Tag: 100% Proof

100% Proof – New Way of Livin’ – 1980

100% Proof were a band from Stockport, Manchester that formed in 1978 under the name “Thin Ice”. The band was having some success touring the local area and they went into the studio to record this EP, financed out of their own pocket, to sell at their concerts. It’s actually a 7 inch recorded at 33 1/3 which is relatively rare. This EP has a slightly more punk sound than the Rock & Roll sound they would be better known for on future releases. While I really enjoy their sound on their two commercial releases I really love this sound and wish we could have got more. The quality of the EP was an issue but I have cleaned it up as best as I could. I love early band releases like this and this one is no exception.

Tracklist
1 – New Way Of Livin’ – 4:58
2 – Lookin In – 2:22
3 – What’s The Cost – 5:04
4 – Resurrection – 3:49

Credits
Bass – Steve Harrison
Drums – Phil Wright
Engineer [Sound Engineering] – Ray Buckley
Guitar, Vocals – Charlie Wilson
Lead Guitar, Vocals – Steve Wright
Photography By – Dave Owen
Producer – 100% Proof, Ray Buckley
Sleeve – Pete Smith

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Pluto Studios
Label – Smile

100% Proof – 100% Proof – 1981

This Stockport based UK band turned it up a bit (OK a lot) as far as CCM music went. This album features AC/DC style rifts with a dash of rockabilly and a pinch of punk. This was their first studio album though there is a demo out there somewhere. I’m fairly sure this album was not released in North America, though some may have bought imports. This is a band that would have done very well in North America and if you like basic Rock and Roll this is the album for you. Unfortunately Word brought in Norman Barratt, who had never produced an album, in to produce this one. His work was garbage in my opinion. I think he was trying to maintain the raw sound of the band but in the end it just sounds dirty to me. Great musicians, which he was, do not always make great producers. My favourite track is actually called Rock ‘n’ Roll though the Bon Scott cut is pretty darn good too.

 

Tracklist
1 – Back Seat Driver – 6:31
2 – Mid Morning Blues – 3:50
3 – Tight Rope – 4:17
4 – Rock ‘N’ Roll – 3:47
5 – Freedom – 5:05
6 – It’s No Good Trusting In Money – 4:17
7 – The Loner (Bon Scott) – 5:27
8 – To Be Someone – 4:20

Credits
Bass – Steve Harrison
Design – Phil Thomson
Drums, Vocals – Phil Wright
Engineer – Derek Murray
Guitar, Vocals – Charlie Wilson, Steve Wright
Management – John Taylor
Photography By [Cover] – Paul Whur
Producer – Norman Barratt

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Smile Studios
Printed By – Garrod & Lofthouse
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word (UK) Ltd.
Copyright (c) – Word (UK) Ltd.
Copyright (c) – Word Music UK

100% Proof – Power and the Glory – 1983

This was the final album from 100% Proof and I believe their best.

At this point they were tight and writing better than ever. White some consider this album to be a Metal album, but I call it Hard Rock and well done Hard Rock.

This album has the best version ever of “Jesus Loves Me” (yes the one from Sunday School). Toss in a Rockabilly tune to finish off the album and there is a very diverse album.

Track Listing:
1 – Power And The Glory – 4:40
2 – Don’t You Know – 6:34
3 – Out Of Bounds – 3:48
4 – Lost Soul – 5:14
5 – I’m Going To Win – 7:09
6 – Getting Me Down – 4:34
7 – Jesus Loves Me – 4:13
8 – Number Eight – 2:42

Credits:
Bass – Steve Harrison
Cover – Baglow Trueman & Partners Ltd., Felix Lucilla, Peter Grenville Smith
Drums – Phil Wright
Engineer – Lol Cooper
Keyboards – P. Savage
Lead Guitar – Steve Wright
Producer – 100% Proof, Lol Cooper
Rhythm Guitar – Charlie Wilson, Steve Wright
Vocals – Charlie Wilson, Phil Wright (tracks: B4), Steve Wright

Force 3 – Warrior Of Light – 1988

in 1988 the Guitarist of the band 100% Proof, Charlie Wilson, recorded an album with a new band, Force 3 and this is their first and only album.

It had a sound that was reminiscent of 100% Proof but Wilson allowed himself more latitude on his guitar work. The album suffered from poor production and the mix is questionable also.

That said, this album should fill the listening needs of any late 80’s metal head as the songs are well written and there are several excellent guitar solos.

Track Listing:
1 – Heartbeat – 3:04
2 – Trouble On The Streets – 2:45
3 – Wondering – 2:52
4 – Golgotha (He Is Risen) – 6:03
5 – See The Light – 2:55
6 – Miracles – 4:50
7 – Don’t Give Up – 2:54
8 – Warrior Of Light – 5:30

Credits:
Bass – G.B. Bennett
Drums – Andy Jackson
Executive Producer – Peter Gavin Morkel
Guitar – Charlie Wilson
Illustration, Design Concept – Peter Geissler
Producer, Engineer – Armand John Petri
Vocals – Andy Jackson, Charlie Wilson