Reviews (1)

Excellent Articles & Content
I subscribe to a number of magazines related to the business of recording and songwriting. Performing Songwriter is the best publication in the business. ...interested in finding out where the industry is going or past influences on the business that we love so much, then this publication is for you. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

YOU GOT TO GET THIS
IF YOU ARE HIP HOP HEAD THAT HAS A LOVE FOR CHRIST, THIS IS THE MAG FOR YOU, THIS MAG HAS AWESOME TESTAMONIES, EDIFING ARTICLES ABOUT DIIFFERENT STRUGGLES, THAT WE BELIEVERS, DEAL WITH ON A DAILY BASIS, AND IF YOUR INTO GRAFF, THIS MAG HAS ALL THE RIGHT STUFF,ESPECIALLY SINCE ITS ALL TO GIVE GOD GLORY. SO PICK IT UP AT YOUR NEAREST CHRISTIAN BOOKSTORE, PEACE.

Incredible Artwork and Graphics
I've been checking out FEED for years now. They have the slickest artwork of any hip hop magazine. Whether it's Graffitti or just incredible graphics, this mag is polished.

OH yeah, the articles are cool too :)

Flipping The Script
In a time where Hip Hop is dominating our culture, it's good to see a magazine that can provide a balance for our youth and young adults. After checking out Feed Magazine, I honestly believe that it is one of the best Christian magazines ever made. I say this because it's fresh, relevant, and informative. Feed Magazine offers Christians and those who are trying to live a better lifestyle, the opportunity to learn about Christian artists that promote positive messages by using the Hip Hop culture. This magazine can stand on it's own next to XXL, Vibe, or Source. I say this because unfortunately, the previous mentioned magazines silently promote artists that popularize sex, money, and a prison mentality via gangsta life. Feed offers a positive alternative and allows its readers to see how other young Holy Hip Hop artists are putting it down for God. At a time where a lot of young people are confused about life's issues and looking for music to get them through, Feed can fill a void that will help others turn to Holy Hip Hop music for answers that are real truth. Thank you Feed for not just promoting what society wants, but for providing a positive alternative to what society needs.

PICK IT UP
Remember when Hip Hop and Urban Music actually said something other than Buy Nike or Drink Sprite? Remember when Hip Hop was about quality in music and quality in lifestyle and culture? FEED brings that back with a full color magazine featuring articles on positive urban culture. Breaking the mold set by self-proclaimed urban culture magazines, FEED features regular articles showcasing graffing, breakdancing (b-boying/girling whatever you want to call it)and true critical reviews. Pushing the barriers FEED has discussed issues in all facets of Urban culture such as getting distribution for indie artists, a breakdown about production and what to look out for, and even dealing with relationship drama.

Long story short - PICK IT UP TODAY, it's well worth your money and you won't be disappointed. This magazine makes other Hip Hop culture magazines look like a "See Dick Run" Reader. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Mississippi issue
Blues lovers should check out the Mississippi double issue (vol. 35, #2 & #3). This is an in-depth look at the blues scenes (historical and living) of blues performers, locations, events, etc. all over the state.

The Best
This is the premier magazine for anyone with a more than passing interest in the blues. The articles focus not only on the major artists, but also publicize musicians who haven't yet hit the big time or "crossed-over." If you love the music and want a feel for where it is going, and what's going on behind it, then this is the first place to turn.

"Living Blues" Review
Just recently introduced to this magazine. I was impressed with the quality of the writing and selection of topics. The fact that this magazine is published by a university that's working to preserve the historical roots of the blues is great. ... 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 (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 (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

Reviews (2)

A modular music library
Most guitar magazines seem to be heavy on discussion of artists but light on actual music. GT still talks about artist's styles, but then gives you the tab and standard notation for one of their works or a class on how to solo in their style. A standard issue contains sections like rock, jazz, acoustic fingerstyle, Funk and country, followed by workshops on (for eg.) using altered tunings, increasing fretting speed, and other interesting things.

The accompanying CD gives multiple examples for each piece or exercise, usually with tracks played at different speeds and/or and example track and a backing track to play with.

The only downside to this magazine is that you hardly have time to work on eveything you wanted to before the next issue comes out.

the CD makes the difference
Covering a broad spectrum of music styles, all the music included in the magazine is played on the CD. Even better, all the music is included twice- first with the guitar, then without it for you to play along with. There are usually one or two songs from well known albums transcribed in each issue, as well as columns in many different styles of music. It may seem expensive, but with the CD its very reasonable. No American guitar magazine comes with a CD and to get the audio tracks you end up paying a lot more to download them from the Internet. Believe me, hearing the music on the CD makes the difference. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

TOTAL GUITAR LEAVES ALL OTHER GUITAR MAGS MILES BEHIND
GUITAR PLAYER MAG
I collected Guitar Player magazines from 1978 and stopped only in 1988.I have been playing the guitar as a hobby for 35 years. Was in many amateur bands in my youth.Thought I knew every tricks when I was young. Stopped jamming to pay attention to family and career.
FUTURE PLUBLICATIONS
Then I came across Total Guitar, Guitar Techniques & Guitarist. These magazines changed my life. I learned to play near to accuracy the likes of Eric Clapton, George Harrison,Jimi Hendrix,Van Halen, Queen, Free, Bad Company, Jimmy Page, Hank Marvin,Dire Straits, SRV, Richie Blackmore, Black Sabbath, Johnny Winter etc. All the tricks were let out of the bag.

TOP NOTCH TEACHERS
The publisher Future Publication employs top notch guitarists as editors and teachers to share all the secrets with us. And the best of all, you do not need to understand music theory. All you need is some basic skill in understanding guitar tabs, a great love in guitar, a DVD player that has A-B setting & lots and lots of patience. Nothing equals the joy when you master a guitar part which you never thought you would have done on your own.
ONE MAN BAND
However one sad note for all new. The permits for new songs to be transcibed are getting lesser as the onwers of these songs now realize that the magazines reproduce the full backing track (without the guitar, some people call this MINUS ONE track)that is so close to the original that it can be used for public performances.

CONCLUSION
Grab all the back issues. Check out eBay. The old issues are reselling at very high prices as more and more guitarists are getting turned-on by these magazines. Goodluck.

total guitar
i would like to buy back issues of total guitar, please email list of back issues. thanks johnny

UK-based, but Universal in Appeal
If you don't live in the UK, you'll often find a lot of music and bands you've never heard of in Total Guitar, but that's a good thing. As an alternative to Guitar for the Practicing Musician and Guitar World, which mostly feature the same transcriptions and cover artists you're already tired of ad naseum (and usually only focusing on a certain type of band for two years straight), TG, on the otherhand, is a breath of fresh air EVERY SINGLE MONTH. They may have a pop artist on the cover one month, a country legend another, a heavy artist the next, a funk or punk artist the following. In each issue, you can find a diverse palette of music to choose from - with transcriptions and faithfully recorded instrumental tracks on CD for you to play along with and learn from (just like having a band right there with you), along with very helpful tips for the novice and experienced player alike. You're bound to find something new to pique your interest every time. Their only downfall is that they have an Oasis fixation that will hopefully come to pass, but this IS a UK magazine, you know? This is the type of magazine where you can find transcriptions of bands such as the Pixies alongside The Smiths, Blur, Van Halen, Elvis, James Bond, Metallica, and tons more. Guitar Player and Guitar World just don't match up. So you may be scared off by the pricetag of Total Guitar. I believe it's worth every penny. If you're just starting out, TG is like an invaluable set of FUN lessons sent to your door (or at your newsstand) each month, and if you already play, TG offers a wealth of tips and information to help you stay on your toes. Again, you're not only getting an action-packed magazine, but also a cool CD to play along with each month, and they have to import it from England, so that's where the price is coming from. Completely worth it, though. If you're like me and don't really care to see the 10th Korn transcription in Guitar Magazine in 3 months, then Total Guitar is definitely worth you checking out. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The Hottest R&B music Book out!
word up is the hottest magazine on the block. YOu get pics, posters, and you even get info on your fav. artists. So why not gwt it. For suscriptions, contests, music news, questions on your fav. artists, all you have to do suscribe

This is a really good magazine for people well mostly teens!
I have been readin Word Up magazines for many years and it is really good. I am 16 now it has been a good 10 years for me. They are always on point with there pictures and interviews. That is why they make so much money. I Think that whatever teenagers and younger kids like R&B and Hip HoP they should get this magazine just so that they can get all the information that they want about there favorite stars.

Parents Beware
This magazine cost more than any other teen magazine and do not deliver on time , I purchase a subscription for christmas since the begining of December my daughter is still waiting ,but payment has been made.

word up is the best
Word up is the best magazine that i red it give you lots of poster of your faviote state 16/nj peace

Word Up Magazine
Word Up Magazine is wonderful, especially with B2K poster.People should buy it now! ... Read more