Author: David Lowman

Owner and writer at CCM's 500 Best Albums Of All Time. https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/

Cliff Richard – Now You See Me… …Now You Don’t – 1982

I do believe the only artist on this list to be officially “knighted” is Cliff Richard. Not bad for a pop star and teen heart throb from the 1950’s and 60’s. Then again John Lennon was a fan and he is said to be the first real “rock star” from Great Britain. Sir Cliff Richard has also been a devoted Christian and has recorded several Gospel themed albums. The one in question here is the very best as it is simply a pop album with Gospel themes rather than a Gospel album that tries to sound pop. The album is also unique in that it also generated a comeback of sort for the artist in his native land after several years of unsuccessful pop albums. NYSMNYD went Gold in England and had several radio hits on both side of the Atlantic. Released in 1982 Christian music was constantly gravitating toward “pop stars” who professed a Christian belief (Bob Dylan, Joe English), but this album never saw Christian distribution and many missed this great album. Thief in the Night is much heavier song musically than the normal Richard bubble gum and is the center piece to the whole project. It rocks and like the rest of the albums sounds like it was influenced by Mark Williamson and Chris Eaton. The album has a bit of an Ambrosia feel with silky, pop driven rockers and big ballads meant for radio consumption. But the rockers stand out like the previously mentioned Thief in the Night and the bombastic Son of Thunder. “Little Town” Chris Eaton arranged version of O Little Town of Bethlehem would also be recorded by Amy Grant and Michael W Smith. Richard’s version would be the best. One last song of note is the song Christian radio gravitated to; Water is Wide is a stunningly beautiful remake of the traditional tune. Simply, if not a bit over-produced, the song would chart on CCM radio and be Richards only real CCM hit. He would later do a duet with Van Morrison that would also hit CCM radio.

Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com

Tracklist
1 – The Only Way Out – 3:20
2 – First Date – 3:33
3 – Thief In The Night – 3:50
4 – Where Do We Go From Here – 2:53
5 – Son Of Thunder – 3:58
6 – Little Town – 4:03
7 – It Has To Be You, It Has To Be Me – 4:17
8 – The Water Is Wide – 3:50
9 – Now You See Me, Now You Don’t – 3:00
10 – Be In My Heart – 4:38
11 – Discovering – 4:50

Credits
Autoharp – Craig Pruess
Bass Guitar – Andy Pask, Mark Griffiths, Mo Foster, Paul Westwood
Bells [Sleigh Bells] – Craig Pruess
Design – Cream
Drum Programming – Craig Pruess
Drums – Dave Mattacks, Graham Jarvis
Electric Piano – Graham Todd
Electric Violin – Paul Hart
Engineer Assistant – Tony Richards
Engineer – John Kurlander
Engineer – John Walker
Engineer Assistant – Steve Cook
Engineer [Strawberry] – Keith Bessey
Guitar – Bill Roberts, John Clark, Mart Jenner
Harmonium – Craig Pruess
Mastered By – Gordon Vicary, Keith Bessey
Mixed By – Keith Bessey
Mixed By [Assisted By] – Howard Gray
Photography By – Brian Aris
Piano – Craig Pruess, Graham Todd, Peter Skellern
Producer – Cliff Richard, Craig Pruess
Saxophone – Mel Collins
Sequenced By – Craig Pruess
Synthesizer – Craig Pruess, Dave Cooke
Vocals, Backing Vocals – Cliff Richard
Wind Chimes – Craig Pruess

Companies, etc.
Marketed By – EMI
Distributed By – EMI
Manufactured By – EMI
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – EMI Records Ltd.
Printed By – EMI Services Benelux B.V.
Recorded At – Abbey Road Studios
Recorded At – Strawberry Studios
Mastered At – The Town House
Mixed At – The Town House

Aunt Bettys – Aunt Bettys – 1996

Of all of Mike Knott’s multiple incarnation, Aunt Bettys is by far the most puzzling, controversial and utterly brilliant. Mike Knott should be a rock star and the Aunt Bettys should have been the vehicle to deliver him to that status. Combining the most frenetic writing, best of his previous work and a band recording live in the studio to create a loud and passionate rock and roll project. Not as pop and sweet as the Lifesavers, or as dour and dark as LSU, Aunt Betty’s took the best of Jane’s Addiction and kicked it in the ass. Much of the debut is made up of previously recorded or written songs from Mike’s repertoire, but here the versions seem faster, heavier, wilder. Many struggled with this release and the “not-so-sanitized” versions of some songs. “Jesus” still ranks among the best of Knott’s career. “Rock and a Bomb” is just a great song…period! But this is a rock and roll record and songs like Addict make it a 90’s classic. The version of Double is great, though here is the one time I would choose the original. The band would release other material but the flight to the bright lights never took off. Suffice it to say that no matter the incarnation, Knott is utterly brilliant and deserved much more than he received from the industry.

Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com

Tracklist
1 – Jesus – 3:36
2 – Mother Trucker – 3:00
3 – Star Baby – 1:48
4 – Skinny Bones Jones – 3:35
5 – Lush – 3:31
6 – Feel – 3:48
7 – Rocket & A Bomb – 4:47
8 – Addict – 2:06
9 – Speeder Mode – 2:53
10 – Kitty Courtesy – 3:06
11 – Little Fighter – 3:36
12 – Suicide Sex Doll – 2:09
13 – Jane – 3:11
14 – Cruel – 1:37
15 – Double – 3:25
16 – Rock And Roll – 2:17

Credits
Art Direction – Jennifer Roddie
Band, Bass, Backing Vocals – Brian Doidge
Band, Drums, Percussion – Chuck Cummings
Band, Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals – Andrew Carter
Band, Vocals, Acoustic Guitar – Michael Knott
Engineer [Additional Engineers] – Bob Moon, Kevin Leonard
Executive-Producer – Lara Hill
Illustration – Tim Okamura
Management – Cahn-Man
Mastered By – Brian Gardner
Photography By – Jon Gipe
Producer, Engineer, Mixed By – Gene Eugene, Mark Rodriguez, Michael Knott
Written By – Michael Knott

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Elektra Entertainment Group
Copyright © – Elektra Entertainment Group
Recorded At – The Green Room
Mixed At – The Green Room
Mixed At – Sound Kitchen
Mastered At – Bernie Grundman Mastering
Published By – Almo Music Corp.
Published By – Stormie Lane Music
Pressed By – Specialty Records Corporation

Magdallan – Big Bang – 1992

Magdallan’s “Big Bang” is the audio definition of an album that was hurt by too many delays in its release. Delayed well over a year (maybe two?), the album would have been the best album in its genre in 1989, but two or so years later and the whole music world changed. but even taking that into consideration, when one considers the album exclusively on its merit it cannot be denied as truly great work. The title may also be a track on the album, but it is also an adequate description of the totality of the album. It is BIG. Really, really big! Production is over the top with literally hundred of vocals layered on top of another and blazing guitar solos that are simply unmatched in CCM. I had lunch one day with Ken Tamplin and he spent the entire time talking about Hal Lindsey and the soon coming end of the world. I was really into the topic at the time and was fascinated. My ideology has shifted drastically in the past 25 years, but even though the album comes across like a track for the Pre-Trib Rapture theory, I cannot deny the unequaled quality of the album. The theme is so interwoven throughout the project that it becomes inescapable. the lead track is called “End of the Ages” and the content lyrically should be clear without any discussion. But what shines here though is some thoroughly enjoyable late 80’s guitar god, over-the-top solos. Though Tamplin was the lead vocalist for the project and primary songwriter, it should be noticed that the band really belongs to Lanny Cordolla. The famed House of Lords guitarist enlisted the help of his former band mates to round out the rest of the band. The high level of musicianship sets the record a[part from the rest of its contemporaries. This is shown in the diversity of arrangements and some of the greatest drumming on any arena rock album. Other stand outs include the title track, Radio Bikini (about the American nuclear bomb testing around WW2) and the ballad Wounded Heart. Despite a Dove Award nomination, the album never met sales projections though it was the best selling album for Intense Records (Frontline) of all time. Radio wouldn’t touch the ballads and the musical direction of rock radio had gone toward grunge and alternative.

Tracklist
1 – End Of The Ages – 6:12
2 – Radio Bikini – 4:41
3 – Shake – 3:50
4 – Wounded Hearts – 5:34
5 – Love To The Rescue – 5:07
6 – Old Hard Line – 4:31
7 – Dome Of The Rock – 4:47
8 – Big Bang – 4:51
9 – House Of Dreams – 4:17
10 – Cry Just A Little – 4:57
11 – Heartbreak Woman – 4:08
12 – This 1’s 4U – 2:46
13 – End Of The Ages (Reprise) – 0:34

Credits
Art Direction – Ed McTaggart
Bass, Acoustic Bass – Brian Bromberg
Co-producer, Engineer [Mixing], Engineer [Tracking] – Mick Guzouski
Cover [Painting “The Last Judgement”] – Michelangelo Buonarroti
Design – Brian Godawa
Drums – Ken Mary
Engineer [Second] – Eric Rudd, Pat Woehl
Engineer [Tracking] – Kim Bullard
Engineer [Tracking], Engineer [Second] – Gil Morales, Kevin Becka
Keyboards – Kim Bullard
Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals – Ken Tamplin
Management – Mike Slarve, Nicki Slarve
Orchestrated By – Roger Mielke
Producer, Written-By – Ken Tamplin, Lanny Cordola
Rhythm Guitar, Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Sitar, Banjo, Mandolin – Lanny Cordola

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Ocean Way Recording, Mama Jo’s, The Lighthouse, The Barn, Los Angeles, CA
Mixed At – The Lighthouse, The Village Recorder, Mixing Lab A
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Intense Records (10)
Copyright © – Intense Records, Ken Tamplin Music, Cordman Music
Glass Mastered At – Nimbus, Virginia

Mark Heard – Second Hand – 1991

I am sure as I type this that I am going to regret placing this album “too low” and even more I will probably regret admitting that Second Hand is actually one of my personal least favorite Mark Heard albums. That being said I also understand what a tremendous record it is despite my personal likings. Perhaps its that the album is a bit more “folky” than others and less rock oriented that sways my opinion. But one thing I do know, that it is not about the songs. In fact, when these same songs are performed by others with different arrangements they become personal favorites. When Pierce Pettis (who I totally made a mistake not including) did “Nod Over Coffee” I was instantly in love with the song. Same with the cover of Lonely Moon. There are some songs though that no one can touch Heard’s version: The first is “Worry Too Much.” What an amazing performance by heard here and is a personal favorite from the album. “I Just Wanna Get Warm” is another highlight with great mandolin and violin work. But one must remember that even a “least favorite” Mark Heard album is still better and more enjoyable than 95% of the rest of the music I own!

Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com

Tracklist
1 – Nod Over Coffee – 4:38
2 – Lonely Moon – 4:54
3 – Worry Too Much – 4:13
4 – Look Over Your Shoulder – 3:29
5 – She Don’t Have A Clue – 3:47
6 – Talking In Circles – 4:05
7 – Love Is Not The Only Thing – 4:58
8 – I Just Wanna Get Warm – 3:53
9 – Another Good Lie – 5:39
10 – All Too Soon – 3:57
11 – It’s Not Your Fault – 3:23
12 – I’m Looking Through You – 3:40
13 – What Kind Of Friend – 2:42
14 – The Ways Of Men – 5:07

Credits
Acoustic Bass [Acoustic Bass Guitar], Electric Bass – Bill Batstone
Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Organ [Hammond], Vocals, Accordion, Mandolin, Harmonica – Mark Heard
Artwork – Mark Heard
Backing Vocals – Pam Dwinell-Miner
Chapman Stick – Fergus Jemison Marsh
Double Bass [Stand-up], Electric Bass – Glen Holmen
Drums – David Raven, Steve Hindalong
Engineer [Second] – Buddy Miller, Joel Russell
Executive-Producer – Chuck Long
Fiddle – Doug Atwell
Mastered By – Eddy Schreyer
Pedal Steel Guitar, Dobro – Greg Liesz
Percussion – David Baker
Photography By – Joel Russell
Producer [Associate] – Dan Russell
Producer, Recorded By, Mixed By – Mark Heard
Written-By – Lennon-McCartney, Mark Heard, Steve Padgett

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Fingerprint Recorders
Mixed At – Fingerprint Recorders
Recorded At – Neverland
Mastered At – Future Disc

Lost Dogs – Little Red Riding Hood – 1993

It was very difficult to decide exactly which of the first two Lost Dogs projects would be ranked higher on this list as both are incredible projects. Ultimately it came down to the fact that the debut had “Breathe Deep,” which amongst the Top 10 greatest CCM songs ever. But this album should not be missed by anyone that…well…just anyone! No Ship Coming In opens up the album and should have earned the band a charting single. But it was 1993 and CCM radio was too busy with Point of Grace and Carman. The acoustic melody and tight harmonies are just fantastic. Inspired by the best of the Beach Boys vocally the songs is a sing-a-long fest. It would literally expand beyond the normal limitations of these reviews to discuss every great song the album. But Imagine That, You Satisfy, Dunce Cap and Jimmy are just stand outs. The latter featuring a subdued and touching vocal by Gene Eugene. “Jesus Loves You, Brian Wilson” is just a true treasure. The follow up to “Breathe Deep” is the wonderful “Pray Where You Are,” though one does get the sense that it is really “Breathe Deep: Part Two.” But when a song is that great you can’t blame them for trying. The song itself is great and stands as one of the best the group has ever recorded.

Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com

Tracklist
1 – No Ship Coming In – 3:56
2 – Imagine That – 4:04
3 – You Satisfy – 4:06
4 – Bad Indigestion – 3:25
5 – Dunce Cap – 3:47
6 – Jesus Loves You, Brian Wilson – 3:16
7 – Precious Memories – 3:10
8 – Rocky Mountain Mines – 4:12
9 – Jimmy – 2:50
10 – Eleanor, It’s Raining Now – 6:17
11 – Free At Last – 4:59
12 – Red, White And Blue – 2:45
13 – I’m A Loser – 2:51
14 – No Room For Us – 4:11
15 – Pray Where You Are – 3:46
16 – (no audio) – 0:11
17 – (no audio) – 0:11
18 – (no audio) – 0:11
19 – (no audio) – 0:11
20 – (no audio) – 0:11
21 – (no audio) – 0:11
22 – On The Good Ship Lollipop – 1:07

Credits
Art Direction, Design, Photography By – Anna Cardenas
Backing Vocals – Jerry Chamberlain
Dobro, Pedal Steel Guitar, Banjo – Greg Kellogg
Drums, Percussion – Burleigh Drummond
Guitar, Vocals – Terry Taylor
Guitar, Vocals, Bass – Derri Daugherty
Guitar, Vocals, Bass, Harmonica – Mike Roe
Guitar, Vocals, Bass, Piano – Gene Eugene
Bass – Tim Chandler
Executive-Producer – Gene Eugene, Ojo Taylor
Layout [Additional], Producer [Additional Production] – Ed McTaggart
Mastered By – Steve Hall
Producer [Produced By] – Derri Daugherty, Gene Eugene, Mike Roe, Terry Taylor
Recorded By – Gene Eugene
Recorded By [With] – David Hackbarth, The Dogs, Mark Rodriguez

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Word, Inc.
Copyright © – Word, Inc.
Manufactured By – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Pressed By – U.S. Optical Disc
Produced For – The WAL By Brainstorm Productions
Recorded At – The Green Room
Mixed At – The Mixing Lab
Mastered At – Future Disc
Published By – B-1 Music, Chenka Chenka Music, Word Music, MacLen Music

Barry McGuire – Seeds – 1973

After a chance meeting with traveling evangelist Arthur Blessit in 1971 led to a conversion to Christianity for folk/rock singer Barry McGuire, the young Christian signed with heavyweight label Myrrh to record a series of popular albums. The first two made this list and the debut is discussed here. As a member of the New Christy Minstrels McGuire scored several hits, but soon left to start a solo career. He recorded several solo albums before his conversion, but it was the one with the most ominous and spiritual theme that resonated with audiences. “Eve of Destruction” was hit both as an album and as a single, reaching the coveted number spot on Billboard. But the fame was short lived and following albums never met the same level of response. Seeds was his debut in the Christian market and was greeted warmly was very positive responses outside of the normal “devil’s music” complaints from the same tired circles. One song in particular became a mini anthem for the Jesus Movement. “Enter In” tells the story of three different people on judgment day and the Lord’s response to them. The memorable chorus and rollicking melody made it an instant favorite of youth groups at the time. Oddly enough McGuire’s music became less and less current after his first two projects. His first two were right in line with the folk and early 70’s rock for the time. Michael Omartian, 2nd Chapter of Acts and a young Howard McCreary all lend support on the project. Buck Herring produced and they created a true gem. The common themes of the rapture, evangelism and retelling of popular Bible stories fill the albums content. But it’s a much more joyful McGuire the expresses these themes than the one who recorded “Eve of Destruction.” The previous brooding singer-songwriter would reappear in “Lighten Up” but here on Seeds it’s all about the joy of the Lord in a new believer.

Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/

Tracklist
1 – To Know Love – 3:17
2 – Last Daze Waltz – 3:15
3 – Peace – 4:05
4 – Enter In – 5:35
5 – David And Goliath – 3:00
6 – Lear Jets / Father’s Son – 6:05
7 – Love Is – 3:54
8 – Railroad Man – 4:40
9 – Use The Crosswalk – 2:30
10 – Shauna’s Song – 4:05

Credits
Arranged By [Horn, String], Keyboards – Mike Omartin
Bass – Joe Osborn
Drums – David Kemper, Jim Gordon
Engineer – Buck Herring, Wally Duguid
Guitar [Solos] – Mike Deasy
Harp – Ben Benay
Keyboards – Howard McCrary, Larry Knechtel
Producer – Buck Herring
Saxophone – Don Menza
Saxophone, Saxophone [Solos] – Jim Horn
Trombone – Dick Hyde
Trumpet – Chuck Findley, Ollie Mitchell
Vocals – The 2nd Chapter Of Acts

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Word
Recorded At – Sunwest Recording Studios
Mixed At – Sunwest Recording Studios

Newsboys – Going Public – 1994

Going Public must be recognized for the important album that it is and the impact on the industry. But it must also be acknowledged for being a wonderful record with incredible music and stronger lyrical themes then many of its contemporaries. This is the second record produced by Steve Taylor and the influence in the “smartness” in the lyrics and depth shows more here than on the previous release. Most notably on the monster hit “Shine” that would assuredly be recognized as one of the great songs in Christian Rock history. The album also features the bands most consistently strong content. Newsboys tend to create three of four amazing songs per album and then a side full of filler. here every song is strong and there is more cohesion as to the order of the music. There is both a musical and lyrical force behind each song as they flow from one to another. Spirit Thing, Real Good Thing and the title track still rank among the best the band has ever recorded. One other note. the album does not contain many ballads and the ones that are there posses a more introspective content and atmospheric sound which made them great songs, but not radio friendly. I always respect a rock band that can create ballads without the focus being trying to break though on Christian AC radio.

Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/

Tracklist
1 – Real Good Thing – 2:53
2 – Shine – 3:42
3 – Spirit Thing – 3:27
4 – Let It Rain – 4:18
5 – Going Public – 3:31
6 – Truth And Consequences – 2:58
7 – Lights Out – 3:09
8 – Be Still – 3:19
9 – When You Called My Name – 4:03
10 – Elle G. – 5:13

Credits
Bass, Backing Vocals – Kevin Mills
Booking – Scott Huie
Coordinator [Project] – Laura E. Cobble
Cover [Cover Concept] – Peter Furler, Steve Taylor
Creative Director – Toni Fitzpenn
Crew [Touring], Keyboards, Programmed By [Additional Programming] – Jeff Frankenstein
Design – Franke Design Co.
Engineer [Additional] – Lisa Miller, Martin Woodlee, Wayne Mehl
Engineer, Mixed By – Russ Long
Executive-Producer – Darrell A. Harris, Wes Campbell
Guitar, Backing Vocals – Jody Davis
Keyboards, Backing Vocals – Duncan Phillips
Lead Vocals – John James
Lead Vocals, Drums, Programmed By – Peter Furler
Management – Wes Campbell
Mastered By – Bob Ludwig
Performer [Additional Musician] – Blair Masters, Danny Duncan, Darrell A. Harris, Dave Perkins, Eric Darken, John Mark Painter, Kenny Greenberg, Kim Keyes, Phil Madeira, Russ Long, Steve Taylor, Vicki Hampton, Wade Jaynes
Photography By [Cover] – Dave Perkins Family Archives
Photography By [Group] – Norman Jean Roy
Producer – Peter Furler, Steve Taylor

Companies, etc.
Record Company – BMG Direct Marketing, Inc. – D 125474
Licensed To – BMG Direct Marketing, Inc.
Recorded At – The Dugout, The Saltmine, The Tube, The Carport, Quad Studios
Mixed At – The Carport
Mastered At – Gateway Mastering
Published By – Ariose Music
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Star Song
Copyright © – Star Song

Kemper Crabb – The Vigil – 1982

Kemper Crabb’s own biography states that he may have been born 700 years too late. That is nor more correct than on his classic Celtic/progressive/folk rock classic, The Vigil. Inspired by the Crusades and the music from nearly that same era, The Vigil is a masterpiece that is admittedly not for everyone. He has played with Caedmon’s Call and Atomic Opera. He fronted the amazing Progressive Rock band, Arkangel (reviewed later) and has a list of credits a mile long. He is also an ordained minister in the Reformed Episcopal Church and lectures on a diverse selection of theological and sociological subjects. How truly magnificent is this work? Consider that every review on Amazon is 5 stars and that sealed original copies can go for as much as $200 without a problem of finding a buyer. The combination of worshipful baroque, Celtic hymns, classical instrumentals and brilliantly conceived and crafted lyrics make this beyond anything resembling an AYSO. Litanies and liturgies are not the normal fair for Christian rockers and many may stumble through upon first listening. But as these brilliant works swirl and envelope an initial appreciation may soon become an obsession. Crabb’s stunningly beautiful rendition of “Be Thou My Vision” is utterly captivating. “The Danse” would later appear on the first Caedmon’s Call worship album.

Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com

Tracklist
1 – Sunset Before The Vigil – 1:21
2 – The Vigil – 2:03
3 – They That Go Down To The Sea In Ships – 4:12
4 – Tannin – 3:03
5 – Doulos – 3:32
6 – All Father Litany – 2:09
7 – Be Thou My Vision – 2:45
8 – Outremer – 1:16
9 – Salarello – 1:16
10 – The Danse – 4:50
11 – Thigpen’s Wedding – 2:00
12 – Taking The Cross – 1:35
13 – Candle Flame – 2:34
14 – Te Deum – 1:47
15 – Fairest Lord Jesus (Crusader’s Hymn) – 2:59
16 – The Vigil – 2:04
17 – Sunrise After The Vigil – 2:13

Credits
Art Direction – Dave Rogers
Bagpipes – Andy White
Engineer [Assistant] – Cathy Mills
Engineer [Assistant], Backing Vocals – Rick Thigpen
Guitar – Lee Ann Turner*
Harp [Troubador] – Barbara Goodrich
Illustration – Randy Rogers
Mandolin – Jerry McPherson
Mastered By – Greg Calbi
Mixed By – Paul Mills
Mixed By, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Recorder, Tin Whistle, Guitar, Dulcimer, Bells, Psaltery – Kemper Crabb
Percussion – John Witte, Russell Dunlap
Photography – Frank White
Photography [Front Photo Concept], Backing Vocals – Bekah Crabb
Producer, Arranged By, Engineer, Organ – Paul Mills
Written-By – David Marshall, K. Crabb, P. Mills
Written-By, Timpani – C. Mills

Companies, etc.
Mastered At – Sterling Sound
Engineered At – Rivendell Sound Recorders
Mixed At – Rivendell Sound Recorders
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Star Song Records
Copyright © – Star Song Records
Distributed By – The Benson Company
Manufactured By – Star Song Records
Pressed By – Europadisk
Published By – StraightWay Music, Dawn Treader Music

Poor Old Lu – Mindsize – 1993

One of the most influential and important bands of the 1990’s never really received all the recognition they clearly deserved. Check that: They didn’t reserve anywhere near the recognition they deserved. Borrowing a line from CS Lewis “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe,” the Seattle based quartet created some of the most significant and original music in CCM during their tenure. And no one album encapsulated that important edge quite like Mindsize. The teens that made up the band gave their demo to Randy Stonehill who passed it along to Terry Taylor. Taylor got it into the hands of Mike MacLane at Frontline Records who went after the band immediately. I remember Mike playing the demo for me in his office and I kept bugging him, asking when would the album be coming out! Part grunge, part alternative, part funk and all original and exceptional. From the riff to the last strum the band, with some creative production direction by Terry Scott Taylor, created a debut unlike any other from that era save Mortal’s debut. Someone still has to explain to me how a song like “All Pretty For the TV” can not make a serious ripple on college radio. Its retro funky grooves and alternative driven chorus are the stuff heroes are made of. Aaron Sprinkle guitar ranges from sleek and sexy to fuzzy and rough depending on the mood of the tune. Most often there’s a funky fuzz that dominates the lyrics of doubt, questions and searching. Christianese is limited as the songs (written by mere teenagers at the time) offer more insight than many of their contemporaries without the normal jargon associated with the genre. Is there a better and more fuzzy base line than the one found on “In Love With the Greenery?” The bass is so low at times it is felt more than heard. Utterly brilliant and fearless. “Sometimes Cry” is another song that deserved a wider hearing. Sprinkles weaving and swirling guitar drives one of the best chorus hooks on the entire album. Possibly the finest song on the album and in the entire Poor Old Lu catalog is “Cruciality.” The soulful groove and beautiful melody just works against the grungy guitar and plodding bass. Brilliant songwriting and execution. It is amazing that when one considers a good part of the group was still in their late teens that Taylor’s influence was not overpowering and they maintained their musical vision. This helped them create several more great albums and allowed them to be one of the great bands of the 90’s.

Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/

Tracklist
1 – More – 3:55
2 – All Pretty For The T.V. – 3:29
3 – So Good To See Me – 3:52
4 – In Love With The Greenery – 3:30
5 – Sometimes Cry – 3:47
6 – Do I? – 5:56
7 – Tried & True – 2:59
8 – Cruciality – 4:07
9 – To Be Awake – 4:21
10 – Tigger’s Daily Jog – 0:49
11 – Peapod – 3:54
12 – Shine – 4:11

Credits
A&R – Matthew Duffy
Arranged By – Poor Old Lu, Terry Taylor
Arranged By [Strings] – Aaron Sprinkle
Backing Vocals – Aaron Sprinkle, Brandon Thompson, Clark Leake, Derri Daugherty, Nick Barber, Terry Taylor
Bass – Nick Barber
Cello – Rick Rekedal
Design, Layout – Aaron Sprinkle, Marc Ludena
Drums, Percussion – Jesse Sprinkle
Engineer [Second Engineering] – John Goodmanson
Executive-Producer [Reissue] – Jeffrey Kotthoff
Guitar, Keyboards – Aaron Sprinkle
Lyrics By – Scott Hunter
Music By – Poor Old Lu
Percussion – Steve Hindalong
Photography By [Additional] – Lloyd McCracken
Photography By [Band Photography] – Anna Cardenas
Producer – Terry Taylor
Project Manager [Reissue Direction & Coordination] – Jeffrey Kotthoff, Scott Hunter
Recorded By, Mixed By – Derri Daugherty
Remastered By – Levi Seitz
Technician [Drum Technician] – Aaron Mlasko
Violin – Susan Jensen
Vocals – Scott Hunter

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – KMG Records
Copyright © – KMG Records
Record Company – Meis Music Group
Licensed To – Lo-Fidelity Records
Recorded At – Avast! Recording Co.
Recorded At – The Green Room
Recorded At – The Mixing Lab
Mixed At – The Mixing Lab
Remastered At – Black Belt Mastering
Published By – Carlotta Publishing
Manufactured By – Pirates Press
Pressed By – GZ Media – 184936E

King’s X – Faith Hope Love – 1990

I have seen King’s X live on three occasions. I still have no idea how they pull off their sound live with just three guys. It is really impressive. Of course, one of the times I saw them they were the band for CCM pop artist Morgan Cryar. They played at the infamous “lighthouse” in Orange County. With their third release, Faith, Hope, Love, King’s X were positioned to become the next great rock band, and even though they have garnered a stellar track record and decent fan base, the world just some times doesn’t “get it” when it comes to great and significant rock. Possibly more “commercial” than the first two release, FHL, is still a rocking album and filled with the bands unique, creative and progressive rock music. The Beatlesque vocals married to big and heavy rock just seem to work so well, especially here. The single, “It’s Love” is a brilliant song that deserved even more radio support than it did. But like most King’s X projects it’s deeper into the album that the real gems shine though. “Fine Art of Friendship” has such a killer groove that sticks with you and a wonderful message of reconciliation. “We Were Born to Be Loved” just flat out rocks…hard! And the spoken vocal just works perfectly. Many prefer the debut because of it’s greater progressive and creative influence, but FHL delivers such a consistent and listenable sound that it bears more repeated listening.

Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/

Tracklist
1 – We Are Finding Who We Are – 4:39
2 – Its Love – 4:34
3 – Ill Never Get Tired Of You – 3:46
4 – Fine Art Of Friendship – 4:21
5 – Mr Wilson – 3:39
6 – Moanjam – 6:05
7 – Six Broken Soldiers – 3:32
8 – I Cant Help It – 3:53
9 – Talk To You – 4:36
10 – Everywhere I Go – 3:53
11 – We Were Born To Be Loved – 4:52
12 – Faith Hope Love – 9:23
13 – Legal Kill – 4:42

Credits
Art Direction – Derika Van Reenan
Artwork [Back Cover Illustration] – James McDermott
Artwork [Front Cover Illustration] – Randy Rogers
Bass Guitar, Vocals – Doug Pinnick
Drums, Percussion, Vocals – Jerry Gaskill
Engineer, Recorded By – Steve Ames
Guitar, Sitar, Vocals – Ty Tabor
Management – Sam Taylor
Mastered By – Tony Dawsey
Photography By – George Craig
Producer – King’s X, Sam Taylor
Written-By – King’s X

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Megaforce Records, Inc.
Copyright © – Atlantic Recording Corporation
Copyright © – Jetydosa Music
Copyright © – Ackee Music
Recorded At – Rampart Studios
Mastered At – Masterdisk
Made By – WEA Manufacturing Inc.
Pressed By – Specialty Records Corporation