Category: Albums

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)

Special Division – Bonds Of Trust – 1989

I have literally no idea how this album ended up in our collection but if you sent it to us a heartfelt thank you is in order. This is another band/album no one ever heard and everyone should have. The band is a collection of relatively unknown artists with the exception of Glenn Teeple who was the keyboard player for Elim Hall. The band was out of rural Ontario Canada as was Elim Hall and like I said even though I’m Canadian I never heard of them. The album has a similar fell as Elim Hall but updated for 1989. The exception is a straight up Rock & Roll cover of Dylan’s Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door which has the Darrell Mansfield Band as guests. You can easily hear Darrell’s harmonica and background vocals. It was obviously not recorded at the same time and place as the rest of the album as it has entirely different engineering. I would love to hear the story of how this track came to be. Anyway the album is fantastic and will easily land in my top 100 of all time. So if you like synth pop/rock with a new wave feel with excellent vocals this is a much listen.

Tracklist
1 – Bonds Of Trust – 2:43
2 – Take My Hand – 3:43
3 – Free Her Lord – 4:21
4 – Let It Go – 4:19
5 – Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door – 5:02
6 – Maybe Somehow – 4:30
7 – I Wanna See You Momma – 3:28
8 – Keep Searching – 3:51
9 – Angel – 3:10
10 – If I Had Wings – 4:24

Credits
Bass, Backing Vocals – Jeff Mann
Drums, Backing Vocals – Chris Mcintosh
Guitar, Backing Vocals – Jm English
Keyboards – Glen Teeple
Lead Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica – Mark Hussey
Producer – Fred Gage, Peter K. Hopper
Guest On Track 5 – Darrell Mansfield Band

Face Of Five – The Famous And The Forgotten – 1990

This is a pretty rare one. In a conversation with the guys over at Christian Underground Encyclopedia (Linked below) I asked for a suggestion for a really good unknown album and this was their suggestion and boy were they right. This is a fantastic album that should be heard. This is not some unknown bunch of guys though. There’s a track on here written by Daniel Amos guitarist Greg Flesch who also appears on the album. Obviously someone was connected to the scene here. The album was released on Victoria Ltd records which I suspect guitarist Ken Roberts owned as he is involved on every single album they released, usually as producer but we are talking about very few albums and artists. Ken also produced and mixed this album. I have reviewed a few other albums Ken produced and they have, in my opinion, not had great production but that is not the case on this album as it has absolutely excellent production. Sometimes when you’re in the studio a mix just comes together like magic, I suspect this was one of those times. “I Am The Wounded Warrior” found itself on the 1991 compilation album “Rob Woolsey Radio Singles Spring 91” which I hope I can get my hands on because it has some great unreleased material. As for this album it has a pretty pop sound which leans new wave at times. While I’m not sure 1990 was good timing for this sound as it fit better in 1985. All that said this album really has no criticism from me and I love the sound and this is probably in my personal top 10 of albums that no one every heard of and in fact may hold the number one spot. Thanks to the crew over at Christian Underground Encyclopedia for their help with this one and if you love odd and rare 80’s CCM their website is a must see.

Christian Underground Encyclopedia – https://downthelinezine.com/cue/start

Tracklist
1 – One Love – 4:01
2 – Turn Away – 3:07
3 – The Falling Reign – 3:44
4 – Pass The Torch – 4:14
5 – Waiting For You – 3:30
6 – I Am The Wounded Warrior – 5:34
7 – Ring-A-Ling – 3:45
8 – And Like The Leaves – 5:31
9 – Are We So Wise – 4:38

Credits

Band
John Hall: vocals & guitar
Ken Roberts: Guitar
Taylo: Keyboards

Support Musicians
Jeffrey Allen: Bass guitar
Ralph Clayton: Bass guitar
David Casanova: Drums
Tim Pope: Drums
Greg Flesch: Guitar
Kevin Fisher: Guitar
Suzie Cappetta: Backing vocals
Mike Cappetta: Backing vocals
Ralph Clayton: Keyboards
Lorenza: Sax

Production
Ken Roberts – Producer & Engineer
Joan Bullin – Photography

Gravy Train – Gravy Train – 1970

If you know Gravy Train then you may be wondering what they are doing here but if you really know Gravy Train then you know why they are here. Norman Barratt formed the band in 1969. He was looking to start a original material band as opposed to a cover band as many bands start. Instead right from the start Norman wanted to do original music. I think it’s safe to say this idea was a success. This is the first album from Gravy Train and Norman got saved during the recording of the album so the album itself does not reflect his Christian beliefs. This album is pretty hard rock for 1970 but could also be classified as Progressive. Unfortunately the album didn’t do that well because it’s just not that good compared to what was available in this genre at the time. Let’s remember this was a time when the success of an album was determined by dollars in cash registers not views on Spotify and people were tight with their money in 1970. An album had to stand out to make it back then. All that aside it’s a great piece of history and is still a quite enjoyable album.

Tracklist
1 – The New One – 5:15
2 – Dedication To Sid – 7:17
3 – Coast Road – 6:46
4 – Enterprise – 6:20
5 – Think Of Life – 5:10
6 – Earl Of Pocket Nook – 16:11

Credits
Bass, Vocals – Les Williams
Design [Cover Design], Photography – Hipgnosis
Drums – Barry Davenport
Engineer – Keith Harwood
Flute [Alto, Simultaneous Alto And Tenor], Vocals – J.D. Hughes
Lyrics By [Written By], Composed By – Gravy Train
Producer – Jonathan Peel
Vocals, Lead Guitar – Norman Barratt

Companies, etc.
Printed By – Dillard et Cie. Imp. Paris
Recorded At – Olympic Studios

The Silencers – A Letter From St. Paul – 1987

Not only does this album possess one of the truly great album covers of all time (beauty in simplicity) there is not a single song on here worthy of being skipped. Jangly and atmospheric guitars, diving rhythms, sultry and subtle vocals and poignant and pinpoint lyrics. The Scottish quartet was formed out of the demise of a cool punk band called the Fingerprintz. They are still making records today, but nothing has come close to this amazing debut. Though not as aggressive as Simple Minds there is a similar quality though Del Amitri, The proclaimers and a softer version of Big Country would also work for a starting point. There are constant familiar images the modern Christian alternative fan could appreciate and the diversity in themes is impressive. “I Can’t Cry” is one of the best songs dealing with abortion I ever recall. The inner turmoil expressed is difficult and utterly believable. This not a song of condemnation, but rather of one where the protagonist is looking for help and reaching out to find no support. Songs like God’s Gift, Painted Moon and I See Red keep the same musical experiencing going with an unforgettable drive. They drone you into a helpless state and draw you in more than pound you ever the ears with hook and melody. There is a simplicity that goes deeper then initially thought. It is interesting to do a web search for this album and discover not a ton of results, but in every case there is a rave review. They may not have a large fan base, but the cult like status is filled with fans, like me, who are just continually amazed how such an impressive band went unnoticed.

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

Tracklist
1 – Painted Moon – 6:04
2 – I Can’t Cry – 5:24
3 – Bullets And Blue Eyes – 5:04
4 – God’s Gift – 4:50
5 – I See Red – 4:10
6 – I Ought To Know – 4:28
7 – A Letter From St. Paul – 4:34
8 – Blue Desire – 4:08
9 – Possessed – 7:32
10 – Painted Moon (Blues Mix) – 6:30

Credits
Bass – Joe Donnelly
Drums – Martin Hanlin
Engineer, Recorded By – Callum Malcolm
Guitar – Cha Burns
Guitar, Vocals – Jimme O’Neill
Mixed By – Mark Freegard, Mark Wallace, The Silencers
Photography By – Jill Furmanovsky
Producer – Dave Bascombe
Producer [With Help From] – The Silencers

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – BMG Records (UK) Ltd.
Copyright © – BMG Records (UK) Ltd.
Distributed By – RCA/Ariola-Ariola/RCA
Distributed By – Ariola/RCA-RCA/Ariola
Designed At – T&CP Associates
Pressed By – Sonopress – B-7941

Ric Alba – Holes In The Floor Of Heaven – 1991

Ric Alba left the Altar Boys in late 1990 to go to school full-time and try to find some way to release this album. The story is a little strange here but here it is per Ric. He couldn’t find a label to release the album though he was under the impression that Frontline/Alarma would release it. I had my suspicions abut why this was until I looked into the timeline of the events of these couple years. He ended up self releasing it but Word records was happy to print and distribute it, I have no idea if he had approached them about releasing it. The whole affair seems rather strange and I guarantee we’re missing part of the story but I am not faulting anyone because I simply don’t have enough information. Anyway this album is full of fantastic people helping him out including Steve Hindalong, Derri Daugherty (The Choir), and Rob Watson (Daniel Amos). Even with these people the album has a feel exclusive to Ric. It has a new wave flair with very high quality lyrics and songwriting overall. I was actually quite surprised at the quality to be honest. My only complaint is that I think 1991 might have been a little bit late for this music style. One final comment about this album is that Ric claims he was excommunicated from the church in 1992 so he found himself unable to tour in support of the album. 1992 was a very different time for people in Ric’s circumstance so I certainly sympathize with him. Anyway this is a great album and of you ignored back in the day due to Ric’s personal choices you should really give it a listen now.

Tracklist
1 – Heaven (Prelude) – 1:18
2 – Edge Of A Hurricane – 4:10
3 – Hold My Hand – 3:40
4 – Laughter – 3:53
5 – Truly Helpless – 4:34
6 – Under Lock And Chain – 4:52
7 – Rain In Amsterdam – 3:00
8 – Pretty Blue Things – 3:48
9 – See You In Person – 4:04
10 – The Secret World – 3:32
11 – Holes In The Floor Of Heaven – 4:46
12 – In The Heart Of God – 3:32

Credits
Acoustic Guitar – Derald Daugherty, Ric Alba, Steve Hindalong
Bass – Ric Alba
Co-producer – David Hackbarth
Drums – Steve Hindalong
Dulcimer – Derald Daugherty
Electric Guitar – Greg Flesch, Ric Alba
Engineer – Derald Daugherty
Executive Producer – Derald Daugherty
Keyboards – Ric Alba, Rob Watson
Mastered By – Steve Hall
Mixed By – David Hackbarth
Percussion – Steve Hindalong
Photography – Everard Williams
Producer – Steve Hindalong
Recorded By – David Hackbarth
Twelve-String Guitar – Greg Flesch
Vocals – Ric Alba
Written-By – Ric Alba

Companies, etc.
Manufactured By – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Recorded At – Neverland
Mixed At – Neverland
Mixed At – Fingerprint Recorders
Mastered At – Future Disc
Copyright © – Never Say Never Songs

Say-So – You Lift Me Up – 1988

This is a 1988 demo release from Say-So and in my opinion they nailed this one. I simply can’t believe how good this album is and that it didn’t pick up a distribution deal. It has excellent production and engineering and simply just need to be pressed on some CD’s and put on the shelves. This album was ready to go but again hardly anyone heard it. This album was quite different than their 1986 demo and I was a bit surprised. While their 86 demo was a synth oriented album this is more folk pop oriented. I will go out on a limb and even say that the lead off track could have easily singled on secular radio. I simply do not understand the music industry. It mystified me in the 80’s but that given way to disgust at my current level of understanding. Say-So was essentially husband and wife team of Jim & Kim Thomas but they put together a killer band for this album It features Dave Perkins, Jerry McPherson, and Rick Cua. That’s some of the best in the business. Anyway if you want to hear one of the strongest female CCM albums ever this is the one for you. It is simply one of the best. Oh and their interpretation of the Hokey-Pokey is worth the price of admission all on it’s own.

Tracklist
1 – You Lift Me Up – 3:29
2 – Refuge – 3:26
3 – Just As I Am – 3:04
4 – Hokey-Pokey – 3:32
5 – Calling My Name – 4:30
6 – Carry On – 2:15

Credits
Bass – Rick Cua
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Dave Perkins, Jerry McPherson
Keyboards, Drums, Backing Vocals – Jim Thomas
Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Acoustic Guitar – Kim Thomas
Producer – Dave Perkins, Jerry McPherson

Terry Clark – Welcome – 1978

This is Terry’s first album though he did have a previous album in 1974 with his wife Nancy and brother Duane as the band The Children Of Faith. After that experiment (that I haven’t listened to yet but want to) Terry and Duane joined up with Liberation Suite for their 1975 European tour. This leads us to this 1978 album. I’m kind of torn on this album. I absolutely love the upbeat tracks but I strongly dislike almost all the slower tracks with the exception of Red Cloud which is the best track on the album. The album was very well engineered/mixed by Joe Bellamy but I think the albums downfall is the final production by CCM godfather Chuck Girard. I mean the choice of Welcome as an opening track is just questionable. It is without a doubt the weakest track on the album and I think they got caught up with the whole idea of the introductory album being called Welcome so they wanted to start the album with that track. I’ll be honest when I sat down to listen to this album that opening track made me think this would be a boring album but then track 2 “Let’s Have A Good Time” comes on and know this is gonna be a great album. Terry had a knack for rock and I really wish someone would have encouraged a little more of that for this album. I haven’t listened to any more of his albums yet so I am interested to see what direction his career went. Next month we’ll cover another one and see how he does.

Tracklist
1 – Welcome – 3:46
2 – Let’s Have A Good Time – 2:01
3 – Make A Noise – 2:44
4 – Merry-Go-Round – 2:47
5 – Time Enough – 3:55
6 – Red Cloud – 4:45
7 – Ugadano Thawanu Maija – 3:41
8 – Your Love For Me – 4:00
9 – For Each Other – 2:38
10 – Oh The Love – 2:39
11 – Living Loving Eyes – 5:38

Credits
Cliff Wooley – Harp
Chuck Girard – Producer, Arranger, Background Vocals
Terry Clark – Keyboards, Synthesizer, Strings, Arranger, Writer, Composer, Background Vocals
Joe Bellamy – Recording Engineer, Mixing Engineer
Emory Gordy, Jr. – Bass
Jeff Porcaro – Drums
Dean Parks – Guitar
Gary Ferguson – Percussion
Michael Porcaro – Bass
Paul Humphrey – Drums
The Paul Carlson Singers – Chorus
Clydie King – Background Vocals
Sherlie Matthews – Background Vocals
Venetta Fields – Background Vocals
Jon Linn – Lead Guitar
Jim West – Background Vocals
Ernie Watts – Saxophone
Burleigh Drummond – Marimba, Percussion
David Pack – Guitar
Jay Truax – Background Vocals
Larry Myers – Background Vocals
George Bohanon – Horn Arrangements
Stephen Houston – String Arrangements
Jimmie Haskell – String Arrangements

Companies, etc.
Distributed By – Word Records
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Good News Records
Copyright © – Good News Records
Recorded At – Mama Jo’s
Mastered At – The Mastering Lab

In The Silence – It’s Only Time – 1987

This was In The Silence’s first album. They had released a single before this called “Reaching” that eventually appeared om the Star Song Records 1991 Brave New Music compilation album. This album was self released in 1987 and is really really well put together. Production is really good and the engineering is good too. I really haven’t found out much more about this band so I am going to refer you to Frank Axel Rasenberger’s review of the bands next album to learn a little more about the band.

In The Silence – Things To Come – 1988

As for this album it’s a little rawer than their subsequent work but has a great New Wave feel. The quality of musicianship is excellent and this is yet another band that should have had an album deal but they are from Australia and it was 1987. The industry was starting a transition that really abandoned many Australian artists unfortunately. So much great music to be heard and it was essentially hidden from us.

Tracklist
1 – Who Am I – 5:57
2 – Are You Satisfied – 3:13
3 – Draw Me Nearer – 4:51
4 – In My Life – 4:40
5 – I’m So in Love – 5:03
6 – The State of Your Heart – 4:58
7 – Why’d You Never Tell Me? – 4:23

Credits
Bass – Angus McLeay
Drums – Jacques Zeelie
Lead Vocals – John Dickson
Guitar, Backing Vocals – Ben Shaw
Engineer, Mixed By, Produced by – Jeff Todd
Produced by, Engineer – Bill Hurst

Companies, etc.
Recorded at – Windwood Studios, Black Inc. Studios