Here is yet another oddball release on Morada Records. You’ll find some rather odd combinations of styles on this album. All on one album you can hear synth, prog rock, Fusion rock, Funk, and maybe a bit of jazz. Kind of a pity this was their only album as I think a second one with a better producer this band might have really gone some where. All that said this one is definitely one you should take the time to listen to and you might join the cult following this band has.
Tracklist 1 – Creepin’ In – 2:44 2 – Lookin’ Out – 3:01 3 – Who Are We Looking To? – 3:29 4 – When He Comes – 2:55 5 – You Got A Hold On Me – 5:48 6 – New Old World – 3:26 7 – Latter Rain – 4:39 8 – By My Spirit – 2:48 9 – Before The Throne – 5:42
Credits Ken Burger – Songwriter, Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals Mark Copenhaver – Producer, Engineer Ground Crew – Producer Mark Huhnke – Songwriter, Keyboards, Synthesizers, Vocals R. Jones – Songwriter D. Koss – Songwriter Eric Lucas – Songwriter, Guitar, Sax, Bass, Vocals Tom Winters – Drums
This album marked Chuck’s departure from Good News Records and instead he created his own label for this album. That said I am guessing the experiment didn’t go well as he joined Asaph Records for his next album. Now I’m going to criticize this album but hear me out as it’s not that bad. Chuck brought in Bob Rose to help produce this album. Bob had only produced one album before this one which was Chucks The Stand album. Chuck and his wife Karen took co-producing credits and executive production credits. Quite frankly the album shows the lack of proper production. A few songs have fade ins which is generally avoided by most producers as it not generally well received. That said an occasional fade in song is good for artistic license but not so many. Further the album just doesn’t have that finished feel. Many of the song names are too long and it just doesn’t feel finished. Now that said, the songs are good and the album probably has some of his best lyrics ever. The mix is good if not polished and I noticed that Derald Dougherty gets an engineering credit on the album. So to sum up it’s a good album and my criticism should probably be initially ignored and you should listen to the album and judge it for yourself.
Tracklist 1 – The Name Above All Names – 4:34 2 – Kingdom Come – 4:44 3 – We Are The Righteousness Of God – 3:36 4 – Blessed Be The Name Of My Rock – 3:30 5 – Soldiers Of The Lion – 4:51 6 – Don’t Shoot The Wounded – 4:07 7 – And The Rain Came Down – 4:00 8 – Wall Of Love – 3:37 9 – Walk As I Walk – 4:05 10 – The Power And The Glory – 3:44
Credits Arranged By, Producer – Bob Rose Arranged By, Producer [Produced By] – Chuck Girard (tracks: B1) Art Direction – Liza McDonald Backing Vocals – Bili Thedford, Chuck Girard, Denny Correll, Terry Clark, Tommy Funderburk Co-producer, Executive-Producer – Chuck Girard Engineer – Bill Cobb Engineer [Additional Engineering] – Derald Dougherty, Jonathan Brown Executive-Producer – Karen Girard Mastered By – Carol Hibbs Mixed By [Mixdown Engineer] – Nick Van Maarth Percussion – Burleigh Drummond Photography By – Harry Langdon Synthesizer – Rob Watson
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Seven Thunders Records Copyright (c) – Seven Thunders Records Distributed By – Word Records (2) Mastered At – K Disc Mastering Recorded At – Poiema Studios Recorded At – Baby’O Recorders Recorded At – Whitefield Studios
With Ten Stories Rick Elias is “Confession-less” and he stands alone with 10 brilliantly conceived, performed and recorded songs that should have made Elias a major name in CCM. But alas, it would be a few years later as a member of Rich Mullins’ Ragamuffin Band that Rick would garner what celebrity he has. But it is his first two releases that will be noted on this list with the debut being presented MUCH later. Frontline Records held no expense in trying to break Rick Elias into the mainstream of CCM with a major marketing and promotional push. I remember selling the album to stores with a huge cardboard cutout display and securing end-caps for even more exposure. But Christian radio was not ready (ever ready?) for gritty, earthy, Americana rock and roll without the easy Christianeze answers to life’s bigger questions. Or maybe the fact that Elias would not limit his musical export to three minute ditties for CCM consumption also played a role. The fact the album was a brilliant was not lost, though, on fans and critics alike. Despite never achieving the retail success the album deserved the critical and fan base response was huge. And for good reason. the album is filled with brilliance from the first power chord of “I Wouldn’t Need You Like I Do” to the last fading strain of “Leave One Light On.” Elias continues many of the themes from the debut including some stunning and difficult stories of those struggling with their faith, lives and doubts. No easy believism allowed here. There are pictures of frustration, loss, anger and rejection painted here. John Doe discusses the struggles of a man beaten up by his father as a child and beaten up by life as an adult. “Don’t Rain On Me” explores the one who refuses the love and grace of God. Despite looking at the gift, the subject refuses the basic common graces of God and refuses outright, through a heart of selfishness and doubt, the unique grace that comes through faith. Elias makes his characters so believable that it is hard not to imagine you or someone you know as the subjects. “My Very Own Hero” would have been a mainstream radio success story if the name on the single was Springsteen, Petty or Mellencamp. Great groove, killer melody and impressively passionate performance. “When You Lose Someone You Love” has Elias accompanied by acoustic guitar and harmonica, possessing a melody from something akin to Springsteen’s “Nebraska.” Though beautiful and brilliant, the haunting lyrical content would never allow it to be heard on Christian radio. The list of brilliant description could go throughout the entire project. Maybe it should!
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – I Wouldn’t Need You (Like I Do) – 5:18 2 – John Doe – 4:32 3 – Don’t Rain On Me – 5:19 4 – My Very Own Hero – 5:05 5 – When You Lose Someone You Love – 4:28 6 – Steps – 4:30 7 – Wondering Why – 4:10 8 – Pray For The Day – 5:15 9 – Only Your Love – 4:31 10 – Leave One Light On – 5:53
Credits Acoustic Bass – Glen Holmen (tracks: 5) Art Direction – Ed McTaggart Backing Vocals – Dave Jahnsen (tracks: 2,6), Kenny Hicks (tracks: 7), Linda Elias, Pete Shambrook* (tracks: 7), Rick Elias Bass – Kelly Burns Design – Brian Godawa Drums – Doug Mathews Electric Guitar – Glenn Pearce (tracks: 8) Engineer – Dave Jahnsen Engineer [Additional] – Bill Baumgart, Rick Elias Guitar – Rick Elias Keyboards – Linda Elias, Rick Elias Keyboards [Additional] – Jay York Lead Vocals – Rick Elias Mixed By – Dave Jahnsen, Rick Elias Percussion – Linda Elias Photography By – Wayne Armstrong Producer – Rick Elias Producer [Additional Production] – Dave Jahnsen, Linda Elias Written-By – Rick Elias
Companies, etc. Distributed By – FMG Distribution Record Company – Frontline Music Group – FLD9246
In my quest to find the oddball examples of 80’s CCM I found this artist. Paul Johnson was playing Surf music long ago in the 60’s and he played with some of the most popular surf bands including The Surfias. This is actually his 3rd Christian album though I kind of struggle with calling it a Christian album. Not because I question Paul’s beliefs but because it is an instrumental album. That said it was picked up by Frontline Records so let’s be clear I have no doubts it was an inspired album. That said it is a very oddball album. If you have a hankering for some 50’s/60’s style surf music this album is for you. Oh, and it has an excellent cover of The Beatles song “Day Tripper”.
Tracklist 1 – Kamikaze – 2:37 2 – Escape To Reality – 4:26 3 – Mr. Moto – 1:49 4 – Baja – 3:11 5 – Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus – 3:39 6 – Squad Car – 2:07 7 – Day Tripper – 2:30 8 – Link Wray Medley: Rumble, Jack The Ripper, Rawhide – 7:02 9 – Streets Of Gold – 3:52
Credits Arranged By – Paul Johnson Art Direction, Design – Ed McTaggart Artwork [Cover Art, Guitar Heaven] – John Dickenson Bass Guitar – Guy Hufferd Drums – Ray Huskey Engineer, Mastered By [Digitally Re-Mastered By] – Doug Doyle Guitar – Paul Johnson Mastered By – John Matousek Painting [Cover Painting, California] – Rick Griffin Producer – Doug Doyle, Paul Johnson Rhythm Guitar – Marc Burroughs Soloist – Marc Burroughs (tracks: 7)
Companies, etc. Recorded At – 3-D Studios, Costa Mesa CA. Mixed At – 3-D Studios, Costa Mesa CA. Mastered At – Hitsville Remastered At – Digital Brothers Distributed By – FMG Distribution Phonographic Copyright (p) – Frontline Records Copyright (c) – Frontline Records Record Company – Frontline Music Group
The humour continues as Mike is joined by his wife, at the time, for his 7th album.
It should be noted that Warnke was revealed as a liar and fraudster in 1991 by Cornerstone magazine. This recording is offered as a historic record of what was being listened to in the Christian community in the late 70’s and early 80’s.
Credits Art Direction – Jim Osborn Engineer – Malcolm Harper Mastered By – Hank Williams (2) Photography By – Mark Tucker (7) Producer, Edited By, Remix – Neal Joseph
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc. Copyright (c) – Word, Inc. Published By – Warnke Publishing Co. Published By – Prime Time Music (2) Recorded At – Will Rogers Auditorium Recorded By – Reelsound Edited At – Bullet Recording Remixed At – Bullet Recording Mastered At – Mastermix
For their second album Deliverance turned up the thrash to 10. Upon reading reviews of this album it seems like this album is loved by the people who love this genre. A few even said this may be the best Christian trash album ever. Obviously I can’t really comment on this as I don’t like thrash and to me it all sounds the same. I did find the track “23” quite interesting as it makes a reference to Psalm 23. I just can’t get used to thrash metal making a reference to a Psalm. Anyway while I may not care for the album I can tell that it is a good album judging from the reviews. It’s history of re-releases, 2008, 2014, and twice in 2017 is a further testament to it’s popularity. So if you’re a metal head with a love of thrash this obviously is the album for you.
Tracklist 1 – Supplication – 1:48 2 – This Present Darkness – 2:47 3 – Weapons Of Our Warfare – 4:25 4 – Solitude – 6:05 5 – Flesh And Blood – 7:27 6 – Bought By Blood – 3:17 7 – 23 – 5:49 8 – Slay The Wicked – 4:03 9 – Greetings Of Death – 2:49 10 – If We Faint Not – 4:25
Credits Art Direction – Ed McTaggart Band [Deliverance Is], Bass – Brian Khairullah Band [Deliverance Is], Drums – Chris Hyde Band [Deliverance Is], Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – George Ochoa Band [Deliverance Is], Vocals [All Vocals], Rhythm Guitar, Lead Guitar – Jimmy P. Brown II Co-producer [Co-produced By] – Jimmy P. Brown II Design Concept [Cover Concept By] – Jimmy P. Brown II Engineer [2nd Engineer] – Brian “Missing” Person Engineer, Producer [Production Assistant] – Eric “Homefilth” Kibbe Illustration [Cover Illustration By] – Joe Yakovetic Layout – Joe Potter Mixed By – Bill Metoyer Photography By – Douglas Cloutier Producer [Produced By] – George Ochoa
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Intense Records Copyright (c) – Intense Records Distributed By – The Benson Company, Inc. Published By – Broken Songs Published By – Carlotta Publishing Glass Mastered At – Nimbus, Virginia
Billy Sprague got his start in the Christian music scene by being a member of Amy Grant’s band in the early 80’s. This work included a duet with Amy, “Singing A Love Song,” off Amy’s In Concert album. This relationship developed into his own record deal in 1984 with Reunion Records. Reunion brought in Michael W. Smith in to produce the album and the result of that is this album. It was a very successful release garnering 3 singles on the CCM charts. “Heavenly Father” climbed to #8, “What A Way To Go” to #22, and “Jude Doxology” to #30. I’m kind of surprised they released Jude Doxology as a single as personally I think it’s the weakest track on the album, but I never really got along with the CCM charts anyway. Obviously the album was very successful and I’m sure Reunion Records couldn’t get a second album out fast enough though it would have to wait until he was done his tour.
Tracklist 1 – What A Way To Go – 4:07 2 – Don’t Give Up – 3:55 3 – Heavenly Father – 3:31 4 – Never Be The Same – 4:59 5 – I Believe – 4:42 6 – Secret Heart – 4:29 7 – How Could You Say No – 3:28 8 – Take My Heart – 4:54 9 – Jude Doxology – 2:03
Credits Art Direction, Design – Kent Hunter Bass – Mike Brignardello Drums – Mark Hammond Engineer – Jeff Balding Engineer [Additional] – Jim “J.B.” Baird Engineer [Assistant] – Allen Henry, Chris Hammond, Sam Baily Engineer, Mixed By – Brent King Executive-Producer – Dan Harrell, Michael Blanton Guitar, Electric Guitar – Jon Goin Mastered By – Hank Williams Mixed By [Assistant] – Phil Dihel Photography By – Mark Tucker Producer, Keyboards – Michael W. Smith
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Reunion Records Copyright (c) – Reunion Records Distributed By – Word, Inc. Distributed By – Word Records Limited Distributed By – Word (Uk) Ltd. Designed At – Thomas Ryan Design Recorded At – Goldmine Studio, Brentwood, TN Recorded At – Bullet Recording Recorded At – Center Stage Studio Mixed At – Mastermix Mastered At – Mastermix Pressed By – Monarch Record Mfg. Co.
When a band with only five studio releases is able to have four placed on a list like this, it says something about the band that is beyond impressive. And the thing is, I am not a huge Adam Again fan stylistically, but utterly recognize the Gene Eugene Andrusco and crew created some of the most impressive music ever recorded over that very short five album career. And I don’t just mean the most impressive music ever recorded in CCM…but anywhere! The title track kicks off things with such an unforgettable groove and some impressive and memorable lyrics. Eugene’s is master storyteller here and anyone who remembers their youth and childhood will find something here to reflect upon. The loss of friendship and innocence is difficult and real. Obviously raised with a love for blues, R&B and cool funk/soul, Eugene was able to capture those grooves and place them firmly into the heart of alternative music. Often compared vocally to Michael Stipe and, in the early days, musically to The Talking Heads, on Homeboys there is more jazz, funk and heavier rock influences than either of those comparisons. Very few bands with the above comparisons and influences would be able to create a song like “Hide Away.” Mellow without ever being soft there is something more Van Morrison like here and it is utterly brilliant with a perfectly included violin accompaniment. The vocal passion in the album’s closer, No Regrets, again points to why this band was so amazing. Eugene and then wife, Riki Michelle, join forces here to bring the message home. The most auto-biographical record for Eugene, Homeboys is a classic along with two more that will follow.
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Homeboys – 3:41 2 – The Fine Line – 4:32 3 – Hide Away – 2:51 4 – Bad News On The Radio – 3:52 5 – Inner City Blues – 5:44 6 – Dance Around In Circles – 2:39 7 – This Band Is Our House – 5:56 8 – Save Me – 4:11 9 – Occam’s Razor – 3:35 10 – No Regrets – 5:24
Credits Art Direction, Layout, Photography By – Bruce Heavin Assemblage [Assembled By] – Dave Collins Bass – Paul Valadex Drums – Jon Knox Engineer [Additional] – Greg Lawless, Ojo Taylor, Paul Valadez, Super C Keyboards – James Werning Lead Guitar – Greg Lawless Mixed By – G. Eugene Mixed By [With] – Greg Lawless (tracks: 1, 2, 5 to 10), Jeff Simmons (tracks: 3, 4), Paul Valadez (tracks: 1, 2, 5 to 10) Producer [Produced By] – Gene Eugene Recorded By – G. Eugene Saxophone – Dan Michaels Vocals – Riki Michele Vocals, Guitar, Electric Piano [Rhodes], Organ [B-3] – G. Eugene Voice [Preaching] – Rev. Howard Finster, Man Of Visions
Companies, etc. Copyright (c) – Brainstorm Artists International Manufactured By – Word, Inc. Distributed By – Word, Inc. Recorded At – The Mixing Lab Recorded At – Neverland Recorded At – Winetree Recording Recorded At – Pakaderm West Studios Mixed At – The Mixing Lab Mixed At – Pakaderm Studios Engineered At – Icehouse, Upland, CA Engineered At – A&M Studios Mastered At – Bernie Grundman Mastering Published By – Chenka, Chenka Music Published By – Jobete Music Manufactured By – JVC
This was the second album from The Call and is probably the one that introduced most people to the band. Their first album was not very well received but I guess was well enough received that Mercury Records went ahead with a second album. The single “The Walls Came Down” was a rather odd single. It only reached #74 on the Billboard Top 100 Chart though did make it to #17 on the mainstream rock chart. What was odd is that it was hugely popular on MTV. The video was very well received which I find odd because it is the just the band playing the song in what looks like a warehouse. Remember that often first singles followed this style on the thought we would learn who the band was. A strategy I always thought was stupid as these videos were notoriously boring. But as boring as it was (and it is) it was on heavy rotation. The song is actually referring to the cold war between the U.S. and Russia but there is the obvious suggestion of the biblical story of Battle of Jericho. Now I will toss in a personal opinion. I actually preferred their initial self titled album, but this album did solidify me as a permanent fan.
Tracklist 1 – The Walls Came Down – 3:35 2 – Turn A Blind Eye – 3:48 3 – Time Of Your Life – 3:27 4 – Modern Romans – 3:24 5 – Back From The Front – 4:02 6 – Destination – 4:32 7 – Violent Times – 4:28 8 – Face To Face – 4:05 9 – All About You – 4:20
Credits Bass – Greg Freeman Drums, Percussion, Vocals – Scott Musick Engineer – Richard Kaplan Engineer [Assistant] – Chuck Johnson, David Spritz Guitar, Vocals – Tom Ferrier Guitar, Vocals [Lead] – Michael Been Producer – Michael Been, The Call Synthesizer, Cornet – Steve Huddleston Synthesizer, Saxophone – Garth Hudson Written-By – Michael Been
Companies, etc. Published By – Neeb Music Published By – Tarka Music Phonographic Copyright (p) – PolyGram Records, Inc. Manufactured By – PolyGram Records, Inc. Marketed By – PolyGram Records, Inc. Pressed By – PRC Recording Company, Compton, CA Recorded At – Indigo Ranch Studios
T-Bone Burnett may appear more often than any artist outside of Terry Scott Taylor if one includes solo projects, band projects and musician and production duties. From Bob Dylan and Tonio K to Leslie Phillips and Mark Heard T-Bone Burnett never had his own albums released into the CCM market, yet his presence is undeniable and, for the listener and fan, greatly appreciated. While working at Maranatha Village I was doing an in-store appearance with Leslie Phillips for her CCM swan song, The Turning, and she entered the store with a very tall and lanky gentleman in tow. Now, realize I had met Amy Grant, Bob Dylan, Bono and Michael Been by this time in my life, but I can tell you that I have never been so in awe or so utterly tongue tied as when I met T-Bone Burnett for the first time. Proof Through the Night is a haunting, dark and impressive album. Guests include Pete Townsend and Ry Cooder along with Burnett’s normal group of stellar friends and bandmates like David Mansfield and David Miner. The album sort of lulls you into experiencing what it has to offer. Burnett’s acoustically driven stark production is so compelling it is no surprise he continues to be one of the most sought after producers, and here it shines in its simplicity and authenticity. There are several wonderful songs to highlight on this album. “Stunned” is the most accessible and should have been a single if Burnett could ever really have a “single.” The chorus is memorable and stays with the listener. The same for “Fatally Beautiful.” ”Pressure” is true highlight with a great guitar driven 1-3 beat and incredible hook. Burnett also has a long standing trademark of talking through songs. There are a few examples on this album that make for compelling listening. “The Sixties” is hysterical, especially its comments regarding the use of the word “freak.” “Hefner and Disney” also employs the storytelling motif and creates and troubling mood musically which compliments the content as he reverses the roles of the two famous gentlemen. A great album worth tracking down that a few years ago was finally released on CD.
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – The Murder Weapon – 4:29 2 – Fatally Beautiful – 4:21 3 – After All These Years – 3:11 4 – Baby Fall Down – 3:00 5 – The Sixties – 5:30 6 – Stunned – 3:50 7 – Pressure – 3:30 8 – Hula Hoop – 3:13 9 – When The Night Falls – 3:54 10 – Hefner And Disney – 3:47 11 – Shut It Tight – 3:56
Credits Art Direction – Jeri McManus Composed By – John Fleming (tracks: B3), Roscoe West (tracks: B3), T-Bone Burnett Engineer [Assistant] – Jules Bowen, Tony Chiappa Management [Direction] – Al Schlesinger, Nancy Clarke Mastered By [Originally] – Bernie Grundman Mixed By – Mark Ettel Musician – David Mansfield, David Miner, Jerry Marotta, Masakazu Yoshizawa, Mick Ronson, Pete Townshend, Richard Thompson, Ry Cooder, Stan Lynch, T-Bone Burnett Photography By – Frank Gargani Producer – Jeff Eyrich Producer [Associate] – The Chelew Bros. (tracks: B6) Recorded By – Dennis Kirk Vocals – T-Bone Burnett, The Williams Brothers
Companies, etc. Record Company – Warner Communications Phonographic Copyright (p) – Warner Bros. Records Inc. Copyright (c) – Warner Bros. Records Inc. Pressed By – Allied Record Company – B-18376 Pressed By – Allied Record Company – B-18377 Published By – Arthur Buster Stahr Music Published By – Black Tent Music Published By – Bug Recorded At – Eel Pie Studios Recorded At – The Sound Factory Recorded At – Ocean Way Recording Mixed At – Ocean Way Recording Mastered At – Sheffield Lab Matrix
