David Lowman – Real 80s CCM

Keith Green – No Compromise – 1978

Possibly no album or album title personifies it’s creator quite like Keith Green’s, “No Compromise.” A trite slogan in the hands of many artists this phrase is the ultimate adjective qualifier for the man. As uncomfortable his words and music may have been for many, it was never a feeling that he was pointing a finger without also pointing it at himself. But this is a review of great albums, not great men or personalities. And given the latter, the album is simply fantastic! Like the predecessor, For Him Who Has Ears To hear, No Compromise combines Elton John type funky piano driven tunes and soaring and emotional ballads. Lyrically things are similar as well with a combination of rebuking and exhortive, prophetic declarations mixed with repentant and confessional compositions. There’s even another song about the Devil! It may be simply perception, but No Compromise seems more serious and “mellower” than many other albums from Green, especially in comparison to FHWHETH. Perhaps it just related to the fact that the most popular and memorable songs from the album are the ballads. Make My Life a Prayer, How Can They Live Without Jesus, Asleep in the Light, My Eyes Are Dry and To Obey Is Better than sacrifice all remain classics in the truest sense of the word. Asleep in the Light may go down as the most convicting song in CCM history with the line “Jesus raised from the dead…and you can’t even get out of bed!” Ouch! Two years before the release of No Compromise Tommy James (Shondells) would record “Don’t Wanna Fall Away From You” on a solo project. For years after its release the songs No Compromise contained would haunt, exhort and uplift millions.

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

Tracklist
1 – Soften Your Heart – 2:48
2 – Make My Life A Prayer To You – 3:21
3 – Dear John Letter (To The Devil) – 3:20
4 – How Can They Live Without Jesus? – 3:03
5 – Asleep In The Light – 4:25
6 – My Eyes Are Dry – 1:57
7 – You! – 3:33
8 – I Don’t Wanna Fall Away From You – 3:07
9 – Stained Glass – 2:45
10 – To Obey Is Better Than Sacrifice – 3:17
11 – The Victor – 4:20
12 – Altar Call – 3:34

Credits
Acoustic Guitar – Al Perkins, Hadley Hockensmith, Jay Leach, Mike Deasy
Arranged By [Strings] – Lennart Sjöholm
Backing Vocals – Danniebelle Hall, James Felix, Keith Green, Matthew Ward
Choir – Annie Herring, Chris Beatty, Jamie Owens-Collins, Keith Green, Matthew Ward, Melody Green, Nelly Greisen, Steve Greisen, Tommy Funderburk
Congas – Lee Pastora
Electric Guitar – Hadley Hockensmith, Mike Deasy
Guitar – Hadley Hockensmith, Mike Deasy
Marimba – Mark Z. Stevens
Organ – Harlan Rogers
Piano [Fender Rhodes] – Harlan Rogers, Keith Green
Producer – Bill Maxwell, Keith Green
Recorded By – Peter Granet
Steel Guitar – Al Perkins
Tambourine – Bill Maxwell
Triangle – Lee Pastora

Companies, etc.
Copyright © – Sparrow Records, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Sparrow Records, Inc.
Recorded At – Sound Castle Recorders, Los Angeles
Recorded At – MCA Whitney Recording Studios
Mixed At – MCA Whitney Recording Studios
Mastered At – The Mastering Lab
Published By – Ears To Hear Music
Published By – April Music
Published By – Lexicon Music
Lacquer Cut At – The Mastering Lab

The 2nd Chapter Of Acts – With Footnotes – 1974

Hands down one of the most “important” releases in the history of CCM and one of the best Jesus Music albums ever recorded. Jesus Music grew up in a big with this release and forced the rest of the musicians within the genre to step up with quality songs, productions and performances. It also contains one of the greatest CCM songs ever recorded, and possibly the very best! After touring and performing with some of the best artists in the early Jesus Music scene like Barry McGuire, the three siblings were offered on recording contract of their own on Word’s rock label, Myrrh. Myrhh provided a decent enough budget to enlist the likes of Michael Omartian, David Kemper and a young Michael Been (The Call). Manyof the musicians would also become part of the ground tour band known as “a band called DAVID.” The album starts with what would later become a 2nd Chapter classic, Which Way the Wind Blows. Older sibling Annie Herring wrote much the groups music along with husband Buck, while the vocal duties were shared amongst the three. But for many it would be the lone boy, Matthew Ward, who would amaze the listeners with his unbelievable range. The Devil Lost Again features Matthew and would hint at what would come later for him as a solo artists. The more “rocking” of the three siblings, this song would have fit nicely on a Michael Omartian project and features some guitar work that pushed the envelope for the time. “Love, Peace, Joy” features the trademark tight harmonies that would earn the group their international recognition and would also later draw comparisons to ABBA, and eventually be ripped off by Silverwind. Nothing sounds quite as beautiful as siblings harmonizing and this rings true throughout the project. But the finest two and half minutes in Jesus Music history comes courtesy of the classic “Easter Song.” If ever a song deserved the recognition of the “classic” designation, it is this song. I can’t even imagine just how many times this song has been covered, sampled, sung, recorded or performed in its nearly 40 years of existence. I would venture to guess that only the Hallelujah Chorus has been sung at more Easter services. And it is also a wonderful song. Beautiful, inspirational and dynamic. This album was a game changer and a lasting testament to the legacy of one of the most important groups in CCM history.

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

Tracklist
1 – Which Way The Wind Blows – 4:58
2 – Goin Home – 2:48
3 – With Jesus – 2:45
4 – The Devil’s Lost Again – 3:06
5 – Love, Peace, Joy – 2:33
6 – I Don’t Wanna Go Home – 2:28
7 – Easter Song – 2:20
8 – He Loves Me – 5:07
9 – Good News – 3:20
10 – I Fall In Love/Change – 4:22
11 – The Son Comes Over The Hill – 3:23

Credits
Bass – Joe Osborn, Mike Been
Drums – David Kemper, Jim Gordon, John Guerin, Michael Omartian
Guitar – Al McKay, Art Munson, Mike Deasy
Organ – Danny Timms, Michael Omartian
Piano – Anne Herring, Danny Timms, Michael Omartian, Tom Keene
Producer – Buck Herring
Strings, Arranged By – Michael Omartian
Synthesizer [Arp] – Michael Omartian
Written-By – Anne Herring, Buck Herring

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Word, Inc.
Copyright © – Latter Rain Music
Copyright © – Word Music, Inc.

Glass Harp – Glass Harp – 1970

The single greatest and most often repeated “urban legend” in CCM history involves a supposed encounter with Jimi Hendrix and Johnny Carson in which it is claimed that Jimi Hendrix claimed that Phil Keaggy was the greatest guitar player in the world. Or maybe it was Dick Cavett and Eric Clapton or perhaps Jimmy Page and… It’s important to note that the only reason the fabled legend has continued to exist (despite Keaggy’s constant denials) is because Phil Keaggy is one of the greatest guitar players in the world. In fact, the proliferation of such a myth can only seem plausible because o0f Keaggy’s sheer mastery of the instrument and his incredible creativity. Now it should be noted that even though the album in question was recorded in the famed Hendrix stomping grounds, Electric Lady Studios, the legendary guitar player passed away two weeks before Glass Harp began recording and Keaggy does not believe Hendrix ever heard Keaggy play. In spite of the legends questionable validity, it must not be discounted what amazing music Keaggy created as part of Glass Harp. One of the original “power trios” in rock music they are often labeled as a psychedelic or progressive rock band when in fact they are closer to a “jam band” popularized by The Grateful Dead, Cream, Blind Faith and most recently Phish. Noted for musical stylistic fusions and original improvisations, Glass harp would and should be considered one of the pioneers of the movement. Built around three very strong musicians, most notably Keaggy, the three albums created by Glass harp are astounding works of creativity, originality and musical mastery. The debut stands out for the more aggressive rock sounds and for leading off with what should be considered the “Stairway to Heaven” of Christian music, Can You See Me. Starting slow and building into two separate instrumental breaks lead by Keaggy’s sizzling and soaring guitar work. It can not be understated just how great this song is and how well it should be regarded by CCM music historians. The whole record is brilliant and moving. It was also very, very “Christian” in its content. There are bold declarations of faith and and Biblical themes despite the placement on a secular label. Oddly enough, this album is often overlooked when people refer to that which can be considered the first “Christian Rock” album. The band would record two more album and right about when many thought they were going to “break through” Keaggy left to concentrate on writing more distinctly Christian songs for the burgeoning Christian music industry. The band has reunited on a few occasions over the years, including one night immortalized in the song, Wish You Were There, from Keaggy’s Town to Town LP.

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

Tracklist
1 – Can You See Me – 6:25
2 – Children’s Fantasy – 4:10
3 – Changes (In The Heart Of My Own True Love) – 6:00
4 – Village Queen – 4:00
5 – Black Horse – 2:50
6 – Southbound – 3:50
7 – Whatever Life Demands – 6:30
8 – Look In The Sky – 8:10
9 – Garden – 5:15
10 – On Our Own – 2:30
2005 CD Bonus track
11 – Voice of God Cry Out – 4:10

Credits
Arranged By [Strings] – Larry Fallon
Artwork [Album Design] – Ernie Cefalu
Bass, Vocals, Flute – Dan Pecchio*
Drums, Vocals, Acoustic Guitar – John Sferra
Electric Guitar, Vocals, Acoustic Guitar – Phil Keaggy
Engineer – Ron Johnsen
Liner Notes – Robert Brandt
Photography By [Back Cover] – Billy Bass
Photography By [Glass Harp Photo Effects] – Bill Levy
Producer – Lewis Merenstein
Viola [Electric] – John Cale

Companies, etc.
Copyright © – MCA Records
Recorded At – Electric Lady Studios
Made By – MCA Records (Canada)

White Heart – Don’t Wait For The Movie – 1986

Birthed in 1982 as a rock side project for many members of the Bill Gaither Vocal Band, White Heart went on to be one of the most influential and successful artists of the 80’s and 90’s. Early releases featured inspirational icon Steve Green on lead vocals followed by Scott Douglas (on albums two and three) who would later be convicted of sexual assault. This would have killed most bands, but hidden amongst the bands roadies was young aspiring vocalist named Rick Florian. Florian made his band debut on “Don’t Wait for the Movie” and took the band to a whole new level of success. The Toto pop and inspirational “safe” ballads that populated the first three albums was replaced with a more Journey, REO Speedwagon rock sound. It also marked an “escape” from Home Sweet Home records to Sparrow. Initially the album received some pretty strong negative reviews and reception. Over time the position softened and now the album is considered one of the most important rock releases of the era along side the better works of Petra, Servant and AD. Though not as critically admired as Freedom or Redemption. it remains one of the most successful and cherished albums in the bands career. It also marked the bands first overwhelming reception on Christian rock and CHR radio. Fly Eagle Fly and How Many Times became Christian radio staples well past the shelf life of the album.

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

Tracklist
1 – Read The Book (Don’t Wait For The Movie) – 4:51
2 – Holy Ground – 4:42
3 – Beat Of A Different Drum – 4:17
4 – Fly Eagle Fly – 4:41
5 – Convertibles – 3:43
6 – Let The Children Play (Instrumental) – 1:32
7 – King George – 4:20
8 – No Apology – 4:22
9 – Maybe Today – 4:25
10 – Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Christian – 4:40
11 – How Many Times (Seventy Times Seven) – 4:27

Credits
Art Direction – Buddy Jackson
Artwork By [Hand Tinting] – Mike Drake
Bass, Drum Programming [Linn Programming] – Gary Lunn
Design [Lyric Sheet] – Jim Shanman
Drums, Percussion – Chris McHugh
Edited By – Billy Smiley, Ken Love
Engineer – Brent King
Engineer [Second] – David Pierce
Guitar, Lead Guitar, Sitar, Vocals – Gordon Kennedy
Keyboards, Vocals, Trombone – Mark Gersmehl
Lead Vocals – Ric Florian
Mastered By – Hank Williams
Photography By – Mark Tucker
Producer – Billy Smiley, White Heart
Programmed By [Keyboard Programming] – Tommy Greer
Vocals, Keyboards, Guitar, Trumpet – Billy Smiley

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – The Sparrow Corporation
Recorded At – Center Stage Studio
Overdubbed At – Center Stage Studio
Mixed At – Mastermix
Mastered At – Mastermix
Published By – Word Music, Hall-Clement Publications, Yellow Jacket Music, Inc., Welk Music Group, Birdwing Music, Kid And The Squid Music, White Heart Publishing

Ron Salsbury And J.C. Power Outlet – Forgiven – 1974

Jesus Music was in dire need of a rock and roll band. In 1972 Myrrh released the self-titles debut album from JC Power Outlet to mixed reviews. The Devil’s music in your Christian bookstore! Two years later the follow up come out and it was better produced and, in some way, quite a bit harder edged. Bookstores still weren’t ready. The driving force behind JC Power Outlet was Ron Salsbury and he provided a formula of rocker followed by balled followed by rocker throughout each project. This second and final release for the group made a huge impact on the Jesus Music world as they finally had a legit rock band to go with the folk and pop groups like Love Song, Jamie Owens and Honeytree. Nothing earth shattering lyrically here as this is vintage Jesus Music evangelism and rapture ready warnings. But it’s very important to remember that these artists were also walking a very fine line of acceptance within their own churches and making bold proclamations of faith were all but necessary for their own survival and support. Forgiven was a game changer from the very creative artwork to the more consistent “rock” sound for the day, especially landing on a more mainstream Christian label. Here again we have an album that is both good and important to the growth and expansion of the Christian Music industry.

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

Tracklist
1 – Peace and Power – 3:17
2 – Oh My Jesus – 2:54
3 – Too Bad – 2:54
4 – My Friend – 2:49
5 – I Choose to Follow You – 5:29
6 – Give Him Your Love – 2:15
7 – Goodbye – 4:07
8 – My Sign – 3:32
9 – Don’t Let Jesus Pass You By – 3:24
10 – Open Your Spiritual Eyes – 3:35

Credits
Arranged By, Producer [Produced By] – Darrell Rodman
Band [J.C. Power Outlet] – Bruce Neal, Dave Edwards, John Pantano, Ron Salsbury
Composed By – Ron Salsbury
Cover, Design Concept – Ron Salsbury
Engineer – Dan Holmes
Lacquer Cut By – Eck
Photography By – Bill Grine
Photography By [Backliner] – Jennifer Salsbury

Companies, etc.
Record Company – Word, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Word, Inc.
Copyright © – Word Music, Inc.
Engineered At – Audiotek Studios, Minneapolis

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