Here is yet another oddball release on Morada Records. You’ll find some rather odd combinations of styles on this album. All on one album you can hear synth, prog rock, Fusion rock, Funk, and maybe a bit of jazz. Kind of a pity this was their only album as I think a second one with a better producer this band might have really gone some where. All that said this one is definitely one you should take the time to listen to and you might join the cult following this band has.
Tracklist 1 – Creepin’ In – 2:44 2 – Lookin’ Out – 3:01 3 – Who Are We Looking To? – 3:29 4 – When He Comes – 2:55 5 – You Got A Hold On Me – 5:48 6 – New Old World – 3:26 7 – Latter Rain – 4:39 8 – By My Spirit – 2:48 9 – Before The Throne – 5:42
Credits Ken Burger – Songwriter, Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals Mark Copenhaver – Producer, Engineer Ground Crew – Producer Mark Huhnke – Songwriter, Keyboards, Synthesizers, Vocals R. Jones – Songwriter D. Koss – Songwriter Eric Lucas – Songwriter, Guitar, Sax, Bass, Vocals Tom Winters – Drums
Billy Sprague got his start in the Christian music scene by being a member of Amy Grant’s band in the early 80’s. This work included a duet with Amy, “Singing A Love Song,” off Amy’s In Concert album. This relationship developed into his own record deal in 1984 with Reunion Records. Reunion brought in Michael W. Smith in to produce the album and the result of that is this album. It was a very successful release garnering 3 singles on the CCM charts. “Heavenly Father” climbed to #8, “What A Way To Go” to #22, and “Jude Doxology” to #30. I’m kind of surprised they released Jude Doxology as a single as personally I think it’s the weakest track on the album, but I never really got along with the CCM charts anyway. Obviously the album was very successful and I’m sure Reunion Records couldn’t get a second album out fast enough though it would have to wait until he was done his tour.
Tracklist 1 – What A Way To Go – 4:07 2 – Don’t Give Up – 3:55 3 – Heavenly Father – 3:31 4 – Never Be The Same – 4:59 5 – I Believe – 4:42 6 – Secret Heart – 4:29 7 – How Could You Say No – 3:28 8 – Take My Heart – 4:54 9 – Jude Doxology – 2:03
Credits Art Direction, Design – Kent Hunter Bass – Mike Brignardello Drums – Mark Hammond Engineer – Jeff Balding Engineer [Additional] – Jim “J.B.” Baird Engineer [Assistant] – Allen Henry, Chris Hammond, Sam Baily Engineer, Mixed By – Brent King Executive-Producer – Dan Harrell, Michael Blanton Guitar, Electric Guitar – Jon Goin Mastered By – Hank Williams Mixed By [Assistant] – Phil Dihel Photography By – Mark Tucker Producer, Keyboards – Michael W. Smith
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Reunion Records Copyright (c) – Reunion Records Distributed By – Word, Inc. Distributed By – Word Records Limited Distributed By – Word (Uk) Ltd. Designed At – Thomas Ryan Design Recorded At – Goldmine Studio, Brentwood, TN Recorded At – Bullet Recording Recorded At – Center Stage Studio Mixed At – Mastermix Mastered At – Mastermix Pressed By – Monarch Record Mfg. Co.
This little gem would have ranked significantly higher if there were more than 4 songs. As a result this album (EP) is the shortest on the list. But one little unique oddity of the album is that the vinyl has all four songs on each side. The group started out as the Larry Weber Millennium and they released a 45 single under that moniker with Lamb Chops (also here) and the song “God Blessed America” that I have never heard and may be unfortunately lost to obscurity. Lamb Chops is straight up techno, keyboard pop with just a dash of Devo and talking Heads in the quirky vocal styling. A whole lot of keyboards and with touches of The Cars and Gary Numan, especially on Lamb Chops. But the second cut, “OK,” is not far removed from what Vector did on their “Please Stand By” album. This cut has a much more Missing Person’s vice and would have fit quite nicely on modern radio (KROQ) at the time. The guitar parts shine on this tune and sets it apart from the rest of the EP. I would venture to say that fans of Quickflight would also find quite a bit to like here. The final two cuts, “Run Away” and “Walk Away,” both fit into the overall pop, keyboard new wave, with the latter just being a little slower…which I guess makes sense. Where the former appears to be about running away from God, the latter encourages the listener to turn away from sin. I did get to see them once at the Anaheim Convention Center as part of a Calvary Chapel evangelistic event. Several different members flowed in and out of the band and I admit to having very limited knowledge about them outside of seeing them one other time with Steve Taylor. Like early Steve Taylor the music is quirky, fun and the lyrics dry and funny at times. I had always wished for more, but it was apparently never to be. In the previous blog several of the band members left comments. I hope they return here and that Larry will also be heard from.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Credits Cover – Paul Carstensen Design – Paul Carstensen Drum Programming [Linndrum] – Pat Craig Drum Programming [Simmons] – Mike Tuuri Engineer – David Denny, Jammie Bridges Executive Producer – Brian Martin Guitar – Larry Weber Mastered By – George Horn Percussion – Mike Tuuri Producer – Larry Weber Synthesizer – Glen Repoza, Larry Weber, Nelson DiMarco, Tim Watt Vocals – Larry Weber Written-By – Larry Weber
Companies, etc. Recorded At – Starlight Sound Mastered At – Fantasy Studios
In the world of Christian pop music more than a handful of artists bounded on the scene without the songwriting credentials, artistic acumen and lyrical insight…and they sold a ton of records. Other like Kenny Marks made a name for themselves and sold a decent amount, but never attained the popularity their quality work deserved. Often favorably compared to Bryan Adam and Richard Marx, Kenny Marks was a singer-songwriter that plied his trade in the CCM world and should have done much better. His songs combined the popular and common themes of mainstream CCM with a twist or difference that set him apart. he would also deal with subjects either taboo or poorly communicated in other settings. He may be most noted for his trilogy of songs that surrounded the relationship between a Johnny and a Jeannie. Two High School sweethearts that date, marry, have a child and divorce. Though a later album would bring Johnny back as a character, it is the three songs on three records in a row that are of most note. That trilogy started here with “Growing Up Too Fast.” The albums biggest hit was the title track, a stirring ballad about God’s undying love and forgiveness. “One Small Voice” reminds the listener of God’s attempt to speak to us in the small things in a busy and loud world. “Single-Minded Love” addresses the loneliness and difficulty of being a single adult within the walls of the Church. Marks had a decent little career, but it should have been stronger and lasted longer. There were three of four fantastic albums released throughout the mid-80’s that still deserve repeated listening.
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Right Where You Are – 4:11 2 – One Small Voice – 3:17 3 – Prisoner – 4:57 4 – It’s Incredible – 3:21 5 – Gift From God – 4:10 6 – Growing Up Too Fast – 4:00 7 – Single-Minded Love – 3:45 8 – Still Be Believing – 3:20 9 – You’re The Best – 3:40 10 – Sing For Joy – 3:11
Credits Art Direction – Bill Brunt Backing Vocals – Denny Henson, Kenny Marks, Pamela Marks, Patti Leatherwood, Randy Guidry Bass – Mike Brignardello Drums – Dennis Holt Engineer – Kyle Lehning Engineer [Assistant] – Doug Sarrett Engineer, Mixed By – Jeff Balding Executive-Producer – Neal Joseph Guitar – Jon Goin Mastered By – Hank Williams Percussion – Terry McMillan Photography By – Mark Tucker Producer, Keyboards, Synthesizer, Keyboards [Mini Moog Bass], Backing Vocals – Keith Thomas Saxophone – Mark Douthit
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc. Copyright (c) – Word, Inc. Recorded At – Gold Mine Studio Mixed At – Gold Mine Studio Mastered At – Mastermix Pressed By – Monarch Record Mfg. Co.
Nearly a decade after releasing one of the most classic, definitive Jesus Music albums, Sail on Sailor, with his band Mustard Seed Faith and some six year since releasing his first solo album “Spirit of St. Lewis” Lewis McVay released an amazing record that was only hampered by being part of a label that was about to fold. From the creative cover to the phenomenal musicianship on the album, every song works and works well. Combining many different genres all within the framework of pop/rock with touches of new wave and soulful jazz, there is also a hint of the sounds also explored by labelmates Prodigal. Christian radio was very responsive to the mid-tempo ballad “Someday” which sounds nothing like the rest of the album and is uncanny how much it sounds like a David and the Giants ballad. It is also the only over the top syrupy CCM song on the entire album and seems like it was written just for the radio. That is really the ONLY song not up to par with the rest of the album. The rest of the album is really that good. There is not a weak song to be found anywhere. Highlights include the title track, Moon Eyes and You Can’t Fool Me. This is a serious AYSO and one can only hope to find one to own. You don’t want to know what I paid for mine 20 years later!
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Moon Eyes – 4:03 2 – Coming Attraction – 2:25 3 – Can’t Fool Me – 3:43 4 – It’s Real – 3:52 5 – Someday – 3:39 6 – I Need You – 3:34 7 – Running – 3:00 8 – Is Everything Possible? – 3:46 9 – Can’t Live Without Your Love – 3:56 10 – Working Man – 3:06
Credits Backing Vocals – Bill Batstone, Darrell Cook, Jon Phelps, Kay Roebuck, Keith Edwards, Lewis McVay, Ronda Taff, Ted French Bass – Darrell Cook, Greg McNelly Co-producer – Lewis McVay Drums – Keith Edwards, Larrie Londin Electric Guitar – Bill Batstone, Jon Goin Engineer – Greg McNeily, Jonathan David Brown Engineer, Mixed By – Gary Platt Keyboards – Jeff Lamms, John Shriner Lead Guitar – James Cloke, Jon Goin, Wayne Braust Lead Vocals, Guitar – Lewis McVay Mastered By – Mike Fuller Mixed By – Greg McNeily Photography – Dianne McVay Producer – Jon Phelps, Ted French (tracks: B4) Saxophone – Ronnie Eades Synthesizer – Loyd Boldman, Rob Watson, Shane Keister
Companies, etc. Copyright (c) – McVay Publishing Copyright (c) – Between The Lines Music
This 1984 album is another example of early Christian metal. At the time the genre was still being downplayed by record companies and distributors. Because of this the vinyl version of this album is highly sought after due to it’s very short run. It is rumoured that the vinyl run was limited to 1000 copies so they can command up to $1000 now. Luckily Retroactive Records re-released the album on CD in 2010 so you can get a copy more easily. This was Messiah’s first official studio release though there had been demo’s. This is a true metal album and in my opinion was ahead of its time. While not my style this is a great band that knew what they were doing. The production on the album was a little weak but in a way that makes it sound even better.
Tracklist 1 – Who’s To Blame – 3:02 2 – Outta Control – 4:25 3 – Where Are You – 4:03 4 – The Choice – 3:37 5 – Heavenly Metal – 5:42 6 – Mistaken Identity – 4:50 7 – Keep Searching – 4:17 8 – Lucifer – 6:04 9 – Final Warning – 5:46
Credits Bass – Pete Smoltz Cover, Artwork, Layout, Illustration – Mike Demske Engineer – George Hellow Engineer [Assistant] – Chuck Reynolds Keyboards – Dan Knowles Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Scott Wood Lead Vocals – Chuck Gugel Management – Nutcracker Productions Co. Inc. Percussion – Keith Behnke Producer – Chuck Gugel, Scott Wood Written-By – Chuck Gugel, Mike Lopez (tracks: B3, B4), Pete Smoltz (tracks: A2, A5), Scott Wood (tracks: A1 to B2)
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Viniculum Music Publishing Inc. Copyright (c) – Viniculum Music Publishing Inc. Distributed By – Nutcracker Productions Co. Inc. Produced For – IHM Records Recorded At – Polaris Recording Studios
This was the only album we got from Tony. He was with DeGarmo & Key for the No Turning Back tour and album as well as the Mission of Mercy album. DeGarmo and Key actually appear on the album on Track 3 “Lift It Up”. This album was released on Voice Box records which was a very small label far better known for their very Easy Listening albums than this Pop album. Tony also had some song writing credits including a song for Mylon LeFevre & Broken Heart off their 1986 album Sheep in Wolves Clothing. Other than that I can’t find much information on him. This is AOR Pop oriented album which was really quite good and I’m a but surprised how little known it is. Some may know I have a real penchant for the Rockabilly/Fifties sound and Tony closed out the album with a great song of this genre, “Roll Away The Rock.”
Tracklist 1 – Livin’ For The Light – 4:14 2 – The Long Way – 3:21 3 – Lift It Up – 2:29 4 – Lord, I Want To Shine – 3:24 5 – Rejoice The Day Will Come – 3:17 6 – Crucible Of Love – 3:36 7 – Higher Power – 3:38 8 – Roll Away The Rock – 3:03
Credits Vocal Duet – Tanya Goodman Electric Guitars – Tony Pilcher, Greg Reding, B. James Lowery Acoustic Guitar – B. James Lowery Drums – Chad Cromwell, Greg Morrow Bass : Mike Brignardello, Dave Smith Acoustic Piano : Carl Marsh Hammond B3 Organ, Synthesizer – Lester Snell Background Vocals – David Mayo, Jimi Jamison, Debbie Cathey, Tony Pilcher, Dana Key, Tommy Cathey, Dana Key, The Christ Missionary Baptist Singers Rhodes & Synthesizer – Ed DeGarmo Saxophone – Andrew Love
It is not very often that an artist has the privilege of writing and recording a song that would one day be considered a classic. Even less often does that same artist write and record two or three such songs. Almost never do those three songs all appear on one album. After a sweet but neglected debut release, Knowing You’re Around, Twila released the popular Keepin’ My Eyes On You in 1982. That album showed the promise that would be realized on The Warrior is a Child. The album would contain several Top 10 singles and a few Number One singles. The most notable is the title track which went on to win several awards, own the radio charts and be the definitive song for an artist that has recorded over 20 albums and charted over 30 number one singles! Many songs have been added to recent editions of Church Hymnals while others have become modern worship classic. “Do I Trust You,” written after the death of Keith Green remained a radio favorite for years and one of the top selling accompany tapes ever sold. The beautiful and memorable melody has been added to hymnals and worship playlists. The song of God’s sovereignty has hit home with millions as a reminder of God’s role in our lives, even and especially during the difficult times. “We Bow Down” has also found it’s way into many modern hymnals and remains one of the most popular praise and worship songs of all time. It’s important to note that she was writing “pop” music for the masses that became worship classics well before the modern worship phenomenon. Very few MOR/Inspo albums have made there way on to this list, but one must recognize that when someone excels even in an area or style that is not a personal favorite, there is deserved recognition. Such is the case here as The Warrior is a Child remains a classic for the genre and genuinely great album with lasting impact and implications.
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – The Warrior Is A Child – 4:05 2 – Forever Eyes – 3:32 3 – Clearer Vision – 4:13 4 – Do I Trust You – 4:11 5 – Covenant Keeper – 2:43 6 – The Battle Is The Lord’s – 2:55 7 – We Bow Down – 2:41 8 – Leaning On The Everlasting Arms – 4:18 9 – To Do Your Will – 2:40 10 – Come On In – 3:58 11 – Praise Him – 3:36
Credits Arranged By – Jonathan David Brown, George (Smitty) Price Art Direction, Design – Joan Tankersley Backing Vocals – Dan Collins, Jamie Owens Collins, Jonathan David Brown, Kelly Willard, Starla Paris, Twila Paris Bass Guitar – Jim Johnson, John Patitucci Drums – Cactus Moser Drums, Percussion – Keith Edwards Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Hadley Hockensmith Engineer – Jonathan David Brown Engineer [Assisted By] – Steven Ford, Todd VanEtten Executive-Producer – Phil Brower Layout – Lori Cooper Mastered By – Steve Hall Percussion – Victor Feldman Photography By – Craig Stewart Piano [Acoustic], Electric Piano [Rhodes] – George (Smitty) Price Piano [Acoustic], Organ [B-3] – Harlan Rogers Producer – Jonathan David Brown Synthesizer – John Schreiner Written-By – Twila Paris (tracks: A1 to B2, B4 to B6)
Companies, etc. Record Company – The Zondervan Corporation Phonographic Copyright (p) – Singspiration Copyright (c) – Singspiration Published By – Singspiration Music Recorded At – Mama Jo’s Mixed At – Mama Jo’s Mastered At – Future Disc Designed At – The Cover Story
I bet that most of you are asking who was Oracle? For the main part I have the exact same question but I do know a little bit. First of all do not confuse this band with a Heavy Metal band of the same name. This is not them regardless of what you may read on line. This Oracle has more of a rock pop mix I’d say leaning slightly more to rock. I have no idea who the guys in the band were because they used nondescript nicknames on the album. This is something I’ve always disliked and this album is an example of why. They apparently were from Edmonton and this was all we have from them. The album came out on Tunesmith records who were well known for signing unknown bands with varying success. In this case I don’t think there was much success as I’m from Canada and I have never heard of these guys. The album cover is actually pretty cool for 1984 but really doesn’t suit the album. The quality of the music isn’t fantastic but this is in part because I don’t think the production is very good. The songs are simple but have some catchy riffs and choruses and with better production we might have heard more from these guys. Unfortunately this is a common story when it comes to Tunesmith artists.
Tracklist 1 – Stranger In Paradise – 3:46 2 – Songmaker – 5:04 3 – Joker – 3:20 4 – Final Show – 5:12 5 – Court Jester – 3:20 6 – Heroes – 4:29 7 – Love Song – 3:50 8 – Breakdown – 2:24 9 – Listen To The Voice – 4:03
Credits Lead Vocals, Guitar – Rock Bass – Gary Anthony Keyboards, Vocals – J.J. Drums – Klark Executive Producer – The Wizard Mastered By – Dave Ellsworth Producer – Oracle
Companies, etc. Record Company – Praise Industries Corp.
This was Steve’s final album with Myrrh records. Strangely Myrrh chose to release it after he had already released a new album with his new label. There has to be a story there somewhere. Also strangely the track “Light Your Candle” is both on this album and the “Fire and Ice” album. The versions are slightly different but this is the first version he recorded. Also very strange about this album is that it did not have a single on the CCM charts. I really feel that behind the scenes there’s a real story behind this album. The album actually has a bit of a dark feeling to me. Several of the songs have a negative feel about Steve’s opinion of the world at this time of his life. Now that said this album is also said to have some of his best songwriting which I guess makes sense as he was actually writing about serious issues. Norman Barratt supplied lead guitar work on the album and his work stands out as usual. All in all a pretty good album from Steve but not one of my personal favourites.
Tracklist
1 – Holding On To You – 3:43
2 – Don’t Wanna Be Friends – 3:18
3 – It’s A Dying World – 3:49
4 – You Comfort Me – 3:20
5 – You Know What’s Right – 3:19
6 – Light Your Candle – 3:19
7 – I Don’t Live By Chance – 3:25
8 – Tongue Is A Fire – 5:04
9 – Can You Sleep Tonight – 3:53
10 – Man Does Not Live – 3:27
Credits
Acoustic Guitar – Steve Camp
Arranged By – Barratt Band, Steve Camp
Art Direction [Production] – Dlorah L. Abdi
Artwork [Special Airbrush Effects] – Roy Harwood
Backing Vocals – Diane Thiel, Joan Anderson, Steve Camp
Bass – Larry Tomaso
Design, Design Concept [Cover And Sleeve Design And Concept] – Camille Brown
Drums – Russell Caldwell
Electric Guitar – Norman Barratt
Executive-Producer – Steven C. Wyer
Keyboards, Piano – Dave Morris
Mixed By – Hank Neuberger, Steve Camp
Mixed By [Mix-down Engineer] – Hank Neuberger
Photography By [Cover Background And Sleeve Photos] – Steve G.S. Morgan
Photography By [Cover People Photos] – Phillip Radcliffe
Producer – Steve Camp
Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc.
Copyright (c) – Word, Inc.
Pressed By – Monarch Record Mfg. Co.
Recorded At – Chapel Lane Studios
Mixed At – Chicago Recording Company
