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Over the weekend I was lucky enough to be sent the finished The Mission Bell album. The pre-release promos only ever have very basic packaging and details, so it's always nice to see the final product with its completed artwork and full credits. In addition to 12 superb tracks, the album also contains a CD-rom video that you can watch on your computer. Inside The Studio is a collection of footage of Delirious? on tour in the USA and in the studio working on the new album. Its 12 minutes long (which uses up all the available space they had on the disc) and contains some fantastic comedy moments.

My particular favourite moments are StuG showing off his French language skills "Je suis un rock star", Jon and Sam Gibson (the producer) dancing in the background, and StuG saying that this song is "In the key of tea". The video includes short interviews in the studio with Martin, Stu and Stew. Martin explains that having played 'Now Is The Time' live over the summer, they got more passion out of the song than in the original recording, so they decided to 're-cut it'. The result is a much improved song, with some stunning guitar work. Stu explains how the band worked on the songs together, rather than just he and Martin demoing new songs. Stew talks about coming up with the phrase ring the mission bell while out jogging.

The album credits list a whole series of 'guest apperances' on The Mission Bell. Matt Redman is listed as the 'guest writer' on 'Now Is The Time'. Moya Brennan does 'guest vocals' on 'I'll See You' and TOBYMAC does 'guest vocals' on 'Solid Rock'. The 'guest DJ' on 'Love Is A Miracle' is A Skillz (who delivers a preacherman speech), and Jars Of Clay guitarist Steve Mason plays the Pedal Steel (a cross between a guitar and a keyboard) on 'I'll See You'. I worried a few people when I described TOBYMAC's contribution to 'Solid Rock' as a rap, well in the credits it is officially described as a 'Hymn Preach', so read into that what you will!

Another entertaining part of the credits is the 'thanks' section from Jon: To my little family, Kristen, Winona, Xanthia and Jackson. I love you but we only have fourteen hours to save the Earth!" Nice touch there.

Remember, it's only one week until the UK release of The Mission Bell.