Peter had performed as a studio musician in the 70’s and 80’s and in his whole career he appears on over 100 albums. Strangely though this is his only personal album. You may know Peter better as the CEO of Sparrow Records and Capitol Christian Music Group. He was involved with Sparrow records in some form for 37 years and just retired in 2020. Anyway back to the album. It was only released in Australia and only on cassette so I am guessing most people have never heard it. It was recorded in 1983 after Peter was able to find a benefactor to pay for the studio time. Peter put together a pretty good team of relatively unknown studio musicians and the album turned out great. I’m actually quite confused that this album didn’t get picked up as it is really good and as Peter was connected in the industry. Oh well thankfully the album is on the internet for us to enjoy today.
Tracklist 1 – Key To My Heart 2 – I’m Alone 3 – Lovely Smile 4 – It’s All Right 5 – On This Day 6 – Noonkanbah 7 – Close To The Bone 8 – Blow Your House Away 9 – Willie’s Blues 10 – So Good To Be Alive
Credits Martin Zammit – drums Duane Mitchell – bass. Graham McCoy – guitar Jordie Young – flute, vocals Les Price – keyboards Rowan Shinkfield – bass on “Willie’s Blues” Peter Fiddler – guitar on “Blow Your House Away”
After the official breakup of After The Fire Andy Piercy hit the studio for a solo album with Producer John Eden. They had some material left over from the final days of ATF so that’s where they started. The album was to be called Free Heat which was an anagram of After The Fire, with the missing letters creating the word “rift”. Musicians who worked on the album with Piercy and Mal Pope included Roger Taylor (Queen), Henry Spinetti & Bob Jenkins – drums, John Giblin & Andy – bass, Alan Murphy & John Russell – guitar, Adrian Lee – keys. Mal Pope and John Russell both did some backing vocals. CBS released “8 Ball in the Top Pocket” (b-side “Deep Waters Still Run”) as a single and it did not get any airplay. They also pressed an extended version of the single but they ditched it before the release though some copies did sneak out. Work on the album had begun to get difficult as the demos were not turning into the tracks Piercy wished for. Then towards the end of recording, the producer, John Eden, told Piercy that he “didn’t like” any of the styles, bands or writers he was aspiring to. The whole project was dropped by CBS and was never released. Piercy recalls “I think they could have been good but I now realize I didn’t get the production help and direction I needed at the time.” Okay that’s enough of the history lesson so now my opinion. The choice of “8 Ball In The Top Pocket” was absolutely the wrong choice. Then they put “Deep Waters Still Run” on the B side which was even a worse decision. Everyone involved in the project knew the single was “Stop Go” followed up by “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place” but CBS didn’t care what all the talent thought. Now as for the album as a whole I actually think I agree with Andy that there were production problems. Normally this is where I would scream and yell about the mix but in this case it’s not the mix that is the problem. Actually I think the production is fantastic BUT the problem is that the tracks were mixed in different styles. I feel that there is 3 distinctly different sounds here. I think they’re all good but the album doesn’t have that continuity that great albums have. That said I believe producer John Eden did a good job but it just didn’t work out. One last gripe was the choice of the album name being a negative attitude towards After The Fire. In my opinion that just wasn’t called for or appropriate and knowing that Andy and Peter Banks were still trying to be friends it was in poor taste.
Tracklist 1 – Stop Go – 4:36 2 – We Gotta Get Out Of This Place – 4:44 3 – Terry – 6:20 4 – Young Love – 4:32 5 – Deep Waters Still Run – 4:13 6 – 8 Ball In The Top Pocket – 5:04 7 – Break Out – 4:53 8 – One Down For The Highway – 4:12 9 – Jewel In The Night – 4:52 10 – 4th Street Room 101 – 4:23
Credits Artwork By [Design] – Roslav Backing Vocals – Mal Pope, John Russell Bass – John Giblin, Andy Piercy Drums – Roger Taylor, Heny Spinetti, Bob Jenkins Guitar – Alan Murphy, John Russell Keyboards – Adrian Lee Photography By – Eric Watson Producer – Andy Piercy, John Eden Vocals – Andy Piercy
After living the previous decade as the overtly sexual queen of disco Donna Summer entered the 80s experimenting with a few different musical styles and appeared to have lost herself in the wandering. With return to her roots with more of an 80-‘s pop/rock edge, a ferocious vocal delivery and a new born again spirit Donna Summer released one of the biggest albums in her lengthy career entitled “She Works Hard for the Money.” My little Christian bookstore was probably the second store in the country to carry it after I saw it being sold at Maranatha Village. I grabbed a copy immediately, both out of fascination and also to see if it was something I could convince my bosses to carry. Once you get past the often misunderstood innuendo of the opening cut’s title and realized that it actually is a powerful, woman endorsing tribute the rest of the album was an easy fit. “He’s a Rebel” is clearly a testimonial song about her new found faith in the “rebel” Jesus Christ and has a decidedly more rock edge and clearly influenced by producer Michael Omartian. “Unconditional Love” featured popular reggae sensation “Musical Youth.” The song would later receive a punk remodel when covered by Christian punk/rock band the Altar Boys. Another mainstay in Christian Music circles, Matthew Ward (2nd Chapter of Acts) does a duet on “Love Has a Mind of It’s Own” and, as a result, received some pretty good reception of Christian radio. Summer would continue to add more Gospel tinged lyrics to future releases but would not match the success or create such an overall realized album of Christian content.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – She Works Hard For The Money – 5:19 2 – Stop, Look And Listen – 5:46 3 – He’s A Rebel – 4:22 4 – Woman – 4:19 5 – Unconditional Love – 4:41 6 – Love Has A Mind Of Its Own – 4:16 7 – Tokyo – 4:25 8 – People, People – 4:38 9 – I Do Believe (I Fell In Love) – 4:34
Credits Art Direction, Design – Chris Whorf Backing Vocals – Dara Lynn Bernard, Mary E. Bernard, Matthew Ward, Roberta Kelly Bass – Nathan East Concertmaster – Assa Drori Congas – Lenny Castro Coordinator [Production] – Yvonne Garcia Drum Programming [Simmons] – John Gilston Drums – Mike Baird Engineer [Assistant] – Larry Fergusson, Ross Pallone Horns – Charlie Loper*, Chuck Findley, Dick Hyde, Gary Grant, Jerry Hey Liner Notes – Donna Mastered By [A&M] – Bernie Grundman Mastered By [Future Disc] – Steve Hall Photography By – Harry Langdon Piano, Synthesizer – Michael Omartian Producer, Arranged By – Michael Omartian Programmed By [Synthesizers] – Michael Boddicker Recorded By, Mixed By – John Guess
Diller & Anderson are Ronnie Lee Diller and Steve Anderson. The duo met up in 1975 and soon after started a band called Radiance. Radiance enjoyed some success in the NW USA but never put an album out. In 1980 the guys left the band to work as a duo. They quickly recorded this album and self released it. The album starts out early 80’s country rock but then transitions to more of an early 80’s easy listening album. All in all it’s a pretty good album and I’m pretty sure we would have been happy listening to this one in 1983 if it had been available to us. As I understand it their next 2 albums are much more rock oriented but I haven’t heard either of them yet but I am looking forward to hearing them.
Tracklist 1 – Fallin’ Fallin’ – 3:20 2 – Hearts A Fire – 3:32 3 – Annabelle – 3:52 4 – Valuable – 3:12 5 – Tarnished Treasures – 4:35 6 – Makebeliever – 4:05 7 – Sweet Jesus – 3:14 8 – The Way, The Truth & The Life – 3:17 9 – Echo Of Your Voice – 3:35 10 – Everybody’s Gonna Bow To Him – 4:30
This is the final album from the Barratt Band. The lineup changed slightly from their first album with Dave Engel replacing Russell Caldwell on drums. This album is fantastic as was their first one and it is the epitome of what my group of friends listened to in 1983. Of course we didn’t actually listen to this one because it as only released in the UK and NZ & Australia. Why their albums were not released in North America is completely beyond me. They both are excellent and I’m positive would have sold well. The sound is a Pop Rock sound and I guarantee you’ll enjoy this one.
Tracklist 1 – December – 6:13 2 – Stereo – 6:28 3 – Computer Failure – 2:52 4 – Loud Silence – 5:09 5 – Play My Guitar – 5:39 6 – Exit Through Exit – 3:07 7 – Being Alive – 3:17 8 – The Voice – 7:32
Credits Bass – Dave Markee, Les Williams Drums – Dave Engels Engineer – Derek Murray Guitar, Vocals – Norman Barratt Keyboards – Dave Morris Producer – Norman Barratt Written-By – Dave Morris, Norman Barratt
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Chapel Lane Productions Distributed By – Concorde Productions
There’s not much to say about this album because no one knows anything about this band. They self released this 4 track EP in 1983 though it has a 70’s sound and feel. It’s pretty good but probably a bit dated in 1983. And that’s it, I can’t tell you anymore, I don’t even know who’s in the band. Even David Lowman has no info on this album and if he has no info then there’s none to be had. So if you are 70’s style loved this one is definitely for you.
Tracklist 1 – Creation Crowned – 5:18 2 – My Son – 3:30 3 – Reach Out – 4:53 4 – Words Create – 3:15
Credits Producer – Dan Westerbeck, Rapid Flight
Companies, etc. Pressed By – Artist’s Recording Co. – 830443
You are probably aware of the group One Truth but you may not be aware of them when they changed their name to Ipso Facto. I was kind of wondering why they would use a different name for this EP but I think it’s because they wanted to do an album with an 80’s Pop sound without having their previous sound hung around their necks. But I’m left bewildered at why they self produced and released this EP and couldn’t find a label to release it. These guys were established musicians in the industry and should have had no problem with finding someone to release this album. They were previously with Greentree Records and while this album wasn’t the style of album Greentree were releasing at that point in the 80’s but they were owned by Benson who had all sorts of labels that could have released this album. Oh well anyway you should give this EP a quick listen, it has a solid 80’s sound and the track “Michael” will be going into my regular rotation.
Tracklist 1 – Michael – 5:20 2 – Who Will You Blame – 4:50 3 – Heartmaker – 3:37 4 – Multiple Choice – 5:56
Credits Bass – Glen Holmen Bass, Vocals – Andrew Osbrink Drums, Percussion, Vocals – William Dragoo Guitar, Vocals – David John Etzen Keyboards – Smitty Price Lead Vocals, Guitar – Randall Butler Piano, Vocals – Terry Butler
This was a great album that came out in 2014. It is a studio recording of work form the band back in 1983 before they were known to most of us. I’m a little unclear of what this recording session was. It has a few covers so it would have been difficult to release as a demo or as an album legally. That said I’m sure glad years later someone released it. The album is very raw as it was recorded by engineer David Vaught with direct to two-track tape and no overdubs. Because of this it has a great raw feeling and if you listen closely you can even hear some conversation in the background on a track or two. It’s too bad it took until 2014 but at least it did get released.
Tracklist 1 – Nothing Can Stop My Loving You – 1:58 2 – Jackson – 3:02 3 – Soap, Soup And Salvation – 4:11 4 – The Grapes Of Wrath – 2:33 5 – Dustbowl Depression Time – 2:46 6 – Rattlesnake Mama – 1:45 7 – Vigilante – 1:51 8 – Working Man’s Blues – 2:33 9 – Cactus Rose – 3:47 10 – When Love Comes Home To Stay – 3:07 11 – Cottonbelt – 3:10 12 – This World Is Not My Home – 2:30
Credits Art Direction, Design – Greg Allen Bass, Vocals – Marvin Etzioni Drums – Don Heffington Lead Guitar, Vocals – Ryan Hedgecock Mastered By – Bernie Grundman Producer – Lone Justice Producer [Associate] – Josh Mills Producer [This Release Produced By] – Cheryl Pawelski, Greg Allen Recorded By – David Vaught Rhythm Guitar, Vocal Percussion – Maria McKee
Lenny LeBlanc is a very interesting story. He was actually quite a successful secular artist in the 70’s and was under contract by Capitol Records. He had recorded and released the first of that 2 record contract in 1981. However also 1981 he became saved after having a talk with his newly saved friend who was, and I quote here “… a big-time drug smuggler”. Lenny subsequently wanted to do Christian music which Capitol Records wasn’t much interested in. They did however agree to release him from his contract of he could find someone to buy it out. The Christian music labels were certainly not interested in this so he was stuck being unable to do music and actually made a living doing stained glass which was another one of his skills. In 1983 it became obvious to Capitol that no one was going to buy out his contract so they agreed to release him. He immediately signed with Heartland Records and recorded this album. The album is a relatively easy listening 80’s pop album but there are a few pretty good upbeat tracks of which the best is probably “Give Your Heart To The Lord”. The single for the album was “Say A Prayer” which reached #9 on the CCM charts.
Tracklist 1 – Say A Prayer – 3:51 2 – Have Mercy – 3:59 3 – Preacher Man – 3:53 4 – Give Your Heart To The Lord – 3:12 5 – New Tomorrow – 3:45 6 – Angel Of The Lord – 3:33 7 – Asleep In The Boat – 4:02 8 – I Don’t Understand – 3:41 9 – Soul Searching – 3:37 10 – I Believe In You – 3:58
Credits Backing Vocals – Ava Aldridge, Cindy Richardson, Mac McAnally, Michele Pillar, Robert Byrne, Sherrie LeBlanc Bass – David Hood, David Hungate, Mike Brignardello Blues Harp – Bill Darnell Drums – Larrie Londin, Roger Hawkins Engineer – Gary Platt, Greg McNeily Engineer [Mixdown] – Gary Platt Guitar – Jon Goin, Wayne Perkins, Will McFarlane Keyboards – Clayton Ivey, Shane Keister, Steve Nathan Lacquer Cut By [JG in runouts] – Joe Gastwirt Management – Rip Pelley Percussion – Farrell Morris Producer, Backing Vocals – Jon Phelps Producer, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Guitar – Lenny LeBlanc Saxophone – Ronnie Eades
Well here’s the 1983 offering from the Talbot brothers. It’s pretty standard fare for them but there is a highlight on this album. The title track actually has an Eagles feel and it sounds like something from back in their Mason Proffit days. It’s actually good enough for me to add it to my regular rotation. The music may be Eagles but the lyrics are typical of what you would expect form them. That said this may actually be one of their best tracks since the Mason Proffit days.
Tracklist 1 – No Longer Strangers – 4:08 2 – He Is Risen – 2:42 3 – We Will Rise – 4:07 4 – Silence – 3:34 5 – Nature And Grace – 3:30 6 – Holy Father – 3:37 7 – Isaiah 58 – 5:06 8 – Lady Poverty – 4:10 9 – Hear Us Oh Lord – 4:10 10 – Few Be The Lovers – 4:22
Credits Arranged By [Orchestra] – Lee Holdridge Bass – Abraham Laboriel Cover – Stan Evenson Design Cover [Coordination] – B. Charlyne Hinesley Drums – Bill Maxwell Engineer – Darrel Powell, Mike Ross-Trevor Executive-Producer – Billy Ray Hearn Guitar, Vocals, Co-producer, Arranged By [Vocals] – John Michael Talbot, Terry Talbot Mastered By – Ken Pennell, Steve Hall Orchestra – National Philharmonic Orchestra Of London Performer – National Philharmonic Orchestra Of London Photography By – Mark Hanauer Written-By – John Michael Talbot, Terry Talbot
