Month: June 2023

Sonseed – First Fruit – 1981

This band/album are one of the strangest stories in Christian music. Sonseed were a Christian band formed in 1978 at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Brooklyn, New York. Yes this was a catholic band. They came together to play songs at the 75th anniversary of the church. Several members from that day continued on and in 1981 recorded and self released this album. Okay nothing strange there but in 2009 someone uploaded to YouTube an appearance the band had made on a local religious television show. The song they uploaded was “Jesus Is A Friend Of Mine” which is a real catchy ska track and the YouTube video took off with millions of views. The Arena Rock Recording Company soon put out an EP featuring 5 tracks from the album. They subsequently re-released the entire album in 2023. There was apparently some argument as to whether the album even existed in 2009 but indeed it did and here it is today. There are countless articles all over the internet about the band and if you’re interested it makes some great reading. As for the album it mainly has a great 70’s sound and I loved it instantly upon listening to it. It even has a really good cover of “Sail On” by the Imperials. I assume it never really got any attention in the industry as the band were catholic which is too bad, people would have loved it.

Tracklist
1 – Born Of The Flesh – 2:27
2 – Another Kind Of Love Song – 3:15
3 – Jesus Is A Friend Of Mine – 2:43
4 – The Gospel Ship – 3:01
5 – Sonseed – 2:52
6 – The Opened Door – 2:58
7 – Sail On – 2:12
8 – Oh Happy Day – 3:37
9 – Gettin’ Back – 2:36
10 – And The Father Will Dance – 2:48
11 – Say Yes – 2:21

Credits
Acoustic Guitar – Frank Esposito
Backing Vocals – Anne Lessing, Jimmy Archer, Joe Ciccone, Melody M. Sorrentino
Design – Angela Marie Franco
Design [Logo] – Joe Ciccone
Drums – Nicky Sciarra
Engineer – Audie Lebensfeld, Joe Marciano
Lead Vocals – Steve Musso
Percussion – Tommy Zawacki
Producer – Patricia Costagliola
Twelve-String Guitar – Karen Archer

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Systems Two

Generation – Brutal Reality – 1993

This is another project from Caesar Kalinowski & Mark Robertson of The Stand. I really enjoyed The Stand albums but this one not so much. I guess this would be best described as industrial thrash. I do like the Indus trail sound but not the thrash element. That said this album was well received and well timed. Most music was going the way of grunge and most metal heads did not like that transition. So a thrash album in 1993 was well timed and a good business decision. I have read some other reviews of this album and most reviewers agree that it is an excellent album and they love the addition of the industrial sound into the thrash sound. Personally it’s not my cup of tea but I admit that it’s probably a pretty good album.

Tracklist
1 – Alive – 4:10
2 – Retro-Vision – 0:53
3 – Believe In Miracles – 3:38
4 – I Live In Flesh – 5:01
5 – Revolutionism – 3:34
6 – Nothing To Give – 4:06
7 – RM. 101 – 0:38
8 – Still You Died – 3:57
9 – Chemikill – 4:38
10 – Hunger – 4:52
11 – Psalm 69 – 4:23

Credits
Artwork, Design – Nucleus
Bass, Vocals, Keyboards, Programmed By, Producer [Additional] – Mark Robertson
Edited By – Ian Eskelin
Engineer [2nd] – Max Hsu
Executive-Producer – Caesar Kalinowski, Peter Gavin Morkel
Guitar, Vocals, Keyboards, Programmed By, Producer, Engineer – Caesar Kalinowski
Lead Guitar – Bruce Franklin
Mastered By – Tom Baker
Vocals, Guitar – Randy Kerkman

Companies, etc.
Mastered At – Future Disc
Recorded At – The Sonic Temple
Mixed At – The Sonic Temple

Barratt Band – Voice – 1983

This is the final album from the Barratt Band. The lineup changed slightly from their first album with Dave Engel replacing Russell Caldwell on drums. This album is fantastic as was their first one and it is the epitome of what my group of friends listened to in 1983. Of course we didn’t actually listen to this one because it as only released in the UK and NZ & Australia. Why their albums were not released in North America is completely beyond me. They both are excellent and I’m positive would have sold well. The sound is a Pop Rock sound and I guarantee you’ll enjoy this one.

Tracklist
1 – December – 6:13
2 – Stereo – 6:28
3 – Computer Failure – 2:52
4 – Loud Silence – 5:09
5 – Play My Guitar – 5:39
6 – Exit Through Exit – 3:07
7 – Being Alive – 3:17
8 – The Voice – 7:32

Credits
Bass – Dave Markee, Les Williams
Drums – Dave Engels
Engineer – Derek Murray
Guitar, Vocals – Norman Barratt
Keyboards – Dave Morris
Producer – Norman Barratt
Written-By – Dave Morris, Norman Barratt

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Chapel Lane Productions
Distributed By – Concorde Productions

Larry Norman – One Night In Norway – 1991/2023

Larry’s brother has supplies us with another gem from the 90’s. It was recorded during a one month period when Larry toured Norway and Sweden. The band is made up of students or teachers at Vikens folkehøyskole Gjøvik Norway with the exception of Bjørn Gran and Urs Wenck-Wolff. Larry’s live releases aren’t usually known to have good audio but in this case the audio is fantastic. Because of this and the excellent choice of tracks this may very well be the best live recording of Larry. Note that the bandcamp download of this album has 5 additional tracks but is missing one track from the album due to silly Bandcamp policies. All tracks, album and Bandcamp, are included here.

Tracklist
1 – Twelve Good Men – 3:18
2 – Christmastime – 3:44
3 – I Am Waiting – Day-O – 2:16
4 – Six Sixty Six – 2:36
5 – If I Were A Singer – 4:09
6 – A Note From Mr. God – 4:08
7 – Diamonds – 1:15
8 – One Way – 3:14
9 – Strong Love, Strange Peace – 3:05
10 – I Am A Servant – 3:04
11 – Walking Backwards Down The Stairs – 3:08
12 – Why Don’t You Look Into Jesus – 3:44
13 – I Don’t Believe In Miracles – 3:47
14 – I Wish We’d All Been Ready – 7:27
15 – Sweet Song Of Salvation – 8:27
16 – The Dog And The Flower – 3:22
17 – He Really Loves You – 4:22
18 – Messiah – 5:10
19 – The Rock That Doesn’t Roll – 4:19

Credits
Bass – Jan Terje Haukeland
Cello – Siv Havåg
Choir – Astrid Kloster, Siri Gjære
Cover – Forma Design
Drums – Jan Inge “Jango” Nilsen
Guitar – Frode Håland, Kjetil Draugedalen
Harmonica – Bjørn Gran
Mastered By – Jason Carter
Photography By [Live Photo] – Arne Fred Solbekk
Project Manager – Morten Skjævestad
Promotion [Concert Promoter] – Georg Hansen
Synth – Gunnar Ekornås
Technician [Sound] – Oslo Lydverker
Viola – Urs Wenk-Wolff
Violin [Violin 1] – Elna Selle
Violin [Violin 2] – Camilla Bing-Jakobsen
Vocals Larry NOrman

Companies, etc.
Copyright © – Seaside Records
Copyright © – Stiftelsen Skjærgårdsgospel
Published By – Solid Rock Records

The Pat Terry Group – Sweet Music – 1977

This is the 3rd album from The Pat Terry band and their most successful. This album has the only CCM charting single for the band, “I Feel Free” which made it to #25. While I usually struggle with the CCM chart choices this time I’m in full agreement as it’s a great track. The album has a 70’s feel and sound and is probably one of my favourite 70’s albums. The album was produced by the legendary producer Al Perkins and Matthew Ward helped out with background vocals and handclaps on a couple tracks.

Tracklist
1 – Ladder Of Love – 3:26
2 – To Me For You – 3:17
3 – I Feel Free – 3:24
4 – Wonder Of Your Love – 2:36
5 – Sweet Music – 3:18
6 – One Step Closer – 3:24
7 – Never Lose A Minute – 2:48
8 – New New New – 4:30
9 – You – 3:02
10 – Melody For You – 3:32
11 – Things I Never Knew – 3:51

Credits
Acoustic Guitar – Pat Terry
Arranged By [Strings] – Jim Stipech
Art Direction – Bill Weaver
Bass Guitar – Randy Bugg
Clarinet – Mike Carnahan
Concertmaster – Glenn Grab
Conductor [Strings] – Jim Stipech
Design – D. M. Gaadt
Drums – Chet McCracken
Engineer [Assistant] – Ken Jacob
Handclaps – Kirk Herring, Matthew Ward, Pat Terry, Randy Bugg, Sonny Lallerstedt
Illustration – D. M. Gaadt
Keyboards – Pat Terry
Lead Guitar [Acoustic And Electric] – Sonny Lallerstedt
Lead Vocals – Pat Terry
Mastered By – Lanky Linstrot
Percussion – Chet McCracken
Photography By – Bill Wages
Producer – Al Perkins
Saxophone – Mike Carnahan
Steel Guitar – Al Perkins
Trombone – Mike Egan
Vocals – Randy Bugg, Sonny Lallerstedt
Vocals [Additional] – Matthew Ward

Companies, etc.
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Copyright © – Word Music, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Word, Inc.
Designed At – Noah’s Art, Ink
Recorded At – Studio 55, Los Angeles
Recorded At – Location Recording Service
Mastered At – ABC Recording Studios

The Predators – Offensive – 1988

This is the final album from The Predators (they did come back together in 2011 for a modern release). It was self released and only available on Cassette as far as I can tell. By this album all that was left from the original band was drummer Francis Johnson and of course lead vocalist Kevin Smith. This album drifts away from their new wave pop sound to pretty strait up AOR pop album. At the urging of Kevin Smith’s daughter the band came back together in Sept. 2008 and had a private night of playing their oldies. Subsequently a version of the band did come back together to record a new album which was independently released in 2011. I look forward to giving it a listen but today I’m going to give this album another listen. If you want to read a definitive interview with the band head over to https://downthelinezine.com/archives/the-predators/

Tracklist
1 – Your World – 3:57
2 – No Connection – 3:03
3 – Fallen Angel – 4:07
4 – Nothing At All – 3:05
5 – Built On Sand – 6:27
6 – Love You To Death – 3:23
7 – Dead On Arrival – 3:56
8 – Lies (The Human Jungle) – 5:05
9 – Don’t Laugh At Me Now – 4:08
10 – Rescue Me – 4:17

Credits
Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals, Producer – Andy Rayner
Drums, Percussion – Francis Johnson
Engineer – Lol Cooper
Guitar – Paul Truswell
Lead Vocals, Percussion – Kevin Smith

Rapid Flight – Music To ROCK Your Soul – 1983

There’s not much to say about this album because no one knows anything about this band. They self released this 4 track EP in 1983 though it has a 70’s sound and feel. It’s pretty good but probably a bit dated in 1983. And that’s it, I can’t tell you anymore, I don’t even know who’s in the band. Even David Lowman has no info on this album and if he has no info then there’s none to be had. So if you are 70’s style loved this one is definitely for you.

Tracklist
1 – Creation Crowned – 5:18
2 – My Son – 3:30
3 – Reach Out – 4:53
4 – Words Create – 3:15

Credits
Producer – Dan Westerbeck, Rapid Flight

Companies, etc.
Pressed By – Artist’s Recording Co. – 830443

The Bond – Won By One – 1987

This is yet another Geoff Mann project. Geoff must have been a pretty busy guy because he must have put out 10 albums using different names in the mid 80’s. As I said in a previous review of his work I am sorry I didn’t know about him in the 80’s as his music is exactly what I was listening to back then. As near as I can tell this album was only released in the UK which is probably why I never heard of him. Geoff is joined by Dave Mortimer, and Steve Ridley to form “The Bond”. It’s another excellent new wave album but less conceptual than his other work I have listened to.

Tracklist
1 – Trumpet Call – 5:58
2 – Rest Assured – 4:11
3 – New – 3:59
4 – Cry Out – 4:37
5 – His Love – 4:18
6 – Too Modern – 4:59
7 – After The Storm – 6:03
8 – Certainly – 5:47
9 – Willy Welsh – 8:04

Credits
Backing Vocals [Backing Voices], Keyboards, Wind [Wind Instruments] – Steve Ridley
Bass Guitar – Adrian Cathcart
Engineer – Clive Davenport
Guitar [Ghastly Green Gibson] – Dave Mortimer
Lyrics By – Geoff Mann
Mastered By – Jack Adams
Music By [Music Written], Arranged By, Performer – Dave Mortimer, Geoff Mann, Steve Ridley
Producer – Clive Davenport, The Bond
Voice [Voices], Guitar [Wobbly/Non-Wobbly Guitars], Programmed By, Drum Programming [Realtime Drum Machines] – Geoff Mann
Written-By – Dave Mortimer
Written-By [Songs By] – Geoff Mann

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Marshall Pickering Records
Copyright © – Marshall Pickering Records
Copyright © – Geoff Mann
Recorded At – Charter Studio

The Strawmen – At Home – 1994/1996

So The Strawmen are/were a version of The 77s or at least that’s the traditional view. Whether you consider them that way or not is up to you. The band is/was Mark Harmon and Dave Leonhardt, the bass player and rhythm guitarist for The 77s. They were joined by Mark’s brother Bill on Guitar. It has been reported that this album gave a spark to Mike Roe and Aaron Smith to get the band back together with Mark and Dave. As such this album is kind of held out as a 77s album by a lot of people. Several of the tracks were subsequently re-recorded for the 77s album “Pray Naked”. Bottom line is that you are a 77s fan then this album is a must listen to as it was pivotal in the 77s history in the mid 90’s. The original CD Release had 13 tracks. The 1996 re-release only had 11 of those original tracks but had 4 bonus tracks. Our release here has all of the tracks for a total of 17.

Tracklist
1 – Sometimes – 3:53
2 – Phony Eyes – 4:55
3 – Deep End – 3:49
4 – Come Back – 3:31
5 – Rattles – 3:42
6 – Hard To Say – 4:21
7 – Rant & Rave – 4:11
8 – Hate’m – 4:01
9 – Sometimes (Vocal Mix) – 3:10
10 – Let Love Live – 3:24
11 – The Chop – 3:24
12 – Holy Hold – 3:45
13 – Raging Tomb – 6:23
14 – Talk To Me – 3:48
15 – Ray Of Hope – 3:49
16 – Pick Up The Pieces – 4:26
17 – If We’re So Innocent – 4:00

Credits
Artwork [Cover Art By] – Jimmy Abegg
Bass, Programmed By [Programming], Backing Vocals – Mark Harmon
Guitar [Guitars], Backing Vocals – David Leonhardt
Lead Vocals, Guitar [Guitars], Backing Vocals – Bill Harmon
Liner Notes – Bill Harmon
Written-By [All Songs By] – Strawmen

Companies, etc.
Copyright © – Fools Of The World
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Fools Of The World
Glass Mastered At – DADC – DIDX-021258

Shack of Peasants – Classic Blues Volume 1 – 1993

I’m not really sure of where this album came from but wow what an album. It was released on Crystal Lewis’s new label shortly after the label was formed. I’m just guessing here but maybe a few artists came together to help out the new label. Anyway what a great album to have n your new label. The album features the vocals of Crystal Lewis, Darrell Mansfield, Philip Bardowell, and Lanny Cordola. That’s some pretty good vocalists. The album is a mix of old and new blues songs. How can you not be excited about Darrell and Crystal singing a track together. Also there is a volume 2 so we get even more.

Tracklist
1 – Gwine Dig A Hole To Put The Devil In – Featuring – Lanny Cordola – 2:26
2 – Gonna Sit On The Banks Of The River – Featuring – Philip Bardowell – 2:59
3 – I Shall Not Be Moved – Featuring – Darrell Mansfield, Philip Bardowell – 2:31
4 – Stand By Me – Featuring – Crystal Lewis – 2:41
5 – Death Has No Mercy Seat – Featuring – Darrell Mansfield – 3:33
6 – Tears Of Faith – 3:36
7 – Nobody’s Fault But Mine – Featuring – Darrell Mansfield – 2:18
8 – Down On Me – 2:26
9 – Cincinnati Flow Rag – Featuring – Lanny Cordola – 2:29
10 – Denomination Blues – Featuring – Lanny Cordola, Philip Bardowell – 2:29
11 – Glory Glory Hallelujah – Featuring – Crystal Lewis – 3:04
12 – Tribute – Featuring – Crystal Lewis, Darrell Mansfield, Philip Bardowell – 4:16

Credits
Philip Bardowell – Vocals
Lanny Cordola – Producer, Arranger, Songwriter, Guitars, Bass, Dobro, Banjo, Mandolin, Tambourine, Vocals
Rev. Gary Davis – Songwriter
Gary Thomas Griffin – Producer, Engineer, Bass Harmonica, Accordion, Vocals
Taso Kotsos – Tambourine, Snare Drum, Shaker, Woodblock, Finger Cymbals, Shaker, Triangle
Huddie Ledbetter – Songwriter
Crystal Lewis – Vocals
Darrell Mansfield – Harmonica, Vocals
Paul McIntire – Fiddle
Allegra Parks – Vocals
Fletcher Quigley – Vocals
Sandra Stevens – Vocals
Chuck Wright – Bass