Category: Albums

Undercover – Undercover – 1982

This is the debut album from Undercover, one of the early and influential pop punk bands to come out of California in the early 80s. Incubating alongside Altar Boys and Lifesavors.

I consider Undercover to be the forerunner to MXPX, although not their sole influence. MXPX managed to merge Green Day, Ramones, Undercover and other ideas into a cohesive, long standing package.

The style of this album is now referred to as pop-punk, or even California-punk. In 1982 though, it seemed like the division of punk styles wasn’t so defined and it just was what it was.

This was a great alternative, or at least an addition to the musical diet for anyone addicted to The Ramones at the time.

Note the names. Joey Taylor on subsequent albums becomes Ojo Taylor, and Jim Nicholson becomes Gym Nicholson.

From the 1988 CD release “Volume 1” we receive this explanation in the liner notes:

Once upon a time, a long time ago in the 1970’s, there were two bands aimlessly wandering around a small town in Southern California called Yorba Linda. The name of one of those groups was J.C. Rose and the name of the other, Boaz. Jim Nicholson and myself, best friends since high school, were members of J. C. Rose along with Dave Hackbarth, who has been a priceless catalyst to a great many records and Artists since. The members of Boaz were Chris Winber, Danny Pavlis, Ray Hersom and Rick Alba among a few others. After a year or two of fruitless effots, the two groups disbanded, to form two new groups. Jim and I sayted together and added Danny Pavlis on Drums and Rick Alba on bass and started Undercover. Chris Winber and Ray Hersom went on to form Lifesavors. Undercover started rehearsing in a greenhouse owned by Danny’s parents and after a couple of months, had our first concert along with The Lifesavors (also their first concert) and another group, The Chosen Ones, consisting of Chris Pavlis (Danny’s brother) and Brian Doidge (who would later join The Lifesavors).

(the story is continued in the liner notes…)

The 1988 CD release “Volume 1” includes the two first albums from Undercover, plus an additional bonus track written by Taylor, and attributed to the debut album, “Dying In Love.”

Track Listing:
A1 Excuse Us Written-By – Walden, Alba 2:45
A2 Heal Me Written-By – Taylor 2:15
A3 I’ll Be A Fool Written-By – Taylor 1:15
A4 Francine Written-By – Alba 2:45
A5 It’s Official Written-By – Taylor 2:20
A6 Turn Your Head Written-By – Nicholson 2:45
A7 Look It Up Written-By – Taylor 2:40
B1 Read It In A Letter Written-By – Nicholson 2:05
B2 Daddy-O Written-By – Walden, Taylor 1:15
B3 Tonight Written-By – Nicholson 1:47
B4 Stop Written-By – Nicholson, Taylor 2:50
B5 He’s In Love With You Written-By – Alba 2:45
B6 I.C.U. Written-By – Taylor 2:40
B7 He Gives We Have Written-By – Taylor 2:25
Credits
Arranged By – Undercover
Artwork [Cover And Sleeve] – Milton R. Sue
Bass Guitar, Vocals – Rick Alba
Drums, Performer [Kindling], Vocals – Danny Pavlis
Engineer – Dan Willard, Thom Roy (tracks: A7), Tim Pinch (tracks: A1 to A6, B1 to B7)
Guitar [All Guitars], Vocals – Jim “Nuclear” Nicholson
Lead Vocals, Alto Saxophone – Bill Walden
Musician [Additional] – Giggles – Benjamin Taylor, Chris Pavlis, Dave Hackbarth Organ, Piano, Synthesizer, Vocals – Joey Taylor
Photography By [Cover] – George Zaferes
Producer – Dan Willard, Joey Taylor
Rhythm Guitar [After Tracks] – Ray Hersom

Tracklist
1 – Excuse Us – 2:45
2 – Heal Me – 2:15
3 – I’ll Be A Fool – 1:15
4 – Francine – 2:45
5 – It’s Official – 2:20
6 – Turn Your Head – 2:45
7 – Look It Up – 2:40
8 – Read It In A Letter – 2:05
9 – Daddy-O – 1:15
10 – Tonight – 1:47
11 – Stop – 2:50
12 – He’s In Love With You – 2:45
13 – I.C.U. – 2:40
14 – He Gives We Have – 2:25
Bonus Track
15 – Dying In Love – 4:29

Credits
Arranged By – Undercover
Artwork [Cover And Sleeve] – Milton R. Sue
Bass Guitar, Vocals – Rick Alba
Drums, Performer [Kindling], Vocals – Danny Pavlis
Engineer – Dan Willard, Thom Roy (tracks: A7), Tim Pinch (tracks: A1 to A6, B1 to B7)
Guitar [All Guitars], Vocals – Jim “Nuclear” Nicholson
Lead Vocals, Alto Saxophone – Bill Walden
Mastered By – KPG
Musician [Additional] – Giggles – Benjamin Taylor, Chris Pavlis, Dave Hackbarth
Organ, Piano, Synthesizer, Vocals – Joey Taylor
Photography By [Cover] – George Zaferes
Producer – Dan Willard, Joey Taylor
Rhythm Guitar [After Tracks] – Ray Hersom

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Ministry Resource Center
Copyright (c) – Ministry Resource Center
Copyright (c) – B-1 Music
Mastered At – The Cutting System, Inc.
Recorded at Rapture Repertory Theatre’s Warehouse and C.C.C.M. on Tim Pinch’s Mobile Recording Studio except for A7, recorded at Whitefield Studio

Axia – Charge It Up & Blast It Out! – 1985

Axia was a great Swedish metal band and this EP was their entry into the market. The EP was released in very limited numbers but the band re-released it in 2009 on CD. If you liked their 1988 self titled release you’ll like this EP. It has a bit of a rawer sound but it suits the band well.

Tracklist
1 – Increasing Action – 2:29
2 – Forced Into Darkness – 4:38
3 – Never Ending Love – 3:33
4 – The Savage Ramblers – 3:07

Credits
Peo Pettersson – Vocals
Morgan Blomquist – Guitars
Niclas Ericson – Bass
Michael Alexandersen – Drums

Adrian Snell – Listen to the Peace – 1978

This is Adrian’s 3rd album and it continues the style he became famous for. It is easy listening with a hint of Jazz. Adrian was becoming fairly well known by this album but hadn’t yet adjusted to a style that was easier for the public to identify with. Unfortunately, when artists put out so many albums with such a similar style it is hard to point out anything that is unique about the album. This is one of those times.

Tracklist
1 – Reach Me – 3:57
2 – Peace Be With You – 2:26
3 – Through The City Noise – 3:30
4 – Judas – 4:30
5 – Travelling – 3:38
6 – That’s Me In The Corner – 2:25
7 – Turn Your Vengeance – 6:40
8 – Losing – 5:10
9 – Children Of The Dream (Psalm 126) – 3:42
10 – Listen To The Peace – 4:45

Credits
Acoustic Guitar – Adrian Snell
Arranged By [Strings, Brass & Harp] – Bill Thorp
Bass – Gerry Page
Drums – Keith Entwistle
Engineer – Andy Kidd, Helmut Kaufmann
Graphics – Phil Thomson
Illustration – Eugene Press
Keyboards – Adrian Snell
Photography By [Cover Portrait] – Audrey Cox
Photography By [Inside Cover] – Phil Thomson
Producer – John Pantry

Steve Camp – Sayin’ It With Love – 1978

Steve Camp’s debut album came out in 1978, at a time when Larry Norman seems to have been between record labels. Larry wrote two of the songs on this album, and co-wrote one with Steve. Had this been a couple of years earlier or later, it seems likely that it would have come out on Solid Rock Records or Phydeaux Records. Interestingly, “If I Were A Singer” is credited here as a co-write but on Larry’s own album (Gathered Moments, 1998), it is credited as a Larry Norman song and noted as previously unreleased. The version here has some differences, including significant lyrical differences but certainly it is another version of the same song. From Larry’s liner notes on Gathered Moments:

IF I WERE A SINGER – Originally penned for an aspiring young Steve Camp for his 1978 SAYING IT WITH LOVE lp, this 1977 live performance features Larry’s original lyrics.

Tracklist
1 – Sayin’ It With Love – 2:48
2 – Me – 3:22
3 – If I Were A Singer – 5:06
4 – Gather In His Name – 2:55
5 – Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled – 4:30
6 – God Loves You – 1:48
7 – Good News – 4:12
8 – Song For Mom – 4:55
9 – Lord Make Me Humble – 3:39
10 – Strong Love, Strange Peace With Diamonds – 4:56
11 – Tell Everybody – 1:57

Credits
Alto Saxophone – Steve Eisen
Arranged By [Background Vocal Arrangements] – Louis DuChane, Steven J. Camp*
Arranged By [Strings] – Paul Libman
Backing Vocals – Butch Patrini, Debby Wolgemuth, Frank Barbalace, Josi DeChristopher, Louis DuChane, Steven J. Camp, Steve Wyer, Vicki Hubbley*
Bass – Rusty Taylor, Sidney Sims
Co-producer [Production Assistance] – Paul Bogush, Jr.
Drums – Jackie Skalow, Ron Kapland, Tom Ratdke
Electric Piano, Synthesizer [Polymood, Minimoog], Organ – Pat Leonard*
Engineer – Alan Kubica, Hank Newberger
Engineer [Back-up] – Gary Elghammer, Tom Hansen*
Graphics [Lettering], Design – Martin Donald
Guitar – Bruce Gaitch, Danny Leek, Frank Barbalace Lead Vocals – Steven J. Camp
Mastered By – Greg Calbi
Mixed By [Mix-Down Engineer] – Alan Kubica*
Percussion – Brenda Mitchell, Louis DuChane, Ron Kapland
Photography By – Jim Whitmer
Piano – Pat Leonard, Paul Libman Producer, Arranged By – Steven J. Camp
Strings – Arnold Roth, Elliott M. Golub, Everett Zlatoff-Mirsky, Harold D. Klatz, Rodger Moulton, Sol A. Bobrov

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc.
Copyright (c) – Word, Inc.
Recorded At – Chicago Recording Company
Mastered At – Sterling Sound

Crumbächer-Duke ‎- Worlds Away – 1990

When Crumbächer dissolved members Stephen Crumbächer and Christopher Duke went on to record this album and called in David Huff from White Heart to help them out on drums. The album has more guitar than their releases as Crumbächer but Stephen’s signature keyboards are still there though with more piano than usual. As I listened to it I couldn’t help feeling like it was Crumbächer all grown up. The songs are much better both lyrically and musically. That said the album just didn’t hold my interest like the previous Crumbächer albums did but it’s a good album and deserves a listen.

Tracklist
1 – Worlds Away – 4:18
2 – Heavy Rhythm – 4:15
3 – Summer Children – 3:25
4 – The Last Time – 5:07
5 – Desert Lightning – 4:09
6 – Latter Rains – 6:35
7 – Hooks – 4:04
8 – No Kind Of Magic – 4:11
9 – Perfect Crime – 3:00
10 – Tears Of Joy – 4:32
11 – Rock In The Heart Place – 4:20
12 – Over & Over, On & On – 3:50

Credits
Acoustic Guitar – Christopher Duke
Art Direction – Ed McTaggart
Design – Joe Potter
Drums – David Huff
Electric Guitar – Christopher Duke
Engineer – Eric Kibbe
Keyboards – Stephen Crumbächer
Piano – Stephen Crumbächer
Producer – Christopher Duke, Stephen Crumbächer
Vocals – Stephen Crumbächer

Companies, etc.
Distributed By – The Benson Company, Inc.
Recorded At – Mixing Lab A
Recorded At – Mixing Lab B

Modern Mission – Modern Mission – 1985

Modern Mission was a little known mid 80’s New Wave band. The album is very strong lyrically with some very “challenging” lyrics. Brian Quincy Newcomb of CCM wrote that the band “may only do one thing, but they do it quite well.” The members of the band are somewhat cryptic as only one member was identified by his real name. The album credits state that John Mehler was involved in the project.

Tracklist
1 – The Race
2 – Time Is Running Out
3 – Stick To Your Guns
4 – Through The Fire
5 – Hide My Heart
6 – Never Let Me Go
7 – Magazine
8 – Time To Fight
9 – When Heaven’s Crying
10 – Believe In You

Credits
Arranged By – John Mehler, Modern Mission
Producer – Gord Driver*
Recorded By, Mixed By – Gord Driver*

Credits
Arranged By – John Mehler, Modern Mission
Producer – Gord Driver
Recorded By, Mixed By – Gord Driver
Vocals – Iggy
Guitar – Dave Newman
Bass – Sugarbear
Drums – Zac

Barratt Band – Playin’ in the City – 1981

This was the first of 2 albums from the Barratt Band. The band featured Tim Hatwell from After The Fire and Norman Barratt from Gravy Train. It was rounded out by Russell Caldwell and Dave Morris. This album was probably one of the best British CCM albums from the early 80’s. It has a strong Pop Rock feel and really should have made it onto secular radio especially with Norman Barratt’s vocals being so strong. The band along with Alwyn Wall warmed up for Larry Norman’s 1981 live Friends on Tour album.

Tracklist
1 – The Only One
2 – Not The Way
3 – Your Love
4 – Playing In The City
5 – Coming Of The Man
6 – Bad Mean World
7 – My Spirit’s Free
8 – Voice In The Night
9 – Never Seen Your Face

Credits
Bass Guitar – Tim Hatwell
Drums – Russell Caldwell
Keyboards – Dave Morris
Keyboards [Additional] – Walter Bollard
Written-By – Tim Hatwell (tracks: 7)
Written-By, Guitar, Vocals – Norman Barratt

Amaziah – Straight Talker – 1980

Amaziah were a late 70’s hard rock band out of the UK. The album was first released in a very short run in the UK. It was then picked up by Tunesmith records in Canada and released in North America. I would describe the album as having a seventies hard rock sound but it did have some progressions into 80’s rock. What’s most notable about this album is it’s history. The UK release is very rare as has been rumoured to sell for over $1000. The Canadian version had a different cover and was initially pressed on red vinyl by Tunesmith for reasons unknown. Later a regular black vinyl was released. The band represented on the Canadian cover was not actually the format that recorded the album. This was attributed to the band having a heavy turnover. In 2011 Born Twice records re-released the album on CD along with 4 Demo tracks.

Tracklist
1 – Way, Truth, Life
2 – Say Goodnight
3 – No 1
4 – All Is Peace
5 – Night Walker
6 – Slowly
7 – Peace
8 – He Is Lord

Credits
Bass Guitar, Vocals – Paul Loader
Drums, Vocals – Phil Williams
Keyboards – Dave Steel
Lead Guitar, Vocals – Jeremy Coad
Lead Vocals – Derek Elliott
Producer – Eric Cribb
Producer, Vocals [Additional] – Keith Loring
Rhythm Guitar, Vocals – Richard Grinter

Carson Cole – Cure For The World – 1980

Carson Cole was only 15 when he released this album. Not many people get an album deal at 15 but Cole had something New Born Records (Tunesmith under another name) were looking for. I think the album is fantastic for someone his age and it shows real maturity. Now I think the album is a little scattered with different styles and sounds, but it really is a pretty good album. I am begging someone in current country music to cover the tune “Slow Down” which is even more relevant today as it was in 1980.In my research of Carson Cole I found a mention in one of his Bio’s that lists a 1982 or 1984 album “The Disguise” on Frontline Records. Frontline did not release any albums until 1986 so I am a little confused at this release which I can’t find anywhere. If you want to learn more about Carson read my review of his next album “Mainstreet” when I release it.

Tracklist
1 – Take It Or Leave It – 4:30
2 – The Answers – 5:30
3 – Cure For The World – 5:50
4 – Slow Down – 2:11
5 – Thank You – 3:50
6 – Let Your Yes Be Yes – 4:00
7 – Refine Me – 3:45
8 – I’ve Been Mistaken – 3:10
9 – Strengthen Me – 6:22
10 – I’ve Heard Them Say – 2:55

Credits
Arranged By, Producer, Songwriter, Guitar, Drums – Carson Cole
Backing Vocals – Faye Webber, Neil Hanson (2)
Bass – Terry Collison
Co-producer, Keyboards – Dwayne Harder
Concept By [Album Concept] – Curtis Baron
Cover – Kathy Malanovich
Engineer – Don Soucy, Gerry Golla
Guitar – Doug Scarrow, Tom Chunick
Orchestra – Saskatoon Street Symphony

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Studio West Canada Ltd.
Mixed At – Damon Sound Studios
Copyright (c) – Innovative Music Publishing

Narnia – Aslan Is Not A Tame Lion – 1974

Before there was “After The Fire” there was Narnia. Tim Hatwell, Peter Memory Banks, and John Russell all seem to have started here. Lead singing duties were handed over to Pauline Filby who had released a solo album in 1969. Now don’t think you are going to hear a version of ATF here because you’re not going to. This is a straight out Jesus Music album and Pauline’s singing in no way resembles anything ATF ever did. This album has very strong vocals and though sometimes they seem a little strangely performed it all works well after a few listenings. It’s always nice to go back to the roots of 80’s bands but sometimes those roots will leave you a little confused.

Tracklist
1 – You’d Better Believe It – 3:12
2 – Muddy Ground – 3:52
3 – The Juggler – 3:51
4 – Agape – 5:49
5 – To A Fountain – 3:19
6 – Miracle Of Birth – 4:08
7 – In The Forest – 3:03
8 – Boogie For Narnia – 2:37
9 – Living Water – 5:41

Credits
Bass Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Tim Hatwell
Design [Sleeve Design] – Bernard A. Cope
Drums, Percussion, Vocals – Kenneth ‘Ginger’ Dixon
Engineer – Nick Sykes, Robin Thompson
Keyboards, Acoustic Guitar – Peter Banks
Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Recorder, Vocals – John Russell (7)
Producer – Tony Hooper
Vocals – Pauline Filby
Written-By – Welch (tracks: A1), Tom Paxton (tracks: A1)
Written-By, Arranged By – Narnia (2) (tracks: A2 to B5), Pauline Filby (tracks: A2 to B5)

Companies, etc.
Copyright (c) – United Artists Music Ltd.
Copyright (c) – World Music (UK)