This was the second album from The Call and is probably the one that introduced most people to the band. Their first album was not very well received but I guess was well enough received that Mercury Records went ahead with a second album. The single “The Walls Came Down” was a rather odd single. It only reached #74 on the Billboard Top 100 Chart though did make it to #17 on the mainstream rock chart. What was odd is that it was hugely popular on MTV. The video was very well received which I find odd because it is the just the band playing the song in what looks like a warehouse. Remember that often first singles followed this style on the thought we would learn who the band was. A strategy I always thought was stupid as these videos were notoriously boring. But as boring as it was (and it is) it was on heavy rotation. The song is actually referring to the cold war between the U.S. and Russia but there is the obvious suggestion of the biblical story of Battle of Jericho. Now I will toss in a personal opinion. I actually preferred their initial self titled album, but this album did solidify me as a permanent fan.
Tracklist 1 – The Walls Came Down – 3:35 2 – Turn A Blind Eye – 3:48 3 – Time Of Your Life – 3:27 4 – Modern Romans – 3:24 5 – Back From The Front – 4:02 6 – Destination – 4:32 7 – Violent Times – 4:28 8 – Face To Face – 4:05 9 – All About You – 4:20
Credits Bass – Greg Freeman Drums, Percussion, Vocals – Scott Musick Engineer – Richard Kaplan Engineer [Assistant] – Chuck Johnson, David Spritz Guitar, Vocals – Tom Ferrier Guitar, Vocals [Lead] – Michael Been Producer – Michael Been, The Call Synthesizer, Cornet – Steve Huddleston Synthesizer, Saxophone – Garth Hudson Written-By – Michael Been
Companies, etc. Published By – Neeb Music Published By – Tarka Music Phonographic Copyright (p) – PolyGram Records, Inc. Manufactured By – PolyGram Records, Inc. Marketed By – PolyGram Records, Inc. Pressed By – PRC Recording Company, Compton, CA Recorded At – Indigo Ranch Studios
T-Bone Burnett may appear more often than any artist outside of Terry Scott Taylor if one includes solo projects, band projects and musician and production duties. From Bob Dylan and Tonio K to Leslie Phillips and Mark Heard T-Bone Burnett never had his own albums released into the CCM market, yet his presence is undeniable and, for the listener and fan, greatly appreciated. While working at Maranatha Village I was doing an in-store appearance with Leslie Phillips for her CCM swan song, The Turning, and she entered the store with a very tall and lanky gentleman in tow. Now, realize I had met Amy Grant, Bob Dylan, Bono and Michael Been by this time in my life, but I can tell you that I have never been so in awe or so utterly tongue tied as when I met T-Bone Burnett for the first time. Proof Through the Night is a haunting, dark and impressive album. Guests include Pete Townsend and Ry Cooder along with Burnett’s normal group of stellar friends and bandmates like David Mansfield and David Miner. The album sort of lulls you into experiencing what it has to offer. Burnett’s acoustically driven stark production is so compelling it is no surprise he continues to be one of the most sought after producers, and here it shines in its simplicity and authenticity. There are several wonderful songs to highlight on this album. “Stunned” is the most accessible and should have been a single if Burnett could ever really have a “single.” The chorus is memorable and stays with the listener. The same for “Fatally Beautiful.” ”Pressure” is true highlight with a great guitar driven 1-3 beat and incredible hook. Burnett also has a long standing trademark of talking through songs. There are a few examples on this album that make for compelling listening. “The Sixties” is hysterical, especially its comments regarding the use of the word “freak.” “Hefner and Disney” also employs the storytelling motif and creates and troubling mood musically which compliments the content as he reverses the roles of the two famous gentlemen. A great album worth tracking down that a few years ago was finally released on CD.
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – The Murder Weapon – 4:29 2 – Fatally Beautiful – 4:21 3 – After All These Years – 3:11 4 – Baby Fall Down – 3:00 5 – The Sixties – 5:30 6 – Stunned – 3:50 7 – Pressure – 3:30 8 – Hula Hoop – 3:13 9 – When The Night Falls – 3:54 10 – Hefner And Disney – 3:47 11 – Shut It Tight – 3:56
Credits Art Direction – Jeri McManus Composed By – John Fleming (tracks: B3), Roscoe West (tracks: B3), T-Bone Burnett Engineer [Assistant] – Jules Bowen, Tony Chiappa Management [Direction] – Al Schlesinger, Nancy Clarke Mastered By [Originally] – Bernie Grundman Mixed By – Mark Ettel Musician – David Mansfield, David Miner, Jerry Marotta, Masakazu Yoshizawa, Mick Ronson, Pete Townshend, Richard Thompson, Ry Cooder, Stan Lynch, T-Bone Burnett Photography By – Frank Gargani Producer – Jeff Eyrich Producer [Associate] – The Chelew Bros. (tracks: B6) Recorded By – Dennis Kirk Vocals – T-Bone Burnett, The Williams Brothers
Companies, etc. Record Company – Warner Communications Phonographic Copyright (p) – Warner Bros. Records Inc. Copyright (c) – Warner Bros. Records Inc. Pressed By – Allied Record Company – B-18376 Pressed By – Allied Record Company – B-18377 Published By – Arthur Buster Stahr Music Published By – Black Tent Music Published By – Bug Recorded At – Eel Pie Studios Recorded At – The Sound Factory Recorded At – Ocean Way Recording Mixed At – Ocean Way Recording Mastered At – Sheffield Lab Matrix
This Walt Harrah album is subtitled on the cover with “A Musical Odyssey on Kingdom Living Based on the Sermon on the Mount”. This album was also available as a Chorus book with a cassette or Reel to Reel with the vocals removed. I’m not really too sure what that makes this project but I don’t know anyone who had the album or any of the other items so I don’t know how popular it was. Strangely in all the biographies I read on Walt this album is never even mentioned. The album itself is an easy listening synth oriented album and if you’re in the right mood this is an excellent album. That said it does have a very distinct sound so it may take a bit for it to grow on you. It did grow on me and I quite like it now.
Tracklist 1 – In The Kingdom – 3:22 2 – Kingdom Living – 3:07 3 – Poor In Spirit – 4:37 4 – Love Your Enemies Too – 2:22 5 – The Hypocrite – 3:00 6 – The Lord’s Prayer – 4:04 7 – What? Me Worry? – 2:20 8 – God, The Lilies N’ Me – 2:24 9 – All You’ve Gotta Do – 3:16 10 – On The Rock – 4:02 11 – Your Will Be Done – 5:15 12 – He Will Reign – 3:46
Credits Drums – Dave Spurr Keyboards, Programmed By – John Schreiner Lead Vocals – Amick Byram Synthesizer – Leon Gaer Trumpet – Darrel Gardner Vocals – Cozette Byrd Vocals, Lead Vocals – Sandi Patty, Steve Green Vocals, Lead Vocals, Producer, Arranged By – Walt Harrah
This is the second independent release from Solid Rock. Their first album was well received and even got airplay on Christian Radio. This album was even better received and also received play on Christian Radio. This was no small feat for an independent release. The band were from Weatherford, Oklahoma and attended Trinity Baptist Church. As I said this was the second of three albums and they were all Indy releases. I am a little amazed that a band from Oklahoma with an independent release gained such a large following. I would normal describe this situation as having a cult following but in this case the band was very well known. I really like this album but honestly it’s a little confusing at ties. Sometimes I’m hearing 70’s Pink Floyd and on other tracks 80’s synth. But this really isn’t a criticism as the album flows well and I love their version of Rock & Roll. If you missed this one in the 80’s give it a listen.
Tracklist 1 – Intro – 1:30 2 – Carry On – 4:19 3 – Two-Thirds Of A Man – 3:51 4 – Make A Change – 3:29 5 – Just This Side Of Darkness – 4:17 6 – Sidekick – 3:05 7 – Wisdom Of Men – 4:40 8 – Live Your Life Alone – 3:56 9 – Fly Away – 5:14
Credits Drums, Vocals – Larry Percy Guitar, Synthesizer – Stan Mathis Bass, Vocals – Kevin Bartel Keyboards, Lead Vocals, Album Design – Jerry Johnson Engineer – Gary Duggan Producer – Larry Benson Concert Sound Enginer – Kurt Abercrombie
Companies Studio – Benson Sound Mastered – Kendun Recorders
Childhood friends Eddie DeGarmo and Dana Key joined forces in their late teens to create music and for three decades were responsible for some of the popular CCM ever recorded. Millions of albums and millions of miles traveled. Even after they had gone their separate way musically their single minded ministry and deep, personal friendship never wavered. I had always hoped for one reunion tour. I, and everyone else, will have to wait for quite some time as earlier this year Dana Key went home to be wioth the Lord. D&K were the first band I ever used my own money to buy. It was their debut album, This Time Thru. I wore out three vinyl copies of their second album, Straight On, Their live album is one of the best live records ever recorded in CCM. And during the Summer after I graduated from High School I was eagerly anticipating their latest release. It was not what I expected. the progressive and blues infused, guitar centered rock and roll had been replaced by a heavy dose of synthesizers and strings. At first I was appalled and saddened that I had lost “my band” and that my childhood CCM heroes hadAs time went on, though, I not only earned to appreciate the album foir what it was, I actually began to love it. For what it is, it is very, very good. Top notch production, great and memorable arrangements and some very finely crafted pop tunes. And though they will never get the credit for it, they really were early pioneers in the world of modern worship music. “Let the Whole World Sing,” the monster number hit from the album is a modern worship chorus that should have been a church standard. Mission of Mercy would be the first in what I have dubbed, “The Techno Years.” Sandwiched between nearly two decades of straight ahead rock were three albums of keyboard driven pop. MoM, Communication and Commander Sozo built a substantially larger fan base for the group and expanded their ministry opportunity. Many years later I came to understand the duo was keeping with the times and would not be defined by any previous release. I learned to live with it. Of those three album the first, Mission of mercy, would be the best even though it featured the least amount of guitar. When it came right down to it, it contained the best songwriting with more than a handful of huge hits. “That the Way God Planned It” would remain a popular live song for the band while Ready or Not and When It’s Over would all top the charts. Oddly enough , for a band noted for their rock style they had always been an amazing ballad band, mainly because of Dana Key’s stunning and compassionate vocals. Of all of the songs on the album the most like their earlier music is the ballad “All the Losers.” This great song ranks up with Addey, Mary and Only the Meek Survive. It’s also the strongest song lyrically. A great record that was a record for its time and must be regarded as such. Also, when taken within that framework it is a wonderful record with wonderful songs by a wonderful and unforgettable band.
God Bless Dana Key. RIP…Rest In Paradise
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Ready Or Not – 2:47 2 – Special Kind Of Love – 3:23 3 – When It’s Over – 2:52 4 – All The Losers Win – 3:18 5 – The Gift – 2:24 6 – Fill Me Lord – 3:36 7 – Let The Whole World Sing – 3:38 8 – In His Love – 3:31 9 – Everlasting Love – 3:02 10 – You Can’t Run From Thunder – 4:14 11- That’s The Way God Planned It – 3:24
Credits Arranged By [Strings], Conductor – Carl Marsh Art Direction, Design – Susan DeGarmo Drums – Greg Morrow Engineer – John Hampton Executive-Producer – Dan R. Brock Lead Vocals, Guitar – Dana Key Management – Brock & Associates Mastered By – Ken Love Percussion – Chad Crowell Photography By – Mark Tucker Producer – Dana Key, Eddie DeGarmo Producer [Vocals] – Ron W. Griffin Recorded By [Strings] – Brent King Strings – The Nashville String Machine Vocals, Bass Guitar – Tommy Cathey Vocals, Guitar – Tony Pilcher Vocals, Keyboards – Eddie DeGarmo
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – The ForeFront Communications Group, Inc. Copyright (c) – The ForeFront Communications Group, Inc. Recorded At – Ardent Studios Overdubbed At – Sound Stage Studios Mastered At – Mastermix Pressed By – Discovery Systems Distributed By – The Benson Company, Inc. Distributed By – Main Roads Music Group Distributed By – Alpha & Omega Distributors Distributed By – Word (Uk) Ltd. Distributed By – Concorde Distributors Ltd
The teen heart throb of the 50’s and 60’s becomes a troubadour for the Gospel by the 70’s and 80’s. Dion Dimucci (Dion) was a solo artist and member of Dion and the Belmonts in the early years of rock and roll and remained a chart topper for years. Ironically his two biggest hits, Runaround Sue and The Wanderer, were both about philanderers, one a woman and one a man. But right before the dawn of the 1980’s Dion had a spiritual awakening and began a lengthy career is Christian music. He released several successful albums for Dayspring Record with “I Put Away My Idols” being the most successful and most artistically satisfying. The style is closer to Dion’s 70’s folk rock style with limited 50’s rock and roll except in a novelty form. The content is very evangelical, yet never too trite or contrived. The title track is the closest to a “testimony” song as anything he recorded in CCM. “Trust in the Lord” and “Very Soon” have a very “island” sound (I wouldn’t call it reggae) similar to direction Steven Soles took but more Jimmy Buffet than Bob Marley. Most of the album is very “Scriptural” using direct Biblical references to support the message of the songs.
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Here Is My Servant – 3:37 2 – Trust In The Lord – 2:59 3 – Day Of The Lord – 4:02 4 – I Put Away My Idols – 3:08 5 – Daddy – 5:00 6 – Very Soon – 4:08 7 – They Won’t Tell You – 3:38 8 – Healing – 5:14 9 – Give It Up And Surrender – 3:09 10 – My Prayer For You – 2:53
Credits Acoustic Guitar – Dion DiMucci Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Neal Bousanti Arranged By – Dion Arranged By [Strings], Conductor [Strings], Electric Piano [Rhodes], Piano, Organ, Harp – Paul Harris Backing Vocals – Chuck Kirkpatrick, John Sambataro, Kitty Woodson, Pamela Sessody Bass – Phil Chen Congas – Walter Santos Cover, Layout, Design – Jeffery Fey Drums, Percussion – Joe Galdo Engineer – Eric Schilling Engineer [Assistant] – Jim Sessody Layout [Inner Sleeve] – Dennis Hill Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – George Terry Management – Zachary Glickman Mastered By – Bob Ludwig Photography By – Aaron Rapoport Producer – Dion DiMucci, Eric Schilling, Paul Harris Synthesizer – Tim Devine Written-By – Bob Smith (tracks: A5-B4)
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc. Produced For – Salt Productions, Inc. Copyright (c) – Word, Inc. Recorded At – Criteria Recording Studios Mixed At – Criteria Recording Studios Mastered At – Masterdisk Pressed By – Monarch Record Mfg. Co. Designed At – Art Hotel Published By – County Line Music Published By – Skinny Zach Music Published By – Brotherly Love Productions Published By – Gold Mine Music Inc. Published By – Word Well Music Published By – Word Music
Ron Moore is not an artist I was familiar with in the 80’s which is a bit surprising as he has 8 albums in the 70’s to early 90’s time period. Now after listening to the album it is unlikely I would have purchased the album as it was not my style of music but I still should have been aware of him. Even though it’s not my style it’s very well done which is all the more reason I should have heard of him. It is a mix of AOR and Easy Listening and Ron’s guitar work and vocals are excellent. It almost has a folk sound in places and his style could have compared to Cat Stevens (your mileage may vary). One final reason I should have heard of this album/artist is that it was released on blue vinyl. While this was a gimmick in the 80’s, it’s a gimmick that drew me like a moth to a light. All in all it’s a great album from a great artist and I look forward to listening to some of his other work. By the way if you’re interested in getting a copy of his music most of it is available for purchase on Bandcamp.
Tracklist 1 – Sarasota – 4:18 2 – Master Plan – 2:23 3 – Deep Magic – 2:34 4 – Givers And Takers – 3:57 5 – Forgiving – 2:22 6 – The Road Forever – 3:53 7 – Waiting – 4:04 8 – Faith In Action – 2:23 9 – Stand Your Ground – 2:57 10 – Star Chasers All – 4:51 11 – Don’t Take Long – 2:34 12 – Champion – 3:27
Credits Vocals – Ron Moore Acoustic Guitar – Ron Moore Electric Guitar – Ron Moore, Jim Thomas, Charlie Swanogon Bass – Ron Moore Synthesizer – Ron Moore, Kerry Moore, John Lawry, Dennis Ikler, Howard Eddy Percussion – Ron Moore, Michael Addison Drums – Walter Martin, Dennis Holt Background Vocals – Albrecht, Roley & Moore, Ron & Kerry Moore, Scott Roley, Pat Quinn, Michael and Audrey Henderson, Sandy Wynn, Jim Thomas, Kerri Evans Graphics – Kerry Moore Back cover photo – Kerry Moore Cover concept – Ron Moore, Dennis Preston, Kerry Moore Cover illustration – Dennis Preston Mastered by – George Graves Producer – Ron Moore Engineer – Bill Deaton, Bob Dennis, Ron Moore Horse Rider – Pauly Hubbard
There are a handful of families who could possibly lay claim to being the “First Family of CCM” including the Wards, Rambos, Winans, Cruze’s and the Archers. There was a time from the late 1970’s until the mid-80’s that the Archers were the biggest thing in CCM. Not too many CCM artists can claim to be invited to the Grammy Awards during that time, let along being asked to perform on the program…twice! The siblings of Steve, older brother Gary and little sister Janice recorded several albums, hit the top of the charts regularly, toured extensively and were the face of CCM for many years. One of their albums will also appear later on this last. In the early 80’s Steve was wanting to broach a solo career while maintaining a schedule with the family’s music plans. His first release “Solo” was warmly received and caused enough reaction to call for a follow-up. That follow-up was “Through His Eyes,” an album that, for the time, would be considered a “mega-hit” record with strong sales, topping the CCM sales chart and unbelievable radio support. It also featured what many people consider the first legitimate music video in CCM. Most albums start with an upbeat tune to grab the listener’s attention. Archer went against the norm and started with the title track, one of the few songs in CCM to deserve the “classic” title. The ballad was huge…I mean HUGE! Despite its sugary string arrangement (I want to blame Chris Christian) the song actually has an emotional center where concern for the lost and hurting around us is authentic. The song is call for those disenfranchised to see themselves as Christ sees them. This was not the normal “Jesus makes me happy” lyric that dominated (still?) Christian radio. Archer’s “blue-eyed soul (is that term overused enough?) is reminiscent to Hall and Oates (I’ll Do My Best) or a softer Bryan Duncan (Believe It). The album is filled primarily upbeat pop numbers and strong, radio friendly ballads. Archer bridge a generational gap and was a safe artists within Church circles, which allowed him to benefit from programs like “Hour of Power” and other national programs. This only increased his fan base. This fan base carried him for several more years both as a solo artist and with his family. I understand that music critic elitist simply do not understand the world of pop music and shutter when certain genres receive recognition. But within every genre are artists who are clearly superior in their craft. In the world of family and Church safe CCM no artists in his generation matched what Archer was able to accomplish.
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Through His Eyes Of Love – 4:20 2 – Safe – 4:08 3 – I’ll Do My Best – 3:48 4 – Holy, Holy – 4:11 5 – Believe It – 3:52 6 – Renew Me Lord – 3:30 7 – Teach Me To Be Like You – 4:19 8 – New Heart – 4:10 9 – Must Be You – 4:47 10 – Unless God Builds Your House – 3:21 11 – Eye Of The Storm – 4:01 12 – Blood Of Jesus – 3:26
Credits Bass – Nathan East Drums – John Robinson Executive-Producer, Producer – Chris Christian Guitar – Dann Huff, Michael Landau Keyboards – Robbie Buchanan
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Home Sweet Home Records, Inc. Copyright (c) – Home Sweet Home Records, Inc. Manufactured By – LCS Music Group, Inc. Distributed By – LCS Music Group, Inc.
After two releases on Canada’s Tunesmith label that featured a very eclectic combination of punk, funk, metal and blues, Barnabas signed to Light Records (home of Sweet Comfort and Resurrection Band) and unleashed a fury of heavy metal onto the CCM world that was light years ahead of the industry. Young guitar virtuoso Brian Belew plays with a Van Halen flair and the music is pure heavy metal for fans of Triumph and Van Halen. Production was also superior for the time with real guitar mixes and a wall of sound type vocal production. This was very big sounding, especially for the day. Nancy Jo Mann’s vocal can be an acquired taste for some with a little Grace Slick with more passion and power, but on this album it works quite well. There are some very interesting musical interludes such in the case of “If Love Brings Love” that starts with just an acoustic piano and slowly builds into a huge wall of guitars and becomes a rock anthem in the truest sense of the term. The call of the Gosepl is proclaimed with brilliant clarity. Waiting for the Aliens is a 6-plus minute epic that, like many artists lyrics during the time, deals with a particular view of end times replete with Marks, Antichrists and a deception of the world that will cause everyone to believe aliens have taken over the world. This is borrowed from many popular prophecy prognosticators and was not a rare hypothesis. the song rocks though! The album ends with another epic that is more progressive rock in nature than the rest of the album with several musical and time signature changes. “Crucifixion” also features a bass solo, which is so “old school” that it’s almost shocking to hear now even though it was not the peculiar for the time. The songs is a wonderful, well arranged and powerful depiction of the passion in a borderline rock opera type setting. By the way…the album cover rocked!
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist
1 – No Freedom – 4:30
2 – Stormclouds – 4:39
3 – If Love Brings Love – 4:03
4 – Waiting For The Aliens – 6:10
5 – Warrior – 3:55
6 – Never Felt Better – 3:20
7 – Subterfuge – 5:47
8 – Crucifixion – 5:59
Credits
Bass, Keyboards – Gary Mann
Cover [Cover Art] – Kernie Erickson
Drums, Percussion – Kris Klingensmith
Engineer – Tom Tucker
Engineer [Additional Technical Assistance] – John Hurst
Guitar – Brian Belew
Photography By – Dennis Mabie
Producer – Barnabas, Tom Tucker
Vocals – Nancy Jo Mann
Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Copyright (c) – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Pressed By – Electrosound Group Midwest, Inc.
Published By – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Recorded At – Triad Studios, Des Moines
Mastered At – Future Disc
Recently this album wandered into our studio and I was quite surprised by it. I was surprised because it a local guy from my home city of Winnipeg Manitoba Canada. I have never seen this album, I have never heard this album, and I have never heard of this performer. It was recorded about 5 blocks from where I currently live. Now the style of the album is decidedly AOR so I probably wouldn’t have listened to it much I definitely would have had it in my collection to support a local artist. One would have also thought I might have seen him in concert opening for bands. But no I never heard of him. Danny lives in my home city today and is still involved in the ministry. He had several albums after this one but they were released in Germany where Danny lived for several years. This however is his only 80’s CCM album.
Tracklist 1 – Hallowed Be – 3:00 2 – Halleluia – 3:20 3 – Water Of Life – 1:20 4 – Love That Is Pure – 2:27 5 – You Know What To Do – 4:38 6 – You’re The One – 3:30 7 – Oh For A Thousand Tongues To Sing – 2:24 8 – Willing Now To Die – 2:54 9 – Oh Sacred Head – 3:04 10 – Yo Te Amo (I Love You) – 3:32 11 – We Stand United – 5:17
Produced by Gary Brenner Lead vocals : Danny Plett Keyboards : Danny Plett, Gary Brenner Electric Guitar : Randy Hiebert Acoustic Guitar : Ari Lahdekorpi Bass Guitar : Paul Kelly Drums : Greg Black Percussion : Glen Matthews Background vocals : Danny Plett, Steve Bell, Dodi Bell, Paul Kelly, Angela Kelman Recorded & Mixed at Century 21 Recording Studios, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Engineered by Ralph Watts
