Here we have one of the original Jesus music bands started by the legendary Mike Johnson. Originating out of Chicago the band laid the ground work for bands like Resurrection band playing in schools and coffee houses across the city. In 1971 they finally recorded and album but unfortunate they had to self release it as no record company was biting. What resulted was an album of strong 70’s rock with a more blues styling. You can just feel and hear the future influence on Rez on “It’s Been Set Down”. To me this is one of the few Jesus rock albums that has a significant period correct Cream and Hendrix sound. This was the only release from the band and we were lucky that Born Twice Records re-released it in 2011. If you want to hear where Christian rock originated this album is a great example.
Tracklist 1 – Picture Woman – 5:25 2 – Dry Ground – 3:49 3 – Baby You Lied – 6:03 4 – What Happened To Me – 2:37 5 – Third Eye – 4:50 6 – You & Me – 4:55 7 – It’s Been Set Down – 4:47 8 – Would You Believe – 4:17
Credits Artwork – Dan Downs, Greg Waslo Bass – Leon Wilson (2) Drums – Fyl Jonzen Engineer – Fyl Jonzen Guitar – Mike Johnson (13) Photography By, Cover, Design – Bill Metzger (2) Vocals – Mike Johnson (13)
Companies, etc. Pressed By – RCA Records Pressing Plant, Indianapolis
1985 came with a new name for The Techno Twins to simply The Technos. It seems like Steve and Bev were never happy with their band name as they were constantly changing it. The name may have changed but the sound is the same with a keyboard heavy pop sound. This was a doubt their most successful album with the single “Foreign Land” produced by Joe Glasman reaching the top 10 of the US Hot Dance Club Play chart. They also released a few version of Foreign Land with an extended and also a Dub mix. We’ll be sure to upload those too. Anyway this is the Techno album you need to hear as it’s probably their best work.
Tracklist 1 – Falling In Love – 3:07 2 – Spirit Of The Thing – 3:03 3 – Prisoner Of Love – 3:15 4 – Crying In The Rain – 4:05 5 – Visions Of The Night – 3:24 6 – Foreign Land – 3:09 7 – Nightime Heaven – 3:24 8 – Lunatic Republic – 4:04 9 – Clowns On The Ground – 3:24 10 – Slow Boats To China – 3:52
Credits Producer – Joe Glasman Arranged By [Rhythms] – Steve Fairnie Arranged By [Vocals] – Bev Sage Producer – Joe Glasman Vocals – Bev Sage, Steve Fairnie Written-By – Bev Sage Written-By – Garry Hughes Written-By – Joe Glasman Written-By – Steve Fairnie
So we have about 500 albums we still have to upload to YouTube and sometimes the selection of what album to do next takes a funny turn. This is one of those albums. For some reason I said to myself hey lets listen to this Michael Omartian album. Now normally Michael would not be one of my go to albums as I’m not really a fan of his usual style of music. Imagine my surprise when I picked up this great pop album. Strangely this was pretty well Michael’s last solo project though he did some work in the 2000’s. I’m a little mystified as I think this is his best album yet. It’s not piano heavy at all and he just seems to play keyboards without trying to stand out. If you usually find Michael’s music a bit dull give this one a listen. I think you’ll be surprised.
Tracklist 1 – Faithful Forever – 4:35 2 – Heartbreak City – 5:28 3 – Let My Heart Be The First To Know – 3:48 4 – Kingdoms – 4:32 5 – Cry From The East – 6:29 6 – Alone – 5:05 7 – Last Night On Earth – 5:01 8 – Morning Light – 5:45 9 – Burn It Up – 3:42 10 – Kingdoms (Instrumental Reprise) – 3:20
Credits David Ahlert – Engineer David Boruff – Saxophone Raymone Carter – Background Vocals Terry Christian – Engineer, Mixed Bryan Duncan – Background Vocals Alice Echols – Background Vocals Steve Hall – Engineer, Mastered Jean Johnson – Background Vocals Don Kirkpatrick – Guitar Michael Omartian – Producer, Songwriter, Arrangements, Drum Programming, Keyboards, Bass, Vocals David Raven – Drums Susanne Schwartz – Background Vocals Stephen Tavani – Background Vocals
I was considering saying that this album was the real end to Undercover but I’m pretty sure their fans will eviscerate me. That said I actually like this album so my statement is more historical that commentary. For this album Rob Gallas took over lead vocals from Sim Wilson who left the band. Though I read several reviews that did not like his vocals I thought they were okay. Not as good as Wilson but still pretty good. Anyway I can see that I liked this album much more than the critics. I really like the style and feel of the album. I think Rob’s vocals were a great sound for them. But the album didn’t do well and their label was in trouble so this would mark the end of an era. Yes I know there were more albums but I think this is the one that marked the end.
Tracklist 1 – Spill – 4:41 2 – The Moon And The Blue Around – 5:19 3 – Forum (Lullaby) – 7:32 4 – Symbol – 4:36 5 – Carmenita – 3:44 6 – Whoa Nelly – 4:09 7 – Pocket Full Of Money – 4:34 8 – The Overlook (Hosanna) – 3:45 9 – (Tell Me) Everything About You – 4:00 10 – Union – 4:55
Credits Art Direction, Design – Darin Beaman Band [Undercover], Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar – Gym Nicholson Band [Undercover], Bass, Organ, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Keyboards – Ojo Taylor Band [With], Vocals – Rob Gallas Executive-Producer – Gene Eugene, Ojo Taylor Mastered By – Chris Bellman Mixed By – Gene Eugene Photography By – Mark Takeuchi Producer [Produced By], Arranged By – Ojo Taylor Recorded By – Gene Eugene, Ojo Taylor
Strangely in the U.S. this album was called “Reunion Of The Heart” but in the U.K. it was called “Shine Like America”. Continuing on the strange Phil & John were from the U.K. and the album was recorded in the U.K. so where did Shine Like America come into play? The U.K. release was on What? Records which was a joint label owned by Word and A&M so maybe someone at A&M came up with this idea. Well it doesn’t effect the quality of the album which of course is great because Phil & John were great artists. This album is more their easy listening pop style than their humour style. They we’re likely trying to recreate the success of Lonely Dancer but didn’t quite make it although “Reunion Of The Heart” did make it to #22 on the CCM charts.
Tracklist 1 – My Potential – 4:33 2 – Wait Patiently For Me – 4:10 3 – Reunion Of The Heart – 4:25 4 – Jennifer Jones – 4:14 5 – Fire Of Ambition – 4:16 6 – Quiet Storm – 4:43 7 – Every Little Step I Take – 4:09 8 – Don’t “Shoot Them Down” In Flames – 4:14 9 – Sweet Rose Tuesday – 4:02 10 – Shine Like America – 3:59 11 – April Rain – 3:33
Credits A&R – Lynn Keesecker Backing Vocals – Miriam Stockley Design – James Kessell Executive-Producer – David Bruce Photography By – Simon Anderson Producer, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Engineer, Mixed By – Neil Costello Producer, Keyboards, Drum Programming, Backing Vocals – Chris Eaton Saxophone – Martin Green Vocals – John Hartley, Phil Baggaley
This is the first album from Code Of Ethics though they have a demo put out in 1990 that we have been unable to find it. The lineup for the band on this album is as mysterious as the rest of their albums. The credits list Barry Blazs as the sole performer but history says that Eric Switzer and Mark Tanner also performed on the album. This whole issue of who was on the albums continues through the history of the band and I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I believe Barry Blazs was a little difficult to work with. Anyway lets talk about the album. R.E.X. Music liked what they heard on the demo and quickly wanted to get an album out. The album has their trademark synth pop sound. That wasn’t a common sound in the Christian genre so these guys were actually a bit of a risk. Personally I think the risk was putting a 1985 sounding album in 1991 but we’re talking about the Christian genre where that was okay. Anyway get your dance shoes on and enjoy this great album.
Tracklist 1 – One Way – 4:10 2 – Through Your Eyes – 5:01 3 – I Need Your Love – 2:54 4 – Heaven Help Me – 4:18 5 – Greater Love – 5:36 6 – Hold Me – 4:39 7 – Breaking Down – 3:49 8 – Taking You Down – 4:18 9 – Visual Paradox – 3:45 10 – Being With You – 4:02
Credits Art Direction, Design – Jeff Spencer Engineer – Danny Drak Engineer [Assistant] – Ben Debiase, Ed Marx Executive-Producer – Doug Mann Mixed By – Jeff Alford Mixed By [Mix Consultant] – Rick Brainer Performer [Code Of Ethics Is] – Barry Blazs Producer, Written-By – Barry Blazs, Gerald Josef Remix – John Jaszcz
Out Of Darkness is without a doubt one of the OG Jesus Music bands. Unfortunately they were not initially released in North America so I’m not to sure how many of us from this side of the pond would have heard of them. They were together from 1968 to 1974 and recorded 2 albums. This one was released in 1970 and the second one wasn’t released until 1993 when Plankton Records got heir paws on the live recording. Bruce Duncan and Tim Anderson had previously worked on Pauline Filby’s 1969 album “Show Me A Rainbow” so yes we’re talking about the OG of Christian music here. This album has more of a progressive rock sound than most 70’s Jesus Music and quite frankly stands out from the crowd because of it. If you’re a fan of 70’s music you will love this one.
Tracklist 1 – Us – 0:54 2 – Thank You Lord – 3:14 3 – On Solid Rock – 4:00 4 – Wings Of The Morning – 3:29 5 – Moses – 2:46 6 – Lemonade And Peanuts – 2:40 7 – Closing In On Me – 4:10 8 – Who Is To Blame – 3:16 9 – Hustle Bustle – 2:25 10 – Dreamaway – Stevie’s Song – 3:13 11 – There You See A Stranger – 3:47 12 – Homeland – 5:17 13 – Light – 3:55
Credits Bass – Bruce Duncan Bass, Percussion, Piano – Carl Grant Drums, Percussion – Tim Anderson Guitar, Vocals, Written-By – Wray Powell
This was the first album released after Keith’s untimely death. It is a compilation album but includes a few previously unreleased live cuts which is why we are uploading it to YouTube. We generally don’t upload compilation albums unless they have some bonus material such as this one does. The album was also released with a booklet insert which you can see on our web-page. It is full of industry people relating their Keith Green stories.
Tracklist 1 – Introduction – 2:00 2 – My Eyes Are Dry – 3:08 3 – Trials Turned To Gold – 3:29 4 – O Lord, You’re Beautiful – 4:37 5 – You Are The One – 2:39 6 – Song To My Parents (I Only Want To See You There) – 4:15 7 – Until That Final Day – 4:37 8 – If You Love The Lord – 7:20 9 – Pledge My Head To Heaven – 3:00 10 – Draw Me – 4:35 11 – Stained Glass – 2:49 12 – Altar Call – 4:20
Credits Art Direction – Stan Evenson Design Coordinator [Cover Coordination] – B. Charlyne Hinesley Engineer [Assembly and remixes] – Winn Kutz Illustration – James Henry Liner Notes – Billy Ray Hearn Mastered By – Steve Hall Producer, Liner Notes – Bill Maxwell
Geoff and the band had songwriting down to an art by the time they released this their 5th studio album. This is a great Pop Rock album and they really did nail this sound. The only downside to the album is that it’s a little ballad heavy but that’s what made it a very successful album. Six out of the ten tracks singled on the CCM charts with “Live To Tell”, “If You Could See What I See”, and “Heart To God, Hand To Man” making it into the top 10. The album was also nominated for the Best Rock Gospel Album Grammy but lost out to dc Talk, Free at Last which was a far poorer album but whatever. I think the album is best remembered for it’s opening evolution themed track which is a great little pop tune that actually made it to #20 on the CCM charts.
Tracklist 1 – Evolution…Redefined – 4:27 2 – I Can See Clearly Now – 3:52 3 – Life Together – 4:25 4 – Live To Tell – 4:34 5 – If You Could See What I See – 4:18 6 – Godgottaholdonme – 4:24 7 – That’s When I’ll Know I’m Home – 4:24 8 – Heart To God, Hand To Man – 5:22 9 – Why Should The Devil (Have All The Good Music) – 4:26 10 – When All Is Said And Done – 2:56
Credits Backing Vocals – Chris Hogue, Joe Hogue, Lisa Glasgow, Mark Heimermann, Micah Wilshire, Michael Black, Pam Mark Hall, Raymond Weaver Bass – Gary Mullett Choir – Barry Blaze, Becky Naish, Cindy Morgan, Danny O’Lannerghty, Geof Barkley, Kim Chandler, Pam Mark Hall, Rebecca Smallbone, Renay Presley, Scot Kifer Coordinator [Producer’s Assistant] – Chris Hogue, Paul Salveson Coordinator [Production] – Bridgett Evans O’Lannerghty Design [Art Design] – Anderson Thomas Design, Inc. Drums, Programmed By – Greg Herrington Engineer – Paul Salveson Engineer [Additional] – Greg Parker, Keith Compton Engineer [Second] – Dave Dillbeck, Greg Parker, Patrick Kelly, Todd Robbins Executive-Producer – Dan R. Brock, Eddie DeGarmo Guitar – Roscoe Meek Keyboards, Vocals – Geof Barkley Lead Vocals – Geoff Moore Mastered By – Glenn Meadows Mixed By – John Jaszcz Musician – Dan Huff, George Cocchini, Jackie Street, Jerry McPherson, Jimmy A., Joe Hogue, Micah Wilshire, Phil Naish Photography By – Russ Harrington Producer – Joe Hogue, Phil Naish Recorded By, Mixed By – Ronnie Brookshire Voice [Teacher] – Mark Lowry
This is a rather odd one. The Strait Tapes were a series of at least 3 cassettes published by Strait which was the Greenbelt Newspaper that came out Bi Monthly in the 80’s. How they got the rights to these songs is completely baffling but they did and they put out these great cassettes. This is the first one of this series. It is a mix of stuff we know and stuff we don’t. No one is too sure what year this cassette came out as the tracks themselves are from all over but the best guess is 1985. I’ve listed below what album these tracks showed up on if they did. There are some really rare unreleased tracks here a couple B sides so this is a real special compilation. I look forward to finding the next 2 cassettes in this series.
Larry Norman – If You Don’t Love the Lord (1986 Rehearsal 4 Reality/different version)
Robin Lane – Hard Cover (1984 Heart Connection EP)
Steve Turner – I Looked Down (1982 - City Without Love)
Philip Bailey – The Wonders of His Love (1984 The Wonders Of His Love)
Jump the Nile – Innocence Abroad (unreleased, band only had one 7")
Ring of Fire – Brave Men Cry (unreleased, no info on band)
Bruce Cockburn – In the Falling Dark (1976 In the Falling Dark)
Maria Muldaur – There's Going To Be The Devil To Pay (1983 Sweet and Slow)
Randy Stonehill – Everything But Love (1985 Stonehill EP)
Press Any Key – Whisper On The Wind (1987 - Whisper On The Wind, different mix)
Garth Hewitt – Red Hot and Cooking (1982 B-side of The Hungry Wind single)
Interface – Memories (1984 Released as an A side single)
Tracklist 1 – Larry Norman – If You Don’t Love the Lord 2 – Robin Lane – Hard Cover 3 – Steve Turner – I Looked Down 4 – Philip Bailey – The Wonders of His Love 5 – Jump the Nile – Innocence Abroad 6 – Ring of Fire – Brave Men Cry 7 – Bruce Cockburn – In the Falling Dark 8 – Maria Muldaur – There’s Going To Be The Devil To Pay 9 – Randy Stonehill – Everything But Love 10 – Press Any Key – Whisper On The Wind 11 – Garth Hewitt – Red Hot and Cooking 12 – Interface – Memories
