magazine promotes concerts and reminds readers of CD releases. A nice must. Again, be cautious of the research done with this magazine, read everything with a little salt, and lastly, keep in mind who this magazine's audience is. My parents were not impressed by it at all, save for the articles on Petra and Stryper. I do applaud the fact that CCM is not conservative. Being more of a middle ground on the political spectrum, I liked that. Often I get frustrated with the conservative slant of most Christian magazines. CCM is for the college student and twenty-something. It is the kind of magazine that makes the rounds among the people in my Bible Study group at college and with the College & Career Group at home. It is meant mostly for young people, although not really for high schoolers. That is who I recommend it for. It often covers controversial material and celebrities and college issues. The older set probably will not like this magazine, and the younger set would not see much relevance in it. Approach it with caution, and enjoy it if you are a student, twenty-something or young parent.

Candace Leutzinger

CCM NOT for US
We bought this magazine for our pre-teen boys. In the very first issue we were disappointed by an interview with Jacki Valasquez sprinkled with sexual content, material attitudes and a real pride when it comes to recieving any criticism from those in Christ who might find her lifestyle questionable. We found articles, throughout the magazine, just as disappointing. If we wanted our boys to focus on how much of a woman's body is being revealed in her clothing, (which Jacki also discussed in her interview) we'd simply subscribe to any magazine off the impulse aisle.

Long story short...we cancelled and don't regret it.

CCM leaves off where other Mags pick up
Ok, I had a subscription to CCM, and it was alright. But when they removed the concert information, that was a big drop to me. For those who don't know what this means, CCM used to put information about pretty much all Christian bands touring, and where they were going in the next month. It was awesome! I found out about so many concerts that way.
As for the rest of the magazine, a lot has already been covered. The reviews are not reviews. I've never read a bad one. The interviews are pretty good. They do get in depth there. That's about it though.
However, my biggest beef with CCM has to be the fact that they are a small handfull of the Christian music industry. I remember reading it during the rise of P.O.D. wondering, why aren't they covering them? They're going platinum, and CCM is still doing the latest Amy Grant interview!
If you're into any modern Christian rock/alternative, this magazine is not for you. Try HM.
While this magazine is good for band information, I long for the days of 7ball Magazine. Honest reviews as well as a CD with 18+ new songs from bands all across the market.
Oh well. You can't win 'em all.

Good interviews, format. Music Reviews: Why bother?
CCM has long been THE standard by which all Christian media magazines have been measured. They've remained current with publication trends, and have always been visually interesting to look at. In a way, you could say this is the Entertainment Weekly of Christian Music.

CCM Magazine's greatest strength has always come from its artist interviews. Full of variety and often insightful, they provide the reader with a chance to get to know their favorite CCM bands (and even a few "mainstream" groups that are believers). Chances are you won't find anything too earth-shattering or controversial, but they don't fail to be informative.

CCM's greatest shortcoming is its album reviews. "Where seldom is heard a discouraging word" could be the editor's motto. I don't know that I've ever seen a negative review in many years of CCM reading. I understand it's not nice to put down your "brother", but man, if he puts out a stinky album, I wanna know about it so I can save my money. (You and I both know not every CCM album is a homerun, so why write like they are?) The reviews can be so cliche laden that many could have come out the CCM Madlib file (insert word for "blessing", "joyous", and "refreshing"). It's come to the point that I just can't trust the album reviewers anymore.

Overall, CCM Magazine's strengths outweigh its weaknesses. If you're interersted in the CCM scene, it might be a worthwhile investment.

good magazine
CCM is a very good magazine. CCM's purpose is to tell readers about Christian entertainers. Contrary to the fact that this magazine always has bands on the cover, it spends some time talking about authors and actors, and takes time to explain equipment. I found an article on the TV show Trading Spaces in here, as well as an article on Frank Peretti. The reviews in the back of ech magazine, though, fail to make much sense. They are not graded in the traditional sense. Instead, one member of the staff reviews items, and often their comments in bold at the end of the review will not reflect their comments in the body of the review. The magazine was also better before they took out the concert information and put it on the internet. The magazine is attempting to accept all forms of Christian media, as well as artists in the secular media, but has lost some along the way. This magazine is a recommended read if you are into finding out about CHristian songwriters, actors, authors, etc. But the magazine has made too much of an effort to change by getting rid of tour information, thusly forcing readers online to find out when tours are, and thier reviews are lacking. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wow!
This magazine gave more information about contemporary jazz artist, than I have ever found in one place.Smooth jazz finally has a home. ... Read more

From Amazon.com

Wondering which pics will score big with auds at the B.O.? Or what the crix say about the new net skeds? Variety has the answers, but if you can't make sense of the lingo, you may not be ready for the movie industry's essential rag. Founded in 1905, Variety speaks as the insider voice of the entertainment biz. It offers movie, television, and theater reviews, but places more emphasis on predictions, trends, and insider scoop. The tone is "movers and shakers only, please!" Heck, the headline writers are so on-the-go they only have time for abbreviations: "Bull Market for Syndies," "Saggy Sudsers Go After Younger Aud," and "B'Casters Set Skeds to Fight Digital Rivals." Critics are "crix," a movie is always a "pic," the box office is the "B.O.," and "H'Wood" is, well, if you have to ask.... If you're looking for the latest celebrity gossip, you're out of luck. But if you're seeking cutting-edge news from the heart of Tinseltown, this is your mag. --Brangien Davis ... Read more

Reviews (1)

entertainment industry's primary outlet
Variety is the New York Times of the entertainment world (in the USA). It's expenseive, but if you're seriously into show biz (for a living or otherwise) it's indispensible. You'll get info and reveiews way before anyone else, casting notices for film and TV, huge supplimental issues about each film/media festival, production updates (wondering what your favorite director's next film will be and where it is in the production cycle? It'll say here - whether they're in based in Hollywood, the Ukraine, or anywhere in the trackable entertainment world)
Lots of extra info, plus headlines like Chix Pix Nixed in Stix. (women's films banned in rural areas) ... Read more

Abstract

English magazine featuring fashion, arts, travel, health and more.
... Read more

Reviews (1)

British society glossy, almost identical to Tatler's.
This magazine is virtually the same as Tatler's with perhaps a few more travel and fashion spreads. Expensive but worth the money but not if you already get Tatler's. More likely to have American celebrities rather than British socialites on the cover. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

For now "Action Comics" is the best of the Superman titles
I greeted the decision by D.C. to give each of their Superman titles autonomy instead of having a continuing that united all of the comic books with minimal enthusiasm. I appreciated the fact that each week a new issue of a Superman comic would be available at my local comic book store. But now "Action Comics," "Superman," and "The Adventures of Superman" are on their own, and "Superman: Metropolis" is the new kid on the block.

So far, "Action Comics" is the Superman title getting off to the most interesting start. This was helped tremendously by a superb double-sized anniversary comic for issue #800 written by Joe Kelly and drawn by a host of guest artists. The comic retold the story of Superman with key episodes of his origin reflected in the story of ordinary people who have been touched in one way or another by the Man of Steel. Now "Action Comics" is launching into a major story line as one in every one thousand Americans are exploding with uncontrollable meta-human powers at a rate of one every five seconds. Welcome to the United States of President Lex Luthor.

Granted, by the time you read this it might no longer be true, but right now "Action Comics" is the premier Superman title and Joe Kelly gets the credit. It will be interesting to see who settles in as the "permanent" artist for the book, but the substance of the writing is ultimately going to matter more than the style of the art work. Hopefully, Kelly is in this for a long haul. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

this magazine is pretty good
i like this magazine because its an europeon magazine and it has alot of interesting information about bands there you never even knew exsists. i love the HIM articles and the articles on bands that you want to hear about here in the united states but its difficult to. i think this is a great magazine and its worth the money. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Great Magazine For The Music Enthusiast
Goldmine is a music magazine that caters to record collectors. The cover stories and articles deal with all types of music (rock, r & b, pop, country, jazz, reggae, punk, alternative, etc.) with the greatest emphasis on artists who were popular in the '60s and '70s. Recent cover stories include interviews with surviving members of the Grateful Dead, the Rolling Stones, AC/DC, the Four Seasons, and the Dave Clark 5's lead singer Mike Smith. There are also annual issues devoted to Elvis Presley and the Beatles.

Each issue of Goldmine contains reviews on recent cd releases (new product and reissues/collections). There are also country and jazz sections that contain interviews with vintage artists (recent country interviews include Bobby Bare, Guy Clark, and Merle Haggard) and cd reviews. The country section also provides helpful info like upcoming tv appearance and cd release dates, while the jazz section offers esoteric essays from jazz historian Carlo Wolff. Dahl's Digs is one of my favorite columns, where celebrated author Bill Dahl (Motown: The Golden Years) "digs" up some rare musical treasures from the past that have been recently reissued (or should be).

Since Goldmine is a magazine for record collectors, there are a number of ads by vendors who carry rare/promo vinyl and cds, as well as a classified section where you can state what you're looking for (I have bought some rare radio promo collections this way). If you like a lot of genres of music, especially music recorded during the '50s through the '80s, then I think you will enjoy Goldmine.

Highly Enjoyable
I dig GoldMine Magazine alot for it's Coverage Period.Reviews,Cover Storys,Hard to Find Albums in Special Catelogs,etc...also when they have Magazine Specials they always seem to add something truly special to it as well.very Enjoyable Magazine. ... Read more