Ray Mansfield – Page 18

The Crucified – The Pillars Of Humanity – 1991

This is the second and last album from The Crucified. The line up changed slightly with Jeff Bellew replacing Mark Johnson on bass but everyone else stayed the course. I think this album is actually a bit better than their first but it very similar just with slightly better vocals or perhaps it’s been better engineered. Unfortunately the band split after this album and in fact toured very little to support the album. They did however come back together for a good bye show at Cornerstone Festival. Everyone went on to further projects including, Stavesacre, Neon Horse, The Blamed, CHATTERbOX, and Applehead. After a long battle with Ocean Records the band was able to get the rights to their music and released a complete collection CD set. The band also returned to touring including a show at Cornerstone Festival in July 2009.

Tracklist
1 – Intro / Hateworld – 5:20
2 – It’s All About Fear – 2:29
3 – The Wrong One – 3:41
4 – Mindbender – 3:53
5 – Path To Sorrow – 4:02
6 – Fellowship Of Thieves – 3:12
7 – Focus – 2:32
8 – The Strength – 3:53
9 – Blackstone / So-Called Living, 1991 – 4:16
10 – The Pillars Of Humanity – 2:57

Credits
Artwork – Rick Catizone
Artwork [Inside] – Mark Salomon
Bass – Jeff Bellew
Design Concept, Cover – Mark Salomon, Rick Catizone
Drums – Jim Chaffin
Guitar – Greg Minier
Photography By [Group Shots] – Perry Cooper
Photography By [Individual Shots] – Andrew P. Watrous, Teddi Sherrer
Producer, Mixed By, Engineer – Chris Morris, The Crucified
Vocals – Mark Salomon

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Ocean Records
Copyright © – Ocean Records
Manufactured By – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Recorded At – Mama Jo’s
Mixed At – Mama Jo’s
Manufactured By – JVC

Various – Portrait Of A Spirit – 1991

This is a rather odd sampler from Pakaderm Records. I’m not entirely sure but I think the point of this sampler was to hear these artists doing sort of an acoustic track. This is a little weird because there are a few artists here that usually only do this style of music so like I say I’m a little confused at what the Elefante brothers were trying to achieve here. I’m even further confused as most of the tracks seem to be newly written and the recordings are only with the performer as the vocalist and the album appears to utilize a studio band. I honestly don’t think most of the artists understood what was going on either because most of the tracks just don’t work in my opinion. There are 3 tracks that in my opinion did get it. The 2 tracks form Richie Furay are absolutely excellent and include an appearance form Darrell Mansfield on harmonica. The other track that “got it” is the one from Guardian where they absolutely nail the vocals. Anyway it is what it is and I’d suggest a listen even if it’s just for the 3 tracks I mentioned.

Tracklist
1 – David Robertson – The House Of The Lord – 3:17
2 – Richie Furay – Man Of Many Sorrows – 4:23
3 – Brighton – Taking Back The Land (Jericho) – 4:20
4 – Sara Tennison – What Did I Ever Do – 4:57
5 – X-Sinner – Shelter Me – 3:12
6 – Mark Pogue – Thou Shalt Love – 3:49
7 – Richie Furay – Song Of The Lamb – 3:06
8 – Guardian – Take Up Your Cross – 4:50
9 – Halo – Real Life Conversation – 3:47
10 – The Heard – We Need Jesus – 5:05

Credits
Art Direction, Design – Terry DeGraff
Backing Vocals [Additional] – Doug Beiden, Sara Tennison
Bass – W.C. Jr
Cover – David Del Sesto, Terry DeGraff
Engineer – Dino Elefante, Doug Beiden, J.R. McNeely, John Elefante
Guitar [Additional] – Rock Lobster, Tex Mex
Keyboards, Drums – Mack Jack
Mandolin, Violin – Matt Brislawn
Mastered By – Chris
Mixed By – Dino Elefante, Doug Beiden, John Elefante
Percussion – “Chi Chi” Allison
Producer – Dino Elefante, John Elefante

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Word, Inc.
Copyright © – Word, Inc.
Manufactured By – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Made By – JVC
Recorded At – Pakaderm Studios
Mastered At – Bernie Grundman Mastering

The Techno Orchestra – Casualtease – 1982

Bev and Steve are back with another album and another band name. I really don’t understand why they felt it was necessary to have a slightly different name every album. Oh well anyway I think I know what they were thinking for this album. It has several experimental tracks and I think that’s what they were aiming for further demonstrated by the fact they didn’t release any tracks as a singles. While I don’t like it as much as their other work it’s still good and I enjoyed it.

Tracklist
1 – Let There Be Neon – 3:44
2 – Mechanical Ballet – 4:47
3 – Berlin Ballerina – 5:56
4 – Observation – 3:51
5 – Techno Refugee – 4:27
6 – Lunatic Republic – 4:13
7 – When Is Pleasure Pain? – 4:03
8 – Boy – 4:10
9 – Lily Marlene – 1:21
10 – Military Business (Muscle Culture II) – 4:22

Credits
Bass – Les Cargo
Drums, Percussion – Dolphin Taylor, Gus Hale
Horns – John Du Prez
Keyboards – David Hewson
Vocals – Bev Sage, Steve Fairnie

Companies, etc.
Made By – Sounds Marketing System, Inc.
Published By – Street Tunes
Published By – Street Tunes Ltd.
Published By – Westminster Music
Published By – Westminster Music Ltd.
Published By – Peter Maurice Co.
Published By – EMI Music

Phil & John – Live – 1990

Whenever you sit down to listen to a Phil & John album you are never really too sure what you are gonna get. Some albums are pop, some are folk, some are humour, and some are worship. To be clear I do like them I just never know what to expect every time I get a new album. Anyway this is a live humour based album and is probably their best work. This is really where these 2 gentleman shined. I of course never got a chance to see them live as I live in Canada but I really wish I could have. If your in a poor mood toss this album on and you’ll find yourself in a much better mood soon.

Tracklist
1 – Oblivious – 2:55
2 – The Boxer – 4:16
3 – Australia Story – 7:14
4 – Homeward Bound – 3:44
5 – Child Of My Time – 5:17
6 – Stay Young – 3:28
7 – Teeth Story – 5:42
8 – The Day The North Left Town – 3:17
9 – Tommy The Tortoise – 5:48
10 – Echoes To Return – 2:40
11 – What Kind Of Love? – 4:13

Credits
Design – James Kessell
Guitar – John Hartley, Phil Baggaley
Mixed By – Neil Costello
Photography – Branka Jukić
Recorded By – Neil Costello
Vocals – John Hartley, Phil Baggaley

Out Of Darkness – The Celebration Club Session – 1972/1993

In the early 90’s Out Of Darkness was enjoying a resurgence of people listening to their album from 1970. Somehow Plankton records got together with the band and released a 4 track recording of the band live in 1972. It was recorded live at the Celebration Club in Gillingham, England. The quality is actually really good as long as you remember this is a live recording in 1972. This album was a godsend to fans of the band as it gave them 6 more tracks to enjoy.

Tracklist
1 – Walk On The Water – 4:56
2 – Love To Love – 8:12
3 – Worldpool – 10:40
4 – Cocaine – 5:28
5 – Valley (I’m Gonna Follow) – 5:32
6 – Child Of The Universe – 13:18

Credits
Artwork – Keith Oliver
Band [Out Of Darkness], Bass – Bruce Duncan (tracks: 2, 3, 6)
Band [Out Of Darkness], Bass, Percussion, Piano – Carl Grant
Band [Out Of Darkness], Drums, Percussion – Tim Anderson
Band [Out Of Darkness], Guitar, Vocals, Written-By [All Songs Written By] – Wray Powell
Design – Keith Dixon (2), Tim Anderson
Engineer – Peter Cornelious
Photography By [Cover] – Chris Nicol
Post Production [Post Recording Production] – Nigel Palmer

Chagall Guevara – Chagall Guevara – 1991

In 1989 Steve Taylor put together Chagall Guevara with the goal of conquering the secular record charts. After a flurry of bass players they finally put out this their first album in 1991. It didn’t do great but I do remember the single “Violent Blue” getting some airplay in my market in Canada. Strangely the entry for the band in Wikipedia states “All of the band members had histories within the Christian music industry, but the band was an effort to depart from the CCM industry. Despite this, the band still performed at the exclusively Christian music festival Cornerstone, and had their music (albeit against their wishes) distributed through Christian bookstores.” This is absolutely and completely untrue. The band had signed a distribution deal with Sparrow records as well as MCA Records. Obviously they knew Sparrow would distribute it in Christian books stores as that’s the only place they distributed to. Even if Steve has encouraged this rumour it is a complete lie. This was the only album from the band and MCA obviously didn’t think the hassle of Steve Taylor was worth it. Personally I moderately like the album but I don’t think it’s very good luck to name your band after a murderous, Marxist, dictator wannabe, just saying.

Tracklist
1 – Murder In The Big House – 3:48
2 – Escher’s World – 4:14
3 – Play God – 3:43
4 – Monkey Grinder – 6:59
5 – Can’t You Feel The Chains? – 3:09
6 – Violent Blue – 4:01
7 – Love Is A Dead Language – 4:10
8 – Take Me Back To Love Canal – 3:18
9 – The Wrong George – 1:58
10 – Candy Guru – 4:07
11 – I Need Somebody – 3:33
12 – The Rub Of Love – 4:13
13 – If It All Comes True – 3:35

Credits
A&R – Paul Kremen, Teresa Ensenat
Art Direction, Design – Tim Stedman
Bass – Wade Jaynes
Drums – Mike Mead
Engineer [Additional Engineering By] – Matt Wallace
Engineer [Assisted By] – Mike Corbett, Roy Gamble, Shawn McLean, Ulrich Wild
Engineer [Engineered By] – David Bryson
Guitar, Vocals – Dave Perkins, L. Arthur Nichols
Management [Lookout Management] – Elliot Roberts, Frank Gironda
Mastered By – Bob Ludwig
Mixed By – David Bryson, Matt Wallace
Photography By – Michael Lavine
Producer [Produced By] – Chagall Guevara, Matt Wallace
Songwriter [All Songs Written By] – Dave Perkins, Lynn Nichols, Steve Taylor
Vocals – Steve Taylor
Words By, Music By – Dave Perkins, Lynn Nichols, Steve Taylor

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – MCA Records, Inc.
Copyright © – MCA Records, Inc.
Manufactured By – Uni Distribution Corp.
Distributed By – Uni Distribution Corp.
Recorded At – The Bennett House
Recorded At – The Tube
Mixed At – Alpha & Omega Recording
Mastered At – Masterdisk
Designed At – Public Eye
Published By – MCA Music Publishing
Published By – GMMI, Inc.
Published By – Sadoshrimp
Made By – PDO, USA

Rock & Religion Radio Special – 1980 – Daniel Amos

This is a 1980 episode of Rock & Religion Radio featuring Daniel Amos. It features tracks from their Horrendous Disc album.

00:00 – I Love You #19
06:33 – I Believe In You
12:03 – Hound Of Heaven
16:51 – Tidal Wave
22:51 – On The Line

Heartbeat – Voice To The Nation – 1986

I have to admit that here in Canada we had no idea who Heartbeat was never mind the controversy they caused. This is their 3rd album and I think by now most of the controversy had died down. They still proclaimed to be a charting pop band but really they were a backup worship band that made the majority of their money playing on other peoples albums. This album does not have a secular single release and that’s probably a good thing as it did not deserve to be on the secular charts. As for the album it is primarily a worship album with a couple pop tunes mixed in. The problem with the pop tracks is that the vocals do not fit them. We saw this several times in the 80’s as worship oriented bands tried to do a pop album and failed miserably due to vocals. This album isn’t too bad if you listen to it for what it is and that’s a worship album.

Tracklist
1 – Prelude/Voice To The Nation – 4:04
2 – Heal Our Nation – 4:42
3 – Out Of Your Great Love – 2:09
4 – Dance People Dance – 4:05
5 – Lord, Release My Mouth – 2:25
6 – Dancing In The City – 4:11
7 – Holy Fire – 4:02
8 – Jesus, I Love You – 2:15
9 – Arise – 4:52
10 – Unto You, Oh Lord/Lord Of This Land – 4:48

Credits
Bass Guitar – Pete Moore
Drums, Percussion, Producer – Ray Goudie
Engineer, Producer – Andy Kidd
Guitar, Vocals – Ian Townend
Keyboards, Vocals – Dave Bankhead
Vocals – Dorry Townend, Nancy Goudie, Trish Morgan

Dig Hay Zoose – MagentaMantaLoveTree – 1993

This is the second album from Dig Hay Zoose. They were criticized for their first album with the complaint being that it was a Red Hot Chili Peppers clone. I haven’t heard it yet so I can’t comment on that allegation. This album was better received but quite frankly I find the whole thing a little hokey. Actually it’s a lot hokey. The album has a bunch of under 1 minute tracks that are done to try to sound hip and cool. The whole album just screams “Look at us, we’re just like a secular band” Quite frankly they just tried too hard and it just doesn’t come off as entertaining to me. The album has some very well written tracks that might have been interesting but weren’t done “In the style of”. The best music evolves it’s own sound and bands are the same. When you decide how you’re going to sound before the fact it just doesn’t work for me.

Tracklist
1 – Beginning – 0:16
2 – Dancing In Concert With The Infinite – 4:42
3 – Whoompfinashun # 7 – 0:11
4 – Slatherage – 7:31
5 – Brave Strong Song – 0:08
6 – Lift – 4:58
7 – Magenta Manta Love Tree – 8:34
8 – No One Told You? – 0:10
9 – Secret – 4:40
10 – Detention 3:00 A.M. – 0:25
11 – Penalty Box – 0:32
12 – Circle Of Pain – 4:41
13 – Doubt – 5:55
14 – Diggin’ Away – 3:05
15 – Vanillanator – 0:09
16 – H8 Machine – 3:27
17 – Untitled – 0:20
18 – Black-Eyed Pea – 5:45
19 – 99¢ Smile – 0:18
20 – B.D.O.C. – 2:34
21 – Regret – 5:41
22 – Twenty-second Track – 0:49

Credits
Bass, Noises [Human Temple Block, Rca Dog-head, Sticks, Big Ol’ Drum], Backing Vocals – Bil Brown
Compiled By [Assembled By] – “Quick Draw” Doug Doyle*
Drums, Shaker, Bongos, Noises [Trashcans, Sticks, Metal Objects & Anything Else Available], Backing Vocals [Sweet ‘n Funky] – Jimmi Florez
Engineer [Additional Added Further] – Drew “No, Just Time It Out Bro” Aldridge*
Engineer [Additional Added] – “Smilin'” Bob Moon*
Engineer [Additional] – Mark “The Man” Rodriguez*
Engineer [Engineered By] – “The Well Respected” Gene Eugene*
Engineer [Pre-production Recording Engineer] – Gary “Sounds Good…” Shockey*
Executive-Producer – Gene “The Booty” Eugene, Ojo “Monkey Boots” Taylor
Guitar, Backing Vocals [Disco], Handclaps – Dave A*
Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Noises [Bottle, Crazy Drum, Sticks] – Phil*
Mastered By – Big Bass Brian
Mixed By – “Geener: Master Of Keys”*
Producer [Produced By] – DigHayZoose*, Gene Eugene

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Brainstorm Artists International
Copyright © – Brainstorm Artists International
Manufactured By – Word, Inc.
Recorded At – The Green Room
Recorded At – McCrummy Music Studio
Recorded At – New Start Studio
Mixed At – Mixing Lab A
Mixed At – The Green Room
Mastered At – Bernie Grundman Mastering
Made By – U.S. Optical Disc

Glory Fire – Decision – 1987

I can’t find anything about this band online except that their contact info was based in Montana so I have to guess they were from Montana. Anyway what we have here is an album sound that I’ve heard several times at this point. There were several bands in the 80’s that would have this pop sound with a female vocalist. I am not insulting this recipe it’s just that at this point I’ve seen it many many times. As for this album specifically it’s pretty good. In fact there’s a couple tracks here that are pretty well written. If they had got a second album deal they could have capitalized on their writing but unfortunately for them this was the only album they had.

Tracklist
1 – New Day – 3:59
2 – Heart Beat – 4:03
3 – How Long – 4:22
4 – Cross Road – 4:23
5 – Skybound – 4:23
6 – C’mon Home – 3:03
7 – Little Bit of Heaven – 3:55
8 – Jesus Is Outta Sight – 4:16
9 – Lift Your Eyes – 4:19
10 – Let Love Reign – 4:13
11 – Decision – 0:39

Credits
Bass – Clint Shaules
Drums, Percussion, Vocals – Duane Nichols
Guitar – Brad Spear
Keyboards, Vocals – Lindsay Nesheim

Companies, etc.
Label – The Barn