In 1988 some of our favourite Broken Records groups and singers came together to produce this upbeat Christmas album. We are familiar with all of these performers with the exception of House Party who never had an album. So put this on your Christmas playlist to spice it up.
Tracklist
1 – Riki Michele – The first Noel
2 – Undercover – O Come All Ye Faithful
3 – Level Heads – Born In A Stable
4 – J.C. & The Boyz – Rudy Red
5 – Ojo – Hark The Herald Angels Sing
6 – 4•4•1 – What Child Is This
7 – Adam Again – Angels We Have Heard On High
8 – The Reign – O Holy Night
9 – The Holidays – Silent Night
10 – House Party – Follow The Star
11 – Gene Eugene , Riki Michele, Ojo – O Come, O Come Immanuel
Credits
Art Direction – Brian Ray
Edited By, Mastered By – John Matousek
Engineer [Second Engineer] – Scott Macklin
Painting – Michael Gerard Knott
Producer, Engineer – Gene Eugene, Ojo Taylor
Recorded By – Alan Hill
Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Brainstorm Artists International Inc.
Copyright (c) – Brainstorm Artists International Inc.
Manufactured By – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Recorded At – Neverland
Recorded At – Whitefield Studios
Recorded At – Lakeshore Sound
Edited At – Hitsville
Mastered At – Hitsville
This record was one of the all time best things throughout my teenage years. It was radical, it was catchy, it was rock, it was new wave, it was rebellious, loud, subversive and all that.
This album is so old and so cross-genre it was released on 8-track as well as cassette and vinyl.
Plus it was great art. It was a fold-out album with a fascinating scene presented in the inner part. The front cover and the back cover had images that corresponded. They went together to make a message. It had liner notes that were a story written to go along with the songs on the album.
In 1981 I’m sure I sat and read the whole thing. Then my friend read it and after we talked about it I read it again. And then I read it again.
Now I have this beautiful piece of art and I feel guilty for not taking the time to read the whole thing right now, to complete my experience. But I’ll do that again soon, I promise, I just have a few things to do for work first…
This is Daniel Amos’ second attempt at becoming a New Wave band after releasing 2 legit California style country albums. Those were good but they were not this. Horrendous Disc was recorded years before its release, and so technically came out in the same year as ¡Alarma!
This album changed the band forever by launching them as a completely restyled product. Terry Taylor guided DA all the way through and the New Wave years were cutting edge.
Tracklist
1 – Central Theme – 3:18
2 – ¡Alarma! – 3:21
3 – Big Time/Big Deal – 3:04
4 – Props – 1:58
5 – My Room – 3:25
6 – Faces To The Window – 2:31
7 – Cloak & Dagger – 2:16
8 – Colored By – 2:58
9 – C&D Reprise – 0:43
10 – Through The Speakers – 2:42
11 – Hit Them – 2:28
12 – Baby Game – 2:43
13 – Shedding The Mortal Coil – 1:20
14 – Endless Summer – 2:52
15 – Walls Of Doubt – 3:57
16 – Ghost Of The Heart – 2:36
Credits
Artwork [Airbrushing] – Stephen Nicol Price
Band [Members Of Daniel Amos], Bass Guitar, Keyboards – Marty Dieckmeyer
Band [Members Of Daniel Amos], Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals – Ed McTaggart
Band [Members Of Daniel Amos], Lead Guitar [Lead Guitars], Backing Vocals – Jerry Chamberlain
Band [Members Of Daniel Amos], Rhythm Guitar [Rhythm Guitars], Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals – Terry Taylor
Congas – Alex MacDougall (tracks: A5)
Design Concept [Cover Concept] – Daniel Amos
Engineer [Engineered By] – Thom Roy
Engineer [Live Sound], Coordinator [Road Coordination] – Wes Leathers
Graphic Design – Karen Knecht
Lead Vocals [Reluctant Lead Vocal] – Marty Dieckmeyer (tracks: A4)
Marimba – Alex MacDougall (tracks: A2)
Mastered By – Steve Hall
Percussion – Jerry Chamberlain (tracks: A5), Marty Dieckmeyer (tracks: A5)
Photography By [Photography] – Scott Lockwood
Producer [Produced By] – Daniel Amos, Thom Roy
Songwriter [All Songs Written By] – Terry Taylor (tracks: A1 to A6, A8 to B4, B7, B8)
Text By [‘Alarama Chronicles’ Book Text Written By] – Terry Taylor
Vocals [Female Vocal] – Karen Benson (tracks: B8)
Companies, etc.
Produced For – Rebel Base Productions
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Newpax Records
Copyright (c) – Newpax Records
Distributed By – The Benson Company, Inc.
Recorded At – Whitefield Studios
Mixed At – Whitefield Studios
Mastered At – MCA Whitney Recording Studios
Recorded At – Rebel Base Studio
Pressed By – PRC Recording Company, Richmond, IN
Published By – Paragon Music Corp.
Modest Attraction are Simeon Liljegren and Christian Liljegren from Borderline, Mick Nordström from Jerusalem, and Stephan Mohlin. They had a demo and an album before this “Christmas” EP. Normally we don’t post 90’s bands but we couldn’t resist this Christmas album. The first 2 tracks are Christmas songs. One of them an original and one a cover of a legendary Larry Norman song. The last 2 tracks I am assuming were a gift to their fans.
Tracklist
1 – Modest Christmas – 3:15
2 – Christmas Time – 5:02
3 – Feed Your Fire (Live) – 4:11
4 – Give You My Song (Live) – 8:03
Credits
Band [Modest Attraction Is], Bass Guitar, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals – Simeon Liljegren
Band [Modest Attraction Is], Drums, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals – Mick Nordström
Band [Modest Attraction Is], Guitar [All Guitars], Backing Vocals – Stephan Mohlin
Band [Modest Attraction Is], Lead Vocals – Christian Liljegren
Co-producer – The Rest Of The Band
Engineer [Assisted By] – Olle Kristensson, Stephan Mohlin
Engineer [Engineered By] – Mick Nordström
Mastered By – Mick Nordström, Peter Dahl
Organ, Bass – Niklas Jonsson
Producer [Produced By] – Mick Nordström
Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Viva Records AB
Copyright (c) – Viva Records AB
Recorded At – Stable Hill Studios
Mixed At – Stable Hill Studios
Mastered At – Cutting Room
Pressed By – CD-Linja OY
Published By – Cantio Music
Published By – Glenwood Music Corp.
Published By – Straw Bed Publ Co
Published By – New Generation
Sweet Comfort Band started out in 1973 and Maranatha! Records gave them their first recoird deal in 1977. The album was more Rock oriented than most of the Jesus Music of the time period. The Thomson brothers along with Bryan Duncan and Randy Thomas were on to a good thing. Even if you’re only familiar with their later work you’ll hear the same quartet song back here where it all started. The Maranatha! deal only lasted for this album (they fled the Rock & Roll CCM scene in terror) but Light Records stepped in for the next album. Again this is the one where it all started and it started well.
Tracklist
1 – It’s So Fine (Soul Tune Boogie) – 2:58
2 – Ryan’s Song – 4:05
3 – Childish Things – 2:42
4 – Let It Go – 2:26
5 – Your Life – 2:24
6 – Somebody Loves You – 2:56
7 – His Name Is Whispered – 3:11
8 – God’s Got A Plan – 3:08
9 – Get Ready – 3:01
10 – When I Was Alone – 3:37
Credits
Art Direction – Neal Buchanan
Bass – Kevin Thomson
Design [Album Design] – Greg Laurie
Drums – Rick Thomson
Engineer – Jack Joseph Puig, Jonathan David Brown
Graphics – Greg Laurie
Graphics [Logo] – Rick Griffin
Guitar – Randy Thomas
Horns, Arranged By – Glen Myerscough
Keyboards – Bryan Duncan
Organ – Martie Echito (tracks: A5, B1)
Percussion – Alex MacDougal (tracks: A2, B1, B4)
Photography By – Ray Westbrook
Producer – Jonathan David Brown, Tommy Coomes
Tenor Saxophone – Glen Myerscough
Trombone – Thurman Green
Trumpet – Allen Gregory
Violin – Bruce Hoag (tracks: B5)
Vocals – Bryan Duncan, Randy Thomas, Rick Thomson
Companies, etc.
Pressed By – Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Santa Maria
Copyright (c) – Maranatha! Music
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Maranatha! Music
Checo Tohomaso was a studio and touring musician for several R&B stars throughout the 70’s and 80’s. He has worked with the likes of Marvin Gaye, The Commodores, and Lionel Ritchie. He was in the band “Nova” who had a successful non gospel album in 1980. In 1985 Checo decided to release his own gospel album. Chico performed all the instruments on the album making it truly a solo effort. The album was well received and in his travels after putting out the album he ended up in Vancouver Canada for Expo 86. He continues his ministry in Vancouver Canada doing both music teaching as well as preaching the gospel.
Tracklist
1 – Come On Children,Let’s Praise The Lord – 3:35
2 – Magnify The Lord – 3:56
3 – If You Ask Anything – 3:46
4 – Love,Joy,Peace,Kindness – 2:40
5 – Keep In Touch – 4:50
6 – True Love – 3:58
7 – Sing Hallelujah,Praise The Lord – 3:02
8 – Psalm 121 – 4:21
9 – Don’t Let The Devil Rip You Off – 3:50
10 – Thank You Jesus,I’m Free – 3:00
Credits
Bass – Checo Tohomaso
Co-producer – Robert Benson
Engineer – Robert Benson
Lead Vocals – Checo Tohomaso
Percussion – Checo Tohomaso
Photography – Rob D’Estrubé
Piano – Checo Tohomaso
Producer – Checo Tohomaso
Synth – Checo Tohomaso
The Awakening were a group of lads from southern Ontario Canada. They came together in 84/85 and started doing some recording. In 1986 they set out to record a demo album later entitled “Two Worlds”. It was recorded in 16 tracks which was rare for a demo of that period by some unknown Canadian Christian band. The whole album was produced for $14,000. The boys went out and supported the album playing gigs where and when they could selling the demo album along the way. In early 1987 Reunion Records contacted the band with an interest in signing them. After a successful signing the band recorded two alternative tracks for the album but the other tracks were all just remixed from their demo. I believe that attests to the quality of that demo. This album is the result of all that work and it is an excellent New Wave/Pop album. This is another one I missed in the 80’s which is a pity because it is so good.
Tracklist
1 – You Can’t Hide – 4:06
2 – All You Need To Know – 3:33
3 – My Only Hope – 2:49
4 – Two Worlds – 5:04
5 – Distant Light – 4:09
6 – Turn Them Away – 3:28
7 – Fireside – 5:16
8 – The Only Way – 4:33
9 – The Forest – 5:32
Credits
Art Direction, Design – Heather Brown
Bass – Allan Powell
Co-producer – Glenn Koehler
Drums, Vocals – Mike Powell
Engineer – Andrew Horrocks, Lloyd Walker
Executive Producer – Dan Harrell, Jeff Moseley, Michael Blanton
Guitar, Vocals – Andrew Horrocks
Lead Vocals, Keyboards – Ian Tanner
Photography By – Deborah Samuel
Producer, Engineer – Richard J. Hutt
Mark Heard produced this Pat Terry album, and if you like Mark’s own albums then you’ll probably like this one too. The harmonies and chorus work is very reminiscent of Mark’s Stop The Dominoes album.
Having said that, Pat Terry has his own contribution to the CCM genre here. He is a witty lyricist and a good musician.
Film At Eleven features a solid collection of songs that can stick with you, starting from catchy, quirky tunes like “Cats and Dogs” and “Yard Sale” to contemplative pieces like “Growing Up and Growing Old.”
Every song on this album is a thoughtful piece if you’re listening.
The style is a little more rock than what the typical country music sound was at the time, but a little less rock than the popular hits. I think this in-between status probably held this album back from broader success.
Pat is an accomplished songwriter, having had songs recorded by Mark Heard, Mylon Lefevre, The Oak Ridge Boys, Tanya Tucker, Kenny Chesney, Travis Tritt, B. J. Thomas and many others.
Pat released seven albums under “The Pat Terry Group” in the 1970s before doing three solo albums in the 1980s.
You can also hear Pat on the Mark Heard tribute album from 1993 “Strong Hand of Love.”
Still going strong, Pat’s most recent album was released in 2018.
Tracklist
1 – Cats And Dogs – 3:18
2 – Yard Sale – 4:20
3 – The World Around Us – 2:58
4 – Change Takes Time – 3:15
5 – In My Dream – 4:32
6 – Common Bond – 3:17
7 – Shadows – 5:12
8 – Growing Up And Growing Old – 3:52
9 – Christ Alone Will Wear The Crown – 4:40
Credits Acoustic Guitar – Pat Terry Backing Vocals – Mark Heard (tracks: A3,B2,B4) Bass – Billy Batstone Drums [And “Giant Hamster Cage Drums”] – John Mehler Electric Guitar – Pat Terry Engineer – Mark Heard Engineer [Assisting] – Mike Ross, Wally Grant Guitar – Mark Heard (tracks: B1) Handclaps – Mark Heard, Pat Terry Harmonica – Pat Terry Mastered By – Steve Hall Mixed By – Mark Heard Musician [Assorted Techno-Musical Contributions] – Mark Heard Organ [Hammond] – Carl Pickhardt (tracks: B1,B3) Percussion – Harry Stinson Piano – Pat Terry Producer – Mark Heard, Pat Terry Programmed By [E-mu Systems Emulator, Voice Programming And Arrangements For Emulator] – Tom Howard Slide Guitar – Pat Terry Snare [Marching] – John Mehler (tracks: B2) Synthesizer [Korg Polysix] – Pat Terry Vocals – Pat Terry
Companies, etc.
Record Company – Word, Inc.
Recorded At – Weddington Studios
Mixed At – Weddington Studios
Mastered At – Future Disc
Pressed By – Monarch Record Mfg. Co. – △25998
Copyright (c) – Word, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc.
Published By – Word Music (2)
Published By – Bug & Bear Music
Stryken appeared in 1986 with a self released 12″ of Rock on/Surprise. They followed this up with this self released album in 1987. The band were originally called Stryker but changed their name for reasons unknown. The band was Dale Streiker (vocals, lead guitar), Stephen Strieker (vocals, rhythm guitar), Joey Knight (drums), and Ezekiel Vade (bass guitar) though these names were all apparently stage names. In 2006 the album was released on CD by Girder records with “Surprise” as a bonus track. In 2009 Girder Records in conjunction with Retroactive Records released a CD Collectors Edition with 10 bonus tracks. Personally I liked these bonus tracks more than I liked the original album. The original album was a decidedly heavy metal affair but the bonus tracks had a far more commercial metal sound. In 1987 the band was detained by police at a Mötley Crüe concert in San Antonio, Texas for causing a disturbance. Apparently they went to the front of the stage with a large wooden cross while clad in full body armor attempting to spread an evangelical message. They were released without charge. The lead singer of the band (Stephen Hopkins) went on to be a Pastor in Texas and fathered 16 children.
Tracklist
1 – Crush The Head Of Satan
2 – One Way
3 – The Answer
4 – State Of Emergency
5 – First Strike
6 – Rock On
7 – The Young Men Have A Vision
8 – Riot
2006 CD Bonus Track
9 – Surprise
2009 Collectors Edition Bonus Tracks
10 – Blitzkrieg
11 – Look Away
12 – I’m Alright
13 – Need Your Love
14 – Circus Man
15 – Right Of Way
16 – Cross The Line
17 – Played
18 – It’s Over
In 1986 2nd Chapter of Acts did something a little different for CCM at the time. They released an album of hymns. The hymns were updated so we could enjoy the harmonies of the band. The album was well received and in fact well enough that a second album of hymns was released in 1988. The hymns were updated enough to include more modern instruments but not enough to change the basic structures of them. It sounds strange to say but this was actually a little daring to do in CCM music at the time but it all worked out and actually turned out to be a great idea.
Tracklist
1 – All Creatures Of Our God And King – 2:58
2 – My Jesus I Love Thee – 4:52
3 – Great Is Thy Faithfulness – 4:04
4 – Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee – 2:40
5 – Crown Him With Many Crowns – 3:46
6 – Take My Life And Let It Be (Nottingham) – 1:45
7 – Holy, Holy, Holy – 5:33
8 – Fairest Lord Jesus – 3:47
9 – O The Deep, Deep Love Of Jesus – 4:08
10 – How Great Thou Art – 5:22
11 – He Has Formed Me – 1:39
Credits
Arranged By [Instrumental Arrangements] – John Andrew Schreiner
Arranged By [Vocal Arrangements] – 2nd Chapter Of Acts
Art Direction, Concept By [Cover Concept] – Buddy Owens
Artwork [Back Cover] – Marty Justice
Artwork [Calligraphy] – Michael Stevens
Bass – Lee Jones
Design – Bradley Grose
Drums – Dennis Holt
Engineer – Greg Hunt
Guitar – Will McFarland (tracks: B2)
Keyboards – Schreiner*
Mastered By – Bernie Grundman
Photography By [Altered Polaroid Photographs By] – Michael Going
Producer, Engineer – Buck Herring
Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Live Oak Records
Copyright (c) – Live Oak Records
Manufactured By – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Made By – Discovery Systems
Recorded At – Easter Song Studios
Mixed At – Easter Song Studios