Snapshots: live (Compact Disc)

Go ahead, ask: Didn’t Chris Rice put out a “best of” compilation less than a year ago? Yes, he did. Short Term Memories was a disc of fan favorites released last June. Now, on its heels, comes a second collection to wrap up Rice’s Rocketown years as he moves toward an indie career. Not many artists can field enough quality tunes for one, let alone two career-spanning compilations; but, then again, not many artists are Chris Rice. All his best attributes-gentle, James Taylor-esque voice, intelligent lyrics and knack for melody-are here, though this second collection is a little more disjointed than the first.

Six live tracks form the disc’s centerpiece, most from the Deep Enough to Dream era. Hardcore Chris Rice fans will appreciate these-particularly the sweet, intimate ”Big Enough”-but overall there’s little to differentiate them from the already excellent studio versions. Oddly enough, his renowned live song about hallelujah-singing Looney Tunes, “Cartoons,” is included even though it was on Short Term Memories. Perhaps that’s the one

Chris Rice song no one can live without.

The rest of the disc includes songs Rice contributed to compilations, two of his piano instrumentals and four cuts from his more recent studio albums. “Billy Joe McGuffrey,” the children’s song from the Jonah movie soundtrack, is a lot of fun, and “Nothin’” from the Exodus worship album approaches the sublime.

For first-time listeners, Short-Term Memories is probably a better place to start, but eager Rice fans won’t want to miss this while they wait for his next move.

ANTHONY DeBARROS

Review Provided by CCMmagazine.com