Tag: 1985

Bertil Edin – Cross The Border – 1985

This is one of the Edin’s from Edin-Ådahl. In 1984/85 both Bertil Edin & Simon Ådahl put out solo albums. This was not due to a break up of the group as the group continued on putting out albums. I’m guessing they both just got that solo album itch. Bertil actually did another solo album in 1994 but I haven’t listened to it yet. This album is slightly different than his Edin-Ådahl offerings but the vocals are easily recognizable. This is a good pop album with my only complaint being that the lyrics struggle a bit but that’s normal as these songs were usually written in Swedish and then translated for the English release. That said this album was released in Sweden in English but does not appear to have been released in Swedish.

Tracklist
1 – Cross The Border – 3:06
2 – Keep The Love Around – 3:20
3 – Don’t Turn Your Back On Me – 3:00
4 – Rainy Weather – 3:56
5 – Like A Motion Picture – 3:08
6 – Soulhealing – 4:07
7 – I Can’t Lose – 3:42
8 – Time To Get Ready – 3:20
9 – Fancy House – 3:18
10 – I’m Waiting For You – 3:35

Jerusalem – In His Majesty’s Service – 1985

This live album from Jerusalem was recorded in Shreveport, Louisiana and Dallas, Texas. It was strange in that it features 4 at the time unreleased songs. Usually Live albums are a sort of greatest hits but in this case it was really kind of a fresh album. The tour was to support their “Can’t Stop Us Now” album that had a Pop sound but this album is straight out hard rock. Kind of implies to me that “Can’t Stop Us Now” wasn’t really a good representation of the band. That said I love both albums and this album is one of the better live albums of the 80’s.

Tracklist
1 – In His Majesty’s Service – 4:37
2 – From The Bottom Of Our Heart – 3:32
3 – I’m Waiting For You – 4:06
4 – Read Between The Lines – 5:29
5 – The Tide – 6:06
6 – Ashes In Our Hands – 3:46
7 – Can’t Stop Us Now – 3:59
8 – Time – 6:19
9 – Man Of The World – 4:20

Credits
Bass, Backing Vocals – Peter Carlsohn
Design – Camilla B.
Drums, Backing Vocals – Michael Ulvsgärd
Engineer – Malcolm Harper
Executive-Producer – Ray Nenow
Guitar, Vocals – Ulf Christiansson
Keyboards – Dan Tibell
Photography By – Ulf Nilsson
Producer – Dave Perkins, Jerusalem
Technician – Gordon Garrison, Mason Harlow
Technician [House Sound] – Göran Buller
Written-By – Ulf Christiansson

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Refuge Records
Copyright (c) – Refuge Records
Distributed By – The Benson Company, Inc.
Recorded By – Real Sound Mobile
Mastered At – Sterling Sound
Published By – Snellsong
Produced For – Royal Music Productions

Mass – New Birth – 1985

While not a Christian album Mass were Christian musicians. This 1985 release from them had a cult following and was in fact re-released in 2007 by the Christian record company Retroactive Records. I had never heard this album before so this was my first exposure to them. Upon hearing it I am surprised that it was not better received. There are definitely 3 radio singles here and as an 80’s secular DJ I would have played the heck out of a few tracks. That said the reasons the album didn’t make it are as follows in my opinion. First of all the album was produced by Tony Platt who has also produced Uriah Heep, AC/DC, Motorhead and Iron Maiden so the production is good but here’s where it all went wrong. RCA released “Do You Love Me” as the first single and it was not the right first release. It was a second or 3rd release single. The first single should have been “Watch Her Walk” or “Too Far Gone” As a DJ I would have played Watch Her Walk very heavily. All that said my one only other suggestion would have been “More Cowbell” and no I’m kidding.

Tracklist
1 – Too Far Gone – 3:56
2 – Crying Alone – 4:25
3 – Time – 3:44
4 – Back To Me – 4:24
5 – Do You Love Me – 3:40
6 – New Birth – 3:49
7 – Left Behind – 2:55
8 – Voyager (Look For The Edge) – 4:07
9 – Day Without You – 4:23
10 – Watch Her Walk – 3:40

Credits
Vocals – Louis D’Augusta
Guitars – Gene D’Itria
Bass – Kevin Varrio
Drums – Joey “Vee” Vadala
Producer, Engineer – Tony Platt

Phil Johnson And Kim Peery – ū nō Who – 1985

This album was a bit of a departure for Phil Johnson. We are used to some pretty tame material from him but this album is far more pop oriented than any of his other work. That said this is still not some lively happening album that you will want to dance to. It’s still pretty tame. I have no idea who Kim Peery is/was but she is a very good vocalist. While this album was a more upbeat piece of work form Phil it is still firmly in the Easy Listening category. The title track did chart at #37 while on the charts for 5 weeks.

Tracklist
1 – ū nō Who – 4:18
2 – It’s Alright – 4:50
3 – Don’t Run Away – 4:23
4 – Heart Rumors – 3:51
5 – Goodbye Luci – 3:12
6 – No Livin’ Without Him – 3:26
7 – There Is No Doubt – 3:40
8 – Tell Me – 4:10
9 – Don’t Let Me Ask For Stones – 5:10
10 – Who Do I Owe? – 5:14
11 – ū nō Who (Reprise) – 0:08

Credits
Art Direction – Buddy Jackson
Illustration – Mike Drake (3)
Photography By – Mark Tucker (7)
Producer – Phil Johnson (3)
Recorded By – Brent King, Smitty Price, Warren Peterson

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Greentree Records
Copyright (c) – Greentree Records
Distributed By – The Benson Company, Inc.

Midsouth Boys – Boys Will Be Boys – 1985

The Midsouth Boys started out in 1970 as a quartet but by the mid 80’s they were a full on Country Band though often kept the quartet vocals. They had over 17 albums over the years and I was actually unable to find a definitive number of albums as a form of them are still going strong and putting out albums. They were a prolific touring band in the 80’s playing everything from Churches to arenas. This album can best be described as The Oak Ridge Boys meets George Strait. It is a strong country album and the quality of music is very high. So if you like your guitars with holes this is an album for you.

Track Listing:
1 – Guilty of Loving Me
2 – Out of the Grave
3 – Enter In
4 – To Go To Heaven
5 – I’ll Be Singing There
6 – Then We’ll Be Gone
7 – God Still Works Miracles
8 – Land Of The Free
9 – What A Meeting
10 – Camping In Canaanland

Credits
Vocals – Steve Knight, Stacy McGee, Bobby Bowen, Bruce Turnbough
Piano, Arrangements – Robby McGee
Bobby Bowen – Bass
Donnie Lewis – Drums
Eddie Crook – Producer

Blind Beggar – Winds Of War – 1985

This is a 4 song self released EP from Blind Beggar. I don’t know much about the band other than they were from Florida. This appears to be it from them and none of the 3 members appear to have done any published subsequent work. This is a Metal EP (though “Daddies Little Girl” is a little more Hard Rock). I often speak out against self produced albums but they did a great job on this one. The mix is good and I like the production quality though I would have mixed the cymbals up a tad (I know that’s really picky). The lead track is presumably the single and is a pretty good metal tune. My favourite track was Daddies Little Girl but I generally lean to the more Rock oriented tracks. It’s only 4 songs so it’s well worth listening to. Be sure to check out the pic on the back cover. These guys missed the memo on torn pants of obnoxious colours. Instead they look like a normal rock band.

Tracklist
1 – Winds Of War
2 – Daddies Little Girl
3 – Shout It
4 – Virgin’s Child

Credits
Drums, Vocals – Joel Wilkinson
Engineer – David Lee
Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals – David Lee
Guitar, Lead Vocals – Freddy Laine
Producer – David Lee

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Last Trumpet Sound
Mixed At – Last Trumpet Sound

Carman – Comin’ On Strong – 1985

This was Carmen’s 4th album and his first with Myrrh records. This album had a “Poppier” feel than his previous and in fact a few tracks could easily have played on pop radio of the time. The album was relatively well received but their were no “chart toppers”. This is probably my favourite Carmen album with my favourite song from him “Spirit Filled Pizza” Yes it’s a bit of a goofy song but I’ve always liked it.

Tracklist
1 – Get Outta My Life – 3:25
2 – This Thing Is Real – 3:56
3 – His Mercy Endures Forever – 3:42
4 – Spirit Filled Pizza – 3:28
5 – Ask Of Me – 4:18
6 – Blessed Is He Who Comes – 3:10
7 – He Is The Son Of God – 3:44
8 – Lazarus Come Forth – 6:25
9 – The Light Of Jesus To The World – 3:59

Credits
Co-producer [Production Assistance] – Jeff Balding
Executive-Producer – Lynn Nichols
Mastered By – Hank Williams (2)
Producer – Keith Thomas
Recorded By, Mixed By – Jeff Balding

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – A&M Records
Recorded At – Emerald Sound Studios
Recorded At – Gold Mine Studio
Recorded At – Morningstar Studios
Recorded At – Stage III
Mixed At – The Castle Recording Studios
Mastered At – MasterMix

Vector – Please Stand By – 1985

This was the second album from Vector. It was still on Exit Records and was distributed by A&M Records. This album could be argued as a secular album on a Christian label but Vector was a Christian band. The difference was that they didn’t write “preachy” songs and one had to actually listen to the lyrics to see where they were going with them. This album was as good as their first and they continued their great new wave sound.

Tracklist
1 – Hear What I Say – 3:45
2 – Fallen Star – 4:27
3 – Running To The Memory – 4:09
4 – How Many Times – 3:38
5 – Scottish Coast – 3:08
6 – Surrender – 4:55
7 – Dance – 3:27
8 – I Can’t Help Falling In Love – 3:56
9 – America – 4:11

Credits
Drums, Drums [Synth], Percussion, Backing Vocals, Concept By [Cover] – Bruce Spencer
Executive-Producer – Mary Neely
Guitar, Guitar [Synth], Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals – Jim Abegg
Illustration, Design [Graphic] – Marty Gessler
Lead Vocals, Bass, Bass [Synth], Backing Vocals – Steve Griffith
Photography By – Gerry McIntrye
Producer, Recorded By, Keyboards – Chuck Wild
Recorded By – Daryl Zachman
Recorded By [Additional] – Jeffrey Lesser

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Exit Records
Copyright (c) – Exit Records
Manufactured By – A&M Records, Inc.
Distributed By – A&M Records, Inc.
Recorded At – Sangre Studios
Pressed By – Electrosound Los Angeles – Δ27035

Russ Taff – Medals – 1985

This is Russ Taff’s second solo album and many consider it to be one of the best Christian albums of the mid 80’s. It received the Dove award for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year in 1986 and rose to #2 on the Billboard Christian Albums chart. This album was recorded with some of the top Studio musicians of the time including, Dann Huff, Michael Landau, Nathan East, Robbie Buchanan, Tommy Funderburk, and Bill Champlin. One of the top cuts, “I’m Not Alone” was written by Paul Janz of Deliverance fame. All in all a good pop sound album that deserves at least one listen even if the Russ Taff name spooks you.

Tracklist
1 – Vision – 4:09
2 – I’m Not Alone – 4:19
3 – Medals – 4:43
4 – Not Gonna Bow – 4:11
5 – Here I Am – 4:11
6 – I’ve Come This Far – 5:28
7 – Silent Love – 4:45
8 – How Much It Hurts – 4:05
9 – Rock Solid – 4:08
10 – God Only Knows – 4:34

Credits
Backing Vocals – Bill Champlin (tracks: A1, A2, A3, A4, B2, B3), Carmen Twitty (tracks: A3, B1, B4, B5), Harry Browning (tracks: A3), Lynn Nichols (tracks: A3), Russ Taff (tracks: A1 to A4, B4), Tamara Champlin (tracks: A1, A2, A4), Tata Vega (tracks: A3, B1, B4. B5), Tommy Funderburk
Bass – Nathan East (tracks: A1, A3, B1, B4, B5), Neil Stubenhaus (tracks: A2, A4, A5 B2, B3)
Drums – Paul Leim
Electric Guitar – Dann Huff, Michael Landau (tracks: A2 to B5), Paul Jackson, Jr. (tracks: A1, B1)
Keyboards – Robbie Buchanan (tracks: A2, A4, B1, B2, B5)
Percussion – Lenny Castro (tracks: A2 to B5)
Saxophone – Larry Williams (tracks: A2, A4, B5)
Scat – Tata Vega (tracks: B1, B4)
Synthesizer – James Newton Howard (tracks: A1, A2, A4), Rhett Lawrence (tracks: B4), Robbie Buchanan

Debby Boone – Choose Life – 1985

This was the 8th album from Debbie Boone. For this album she turned to Michael and Stormie Omartian for most of the songs. Michael also produced and performed on the album. The album has a significant Pop sound that we weren’t used to from Debby. There are still several good worship oriented songs however if that’s what you are looking for. This album reached #7 in the Contemporary Christian music charts helped I’m sure by the Pop feel of the album.

Tracklist
1 – The Time Is Now – 4:22
2 – Pressure Points – 4:18
3 – Teach Me How To Love – 4:13
4 – When I Accepted You – 4:00
5 – Delight In Him – 3:53
6 – Choose Life – 4:17
7 – The Heart Of The Matter – 5:50
8 – Right For You – 4:19
9 – Song Of Deliverance – 3:54
10 – The Lord Is So Good – 3:14

Credits
Backing Vocals – Dara Bernard, Khaliq Glover, Terry Williams
Bass – Abraham Laboriel (tracks: A5), Joe Chemay, Nathan East
Concertmaster – Assa Drori
Design – Stan Evenson Design Inc.
Drums – Paul Liem
Engineer [Second Engineer] – Larry Fergusson
Engineer, Mixed By – John Guess
Guitar – Michael Landau
Photography By – Sue Choi
Piano – Marty Goetz (tracks: B5)
Producer, Arranged By, Keyboards, Percussion, Backing Vocals – Michael Omartian
Production Manager [Production Coordinator] – Ronnie Puccinelli
Programmed By [Yamaha Dx-7 Programs] – Erik Persing
Soloist [Sax Solos] – Gary Herbig
Vocals [Duet] – Michael Omartian (tracks: B3)