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
Several months ago someone asked me if there were and “jam albums” in CCM. Off the top of my head I struggled to come up with any according to my friends definition. What was being sought after was a rock and roll album that wasn’t afraid to have the musicians take over a song for a while and letting each instrument have it’s share of the spotlight. Get Ready is such an album! The average song lasts longer then 5 minutes with a very simple blues verse chorus structure which leaves ample time for long instrumental jams featuring guitar and harmonica (Mansfield’s instrument of choice). Solos are loud and long and a heavy blues influence. The album was actually released on Polydor and had very limited Christian distribution when originally released. There was hope of Mansfield breaking into mainstream AOR radio but it never really happened despite relatively positive reviews. It may have had to do with the very evangelistic lyrics, something artists has never compromised on. The title track sounds like something from Dylan’s “Saved” album with a gospel choir accompanying the great guitar work. There are no ballads on the original 8 song release and only one song that could be categorized as “pop.” This would be the last album before Eric Turner would be added to the band n guitar. Turner’s heavier rock influence would be felt on future releases, but here it is original guitarists, Dennis Carothers, who handles the slide and electric lead perfectly. Fans of blues and southern rock like Molly Hatchet, 30 Special, Lynard Skynard and the Allman Brothers will find something here to like, In fact, this is the album I originally hoped Rick Cua would have made with the Outlaws influence. Mansfield’s importance to Jesus Music and later CCM should not be understated, even though he primarily remained a Southern California regional star. Along with Glen Kaiser Mansfield single-handedly kept the influence of blues music alive in CCM.
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist
1 – Get Ready – 4:45
2 – Mr. Rock ‘N’ Roll – 4:08
3 – Above The Water – 5:17
4 – Billy Joe – 3:45
5 – Heaven Southwestern – 6:45
6 – Never Be The Same – 3:37
7 – Power Of Love – 4:18
8 – Life Saver – 4:57
CD Bonus Tracks
9 – Not Far Away – 4:18
10 – When The Curtain Falls – 3:47
11 – Flow Like A River – 4:56
Credits
Backing Vocals – Biff Vincent (tracks: 1 to 8), Bryan Duncan (tracks: 1 to 8), Christina Dent (tracks: 1 to 8), Kathy Hazzard (tracks: 1 to 8), Katy Mahoney (tracks: 1 to 8), Lisa Whitcomb (tracks: 1 to 8), Robin Glick (tracks: 1to 8), Rosemary Butler, Scott Galbraith (2) (tracks: 1 to 8), Susan Curley (tracks: 1 to 8), Virgil Beckham (tracks: 1 to 8), Virgil Beckham (tracks: 9, 10, 11)
Bass – Abraham Laboriel (tracks: 9, 10, 11), Charlie Sousa (tracks: 1 to 8)
Bass, Vocals – Jimmy Perez (tracks: 1 to 8)
Drums – Bill Maxwell (tracks: 9, 10, 11), Donny Vosburgh (tracks: 1 to 8), Paul Angers (tracks: 1 to 8)
Guitar – Hadley Hockensmith (tracks: 9, 10, 11)
Keyboards – Harlan Rogers (tracks: 9, 10, 11)
Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar – Anthony Dean (2) (tracks: 1 to 8)
Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Twelve-String Guitar, Vocals – Dennis Corothers (tracks: 1 to 8)
Percussion – Alex Acuña (tracks: 9, 10, 11)
Producer – Skip Konte (tracks: 1 to 8), Virgil Beckham (tracks: 9, 10, 11)
Slide Guitar – Jerry Swallow (tracks: 9, 10, 11)
Vocals, Harmonica – Darrell Mansfield (tracks: 1 to 8), Darrell Mansfield (tracks: 9, 10, 11)
Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Polydor Incorporated
Manufactured By – Polydor Incorporated
Marketed By – Polydor Incorporated
Recorded At – International Automated Media
Mixed At – International Automated Media
Mastered At – International Automated Media
Pressed By – Bestway Products Inc.
The term “classic” gets thrown around a lot, both here and elsewhere, when trying to discuss the world of music. Often it’s a term meant to designate a song that’s just really good, but it should be used to describe something with true lasting value. A song the remains viable and important decades later. When one uses the latter, more significant definition, the number of truly “classic” songs becomes much more limited. Very few artists have ever truly written a “classic” song. But in 1980 one young singer-songwriter did just that. David Meece was a popular late comer to the Jesus Music movement and is more closely associated with the burgeoning CCM world. His high pitched voice (think a Gibb brother) and stylized pop (think ABBA) made him a safe and family friendly CCM music star. Sometime after 1980’s “Are You Ready” the term would be superstar. After 9 very strong pop (disco even) songs and great and memorable ballads came the albums finale, “We Are The Reason.” The song would become on of the most popular songs in CCM history and would easily rank in the Top 5 of all time classic songs. There has yet to be a Christmas or Easter when the song is not reprised somewhere and some way. It really is a beautiful and well written song. Feeling a little like a Barry Manilow ballad with the key change and all, the song is dynamic and emotional. Starting slow and building into a great crescendo, it has struck a musical and emotional core for over three decades now. Great song and closes a great album, the best in Meece’s career.
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist
1 – Follow You – 2:55
2 – Peace In My Heart – 2:50
3 – Comin’ Back – 3:02
4 – Gospel Train – 2:48
5 – Love One Another – 5:18
6 – Are You Ready? – 3:59
7 – Just A Little More Time – 4:07
8 – Have A Little Talk – 3:39
9 – Satan, Just Leave Me Alone – 2:48
10 – We Are The Reason – 4:43
Credits
Brown Bannister – Producer
Kathleen E. Berk – Bagpipe
Michael Blanton – Executive Producer
Mike Brignardello – Bass
Clay Caire – Drum Overdubs
Eddie DeGarmo – Piano, Rhodes, Synthesizers
Diana DeWitt Hanna – Background Vocals
Becky Foster – Background Vocals
Leon Gaer – Bass
Bob Gelotte – Drums
Jon Goin – Electric Guitar
John Hampton – Drums
Ron Huff – String Arranger
Greg Huffman – Drum Corp
Shane Keister – Piano, Organ, Rhodes, Special Effects
Dana Key – Guitars
Patti Leatherwood – Background Vocals
Paul Leim – Drums
Terry McMillan – Percussion
David Meece – Songwriter, Keyboards, Percussion, Vocals
Gary Pigg – Background Vocals
Harlan Rogers – Piano, Synthesizers
Buddy Skipper – Horn Arranger
Denis Solee – Saxophone, Lyricon, Flute
Keith Thomas – Background Vocals
Billy Walker – Electric Guitar
Jack Williams – Bass
Companies, etc.
Published By – Word Music (2)
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc.
Copyright (c) – Word, Inc.
Mastered At – Masterfonics
Pressed By – Monarch Record Mfg. Co.
Husband and Wife team Michael And Stormie Omartian bring us their second album together. I have to admit that I listened to this album very heavily back in the early 80’s (Don’t judge me). When I was reading up on this album I was very surprised that it wasn’t more popular. It didn’t seem to make anyone’s best albums list and there is almost no mention of it on most CCM album sites. I was further surprised that there was no charting single on this album. This really surprised me as there are several tracks on this album that should have charted. Maybe I’m just over evaluating the album but really I thought it was much better than all this. I remember that “Big Time” was on a lot of our mixed tapes from the period and I have fond memories of it. Did you miss this album back in 1980? If you did and you like AOR you really should give it a listen.
Tracklist 1 – Charlie’s Dream – 3:53 2 – The Only Thing Missing Is You – 3:58 3 – The Builder – 3:53 4 – Mr. Trash Man – 3:40 5 – Anything You Ask Of Me – 3:50 6 – Dr. Jesus – 4:20 7 – Big Time – 5:02 8 – Half Past Three – 3:20 9 – End Times – 5:53
Credits Art Direction – Dennis Hill Bass – Abraham Laboriel Concept By [Album] – Stormie Omartian Concertmaster – Assa Drori Congas – Alex Acuna Drums – Paul Leim Engineer – John Guess Guitar – Marty Walsh Keyboards, Synthesizer, Percussion – Michael Omartian Lead Guitar, Soloist – Jay Graydon, Phil Keaggy Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals – Michael And Stormie Omartian Mastered By – Bernie Grundman Photography By [Back Cover] – Harry Langdon Photography By, Layout – Bob Anderson Producer, Arranged By – Michael Omartian Programmed By [Synthesizer] – Stephen Hague Saxophone – Jackie Kelso Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Soloist – Kim Hutchcroft Trombone – Lou McCreary Trumpet – Chuck Finley, Steve Madeao Written-By – Stormie And Michael Omartian
Companies, etc. Recorded At – Jennifudy Studios Recorded At – Hollywood Central Recorders Mixed At – Hollywood Sound Recorders Mastered At – A&M Mastering Studios Produced For – Rhema Productions
This is the 1994 CD re-release of the Randy Stonehill album “The Sky Is Falling”. Larry seemed to take forever to re-release this album on CD but let’s remember that the album was originally recorded in 1977 but Larry didn’t get around to releasing it until 1980. This album marked the end of the relationship between Randy and Larry as they went their separate ways. It’s never been confirmed but I think we can pretty well assume the friendship ended because Larry was seeing Randy’s wife behind his back. Again I’m not saying that was the reason but I think it’s a safe assumption. The album has a couple stand out tracks, “The Great American Cure” is one of Larry’s great comedy tunes and my favourite track is “Trouble Coming”, a great Rock & Roll tune. Tom Howard is all over the album on keyboards and you can hear his great work very clear. The CD features bonus material none of which really stood out for me but perhaps the better mix of “Teen King”. The Greenbelt performance of “Good News” was also a pleasant surprise.
Tracklist
1 – One True Love – 4:17
2 – Bad Fruit – 5:08
3 – Jamey’s Got The Blues – 4:08
4 – Through The Glass Darkly – 5:53
5 – The Great American Cure – 3:59
6 – Venezuela – 7:01
7 – Emily – 5:41
8 – Trouble Coming – 4:48
9 – Counterfeit King [Alternate Mix] – 5:16
10 – Teen King [Alternate Mix] – 4:42
11 – Postcards From The Heart [Letter To My Family] – 5:19
12 – King Of Hearts [The Orchestral Version] – 3:14
13 – Good News [Live From Greenbelt] – 4:54
Credits
Acoustic Guitar – Larry Norman, Randy Stonehill
Arranged By – Larry Norman
Artwork – Larry Norman
Autoharp – Larry Norman
Backing Vocals – Sarah Finch
Bass – Dave Coy
Bass – Billy Batstone
Design – Larry Norman
Drums – Alex MacDougall, Peter Johnson
Electric Bass – Larry Norman
Electric Guitar – Jon Linn, Larry Norman, Randy Stonehill
Engineer – Andrew “Just Like That” Johns, Ken Suesov
Graphics – Heidi And Co. Graphics
Graphics [Graphic Printing] – Dan Meireis
Harmonica – Larry Norman
Harmony Vocals – Larry Norman, Randy Stonehill
Keyboards – Tom Howard
Koto – Larry Norman
Layout [CD Booklet] – Makasiyowin, Overmeyer
Lead Vocals – Randy Stonehill
Marimba – Larry Norman
Mixed By – Ken Suesov
Orchestra – Tom Howard
Percussion – Alex MacDougall
Photography – Larry Norman
Piano – Larry Norman, Tom Howard
Producer – Larry Norman
Slide Guitar – Jon Linn
Songwriter – Randy Stonehill
Steel Drums – Larry Norman
Synth [Moog] – Tom Howard
Vocals – Steve Scott
Companies, etc.
Published By – King Of Hearts
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Solid Rock Records
Copyright (c) – Solid Rock Records
Copyright (c) – Street Level Records
Manufactured By – Creative Sound Corp.
Distributed By – Sonrise Music Co.
Printed By – L. Grafix
Glass Mastered At – Technicolor – 100944
This is the 1994 CD re-release of the Randy Stonehill album “The Sky Is Falling”. Larry seemed to take forever to re-release this album on CD but let’s remember that the album was originally recorded in 1977 but Larry didn’t get around to releasing it until 1980. This album marked the end of the relationship between Randy and Larry as they went their separate ways. It’s never been confirmed but I think we can pretty well assume the friendship ended because Larry was seeing Randy’s wife behind his back. Again I’m not saying that was the reason but I think it’s a safe assumption. The album has a couple stand out tracks, “The Great American Cure” is one of Larry’s great comedy tunes and my favourite track is “Trouble Coming”, a great Rock & Roll tune. Tom Howard is all over the album on keyboards and you can hear his great work very clear. The CD features bonus material none of which really stood out for me but perhaps the better mix of “Teen King”. The Greenbelt performance of “Good News” was also a pleasant surprise.
Tracklist 1 – One True Love – 4:17 2 – Bad Fruit – 5:08 3 – Jamey’s Got The Blues – 4:08 4 – Through The Glass Darkly – 5:53 5 – The Great American Cure – 3:59 6 – Venezuela – 7:01 7 – Emily – 5:41 8 – Trouble Coming – 4:48 9 – Counterfeit King [Alternate Mix] – 5:16 10 – Teen King [Alternate Mix] – 4:42 11 – Postcards From The Heart [Letter To My Family] – 5:19 12 – King Of Hearts [The Orchestral Version] – 3:14 13 – Good News [Live From Greenbelt] – 4:54
Credits Acoustic Guitar – Larry Norman, Randy Stonehill Arranged By – Larry Norman Artwork – Larry Norman Autoharp – Larry Norman Backing Vocals – Sarah Finch Bass – Dave Coy Bass – Billy Batstone Design – Larry Norman Drums – Alex MacDougall, Peter Johnson Electric Bass – Larry Norman Electric Guitar – Jon Linn, Larry Norman, Randy Stonehill Engineer – Andrew “Just Like That” Johns, Ken Suesov Graphics – Heidi And Co. Graphics Graphics [Graphic Printing] – Dan Meireis Harmonica – Larry Norman Harmony Vocals – Larry Norman, Randy Stonehill Keyboards – Tom Howard Koto – Larry Norman Layout [CD Booklet] – Makasiyowin, Overmeyer Lead Vocals – Randy Stonehill Marimba – Larry Norman Mixed By – Ken Suesov Orchestra – Tom Howard Percussion – Alex MacDougall Photography – Larry Norman Piano – Larry Norman, Tom Howard Producer – Larry Norman Slide Guitar – Jon Linn Songwriter – Randy Stonehill Steel Drums – Larry Norman Synth [Moog] – Tom Howard Vocals – Steve Scott
Companies, etc. Published By – King Of Hearts Phonographic Copyright (p) – Solid Rock Records Copyright (c) – Solid Rock Records Copyright (c) – Street Level Records Manufactured By – Creative Sound Corp. Distributed By – Sonrise Music Co. Printed By – L. Grafix Glass Mastered At – Technicolor – 100944
The last album to feature the original (at least recorded version) members of Kansas. It is also the first “post-conversion” Kansas album for band leader Kerry Livgren. Lead singer Steve Walsh would soon leave the band to pursue solo ventures. It was also considered that his departure was influenced by the increasing Christian content presented by Livgren and supported by two other recent Christian converts in the band. The album shows a disjointed vision with Livgren’s distinctly Christian content and Walsh’s decidedly worldly lyrical influence. But Walsh was a very special vocalist and hearing him sing Livgren’s work is compelling. He also stayed around long enough to work on the demos for the follow-up album (Vinyl Confessions) and I do have copies of those demos. AV has all the trademarks and trappings of Kansas with progressive, classically influenced rock epics filled with progressive time signature changes, creative arrangements, violin interludes and thought provoking lyrical images. It also contains what could be Livgren’s finest Christian song on a Kansas project, No One Together. Clocking in at nearly seven minutes this song should rank along with Portrait (He Knew), Song For America, Journey from Mariabronn and Magnum Opus in Kansas “epic” lore.
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Relentless – 4:55 2 – Anything For You – 3:56 3 – Hold On – 3:45 4 – Loner – 2:26 5 – Curtain Of Iron – 6:08 6 – Got To Rock On – 3:19 7 – Don’t Open Your Eyes – 4:03 8 – No One Together – 6:54 9 – No Room For A Stranger – 2:55 10 – Back Door – 4:20
Credits A&R [Correspondence] – Brad Lentz Bass, Vocals – Dave Hope Co-producer, Engineer – Brad Aaron, Davy Moire Crew – Clay Schell, Jerry Gilleland, Merle McLain, Steve “The Count” Venezia Design [Album], Art Direction, Illustration [Additional] – Tom Drennon Design Concept [Album] – Kansas Drums, Percussion, Vocals – Phil Ehart Engineer [Assistant] – Greg Webster Guitar, Keyboards, Percussion, Vocals – Kerry Livgren Guitar, Percussion, Vocals – Rich Williams Illustration – Peter Lloyd Keyboards, Vibraphone [Vibes], Percussion, Lead Vocals – Steve Walsh Management – Budd Carr Mastered By – George Marino Photography By [Inner Sleeve] – Exley Producer – Kansas Technician [Studio Assistance] – Jerry Gilleland, Count Venezia Violin, Viola, Lead Vocals – Robby Steinhardt Voice [Additional], Sounds – Donna Williams, Joey Jelf, Lisa White, Terry Ehart, The Four Bassmen, Vicci Livgren Written-By – Hope (tracks: B2), Livgren (tracks: A1, A3, A5, B2, B3), Ehart (tracks: B2), Williams (tracks: B2, B4), Walsh (tracks: A2, A4, B1, B2, B4, B5)
Companies, etc. Recorded At – Axis Sound Studio Mixed At – Axis Sound Studio Mastered At – Sterling Sound Pressed By – Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Pitman Record Company – Don Kirshner Entertainment Corp. Distributed By – CBS Records Distributed By – CBS Inc. Published By – Don Kirshner Music Published By – Blackwood Music Publishing Published By – CBS Music Publishing Phonographic Copyright (p) – CBS Inc. Copyright (c) – Corn & Blood, Inc.
Everything that was wrong about the Christian Music industry in the early 80’s rears its ugly head on the classic gem that is a legitimate AYSO. Take an impressive rock vocalist (who would later form the band Avion) have him record killer rock and progressive rock songs but hide the guts in the mix, put the guy a late 70’s leisure suit and put seat him on a throw rug in front of a glowing fire. Ugh! What should have been the North American introduction of a great rocker in the vein of The Eagles “Long Run” ended up being a forgotten and overlooked cut out bin regular. Find this album and get it! There are no mediocre songs and, in fact, some amazing tunes throughout. One of the songs that Avion would later cover is a more commercial version of “I Need You,” a song that should have been a Christian Rock hit. The nearly 6 minute “Lady of the Night” is a rare progressive rock delight in CCM. Even the ballads on this release are worthy of consideration, especially the mid-tempo “Cry From an Absent Friend.” Waller would later appear as a guest vocalist on a David Zaffiro (Bloodgood) solo project.
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – I Need You – 4:25 2 – Cry From An Absent Friend – 4:30 3 – Midnight Fire – 2:50 4 – Lady Of The Night – 5:48 5 – Mum ‘N’ The Kids – 4:06 6 – Always Waiting – 3:56 7 – Made For Me – 2:58 8 – Morning Star – 6:05
Credits Co-producer, Guitar, Lead Vocals – Randall Waller Engineer – Joe Bellamy Engineer [Assistant] – Mark Heard, Tom Trafethan Engineer [Assitant] – Gary Bonar, Hal Sacks Mixed By – Joe Bellamy (tracks: 2-8), Tom Trafethan (tracks: 1) Producer – Jon Linn
Here is another artist that I can find very little information on. Stewart & Kyle were Alistair Stewart and Chris Kyle and this was actually their 3rd album. They actually had 5 albums so I am surprised I can’t find any info on them. It appears the album was also only released in the U.K., though I’m not positive of that. The album was released in 1980 and there appears to have been a CD release in 1989 but again I can’t prove that. I really hate it when I can’t tell you anything about an album but someone asked if we could post it so we are doing it. The album is Easy Listening / AOR and is really good. This isn’t my preferred style of music but I have to admit I listened to this album a couple times as it is really well done. I’m looking forward to finding more of their albums as I quite liked this one.
Tracklist 1 – Keep On – 4:10 2 – What Will Life Bring For Me – 3:05 3 – Hopelessly Confused – 3:58 4 – I Wish I Had All My Tomorrows – 2:36 5 – I Want To Go Home – 4:07 6 – Star – 3:02 7 – In A World – 3:19 8 – Left, Right – 3:20 9 – One Way Or Another – 4:03 10 – Robin’s Song – 4:06 11 – So Many Talk Of Love – 2:28 12 – Many Miles – 3:30
Credits Written-By – Stewart & Kyle
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Parchment Music Ltd Copyright (c) – Marshall Morgan & Scott Phonographic Copyright (p) – Pilgrim Records Copyright (c) – Pilgrim Records
Jan Groth was an artist out of Norway. In the early 70’s he was in a very successful secular band called Aunt Mary. In 1980 he released this his first Christian album. I do not believe this album was released outside of Norway so you may not have heard this one. It has a great late 70’s early 80’s rock feel to it. Don’t worry, no hint of disco and it also does not sound like the usual 70’s Jesus music. Unfortunately Jan passed away in 2014 but we have lots more of his music to hear. He released 4 more albums in the 80’s and many more over the later years.
Tracklist 1 – Peace Like A River – 4:04 2 – Count On Me – 4:18 3 – Mighty Good Friend – 3:38 4 – Let Me Feel Your Lovely Presence – 4:15 5 – Good To Know – 3:09 6 – Hear It Once Again – 4:05 7 – Friend Of Friends – 4:26 8 – Turn Around – 3:10 9 – In The Shelter Of Your Love – 4:22 10 – Thanks To Your Love – 3:04
Credits Arranged By, Conductor, Bass, Backing Vocals – Svein Gundersen Backing Vocals – Aleksandra N. Sandøy Drums, Percussion – Bruce Rasmussen Electric Guitar – Bjørn Christiansen Engineer – Alf Emil Eik, Andy Kidd Keyboards – Geir Langslet Music By, Lyrics By, Arranged By, Backing Vocals – Jan Groth
