Author: Ray Mansfield

One of the founding cowboys of Real 80s CCM. Been listening to this stuff since 1978.

Larry Norman – Christmastime, The Day That A Child Appeared – 2003

In 2003 Larry’s brother put out a posthumous Larry Christmas album. It includes two tracks Larry had previously released, “Christmastime” and “The Day That A Child Appeared”. The rest of the tracks are “new” with Charles and his band Softcore providing backing on the long lost tracks. The guitars are strong on this bluesy collection of classic Christmas songs. The CD was re-released in 2015 so those who missed it the first time around. I would also credit Charles with a great album cover that resembles a well worn record sleeve, nice touch.

Tracklist
1 – Christmastime – 4:07
2 – The First Noel – 3:31
3 – Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem – 4:10
4 – Do You See What I See – 3:22
5 – O Holy Night – 4:05
6 – Jingle Bell Rock – 2:08
7 – Medley – Carol Of The Bells – Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairies – 3:10
8 – Let There Be Peace On Earth – 3:59
9 – Angels We Have Heard On High – 3:02
10 – Christmastime Is Here – 2:44
11 – The Day That A Child Appeared – 2:34
12 – Auld Lang Syne – 4:06

Credits
Backing Vocals – Kristin Blix
Bass – Silver Sorensen
Chorus – Charles Normal (tracks: 12), Karson Swedberg (tracks: 12), Kristin Blix (tracks: 12), Kristy Beth* (tracks: 12), Larry Norman (tracks: 12), Margaret Norman (tracks: 12), Michael Norman (tracks: 12)
Drums – Jason Carter
Engineer – Charles Normal
Guitar, Keyboards, Bass, Backing Vocals – Charles Normal
Mixed By – Charles Normal, Jason Carter, Larry Norman
Producer – Charles Normal
Saw [Musical Saw] – Michael Manning
Slide Guitar – Mark Lemhouse
Vocals – Larry Norman

Companies, etc.
Licensed Through – Harry Fox
Copyright (c) – Solid Rock
Published By – Copyright Control

Gary S. Paxton – Terminally Weird But Godly Right – 1978

This was Gary’s 3rd solo album. It continues his somewhat bizarre style with varying styles and strange theme’s. The album has a five song series subtitled “Prelude To Destruction”. None of these songs seem to follow theme and I’m really not too sure what he was trying to do here. I really enjoyed the first and second listen to the album but grew a little tired of it after that and I doubt it will get a third listen. The humour on some tracks is fun and perhaps his trademark but I find the more serious tracks to be lacking. That said I would definitely give it a listen as it’s well worth listening to at least once.

Tracklist
1 – (I’m) Anchored In The Rock Of Ages – 2:53
2 – Lord How’d I Get So Old So Fast – 4:23
3 – Mental Pollution (Prelude To Destruction Part 1) – 3:52
4 – Ode To The Outlaw (That Prison Called Freedom – Prelude To Destruction Part 2) – 4:47
5 – I Can’t See Me Servin’ Nobody But Jesus – 2:30
6 – Will There Be Hippies In Heaven? (Prelude To Destruction Part 3) – 3:13
7 – Blessed Assurance – 5:28
8 – Images (Prelude To Destruction Part 4) – 4:00
9 – Progress (Prelude To Destruction Part 5) – 4:01
10 – Fat, Fat Christians – 3:01
11 – The Clone Affair – 4:28
12 – The Big A = The Big M – 3:44
13 – Anchored In The Rock Of Ages (Reprise) – 0:19

Isaac Air Freight – The Freight’s Designer Album – 1984

Presented without any theological commentary, as usual. These albums were a lot of fun to listen to, and hearing the jokes again, and the great comedic performances is a great trip down memory lane. Still fun to listen to now.

Tracklist
1 – Comedy Odyssey – 1:49
2 – Are You A Fool? – 6:50
3 – Generic Phone Company – 1:32
4 – Montague – 6:54
5 – KBAM – 1:56
6 – Spouse’s Super Bout – 6:40
7 – Ed Herman’s Talk Radio – 3:50
8 – Fadscene – 1:28
9 – What’s Gospel To You? – 2:54
10 – Leave It To Squirrellie (Stuck With Eddie) – 6:45

Credits
Arranged By [Music], Music By [Additional], Musician – Peter Jacobs
Engineer – Chris Taylor
Executive-Producer, Producer, Performer – Dan Rupple
Musician – Bud Nuanez, Ed McTaggart, Pokin’ Fun Polka Band
Musician, Music By [Additional], Vocals – Bob Bennett
Performer – Dan Ferraro, Jim Coye, Louise Duart, Mike Obbema, Patrick Egan, Peggy Rupple, Randy Anderson (3), Robin Severn, Sharon Riley, Vikki James, Vince Brocato
Photography – Scott Ely
Producer, Performer, Vocals – Dave Toole

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Maranatha! Music
Copyright (c) – Maranatha! Music
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – Word Records Limited

Jet Circus – Step On It – 1990

I get the feeling you either love or hate this album. I’m going to be honest on first listen I didn’t like it but I didn’t hate it either. Keep in mind I listen to a new album every day so so often I forget about them 20 minutes after listening to it. I listened to this album yesterday but today felt I had to listen to it again. Then it hooked me. Ez Gomér and Terry Haw from Leviticus decided to try something new and this is it. This is the only album we got from them in the 90’s though they did record a second one but apparently there was a record label problem and it has never been released. Can you even believe Word Records released this one? If I had to describe the sound I guess I would pick “Fusion Metal” but even that’s not fair because this album is it’s own dog. Don’t give up after the opening track as the rest of the album does not incorporate rap again. Personally however “Victory Dance” works for me and I HATE rap in any form so that’s saying something. If you really only have time for one track at least make it their cover of the Gene Vincent song “Be Bop A Lula”.

Tracklist
1 – Victory Dance – 3:30
2 – Rockin’ Horse – 3:43
3 – Jet Blue – 3:18
4 – Step On It – 5:15
5 – Ghost Town – 4:09
6 – Break This Jail – 5:40
7 – Be Bop A Lula – 2:44
8 – Train – 4:07
9 – Run – 4:39
10 – Dress In White – 4:14

Credits
Bass, Keyboards, Backing Vocals – Ez Gomér
Design – Ez Gomér
Engineer [Engineered By] – Janne Mattsson, Martin Cervall
Guest [Special Thanks To], Choir – Lotta Gustavsson (tracks: 1)
Guest [Special Thanks To], Drum Programming – Jörgen Tjusling
Guest [Special Thanks To], Harmonica – Göran Norin
Lead Vocals, Guitar – Terry Haw
Photography By – Lennart Sjöberg
Producer [Produced By] – Ez Gomér, Terry Haw
Written-By [All Titles By] – Ez Gomér (tracks: 1 to 6, 8 to 10), Terry Haw (tracks: 1 to 6, 8 to 10)

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Wonderland
Copyright (c) – Wonderland
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word Records Limited
Copyright (c) – Word Records Limited
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word (Uk) Ltd.
Copyright (c) – Word (Uk) Ltd.
Manufactured By – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Recorded At – Studio Jam (3)
Published By – Big Rage! Productions

Amy Shreve – Peace In The Puzzle – 1986

This was an album in a series of instrumental albums released by Meadowlark Records in the 80’s. Amy is an excellent harp player and I will admit this is probably the only instrumental harp album I have ever listened to. I only discovered this series of albums recently and in a way I am glad because I would never have appreciated their quality in the 80’s when I was listening to Resurrection Band. That said I am enjoying the series now. Amy continues to release albums and tour with her ministry to this day. She successfully battled cancer in 2015 and attributes her healing to her faith. Her albums are available on her web page and if you enjoy her music I would urge you to visit her website. http://amyshreve.com/

Tracklist
1 – Invocation – 3:41
2 – Northern Lights – 3:30
3 – Crystal Night – 4:34
4 – Apogee – 4:05
5 – Hymn VII – 2:02
6 – Diamonds From Dust – 3:18
7 – Silent Partner – 2:28
8 – Peace In The Puzzle – 2:25
9 – Carol For Russia’s Children – 3:17
10 – Jester’s Lament – 4:06
11 – Twilight Pavan – 3:14

Credits
Producer – Peter York

Companies, etc.
Copyright (c) – Birdwing Music
Phonographic Copyright (p) – The Sparrow Corporation

Geoff Moore – Where Are The Other Nine – 1984

Geoff had success in the early 80’s writing songs for CCM artist Steven Curtis Chapman. He started writing after meeting Michael W. Smith in the clothing store where Moore worked. At least that’s what Wikipedia says. In 1984 he signed a record deal with Power Discs and this album is the result. I have to admit I was a bit surprised at how mellow this album is. It’s not really the Geoff Moore I was more familiar with. I was wondering if this was because of the producer Billy Smiley (White Heart) and perhaps it was as at this point as Bill had mainly produced “The New Gaither Vocal Band” albums. It was also likely a product of the times as even in 1984 record companies were still terrified of Rock & Roll to spite it’s success. This is a pretty good album though at times I feel like I’m listening to an Imperials album with different vocals. The album was successful and even garnered a chart single, the title track made it to #11.

Tracklist
1 – Build The House – 3:33
2 – Royal Priesthood – 2:53
3 – Where Are The Other Nine? – 3:36
4 – When You Get There – 3:56
5 – One Heart – 4:10
6 – Open Your Eyes – 2:28
7 – Bread Of Life – 3:50
8 – He Shall Be Praised – 3:21
9 – Lonely Hearts Need Love – 3:09
10 – The Fight Song – 2:49

David & The Giants – R U Gonna Stand Up – 1989

David & The Giants finished off the 80’s with what I think is their best album. If for no other reason than the title track. They turned David Huff loose with his guitar and probably came up with their best Rock song ever. The album was a “commercial” success with three singles. “Here’s My Heart” made it to #2, “Count On Me” to #24, and finally “Love Has A Place” made it to #12. It’s rare when I agree with the CCM charts but on this album I do, though their choices of singles doesn’t line up with mine. This album however did mark the departure of Keith Thibodeaux, long time drummer of the band (though he would return in 2007). Lance Huff (David’s Son) stepped in with drum duties for the subsequent tour and future albums. This album falls in the “should listen to” category in case you missed it in 89.

Tracklist
1 – R U Gonna Stand Up – 3:59
2 – I’ll Stay With You – 4:19
3 – Love Has A Place – 4:30
4 – Joy Up In The Sky – 3:40
5 – Evolution Is Pollution – 4:20
6 – Here’s My Heart – 4:08
7 – Everybody Got A Story – 3:52
8 – Living On High Hopes – 3:36
9 – Count On Me – 3:58
10 – Everybody Needs Love – 3:52
11 – He’ll Be There – 4:22

Credits
Arranged By – Tommy Sims
Backing Vocals – Kellye Huff (tracks: 9), Tim Pedigo
Bass, Backing Vocals – Clayborn Huff
Drums, Backing Vocals – Keith Thibodeaux
Guitar, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Remix – David Huff
Harmonica – Terry McMillan
Keyboards, Programmed By, Backing Vocals, Arranged By – Rayborn Huff
Mastered By – Hank Williams
Percussion – Lance Huff
Photography – Richard Gazowski
Producer – David Huff
Remix [Assistant Remix Engineers] – Terry Ostovich
Remix [Assistant Remix Engineers], Arranged By – Scott Carter

Companies, etc.
Distributed By – The Benson Company, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Giant Records
Copyright (c) – Giant Records
Published By – Huff, Huff And Huff Publishing
Recorded At – Huff Recording Studios
Recorded At – Sound Barrier Studio, Nashville
Mastered At – Mastermix
Glass Mastered At – Nimbus, Virginia

King James – King James – 1994

This was the introductory album, from Metal Super Group King James that was put together by Rex Carroll from Whitecross As Stryper was dissolved at this point in history Tim Gaines and Robert Sweet of Stryper jumped into the project and Jimi Bennett from Sacred Fire rounded out the group. I’m guessing that this is probably the first Christian super group though I don’t really care for the term. But historically this is the term that was being used at the time. The album is not quite as metal as you may think. It leans more Hard Rock than metal and there are actually lots of somewhat mellow tracks. It is said that the boys from Styper actually found several of the tracks to be too mellow for their liking. The idea for the group was not a multi album idea but instead a one off but as it was well received the boys came together for more albums but with an adjusted lineup.

Tracklist
1 – Hard Road To Go – 5:45
2 – Prisoner – 4:35
3 – Touch The Fire – 4:39
4 – Miracles – 4:36
5 – Desperate – 5:09
6 – Love Is Gonna Find You – 5:00
7 – Stand Up And Fight – 3:21
8 – Choices – 5:03
9 – Miracles [Acoustic Remix] – 4:34
10 – Rev Rider – 6:07
11 – Sunrise In Rio – 4:06
12 – Face To Face – 4:20
13 – Face To Face / Reprise – 3:55

Credits
Jimi Bennett – Lead Vocals
Rex Carroll – Guitars, producer
Tim Gaines – Bass
Robert Sweet – Drums
Glen West – Engineer
Denny Purcell – Master
Rick Wells – Keyboards

Haven – Your Dying Day – 1990

This was the introductory album from New Jersey metal band Haven. Released in 1990 you might have missed it in the flood of Metal albums coming out at this time but this one did have some differences. It is more of a white metal album with no keyboards confusing the sound. You certainly won’t mistake this for the glam style metal albums of the time. This is in fact a straight up metal band that relies on great guitar riffs and solid time keeping drums. The vocals are not that high pitch screaming but instead a more middle of the range quality feel. Again this is not my style of music but I can hear the quality here. These guys definitely knew what they were doing. My only complaint is the mix, it just really could have used some more range but instead feels compressed at times. That said you should definitely give this album listen if you missed it at the time. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Tracklist
1 – On Judgement Day – 5:22
2 – Deliver Me – 4:47
3 – Murder – 4:48
4 – Below The Grave – 2:49
5 – The Calling – 5:36
6 – America – 4:38
7 – Escape – 4:34
8 – Help Me Follow – 3:23
9 – I Found Love – 5:35
10 – Your Dying Day – 5:37

Credits
Acoustic Guitar – Andrew Bruner
Artwork – Sudden Images
Backing Vocals – Kevin Ayers
Drums – Tim Benton
Electric Bass – Ed Bruner
Electric Guitar – Andrew Bruner
Electric Guitar, Rhythm Guitar – Kevin Ayers
Lead Vocals – Kevin Ayers
Photography By – Mike Ayers
Producer – Doug Mann, Paul Krueger
Songwriter – Haven

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Morningstar Studios
Distributed By – Spectra Distribution, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – R.E.X. Music Inc.
Copyright (c) – R.E.X. Music Inc.
Glass Mastered At – DADC – DIDX-008265

Michele Pillar – Look Who Loves You Now – 1984

This was Michele’s 3rd solo album and probably her most successful. This album was also picked up and distributed by Capitol records for/with Sparrow Records. I do not believe it was pressed under the Capitol label so I suspect this was a distribution arrangement. The album had 3 charting singles with “Look Who Loves You Now” making it to #1. She also received 2 Grammy nominations, Best Gospel Performance, Female, and Best Gospel Performance By A Duo Or Group. Unfortunately she did not win either losing out in the female category to Amy Grant who won way too many Grammy’s in my opinion. But that’s a whole other rant. Larry Carlton produced and played most of the instruments on the album. Larry was not active in the CCM community and as near as I can tell had nothing to do with Christian music as a whole so I believe his involvement was a business decision. This album would also see her step away from her solo career until 1991 as well as her record deal with Sparrow. She had some family drama in 1988 so her disappearance from then on is understood but not much is written about her disappearance from this album until then. She did not disappear entirely she did a fair amount of work with Steve Camp and appeared on his albums. Anyway historically this is one of the great all time female vocalist albums so it should really be on your playlist. Oh and she should have won the Grammy.

Tracklist
1 – Each Day He Gives Me – 3:30
2 – Look Who Loves You Now – 3:19
3 – He’ll Shine His Light On You – 3:06
4 – Just Take A Step – 3:33
5 – Emotions Wound Us So – 3:15
6 – Wandering The Night – 4:13
7 – To Worship You – 3:29
8 – Here We Go – 3:50
9 – One Day Like Him – 3:20
10 – I Want To Make A Difference – 3:27

Credits
Backing Vocals – Joe Chemay (tracks: A1, B1), Joey Scarbury (tracks: A1, B1), Larry Carlton (tracks: A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B2, B3, B4, B5), Michele Pillar (tracks: A2, A3, B1, B2, B3, B4)
Bass – Larry Carlton (tracks: A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B2, B3, B4, B5)
Design [Album Jacket] – Stan Evenson Design Inc.
Design [Lyric Sheet] – Steve Cox
Drum Programming [DMX] – John Ferraro (tracks: A3), Larry Carlton (tracks: A2, A3, B2, B3)
Drums – John Ferraro (tracks: A3), Larry Carlton (tracks: A2, A3, A5, B2, B3)
Electronic Drums [Simmons Drums] – John Ferraro (tracks: A1, B1, B4)
Guitar – Larry Carlton (tracks: All)
Horns – Don Markese (tracks: A1, A4, B1, B4), Mic Gillette (tracks: A1, A4, B1, B4)
Mastered By – Steve Hall
Mixed By – Hal Sacks, Michael Verdick
Percussion – Michael Fisher (tracks: All)
Photography By – Lisa Powers
Piano [Acoustic] – Brian Mann (tracks: B1), Larry Carlton (tracks: A2)
Producer, Arranged By – Larry Carlton
Recorded By – Hal Sacks, Larry Carlton
Synthesizer – Brian Mann (tracks: A1, B1), Larry Carlton (tracks: All)

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Room 335, Hollywood
Mixed At – Channel Recording
Mastered At – Future Disc