This self released 7″ with 4 tracks is the initial release from “The Lead”. By keeping the songs short they actually fit 4 tracks on it. # of the tracks are good quality punk tracks and 1 track leans towards the thrash metal that they would be better known for. In my opinion their punk is much better than their Thrash but they decided they wanted to go the Thrash route. I also think Nina Llopis vocals were better than Julio Rey’s but in the end we would hear more of Julio than Nina. I really don’t care for their later work but I will admit I really liked this 7″ release.
Tracklist 1 – It’s Thru You – 1:40 2 – Better Off – 2:02 3 – Get Out Of My Face – 1:42 4 – Question What Authority? – 2:04
Credits Drums, Percussion – Robbie Christie Guitar, Vocals – Julio Rey Mastered By – Mike Fuller Producer, Engineer – Mike McNamee Producer, Graphics – The Lead Vocals, Bass – Nina Llopis
Companies, etc. Recorded At – Sync Studios Mastered At – Criteria Recording Studios
Leviticus formed in 1981 when brothers Kjell and Håkan Andersson came together with Björn Stigsson. In 1982 they released this 4 song EP as their first offering. It was recorded entirely in Swedish and was only released in Sweden. It is comprised of strong keyboard oriented heavy metal. Björn’s guitar is very strong and aside from the production quality the band was album ready at this point and in fact recorded their first album very quickly after this release. Luckily the EP was re-released as part of the 2000 “The Strongest Power” CD release. This is where it started for Leviticus and you can hear that they were a strong band right from their start.
Tracklist 1 – Stå Och Titta På – 5:13 2 – Följ Mig – 4:05 3 – Leva Som Han Lär – 4:24 4 – Min Mästare – 7:31
Credits Drums, Percussion – Kjell Andersson Engineer – Thomas Gertz Guitar, Vocals, Lyrics By, Music By, Guitar Synthesizer – Björn Stigsson Illustration, Design – Inge Vidare Photography By – Lars Lindgren Producer – Leviticus Synthesizer [Moog Taurus], Vocals, Bass – Håkan Andersson
Companies, etc. Printed By – SIB-Tryck, Tumba Recorded At – Studio Bastun Distributed By – Gummessons
This was Koinonia’s 4th release and as with their other albums it wasn’t very successful in North America but was a big hit in Europe. This album is almost entirely instrumental except for “Making Room” and “Señor”. I am guessing this is a result of the jazz style but the vocals are so good it’s too bad they didn’t do more. As with their previous albums this album has a strong Jazz Fusion sound and they were probably the best Christian artists in this style. That said I don’t think their were many CCM bands doing this style. Their next album was far more mainstream so this is the end of an era for their listeners and fans. This is one I missed in the 80’s so I’m glad I got a chance now to enjoy it.
Credits Arranged By – Koinonia Bass – Abraham Laboriel Drums, Percussion – Alex Acuña, Bill Maxwell Engineer – Don Murray Executive-Producer, Producer – Greg Mathieson Guitar – Hadley Hockensmith Keyboards – Harlan Rogers Producer – Koinonia Saxophone, Flute – Justo Almario Synthesizer [Programming] – Greg Mathieson, Smitty Price Vocals – Abraham Laboriel (tracks: B1, B5), Alex Acuña (tracks: B1), Diana Neciosup-Acuña* (tracks: B1), Harlan Rogers (tracks: B1), Howard Smith (tracks: B1), Tata Vega (tracks: B1, B5)
Companies, etc. Distributed By – Sparrow Records Phonographic Copyright (p) – The Sparrow Corporation Copyright (c) – The Sparrow Corporation Recorded At – Sunset Sound Mixed At – Mama Jo’s Mastered At – Bernie Grundman Mastering
Wild Blue Yonder were a new incarnation of the CCM Rockabilly band The Lifters minus Rex Harvey and of course the addition of Crystal Lewis doing lead vocals. The album essentially came out on Crystal’s 17th birthday so ignore the “she was 15” stuff on the internet. The album was released September 9th 1986 and her birthday is September 11th 1969. Both Terry Taylor and Rob Watson from DA were involved in the project and they bring some quality production to the album. The album has a Rockabilly sound in places and is often referred to as Cow-punk but it’s not really Cow-punk in my opinion. It’s just a fun 80’s album with Rockabilly influences though Crystal’s vocals are so strong she really dominates the album almost making you forget about the rest of the band. The album was re-released in 1995 with 2 bonus tracks (this upload is that 1995 release) and is catalogued as being a Crystal Lewis album titled Wild Blue Yonder.
Tracklist 1 – Just One Look – 3:49 2 – You And Me – 3:07 3 – This Love’s For Real – 4:05 4 – Where Can I Go (Bonus Track) – 2:24 5 – Heart Beat – 2:34 6 – Over The Rainbow – 3:20 7 – Every Day (Bonus Track) – 3:23 8 – Only One – 3:42 9 – Revival Meeting – 2:35 10 – You’re My Love – 3:19 11 – Only You – 2:45 12 – Crying Eyes – 3:07 13 – If I Could Write A Poem – 5:01
Credits Art Direction, Layout [Original] – Phillip Kim Artwork By [Logo] – Dave Gibson Artwork, Design [New] – Timothy McCaig Backing Vocals – Terry Taylor Bass – Paul Martin Drums – Joey Mitchell Engineer – Doug Doyle Guitar – Chris Brigandi Pedal Steel Guitar – Garry Brandon Photography By – Brian Ray Piano, Organ, Backing Vocals – Rob Watson Producer – Terry Taylor Remastered By – Dave Hackbarth Remix – Chris Brigandi, Gene Eugene Vocals – Crystal Lewis
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Metro One, Inc. Copyright (c) – Metro One, Inc. Distributed By – Diamante Distribution Glass Mastered At – Disctronics USA – 131230
Steve’s 9th album was perhaps one of his most successful. Of course in the Christian music market successful and good are two different things. Steve turned it way down for this album. It is much more easy listening and in my opinion it is just boring. The quality of the music is really good as usual from Camp but there’s just no real Rock & Roll here. That said the album was wildly successful with 3 top 10 singles, “Whatever You Ask” #1, “Come To The Lord” #5, and “After God’s Own Heart” #3. “The Church Is All Of You” also made it to #37. Not too shabby I agree. The album also had Steve’s version of “Revive Us, O Lord”, which he co-wrote with Carman. Carman released his version of the song on his 1985 album, “The Champion” which made it to #2 on the charts. The CD release had an absolutely horrible bonus track “Hopeless Sinners, Helpless Saints”. Sorry if you liked it but I couldn’t stand it. Based on the charts this was a wildly successful album I agree but I just wish there was a little more Rock & Roll.
Tracklist 1 – Come To The Lord – 3:22 2 – The Church Is All Of You – 5:31 3 – Whatever You Ask – 4:07 4 – Who Knows – 4:12 5 – When I Survey The Wondrous Cross – 5:27 6 – Nothing To Prove – 4:38 7 – After God’s Own Heart – 5:16 8 – If It Wasn’t For The Grace Of God – 4:37 9 – Revive Us, O Lord – 5:12 10 – Till These Earthly Days Shall End – 4:02
Credits Alto Saxophone – Alan Palmer Backing Vocals – Bob Bennett, Bob Carlisle, Bridgette Evans, Kim Maxfield, Margaret Becker, Mark Williamson, Michele Pillar, Pete Carlson, Steve Camp, Steve Lively, Tamara Champlin, Tommy Funderburk Baritone Saxophone – Mark Watters Bass – Joe Chemey (tracks: B4), Leland Sklar (tracks: A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B1, B2, B3, B5) Drum Machine [SP12 Drum Machine], Programmed By [Synth Programming] – Steve Camp Drums, Percussion, Drum Programming – John Robinson Engineer [Assistant Engineer] – Bart Stevens, Joe Schiff, Koji Egawa, Larry Mah, Wade Jaynes Guitar – Dann Huff Keyboards, Organ [Hammond B3 Organ], Conductor [Brass Section Conducted By] – John Rosasco Keyboards, Programmed By [Synth Programming] – Allen Pasqua, Smitty Price Mastered By – Mike Reese Mixed By – Bill Schnee Producer, Arranged By – Steve Camp Producer, Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Rosasco Production Manager [Production Coordinator] – Tammy Allcock Recorded By – David Schober, Gabe Veltri, Terry Christian Soloist [Guitar] – Dann Huff (tracks: A3) Soloist [Hammond B3 Organ] – John Rosasco (tracks: A3) Soloist [Piano Solo] – Allen Pasqua (tracks: A4), John Rosasco (tracks: A5) Soloist [Tenor Saxophone] – Alan Palmer (tracks: A2), Brandon Fields (tracks: A3) Technician [Music Preperation] – Bill Francis Tenor Saxophone – Jon Clarke Trumpet – Dan Fernero, John Fumo
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – The Sparrow Corporation Copyright (c) – The Sparrow Corporation Recorded At – Ocean Way Recording Recorded At – Mad Hatter Studios Recorded At – Bill Schnee Studios Mixed At – Bill Schnee Studios Mastered At – The Mastering Lab
This Live Darrell Mansfield album was recorded live at the 1990 Flevo Totaal Music Festival. Darrell really should be listened to live to appreciate. I enjoy all his studio work don’t get me wrong but really his work is best live. Most these tracks will come up again and again on Darrell’s many live albums but these are earlier versions so some of them are done differently than he would do later.
Tracklist 1 – You Got To Move – 2:00 2 – No More Blues – 3:25 3 – Million Dollar Feelin’ – 7:40 4 – I Was Running – 2:43 5 – Thunder & Lightning – 4:57 6 – Jesus Coming Soon – 6:31 7 – Stand By Me – 5:30 8 – Biblestudy – 8:07
Credits Bass, Vocals – Eric Turner Design – Gransch Bakker Design Drums, Vocals – Greg Eckler Engineer – Roel Toering Guitar [Lead], Vocals – Bob Anglin Harmonica, Lead Vocals – Darrell Mansfield Mixed By – Charles Everaars, Gerrit aan ‘t Goor Photography By – Datafoto
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Asaph Records Copyright (c) – Asaph Records
I was quite surprised when I came across this demo from Crossection. Their first album was actually a demo that got picked up by a label but I did not know there was a previous demo. I am assuming this was actually available for sale at their concerts through western Canada. This albums has a good raw feel and is not overproduced so it’s Rock & Roll sound and feel works. The band could have been a little tighter but it’s a light criticism of the album as I love the unpolished sound. If you enjoyed their 2 albums you should love this demo as it’s always nice to hear where a band came from. Only 2 tracks on this demo were released on their fist album so the other 8 are completely new tracks. I actually would have liked to have heard some of the new tracks in a fully polished and produced form because some of them are really good songs.
Tracklist 1 – Inside Out – 3:38 2 – Hard and Hungry World – 3:03 3 – Prodigal – 3:54 4 – Love Is Who You Are – 4:46 5 – Mercy – 3:57 6 – Things Aren’t The Same – 3:32 7 – Solid Rock – 3:14 8 – Child Of The King – 2:56 9 – Do Life Once – 2:36 10 – Forever Is Tonight – 3:36
Credits Arranged By, Keyboards, Vocals – Dale Johnson Bass, Vocals – Bruce Rawling Drums – Martin Zinger Lead Guitar, Vocals – Nevin Eggum Producer – Crossection, Carson Cole Vocals, Guitar – Doug Rawling
Companies, etc. Recorded At – Soundboard Studio, Sedgewick AB
Halo, which apparently stands for “Heavenly Angelic Light Orchestra”, were a great hard rock/metal band out of Alabama. They formed in 1980 and strangely had a non Christian drummer, Mike Graham, who was also only 14 years old while the rest of the band was in the area of 21 years old. He did come to Christ in a couple years but I find it odd someone would ask a 14 year old non Christian drummer to join their adult Christian band. But whatever, it all seemed to work out. The band played for the next 9 years without a record deal. A demo tape got to Bob Hartman (Petra) and he started to mentor the band. Bob finally got them a record deal in 1989 with the Elefante brothers over at Pakaderm Records. This album was then recorded with much involvement of the Elefante’s and released in 1990. Best description of the sound would be a power Rock & Roll band which some (including me) might consider to be light metal. This is one that definitely deserves a listen.
Tracklist 1 – Jesus Music – 4:20 2 – Lord Of All – 4:39 3 – Good Feeling – 4:13 4 – Soul Searcher – 4:35 5 – Skyrocket – 3:45 6 – Lose To Live – 4:33 7 – Sing (Of His Glory) – 4:21 8 – Language Barrier – 5:09 9 – Time To Run – 4:01 10 – Timeless – 1:07
Credits Arranged By [Additional] – Bob Hartman (tracks: 3, 4, 8) Backing Vocals – John Elefante Band [Halo], Drums, Keyboards, Backing Vocals – Mike Graham Band [Halo], Guitar, Backing Vocals – Keith Mims Band [Halo], Lead Vocals, Bass Guitar – Scott Springer Cover, Illustration, Layout – Robert Fischer Drums – David Raven (tracks: 5) Engineer, Mixed By – Dino Elefante, John Elefante, Mike Mierau Guitar – Dino Elefante, Glen Pierce, Tony Palacios (tracks: 5) Keyboards – John Elefante Mastered By – Doug Sax Piano – John Schreiner (tracks: 4, 8) Producer – Dino Elefante, John Elefante Vocals [Duet] – John Elefante (tracks: 5), Scott Springer (tracks: 5)
Companies, etc. Manufactured By – Word, Inc. Distributed By – Word, Inc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Pakaderm Records Copyright (c) – Pakaderm Records Published By – Benefante Music Recorded At – Pakaderm Studios Mastered At – The Mastering Lab
Husband and Wife team Michael And Stormie Omartian bring us their second album together. I have to admit that I listened to this album very heavily back in the early 80’s (Don’t judge me). When I was reading up on this album I was very surprised that it wasn’t more popular. It didn’t seem to make anyone’s best albums list and there is almost no mention of it on most CCM album sites. I was further surprised that there was no charting single on this album. This really surprised me as there are several tracks on this album that should have charted. Maybe I’m just over evaluating the album but really I thought it was much better than all this. I remember that “Big Time” was on a lot of our mixed tapes from the period and I have fond memories of it. Did you miss this album back in 1980? If you did and you like AOR you really should give it a listen.
Tracklist 1 – Charlie’s Dream – 3:53 2 – The Only Thing Missing Is You – 3:58 3 – The Builder – 3:53 4 – Mr. Trash Man – 3:40 5 – Anything You Ask Of Me – 3:50 6 – Dr. Jesus – 4:20 7 – Big Time – 5:02 8 – Half Past Three – 3:20 9 – End Times – 5:53
Credits Art Direction – Dennis Hill Bass – Abraham Laboriel Concept By [Album] – Stormie Omartian Concertmaster – Assa Drori Congas – Alex Acuna Drums – Paul Leim Engineer – John Guess Guitar – Marty Walsh Keyboards, Synthesizer, Percussion – Michael Omartian Lead Guitar, Soloist – Jay Graydon, Phil Keaggy Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals – Michael And Stormie Omartian Mastered By – Bernie Grundman Photography By [Back Cover] – Harry Langdon Photography By, Layout – Bob Anderson Producer, Arranged By – Michael Omartian Programmed By [Synthesizer] – Stephen Hague Saxophone – Jackie Kelso Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Soloist – Kim Hutchcroft Trombone – Lou McCreary Trumpet – Chuck Finley, Steve Madeao Written-By – Stormie And Michael Omartian
Companies, etc. Recorded At – Jennifudy Studios Recorded At – Hollywood Central Recorders Mixed At – Hollywood Sound Recorders Mastered At – A&M Mastering Studios Produced For – Rhema Productions
D & K continues their yearly offering in 1987 with this one. Let’s talk album titles. I previously bashed the album name “Commander Sozo And The Charge Of The Light Brigade” which I still think is the dumbest name for an album in the 80’s. So in turn they title this one “D & K”? That’s quite the path correction. Regardless titles don’t have anything to do with album quality so I should get over it. The vinyl for this album was offered in a serialized limited edition of 10,000 and apparently the first 100,000 copies of either the Cassette or CD came with a free copy for the purchaser to give away in hopes it will be given to a non Christian. Interesting marketing for this album and I generally applaud them thinking outside the box. The album had 2 singles with “When The Son Begins To Reign” doing very well and making it to #4. “Stand” also singled but only made it to #38. As for the album I feel it’s fairly guitar heavy with more great song writing which is really what we came to expect of D & K. Another good album that if you missed in 1987 is a must listen to now.
Tracklist 1 – Out Of The Danger Zone – 2:50 2 – Under The Son – 3:47 3 – Rock Solid – 4:20 4 – Teenage Suicide – 3:52 5 – Strength Of Love – 6:00 6 – Brother Against Brother (It’s Not Right) – 5:05 7 – War With The World – 3:06 8 – Stand – 3:40 9 – Radical – 3:26 10 – When The Son Begins To Reign – 2:45
Credits Bass, Vocals – Tommy Cathey Design [Album] – Mark Neubauer Drums, Percussion – Greg Morrow Executive-Producer – Dan R. Brock Keyboards, Vocals – Eddie DeGarmo Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar – Dana Key Mastered By – Bob Ludwig Photography By – Paul Wharton Producer – DeGarmo & Key Producer, Recorded By, Mixed By – John Hampton
