If you’re a fan of the current or recent offerings from NewSong you might be surprised by this album. This was their first album but it wasn’t on a label. Instead they actually self released it. It is almost all covers so there is no way a record company would have even touched it. The band was founded at Morningside Baptist Church in Valdosta, Georgia and I am guessing they never knew what they would become. Like I said this album is almost entirely covers and it is rather obvious they were going for that Imperials sound and feel. This album is a bit of a contrast from their later stuff but it’s nice to hear where it all started for them.
Tracklist 1 – I Will Glory In The Cross – 3:46 2 – Oh Buddah – 3:05 3 – Something Right – 2:18 4 – God’s Way – 3:41 5 – Swing Low/Swing Down Chariot – 2:41 6 – Rise Again – 3:28 7 – Questions – 3:26 8 – You Are My Everything – 3:18 9 – No Shortage – 3:10 10 – Your First Day In Heaven – 1:24
This is the first album form David Baroni. I didn’t hear of him in the 80’s so this is my first exposure to him. He actually had 11 albums so I’m kind of surprised I hadn’t at least heard of him. His style is not my preferred genre so I’m not surprised I hadn’t listened to him but I should have at least heard of him. His albums were on relatively small labels so I guess that could be the reason. As for this album it appears it was initially released on Gary Paxton’s own label but then appears to have been picked up by LifeStream Records which was a division of Calvary Records. Anyway that’s the history of the album ad as for the album it is a very Easy Listening effort but is pretty well done. The one upbeat track “Mr. Money” actually isn’t too bad and quite frankly I would have loved to hear Stonehill cover it. The album did have a charting single, “We Need To Meet Them There” made it to #24.
Tracklist 1 – From The Heart – 3:42 2 – Are You Reachin’ Out – 3:23 3 – It Won’t Be Long (‘Til We’re Home) – 4:40 4 – Soldier Of The Light – 3:59 5 – The Man You Thought You Already Knew – 4:39 6 – Port In The Ragin’ Storm – 3:25 7 – We Need To Meet Them There – 4:27 8 – At Your Door Knockin’ – 4:25 9 – Mr. Money – 3:14 10 – The Light That’s Always Burning – 5:08
Credits Arranged By – David Baroni, Gary Paxton Art Direction, Layout – Smokehouse Studio Engineer – Bob Whyley, Gary Paxton, Gene Rice, John Erickson, Mike Poston Photography By – Dill Beaty Producer – Gary Sanford Paxton Written-By – David P. Baroni
Here’s another 70’s band I can’t really find much info on. They were out of Hollywood PA and actually recorded 5 albums including this one. This was their last album and was not on a label. They are a very high quality 70’s band and I am again mystified by the lack of info about some bands from this era. It looks like they had a good run through the 70’s and even had a CCM single in 1979. But I think the title of this album summed up what they were feeling as they slipped out of the industry. As far as a favourite track goes it’s hands down “Lead On” which is a great 70’s rock tune that I wish I had heard back in 1981.
Tracklist 1 – Lead On – 3:57 2 – Jonathan – 4:15 3 – Pavilion – 5:45 4 – Feelings – 4:10 5 – Fear Not – 3:20 6 – Wrapped Up Tight – 3:45 7 – Because It’s True – 5:40 8 – And Comes A Time – 5:10
Credits Bass, Vocals – Don Swartzentruber Drums – Fred Miller Engineer – Don Horst Guitar, Vocals – Steve Walker Horns – Mike Crotty Keyboards, Vibraphone [Vibes], Vocals – Mark Adamy Producer – Daybreak
Companies, etc. Published By – Daybreak Inc. Published By – Between The Lines Music Recorded At – Atlantic Sound Productions Mixed At – Atlantic Sound Productions
From the outset it should be duly noted that this is my all time favorite album…ever! And now that the disclaimer has been provided let’s get on with the review. Before DA sounded the Alarma. Before Taylor built a Clone. Before the Choir, Lifesavers, Altar Boys or Undercover. There always has to be a first. And most often, the first is either soon forgotten or remains unknown for decades. This happens more often in Christian music because an artist is not only breaking down musical barriers, but spiritual and self-righteous one as well. If there was a Top 50 “Albums You Should Own, But Probably Don’t” this one would top the list. David Edwards’ self-title debut topped Campus Life Magazine as one of the best releases of the year at a time when Christian music was dominated by Amy Grant, Evie and the Sweet Comfort Band. Then along comes this little album on Myrrh Records with a pink rising sun backdrop and a guy wearing a loosened thin tie, looking either quite tired or possibly stoned. I was a Freshman in High school when the album came out and it was life changing. I wasn’t familiar with David Edwards’ history in Christian music at the time as I later discovered he played bass for J.C. Power Outlet and was friends with Keith Green, Larry Norman and Randy Stonehill. All i knew was that he looked pretty cool on the cover and Campus Life Magazine compared him to Elvis Costello. I bought the album as soon as I found a Christian Bookstore that was willing to carry it. I ended working at that same store a couple of years later. After listening to the first song I lifted the needle of the record and put in a tape to record it as I knew right away I would want to listen to this album everywhere I went. Three years later after the release of his follow-up album, “Get the Picture” I wrote a letter to him and told what an impact his first album had on me and that his lyrics had encouraged me to start publishing my poems and I sent a few of them along in the letter. Not only did he respond but began an occasional correspondence that continued for some time. Later that same year he performed at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa during one of their famous Saturday Night Concerts. I went up afterward and introduced myself and he in turned introduced me to the rest of his band who he had mentioned my letters to. I was overwhelmed. My wife and I even went to visit him in upper state New York several years ago on his farm and introduced me to a great recipe for scrambled eggs that remains a favorite in our household.
Contributor – David Lowman https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Best Friend – 2:13 2 – Rather Be Wrong – 2:26 3 – Commercial Suicide – 4:26 4 – Nagging Optimism – 2:39 5 – Hollywood High – 2:54 6 – The Getaway – 3:36 7 – Kicks – 2:44 8 – Disposable Love – 2:25 9 – The Tongue Is A Fire – 3:25 10 – Don’t Ever Say – 3:18 11 – Not Going To Fall Away – 3:11 12 – Song Of Wholeness – 3:24
Credits Art Direction – Art Hotel, Leo McIntire Drums – Craig Krampf Electric Bass – Eric Nelson Electric Guitar – Dan Jacob Electric Guitar, Sitar [Electric] – Ira Ingber Layout [Inner Sleeve], Design – Dennis Hill Organ [Hammond & Vox] – Dave Garland Piano, Synthesizer, Arranged By – Barry Kaye Producer – Buddy King Recorded By, Mixed By – Bill Bottrell, David Marquette, Mitch Gibson Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion, Arranged By – David Edwards
I knew Fletch better as a producer than a performer. In fact I had no idea he had even released any albums until I stumbled on this one. While I absolutely love his work as a producer I’m not so excited with his performer role. It’s not that this album is bad it’s just that it’s not that good. I have seen this quite a few times when a producer tries to release their own album. That said the album is a little more easy listening than the cover would imply though the trumpet should have gave it away. The album has covers of both “Are You Ready?” by Pacific Gas & Electric and People Get Ready by The Impressions/Curtis Mayfield. Both covers are okay but nothing special. Of course after Darrell Mansfield covered People Get Ready all other covers pale in comparison.
Tracklist 1 – Fiesta – 6:30 2 – Are You Ready – 3:53 3 – Started Right – 4:01 4 – I Am That I Am – 3:51 5 – Nightwatch – 6:14 6 – People Get Ready – 4:30 7 – Joy Dance – 4:31 8 – On My Way Home – 5:53
Credits Backing Vocals – Andrae Crouch, Charity McCrary, Howard McCrary, Linda McCrary, The McCrary’s Bass – Abraham Laboriel Drums – Bill Maxwell Engineer – Brian Tankersley Flugelhorn, Trumpet, Flute, Clavinet – Fletch Wiley Guitar – Hadley Hockensmith, Jerry McPherson Keyboards – Harlan Rogers, Larry Muhoberac Mastered By – Greg Calbi Mixed By – Brian Tankersley, Fletch Wiley Percussion – Alex Acuña Producer, Arranged By – Fletch Wiley Synthesizer – Paul Mills
This is Steve’s 3rd album. It is a little more uptempo than his previous release but for the main part follows right along with his previous work. It contains one of Steve’s best known songs, “Run to the Battle”. Keith Thomas wrote or co wrote several tracks and you can hear his heavy influence on the album. I going to have to classify this album as “also came out in 1981” but really it deserves more recognition than that as it is a pretty good album.
Tracklist 1 – Jesus On Our Side – 3:25 2 – Gimme What It Takes – 3:29 3 – Farther And Higher – 3:16 4 – Jesus Drawing Me – 4:12 5 – The Net Of Peter – 4:10 6 – Thank You – 3:25 7 – The Only Story (Written In My Life) – 2:36 8 – You Just Talk To Me – 3:40 9 – Run To The Battle – 3:46 10 – Back In The Furnace – 4:48 11 – For Every Man – 1:20
Credits Richard Achor – Engineer Joane Anderson – Background Vocals John Bolt – Engineer Steve Camp – Songwriter, Acoustic Guitar, Acoustic Piano, Lead and Background Vocals Danny Carden – Handclaps Doana Cooper – Background Vocals Diana DeWitt Hanna – Background Vocals Steve Dokken – Bass Jerry Evans – Handclaps Carol Frazier – Songwriter Rob Frazier – Songwriter Sonny Garrish – Steel Guitar Jon Goin – Acoustic and Electric Guitars Randy Hammel – Synthesizer Mark Hammond – Drums Ben Harris – Engineer Don Hart – String Arranger Randy Holland – Engineer Russ Hollingsworth – Songwriter Neal Joseph – Executive Producer Paul Libman – Horn Arranger Kenny Malone – Drums Howard McCrary – Songwriter, Wurlitzer, Acoustic Piano, Fender Rhodes, Synthesizer, Organ, Background Vocals Terry McMillan – Percussion Hank Neuberger – Co-Producer, Engineer, Songwriter Larry Paxton – Bass Gary Pigg – Background Vocals Denis Solee – Flutes, Saxophone Russ Taff – Duet and Background Vocals Diane Thiel – Background Vocals Kevin Thiel – Background Vocals Denise Thomas – Songwriter, Handclaps Keith Thomas – Producer, Songwriter, Fender Rhodes, Acoustic Piano, Handclaps, Background Vocals D. Bergen White – String Arranger Hank Williams – Mastered Bob Wray – Bass
Gabriel is Robin Lyle and Jeff Walter. I actually can’t find much info on them which I find odd as they actually had 4 albums. This particular album was self released which I also find odd as it is easily good enough to have been picked up by a label. Tim Sheppard produced the album and did a really good job. The album cover isn’t exactly indicative of the album but I will give them a break as it was self released. It had a nice late 70’s pop feel and I quite enjoyed it though it does lean to easy listening on several tracks. Anyway, if you missed this one in 1981, and I’m guessing you did, give it a listen, it’s actually a pretty good album.
Tracklist 1 – You Rescued Me – 3:45 2 – Alive For A Purpose – 3:40 3 – A Heart That’s True – 3:50 4 – All Like Sheep – 5:00 5 – Now I Can Fly – 3:20 6 – I Found A Friend – 3:40 7 – Alone Tonight – 5:00 8 – Wouldn’t It Be Wonderful – 3:55 9 – How Much Longer – 4:15
Credits Rohn Bailey – Background Vocals Bud Guin – Guitar Robin Lyle – Songwriter, Vocals Ruby Lyle – Songwriter Jerry McPherson – Guitar Bob Peeples – Engineer Jake Pittman – Associate Producer, Engineer, Bass, Background Vocals Smitty Price – Piano, Synthesizer Tim Sheppard – Producer, Engineer, Piano, Organ, Background Vocals Brad Smith – Drums, Percussion Bill Tillman – Soprano Sax, Flute Jeff Walter – Songwriter, Vocals Hank Williams – Mastered
Phillip Sandifer wrote and recorded this album while a student at University Of Texas at Austin. It was recorded on a very tight budget and Phil retained the rights to the album. Retaining the rights to his music is something Phil was well known for and was due in part to his relationship with his godfather, Dallas lawyer Shannon Jones who helped bring the Buddy Holly bill. This effort to retain rights doesn’t appear to have hurt his career as he was very successful. This album was self released but some sort of deal was cut with Urgent records for it to be released on their label. This is a great easy listening album and was very popular for very good reason.
Tracklist 1 – Detour – 3:06 2 – Always Have The Time – 2:56 3 – You Are The Cause – 2:54 4 – Lessons – 3:54 5 – Given Back To You – 1:28 6 – Open Up – 2:59 7 – Another Day – 2:38 8 – Simply I Love You – 3:47 9 – Never Steal The Show – 2:49 10 – Purity – 4:18
Credits Arranged By, Orchestrated By, Backing Vocals, Conductor, Producer – Gary Powell Art Direction – Steve Freeman Backing Vocals – Chris Crawford, Mike Sandifer, Tom Cantrell Bass – Spencer Starnes Cello – Mary Ann Dresser Drums – John Treanor Guitar – Mark Lang Guitar, Backing Vocals, Engineer, Producer – Larry Seyer Guitar, Backing Vocals, Written-By, Composed By – Phillip Sandifer Keyboards – Bill Ginn, Neil Pederson, Tony Taliaferro Mastered By – Stan Ricker Percussion – James Fenner Photography By – Sandy Wilson Viola – Doug Tabony, Ed Lawrence, Shirley Blair Violin – Dorothy Goodenough Woodwind – John Mills
This is the fourth album for Petra. It marked a pretty substantial shake up in the band. First we had the departure of Rob Frazier then Mark Kelly and John Slick joined the band. This album also marked Greg X. Volz’s taking on full time vocal duties. I assume all these changes were as a result of the poor showing of the previous album “Washes Whiter Than”. Personally I think this was the best lineup the band had. The album was more Rock oriented than their previous work and most pf the 70’s sound is gone. “The Coloring Song” was a huge success reaching #1 and is commonly heard in worship services to this day. That said it is not representative of what is actually a Rock album. I read that the band toured in support of Servant for this album but I distinctly remember them being the main act when I saw them in 1981 but I can’t remember who the opening act was. Point of trivia, the album cover was the first with Petra’s signature flying guitar.
Tracklist 1 – The Coloring Song – 2:52 2 – Chameleon – 5:47 3 – Angel Of Light – 4:21 4 – Killing My Old Man – 3:46 5 – Without Him We Can Do Nothing – 3:26 6 – Never Say Die – 3:42 7 – I Can Be Friends With You – 4:12 8 – For Annie – 4:24 9 – Father Of Lights – 3:02 10 – Praise Ye The Lord – 3:18
Credits Arranged By [Track Arrangements] – Jonathan David Brown, Petra Bass, Backing Vocals – Mark Kelly Drums, Percussion – Keith Edwards Guitar – Bob Hartman Illustration – Randy Rogers Keyboards, Backing Vocals – John Slick Layout – Mary Ann Smith Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals – Greg X. Volz Mastered By – Steve Hall Percussion – Alex MacDougall Photography By [Sleeve] – Diane McLaughlin Producer, Engineer, Mixed By – Jonathan David Brown Trombone – Joe Miller Trumpet – Bob Welborn
Companies, etc. Recorded At – Rivendell Sound Recorders Overdubbed At – Martinsound, Whitefield Studios Mixed At – Whitefield Studios Mastered At – MCA Whitney Recording Studios Manufactured By – Word Records Limited
I’m guessing you didn’t know that 3 members of Darrell Mansfield’s early 80’s band came together with Jim West to put out an album. Producer Freddie Piro cut the album and started shopping it around. Atlantic records jumped at the album and here it is. The album has Christian songs on it so I find it a little odd that Atlantic grabbed it. Anyway it was released with no fanfare and did appropriately well and this was the last we heard from Fortress. I doubt it was helped by the Christian overtones and the outright Christian track “Back On The Path”. I really wish a Christian label had grabbed this album. I’m guessing that almost none of you ever heard this album which is a real pity because the album is actually really good. Eric’s guitar work reflects his style of that era though you won’t feel any Darrell Mansfield influences. This is a straight up commercial sounding album that I stumbled on and boy am I glad I did. You have to at least give the first track a listen which was also the single.
Tracklist 1 – Hands In The Till – 3:20 2 – How Do I Exist – 3:42 3 – Comin’ After You – 3:46 4 – Requiem – 4:25 5 – Kisses – 3:51 6 – Let’s Do It Again – 3:24 7 – Breakin’ Free – 4:31 8 – Carry Me Back – 4:05 9 – Back On The Path – 5:16 10 – Mystery – 3:51
Credits Acoustic Guitar – Snuffy Walden Bass, Backing Vocals – Charlie Souza Coordinator [Production] – Teri Piro Drums, Percussion – Donny Vosburgh Guitar, Backing Vocals – Eric Turner Illustration – Tina Nichols Illustration [Concept], Producer – Freddie Piro Keyboards – Gabriel Katona Keyboards [Additional] – Duane Hitchings, Rich Gibbs Layout [Back Cover], Design [Logo] – Dan Lienart Mixed By, Recorded By, Percussion [Additional] – Larry Brown Mixed By, Recorded By, Producer [Additional] – Win Kutz Percussion [Additional], Producer – Larry Brown Photography By – David Alexander Vocals [Additional] – Gary Falcone, Ronn Price Vocals, Backing Vocals – Jim West
