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According to Metacritic.com, Sufjan Stevens' Illinois is the top-reviewed album of 2005. Stevens, a Christian alt/folk singer, saw his album named the year's best by indie megasite Pitchfork.com, retail giant Amazon.com and Los Angeles Times critic Richard Cromelin.

The new CD from Caedmon's Call, In the Company of Angels II: The World Will Sing, will release March 7. Produced entirely by the band, the disc is the worship follow-up to 2001's In the Company of Angels: A Call to Worship.

The Rock 'n' Roll Worship Circus has re-christened itself as The Listening. And just to make sure fans get it, they've even made the announcement in the title of their next album: Rock 'n' Roll Worship Circus Becomes … The Listening (LP), releasing February 14 and to be supported by a spring tour.

International Trade Foundation is teaming up with the Jars of Clay-led charity Blood:Water Mission via a gift-matching program through December 31. BWM's mission is to promote clean blood and clean water to fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic, build clean wells in Africa, support medical facilities and care for the sick. In 2005, Blood:Water Mission supplied clean water to more than 120,000 Africans.

Mute Math is offering a free download of its song "Chaos" at the band's MySpace.com page. And starting January 19, the band kicks off its Album Release Tour, the only place to pick up a copy of Mute Math's long-awaited debut, set to release some time next fall.

Bethany Dillon's recent contribution to the WoW Christmas compilation, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman," is available a free download right here.

After the wildly successful fall run of the Lifesong Tour, Casting Crowns will embark on a spring leg starting on February 9 in Monroe, La., alongside singer/songwriter Nichole Nordeman, newcomer Josh Bates and guest speaker Tony Nolan. The trek runs for 46 dates and will extend until May 7.

© Andree Farias, subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

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