Tag: 1985

Steve Camp – Shake Me To Wake Me – 1985

This is Steve’s 7th studio album and his second with Sparrow Records. Sparrow was a good move for Steve as they let him turn up the volume and fun. This is a great pop album and was a pleasant surprise at the time as many of us were afraid of Steve going straight worship. The album spawned 3 singles with “Stranger to Holiness” doing the best climbing to #5 on the charts. “Surrender Your Heart” made it to #33 and “Even Now” Made it to #31. As usual most of the tracks were far to poppy for CCM to allow them on the charts. I would be interested to see how the real singles did on California Christian radio. As usual Steve’s album had all sorts of special appearances including Marty McCall (Fireworks), Dann Huff (Whiteheart), Rob Frazier (who also helped with some writing and producing), and Dave Perkins.

Tracklist
1 – Help Is On The Way – 4:08
2 – Lazy Jane – 3:20
3 – Surrender Your Heart – 4:44
4 – Bad News For Modern Man – 4:57
5 – Stranger To Holiness – 4:24
6 – On The Edge – 3:52
7 – Asleep In The Light – 4:01
8 – Shake Me To Wake Me – 4:32
9 – Going Through The Motions – 4:07
10 – Even Now – 3:59

Credits
Backing Vocals – Carol Buckley, Gary Pigg, Marty McCall, Susie Allenson
Bass – Neil Stubenhaus
Drums, Drum Programming [Linn] – Paul Leim
Engineer [Assistant @ Bill Schnee] – Dan Garcia
Engineer [Assistant @ Bullet] – Alan Henry, Bill Heath, Chris Hammond, Dan Mundhenk, Randy Holland, Willie Pevear
Engineer [Assistant @ Sunset] – Peggy Mac, Stephen Shelton
Engineer, Mixed By – Terry Christian
Executive-Producer, Management – Steve Wyer
Guitar – Dann Huff
Guitar, Soloist [Lead Guitar] – Michael Landau
Keyboards – Alan Pasqua
Mastered By – Herb Melton, Steve Hall
Photography By – Raul Vega
Producer [Lead Vocals], Backing Vocals, Arranged By [Backing Vocals] – Rob Frazier
Producer [Lead Vocals], Synthesizer, Arranged By [Synthesizer] – John Rosasco
Producer, Mixed By, Backing Vocals, Arranged By [Backing Vocals] – Steve Camp
Saxophone – Jim Horn
Soloist [Lead Guitar] – Dave Perkins
Synthesizer – James Newton Howard, Smitty Price
Synthesizer, Programmed By [Fairlight] – Rhett Lawrence

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – The Sparrow Corporation
Mixed At – Sunset Sound
Recorded At – Sunset Sound
Overdubbed At – Sunset Sound
Overdubbed At – Bill Schnee Studios
Overdubbed At – Weddington Studios
Overdubbed At – The Sound Factory
Overdubbed At – Bullet Recording
Mastered At – Future Disc
Pressed By – KM Records Inc.

The Keep – Never Surrender – 1985

The Keep were a Winnipeg Manitoba Canada Band that self recorded and produced this album. It was picked up by Tunesmith records who were well known for finding unknown bands back then. They did achieve some success in the Canadian market but should have been far wider known in Christian music. A full U.S. release would have probably made these guys a youth group name. Excellent guitar riffs and above normal lyric quality are all over this album. While it leans to Rock it’s actually a difficult album to categorize. Not because of different track styles, but because of the very style itself being difficult to categorize. Trivia is that the bands original name was Scepter but had to be changed due to a name conflict with another Christian band. Full disclaimer these guys are a hometown band for me so I do have some bias, but it’s a deserved bias.

 

Tracklist
1 – Discovering Allies – 4:05
2 – Forgiven Again – 4:10
3 – If Your Heart Isn’t In It – 3:12
4 – Pilgrims Progress – 3:00
5 – The Star – 5:20
6 – Good Guys – 3:45
7 – Hang On – 3:30
8 – Nero – 4:25
9 – The Lord Is My Shepherd – 2:08
10 – Eye In The Sky – 4:40

Credits
Joseph Madden – Lead Guitar, Rythym Guitar, Vocals, “Radio Show Host”, Producer
Wendell Koop – Vocals, Rythym Guitar, “Radio Show Guest”, Producer
Gilbert Vielfaure – Drums
Darrell Reimer – Bass Guitar
Gord Kidder – Harp solos on “Allies”and “Shepherd”
Tamera Barkman – “Caller on line 3”
Dave Zeglinski – telephone, wind, all backwards messages, Producer

Danger Zone – Danger Zone – 1985

This was the only album we got from Danger Zone. It had 4 members, two girls, Christine Huf, and Nagari Job and 2 guys, Steve Huf, and Tim Huf. I have no idea what the relationship is of the 3 Huf’s. Actually I know very little about the band other than they hailed from Australia. The album was produced by Peter Beverage which explains the excellent production quality. The album was released in the United States on Refuge Records. I may not know much about who they are but they put out a fun synth oriented pop album and I would have liked to have had this one in my collection back then.

Tracklist
1 – The Danger Zone – 3:54
2 – Cry For Love – 4:05
3 – Stop And Listen – 4:12
4 – Counterfeit City – 3:48
5 – Perfect Love – 4:26
6 – No Turnin’ Back – 4:34
7 – Exciting Love – 3:27
8 – The Winners – 4:10
9 – Love You – 3:13
10 – Leaving It Up To You – 3:20
11 – Streams In The Desert – 3:42

Credits
Engineer – Paul Rich (2)
Performer [Dangerzone Is] – Christine Huf, Ngari Job, Steve Huf, Tim Huf
Producer – Peter Beveridge

Companies, etc.
Distributed By – The Benson Company, Inc.
Recorded At – Wireless Set Studios
Mixed At – Wireless Set Studios

Sammy Hall – Dream Sessions – 1985

At this point in his career Sammy was comfortable with releasing albums on his own label. He must have been getting fairly good distribution as he chose to take this path with his career. Lots of others tried to go this route with relatively little success. This is a good easy listening album. It is well produced and the quality of tracks is top notch. That said I think Sammy was a little stuck in the 70’s still as this album has a 70’s feel. It’s a good feel, but it was a little outdated.

Tracklist
01 – Dream Session – 2:59
02 – Take Me Back – 3:52
03 – Mary Ann – 3:43
04 – I Feel A Hurt Coming On –
05 – Why – 3:20
06 – Am I Right – 4:03
07 – See You At The Top – 3:14
08 – Cryin’ In The Rain – 3:31
09 – Let’s Get Together – 2:29
10 – The American Trilogy – 5:16

Amy Grant – Unguarded – 1985

Unguarded is the sixth studio album from Amy and was release by both Myrrh and A&M records. The Wiki entry for this album is incorrect as it states “It is Grant’s first album released by A&M”. Her previous album “Straight Ahead” had been released on both Myrrh and A&M and several previous albums were later re-released by A&M. Now it is true on this release that A&M was able to get this album a lot of secular play at record companies which is probable another fine example of payola. If you don’t know what that was look it up and yes it did exist well in to 80’s, I witnessed it. That said this is probably my favourite Amy album which is no small feat considering my musical taste. I do remember this album in our music room and even remember a tune or two making it onto a mixed tape though likely the emergency glove box tape. If you were a player in the 80’s you know what I mean. It was the #1 Contemporary Christian album of 1985 and spawned singles on both secular and Christian radio. I was surprised when researching this album that it never actually had a #1 single. It had two #2’s and was a very successful album but strangely no #1 hit. Anyway, sit back and enjoy Amy’s best pop album, at least that’s my opinion.

Tracklist
1 – Love Of Another Kind – 3:22
2 – Find A Way – 3:28
3 – Everywhere I Go – 4:12
4 – I Love You – 4:25
5 – Stepping In Your Shoes – 4:37
6 – Fight – 4:42
7 – Wise Up – 3:51
8 – Who To Listen To – 4:22
9 – Sharayah – 4:53
10 – The Prodigal (I’ll Be Waiting) – 5:10

Credits
Acoustic Guitar – Jon Goin (tracks: B5)
Backing Vocals – Amy Grant (tracks: A2, A3), Bill Champlin (tracks: A1, B2), Chris Eaton (tracks: A5), Chris Harris (2) (tracks: B3), Diana Hanna* (tracks: A1, A3, B3), Donna McElroy (tracks: B3), Gary Chapman (tracks: A1, A3, B1, B3), Gary Pigg (tracks: B3), Kim Fleming (tracks: B3), Richard Page (tracks: A4, B4), Steve George (tracks: A4, B4), Tom Kelly (tracks: A2, A4, B1, B4), Tommy Funderburk (tracks: A1, A2, B1, B2)
Bass – Mike Brignardello (tracks: A2 to A5, B1 to B4)
Drums – Paul Leim
Electric Guitar – Dan Huff, Jon Goin (tracks: A2, A3, A5, B1, B3, B4), Michael Landau (tracks: A2, A4, B2, B4), Paul Jackson, Jr. (tracks: B2)
Engineer – Jack Joseph Puig
Executive Producer – Dan Harrell, Gary Chapman, Michael Blanton
Keyboards – Shane Keister (tracks: A5)
Other [Explosion] – Shane Keister (tracks: A2)
Other [Music Stand] – Gary Pigg (tracks: B3)
Other [Scream] – Chris Harris (tracks: A1), Gary Pigg (tracks: A1), Kathy Burdick (tracks: A1)
Percussion – Lenny Castro (tracks: A2, B1, B3, B5)
Piano – Robbie Buchanan (tracks: B5), Shane Keister (tracks: A1)
Producer – Brown Bannister
Synthesizer – Michael W. Smith (tracks: A2, A3, B3), Robbie Buchanan (tracks: A1, A2, A4, A5, B1 to B3, B5), Shane Keister (tracks: A1, A3, B1 to B4)
Synthesizer, Saxophone – Larry Williams (tracks: B2)

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc.
Copyright (c) – Word, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word Records Limited
Copyright (c) – Word Records Limited
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word (Uk) Ltd.
Copyright (c) – Word (Uk) Ltd.
Record Company – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – A&M Records, Inc.
Manufactured By – A&M Records, Inc.

Twila Paris – Kingdom Seekers – 1985

This was Twila’s fourth album and her first with Star Song. Twila had made a name for herself as far as female vocalists were concerned. Her previous albums had 7 charting singles but this album dominated the charts after it’s release. It had 5 singles with songs peaking at #1, #2, #10, #20, and #32. The lead single, Runner, made it to #1 and was at that position for 9 weeks. It also sat on the charts for 26 weeks, yes 6 months. This has to be one of the most successful CCM albums of all time. I don’t have any stats in front of me but wow, this was an impressive album. The albums had a few different covers, the first and most common was a picture of a golden path to a castle. Subsequent ones featured Twila’a picture. The first was ugly in my opinion and here’s a hint to any aspiring record companies. Put the pretty girl on the cover!!! This is a tried and true method to improve sales. One small piece of trivia on the album is that Twila’s little sister, Starla Paris, sang backup on Runner.

Tracklist
1 – Runner – 4:02
2 – Center Of Your Will – 4:33
3 – Tellin’ The Truth – 4:12
4 – Language Of Disciples – 3:40
5 – Lamb Of God – 4:04
6 – The Child Inside You – 4:04
7 – Breaking My Heart – 3:19
8 – It All Goes Back – 3:51
9 – Release Of The Spirit – 2:10
10 – He Is Exalted – 3:37
11 – Faithful Men – 3:24

Credits
Arranged By – Carl Marsh
Backing Vocals – Starla Paris
Bass Guitar – Leon Gaer
Drums – Keith Edwards
Electric Guitar – Marty Walsh
Keyboards – Carl Marsh
Mastered By – Bernie Grundman
Percussion – Alex MacDougall
Producer – Jonathan David Brown
Songwriter, Backing Vocals – Twila Paris
Synthesizer – Rhett Lawrence

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Star Song Records
Copyright (c) – Star Song Records
Copyright (c) – StraightWay Music
Pressed By – Electrosound Los Angeles – 27059

Bob Ayala – Rescued – 1985

This was Bob’s 4th album. At this point in his career he was working with Keith Green’s Last Days Ministries and this album was released on Keith’s personal label, Pretty Good Records. Bob is one of those artists who started out in the 70’s and transitioned rather well to the 80’s. This is a Easy Listening album with a couple of upbeat tracks but they are keyboard heavy and very pop oriented. The real gem of the album is Bob’s lyrics. There are plenty of songs on this album that should be considered for Sunday worship services. The rainbow cover was the cover for the first issue US release. The second issue used the UK cover which was much better. As such the rainbow cover is relatively rare and may be worth a little more if you own this album.

Tracklist
1 – How Can I Tell Them – 4:59
2 – Lord Won’t You Come Out To New York – 5:05
3 – Who’ll Be The Next To Go? – 4:40
4 – While I’m Waiting For You – 3:25
5 – Pour Through Me – 3:00
6 – Heidi – 4:27
7 – Make Me Shine – 4:35
8 – It’s My Dream – 3:42
9 – Turn It Over – 3:06
10 – Heart Of Steel – 3:30
11 – We Welcome You Lord – 2:20

Credits
Arranged By [Rhythm And Fairlight Arrangements] – Scott Smith
Backing Vocals – BeBe Winans, Bob Ayala, Howard Smith, Michael Ruff, Phyllis St. James, Shirley Ayala Gerber (tracks: B11)
Bass – Hadley Hockensmith, Jimmy Johnson
Drums – Bill Maxwell
Engineer – Christopher Banninger, Hal Sacks, Win Kutz
Engineer [Assistant] – Greg Scott, Matt Warnik, Steve Awnan, Tim Dennen
Guitar – Hadley Hockensmith
Keyboards – Michael Ruff, Russell Ferrante
Mastered By – Bernie Grundman
Mixed By – Steve Ford
Percussion – Alex Acuña
Producer – Bill Maxwell
Programmed By [Fairlight And Synthesizer Programming] – Rhett Lawrence
Saxophone – Justo Almario
Synthesizer – Michael Ruff, Rhett Lawrence, Russell Ferrante

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Monterey Sound Studios
Recorded At – Paramount Recording Studios
Recorded At – Peace In The Valley Recording
Mixed At – Mama Jo’s
Mastered At – Bernie Grundman Mastering
Pressed By – Rainbo Records – S–14875
Pressed By – Rainbo Records – S–14876

Mylon LeFevre & Broken Heart – Sheep in Wolves Clothing – 1985

This was Mylon’s fourth album after his switch to Christian music. It was well received and paved the way for his best selling album to be released next (Crack The Sky). I feel the album was poorly engineered as the songs have a rock feel but not a sound to match. I am guessing that label (Myrrh) wanted it toned down but I have no proof of that. It’s just a suspicion given Myrrh’s track record on these matters. The mix was done by Joe Hardy who had worked with ZZ Top among other hard rock acts in the past so I doubt it was his doing . Anyway back to the album. I have actually read that some die hard fans consider this to be his best album and I agree that there are some great cuts that’s for sure but frankly the production was too poor for me to hold this album up as his best. My favourite track is “Gospel Ship” on which Mylon was allowed to rock. It has a bit of a traditional sound but it’s great. I have to mention the guest stars on this album. It really is an unbelievable list. Among the all stars contributing in some way are Rick Cua, Philip Bailey, Kerry Livgren, Leon Patillo, Greg X. Volz, Jerome Olds, Joe English, Larry Norman, and Russ Taff. That’s quite the group of guests.

Tracklist
1 – Crucible Of Love – 3:31
2 – He Is Strong – 3:52
3 – I Will Rejoice – 5:10
4 – Love Lasts Forever – 3:35
5 – Morning Star – 4:03
6 – Gospel Ship – 4:22
7 – So Help Me God – 3:58
8 – Trains Up In The Sky – 4:29
9 – The Warrior – 4:30

Credits
Bass – Allison Prestwood, Rick Cua
Bass, Guitar, Vocals – Joe Hardy
Bass, Vocals – Kenny Bentley
Congas, Vocals – Philip Bailey
Drums – John Hampton, Scott Meeder
Drums [Digital Drums], Percussion – Ben Hewitt
Guitar – B. James Lowery, Clark Nauert, Kerry Livgren, Tim Hightower
Guitar, Vocals – David Payton, Scott Allen
Keyboards – Gary Hughes, Tom Grosse
Keyboards, Synthesizer, Vocals – Paul Joseph
Piano, Synthesizer – Stan Coates
Producer – Mylon LeFevre
Producer, Engineer, Mixed By – Joe Hardy
Saxophone – Andrew Love
Synthesizer – Jim Boling
Synthesizer, Organ – Leon Patillo
Vocals – Greg X. Volz, Jack Holder, Jerome Olds, Jimmy Jamison, Joe English, Larry Norman, Russ Taff, Gaither Vocal Band, Van Duren
Vocals, Guitar – Mylon LeFevre

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc.
Copyright (c) – Word, Inc.
Pressed By – Electrosound Los Angeles – Δ26852
Published By – Angel Band Music
Published By – Dayspring Music
Published By – Jerome Olds Music
Published By – Songs From The Box
Published By – Dunamis Music

David Meece – 7 – 1985

I’ll just get this out of the way right away. I detest this “numbering” of an album. I think producers think it’s neat and cool but in reality it’s shortsighted, lazy, and it’s been done way too many times. That said lets get onto the album. By this point in David’s career he was mastering the pop sound that would work so well for him. This album while good doesn’t really have anything that says “listen to me again and again”. Instead it’s a good album with some good songs that I enjoyed listening to but will I put it on repeat? Not likely. I do however think you should give the album a listen, it is good but just not memorable.

Tracklist
1 – You Can Go – 3:13
2 – Tumblin’ Down – 3:33
3 – Forgiven – 4:08
4 – The Ladder – 3:44
5 – The Alien – 4:33
6 – We Can Overcome It All – 3:32
7 – The Unknown Soldier – 4:43
8 – Lean On Each Other – 3:49
9 – I Can See (On The Emmaus Road) – 5:34

Credits
Arranged By [Arrangements], Synthesizer [Lynn Synthesizer Programs], Keyboards – John Schreiner* (tracks: B1)
Art Direction – Buddy Jackson
Backing Band – First Call (tracks: B3)
Backing Vocals – Biff Vincent (tracks: B1), Bonnie Keen (tracks: B3), Chris Harris (2) (tracks: A1, A2), Dana Hiett (tracks: B1), David Meece (tracks: A1, B1, B2), Denny Henson (tracks: A4, A5), Gary Pigg (tracks: A1, A2), Allen Green* (tracks: A4, A5), Greg Guidry (tracks: A4, A5), Keith Thomas (tracks: A5), Marty McCall (tracks: B3), Melodie Tunney* (tracks: B3)
Bass – Mike Brignardello (tracks: A1 to A3, B3), Nathan East (tracks: A4, A5)
Co-producer – David Meece (tracks: B3, B4)
Co-producer [Assistants To The Producer] – Lori Loving* (tracks: A4, A5)
Co-producer [Assistants To The Producer], Recorded By, Mixed By – Jeff Balding (tracks: A4, A5)
Drums – Carlos Vega (tracks: A4, A5), Lee Kix (tracks: B1), Mark Hammond (tracks: B3), Paul Leim (tracks: A2, A3)
Drums, Drum Programming – Paul Leim (tracks: A1)
Electric Guitar – Dann Huff (tracks: A3), Marty Walsh (tracks: B2)
Engineer – Jack Joseph Puig (tracks: A1 to A3)
Engineer [Additional Engineer] – Gene Eichelberger (tracks: A4, A5), Joe Bogan (tracks: A4, A5)
Engineer [Assistant Engineer] – Bob Lockhart (2) (tracks: B2), Terry Lang (tracks: B2), Todd Van Etten (tracks: B2), Tom Harding (2) (tracks: B3, B4)
Engineer [Engineered By] – Ed Seay (tracks: B3, B4)
Executive Producer – Dan Harrell (tracks: A1 to A3), Lynn Nichols (tracks: A4 to B4), Michael Blanton (tracks: A1 to A3)
Guest, Vocals, Backing Vocals – Twila Paris (tracks: B2)
Guitar – Dann Huff (tracks: A4, A5), Jon Goin (tracks: B3), Michael Thompson (tracks: B1)
Keyboards – Shane Keister (tracks: B3)
Musical Assistance [Assisted By] – Allan Henry* (tracks: A1 to A3), Dan Garcia (tracks: A1 to A3), Steve Ford (tracks: A1 to A3)
Orchestrated By [Orchestration] – Alan Moore (3) (tracks: B4)
Percussion – Farrell Morris (tracks: B3), Lenny Castro (tracks: A1, A2)
Photography – Mark Tucker (7)
Piano – David Meece (tracks: B4)
Piano [Acoustic] – Robbie Buchanan (tracks: A3)
Piano [Fairlight & Acoustic], Acoustic Guitar – Shane Keister (tracks: A1)
Producer – Brown Bannister (tracks: A1 to A3), David Meece, Greg Nelson (tracks: B3, B4), Skip Konte (tracks: B1)
Producer, Arranged By, Backing Vocals – Jonathan David Brown (tracks: B2)
Producer, Arranged By, Keyboards – Keith Thomas (tracks: A4, A5)
Production Manager [Production Coordinator And Consultant] – Bubba Smith (2)
Production Manager, Coordinator – Gloria Cox (tracks: B3, B4)
Programmed By [Additional Fairlight Programming] – Rhett Lawrence (tracks: B2)
Programmed By [Fairlight Programming] – Carl Marsh (2) (tracks: B2)
Rhythm Guitar [& Solo] – Dann Huff (tracks: A2)
Saxophone [Sax] – Mark Douthit (tracks: A5)
Score [Musical Score Prepared By] – Eberhard Ramm (tracks: B4)
Sequencer [, GS-1 &], Effects [Sound Effects] – Shane Keister (tracks: A2)
Strings – Nashville String Machine* (tracks: B4)
Strings, Conductor [Conducted By] – Greg Nelson (tracks: B4)
Synthesizer – Robbie Buchanan (tracks: A1, A2)
Synthesizer, Effects [Sound Effects] – Rhett Lawrence (tracks: A3)
Vocoder – Shane Keister (tracks: A2, A3)

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Bill Schnee Studios
Recorded At – Bullet Recording
Recorded At – Mama Jo’s
Recorded At – Ocean Way Nashville
Recorded At – Rumbo Recorders
Recorded At – Emerald Sound Studios
Recorded At – Hummingbird Studio, Nashville, TN
Recorded At – Goldmine Studio
Recorded At – Front Page Recording
Recorded At – Weddington Studios
Recorded At – Treasure Isle Recorders
Mixed At – Mastermix
Copyright (c) – Meece Music
Copyright (c) – StraightWay Music
Copyright (c) – Mole End Music
Copyright (c) – Word Music UK
Copyright (c) – Gaither Music
Copyright (c) – Word, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – Word (Uk) Ltd.
Produced For – David Meece Productions
Mastered At – Future Disc
Designed At – Jackson Design
Printed By – Shorewood Packaging
Made By – Shorewood Packaging

Leviticus – The Strongest Power – 1985

The third album from Leviticus pretty well carried on from their previous albums. At this point Björn and the guys had their sound mastered. This album displayed that experience with well written songs with catchy riffs. I think the production was a little underwhelming but then again some die hard metal fans prefer the raw sound. There were actually 2 different covers for this album but unfortunately both were horrible.

Tracklist
1 – The Winner – 4:04
2 – Deborah And Barak – 3:24
3 – On The Rocks – 2:56
4 – King Of Kings – 5:16
5 – Stay With Us – 3:52
6 – I Got Power – 3:57
7 – Look Around – 4:29
8 – I Love You – 3:14
9 – A New Day – 4:11
10 – Light For The World – 5:06

Credits
Kjell Andersson – Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Björn Stigsson – Guitars, Vocals, Synth, Organ
Håkan Andersson – Vocals (lead), Bass, Moog-Taurus bass pedal