1984 – Page 4 – Real 80s CCM

Philadelphia – Tell The Truth – 1984

This was the first album from Philadelphia who were out of Shreveport, Louisiana. Apparently the band had been together for quite some time at this point (1984) and actually started in the late 70’s as a secular band. When I was researching this album I was surprised at the reviews. It seems like some people loved the album and some just liked it and a few definitely did not like it. I usually don’t see such a variety of opinions on an album. Well I fall in the like it to love it category. I know I would have loved this album in 1984 but I doubt it ever made it anywhere near Canada so I would never have heard it. Yes I agree with others that the production is thin but I can forgive that because I think the writing is excellent. There is an 8:43 song which I feel is a little over the top but it’s an OK listen. My favourite track is actually the one most people seem to hate. “No Time For Honey” definitely will make my regular rotation playlist, probably once a week.

Tracklist
1 – Tell The Truth – 4:53
2 – Livin’ In Love – 5:26
3 – No Time For Honey – 3:26
4 – No Compromise – 4:01
5 – Razor’s Edge – 5:01
6 – The Life Inside – 3:07
7 – New Jerusalem – 8:43

Credits
Bass, Vocals – Brian Clark
Drums – Brian Martini
Executive Producer – Bill Bafford
Guitar – Phil Scholling, Ronn Flowers
Layout, Design – Scott Waters

Companies, etc.
Record Company – Patmos Records
Manufactured By – Patmos Records
Distributed By – Patmos Records
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Patmos Records
Copyright © – Moona Music Company

Dennis Agajanian – Where Are The Heroes – 1984

Produced by Terry Talbot, this 1984 outing from Dennis is a different sort of foray into Country music. It includes two songs written by Steve Camp, and one co-written by Dennis and Terry Talbot. There is also a pseudo-country version of Bach’s Jesu Joy Of Man’s Desiring. Dennis has been referred to as a “guitar virtuoso” and this is a demonstration of why. In general, this album has a lot more prominent guitar work than earlier releases like Rebel To The Wrong. Backing vocalists on this album include Dennis Agajanian, Julie Miller, Matthew Ward, and Terry Talbot. Over a career spanning around 30 years, Dennis released over a dozen albums and spent some significant time contributing to Billy Graham crusades. This record has all the polish you would expect from a Terry Talbot project, and a smooth sounding Nashville country sound.

Tracklist
1 – If You Say – 2:37
2 – Via Dolorosa – 4:36
3 – Where Are The Heroes – 4:20
4 – The Tongue Is A Fire – 4:32
5 – Jesu Joy Of Man’s Desiring – 2:54
6 – She’s A Servant (Single And Living Alone) – 2:55
7 – Goodbye Old Man – 3:32
8 – Colleen’s Pirouette – 2:48
9 – I Will Never Leave You – 3:36
10 – All That I Am – 2:52

Credits
Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Backing Vocals – Dennis Agajanian
Backing Vocals – Julie Miller, Matthew Ward
Bass – Abraham Laboriel, Scott Parish (tracks: A5)
Drums – Bill Maxwell
Electric Guitar – Michael Thompson
Keyboards – Dennis Bouchard*
Mastered By – Ken Pennell, Steve Hall
Mixed By – Ron Capone
Producer, Backing Vocals, Mixed By, Acoustic Guitar – Terry Talbot
Recorded By [@ Poiema] – Bill Cobb
Recorded By [@ Westwind] – Ron Capone

Companies, etc.
Copyright (c) – The Sparrow Corporation
Phonographic Copyright (p) – The Sparrow Corporation
Record Company – Sparrow Records, Inc.
Copyright (c) – Birdwing Music
Copyright (c) – Cherry Lane Music Publishing Company Inc.
Copyright (c) – Paragon Music Corp.
Recorded At – Poiema Studios
Recorded At – Westwind Studio
Mastered At – Future Disc

Messiah Prophet Band – Rock The Flock – 1984

Metal done just right. The album starts out with a perfect 1984 hard rock anthem, “Rock The Flock.” Along with some melodic metal tunes like “Labor of Love” this album keeps the pace up all the way through. The band’s strong vocals, bold drumming and continuous guitar flourishes make a nice blend. This was the first of only two albums the band put out in the 80s. Although there was room for more, we got all there was of MPB.

Tracklist
1 – Rock the Flock – 3:36
2 – Labor of Love – 3:46
3 – Try to Understand – 4:44
4 – Travel the Rough Road – 4:08
5 – Why Must You Run – 5:34
6 – To the Rock – 3:55
7 – Answer Our Call – 5:21
8 – Riding Out the Storm – 4:50
9 – Sing – 7:09

Credits
Charlie Clark – Songwriter, Lead Vocals
Rob Clark – Rhythm & Lead Guitars, Vocals
Dave Daubert – Drums, Vocals
Dean Pellman – Songwriter, Bass, Vocals
Andy Strauss – Songwriter, Lead Guitar, Vocals
Cedric Winters – Engineer
Jim Zimmerman – Producer

Scott Roley – Within My Reach – 1984

This was Scott’s first solo album and it was a great one. Scott had been a member of the 70’s group Asian and early 80’s group City Limits. This time Scott was joined at Stage III Studios by several top musicians including, the Huff brothers, Phil Madeira, Gary Lunn, and many others. This was some of the greatest headliners and studio musicians of the time. The album shows this talent with it’s Pop / AOR sound. I missed this one in the 80’s and am sure glad I found it now. The album single was “Within My Reach” but I prefer “Mansion Of Opinion” but the album is all great tunes, no dogs on here.

Tracklist
1 – Against The Tide – 3:47
2 – Living In Your Love – 3:14
3 – Satan’s Tragedy – 5:13
4 – Wounded Healer – 3:37
5 – The Messiah – 3:08
6 – Crash The Prom – 2:56
7 – Really Fine Job – 3:27
8 – Pleasure Planet – 3:20
9 – Mansion Of Opinion – 3:45
10 – Within My Reach – 3:15

Credits
Arranged By – Bill Deaton, Phil Madeira, Scott Roley
Artwork – Jeff Spencer
Bass – Gary Lunn, Duncan Mullins
Drums – David Huff, John Hammond
Executive-Producer – Bob MacKenzie, Ray Nenow
Guitar – Scott Roley, Bill Deaton, Greg Jennings, Larry Chaney, Gordon Kennedy
Harmonica – Scott Roley
Keyboards – Phil Madeira
Mandolin – James Isaac Elliott
Mixed By – Bill Deaton
Percussion – David Huff, Scott Roley, Lisa Cates
Photography By – Tommy Greer
Piano – Phil Madeira
Producer – Bill Deaton, Scott Roley
Recorded By – Bill Deaton
Vocals – Scott Roley
Written-By – Mark Chesshir, Scott Roley, Van Stephenson, Tom Douglas, John Thompson

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Refuge Records
Copyright (c) – Refuge Records
Published By – Rainy Roley Music
Published By – Stage III Music
Published By – ATV Music
Published By – Warner Bros. Music
Published By – Little Dude Music
Published By – S.C.L. Music
Published By – Saddleshoe Publishing
Published By – Whole Armor Publishing Co.
Record Company – Refuge Record Company
Distributed By – The Benson Company
Lacquer Cut At – Masterfonics

Koinonia – Celebration – 1984

While not that well known in North America Koinonia was very very popular in Scandinavia. This concert is a testament to their popularity as it was recorded at Scandinavium in Göteborg, Sweden in front of a crowd of about 14,000 people. Now even if you’re not a fan of their Jazz Fusion style you should check out track 6 “Sno-Cone” as it is a blues jam style track, and it is very very good. Other than that the album is Jazz Fusion as I said and Koinonia are the masters of this style.

Tracklist
1 – Pilgrim’s Progression – 6:55
2 – Hidden Beauty – 4:40
3 – Agapao – 1:34
4 – Celebration – 6:25
5 – Countin’ The Cost – 6:38
6 – Sno-Cone – 5:18
7 – From You – 4:54
8 – Goodbye – Means God Be With You – 5:28
9 – All The Time – 4:17
10 – Miracle – 4:20

Credits
Bass – Abraham Laboriel
Drums, Percussion – Alex Acuña, Bill Maxwell
Engineer – Keith Grant, Win Kutz
Engineer [Assistant] – Agne Thorstensson, Lennart Nilsson, Ray Leonard, Steve Ford, Todd Van Etten
Guitar – Hadley Hockensmith
Keyboards – Harlan Rogers
Mastered By – Pounda, Steve Hall
Producer – Koinonia
Vocals – Abraham Laboriel
Woodwind – Justo Almario

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Scandinavium
Phonographic Copyright (p) – The Sparrow Corporation
Copyright (c) – The Sparrow Corporation
Mastered At – Future Disc
Mastered At – Tape One
Mixed At – Mama Jo’s
Mixed At – Sound City Studios
Distributed By – Word (Uk) Ltd.
Printed By – Shorewood Packaging Co. Ltd.

Forerunner – (a.k.a) – 1984

This album is kind of an odd one. This is actually The Joe English Band minus Joe English, well kind of. Considering Joe played drums on 4 of the 9 tracks I think this is best described as The Joe English Band without Joe on vocals. Vocal duties were taken over by John Lawry. The album distinctly sounds like other Joe English work and there’s no mistaking who’s playing here. I’ll be honest the album just strikes me as a little off. I can’t decide if I don’t like John’s vocals or if it just sounds wrong to hear this music without Joe singing. I have argued it both ways with myself and I am leaning that John’s vocals are just a little weak. That said there is nothing wrong with this album and if you like Joe you are probably going to like this album.

Tracklist
1 – Jesus Is Saviour – 3:39
2 – Faith Walk – 4:04
3 – Hard Times – 3:47
4 – Victory – 3:57
5 – Nowhere To Run – 2:55
6 – River Of Life – 4:41
7 – Hold On – 3:15
8 – Words Of The Wise – 4:00
9 – Albola (A Little Bit Of L.A.) – 3:42

Credits
Lisa Bevill – Choir and Background Vocals
Brenda Brannon – Choir Vocals
Paul Brannon – Producer, Songwriter, Guitars, Bass, Vocals
Jay C. Coble, Jr. – Trumpet
George Cocchini – Producer, Songwriter, Guitars, Bass, Vocals
Tom Douglas – Songwriter
James Isaac Elliott – Songwriter
Phil Elliott – Songwriter, Background Vocals
Joe English – Drums
Mike Feller – Drums
Tom Flora – Background Vocals
Mark Helstein – Choir Vocals
Angie Innis – Choir Vocals
John Lawry – Producer, Songwriter, Keyboards, Vocals
Sam Levine – Saxophone
Fred Lewis – Songwriter
Chris McCollum – Engineer
Doug Moffet – Saxophone
Ray Nenow – Executive Producer
Gary Pigg – Background Vocals
Roddy Smith – Songwriter
Tim Smith – Producer, Songwriter, Bass
Dave Spear – Choir Vocals
Lisa Tucker – Choir Vocals
Hank Williams – Mastered
Ned Wimmer – Choir Vocals

Companies, etc.
Copyright (c) – Refuge Records
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Refuge Records
Distributed By – The Benson Company, Inc.
Published By – Raybren Music
Published By – Quietlane Music
Published By – Prairie Moon Music
Recorded At – Great Circle Sound
Mastered At – Mastermix

Isaac Air Freight – The Freight’s Designer Album – 1984

Presented without any theological commentary, as usual. These albums were a lot of fun to listen to, and hearing the jokes again, and the great comedic performances is a great trip down memory lane. Still fun to listen to now.

Tracklist
1 – Comedy Odyssey – 1:49
2 – Are You A Fool? – 6:50
3 – Generic Phone Company – 1:32
4 – Montague – 6:54
5 – KBAM – 1:56
6 – Spouse’s Super Bout – 6:40
7 – Ed Herman’s Talk Radio – 3:50
8 – Fadscene – 1:28
9 – What’s Gospel To You? – 2:54
10 – Leave It To Squirrellie (Stuck With Eddie) – 6:45

Credits
Arranged By [Music], Music By [Additional], Musician – Peter Jacobs
Engineer – Chris Taylor
Executive-Producer, Producer, Performer – Dan Rupple
Musician – Bud Nuanez, Ed McTaggart, Pokin’ Fun Polka Band
Musician, Music By [Additional], Vocals – Bob Bennett
Performer – Dan Ferraro, Jim Coye, Louise Duart, Mike Obbema, Patrick Egan, Peggy Rupple, Randy Anderson (3), Robin Severn, Sharon Riley, Vikki James, Vince Brocato
Photography – Scott Ely
Producer, Performer, Vocals – Dave Toole

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Maranatha! Music
Copyright (c) – Maranatha! Music
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – Word Records Limited

Geoff Moore – Where Are The Other Nine – 1984

Geoff had success in the early 80’s writing songs for CCM artist Steven Curtis Chapman. He started writing after meeting Michael W. Smith in the clothing store where Moore worked. At least that’s what Wikipedia says. In 1984 he signed a record deal with Power Discs and this album is the result. I have to admit I was a bit surprised at how mellow this album is. It’s not really the Geoff Moore I was more familiar with. I was wondering if this was because of the producer Billy Smiley (White Heart) and perhaps it was as at this point as Bill had mainly produced “The New Gaither Vocal Band” albums. It was also likely a product of the times as even in 1984 record companies were still terrified of Rock & Roll to spite it’s success. This is a pretty good album though at times I feel like I’m listening to an Imperials album with different vocals. The album was successful and even garnered a chart single, the title track made it to #11.

Tracklist
1 – Build The House – 3:33
2 – Royal Priesthood – 2:53
3 – Where Are The Other Nine? – 3:36
4 – When You Get There – 3:56
5 – One Heart – 4:10
6 – Open Your Eyes – 2:28
7 – Bread Of Life – 3:50
8 – He Shall Be Praised – 3:21
9 – Lonely Hearts Need Love – 3:09
10 – The Fight Song – 2:49

Altar Boys – Altar Boys – 1984

Altar Boys’ self titled debut album came out in 1984. This California style punk was typical of what punk was at the time, although now we seem to have a lot of splinters of types of punk – melodic, thrash, pop, hardcore, metalcore, screamo, and more. A lot of punk was poppy at the time, modelled after The Ramones, and sounding like a precursor to MXPX or Green Day. Starting to play together around 1978, musicians that would later form the bands Undercover, Lifesavors, and Altar Boys (in that order) all came out of the same scene. Mike Stand and Ric Alba ended up in Altar Boys along with Jeff Crandall and Steve Pannier, while Mike’s brother was in Undercover, and Ric had previously done some playing with Lifesavors. Ric also played with Undercover before Altar Boys. In the spirit of punk rock, these songs are all high energy and a lot of fun, a hallmark of Altar Boys from start to end.

Track Listing:
1 – Alright! – 2:24
2 – I’m Into God – 2:52
3 – Have A Clue – 2:36
4 – Where’s It Gonna Lead You – 2:24
5 – You Found Me – 3:46
6 – Take In The Son – 2:44
7 – Well O.K. – 2:36
8 – Good Life – 3:31
9 – Oh, Oh Nancy – 1:33
10 – We Love Jesus – 2:40
11 – It’s Up To You – 3:07

Credits
Art Direction – Alex McDougal
Backing Vocals – Ojo
Backing Vocals, Drums, Vocals – Jeff Crandall
Backing Vocals, Lead Vocals, Guitar – Mike Stand
Bass, Keyboards – Rick Alba
Cover, Design – Debby Edwards
Engineer – Derald Daugherty
Engineer, Producer – Joey Taylor
Executive Producer – Bradley S. Hamilton
Guitar – Steve Pannier
Photography By – Oh Oh Nancy
Saxophone [Sax] – Bill Walden
Written-By – Annis

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Ministry Resource Center
Copyright (c) – Ministry Resource Center
Recorded At – Sound Affair
Recorded At – Whitefield Studios
Mixed At – Sound Affair
Mixed At – Whitefield Studios
Published By – Oh Oh Nancy Music
Published By – Maranatha! Music

Michele Pillar – Look Who Loves You Now – 1984

This was Michele’s 3rd solo album and probably her most successful. This album was also picked up and distributed by Capitol records for/with Sparrow Records. I do not believe it was pressed under the Capitol label so I suspect this was a distribution arrangement. The album had 3 charting singles with “Look Who Loves You Now” making it to #1. She also received 2 Grammy nominations, Best Gospel Performance, Female, and Best Gospel Performance By A Duo Or Group. Unfortunately she did not win either losing out in the female category to Amy Grant who won way too many Grammy’s in my opinion. But that’s a whole other rant. Larry Carlton produced and played most of the instruments on the album. Larry was not active in the CCM community and as near as I can tell had nothing to do with Christian music as a whole so I believe his involvement was a business decision. This album would also see her step away from her solo career until 1991 as well as her record deal with Sparrow. She had some family drama in 1988 so her disappearance from then on is understood but not much is written about her disappearance from this album until then. She did not disappear entirely she did a fair amount of work with Steve Camp and appeared on his albums. Anyway historically this is one of the great all time female vocalist albums so it should really be on your playlist. Oh and she should have won the Grammy.

Tracklist
1 – Each Day He Gives Me – 3:30
2 – Look Who Loves You Now – 3:19
3 – He’ll Shine His Light On You – 3:06
4 – Just Take A Step – 3:33
5 – Emotions Wound Us So – 3:15
6 – Wandering The Night – 4:13
7 – To Worship You – 3:29
8 – Here We Go – 3:50
9 – One Day Like Him – 3:20
10 – I Want To Make A Difference – 3:27

Credits
Backing Vocals – Joe Chemay (tracks: A1, B1), Joey Scarbury (tracks: A1, B1), Larry Carlton (tracks: A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B2, B3, B4, B5), Michele Pillar (tracks: A2, A3, B1, B2, B3, B4)
Bass – Larry Carlton (tracks: A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B2, B3, B4, B5)
Design [Album Jacket] – Stan Evenson Design Inc.
Design [Lyric Sheet] – Steve Cox
Drum Programming [DMX] – John Ferraro (tracks: A3), Larry Carlton (tracks: A2, A3, B2, B3)
Drums – John Ferraro (tracks: A3), Larry Carlton (tracks: A2, A3, A5, B2, B3)
Electronic Drums [Simmons Drums] – John Ferraro (tracks: A1, B1, B4)
Guitar – Larry Carlton (tracks: All)
Horns – Don Markese (tracks: A1, A4, B1, B4), Mic Gillette (tracks: A1, A4, B1, B4)
Mastered By – Steve Hall
Mixed By – Hal Sacks, Michael Verdick
Percussion – Michael Fisher (tracks: All)
Photography By – Lisa Powers
Piano [Acoustic] – Brian Mann (tracks: B1), Larry Carlton (tracks: A2)
Producer, Arranged By – Larry Carlton
Recorded By – Hal Sacks, Larry Carlton
Synthesizer – Brian Mann (tracks: A1, B1), Larry Carlton (tracks: All)

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Room 335, Hollywood
Mixed At – Channel Recording
Mastered At – Future Disc