Tag: 1986

Sheila Walsh – Shadowlands – 1986

This was Sheila’s 7th album and her first after fleeing Sparrow Records for Myrrh Records. She definitely upped her Pop sound for this album and it’s actually a great album. The record company may have changed but the different tracks for the UK vs US releases continued. The UK version contained “I Hope And I Pray” instead of “Christian”. That said both tracks were included on the CD release and we are using that CD release. I have never understood why this occurred so frequently on her albums compared to others. The album was very well received receiving a Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Performance by a Female but unfortunately Sandi Patti won the category with an easy listening album, no surprise there. The album spawned 4 singles with “Christian” doing the best peaking at #4. Reading through the comments I noticed that Mark Williamson from the Mark Williamson Band/Lyrix sang some background vocals.

Tracklist
1 – Sand in the Hand – 3:43
2 – Ship of Love – 3:59
3 – Keeper of the Key – 3:49
4 – The Hungry Night – 4:13
5 – Valley of Tears – 4:35
6 – Christian – 4:17
7 – Big Boy Now – 4:48
8 – Last Word in Love – 4:13
9 – What Do You Know (That I Don’t) – 5:29
10 – Never Give It Up – 4:05
11 – I Hope and I Pray – 3:46

Credits
Barry Blue – Producer
Simon Brenner – Songwriter
Matthew Cang – Guitar, Bass
Mel Collins – Saxophone
Lance Demers – Songwriter
Gavin Harrison – Drums
Sheelagh Lippell – Songwriter
London Community – Gospel Choir
Annie McCaig – Background Vocals
Jon Moss – Songwriter
Lynn Arthur Nichols – Executive Producer
Richard Osborne – Producer, Arrangements, Programming, Guitars
Mick Parker – Keyboards
Don Snow – Background Vocals
Alvin Stardust – Duet Vocal
Jon Sweet – Producer, Songwriter, Arrangements
Rod Trott – Songwriter
Sheila Walsh – Vocals
Mark Williamson – Background Vocals

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc.
Copyright (c) – Word, Inc.
Produced For – Swot Productions
Recorded At – Swot Studios
Mixed At – Swot Studios
Recorded At – Aosis Studios
Mixed At – Aosis Studios
Distributed By – Word (Uk) Ltd.

Petra – Back to the Street – 1986

This was the 8th studio album from Petra and the first with lead singer John Schlitt who replaced Greg X. Volz. It was also the first album produced by the Elefante brothers as the bands previous producer Jonathan David Brown left the band with Greg X. Volz. By the time the band had found John Schlitt most of the music had already been recorded so it was a relatively simple process to get the album done. Back to the Street was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Performance by a Gospel Duo, Group, Choir or Chorus but did not win. It was won by Larnelle Harris & Sandi Patti for “I’ve Just Seen Jesus”. Personally Petra should have won this Grammy but even by 1986 the industry had a difficult time recognizing it’s rock element. John Schlitt’s vocals gave this album a more Rock feel but it still sat squarely in the Pop category for me.

Tracklist
1 – Back To The Street – 4:12
2 – You Are I Am – 3:08
3 – Shakin’ The House – 4:28
4 – King’s Ransom – 4:18
5 – Whole World – 4:50
6 – Another Crossroad – 3:50
7 – Run For Cover – 3:15
8 – Fool’s Gold – 4:48
9 – Altar Ego – 4:43
10 – Thankful Heart – 3:17

Credits
Arranged By [Arrangements By] – Bob Hartman, Dino Elefante, John Elefante
Art Direction – Bill Brunt, Dave Rogers, Randy Rogers
Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – John Elefante, John Lawry, John Schlitt, Mark Kelly
Bass – Mark Kelly
Concept By – Dave Rogers, Randy Rogers
Cover [Cover Design] – Dave Rogers, Randy Rogers
Drums – Louie Weaver
Engineer – Dino Elefante, John Elefante, Mike Mierau
Guitar [Guitars] – Bob Hartman
Illustration – Randy Rogers
Keyboards – John Lawry
Keyboards [Additional Keyboards] – John Elefante
Lead Vocals – John Schlitt
Photography By – Bill Brunt, Ron Keith, Scott Bonner
Producer [Produced By] – Dino Elefante, John Elefante
Programmed By [Fairlight Programming] – John Lawry

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Star Song
Copyright (c) – Star Song
Recorded At – Pakaderm Studios
Mixed At – Pakaderm Studios

Farrell & Farrell – Manifesto – 1986

I’ll be honest about this album. I didn’t listen to it in the 80’s so this week was the first time I heard it. It’s actually quite good. I thought Farrell and Farrell were essentially an easy listening team but this album is in fact is a pop album. This was also their last album on Star Song before moving over to Dayspring (Word). Anyway I don’t know much about what the Farrell’s were up to in this period as little is actually written about them. Interestingly David Robbins provided some vocals on the album but was better known as a lead singer for Mastedon and X-Sinner. What was he doing on a pop album?

Tracklist
1 – Launch Window – 4:25
2 – Captain Video – 3:35
3 – Manifesto – 3:50
4 – The Possible Dream – 4:29
5 – Fair Companion – 3:35
6 – Corazon (Loving Heart) – 3:28
7 – First Love – 4:09
8 – Hidden Agenda – 4:07
9 – Hearts And Minds – 3:30
10 – People All Over The World – 5:27

Credits
Art Direction, Design – Dave Rogers
Bass – Jimmie Lee Sloas
Contractor – Nat Peck
Drums – Chad Cromwell
Engineer – Bill Whittington, Daniel Johnson, Danny Johnson, Dick Lewzey, John Hampton, Michael D. Clute, Pat Taylor, Steve Price
Executive Producer, Recorded By, Mixed By – Ron W. Griffin
Keyboards, Guitar – Michael Demus
Mastered By – Steve Hall
Mixed By – Niko Lyras
Orchestra – The London Studio Orchestra
Producer, Arranged By, Mixed By, Programmed By, Keyboards, Vocals – Carl Marsh
Producer, Vocals – Bob Farrell
Vocals – David Robbins, Jayne Farrell, Ron Hemby

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Star Song Records
Copyright (c) – Star Song Records
Mastered At – Future Disc
Pressed By – Electrosound Group Midwest, Inc.
Recorded At – OmniSound Studios
Recorded At – Ardent Recordings, Inc.
Recorded At – Sounds Unreel Studios
Recorded At – CTS Studios
Recorded At – The Bennett House
Recorded At – Downstage Studio
Recorded At – Stage III
Recorded At – Cotton Row Recording Studio
Mixed At – Cotton Row Recording Studio

Dubiel – Demo 1 – 1986

Dubiel was formed by Mary DuBiel in Connecticut who later changed their name to DuBeel. They were an excellent Hard Rock band with killer female lead vocals. People who saw the band live have fond memories of the drummer who apparently used baseball bats and his head for crashing symbols. Makes me wish I had seen them. It’s rather obvious that the band didn’t didn’t get a record deal as their JPM count was way too low. Pity really as they were a great band and their was definitely room for their style of Rock & Roll. There is a second demo as Dubiel and 2 as DuBeel. If you like your Rock hard with very strong female vocals you need to hear this demo.

Tracklist
1 – On And On – 3:22
2 – Show Me The Way – 3:13
3 – Ever Forever – 3:15
4 – Stay – 4:17
5 – Step Into The Light – 3:38

Credits
Arranged By – Cannata, DuBiel
Backing Vocals [Additional] – Jim Christian
Bass, Vocals – Chris “CJ” Thom
Cover, Artwork – Al Silva
Drums, Other [Concussion] – Thomas Mark
Engineer – Bill Burke, Jeff Cannata, Joe Mendyk
Guitar, Vocals – Mike Cummings
Keyboards – Carol Coty
Lighting Director – Joe Paradise
Producer – Jeff Cannata
Technician [Sound], Effects [Additional Digital] – Robert “Grover” Washington
Technician [Stage] – Jeff McCabe
Vocals – Mary DuBiel

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Audio West
Mastered At – Masterdisk

Deniece Williams – So Glad I Know – 1986

This was Deniece’s first purely gospel release on a purely gospel label (Sparrow). She was still under contract with Columbia records at the time so those would have been some interesting negotiations. That said she was such a strong performer at the time she could probably get anything she wanted. While researching this album I found that the mainstream reviewers bashed it pretty hard. I can only guess this was a gospel album backlash as the alum was very good and did great. It got to No. 8 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart and was nominated for Best Gospel Performance, Female Grammy. The duet with Sandi Patty “They Say” actually won the Grammy Award for Best Gospel Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group, Choir or Chorus. The single “I Surrender All” won the Grammy Award for Best Soul Gospel Performance, Female. Ummm that’s a pretty darn successful album in my opinion. As for the album it has a Pop/Soul sound and if our familiar with Deniece Williams’s secular work you’ll recognize this albums sound.

Tracklist
1 – Just In Time – 3:49
2 – Wings Of An Eagle – 4:58
3 – My Soul Desire – 4:14
4 – They Say – 5:20
5 – Straight Ahead – 4:10
6 – So Glad I Know – 4:05
7 – I Surrender All – 4:13
8 – If We Are The Light – 3:44
9 – What You Do For Me – 3:57

Credits
Artwork, Design – Peter Nomura
Engineer – Frank Wolf
Engineer [Additional Engineering] – Alan R. Hirshberg, John Bolt, Lars Nefzger, Mitch Gibson, Steve Ford
Mastered By – Steve Hall
Photography By [And Make-up] – Marc Raboy
Producer – Brad Westering
Remix – Frank Wolf
Remix [Assistance] – Steve Ford
Vocals – Deniece Williams, Sandi Patty, Paul Jackson, Jr.

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – The Sparrow Corporation
Copyright (c) – The Sparrow Corporation
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Gateway Music House, Inc.
Copyright (c) – Gateway Music House, Inc.
Pressed By – Nimbus, Virginia

Look Up – Look Up – 1986

In 1986 Mylon & Broken Heart released a “crossover” album using the Moniker Look Up on Columbia Records. Personally this is my favourite album from them. While the album isn’t overtly Christian it does contain a remixed version “Peace Begins Within” from the We Believe album and a cover of DeGarmo and Key’s “Love is All You Need”. The cover version by the way is just excellent. I’m a little confused as to why this was done as by 86 we already knew this crossover stuff didn’t really work. Now even more confusing is the list of guests on this album. Dana Key, Dave Perkins, Ed DeGarmo, Jimi Jamison (Survivor), Kerry Livgren, and Philip Bailey. That’s quite the lineup of Christian artists for a secular album. The last strange thing is that the album was produced by Dana Key, Ed DeGarmo, and Joe Hardy. But hey it worked, great album.

Tracklist
1 – It’s Alright With Me – 3:52
2 – Love Is All You Need – 3:15
3 – Peace Begins Within – 4:01
4 – San Francisco – 4:08
5 – I Wish I Hadn’t – 2:31
6 – The Gunfighter – 3:37
7 – Heart Of Iron – 4:19
8 – Saturday Night – 3:51
9 – Got To Get Used To It – 3:05

Credits
Band [Look Up Is], Bass, Vocals – Kenny Bentley
Band [Look Up Is], Drums [Digital Drums], Percussion – Ben Hewitt
Band [Look Up Is], Guitar [Guitars], Vocals – Michael Tyrell, Scott Allen
Band [Look Up Is], Synthesizer [Synthesizers], Vocals – Paul Joseph
Band [Look Up Is], Vocals, Guitar [Guitars] – Mylon LeFevre
Engineer [Engineered By] – Joe Hardy
Guest [Special Guests] – The Bar-Kays, Dana Key, Dave Perkins, Ed DeGarmo, Jimi Jamison, Kerry Livgren, Philip Bailey
Legal [Legal Representation] – Joel A. Katz
Mixed By – Joe Hardy
Photography By – Jimmy Collins
Producer [Produced By] – Dana Key (tracks: A1, A2, A4, A5, B1, B4), Ed DeGarmo* (tracks: A1, A2, A4, A5, B1, B4), Joe Hardy (tracks: All), Mylon LeFevre (tracks: All)

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Ardent Studios
Manufactured By – CBS Records
Manufactured By – CBS Inc.
Pressed By – Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Carrollton, GA
Distributed By – CBS Records
Distributed By – CBS Inc.
Copyright (c) – CBS Inc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – CBS Inc.

The Call – Reconciled – 1986

This was the 4th album from The Call. The previous 3 were relatively well received but this album was the real break out album for them. I am surprised by the number of CCM fans that do not know that The Call was a band of Christians. They weren’t a Christian Band per say but a band of Christians who did secular music. But if you really listen it’s secular music with Christian undertones. Of course the great single off the album is I Still Believe. The song has been covered by many including Russ Taff. While I was researching The Call I found a quote from Michael Been that sums up a lot of how I felt about CCM music in the 80’s;

“I [wish] Christian musicians wrote more about their life experiences instead of trying to be so ‘on the nose’ with spiritual language. It doesn’t give people room to be who they are at the stage they’re at in life. I like to write with the feel of parables, not in strict language. I’m attracted to people who tell me a story, and then I see what it stirs up in my own life. But putting Psalms to music? Taking 30 lines from the Bible for a song? That’s why I like religious books, for instance, rather than books on religion.”

Tracklist
1 – Everywhere I Go – 4:18
2 – I Still Believe (Great Design) – 5:30
3 – Blood Red (America) – 3:42
4 – The Morning – 4:40
5 – Oklahoma – 4:18
6 – With Or Without Reason – 4:02
7 – Sanctuary – 3:57
8 – Tore The Old Place Down – 4:12
9 – Even Now – 4:37

Credits
Art Direction – Carol Friedman
Design – Janet Perr
Drum Programming – Jimmy Bralower
Drums, Vocals – Scott Musick
Engineer – Rob Eaton
Engineer [Assistant] – Don Rodenbach, Eric Mohler
Guitar, Vocals – Tom Ferrier
Keyboards, Vocals – Jim Goodwin
Management – Gary Heaton
Mastered By – Jack Skinner
Mastered By [Cd] – Barry Diament
Other [Photography Research] – Carol Been
Producer – The Call
Producer, Written-By, Bass, Guitar, Lead Vocals – Michael Been
Programmed By [Keyboards] – Jeff Bova
Written-By – Jim Goodwin (tracks: 2, 8)

Companies, etc.
Manufactured By – Victor Company Of Japan, Ltd.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Elektra/Asylum Records
Copyright (c) – Elektra/Asylum Records
Recorded At – Power Station
Mastered At – Sterling Sound

The Choir – Diamonds and Rain – 1986

Diamonds and Rain is the second studio album from The Choir, and the first after a name change from Youth Choir. Myrrh Records promoted this album heavily with ads that stated, “The Youth Choir has grown up!” I for one found this comical and probably the dumbest promo for a band ever though I did agree with the name change. With producer Charlie Peacock coming on for the album it had a much more commercial appeal. It has a solid new wave feel and at times I could swear I’m listening to a Simple Minds album. While I may be better known for my love of a Rock & Roll sound this is my second favourite style of music and this album is great in my opinion. As the story goes the band hated the colour album front, they wanted it to be black and white like the rear. Trivia point, the album was supposed to be titled Love and Fear but a name change came about after Myrrh wanted a more positive title.

Tracklist
1 – Fear Only You – 3:52
2 – Render Love – 4:42
3 – All That Is You – 3:21
4 – Black Cloud – 3:40
5 – I Painted Mercy – 4:05
6 – Kingston Road – 3:39
7 – Listen To Her Eyes – 3:20
8 – (You Do That) Triangle – 3:17
9 – Love Falls Down – 3:12
10 – When The Morning Comes – 4:30

Credits
Art Direction – Roland Young
Backing Vocals – Bill Batstone
Backing Vocals [Additional] – Jerry Chamberlain
Bass Guitar – Tim Chandler
Drums, Percussion – Steve Hindalong
Engineer – Mike Mierau
Engineer [Assisted By] – Paul Abajian
Guitar, Vocals – Derald Daugherty
Keyboards, Backing Vocals – Charlie Peacock
Mastered By – Bernie Grundman
Mixed By – Martin Heyes
Other [Choir Direction] – Brian Martin
Photography By – Nancy French
Producer – Charlie Peacock
Woodwind – Dan Michaels

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc.
Copyright (c) – Word, Inc.
Manufactured By – Word, Inc.
Recorded At – Pakaderm Studios
Mixed At – Surrey Sound Studios
Mastered At – Bernie Grundman Mastering
Manufactured By – JVC

Barnabas – Little Foxes – 1986

This was the final studio album from Barnabas. While I liked their sound I think perhaps for some people it had become somewhat monotonous and this album doesn’t really offer much new in musical styling. I guess that’s one of the problems of having a distinct style. While your hardcore fans stand by you, casual fans think to themselves that they’ve heard this before. This album however should be listened to if not for the music then for the lyrics. This album may have been one of their best lyrically. As the story goes the band broke up after playing Greenfest in 1985 but had a contract to release one more album. I presume they returned to the studio to record this album. This might also explain why it’s only 8 tracks. While I like this album my sixth sense does indicate something not quite right about this album and perhaps it is that it was recorded after the breakup of the band. Or I could be completely wring about the sound and the story.

Tracklist
1 – Gospel Maniac – 5:04
2 – Little Foxes – 4:05
3 – Destroy After Use – 4:56
4 – Auschwitz ’87 – 4:42
5 – China White – 3:20
6 – Sins Of The Fathers – 5:21
7 – All Alone – 5:13
8 – Suite For The Souls Of Our Enemies (Part Two – Lover) – 3:27

Credits
Artwork [Cover Art] – Paradise Graphics, Paul Gross
Bass, Keyboards – Gary Mann
Drums, Percussion – Kris Klingensmith
Engineer – Barry Stramp
Guitar – Brian Belew
Producer, Arranged By – Barnabas
Saxophone – Chris Hicks (tracks: B4)
Vocals – Chris Hall (tracks: B1), Jeff McGuinness (tracks: B1), Nancy Jo Mann

Companies, etc.
Copyright (c) – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Published By – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Manufactured By – Word Records Limited
Recorded At – Studio 7, Oklahoma City, OK

Galilee – Out Of The Dark – 1986

Galilee formed in Montgomery Alabama in 1984. They released there one and only (on a label) album in 1986. Singing duties were spread though the band which is usually a bad thing but really worked on this album. This was the first album recorded at the new (at the time) Huff brothers studio in Forest Mississippi and also produced by them. Apparently they only spent 3 days in the studio to record the album. Personally I would rather an album recorded in 3 days than 3 weeks, it always seems to come out with an edge I prefer in my music. The band opened across the US for several big names but never headlined themselves. The band has continued on releasing several self released songs and all of them are still active musicians in their respective Churches. This is a solid 80’s pop album with plenty of toe tapping tunes. If I had to pick a favourite track it would be “Get on That Train” which actually feels a little 60’s/70’s to me. Special thanks to Cameron Reeder (Bass) for helping me out with the history of the band.

Tracklist
1 – I’m In Love – 3:58
2 – Harvest Time – 4:34
3 – Don’t Hold Back – 3:34
4 – Internal Forces – 3:42
5 – Good Company – 4:39
6 – Jesus is the One – 3:59
7 – Get on That Train – 3:28
8 – Road to Damascus – 4:28
9 – Spirit of Your Love – 3:02
10 – Watchman – 5:27

Credits
Guitar, Vocal – Scott Booker
Bass, Vocals – Cameron Reeder
Keyboards, Vocals – Richard Cherry
Drums – Ronnie Collins
Engineer – Mike Brett
Producer – David Huff, Rayborn Huff, Clayborn Huff
Bass on Track 4 – Clayborn Huff
Cover Photo – Gary Wallace
Cover Art – Daniel Armstrong

Companies, etc.
Copyright (c) – Huff and Huff Publishing, BMI
Recorded at – Huff Studios
Booking – Galilee Ministries