Motherlode were another fantastic Rock & Roll band out of Sweden. Though referred to as a Metal band I would actually classify them as a Hard Rock band but I agree that Sonny Larsson’s vocals sound particularly Metal. I can not see that this album was released anywhere other than Sweden though strangely the band were big in Japan. This was the only album from the band as they broke up shortly after the albums release. In 2010 however Sonny Larsson and Tom Nilsson got back together and used the bands name for an album. After the 1987 dissolution of Motherlode and the dissolution of Björn Stigsson’s band Leviticus the two of them came together as XT. I will review that album in a few weeks. This album was released in the secular market but it has several Christian songs and they are good ones. This one really deserves a listen.
Tracklist 1 – Moving Emotion – 5:22 2 – He’s Coming Back – 3:30 3 – Wise Man – 4:38 4 – Downtown – 4:57 5 – The Rock Of Ages – 4:05 6 – Line Of Thought – 5:34 7 – (Singin’ About) Rock’n Roll – 4:25 8 – Father Of Lies – 7:57 9 – The Sanctuary – 2:11 10 – Live It Out – 3:35
Credits Art Direction, Illustration – Rodney Matthews Backing Vocals, Producer, Engineer, Mixed By – Kit Woolven Bass – Peter Rundström Drums – Martin Hedberg Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals – Tom Nilsson Engineer [Assistant] – Jonas Kuling Keyboards – Johan Lindström, Mark Stanway Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals – Sonny Larsson Management – Dennis Karlsson Mastered By, Lacquer Cut By [Cutting] – Ian Cooper Music By – Motherlode Photography By – Anders Erkman, Göran Lindsjöö
Companies, etc. Published By – Active Music Förlag Published By – Sonet Music AB Recorded At – Studio Kuling Mixed At – Studio Kuling Mastered At – The Town House Lacquer Cut At – The Town House Printed By – SIB-Tryck AB, Norsborg
This is the third album released by Michael And Stormie Omartian as a couple. It is a follow up to the very popular The Builder album. This album had 2 CCM singles, “It Is Done” made it to #23 and “Praise His Name And See It Happen” made it to #10. I really believe that the CCM charts were manipulated and here is some proof. There was not a charting single on The Builder but 2 on this album. Quite frankly The Builder was a much better album. The song writing was much stronger and the music itself was far better. Here’s a clue as to what was going on, The Builder was on Myrrh Records but this album was on Sparrow. I’m not saying Myrrh was ignored by CCM magazine I’m just saying that Sparrow got more “attention”. I’d love to see the ad spend budget for both of these companies at this point in history. Anyway let’s talk about the album. It is your typical early 80’s worship album, nothing special or distinctive. But it is good, let their be no doubt there was a lot of talent in this marriage. So if you lean to Worship oriented music this is one you should listen to.
Tracklist 1 – The Calling – 8:09 2 – Mainstream – 4:22 3 – Man Out Of Time – 3:38 4 – Come And Give It All You’ve Got – 4:00 5 – Praise His Name And See It Happen – 3:10 6 – Give It Up – 3:40 7 – Believing For The Best In You – 3:27 8 – One Song Is Not Enough – 4:09 9 – It Is Done – 4:13
Credits Art Direction – Stan Evenson Artwork [Cover Painting] – Jacque Devaud Engineer, Remix – John Guess Mastered By – Doug Sax Photography By – Harry Langdon Producer, Arranged By, Written-By – Michael Omartian Strings, Concertmaster – Assa Drori Written-By – Stormie Omartian
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Sparrow Records, Inc. Copyright (c) – Sparrow Records, Inc. Published By – See This House Music Published By – Birdwing Music Published By – Cherry Lane Music Publishing Company Inc. Produced For – Rhema Productions Inc. Recorded At – Rhema Studios Recorded At – Hollywood Sound Recorders Mastered At – The Mastering Lab
Here’s a live album from Undercover that was recorded on 3-28-87, hence the name, at Six Flags Magic Mountain. The album has the vocal stylings of The Smiths we heard on their previous album, Branded. The album features all the usual hits from previous album but also has 2 previously unreleased tracks, “You and I” and “One to One”. The album is very well engineered and probably one of the better live albums in the late 80’s. I heard that this album was unofficially billed as their retirement tour but of course that proved to be untrue with many more albums coming out after this.
Tracklist 1 – Is Anyone Thirsty – 4:12 2 – I’m Just A Man – 3:46 3 – God Rules – 1:22 4 – Three Nails – 3:27 5 – Boys & Girls – 3:43 6 – I Love God – 4:08 7 – Cry Myself To Sleep – 2:32 8 – Darkest Hour – 3:32 9 – Build A Castle – 4:00 10 – Pilate – 3:07 11 – You And I – 2:55 12 – I’d Rather Stay – 2:58 13 – One To One – 3:59 14 – Come Away With Me – 4:42 15 – If I Had A Dream – 5:22
Credits Artwork [Logo] – Rick Griffin Backing Vocals [Support Singers] – Jim Chevalier, Joy Broome, Riki Michele Bass, Keyboards – Joey (Ojo Taylor) Design [Album Design] – Gene Eugene, Riki Michele Design [Album Design], Photography By – Brian Ray Drums – Gary Olson Engineer – Ray Thompson Engineer [Assistent Engineer] – Tim Pinch Guitar – Gym (Gym Nicholson) Lead Vocals – Sim Wilson Mixed By [Mixing Assistent] – Dave Hackbarth Mixed By, Producer, Design [Album Design] – Ojo Taylor Photography By [Gary’s Drums] – Steve Lanning
Companies, etc. Mixed At – 3-D Studios, Costa Mesa CA. Mastered At – Motown Recording Studios Edited At – Motown Recording Studios
Has it seriously been over 20 years since this amazing album was first released? It feels and sounds just like it was yesterday. It is really both staggering and sad to consider the amount of time that has passed and how, in some ways, things have stayed the same despite the changes going on around us.
After a popular response to The Choir’s more pop laden “Wide -Eyed Wonder,” the band returned with what many consider their finest outing. I am in the camp that believes “Chase the Kangaroo” is the bands finest moment and that album will appear much later, but I leave not doubt to the fact that “Circle Slide” is a brilliant masterpiece and one of the finest the industry has ever produced.
After the more upbeat and positive approach taken on “Wide-Eyed Wonder” (having a child will do that to you). Circle Slide returns to a darker, foreboding and introspective approach, both musically and lyrically. The struggles, difficulties and depression that were relatively absent from the previous album return here with an album full of real problems and pains.
This album may be all too real for many readers and, in some cases, make the listener very uncomfortable. For those married and struggling with the inter-personal relationship demands, this album is both a refuge and a rebuke. All the while the band was also suffering turmoil. Just one album after the much heralded arrival of female bassist Robyn Spurs, she left in the midst of recording this album. Daugherty replaced her in the studio while former bassist, Mike Sauerbrey, makes an appearance on the album’s closer. David Miner also makes a guest appearance.
This internal tension coupled with songwriter and drummer Steve Hindalong’s apparent personal strife’s make the album what it is. Stark, real and ever so inviting. These songs of loss, pain and struggle are so universal that the album remains one of the most personal and honest albums in CCM history.
I don’t know if the tensions lead to the more experimental sounds that fill the album, but one must consider how a musician may find solace in their instrument and guitarist and vocalist Derri Daugherty is at his most expansive and atmospheric on this release. The 7 minute opening title track is evidence of this while the more aggressive sounds found on “If I Had a Yard” also illuminate this possibility, especially having saxophonist Dan Michaels play through a wah-wah pedal to create an utterly unique musical expression.
The title track opens the album with over seven swirling and whirling minutes. Daugherty’s guitar not only creates a melody, but a mood, feeling and image. Michael’s subtle sax found way back in the mix, then brought forward later to build the mood, adds to the imagery that matches the album artwork perfectly. The song just sounds like Fall. But it’s here we find some of Hindalong’s most pointed lyrics where we find a golden crown the savior wore. Yet there is a sense of detachment between those who claim the name of Christ in their most personal and intimate relationships.
“If I Had a Yard” looks at the struggles within marriage by using the metaphor (even reality) of desiring something more of our residence. Money is tight and one can only afford what they can afford, but that does not keep us from believing that our relationship would improve if only our circumstances were different or, seemingly, better. Anyone who is married and struggling with finances can understand the rift and pressure these type of situations place on a relationship.
Yet with “Sentimental song” we find a man who truly loves with an earnest and forthright love the one God has given him. Hindalong not only writes a great song here but also plays some of his best drums on the album.
“Merciful Eyes” is one of the most beautiful attempts to reconcile the eternal struggle within man to understand how a righteous and perfect God can loves a wretched and sinful man and why He puts up with us. His mercy knows no bounds and this song attempts to describe this great mystery.
“Tear for Tear” is the much too short (a complaint about the whole album by many) love song that blends directly into the more commercial rock sounding “About Love.” This may be the happiest song on the album. The recognition that it is God that provides the love we desire through human relationships (especially within marriage) is matched by Daugherty’s more pop musical expression. there are love songs and songs about love; this is both.
“Blue Skies” returns to a more brooding and introspective content and musical expression. A combination of dreamlike images and stark realities created a song with layered textures message wise. This starkness is matched by the limited instrumentation during many parts of the song, with some moments possessing only drums.
The album closes with “Restore My Soul,” easily one of the best songs by The Choir. This Psalmists lament is a stunning display of combining a message and the musical medium it is swaddled within. The pain and ache for the restoring work of God is so universally real that it is inescapable. The longing and desire for fulfillment is so beautifully portrayed and is the perfect closing for this amazing project.
The Choir remains one of those bands that seemingly can do no wrong. They have been a model of consistency and artistic integrity for nearly 30 years! They have few equals and if there is ever to be a real CCM Hall of fame they would and should be amongst those included in its freshman class of inductees.
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Circle Slide – 7:23 2 – If I Had A Yard – 4:16 3 – A Sentimental Song – 5:01 4 – Merciful Eyes – 4:55 5 – Tear For Tear – 1:22 6 – About Love – 4:04 7 – Blue Skies – 4:05 8 – Laugh Loop – 1:45 9 – Restore My Soul – 6:23
Credits Art Direction [Associate Art Director] – Roz Roos Art Direction, Design – John Flynn Co-producer [Co-produced By], Recorded By – David Hackbarth Executive-Producer – Tom Willett Lyrics By – S. Hindalong Management – Snyder & Emery Mastered By – Steve Hall Mixed By – Steve Griffith Music By – D. Daugherty, S. Hindalong Photography By – Susan Goines Producer [Produced By] – Derri Daugherty, Steve Hindalong
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc. Copyright (c) – Word, Inc. Manufactured By – Word, Inc. Recorded At – Neverland Studios Mastered At – Future Disc Published By – Never Say Never Songs Published By – Word Music
One of the most important British imports to Christian music, Chris Eaton began his CCM career as a member of the band LYRIX with friend Mark Williamson. He stayed with the band as they changed their name to the Mark Williamson Band, but soon left to seek a songwriting and solo music career. His arrangement of “Little Town of Bethlehem” has been covered by Cliff Richard, Michael W Smith and Amy Grant. He also had songs recorded by Russ Taff, Susan Ashton and Margaret Becker. Eaton’s first solo record, Vision was a revelation of great blue eyed soul pop music infused with contemporary dance styles. This album would musically influence the world of CCM for the next few years including Russ Taff and Amy Grant as their musical style reflected similar style. In fact, the title track would become a hit for Taff on his monstrously popular Medals album. Great keyboard driven pop rock and sentimental ballads, very reminiscent of country mate Cliff Richard. Chris has gone on to a great and lengthy career as an artist and songwriter. In fact I saw him last year on tour with Amy Grant on her “Lead Me On” reunion tour and he was a good as ever.
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Vision – 4:07 2 – Don’t Underestimate My Love – 4:38 3 – When My Heart Breaks – 5:04 4 – Golden Rule – 4:31 5 – Hold Back The Tears – 4:24 6 – Love For The Common Man – 4:34 7 – Talk To Me – 4:13 8 – This Is For Real – 4:23 9 – Don’t Play Games – 4:40 10 – It Was Love – 5:20
Credits Arranged By – Orion Crawford Art Direction, Design – Kent Hunter, Thomas Ryan Design Backing Vocals – Don Snow, Mark Williamson, Nick Glennie-Smith, Thom Kelly, Tommy Funderburk Bass – Nathan East, Neil Stubenhaus, Pino Palladino Drums – Carlos Vega, Charlie Morgan, Paul Leim Executive-Producer – Dan Harrell, Michael Blanton, Stuart Ongley Guitar – Dann Huff, Michael Landau, Paul Jackson, Phil Palmer Horns – Mel Collins Keyboards – Dave Cooke, Larry Williams, Rhett Lawrence, Robbie Buchanan, Robin Smith Mastered By – Doug Sax Mixed By – John Potoker Percussion – Lenny Castro Photography By – Larry Williams Producer – Brown Bannister Producer, Engineer – Jack Joseph Puig Written-By, Backing Vocals – Chris Eaton
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Reunion Records Copyright (c) – Reunion Records Manufactured By – Word, Inc. Distributed By – Word, Inc. Recorded At – Bill Schnee Studios Recorded At – Mama Jo’s Recorded At – The Bennett House Recorded At – Bullet Recording Recorded At – Ridge Farm Studios Recorded At – Snake Ranch Recorded At – Paradise Studios Recorded At – Marcus Recording Studios Recorded At – Hot Nights Studios, London Recorded At – Utopia Studios Recorded At – Mayfair Studios Mixed At – Blue Jay Studios Mastered At – The Mastering Lab Pressed By – Electrosound Group Midwest, Inc.
This EP was released in 1985 when Larry made his big announcement that he was moving back to America after spending a lot of time working in Europe.
Between about 1980 and 1985 he worked with a lot of artists from UK and Western Europe, including Alwyn Wall, Bryn Haworth, Lyrix, Q-Stone and a lot of others. Larry really wanted to find a home for himself again where he grew up, on the West Coast.
Presumably he was hoping for a warm welcome this time after having a hard time releasing some of the music he wanted to put out in the 1970s.
The live version of “Messiah” showed off a mature sound compared to his early rock days. “It’s Only Today That Counts” is one type of prophetic song that Larry liked to write, urging people to make take life very seriously.
Side two is music and interview intertwined. Larry never gave up any opportunity to get his own words in about his own words. Rather than wait for interview requests to come in, he put this record out there with his side of the interview recorded. All that was necessary for anyone to use it was to set up the questions by either introducing them, or by fake-interviewing Larry using this material.
Here are some excerpts from the interview portions:
“I’m coming back to America, with the Young Lions. We’re going to do 200 concerts, go to all 50 states. There’s anew album coming out. there’s a live album and video from my foreign tours. That will be available next year.”
“When I was nine I got real serious about music and started writing about my feelings, my beliefs, things that were happening to me and my friends at school.”
“When Elvis Presley came along, he wasn’t doing anything new. He was just doing Black gospel music, only instead of talking about his saviour he talked about his ‘baby.'” Rock’n’roll came from the Church. It belongs to the Church. Rock’n’roll seems now to be providence of non-believers while the Church sits on the side and denounces rock’n’roll, says that it’s ungodly music and that if you play it backwards you hear secret satanic messages.”
“Certainly the lifestyles of the people performing rock’n’roll doesn’t coincide with the moral overviews of the Christian church but rock’n’roll was Black music and it came from the early American Black church. and I don’t know why we should let anyone steal it from us. It belongs to us I think we should steal it back.”
Tracklist 1 – Messiah (Live) 2 – It’s Only Today That Counts Side 2 – Interview If The Bombs Fall Letter To A Friend Woman Of God (Proverbs 31) Soul On Fire (1968 Version) and more.
Credits Bass – Charly Norman Drums – Kenny Bam Boom Guitar, Keyboards – Larry Norman Lead Guitar – Jon Linn Rhythm Guitar – Bill Romansky Written-By – Larry Norman
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Stress Records Copyright (c) – Stress Records Published By – Six Blue Lions Mastered At – Sheffield Lab Matrix – △11008
This was the release that started it all for Barren Cross. The band was started in 82/83 in Los Angeles by friends Ray Parris and Steve Whitaker. This EP was recorded at Pakaderm Studios which was owned by the infamous Elefante brothers and this album was produced by Dino Elefante. It was released in 2 Edition with edition 1 pressed independently on the MPPA label and had a blue cover with white text. Edition 2 was pressed by Erika Records and had a white cover with blue text and was on blue vinyl. All of the tracks on this EP ended up on their first album along with 3 more tracks. This version of those 6 tracks is a little more edgy than the versions that ended up on their premiere album. It should be noted that this was a self financed effort which makes it all the more impressive.
Tracklist 1 – Believe – 2:16 2 – He Loves You – 4:30 3 – Going Nowhere – 3:46 4 – Give Your Life – 2:53 5 – Just A Touch – 3:26 6 – Light The Flame – 5:21
Credits Dino Elefante – Producer, Engineer Tim Heintz – Keyboards Jim La Verde – Songwriter, Bass, Taurus Pedals, Vocals Mike Lee – Songwriter, Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitars Mike Micrau – Engineer Ray Parris – Songwriter, Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitars, Background Vocals Steve Whitaker – Songwriter, Drums, Vocals
Companies, etc. Manufactured By – Erika Records Recorded At – Pakaderm Studios Mixed At – Pakaderm Studios
This is the Introductory album from Armageddon. The band actually started up in 1987 as Second Chance and had a couple of Demo’s using that name. There were a few lineup changes in this time but nothing unusual for a new band. It was strange however that they brought in several session musicians to help out with this album which is not something you usually see with a Metal band. Apparently the band went into the studio to release the album themselves but R.E.X. Music decided to take a chance on it and stick their name on it. Unfortunately very few copies were pressed so there wasn’t much distribution of the album. As for the album I think it’s pretty good, several tracks lean hard rock instead of metal and quite frankly I found several tracks to my liking and I don’t really care for Metal. Though this was the only album from the band in the 80’s/90’s but they soldiered on and continued recording and self releasing music in the 2000’s. They now refer to themselves as Armageddon USA. This album was re-released in 2007 by Retroactive Records with an additional disc of bonus material. If I get my hands on that bonus disc I’ll be sure to review it.
Tracklist 1 – The Money Mask – 3:20 2 – Mercenaries Of Injustice – 4:08 3 – More Than Conquerors – 3:58 4 – Looking Out For You – 5:42 5 – The Ship Of Changes – 5:23 6 – (Liberation From) Blazing Wasteland – 3:45 7 – Nightlight – 5:44 8 – Giving It To You – 4:23 9 – The Judge – 4:50 10 – We’re Outa’ Here – 3:59
Credits Backing Vocals – Charlie Phillips, Mike Vance, Paul Krueger (tracks: 9) Bass – Dan Wilkinson Design – Jeff Spencer Drums – Joe Hasselvander (tracks: 2, 3, 4, 10), Mark Miley (tracks: 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) Guitar – Charlie Phillips (tracks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10), Phil Zeo (tracks: 5, 7, 8), Robby Lee (tracks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10) Keyboards – Janusz Smulski, Lamont Coward (tracks: 5) Lead Vocals – Mike Vance Mixed By – Paul Krueger Producer – Paul Krueger Twelve-String Guitar – Phil Zeo (tracks: 5)
Companies, etc. Distributed By – R.E.X. Music Manufactured By – American Helix Technology Corporation Produced For – K Productions Phonographic Copyright (p) – Talkingtown Records Copyright (c) – Talkingtown Records Pressed By – American Helix Published By – Second Chance Music Published By – Lamont Coward Publishing Recorded At – Morning Star Communications
Matthew Wards 4th solo album actually turns up the Rock factor compared to previous work. I discovered why on Ward’s website where he says this about the album. “Normally, I write around keyboards. This was the first, and only, CD I have recorded that was written and arranged mostly on and for the electric guitar. I simply did what I wanted and let it rock.” He left that guitar work to James Dillingham who is a relatively little known guitarist but he handled the duties very well. I wouldn’t say this album is Rock & Roll gold but it’s definitely worth a listen. The one thing about Matthew Ward that has always kind of surprised me is that normally I wouldn’t really like his style of music but I always enjoy his albums and several of his songs are in my regular rotation. Of interest on this album is that he closes it out with a guitar heavy Rock version of Martin Luther’s “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”. I’ve heard several rock versions of this song and this one ranks right up there in terms of quality, especially the guitar work.
Tracklist 1 – Warrior – 4:13 2 – Heaven Is Calling – 4:09 3 – Since I Found You – 4:18 4 – Faithful And True – 4:10 5 – Psalm 33:3 – 4:18 6 – You – 3:51 7 – Indecision – 4:26 8 – God Of All – 3:35 9 – Mixed Emotions – 3:26 10 – Fortress – 5:02
Credit Arranged By [Arrangements] – Gary Leach, Matthew Ward Art Direction [Assistant] – David Reid Art Direction, Design – Bradley Grose Backing Vocals [All Background Vocals] – Matthew Ward Bass – Bob Gentry Drums – Dean Castronovo Engineer – Greg Hunt Engineer [Second Engineer] – Gary Leach Guitar – James Dillingham Jew’s Harp – Greg Hunt Keyboards – Gary Leach Lyrics By [All Lyrics By] – Matthew Ward (tracks: 1 to 9) Mastered By – Doug Sax Music By [All Music Written By] – Gary Leach (tracks: 1 to 6, 8, 9), Matthew Ward (tracks: 1 to 6, 8, 9) Other [Make Up/Hair] – Susan Grose Photography By – Alan Dockery Producer [Produced By] – Matthew Ward Programmed By [Synth Programming] – Gary Leach
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Matthew Ward Productions Copyright (c) – Matthew Ward Productions Distributed By – Benson Music Group Distributed By – R.G. Mitchell Family Books, Inc. Recorded At – Rosewood Studio Mastered At – The Mastering Lab Published By – Megan’s College Fund Music
The 6th release from The Call is often referred to as their “Dark” album. Personally I don’t find it that dark but I also don’t find it that good. It’s not a bad album just not as good as their previous albums. Michael Been states it’s his favourite album and I have to agree that it has some of their best lyrics of all their albums. I personally just preferred the more commercial sound of their previous work. The official single was “I Don’t Wanna” which only climbed to #38 on the U.S. Mainstream Rock chart. My pick for a single is “It Could Have Been Me” with it’s addictive drum line it stands out.
Tracklist 1 – I Don’t Wanna – 5:15 2 – In The River – 4:04 3 – It Could Have Been Me – 4:38 4 – The Woods – 5:10 5 – Day Or Night – 4:12 6 – Memory – 4:05 7 – Too Many Tears – 4:24 8 – Expecting – 4:52 9 – Walk Walk – 3:50
Credits Michael Been – Bass, Composer, Guitar, Producer, Vocals Cary Butler – Assistant Engineer Tom Ferrier – Composer, Guitar Jim Goodwin – Composer Stephen Innocenzi – Mastering Steve Kline – Assistant Engineer Matt Mahurin – Photography Stephen Marcussen – Mastering Scott Musick – Composer, Drums, Vocals (Background) Eric Myer – Photography Dan Nash – Assistant Engineer Dave Reitzas – Assistant Engineer Dan Smith – Producer Don Smith – Engineer, Producer Andy Udoff – Assistant Engineer Tracy Veal – Design Gary Wagner – Assistant Engineer
Companies, etc. Manufactured By – Elektra/Asylum/Nonesuch Records Pressed By – Specialty Records Corporation Phonographic Copyright (p) – Elektra/Asylum Records Copyright (c) – Elektra/Asylum Records Published By – Neeb Music Published By – Tarka Music Published By – Titleface Music Published By – WB Music Corp. Published By – Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. Recorded At – A&M Studios Recorded At – One On One Studios Recorded At – Rumbo Recorders Recorded At – Conway Studios Mastered At – Precision Mastering
