Albums – Page 3 – Real 80s CCM

Various – The Strait Tapes – Volume I

This is a rather odd one. The Strait Tapes were a series of at least 3 cassettes published by Strait which was the Greenbelt Newspaper that came out Bi Monthly in the 80’s. How they got the rights to these songs is completely baffling but they did and they put out these great cassettes. This is the first one of this series. It is a mix of stuff we know and stuff we don’t. No one is too sure what year this cassette came out as the tracks themselves are from all over but the best guess is 1985. I’ve listed below what album these tracks showed up on if they did. There are some really rare unreleased tracks here a couple B sides so this is a real special compilation. I look forward to finding the next 2 cassettes in this series.

Larry Norman – If You Don’t Love the Lord (1986 Rehearsal 4 Reality/different version)
Robin Lane – Hard Cover (1984 Heart Connection EP)
Steve Turner – I Looked Down (1982 - City Without Love)
Philip Bailey – The Wonders of His Love (1984 The Wonders Of His Love)
Jump the Nile – Innocence Abroad (unreleased, band only had one 7")
Ring of Fire – Brave Men Cry (unreleased, no info on band)
Bruce Cockburn – In the Falling Dark (1976 In the Falling Dark)
Maria Muldaur – There's Going To Be The Devil To Pay (1983 Sweet and Slow)
Randy Stonehill – Everything But Love (1985 Stonehill EP)
Press Any Key – Whisper On The Wind (1987 - Whisper On The Wind, different mix)
Garth Hewitt – Red Hot and Cooking (1982 B-side of The Hungry Wind single)
Interface – Memories (1984 Released as an A side single)

Tracklist
1 – Larry Norman – If You Don’t Love the Lord
2 – Robin Lane – Hard Cover
3 – Steve Turner – I Looked Down
4 – Philip Bailey – The Wonders of His Love
5 – Jump the Nile – Innocence Abroad
6 – Ring of Fire – Brave Men Cry
7 – Bruce Cockburn – In the Falling Dark
8 – Maria Muldaur – There’s Going To Be The Devil To Pay
9 – Randy Stonehill – Everything But Love
10 – Press Any Key – Whisper On The Wind
11 – Garth Hewitt – Red Hot and Cooking
12 – Interface – Memories

Daniel Amos – BibleLand – 1994

At this point Daniel Amos had album writing down to a science. Wikipedia states “The album is unusual for its loud, distorted noise pop sound, atypical of the band’s other recordings.” Really? All I hear is a typical DA album. I don’t hear any sound I haven’t heard from them before. Maybe I’m wrong though as I have a much more simple view of music and don’t get into small nuances like whomever wrote that Wikipedia entry. Anyway it’s a great album and while I may disagree with the message of the title track I don’t have to agree with Terry Taylor on everything.

Tracklist
1 – Broken Ladders To Glory – 4:05
2 – Bibleland – 2:56
3 – Theo’s Logic – 3:21
4 – Low Crawls And High Times – 3:41
5 – Bakersfield – 6:20
6 – Out In The Cold – 5:03
7 – The Bubble Bursts – 4:16
8 – Pete And Repeat – 4:11
9 – Constance Of The Universe – 4:09
10 – I’ll Get Over It – 4:39
11 – She’s Working Here – 4:16
12 – Stone Away – 4:48

Credits
Art Direction, Design, Photography By, Computer [Digital Chicanery, etc.] – Court Patton, Tom Gulotta
Bass – Tim Chandler
Drums – Ed McTaggart
Engineer [Engineered By] – Gene Eugene, Terry Taylor
Executive-Producer – Gene Eugene, Ojo Taylor
Film Technician [Scanning, Color Proofing & Film Output] – Ed McTaggart
Guitar – Greg Flesch, Jerry Chamberlain
Illustration – Douglas TenNapel
Mastered By – Doug Doyle
Mixed By – Gene Eugene
Photography By [Band Photo] – Trisha Kluck
Producer [Produced By] – Terry Taylor
Vocals, Guitar – Terry Taylor

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – WAL
Copyright © – WAL
Produced For – Stunt Productions
Recorded At – The Green Room
Mixed At – Mixing Lab A
Mixed At – The Green Room
Mastered At – Digital Brothers
Published By – Twitchen Vibes Music
Published By – B-1 Music
Published By – Chenka, Chenka Music
Published By – Word Music
Manufactured By – JVC

Holy Soldier – Promise Man – 1995

While Metal is not my preferred music style I have grown to like it a little more and I was looking forward to hearing some good anthem rock from Holy Soldier on this album. Holy cow was I in for a surprise. Eric Wayne is back on vocals and some how the band decided it was a good idea to completely change their style. They decided to turn their back on all their fans and do a grunge album. To be clear while I struggle with liking Metal sometimes I don’t struggle with grunge at all. I hate it, period. I just wonder how all the Holy Soldier diehards reacted to getting a completely different style album. I also believe this was the downfall of the band. Yes they had one more album after this but it was a self release because I kind of doubt any record company wanted anything to do with them. I am a little surprised that Eddie Degarmo was an Executive Producer for the album. I strongly respect Ed but he should have known that completely changing styles was not a good idea. Okay lets mover onto the album. As much as I dislike grunge this is a well done album. They actually nailed the sound and did a good job of it. The one exception is the cover of Larry’s “Why Don’t You Look Into Jesus” which is just horrible. So were you a Holy Soldier fan? Did you like the new sound?

Tracklist
1 – Promise Man – 4:35
2 – Mumbo Jumbo – 4:33
3 – My World – 4:02
4 – Rust – 5:45
5 – Why Don’t You Look Into Jesus – 4:05
6 – Break It Down – 3:55
7 – Cover Me – 4:33
8 – Grind – 3:14
9 – Love Conquers All – 5:13
10 – Sand – 4:29

Credits
Bass – Andy Robbins
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Scott Soderstrom
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin – Michael Cutting
Engineer – Doug Beiden
Engineer [Assistent Engineer] – Sean McLean
Executive-Producer – Dan R. Brock, Eddie Degarmo
Mastered By – Ken Love
Producer – David Zaffiro
Vocals – Eric Wayne
Written By – Andy Robbins, David Zaffiro, Eric Wayne, Michael Cutting, Scott Soderstrom

Companies, etc.
Marketed By – Alliance Music
Distributed By – Alliance Music
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – The ForeFront Communications Group, Inc.
Copyright © – The ForeFront Communications Group, Inc.

Jamboree – Melt Down – 1985

Before there was Hoi Polloi there was Jamboree which was a version of the band without Jenny. Otherwise looks identical with future Hoi Polloi producer Dave Steunebrink standing in on guitar. Only one of these tracks would get the Jenny treatment, Spin Me showed up in 1993 as the title track of the same name album. The rest of the tracks were lost to time which is a pity because these tracks are really good. In fact as a whole I preferred this sound than their Hoi Polli sound but I was heavily into this style of Alternative New Wave in the 80’s and their sound with Jenny not so much. Anyway this self released EP was only around in New Zealand so you probably never heard it but here it is.

Tracklist
1 – Melt Down – 3:47
2 – A Familiar Quietness – 3:35
3 – Cold – 3:57
4 – Out Of Season – 4:47
5 – Spin Me – 4:41

Credits
Bass – Andrew Horst
Drums – Jozsef Fityus
Guitar – Dave Steunebrink
Guitar, Keyboards – David Ball
Producer, Engineer – Phil Yule
Vocals – Brent Tasker

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Mascot Studios

Ishmael – It’s Amazin’ What Praisin’ Can Do – 1978

This album has been floating around the internet claiming that this album was recorded with After The Fire (ATF). I decided I wanted to get to the bottom of the story and talked with Peter Banks about this album. Here is the true story. John Pantry was producing the album and had booked Peter Banks to do some keyboard work for the album. Ishmael consequently asked if ATF could come into the studio as session players. John Pantry asked Peter if this was possible and Peter and ATF agreed to step in to help with the album. The version of ATF at the time was Andy Piercy, Ian Adamson, Robin Childs, and Peter Banks. So the internet story is relatively correct. Okay now that we’ve set the record straight (see what I did there?) lets talk about the album. To be clear this album is the amalgamation of 2 of my top 5 favourite Christian artists and I was excited to give it a listen and I wasn’t disappointed. It is done in Ishmael’s style but you can get a feel of ATF in the background. Peter’s keyboards are very distinctive and you can tell a mile away it is him. Unfortunately in the 80’s we simply didn’t know anything about ATF except Der Kommissar or Ishmael other that Ishmael United due to where we lived. I simply wish I could go back and enjoy those days when their music was fresh but I’m delighted to hear it now.

Tracklist
1 – When Revival Hits Our Town – 3:57
2 – Praise Away – 4:10
3 – It’s Amazin’ What Praisin’ Can Do – 2:28
4 – Soul Man – 2:24
5 – I Will Sing A Song Unto The Lord – 1:07
6 – Martyr’s Praise Song – 2:26
7 – Who Is He In Yonder Stall – 8:30
8 – Benedictus – 4:33
9 – Lord Army/Prayer Force – 4:55
10 – Song Of Emmanuel – 3:09
11 – Jesus Christ Is Risen Today – 3:01
12 – Kiss The Hand Of Jesus – 7:10
13 – We Are Coming To His House – 3:51

Credits
Ishmael – Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Andy Piercy – Acoustic Guitar
Ian Adamson – Drums
Robin Childs – Bass
Peter Banks – Keyboards, Electric Guitar
John Pantry – Producer

Companies, etc.
Published By – Thankyou Music
Published By – Word

Ezra – The Key – 1991

There is very little info out there on Ezra. In fact there’s none I can find other than the liner notes and none of the members went on to do any other projects that I can find. The album is on Asaph Records which is the music ministry label of Calvary Chapel, based in Santa Ana. So I guess we can guess that they were a southern California band but that’s just a guess. Anyway the album is fantastic. While described by some as metal it’s not. It leans more towards Arena Rock and some of the tracks are Hard Rock. I’m really surprised there isn’t more info on these guys out there given the quality of this album. Was the album a little late in 1991? I don’t think so, there was still lots of Arena Rock at the time. Anyway give it a listen and if you only have time for one track go with Frontline.

Tracklist
1 – Key To Heaven – 4:12
2 – Frontline – 4:30
3 – Listen To Your Heart – 3:56
4 – Shadow Of The Son – 3:05
5 – Carry Me Home – 4:23
6 – The Return – 5:21
7 – Here For You – 4:15
8 – That’s Right – 2:48
9 – Take Me – 5:16

Credits
Arranged By, Producer – Ezra
Art Direction, Illustration, Layout – John Shaffer
Backing Vocals [Additional Backing Vocals] – Andy Allen
Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals – Greg Lambas
Design [Cover Design And Concept By] – Greg Lambas
Drums – Jeff Chubb
Drums [Additional Drumming By] – Terry McNab
Executive-Producer – Brian Broderson
Guitar, Vocals – Howard Anderson
Lead Vocals, Keyboards – Thomas Potter
Mixed By [Assisted By] – Andy Allen
Photography By – Rick Gould
Producer, Mixed By – Chip Cimino
Recorded By, Mixed By – Alan DiCato

Companies, etc.
Distributed By – Frontline Distribution
Distributed By – Christian Marketing Canada

Ken Tamplin – Soul Survivor – 1991

You could never say that Ken Tamplin was lazy. Between Joshua, Magdallan, Shout, and his solo projects his fans were never left wanting for an album. This is his second (if you count Ken Tamplin & Friends) solo project though there were very few “friends” on this album as he played almost all of the instruments on all the track himself though he did have some help on a few tracks. For this album Ken turned it down a little bit from Ken Tamplin & Friends. This is a more straight up Rock & Roll album with very few hints of Metal. As I start listening to Ken’s 90’s stuff I get the feeling my favourite album by him is going to constantly evolve. But for now this is my favorite. So if you like straight up Rock & Roll, this album is a must listen.

Tracklist
1 – Media Mania – 4:17
2 – (I’m Gonna) Live Forever – 3:36
3 – Hard Times Comin’ – 3:37
4 – Stand Up – 4:29
5 – Midnight ‘N Peru – 3:15
6 – Take It Now (Or Nothing) – 3:09
7 – Love’s Eternal Road – 4:16
8 – Stay By My Side – 3:25
9 – Come And Save Me – 4:02
10 – Heart And Soul – 3:07

Credits
Acoustic Guitar – Ken Tamplin, Scott Van Zen
Art Direction – Ed McTaggart
Backing Vocals – Ken Tamplin, Vicki Lyn Reynolds
Bass – Ken Tamplin, Roger Mielke, Scott van Zen
Design – Joe Potter
Drums – Ken Tamplin
Harmonica – Jimmy Woods
Keyboards – Roger Mielke
Lead Guitar – Ken Tamplin, Scott Van Zen
Lead Vocals – Ken Tamplin
Mixed By – Ken Tamplin
Percussion – Ken Tamplin
Photography By – Nigel Skeet
Producer – Ken Tamplin
Rhythm Guitar – Ken Tamplin, Scott Van Zen
Saxophone – Jergen Swartz

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Intense Records
Copyright © – Intense Records

Martyn Joseph – An Aching And A Longing – 1989

This album was recorded on Martyn’s “Acoustic Tour” in May 1989 except for Contradictions, No Choices and An Aching And A Longing recorded at Blue Strike Studio, Harrogate. Apparently he paid for the entire album production himself but seeing as it was released on Myrrh with a one album deal surely he got some help. That aside this album sold fantastic and was his jump into a record deal with Epic records (Sony). This is another artist that was very well known and loved in Europe but was completely unknown in the west. Well maybe not completely unknown but we couldn’t buy his albums so he was only known by a select few. Anyway this is a great album and though it was recorded on his “Acoustic” tour that actually refers to his guitar not the entire album. He is backed up skilfully by a great travelling studio band.

Tracklist
1 – Nobody’s Fool – 4:17
2 – Contradictions – 5:08
3 – Treasure The Questions – 5:38
4 – Reminded Of Heaven – 4:33
5 – Vincent – 4:30
6 – Real World – 3:46
7 – Power Of Your Love – 4:34
8 – Candle In The Wind – 4:23
9 – Beautiful Woman – 4:05
10 – I Will Follow – 3:30
11 – Dolphin’s Make Me Cry – 6:32
12 – Sunday’s Coming – 2:15
13 – An Aching And A Longing – 4:47
14 – No Choices – 3:29

Credits
Backing Vocals – Mike Haughton
Design – James Kessell
Engineer – Will Jackson
Flute, Recorder, Backing Vocals – Mike Haughton
Guitar, Vocals – Martyn Joseph
Keyboards, Bass Guitar – Will Jackson
Lighting – Pete Allison
Photography By – Theresa Wassif
Recorded By – Frank Mizon
Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – Mike Haughton

Garth Hewitt – Scars – 1988

This is Garth’s offering for 1988 and this one like most of his albums in this period was only released in the U.K. I have heard that the few albums he did release in the U.S. just didn’t sell well but they sold well in the U.K. I don’t kind of understand why that would be but anyway lets get to the album. This album has several different styles. There’s some folk, some country, some pop, and even a Rock & Roll tune. This many different styles means the album doesn’t have a flow but they are well done and if you’re a fan of his I’m sure you don’t care about the flow of the album. This was the first album of his I listened too so the differing styles was a bit jarring.

Tracklist
1 – Namibia – 3:49
2 – Strange Weapons – 3:07
3 – Land Of Palestine – 3:11
4 – Johnny Cash – 2:55
5 – Our Silent Eyes – 3:22
6 – Tears Of God – 2:44
7 – Peace Like A Phoenix – 3:44
8 – Amusing Ourselves – 3:06
9 – 32 Years – 3:46
10 – The Sky That Wouldn’t Weep – 3:54
11 – Polish Winter – 4:30
12 – Get Up And Dance – 3:37
13 – Jesus Of The Scars – 2:54

Credits
Acoustic Guitar – Doyle Grisham, Tom Blades
Backing Vocals – Barb Smith, Billy Bob Shane, Craig Wiseman, Darryl Adams, Gilly Sue Blades, Jan Pulsford
Bass – Jimmy Carter
Design – James Kessell
Drums – Craig Wiseman
Electric Guitar – Tom ‘Razor’ Blades, Walt Houston
Engineer – Lori Larsen, Roger Holmes
Fiddle – Hank Singer
Harmonica – Garth Hewitt
Keyboards – Howard Duck
Keyboards [Additional] – Jan Pulsford
Lead Vocals – Garth Hewitt
Mandolin – Hank Singer
Photography – Michael Rock
Steel Guitar – Cal Freeman

Larry Norman – Only Visiting This Planet – 1972

OVTP is part 1 of Larry’s trilogy, which contains his iconic songs that lasted throughout his career. He never stopped performing “Reader’s Digest” and “The Outlaw” in concerts. Also included is the second studio release of “I Wish We’d All Been Ready” which is his most famous song for people who don’t know who Larry was. The first was on Upon This Rock, released through Capitol Records before he started releasing music through his own channels. In its original form, these are protest songs and relationship songs intertwined. The setting is 1972 and Larry went into the studio with the ideas that were floating in the air in California. Larry’s desire to be as counter-cultural as the hippy movement, but as a Christian drives the content. The songs are highly contemporary musically, ranging from folky in “The Outlaw” to rock in “I Am The Six O’Clock News.” The content gets deeply personal in songs like “I’ve Got To Learn To Live Without You,” and “Pardon Me.” These songs were confusing for Christian music fans because they did not talk about Jesus. The refreshing part here was that Larry was actually willing to talk about human problems. This extended into his political and social protests in the rest of the songs. Larry makes no attempt to hide the Gospel in his music, but also makes no attempt to pretend that human issues don’t need to be addressed, spoken about, preached about and sung about. This is truly what made Larry stand out as an artist.

Tracklist
1 – Why Don’t You Look Into Jesus – 4:03
2 – The Outlaw – 3:55
3 – I’ve Got To Learn To Live Without You – 3:36
4 – Without Love You Are Nothing – 3:33
5 – I Wish We’d All Been Ready – 5:21
6 – Six O’Clock News – 6:06
7 – Great American Novel – 4:31
8 – Pardon Me – 3:38
9 – Why Should The Devil Have All The Good Music – 2:40
10 – Readers Digest – 2:42
11 – Oh, How I Love You –

Credits
Acoustic Guitar – Gordon Giltrap, Roger Hand
Arranged By [String Arrangements] – Chris Gunning
Backing Vocals – Rod Edwards, Roger Hand
Bass – John Wetton
Drums – Keith Smart
Engineer – Bill Price
Lead Guitar – Mickey Keen
Photography By – Pam Norman
Piano – Bob Brady, Larry Norman, Rod Edwards
Producer – Jon Miller, Rod Edwards, Roger Hand
Written-By – Larry Norman

Companies, etc.
Produced For – Triumvirate Productions
Produced For – Street Level Productions, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – MGM Records, Inc.
Pressed By – H.V. Waddell Co.
Manufactured By – MGM Records, Inc.
Published By – Strawbed Music
Published By – Jace Love Music Pub. Co.
Published By – Beechwood Music Corp.