This is one of those odd situations when a band actually put out a demo after they had already released a successful album. Maybe the album wasn’t as successful as I think it was but anyway Reunion Records didn’t sign them for a follow up so the band got together and released a demo themselves. Personally I loved their album Things Break but I wasn’t aware of this album. Because of this I was pretty excited to hear it and I wasn’t disappointed. While it follows in the footsteps of their first album it definitely had an updated more 90’s sound. I don’t understand how this album didn’t get picked up by a label. It’s got excellent production and the band had already paid for the production so this was a freebie for some label. Anyway it wasn’t so many of you probably never heard but it’s a great listen with an updated 90’s feel that you should hear.
Tracklist 1 – Terry And The Pirates – 3:53 2 – Woman – 3:39 3 – A Silent Dove In A Distant Land – 4:53 4 – You And Me – 3:02 5 – Let It Thrive – 3:19 6 – Too Much Of A Good Thing – 4:38 7 – Found My Way Again – 4:56
Continuing on my quest for the “first” here is another very early Christian rock album. I knew nothing of this album until a few months ago when it came across my desk and I’ll admit the cover didn’t make me rush to listen to it. You think I would know at this point that album covers mean nothing. This is without a doubt one of the best Christian rock albums I have ever heard. The band were led by keyboard player Joy Webb and got their start when they were featured on the BBC Tonight television show. The band mainly consisted of Salvation Army singers from the William Booth Memorial Training College, Denmark Hill in London. After appearing on TV they got a record deal and released a couple singles with great success. “It’s An Open Secret” made it to #32 and “A Starry Night” made it to #34 on the British charts. This is their first of 2 full length album and it’s a rather oddly structured album with Side A being all original tunes and Side B being Christmas carols. The album has 16 tracks which was great value for money at the time, something that would disappear until CD’s many years later. The album was picked up by Epic Records for U.S. release in 1967 but alas the album didn’t do as well in the U.S. If for no other reason you listen to this album you HAVE to listen to their rendition of “O Little Town Of Bethlehem” set to the music of The House of the Rising Sun. It is without a doubt one of the greatest moments of Christian music that no one ever heard.
Tracklist 1 – Keep Me In Your Love – 2:36 2 – He Is Near – 2:46 3 – No Time To Lose – 2:43 4 – Where Will It End – 2:24 5 – Long Lost Cause – 3:01 6 – Friend For You – 2:32 7 – There Will Be God – 3:00 8 – Love That’s All Around – 2:31 9 – We Three Kings Of Orient Are – 2:28 10 – Silent Night, Holy Night – 2:31 11 – The Little King Jesus – 2:42 12 – O Little Town Of Bethlehem – 3:31 13 – Away In A Manger – 2:27 14 – Mary’s Boy Child – 2:37 15 – Do You Hear What I Hear? – 3:23 16 – The Holly And The Ivy – 1:31
Credits Joy Webb – guitar, keyboards, vocals Peter Dalziel – guitar, bass, vocals Bill Davidson – guitar Wycliffe Noble – drums Sylvia Gair – tambourine, vocals
Companies, etc. Manufactured By – Epic Records Manufactured By – CBS Inc. Pressed By – Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Pitman
Possibly no album or album title personifies it’s creator quite like Keith Green’s, “No Compromise.” A trite slogan in the hands of many artists this phrase is the ultimate adjective qualifier for the man. As uncomfortable his words and music may have been for many, it was never a feeling that he was pointing a finger without also pointing it at himself. But this is a review of great albums, not great men or personalities. And given the latter, the album is simply fantastic! Like the predecessor, For Him Who Has Ears To hear, No Compromise combines Elton John type funky piano driven tunes and soaring and emotional ballads. Lyrically things are similar as well with a combination of rebuking and exhortive, prophetic declarations mixed with repentant and confessional compositions. There’s even another song about the Devil! It may be simply perception, but No Compromise seems more serious and “mellower” than many other albums from Green, especially in comparison to FHWHETH. Perhaps it just related to the fact that the most popular and memorable songs from the album are the ballads. Make My Life a Prayer, How Can They Live Without Jesus, Asleep in the Light, My Eyes Are Dry and To Obey Is Better than sacrifice all remain classics in the truest sense of the word. Asleep in the Light may go down as the most convicting song in CCM history with the line “Jesus raised from the dead…and you can’t even get out of bed!” Ouch! Two years before the release of No Compromise Tommy James (Shondells) would record “Don’t Wanna Fall Away From You” on a solo project. For years after its release the songs No Compromise contained would haunt, exhort and uplift millions.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com
Tracklist 1 – Soften Your Heart – 2:48 2 – Make My Life A Prayer To You – 3:21 3 – Dear John Letter (To The Devil) – 3:20 4 – How Can They Live Without Jesus? – 3:03 5 – Asleep In The Light – 4:25 6 – My Eyes Are Dry – 1:57 7 – You! – 3:33 8 – I Don’t Wanna Fall Away From You – 3:07 9 – Stained Glass – 2:45 10 – To Obey Is Better Than Sacrifice – 3:17 11 – The Victor – 4:20 12 – Altar Call – 3:34
Credits Acoustic Guitar – Al Perkins, Hadley Hockensmith, Jay Leach, Mike Deasy Arranged By [Strings] – Lennart Sjöholm Backing Vocals – Danniebelle Hall, James Felix, Keith Green, Matthew Ward Choir – Annie Herring, Chris Beatty, Jamie Owens-Collins, Keith Green, Matthew Ward, Melody Green, Nelly Greisen, Steve Greisen, Tommy Funderburk Congas – Lee Pastora Electric Guitar – Hadley Hockensmith, Mike Deasy Guitar – Hadley Hockensmith, Mike Deasy Marimba – Mark Z. Stevens Organ – Harlan Rogers Piano [Fender Rhodes] – Harlan Rogers, Keith Green Producer – Bill Maxwell, Keith Green Recorded By – Peter Granet Steel Guitar – Al Perkins Tambourine – Bill Maxwell Triangle – Lee Pastora
Strangely this is the second self titled album Gabriel published. The first one was their first album released on micro label Parable Records but this one was released on Home Sweet Home Records/Word. I still can’t find much out about these guys which is odd as they had 5 albums. So instead of talking about the band we will talk about the album. it has more of an early 80’s keyboard heavy pop sound though it might have been a little late for 1988. While it’s a little heavy on easy listening tracks the pop oriented tracks are really good and definitely get the toes tapping. Bottom line, I quite like this album and I could have found this is my collection back in the day.
Tracklist 1 – Send Me – 3:37 2 – Slippin’ Into Mediocrity – 3:19 3 – Out of the East – 4:19 4 – I Put My Hope – 3:58 5 – A Simple Prayer – 3:30 6 – Heartstrings – 2:45 7 – You Can’t Fool God – 3:00 8 – I Want To Be Your Light – 3:00 9 – That’s How It Is With Truth – 3:44 10 – That Day In Bethlehem – 3:52
Credits Robin Lyle – keyboards, vocals Jeff Walter – vocals, keyboard Robert Noland – drums, vocals Scott Compton – Coordinator, Marketing, Promotion Chris Christian – Executive-Producer Jake Pittman – Producer
This is actually Terry Clark’s first album. He recorded this one with his brother Duane and sister Nancy. Both Nancy and Duane would appear on Terry’s future albums and Duane had an album in the late 90’s. So in the end I classify this as Terry’s first album as it was self released and appears to have been a bit of an experiment. All that said this is a great album, I understand it had no distribution but I wish it would had because I think it would have done well. Terry had just come back from Vietnam before recording this album and he says that he was suffering from PTSD but this album has a great upbeat feel and there was no indication of his troubles. If you’re a fan of Terry you need to listen to this one to see where it all started for him.
Tracklist 1 – That’s Him – 2:09 2 – Nobody Like The Lord – 3:40 3 – Merry Go Round – 2:50 4 – Psalms 92 – 3:51 5 – New Song – 3:08 6 – David’s Song – 3:52 7 – Continuing Help – 3:14 8 – Love Of A King – 4:19 9 – For The World – 3:37 10 – This Could Be The Day – 2:21
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
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
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
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
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
