1983 – Page 4 – Real 80s CCM

Shelter – Prophets And Clowns – 1983

There is very little information out there on this band. I’m a little surprised at this as the album was produced by Terry Taylor (Daniel Amos). Rob Watson (Daniel Amos) also helped with some Keyboards. The sheer involvement of these guys should have made this band a little more known. On their album sleeve they thank Servant so there is some connection with them too. But that’s it, that’s all I could find on this band. The album is mainly easy listening with a couple livelier tracks but for the main part is light rock. It’s good though and the production is strong so it really deserves at least one listen. It won’t make it into my regular rotation but as I say, it’s worth a listen.

Tracklist
1 – Singer And The Song – 3:15
2 – Prophets And Clowns – 3:22
3 – Super Heroes – 3:15
4 – Walk In The Spirit – 3:15
5 – Here I Am Again – 3:25
6 – This Is The Day – 4:59
7 – Hope – 3:38
8 – I’ll Play The Fool – 3:18
9 – Song To The Church – 4:16
10 – Come All Who Labor – 4:15
11 – Singer And The Song (Reprise) – 1:12

Credits
Bass, Vocals – Mark Sullivant
Drums – Darrell Ferraiuolo
Guitar, Vocals – “Jimmy T” Thomas
Keyboards – Tim Robbins
Producer – Terry Scott Taylor
Vocals, Guitar – David Bunker
Vocals, Keyboards, Percussion – Jan Thomas

Companies, etc.
Manufactured By – Word Records Limited

Larry Norman – Come As A Child – 1983

Come As A Child is a live solo set by Larry Norman released in 1983. It was probably recorded in 1982 or 83. This record is billed as a concert for the benefit of The Calcutta Mission. Very little information about that transaction is available, but we assume that a portion of the profits of record sales were used to help the poor in India. It starts out with an introduction by Barry MacGuire, who was a late convert to Christianity and had a huge hit with the spiritual song “Cosmic Cowboy.” Larry always seemed to have a heart for California Culturals who were willing to learn about Jesus. There seems to be no lasting connection between Barry and Larry other than this introduction. Evidently Barry really was a fan. The performance is good and is a great example of vintage Larry. The sound quality is not great, but better than some of the other bootlegs released by Phydeaux. Unlike Roll Away The Stone and Live At The Mac, this album is primarily an acoustic performance. He did a lot of those on tours during the 1970s as well as the ones near the end of his career. Always with his “Spanish guitar” and the contract specifying 2 microphones set at the same volume. One for him and one for the guitar. Nightmare and Peacepollutionrevolution are stand-out tracks here because he did not do them live all that often, and they do not normally show up in his acoustic sets. Some of Larry’s humourous banter is here introducing songs, and talking about salvation and what we now call “Chritianese” on his talk “Heaven And Hell.”

Tracklist
1 – Barry McGuire Introduction – 2:34
2 – U.F.O. – 3:01
3 – I Hope I’ll See You In Heaven – 5:17
4 – Why Can’t You Be Good – 2:38
5 – Singing At The White House – 2:54
6 – The Great American Novel – 4:09
7 – Nightmare – 4:52
8 – Six Sixty Six – 2:26
9 – Peacepollutionrevolution – 2:45
10 – The Outlaw – 3:01
11 – Heaven And Hell – 2:16
12 – Strong Love, Strange Peace – 2:54

Credits
Lead Vocals, Guitar, Piano – Larry Norman
Mastered By – Bernie Grundman
Written-By – Larry Norman

Companies, etc.
Copyright © – Solid Rock Records
Mastered At – A&M Studios

Mark Heard – Eye of the Storm – 1983

Mark Heard tried something a little different for this album. He put down the electric guitar and did everything on an acoustic. The album definitely has an acoustic feel but I’m not comfortable calling it an acoustic album, it’s much more than that. Mark recorded most the tracks himself at home with his wife Janet manning the board. Additional tracks were recorded at Gold Mine studios but there weren’t many. For the most part Mark recorded and played this album himself. Tom Howard did come over one day and they played around with an Emulator Synthesizer. This album gives us a little exposure to another side of Mark and I would say it’s a nice exposure. This album definitely goes down as one I remember well from those days.

Tracklist
1 – Eye Of The Storm – 3:00
2 – The Pain That Plagues Creation – 3:57
3 – Castaway – 3:16
4 – Well-Worn Pages – 2:44
5 – He Will Listen To You – 2:58
6 – In The Gaze Of The Spotlight’s Eye – 3:59
7 – Gimme Mine – 3:33
8 – These Plastic Halos – 3:02
9 – No One But You – 2:27
10 – Moonflower – 2:24

Credits
Backing Vocals – Dave De Coup Crank, Mark Heard
Design [Cover Design], Art Direction – Tim Alderson
Drums [Linn Drums], Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Lead Guitar, Slide Guitar, Accordion, Mandolin, Harmonica, Xylophone, Percussion, Other [Voicehorns, Voicestrings] – Mark Heard
Engineer [Assistant], Photography By – Janet Heard
Engineer, Mixed By – Mark Heard
Mastered By – Steve Hall
Mastered By [Assistant] – Wally Grant
Pedal Steel Guitar – Al Perkins
Producer – Mark Heard
Saxophone – Brandon Fields
Synthesizer [Emulator], Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Synthesizer – Tom Howard
Synthesizer, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes] – Phil Madeira
Tambourine, Shaker, Other [Toothbrush, Bowling Pins] – Harry Stinson
Written-By, Design [Cover Design], Photography By – Mark Heard

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Home Sweet Home Records, Inc.
Copyright (c) – Home Sweet Home Records, Inc.
Published By – Bug & Bear Music
Recorded At – Gold Mine
Mastered At – Future Disc
Pressed By – Monarch Record Mfg. Co. – △25939

The Visitors – Death Of A Gunfighter – 1983

Before The Lead there was The Visitors. They self produced this 7″ in 1983. It highlights their punk roots and quite frankly I wish they would have kept this style as they were good at it and quite frankly CCM needed this style right at this time. But alas they would do punk for a few more years and then switch to thrash. But it’s fun to hear where they came from.

Tracklist
A – Death Of A Gunfighter – 4:06
B – I’ll Never Know – 2:38

Credits
Written-By – Julio Rey
Vocals, Bass – Peter Lopez
Vocals, Guitar – Julio Rey
Drums – Juan Carlos

Keith Green – The Prodigal Son – 1983

This is the second posthumous album from Keith Green. The highlight of the album is the track “The Prodigal Son Suite” which was part of a Rock Opera that Keith was writing but unfortunately was interrupted by his death in 1982. The album featured a multipage booklet from Keith’s Ministry “Last Days Ministry”. It details the history of Last Day’s Ministry and is actually a pretty good read. The album is typical Keith and needless to say if your a fan of his work you will love this album as it is very well produced as usual.

Tracklist
1 – I Can’t Wait To Get To Heaven – 3:19
2 – Lord I’m Gonna Love You – 2:46
3 – The Prodigal Son Suite – 12:03
4 – Keep All That Junk To Yourself – 3:23
5 – Open Your Eyes – 4:02
6 – Love With Me (Melody’s Song) – 3:15
7 – Only By Following Jesus – 3:10
8 – Song For Josiah – 6:12

Credits
Arranged By [Strings, Orchestra], Conductor, Electric Piano [Rhodes], Organ – Harlan Rogers
Artwork By [Art Direction, Design] – Last Days Ministries, Pretty Good Graphics
Backing Vocals – Alphanette Silas*, Howard Smith, Keith Green (2), Linda McCrary, Maxi Anderson
Bass – Abraham Laboriel, Hadley Hockensmith
Co-producer – Melody Green
Engineer – Peter Granet
Guitar – Hadley Hockensmith
Orchestra – The London Philharmonic Orchestra
Photography – Jerry Melrose
Piano [Acoustic] – Keith Green (2)
Producer, Drums, Percussion – Bill Maxwell
Written-By – Keith Green (2) (tracks: A1 to B1, B3 to B5), Melody Green (tracks: A1, B1, B2, B4)

Companies, etc.
Distributed By – MCA Distributing Corporation

Avion – Avion – 1983

A few decades before he would grace the stage nightly with country mega-star Shania Twain, guitarist and vocalist Randall Waller lead his band Avion with amazing guitars and vocals. The band would release two albums and Waller would release a solo project under the “Larry Norman Presents” banner on Tunesmith Records. In 1983 the band would release its first album on 1983 and despite great songs, top notch production and radio friendly image and music, the album just didn’t go anywhere. There are so many great songs here produced so incredibly well it becomes another one of those great frustrations in the music world. Several songs also appear on Waller’s “Midnight Fire.” Straight ahead early 80’s rock with a touch of southern rock thrown in for fans of the Eagles (Long Run), Aerosmith, Loverboy and 38 Special. I Need You, Lady of the Night and Always waiting are those that also appear on Waller’s solo album, but appear here with slightly different arrangements and significantly better production. “Once Bitten, Twice Shy” remains a favorite some 30 years later with it’s great rhythm guitar riff and sexy vocals. Waller commands the vocal stage so well it’s really amazing he never broke into the mainstream. The album can be a tough find but well worth the effort.

Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/

Tracklist
1 – I Need You – 3:51
2 – Diamond Eyes – 4:17
3 – Lady Of The Night – 2:58
4 – We Can Try – 3:24
5 – Warrior – 4:34
6 – Never Let Me Go – 4:27
7 – Where Do We Go From Here – 3:40
8 – Always Waiting – 3:32
9 – Who’s Crying Now – 3:06
10 – Once Bitten, Twice Shy – 3:19

Credits
Bass, Backing Vocals – Kendall Waller
Drums, Backing Vocals – John Waller
Guitar – Martyn Toole
Keyboards – Evan Murray
Producer – Chris Gilbey
Vocals, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Randall Waller

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – RCA Records
Copyright (c) – RCA Inc.
Distributed By – RCA Inc.
Manufactured By – RCA Inc.

Brush Arbor – I Will Follow – 1983

This was the 7th album from longtime CCM/Jesus Music band Brush Arbor. Though they released 10 albums through the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s they only had two chart singles. This album includes one of them, “I Will Follow” which made it to #29. Though this album was released in 1983 the album has a distinctly 70’s sound and structure. The song’s vary from country, rock, easy listening, and bluegrass. Like I say it’s a rather typical 70’s Jesus Music album. This however isn’t a criticism, I actually enjoyed the album and the track “Praise His Name” might actually make it into my regular daily rotation. The real treat of the album however are the last 2 tracks which are live bluegrass songs. Personally I think they’re the real stand out of the album and is probably what the band did/does best.

Tracklist
1 – Then Came You – 3:02
2 – Have I Got A Story For You – 2:26
3 – Love Is All I Need – 3:14
4 – Praise His Name – 3:09
5 – I Will Follow – 2:56
6 – I Got You – 2:30
7 – It’s All Right – 2:48
8 – Psalm 103 – 4:05
9 – Dancin’ With The Angels – 2:00
10 – Let’s All Go Down To The River – 3:10

Credits
Arranged By – Brush Arbor, Michael Lloyd
Cover, Design – Susan K. Blatman
Engineer – Carmine Rubino
Mastered By – Doug Sax
Performer – Dale Cooper, David Rose, Jim Rice, Joe Rice, Kevin Watkins
Photography – David Randle
Producer – Michael Lloyd

Companies, etc.
Mastered At – The Mastering Lab
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word Records Limited
Copyright (c) – Word Records Limited

Leslie Phillips – Beyond Saturday Night – 1983

Along with Julie Miller, Leslie (Sam) Phillips is the only female artist to have four albums included on this list. It was very close to five but Powder Room Politics was a deal breaker. Phillips began her career singing backing vocals for other LA based Myrrh artists like Randy Stonehill, David Edwards and Mark Heard. It was while singing backing vocals on Mark Heards classic “Victims of the Age” album that she heard the song “Heart of Hearts” that she would cover on this album and would become her first of several career hits. As much as the label would push her as the Christian Cyndi Lauper, only a few cuts from Dancing With Danger would really qualify. The only comparison was the high pitched, young girl sounding voice (similar to Julie Miller in many ways), for Leslie was more rock than pop and more lyricist than entertainer. BSN is filled with so many amazing and lasting songs that there actually no real forgettable songs. Michael Landua’s impressive guitar work (similar to Dann Huff and Steve Lukather) was unfortunately lost often in Jack Joseph Puig’s mixes. I have often wondered if the record company requested that the album be softened in the mix as it has been a constant frustration just how such impressive guitar work would be so stifled in the production. Songs like Hourglass, Heart in Me, Bring Me Through and He’s Gonna Hear You Crying deliver the rock goods that deserve a remix and remastering at some point. Phillips also proved early that she could bring a ballad with passion and transparency sorely lacking from female artists at the time. I’m Finding became a huge radio hit while the title track and Heart of Hearts show the strength of an artists that is rarely seen on a debut project. Phillips would go one to be one of the important, prominent and perplexing artist in CCM history,

Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/

Tracklist
1 – Hourglass – 3:28
2 – Gina – 3:24
3 – Put Your Heart In Me – 4:00
4 – I’m Finding – 3:23
5 – Beyond Saturday Night – 4:27
6 – Bring Me Through – 4:43
7 – Heart Of Hearts – 3:14
8 – Will They Love Him – 4:31
9 – He’s Gonna Hear You Cryin’ – 3:10
10 – Let Me Give – 3:42

Credits
Backing Vocals – Bob Carlisle, Brian Duncan, Leslie Phillips
Bass – Leland Sklar, Nathan East
Coordinator [Production Coordinator] – Susan Pyron
Design [Album Design] – Paradise Graphics, Paul Gross, Steve Elowe
Drums – Carlos Vega
Executive-Producer – Doug Corbin
Guitar – Michael Landau, Randy Thomas
Keyboards – John Schreiner, John Hobbs, Robbie Buchanan
Liner Notes – Davin Seay, Leslie
Mastered By – Doug Sax, Mike Reese
Photography By – Aaron Rapoport
Producer, Recorded By – Jack Joseph Puig
Synthesizer – John Schreiner, John Hobbs

Companies, etc.
Record Company – Myrrh Records
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc.
Copyright (c) – Word, Inc.
Pressed By – Monarch Record Mfg. Co. – Δ25989
Published By – Word Music (2)
Published By – Cutting Edge Music
Published By – Maranatha! Music
Published By – Bug & Bear Music
Recorded At – Bill Schnee Studios
Recorded At – Goldmine West
Recorded At – Mama Jo’s
Mastered At – The Mastering Lab

Gary Davis – Numbered Days – 1983

I simply could not find out anything about Gary Davis. I do have a bit of info on the album though. It was released by Ministry Resource Center who we’re starting to be a real powerhouse label right at the time this album was released. It appears however that it was not distributed and instead was a mail order item. The album was also initially released with the tracks incorrectly ordered on the vinyl label but subsequent releases caught this and stickers were applied to the label to correct the error. That’s all I know about this album. As far as the album goes it is an easy listening album. The lyrics and music are good, nothing outstanding but good and definitely a worthwhile listen.

Tracklist
1 – Lukewarm
2 – Willing Vessel
3 – Unless The Spirit
4 – The Prophet’s Warning
5 – Little By Little
6 – In Christ
7 – Numbered Days
8 – Kingdom Way
9 – Song For Those Who Thirst
10 – Guidance Song

Credits
Lead Vocals – Gary Davis
Background Vocals – Gary Davis, Bobbi Vandevort, Carla Piper, Kathy Dittmer
Piano and Rhodes – Andy Narell
Synthesizers – Frank Martin
Guitar – Steve Erquiaya
Bass – Rich Girard
Drums – Paul VanWageningen
Percussion – Kenneth Nash
Sax – Marc Ruso, Larry Schneider
Produced/Arranged – Kenneth Nash

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Ministry Resource Center
Copyright (c) – Ministry Resource Center

Benny Hester – Legacy – 1983

This was Benny’s best forgotten album. When I read the bio’s on Benny it always seems this album is ignored. I’m a little confused by this as it did have 2 charting singles, Legacy made it to #5, and Melody Man made it to #40. Admittedly that’s not a stunning album but a #5 single shouldn’t be ignored. I know at the time it wasn’t ignored but for some reason history has kind of forgotten about it. One thing that was odd about this album is that at the same time Michael Card came out with an album with the same name. Normally I would have considered this a rather large error but in this case Card was on a relatively smaller label and I doubt that either company knew this was going to happen. By the way The Card album was more successful but in my opinion not as good.

Tracklist
1 – Legacy – 4:44
2 – Closer – 4:39
3 – It Took So Long – 4:30
4 – Melody Man – 3:19
5 – Sensitive Heart – 3:28
6 – Caught Away – 5:08
7 – Out Of The Natural – 3:38
8 – Nobody’s Listening – 4:05
9 – Footprints – 3:54
10 – These Things Were Done By You – 1:53

Credits
Bass – David Coy
Concertmaster – Assa Drori
Design – Dennis Hill
Drums, Percussion – Paul Bahn
Guitar, Vocals – Benny Hester
Keyboards – Michael Omartian (tracks: A1, A3, B1, B3)
Keyboards, Synthesizer – Jeff Lams
Lead Guitar – Tony Sena
Orchestrated By, Conductor – Michael Omartian
Photography By – Aaron Rapoport
Producer – Benny Hester, John Guess
Recorded By – John Guess

Companies, etc.
Copyright (c) – Word, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc.
Printed By – Garrod & Lofthouse
Made By – Garrod & Lofthouse