Category: Albums

Connie Scott – Heartbeat – 1983

This was the first album from Canada’s sweetheart of CCM. Well actually that’s not entirely true as she had 2 albums as a child artist with her sister Sherri but I doubt anyone ever even heard those albums. We actually have one of those 2 albums and will upload it some day. Anyway Connie’s dad, Gerry Scott, was the owner of both Image VII and Word records so in all fairness she did have a bit of a jumpstart on other artists. I actually remember when this album came out. I’m pretty sure we skipped it at the time but that said this album cover is one of the most 80’s things ever produced. Anyway Connie also goes down as the youngest artis ever signed to a contract by Sparrow Records, she was just 18 years old. Almost all the tracks here were written by other industry songwriters but it was nice to see Geri Baird’s name appear next to a couple tracks including the title track that she and Connie wrote together. As for the album it’s rather typical female pop of the era though very well done. While I wasn’t particularly a fan of hers back in the 80’s I’ve become a big fan now years later.

Tracklist
1 – You Changed My Life – 3:35
2 – Must Be You – 4:20
3 – Nothing Less Than A Miracle – 2:51
4 – You Know Me Better Than I Know Myself – 4:13
5 – Heartbeat – 2:41
6 – Just Another Reason – 3:19
7 – Mighty Light Of Love – 3:04
8 – You Must Have Known – 3:46
9 – By Your Grace – 3:47
10 – With My Life In Your Hands – 4:01

Credits
Arranged By – Larry Muhoberac
Backing Vocals – Andra Willis, Cindy Fee, David Morgan, George Merrill, Joe Chemay, Joey Scarbury
Bass – Joe Chemay
Cover [Cover Coordination] – B. Charlyne Hinesley
Design [Cover] – Stan Evenson Design
Design [Lyric Sheet] – Marlene Bergman
Drums – Paul Leim
Engineer – Ron Capone
Executive-Producer – Billy Ray Hearn
Guitar – Billy Walker, John Goux, Steve Watson
Harmony Vocals [Additional] – Ken Pennell
Mastered By – Ken Pennell, Steve Hall
Mixed By – Ken Pennell, Larry Muhoberac, Ron Capone
Photography By – Mark Hanauer
Piano, Synthesizer – Larry Muhoberac
Producer – Larry Muhoberac

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Spotlight Music
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Sparrow Records, Inc.
Copyright © – Sparrow Records, Inc.
Recorded At – Westwind Studio
Mixed At – Westwind Studio
Mastered At – Future Disc

Janny – Covenant Woman – 1977

Here we have Janny’s (Janny Grein) second album. As I said previously when I reviewed her first album I had no idea who she even was up until a few months ago. This album makes that mystery even a little deeper. This album is much more upbeat than her first album and I definitely should had heard this one back in the day. It’s still not Rock & Roll but is much more youthful. It has a strong Carol King feel and on this album there is a real vocal resemblance. It is still in that 70’s style and if that’s your style you should give this one a listen.

Tracklist
1 – Let Yourself Go – 3:35
2 – Bread On The Water – 3:13
3 – You And Me Together – 3:13
4 – Spirit Born – 2:33
5 – He Is Love – 4:03
6 – Covenant Woman – 2:56
7 – Long Before The World He Is – 5:10
8 – Sanctified, Made Useful – 3:13
9 – Blessin’s – 3:03
10 – Makin’ Way – 4:12

Credits
Backing Vocals – Bili Thedford
Bass – James “Arky” Felix
Drums – Billy Maxwell
Engineer – Billy Taylor
Guitar, Backing Vocals – Mike Deasy
Keyboards, Backing Vocals, Strings [Arrangements] – Harlan Rogers
Lead Vocals – Janny Grine
Piano – Janny Grine
Producer – Billy Ray Hearn
Written-By – Bill Grine, Janny Grine, Jim Coble, Mike Deasy

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Sparrow Records, Inc.

Parchment – Rehearsal For A Re-Union – 1977

This was the final album from the band Parchment who were a mainstay of the Jesus movement in the U.K. While relatively unknown in the U.S. from what I have read that they were huge in The U.K. Unfortunately this was the final act from them but what a great name for an album when you are retiring. The album is rather typical of Seventies Jesus music with some really good harmonies. It includes a cover of their own great hit from 1972, “Light Up The Fire” that was the first track of their first album and the last track on this their final album. Sue McClellan’s vocals are a real stand out on the album and was a good launching point for her next band Fresh Air. If you’re a fan of 70’s Jesus Music but lived in the U.S. you probably haven’t heard this one. You should give it a listen, it’s well worth it.

Tracklist
1 – Glory Shone Around – 3:34
2 – Still Waters – 2:54
3 – Vision – 4:06
4 – Borders Of Belief – 4:00
5 – Jesus On The Mainline – 4:30
6 – Golden Game – 1:36
7 – Angel Voices – 4:24
8 – I Want To Go Home – 4:39
9 – Talking To You – 3:11
10 – People And Places – 4:42
11 – Light Up The Fire – 2:47

Credits
Arranged By [String & Brass] – Dave Anfield
Artwork By, Design – M&M Advertising & Marketing Ltd.
Bass – Nick Ryan
Drums, Percussion – Mike Wade
Engineer – Colin Owen
Engineer, Producer, Synthesizer [Korg] – John Pantry
Lead Guitar, Banjo, Acoustic Guitar – Mo Witham
Mixed By – Andy Kidd
Photography – Mike Springer
Vocals, Acoustic Guitar – Peter Yates-Round, Sue McClellan
Vocals, Mandolin – John Pac

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – The Old Smithy Recording Studio
Recorded At – Grosvenor Studios
Mixed At – ICC Studios
Printed By – Errey’s Printers Ltd.

Cindy Epstein – The Lord Is So Good – 1989

This is a rather mystifying album as I can’t find any record of it anywhere. Yes she had 2 more albums that are well documented but this one not so much. I understand her next 2 albums have a more pop sound but this album is decidedly in the worship album style. I really can’t find any info on Cindy either. I find that odd as she did have 3 albums and I understand they are pretty good. So we’ll just have to let the past go and enjoy this one for what it is. While not my style, it is very good, and I look forward to listening to her next 2 albums.

Tracklist
1 – The Spirit Of the Lord is Upon Me – 5:02
2 – He Is My Defense – 5:09
3 – The Lord is So Good – 3:16
4 – All Creatures Of Our God and King – 4:05
5 – We Being Many – 3:26
6 – My Jesus I Love Thee – 4:14
7 – Now It Has Begun – 3:16
8 – My Eyes Are Open – 2:00
9 – Take My Life, and Let It Be – 4:32
10 – Instrument – 4:32
11 – How Excellent is Your Name – 4:43
12 – Behold My Servant – 7:11

The Alarm – Raw – 1991

This was the final studio album from the band though there would be tons more material released over the years since. This album was released in both English and Welsh but the two versions of the album were quite different other than the language. The mix between the two versions is different and there are tracks on both versions that are specific to that version. It’s no secret I’m a huge Alarm fan but this album never really grew on me but up until this week I had not heard the Welsh version. After hearing the Welsh version I wish that mix and song selection had been used for the English version. The Welsh version is just a much better version of this album. Alas this was all solved in 2000 when a new version of this album was released that included all the tracks from both albums in English and with mixes that leaned to the Welsh version. We will actually upload that rerelease version in the near future. The favourite and most disliked track is a cover of “Rockin’ In The Free World”. I really don’t like the song but I just loved the way they covered it. Mike Peters vocals are so powerful on this track it really should have been the single but for some reason the record label chose “Raw” which is one of the weakest tracks on the album in my opinion. The best track on the Welsh version is “Nadolig Llawen” (Happy Xmas (War Is Over)) which luckily was also released in English in the 2000 re-release. Apparently MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide called the album “the result of the dreary business of fulfilling contractual obligations.” This is complete nonsense because they were under no contractual obligation to release a Welsh version and they actually recorded 15 tracks for these albums in two languages. There is no way a band does that for a “contractual obligation”. I can guarantee whoever wrote that wasn’t even aware the was a Welch version never mind listened to it.

Tracklist
1 – Raw – 4:28
2 – Rockin’ In The Free World – 3:59
3 – God Save Somebody – 4:09
4 – Moments In Time – 5:42
5 – Hell Or High Water – 3:47
6 – Lead Me Through The Darkness – 4:34
7 – The Wind Blows Away My Words – 4:32
8 – Let The River Run Its Course – 3:53
9 – Save Your Crying – 4:38
10 – Wonderful World – 5:00

Credits
Bass Guitar, Keyboards, Backing Vocals, Producer – Eddie MacDonald
Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals, Producer – Nigel Twist
Engineer – Mark Phythian
Engineer [Additional] – Danny Griffiths, Dave Buchanan, Keith Andrew, Keith Hartley
Engineer [Assistant] – Ian McFarlane
Engineer, Keyboards [Additional] – Rob Storm
Lead Guitar, Harmonica, Vocals, Producer – Dave Sharp
Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Harmonica, Producer – Mike Peters
Written-By – Dave Sharp, Eddie MacDonald, Mike Peters, Neil Young, Nigel Twist

Companies, etc.
Licensed From – I.R.S. Records

Yr Alarm – Tân – 1991

This was the final studio album from the band though there would be tons more material released over the years since. This album was released in both English and Welsh but the two versions of the album were quite different other than the language. The mix between the two versions is different and there are tracks on both versions that are specific to that version. It’s no secret I’m a huge Alarm fan but this album never really grew on me but up until this week I had not heard the Welsh version. After hearing the Welsh version I wish that mix and song selection had been used for the English version. The Welsh version is just a much better version of this album. Alas this was all solved in 2000 when a new version of this album was released that included all the tracks from both albums in English and with mixes that leaned to the Welsh version. We will actually upload that rerelease version in the near future. The favourite and most disliked track is a cover of “Rockin’ In The Free World”. I really don’t like the song but I just loved the way they covered it. Mike Peters vocals are so powerful on this track it really should have been the single but for some reason the record label chose “Raw” which is one of the weakest tracks on the album in my opinion. The best track on the Welsh version is “Nadolig Llawen” (Happy Xmas (War Is Over)) which luckily was also released in English in the 2000 re-release. Apparently MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide called the album “the result of the dreary business of fulfilling contractual obligations.” This is complete nonsense because they were under no contractual obligation to release a Welsh version and they actually recorded 15 tracks for these albums in two languages. There is no way a band does that for a “contractual obligation”. I can guarantee whoever wrote that wasn’t even aware the was a Welch version never mind listened to it.

Tracklist
1 – Y Ffordd (The Road) – 3:46
2 – Y Gwynt Sy’n Chwythu ‘Ngeiriau (The Wind Blows Away My Words) – 4:32
3 – Eiliadau Fel Hyn (Moments In Time) – 5:18
4 – Rocio Yn Ein Rhyddid (Rocking In The Free World) – 4:43
5 – Tân (Raw) – 4:33
6 – Dyfnach Na’r Dyfroedd (Hell Or High Water) – 3:48
7 – Tywys Fi Drwy’r Tywyllwch (Lead Me Through The Darkness) – 4:34
8 – Fel Mae’r Afon (Let The River Run Its Course) – 4:30
9 – Crynu Dan Fy Nhraed (Unsafe Building) – 4:38
10 – Nadolig Llawen (Happy Xmas (War Is Over)) – 3:40

Credits
Backing Vocals [Llais Cefndir] – Eddie MacDonald, Nigel Twist
Bass Guitar [Gitâr Fâs], Keyboards [Allweddellau] – Eddie MacDonald
Booking [U.D.A./ Byd – U.S.A./World] – Barbara Skydel, Frank Barsalona, Premier Talent
Booking [U.K./Ewrop – U.K./ Europe] – John Giddings, Solo-ITG
Drums [Drymiau], Percussion [Offerynnau Taro] – Nigel Twist
Engineer [Additional – Peiriannydd Ychwanegol] – Danny Griffith, Keith Andrew, Keith Hartley
Engineer [Assistant – Peiriannydd Cynorthwyol] – Ian McFarlane
Engineer [Peiriannydd] – Mark Phythian, Rob Storm
Engineer [The Welsh Version – Peiriannwyd Y Fersiwn Gymraeg] – Rob Storm
Harmonica – Dave Sharp, Mike Peters
Keyboards [Allweddellau Ychwanegol], Backing Vocals [Additional – Llais Cefndir Ychwanegol] – Rob Storm
Lead Guitar [Gitârau Blaen], Vocals [Llais] – Dave Sharp
Lead Vocals [Prif Llais], Acoustic Guitar [Gitâr Acwstig] – Mike Peters
Management [Administration – Gweinyddu] – Julie Peters
Photography By [Ffotograffiaeth] – Peter West
Producer [Cynhyrchydd] – Yr Alarm
Producer [The Welsh Version – Cynhyrchydd Y Fersiwn Gymraeg] – Mike Peters, Rob Storm, Tony Elliott

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Sain (Recordiau) Cyf.
Copyright © – Sain (Recordiau) Cyf.
Engineered At – Storm Sound
Recorded At – Amazon Studios
Edited At – Stiwdio Sain
Printed By – Gwasg Dwyfor
Glass Mastered At – Nimbus

Wings Of Light – In A Different Light – 1982

This is the second album from Wings Of Light. It’s a little more pop oriented than their first album which in turn means I liked it a little more. Again it’s a mix of covers and original material just like their first album but there are more original tracks on this one. There’s actually a pretty good cover of The Coloring Song. As I explained on their previous album this group was an offshoot of the Continental Singers with a more pop oriented sound. The album was produced by David Diggs who I’ve been studying up on recently so be ready for a few albums from him. Anyway not my style but a real good album that deserves a listen.

Tracklist
1 – The Home Of The Lord – 3:15
2 – Within His Joy – 3:03
3 – Imagine – 2:56
4 – In A Different Light – 3:33
5 – Resurrection Power – 3:30
6 – Stride Right – 3:39
7 – Much More – 2:53
8 – Jesus Take Me Like A Rock – 3:00
9 – The Coloring Song – 3:29
10 – I Choose To Follow You – 4:19

Credits
Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Jim Coile
Bass – Leon Gaer
Co-producer [Associate Producer] – Fred J. Heumann
Design [Cover] – Thel Arthur
Drums – Ed Greene
Engineer, Mixed By – Billy Taylor
Executive-Producer – Cam Floria
Guitar – Paul Jackson, Jr.
Overdubbed By [Vocals] – Christopher Banninger
Producer, Arranged By [Vocals, Rhythm & Horns], Flugelhorn – Terry Winch
Producer, Synthesizer, Arranged By [Rhythm & Strings], Keyboards, Percussion – David Diggs
Trombone – Alan Kaplan
Trumpet – Danny Ackerman
Vocals, Guest, Soloist – Diane Zagnoli, Susan Bishop
Vocals, Soloist – Fred Heumann, John Barbour, Nina Farley

Companies, etc.
Copyright © – Christian Artists Records
Recorded At – Mama Jo’s
Mixed At – Mama Jo’s

Len Magee – Just For You – 1979

Here’s another artist I have never heard of who had multiple albums, a dozen to be exact. As near as I can tell his albums were only released in the U.K. so I guess I wouldn’t have heard of him being a Canadian. Now full disclaimer this is not my preferred genre but that aside Len nails the style that he does. If Christian music had a John Denver this is the man. Len has am absolutely fascinating life story which I will cover in some detail when I review his first release from 1973. So while this is a pretty mellow 70’s album it is well worth a listen. If you ever stumble on Len’s life story on YouTube take the time and give it a listen.

Tracklist
1 – Travellin Man
2 – Water Into Wine
3 – The Star Of Christmas
4 – I Feel Your Presence Everywhere
5 – Tears Of The Lonely
6 – Jonah’s Key
7 – Who Can I Turn To?
8 – Help Me Lord
9 – Just For You
10 – Kiss The Lamb
11 – Too Late

Credits
Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Slide Guitar – Mo Witham
Backing Vocals – John Pac, Sue McClellan
Bass – John Spurling*
Drums – Pete Thompson
Engineer – Dave Aston, Les Moir
Mastered By – Dennis Blackham*
Piano, Electric Piano [Rhodes], Arranged By – Dave Anfield
Plated By – Max*
Producer – John Pac
Tuba – Les Moir
Vocals – Len Magee

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Marshall Morgan & Scott
Copyright © – Marshall Morgan & Scott
Recorded At – ICC Studios
Mixed At – ICC Studios
Mastered At – Tape One
Pressed By – Lyntone Recordings Ltd. – LYN6742
Pressed By – Lyntone Recordings Ltd. – LYN6743
Lacquer Cut At – Tape One
Published By – Copyright Control
Published By – Len Magee Music Ltd.

Ulf Christiansson – In My Dreams – 1982

I was a little surprised when I found this album as somehow I missed it in 1982. I was a huge fan of Jerusalem so this was like finding a bonus album years later. Ulf released this solo album between Jerusalem’s Warrior and Can’t Stop Us Now albums. He used a great bunch of studio musicians for this album but of course his guitar is unmistakable so it definitely has a Jerusalem sound. It fits perfectly between those 2 albums sound wise as this was a transition time for Jerusalem. The album was released in both English and Swedish on the same record companies Jerusalem was using at the time. The Swedish version actually has an extra track “Du Vill Börja Om”. I don’t know why it didn’t make the English version but not all songs are capable of being well translated so maybe it just didn’t translate well. The mix is slightly different between the 2 versions though the majority of the difference in sound you will hear on our channel are simply different qualities we have in the collection. If you missed this one in the 80’s consider it a bonus Jerusalem album though it is a little more on the mellow side.

Tracklist
1 – Like A Thief In The Night – 5:52
2 – I Will Sing – 4:48
3 – Is It Too Late? – 3:54
4 – In Honesty… – 5:29
5 – My Heart’s Desire – 6:05
6 – Practice What We Preach – 3:33
7 – Now I Am Trusting – 4:15
8 – Forget What Has Been – 3:00
9 – Reach For The Stars – 3:40

Credits
Arranged By – Peter Sandwall, Ulf Christiansson
Backing Vocals – Eja Eriksson, Eva Berg, Inger Heinerborg, Ulf Christiansson
Bass, Electric Bass [Electric Upright Bass] – Backa Hans Eriksson
Design – Camilla B., Michael Harris
Drums, Percussion – Per Lindvall
Engineer – Bo G. Lundberg
Guitar – Lasse Johnsson, Ulf Christiansson
Lyrics By – Andy Kidd, Ulf Christiansson
Music By – Ulf Christiansson
Photography By – Anders Johansson, Jan Ivarsson
Piano, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Synthesizer [Prophet 5], Organ – Peter Ljung
Producer – Peter Sandwall
Saxophone – Glen Myerscough
Strings – The Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra

Companies, etc.
Distributed By – The Benson Company, Inc.
Recorded At – Supreme Studio
Mixed At – Supreme Studio
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Lamb & Lion
Copyright © – Lamb & Lion
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Lamb & Lion Records
Copyright © – Lamb & Lion Records

Uffe – I Mina Drömmar – 1982

I was a little surprised when I found this album as somehow I missed it in 1982. I was a huge fan of Jerusalem so this was like finding a bonus album years later. Ulf released this solo album between Jerusalem’s Warrior and Can’t Stop Us Now albums. He used a great bunch of studio musicians for this album but of course his guitar is unmistakable so it definitely has a Jerusalem sound. It fits perfectly between those 2 albums sound wise as this was a transition time for Jerusalem. The album was released in both English and Swedish on the same record companies Jerusalem was using at the time. The Swedish version actually has an extra track “Du Vill Börja Om”. I don’t know why it didn’t make the English version but not all songs are capable of being well translated so maybe it just didn’t translate well. The mix is slightly different between the 2 versions though the majority of the difference in sound you will hear on our channel are simply different qualities we have in the collection. If you missed this one in the 80’s consider it a bonus Jerusalem album though it is a little more on the mellow side.

Tracklist
1 – I Natt Så Kommer … – 6:09
2 – Jag Vill Sjunga – 4:48
3 – Är Det Försent? – 3:54
4 – Visst Är Det Sant – 3:00
5 – Du Vill Börja Om – 4:20
6 – I Dina Drömmar – 3:40
7 – Leva Som Vi Lär – 3:33
8 – Låt Mej Tala Ut – 5:29
9 – Nu Skall Jag Lita – 4:15
10 – Jag Har En Bön – 6:05

Credits
Accordion – Kjell Öhman
Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Glen Myerscough
Arranged By – Peter Sandwall, Ulf Christiansson
Backing Vocals – Eja Eriksson, Eva Berg, Inger Heinerborg, Ulf Christiansson
Design – Camilla B
Design [Redesign] – Camilla Christiansson
Drums, Percussion – Per Lindvall
Electric Bass, Electric Upright Bass – Backa Hans Eriksson
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Lasse Jonsson, Ulf Christiansson
Engineer – Bo G Lundberg
Lead Vocals – Ulf Christiansson
Music By – Paul Parrish (tracks: 5)
Photography – Anders Johansson, Jan Ivarsson
Piano, Electric Piano, Organ – Peter Ljung
Producer – Peter Sandwall
Songwriter – Ulf Christiansson
Strings – Radiosymfonikerna

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Supreme Studio
Mixed At – Supreme Studio
Lacquer Cut At – Cutting Room
Pressed By – Grammoplast