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 the progressive and blues infused, guitar centered rock and roll had been replaced by a heavy dose of synthesizers and strings.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
Manna started out as a successful secular band called The Wilton Brothers but in 1981 they changed genre to Christian music and changed their name to Manna. Though original the band consisted of the 4 Wilton brothers they were joined by Wilf Truchon on guitar and Jeff Chaignon on bass to round out Manna. Out of Edmonton Alberta Canada they stated touring the local Alberta and British Columbia area. In 1982 or 83 they went into the studio and recorded this album. I have spoken with lead singer Dennis Wilton and he wasn’t really that impressed with the engineering/production on the album. He feels that the album didn’t truly capture the sound of the band. I would have to agree after listening to some of their live recordings which are available on Dennis’s soundcloud’s channel. The band was far more Rock oriented than this album represents and I think we can blame this on Tunesmith Records who unfortunately often thought they knew better than the band. Unfortunately this was all we got from the band which was also fairly common with Tunesmith records. Pity really as I feel they were headed in a good direction judging from their live work.
Tracklist 1 – Calling You – 4:33 2 – Eyes To See – 3:10 3 – Stand Up – 5:00 4 – Worthy Is The Lamb – 5:49 5 – Choose Today – 4:31 6 – Devotion Song – 3:00 7 – Open Your Heart – 4:36 8 – Greater Is He – 3:37 9 – Be Still…Be Silent – 3:20
Credits Lead Vocals – Dennis Wilton Lead, Rhythm Guitars, Vocals – Wilf Truchon Keyboards, Vocals – Rick Wilton Keyboards, Vocals – John Wilton Drums, Vocals, Birdcalls – Paul Wilton Bass Guitar, Co-Producer – Jeff Chaignon Concert Engineer – Kevin Phelps Executive Producer Charles H. Clements II Producer – Rob Hewes Engineers – Dean McElwaine, Rob Hewes Mixed & Remixed – Dean McElwaine
Companies Recorded At – Zone Five Studio, Edmonton Record Company – Tunesmith
I have no idea how I ever got copies of the three albums from The Predators back in the early 80’s. I don’t even know how the were distributed here in the US. I don’t even remember buying them. All I know is that I love all three and this, Social Decay, is just fabulous. When the dictionary defines “new wave” they should have a picture The Predators. Heavy keyboard dominated dance music with guitar stylings taken straight from The Knack and vocals at times sounding eerily like Bill Walden of early Undercover fame. In fact, the first Undercover album may be a decent comparison, though much more musical and stronger songwriting.But it is not a stretch to hear comparisons to Weber and the Buzztones, Quickflight, Elvis Cotello and even Ishmael United. There is a great combination of straight ahead evangelical lyrics and thoughtful and vague pop themes, but all with a Biblical worldview. “Man in My Room” has the feeling of a stalker story until you realize the song is about the Holy Spirit. “Stand Up and Be Counted” is a Christian anthem and “Nasty Video” addresses the problem of modern cinema and its impact. Their catalog is a tough find but worth the effort for those with an affection for early 80’s new wave pop.
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Jack – 3:10 2 – Free World – 3:09 3 – Man In My Room – 4:07 4 – Stand Up And Be Counted – 3:45 5 – Lost At Sea – 3:48 6 – 2 Out Of 7 – 3:49 7 – One More Time – 3:12 8 – Wipe The Tears – 4:16 9 – Nasty Video – 3:02 10 – Never Say Die – 3:26
Credits Bass, Vocals – Andy Rayner Drums, Percussion – Francis Johnson Engineer – Mick Robson Guitar – Kelvin Allwood Keyboards, Vocals – Brian Westhead Producer – John Pantry Vocals – Kevin Smith
Unfortunately this 1983 album from 2nd Chapter Of Acts falls in the “this was another album” category. One of the problems with their style of music is that the albums all start to blend together after awhile. The interesting track on this album is the opening track “Room Noise”. Not the best song I ever heard but it is kind of a cool song. The first single was “Takin’ The Easy Way” which peaked at #2. “Spin Your Light” was the second single which only made it to #31. The album wasn’t a stand out but fulfilled a need by their fans for another album. One point of trivia for the album is that Kerry Livgren played some guitar and synth tracks for the album.
Tracklist 1 – Room Noise – 4:05 2 – Beware My Heart – 4:30 3 – Ocean Liner – 4:33 4 – Takin’ The Easy Way – 4:02 5 – No One Will Have A Secret – 4:00 6 – Spin Your Light – 3:26 7 – Open Up My Blind Eyes – 4:22 8 – I’m Wastin’ No More Time – 3:42 9 – Lift Me Up – 3:33
Credits Arranged By [All Vocal Arrangements By] – 2nd Chapter Of Acts Arranged By [Instrumental Arrangements By] – Michael Omartian (tracks: A1, B2, B5) Bass – John Scudder, Leland Sklar Drums, Electronic Drums [Simmons Drums] – Jack Kelly Guitar – Dean Harrington, Matthew Ward Piano – Anne Herring, Si Simonson Piano, Synthesizer, Soloist [Synth Solo] – Michael Omartian Producer – Buck Herring Synthesizer, Guitar – Kerry Livgren
