Category: Albums

Ishmael United – If You Can’t Shout Saved – 1979

Ishmael United was headed by Ian Smale who refers to himself as Ishmael. This is the album that most people are familiar when you hear his name but it’s not his only album. He only had one album as Ishmael United but has others as Ishmael, Ishmael And Andy (Andy Piercy from ATF), and Rev Counta & The Speedoze. This album is very difficult to categorize but the recipe for this album is one part punk, one part new wave, one part pop, and 3 parts fun. This album was very well received and is popular to this day. There are many differing styles on this album but they mostly all share a common theme of fun. It’s impossible to pick a “single” for the album but for me Don’t Rock De Boat is my favourite track. Quick piece of trivia, Ishmael has gone on to produce several very successful children’s albums.

Tracklist
1 – Song Of The Last Generation – 3:26
2 – Star On Sunday – 2:14
3 – Bartimaeus – 3:31
4 – If You Can’t Shout Saved, You’ll Have To Face The Penalty – 3:13
5 – Jesus Trip – 2:07
6 – Don’t Rock De Boat – 3:23
7 – Crowd Trouble – 3:52
8 – Christian Schizophrenic – 2:43
9 – Now It’s All Gone Wrong – 3:13
10 – Caroline Robbins – 2:51
11 – Jesus Is Making A Comeback – 2:42
12 – The Glories – 4:21

Credits
Acoustic Guitar – Ishmael
Bass – Laura Mellor
Drums – Pedro Wills
Electric Guitar – Dale Evans
Engineer – Dave Aston, Les Moir
Keyboards – Dale Evans
Lead Vocals – Ishmael
Percussion – Pedro Wills
Photography – Photoflair
Producer – Andy Piercy
Vocals – Dale Evans, Laura Mellor, Pedro Wills

Jerome Olds – No Disguise – 1989

Jerome is often said to be the Christian answer to Bruce Hornsby. Indeed his style strongly resembles Bruce Hornsby and this was probably in part his relative success. Actually he had been involved in the CCM scene since 1985 writing several #1 songs for Mylon & Broken Heart. He struck out on his own with this album in 1989 though he did have a self release in 1980. It’s a little disappointing that he is constantly compared to Bruce Hornsby as I think it detracts from his true talent as a singer songwriter. The first single for the album was “Is It Right?” which peaked at #4. “His Love Flows” and “Rejoice” also singled at #12 and #15 respectively. The piano pop sound of this album will likely site well with most people. The surprise track on the album is “Sing Out” which has a more traditional African sound.

Tracklist
1 – Rejoice – 3:06
2 – Is It Right? – 4:22
3 – His Love Flows – 4:25
4 – Dying To See Jesus In Me – 4:18
5 – No Disguise – 2:06
6 – Sing Out – 3:00
7 – God Will Find A Way – 4:10
8 – Bethlehem – 3:32
9 – “The Barn” Video Sequence – 3:08
10 – Keeper Of The Fire – 5:40

Credits
Scott Allen – Composer
Gary Bennett – Vocals
Pat Buchanan – Guitar (Electric), Vocal Arrangement, Vocals
Charles Bullock – Choir/Chorus
Brenda Carter – Choir/Chorus
Russ Fowler – Engineer, Mixing
Gloria Gaither – Composer
Frank Gibson – Preparation
Bill Hatcher – Guitar (Acoustic), Harp
Tim Holbrook – Composer
Adrion Jones – Choir/Chorus
Ricky Keller – Arranger, Bass, Composer, Engineer, Guitar (Electric), Mixing, Percussion, Producer, Synthesizer
Sonny Lallerstedt – Guitar (Acoustic)
Jim Lloyd – Mastering
Donna Maddox – Choir/Chorus
Scott Meeder – Drums, Percussion, Producer
Jerome Olds – Arranger, Composer, Percussion, Primary Artist, Producer, Vocal Arrangement, Vocals
Solomon Olds – Composer
Cheryl Rogers – Arranger, Composer, Keyboards, Producer, Vocal Arrangement, Vocals
Terry Simpson – Vocals
Angel Smith – Choir/Chorus
Vance Taylor – Synthesizer
Toni Thigpen – Photo Editing
Oliver Wells – Arranger, Keyboards, Producer

Companies, etc.
Printed By – Sleeveprint Ltd
Mastered At – Masterfonics
Mixed At – Southern Tracks
Recorded At – Southern Living At Its Finest

Valor – Fight for your Life – 1988

Valor is one of the early speed metal bands that appeared on the CCM scene. They were from San Leandro and actually were a new version of the band Golgatha. I’m not very familiar with Speed Metal so there’s not much I can say about this album. It’s fast and it’s loud, that’s my review. This album was re-released in 2004 with 9 demo tracks from Golgatha.

Tracklist
1 – Valor – 4:46
2 – The Flesh Is Weak – 4:02
3 – Fight For Your Life – 2:37
4 – Empty Tomb – 4:54
5 – Didn’t I – 4:10
6 – It’s Not Too Late – 5:32
7 – Accept Him – 1:05
8 – Masquerade – 4:06
9 – Burn – 5:37

Credits
Bass, Vocals – Adam Alvarez
Cover, Illustration, Art Direction – Thomas Reason
Drums – Jim Maxwell
Executive-Producer – Alan Maxwell
Guitar – Chris Price
Mastered By – George Horn
Photography By – Peter Laurence
Producer – Mike Hersh, Valor
Vocals – Michael Brueck

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Dragon Studios
Recorded At – Mastertracks Hayward, CA
Mastered At – Fantasy Studios
Manufactured By – Rainbo Records
Copyright (c) – White Stone Records
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Mighty Man Music

2nd Chapter of Acts – Hymns II – 1988

Hymns II was a follow up to Hymns. It featured the band doing an assortment of traditional Hymns. There is one original on the album, “Purify Me” was written by Annie. There’s nothing particularly interesting about this album other than this was their last studio album. Even though Hymns I & II Instrumental was released after this it was recorded as part of this studio session. The album was released in 1993 on CD with a Bonus Track, “O Worship The King”, which is included in this playlist. Not my style of music but even I have to respect what 2nd Chapter of Acts achieved in their time.

Tracklist
1 – Medley (Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus/Praise To The Lord, The Almighty/All Hail The Power Of Jesus’ Name/Doxology
2 – It Is Well With My Soul
3 – This Is My Father’s World
4 – O For A Thousand Tongues
5 – Morning Has Broken
6 – Be Still, My Soul
7 – A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
8 – Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
9 – O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
10 – Purify Me
11 – O Worship The King (CD Bonus Track)

Credits
Arranged By [Instrumental Arrangements] – John Andrew Schreiner
Arranged By [Vocal Arrangements] – 2nd Chapter Of Acts
Art Direction, Design, Illustration – Bradley Grose
Bass – Lee Jones
Cover [Cover Concept] – Buddy Owens
Drums – Dennis Holt
Engineer – Dan Willard, Greg Hunt
Guitar – Michael Thompson
Keyboards, Piano – John Schreiner
Mixed By – Buck Herring, Dan Willard, Greg Hunt
Photography By – Michael Going
Producer – Buck Herring
Producer [Vocal Production] – Dan Willard
Typography [Calligraphy] – Vern Fisher

Companies, etc.
Distributed By – Alliance Music
Phonographic Copyright (p) – The Sparrow Corporation
Copyright (c) – The Sparrow Corporation
Recorded At – Easter Song Studios

Love Song – Love Song – 1971

In February 1970 four hippies entered the Calvary Chapel Church in Costa Mesa, California and asked Pastor Chuck Smith if they could perform their music at the Monday Bible Study. That Pastor listened to them perform “Welcome Back” and this is where it started for one of the most important Jesus Music bands of the era. This is considered by many to be one of the most important Jesus Music/CCM albums of the 70’s. It is said they shaped the sound of the mid Seventies. I don’t think I would go quite that far but they were ahead of the curve in the early 70’s. Of course it was the members of Love Song that made the band what it was. The vocals were headed by Chuck Girard who had a long storied CCM career. Also on Vocals was Jay Truax who would go on to be in the The Richie Furay Band. Most of the other members went on to have solo smaller yet notable solo careers.

Tracklist
1 – A Love Song – 1:46
2 – Changes – 1:47
3 – Two Hands – 3:37
4 – Little Country Church – 2:39
5 – Freedom – 3:47
6 – Welcome Back – 4:38
7 – Front Seat, Back Seat – 3:00
8 – Let Us Be One – 3:13
9 – And The Wind Was Low – 3:25
10 – A Brand New Song – 2:33
11 – Feel The Love – 5:08
12 – A Love Song (Reprise) – 0:47

Credits
Artwork By [Design] – Kernie Erickson
Bass, Vocals – Jay Truax
Drums – John Raines
Engineer – Stan Ross
Engineer [Remix] – Eirik Wangberg
Guitar, Vocals – Bob Wall, Tom Coomes
Keyboards, Vocals – Chuck Girard
Music By – Chuck Girard, Jesse Johnston
Photography – Rolland Baker

Companies, etc.
Distributed By – Myrrh Records
Published By – Dunamis Music

Petra – Not Of This World – 1983

The 6th studio album from Petra “Not Of This World” had a very similar sound to their previous album “More Power To Ya”. Strangely they were actually touring in support of “More Power To Ya” but took a break to record this album. I think that in part accounts for the similar sounds. Even Bob Hartman said that he considered the album a sequel. Strangely producer Jonathan Brown actually initially didn’t use Petra drummer Louie Weaver for the drum tracks instead inviting studio musician Keith Edwards to sit in. In the end Louie Weaver did contribute to the project. I think this must have been due to some scheduling conflict as if I were in Louis’s place I would have been done with the band on the spot. Louis however stayed on with the band until 2003. This album was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Gospel Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group, Choir or Chorus but were beat out by Larnelle Harris & Sandi Patti.

Tracklist
1 – Visions (Doxology) – 2:04
2 – Not Of This World – 4:49
3 – Bema Seat – 3:54
4 – Grave Robber – 4:18
5 – Blinded Eyes – 5:33
6 – Not By Sight – 3:20
7 – Lift Him Up – 3:26
8 – Pied Piper – 4:00
9 – Occupy – 3:28
10 – Godpleaser – 4:35
11 – Visions (Reprise ) (Doxology) – 2:28

Credits
Arranged By [Arr] – John Slick (tracks: 1, 11)
Art Direction – Joan Tankersley, The Cover Story
Bass, Vocals – Mark Kelly
Crew [Road Crew – Concessions Coordinator] – Judy “How ‘Bout A Movie” Slick
Crew [Road Crew – Lighting Director] – Roger “Waja” Boor
Crew [Road Crew – Set-Up Coordination] – Marc “The Woz” Wozniak
Crew [Road Crew – Sound Engineer] – Kim “Cool” Hartman
Drums – Keith Edwards
Drums, Vocals – Louie Weaver
Engineer [Assistant Engineer] – David Rogers, Doug Sarrett
Illustration [Illustrations] – Randy Rogers
Keyboards, Vocals – John Slick
Layout – Lori Cooper
Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals – Bob Hartman
Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Percussion – Greg X Volz
Management [Petrafied Productions Business Manager, Bookkeeping] – Becky “Errands Forever” Volz
Management [Petrafied Productions Mail Orders, Coordinator, Aerobics] – Janna “Fo Mo, Tu Mo” Pastin
Management [Petrafied Productions Tour Direction, Promotions] – Mark “Security Bob” Hollingsworth
Mastered By – Steve Hall
Photography By [Sleeve Photography] – Mark Tucker
Producer [Produced By], Engineer [Engineered By], Recorded By, Mixed By – Jonathan David Brown
Written-By – B Hartman (tracks: 2 to 5, 7, 8, 10), J Slick (tracks: 6, 9)

Companies, etc.
Copyright (c) – Star Song Records
Record Company – Jubilee Communications, Inc.
Recorded At – Rivendell Sound Recorders
Recorded At – Gold Mine Studio
Mixed At – Rivendell Sound Recorders
Mastered At – Future Disc
Glass Mastered At – Nimbus, Virginia
Published By – StraightWay Music
Published By – Dawn Treader Music

Salvation Air Force – Strangers In A Strange Land – 1977

Wikipedia described Salvation Air Force as “Canada’s first Christian rock band”. Well as a Canadian I had never heard of them so my research started. Looking at their history I guess they were a little before my time as I was only 11 years old when this album came out. The band consisted of Michael and Donnie Gossett along with some of the biggest names in Christian music of the time. Unfortunately Michael has now passed but I have spoken at length with Donnie and consider him a friend. He informed me that brothers Alex and Beau MacDougall were instrumental ib the band (see what I did there). Alex was also a member of CCM bands The Way, Daniel Amos, The Randy Stonehill Band, and The Larry Norman Band. Alex continues working on CCM music to this day producing and engineering albums. Beau was a member of Wing & A Prayer, Horizon, The Larry Norman Band, Cliff Richard’s band, Reba Rambo’s band and many other CCM bands. Donnie Gossett has also performed live with Danniebelle, The Imperials, Reba Rambo, Don Moen, Ron Kenoly and continues making music today, you can find his albums on the Interwebs, check them out. All in all reading the credits of this album is like a reading of CCM royalty if there ever was. As for the album it has an easy listening feel but I have been assured the band had a much harder rock sound in the day. Give this album a listen and you will be hearing a piece of CCM history and a very important piece if Canadian CCM history.

Tracklist
1 – I Can Feel His Presence – 2:33
2 – Complete And Alive – 2:45
3 – Don’t Make Me Choose – 5:27
4 – If God Is My Father – 6:25
5 – You’re All I Want – 4:39
6 – It’s Jesus In Me – 4:25
7 – Special Friend – 3:01
8 – You Have Blessed Me – 2:33
9 – Accident – 4:22

Credits
Dana Angle – Producer, Assistant Engineer, Guitars, Background Vocals
Dave Coy – Bass
Sandra Crouch – Background Vocals
Joy Strange Cull – Background Vocals
Mike Escalante – Keyboards
Christine Franklin – Background Vocals
Joe Gallo – Background Vocals
Donnie Gossett – Producer, Songwriter, Arrangements, Guitars, Piano, Vocals
Judy Gossett – Arrangements, Percussion, Vocals
Michael Leon Gossett – Producer, Songwriter, Bass, Vocals
Bruce Herring – Background Vocals
Tom Howard – Keyboards
Peter Johnson – Drums
Buddy King – Engineer, Mixed
Alex MacDougall – Drums, Percussion
Larry Norman – Producer, Songwriter, Arrangements, Background Vocals
John Pantano – Guitar
Al Perkins – Pedal Steel Guitar
Nancye Short – Background Vocals
Jim Stipech – String Arrangements, Conductor
Randy Stonehill – Guitars

Bob Hanson – ‘Nuff Said – 1990

This is the second of three albums from this Canadian Artist. This album was released on micro label Lorotz but was distributed by Word so it got some good exposure. This is a great Rock album that shows some real talent. It was produced by Roy Salmond of well known Salmond & Mulder who also offered up some keyboards for the album. Bob has also dabbled in the film industry as an extra in a few movies and a bit part in “Toe Tags”. You may not have heard this album in 1990 but you should hear it now if you like good old Rock & Roll.

Tracklist
1 – Cross At The Light – 4:05
2 – There Was A Time – 4:28
3 – You Need To Know – 4:06
4 – When It All Comes Down – 4:31
5 – Child On The Run – 4:29
6 – Seek And You Will Find – 4:25
7 – Open Arms Of Love – 4:40
8 – ‘Nuff Said – 2:36
9 – Signs Of The Times – 4:21
10 – Great Love – 5:19
11 – Fire Of Love – 3:43
12 – The Light He Shines – 5:45

Credits
Arranged By [Arrangements By] – Bob Hanson, Roy Salmond
Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Bob Hanson, Hope Sterling, Joani Bye, Peter Wisstoff
Bass – Miles Hill (tracks: 1 to 5, 7 to 10)
Booking [Booking And Concert Information] – Hill Top Management
Drums – Michael Root
Engineer – Dale Penner, Roy Salmond
Guitar – Dane DeViller, Tim McKenzie
Keyboards, Programmed By – Roy Salmond
Mixed By – Dave Slagter (tracks: 3 to 6, 11 and 12), Patrick Glover* (tracks: 1, 2, 7 to 10)
Percussion – Daryl Bennett
Photography By – Ron Nickel
Producer – Roy Salmond (tracks: 1 to 4, 6 to 12)
Written-By [All Songs By], Words By, Music By – Bob Hanson

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Harvest Music
Copyright (c) – Harvest Music
Distributed By – Word Communications Ltd.
Distributed By – Spectra Distribution
Pressed By – American Helix – E30215
Recorded At – White Water Studio, Richmond
Recorded At – Blue Wave Studio, Vancouver
Engineered At – White Water Studio, Richmond
Engineered At – Blue Wave Studio, Vancouver
Published By – Fields Are White Music
Published By – Hansong Music

Various – Country Praise (God Loves Country Music No.2) – 1982

This is kind of an odd sampler. It was actually recorded with a studio band and then the artists just doing the vocals. Mind you most of these artists were relatively unknown at the time and now for that matter. Several of them never even had a album. I am guessing the point of the sampler was to offer a Country album as that market was undeserved in the 80’s. The one treat on the album was the Bonnie Bramlett track. She was usually connected to the rock scene but she does a great country medley here.

Tracklist
1 – Maria Muldaur – Thank God – 3:45
2 – George Highfill – Make Me A Friend – 4:28
3 – Bruce Herring – What A Friend – 2:02
4 – Cindy Baxter & Dan McCorison – Clear My Mind – 2:48
5 – Von Rogers – Jesus What A Wonder You Are (Jesus How Lovely You Are) – 3:35
6 – Cindy Baxter – Seek Ye First – 2:48
7 – George Highfill – Cause Me To Come – 4:09
8 – Patty Schauer – I Thank You Jesus – 2:26
9 – Bruce Herring – I Will Serve You (Thee)2:03
10 – Bonnie Bramlett – I Keep Falling In Love With Him / His Name Is Jesus – 5:05

Credits
Acoustic Guitar – Don Gerber
Backing Vocals – Becky Burns, Marty Goetz, Patty Schauer, Ricky Skaggs, Ron Tutt
Bass – Jerry Scheff
Drums – Ron Tutt
Engineer – Joe Bellamy
Executive Producer – Dave Swaney
Guitar – Randy Mitchell
Guitar, Banjo – Bernie Leadon
Guitar, Mandolin, Fiddle – David Mansfield
Harmonica – George Highfill
Keyboards – Danny Timms
Mandolin – Evan Anderson
Producer – Al Perkins
Steel Guitar, Guitar [Dobro] – Al Perkins
Vocals – Bonnie Bramlett, Bruce Herring, Cindy Baxter, Dan McCorison, George Highfill, Maria Muldaur, Patty Schauer, Ricky Skaggs, Tommy Funderburk, Von Rogers

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Maranatha! Music
Copyright (c) – Maranatha! Music
Published By – Dawntreader Music
Published By – Dimension MusicPublished By – Doulos Publishing
Published By – Maranatha Music (2)
Published By – Milene Music
Published By – William J. Gaither

Watchmen – Generation – 1989

Sometimes it’s difficult to classify an album into any specific style of music. This is one of those bands. Watchmen only had this 1 studio album (they did also have a demo) which kind of surprises me as it is actually very good. There are example of Metal, Rock, and AOR on this album. All are well done and personally I think the vocals are fantastic. Vocalist Greg Sweet did reappear in 2004 in a couple bands but that was it. Anyway this album is very good and was a very pleasant surprise. The only person who I recognized on the album is Kevin Whisler who is also the drummer from Bloodgood. The stand out track for me is “Best Friend” which is an excellent tune with some excellent saxophone work and it has gone on my personal rotation.

Tracklist
1 – Turn – 3:42
2 – Stand Strong – 3:53
3 – Straight – 3:32
4 – Best Friend – 4:33
5 – Breakin’ The Chains – 3:19
6 – United – 3:47
7 – I Will Be There – 4:27
8 – Defenders – 3:51
9 – One Day – 4:07

Credits
Backing Vocals – Dave Van Liew, Doug Larson, Greg Sweet, Kevin Antholt
Backing Vocals [Additional Bck Vocals] – Grant Scott, Joyce Carlsen, Kelee Gates, Les Carlsen, Mark Thornberg, Rene Wood
Bass – Doug Larson
Drums, Percussion – Kevin Whisler
Guitar – Dave Van Liew
Guitar [Additional Guitar] – Ross Nyberg (tracks: 4)
Keyboards – Kevin Antholt
Keyboards [Additional Keyboards] – Brook Lizotte
Lead Vocals – Greg Sweet
Producer – Terry B. Shelton
Programmed By [Computer Programming], Sampler [Sampling] – Kevin Antholt

Companies, etc.
Record Company – Regency Records
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Regency Records
Copyright (c) – Regency Records
Distributed By – Word (Uk) Ltd.
Manufactured By – Music Manufacturers