Here’s another great Metal band out of Michigan. This was Xalt’s first album which I guess is technically a demo but is probably best described as self released. It was only released on cassette which is a pity because the quality was, well, questionable. The album was finally re-released in 2017 by Retroactive Records with 6 bonus tracks. I have heard however that the quality is still questionable. Doesn’t matter what format you want to distribute music on, it’s only going to sound at best as it’s source. Anyway we do have a pretty good Metal album here that leans commercial but not overly. If you only have time for one track try out “God In A Box”.
Tracklist 1 – The Cross – 3:13 2 – God In A Box – 2:49 3 – Where Victory Storms – 2:59 4 – Angry Fire – 3:59 5 – Ready For The Fight – 2:29 6 – A Warrior’s Honour – 2:43 7 – Looking Down A Loaded Gun – 4:13 8 – Palace Daydream – 2:06 9 – Soldiers In The Mist – 3:02 10 – Dark War – 5:11
Credits Bass Guitar – Steve Davis Drums – Todd Gleason Engineer – John Frazier Guitar – James Erdman Lead Vocals – Scott Doerfler Mixed By – Hank Horton, John Frazier, Xalt Producer – Hank Horton
Tonio K released two albums for the Christian market in the mid 80’s on What? Records. Both of them reach the Top 100 on this list. Both a must own album and truly brilliant works. Both are completely different musically and differ greatly in topic and theme. More will be said about Tonio K in a future post, but it should be noted here that for nearly three decades he released some of the most important releases that no one knows about. Before embracing the Christian faith Tonio K released several critically lauded and publicly ignored masterpieces. The same rang true in Christian music circles. I believe “Notes” was the last release for What? Records, a brilliant label whose imprint was the kiss of death in the CCM world. I cannot confirm this right now, but I believe every What? Records release appears on this countdown. The label was a joint effort between Word Records and A&M with the intent to bring Christian music to the masses with artists that had the chops and integrity to pull off the crossover. Where Tonio’s CCM debut (Romeo Unchained) was driven by technology and “new wave” rhythms and production, “Notes” was organic, blues and country influenced Americana rock and roll set in the heart of city life and suburban nightmares. There are two versions of the album with the Word released version not containing a song that will be discussed later. No one should own the Word version and I refused to carry that version in my store at the time.
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Without Love – 3:33 2 – Children’s Crusade – 4:56 3 – Stay – 4:14 4 – City Life – 4:07 5 – You Were There – 4:46 6 – The Executioner’s Song – 6:27 7 – I Can’t Stand It – 4:08 8 – What Women Want – 4:27 9 – I Can’t Stop – 3:19 10 – Where Is That Place? – 3:59
Credits A&R [Productive A&R] – Aaron Jacoves, Tom Willett Arranged By – David Miner, T Bone Burnett, Tonio K. Art Direction, Photography By, Design – Linda Myers-Krikorian Bass – James Jamerson, Jr. (tracks: 7 to 10) Bass, Double Bass [String Bass], Harmonium, Marimba – David Miner Drum Programming – Ralph Forbes Drums – Raymond Pounds (tracks: 7 to 10) Drums, Synthesizer [Dynacord] – Jim Keltner Electric Guitar – Jack Sherman Electric Guitar [12-string, Gut String, National], Acoustic Guitar – T Bone Burnett Engineer [Assistant Engineering] – Barry Conley, Bob Loftus, Brian Soucy, Dave “The Blade” Knight, Duncan Aldrich, Ira Rubnitz, Tom Banghart Executive-Producer – T Bone Burnett Graphic Design, Layout – Karl Shields, Susan Shields Mastered By – Tony Dawsey Mixed By – Tchad Blake Organ [Farfisa] – Rick Neigher Organ [Hammond] – Booker T. Jones Percussion – Alex Acuña Piano – John Keller Producer [Produced By] – David Miner, Tonio K. Recorded By – Larry Hirsch Recorded By [Additional Recording By] – Larold Rebhun (tracks: 8) Rhythm Guitar [Occasional], Vocals – Tonio K.
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – What? Records Copyright (c) – What? Records Manufactured By – A&M Records, Inc. Distributed By – A&M Records, Inc. Recorded At – The Sound Factory Recorded At – American Recorders Recorded At – Ocean Way Recording Recorded At – Mad Hatter Studios Recorded At – A&M Studios Mixed At – The Sound Factory Mastered At – Masterdisk Published By – Bibo Music Publishers Published By – N.Y.M. Published By – Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. Published By – Safespace Music Published By – Unicity Music Published By – Tea Time Tunes Published By – Yellow Brick Road Music Published By – VALEVISTA Music
This 1988 Regency Records sampler featured some of the best East Coast Metal bands of the time and some very exclusive tunes. There are a few unreleased tracks and other than that I have listed below where you can find the albums with the songs.
Tracklist 1 – Apostle – The Sword – On the 1988 Demo “Hymns” 2 – Rage Of Angels – Reason To Rock – On the 1989 Album “Rage Of Angels” 3 – Arsenal – Message Of Love – Unreleased 4 – The Lead – Tunnel Vision – On the 1987 Album “The Past Behind” 5 – Taker – Yesterday, Today & Forever – On the 1987 Demo “Mat. 11:12” 6 – Second Chance – The Blazing Wasteland – On the 1988 Demo “The Blazing Wasteland” 7 – Arsenal – Stand Strong – Unreleased 8 – Believer – The Chosen – Unreleased until “Extraction From Mortality” in 2001 9 – Taker – Living By Faith – On the 1987 Demo “Mat. 11:12”
Q. Stone are an excellent Blues Rock band out of Finland. My first exposure to them was the 1989 Larry Norman album where they played as his backup band. This album actually has a rather odd release history. It was first released in 1988 in Europe and apparently sold well. It was then released in the United States in 1989 on Refuge Records. Apparently it did not sell well. Then in 2000 Larry Norman obtained the rights to the album and released the album on Solid Rock Records. Apparently it sold slightly better under this arrangement. My favourite track on the album actually features Larry, “Sweet Dreams’. I find it humorous that on Larry’s release of this album his track is the lead track but on other versions it is the 2nd track. Anyway, this is probably one of if not the best CCM Blues Rock album of the 80’s though lets be clear there wasn’t a lot of competition.
Tracklist 1 – Sweet Dreams – 3:56 2 – Open Door – 2:34 3 – High Winds – 4:40 4 – You Did It For Me – 5:35 5 – The Blue View – 4:38 6 – And I Wait – 4:35 7 – Give Me Something Else – 4:38 8 – Blues Man – 2:35 9 – Black Water – 2:49 10 – Behind The Bars – 4:32 11 – Tomorrow With You – 3:29 12 – Zack’s Blues – 1:24 13 – Dead Man At Dawn – 4:08
Credits Arranged By [Co-Arranged By] – Q-Stone Bass – Mikko Loytty Drums – Sakke Loytty Edited By, Mastered By – Tom Nunes Engineer – Benny Lundin, Cenneth Almgren, Heikki Silvennoinen Graphics – Wavelength Harmonica – Mikko Kuustonen Harmony Vocals – Larry Norman Keyboards – Harri Taittonen Lead Guitar – Heikki Silvennoinen Mixed By – Bosse Reimer, Larry Norman Producer, Arranged By – Larry Norman Vocals – Heikki Silvennoinen, Mikko Loytty, Larry Norman
Companies, etc. Distributed By – Phydeaux Records Copyright (c) – Phydeaux Records Recorded At – Royal Music Studio
Here is another example of the different presuppositions between this list and the previous blogs list for determining placement. Though significantly more important to the overall progression of the CCM market, the album does not fair as well when compared to multiple releases per artist and exclusive artistic achievement guidelines. That is not so say this is not a great record, God Forbid. This is ana amazing record and no serious collector should have it missing. “Winds of Heaven” is a lighter, sweeter, sometimes melancholy project that is punctuated with worship and promise. But ultimately it came down to impact and lasting impressions and nothing on “A Liturgy” (or too many other albums for that matter) can match what “Awesome God” has meant to a generation of believers despite being an overall stronger project. If the reader is only familiar with the classic worship tune then they are missing a truly great project. On this album Mullins would change how many people approach the Lord every Sunday morning all across the globe. What started out as a quickly penned worship song for a Youth gathering in Michigan became the single most often sung modern worship song in history. It was also listed as the Number One Christian song in history in CCM Magazine’s countdown of the greatest songs. Oddly enough the verse structure and content is nothing like any other worship song and, in fact, does not lend itself to corporate worship. But when the chorus kicks in there is nothing to compare it to. Memorable, large, boisterous, powerful and lasting. Generations later I am firmly convinced this chorus will still be a staple for God’s people in worship. “If I Stand” follows and may be the strongest song on the project. This song ultimately is about the recognition of man’s frailty and God’s loving compassion toward man. It is a story of reliance on the creator by that which is created. Mullins points to the ultimate relationship a man must have…greater than anything he can find on Earth. One other radio hit from the project is “Such a Thing as Glory.” A musical backdrop bordering on world music sets the stage for a lyrical expression devoted to recognizing the great work of Jesus. Other highlights from this album include “…and I Love You,” and “Home.” For those who may dismiss this album as a “one hit wonder” they have truly missed the heart of an artist that was just beginning to hit his stride. After two poorly received projects (though decent releases on their own), this project moved him into a whole new level of acceptance and the Church and music industry is the better for it. The only thing I have noticed in Mullins music is the lack of humor that he so often displayed in concert. In fact, I remember the first time I saw him was when he opened up for Steve Taylor and Amy Grant (seriously, they toured together). He sat down to polite applause and said; “Now, I know most of you don’t know who in the world I am…but, then again, I don’t know who you are either!” That broke the ice with the crowd and he then proceeded to perform a medley of songs he had written for other artist including Amy Grant’s “Sing Your Praise to the Lord.” That, for some reason, is etched in my memory as much as his memorable songs. He is missed.
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – The Other Side Of The World – 2:43 2 – With The Wonder – 4:25 3 – Awesome God – 3:03 4 – If I Stand – 3:39 5 – Home – 4:01 6 – Such A Thing As Glory – 2:41 7 – . . . And I Love You – 3:46 8 – Ready For The Storm – 3:37 9 – One True Love – 4:03 10 – How Can I Keep Myself From Singing – 3:51
Credits Alan Arnett – Background Vocals Reed Arvin – Producer, String Arrangements, Keyboards, Synclavier Jeff Balding – Additional Mix Janis Broughton – Background Vocals Heidi Brown – Background Vocals Fred Carpenter – Fiddle Susan Coker – Background Vocals Scott Coupland – Background Vocals Steve Cudworth – Songwriter Lyn Curley – Background Vocals Keith Edwards – Drums Jennifer Farrar – Background Vocals Jon Goin – Guitar Allison Gordley – Background Vocals Chris Harris – Background Vocals Paul Harris – Background Vocals Mark Heimermann – Background Vocals Terry Hemmings – Executive Producer Kim Hill – Background Vocals Bonnie Keen – Background Vocals Brent King – Mixed Wayne Kirkpatrick – Background Vocals Bryan Lenox – Background Vocals Lori Loving – Background Vocals Gary Lunn – Bass Pam Mark Hall – Background Vocals Dougie McClain – Songwriter David McCracken – Background Vocals Jerry McPherson – Guitar Marita Meinerts – Background Vocals Carmen Minard – Background Vocals Jeff Moseley – Executive Producer Rich Mullins – Songwriter, Vocals Craig Nelson – Acoustic Bass Pam Ourada – Background Vocals Rafael Padilla – Percussion Cynthia Ratliff – Background Vocals Mark Ratliff – Background Vocals Chris Rodriguez – Background Vocals Melinda Scruggs – Background Vocals Billy Simon – Background Vocals Michael W. Smith – Piano Billy Sprague – Background Vocals Melodie Tunney – Background Vocals Hank Williams – Mastered
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Reunion Records, Inc. Copyright (c) – Reunion Records, Inc. Manufactured By – Uni Distribution Corp. Distributed By – Uni Distribution Corp. Recorded At – Goldmine Recording Studios Recorded At – OmniSound Studios Recorded At – Spence Manor Mixed At – Mastermix Mastered At – Mastermix Published By – Edward Grant, Inc. Published By – Limetree Publishing, Inc. Manufactured By – DADC Glass Mastered At – DADC – DIDX-010100
This was Steve’s second album though I don’t think that a lot of people listened to the first one. I think Steve was well aware of this as this release had 3 tracks from his first album but he did remix them. The CD contained 4 tracks that were not on the cassette version. Steve has also said that there are several tracks from an album that was recorded in 1986 but never released. This album was produced by Charlie Peacock, Mike Roe, and Steven Soles which is quite the lineup of producers. Personally I think you will feel Mike Roe’s influence the most. All 3 producers also played on the album and again you can hear and feel their influence. If you were a fan of any of these 3 guys you are going to love this album. It is easily one of the best albums of 1988 of this style.
Tracklist 1 – Not A Pretty Picture – 4:04 2 – No More Parades – 3:57 3 – Something’s Got To Change – 3:29 4 – What Is The Mystery? – 4:41 5 – Call Of The Wild – 4:41 6 – Touch – 5:30 7 – Shadow Play – 4:16 8 – Wall Of Tears – 5:27 9 – Love In The Western World – 4:57 10 – Emotional Tourist – 3:58 11 – When Worlds Collide – 4:14 12 – Ghost Train – 3:18 13 – This Sad Music – 5:12 14 – Ship Of Fools – 3:39 15 – Minor Characters – 3:52 16 – Sound Of Waves (12″ Version) – 7:06
Credits Bass – Gary Landaker Drums – Aaron Smith Executive-Producer – Randy Layton Guitar – Mike Roe Keyboards – Mark Tootle Producer – Charlie Peacock, Mike Roe, Steven Soles Vocals – Steve Scott Written-By – Steve Scott
The second release from Idle Cure doubled down on their first album. Hard rock rifts and vocals return to give us another great hard rock album. This album featured improved lyrics and slightly better vocals, likely due to improved engineering. In fact I would say the entire album had improved engineering. The album did not include original guitarist Chuck King, who had left to co-form the band Shout. It appears that David Huff (White Heart) providing the drumming for the album and the drumming on the album is very good. It nails that Arena Rock sound from the 80’s.
Tracklist 1 – Just Believe It – 3:49 2 – Barter Mercy – 4:18 3 – Frontline – 4:06 4 – So Many Faces – 3:36 5 – Hungry Hearts – 4:02 6 – One For The Money – 3:30 7 – How Long – 3:55 8 – Runnin’ – 4:01 9 – Draw The Line – 3:19
Credits Art Direction – Ed McTaggart Band [Idle Cure Is], Guitar [Guitars] – Mark Ambrose Band [Idle Cure Is], Keyboards – Pete Lomakin Band [Idle Cure Is], Vocals – Steve Shannon Co-producer [Co-Produced By] – Tim Heintz Design Concept [Cover Concept By] – Idle Cure Engineer [Engineered By] – Dave Jahnsen Musician [Additional Musicians], Backing Vocals – Bill Baumgart, Bob Carlisle Musician [Additional Musicians], Drums – David Huff* Musician [Additional Musicians], Keyboards – Tim Heintz Musician [Additional Musicians], Lead Guitar – Tim Pierce Musician [Additional Musicians], Saxophone – Eric Marienthal Photography By – Michael Seeley Photography By [Back Cover Photo By] – Eddie Huff Producer [Produced By] – Bill Baumgart
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Frontline Records Copyright (c) – Frontline Records Distributed By – The Benson Company Published By – Broken Songs Glass Mastered At – Nimbus, Virginia
Many Choir fans don’t consider this their best work. Hardcore fans loved it but casual fans were looking for a fun follow up in the style of “Diamonds And Rain”. I admit the first few times I listened to it I found it to be disappointing. That said I came around as I listened to the lyrics. The album is much better written but I don’t think people could get past the dark feel the album had and I will admit that while I like the lyrics I don’t think this was a musically strong album. It is said that it took 6 month to record the album and I almost wonder if they didn’t over think the album. There is a point in any recording that you have to say “I think that’s it”. If you keep going you can actually over think the songs and I believe that is exactly what happened here. More evidence of this is even the thought process of the album cover. The CD, vinyl, and cassette all have slightly different covers which are based on the same picture. I don’t know if they were trying to imitate Amy Grant’s Unguarded but to me it’s just another example of over thinking things. The CD version of this release has 5 bonus tracks which further proves my point. Some of these tracks were obviously destined for the cutting room floor but they had probably invested so much energy into them they felt they had to release them. Now that I have criticized this album I will step back and say there is some real good tracks on this album. It is by far their best produced album up to this point and lyrically it is probably their best. In the end it’s just a little dark for my liking.
Tracklist 1 – Consider – 4:08 2 – Children Of Time – 5:10 3 – Clouds – 7:00 4 – Sad Face – 7:14 5 – Cain – 5:18 6 – The Rifleman – 3:43 7 – Look Out (For Your Own) – 3:28 8 – Everybody In The Band – 1:36 9 – So Far Away – 5:07 10 – Chase The Kangaroo – 4:10 CD Bonus Tracks 11 – Fade Into You – 3:59 12 – 15 Doors – 3:05 13 – More Than Words – 2:36 14 – Tears Don’t Fall – 3:49 15 – All Night Long – 5:03
Credits Artwork [Additional Graphic Assistance] – Phillip Foster, Stewart Ivester* Artwork [Art Direction & Coordination] – Tim Alderson Artwork [Cover Concept And Design] – John Joseph Flynn* Artwork By [Additional Graphic Assistance] – Ed, June, Marcella at Slides And Print, Canoga Park, CA Bass – Tim Chandler Directed By [Choir Direction] – Brian Martin Drums – Steven H.* Executive-Producer – Tom Willett Guitar, Keyboards, Lead Vocals – Derri* Lyrics By – Steven H.* Other [Tried To Keep Peace Among The Brethren] – Bill Batstone Photography By – Stewart Ivester* Producer – Derri Daugherty, Steven Hindalong* Producer [Additional] – Gene Eugene, Steve Griffith Recorded By – Dave Hackbarth, Derri Daugherty, Gene Eugene, Mark Heard, Steve Griffith Recorded By, Mixed By – Mike Mierau (tracks: 11 to 15) Saxophone, Lyricon – Dan “Buck” Michaels*
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc. Copyright (c) – Word, Inc. Manufactured By – Word, Inc. Recorded At – Neverland Studios Mixed At – Neverland Studios Recorded At – Pakaderm Studios Mixed At – Pakaderm Studios Manufactured By – JVC Designed At – OZ Graphics Designed At – Slides and Print
This was Rick’s 5th album and his first with Reunion records. It is rumoured that Rick was a very diligent negotiator with his record deals so I think we can assume this album was a good earner for him. That said this album unfortunately falls into “that Cua album with that song” category. I don’t feel that way as I think this is a very good album. Furthermore this album introduced Rick to the CCM magazine charts. “Forever Yours” made it to #5 and “For The Love Of God” to #25. Now it almost goes without saying that these are not the best tracks on the album. My personal favourite is Hard Times which was written with Dino and John Elefante. Personally I love the female vocal (scream) at 22 seconds, it feels like we’re about to hear a metal song but alas it’s a good Rock & Roll tune in which you can definitely feel the Elefante brothers influence. To sum it up a great album, perhaps not his best but I still think it’s great.
Tracklist 1 – Hard Times – 4:43 2 – Can’t Stand Too Tall – 3:45 3 – Tunnel Vision – 4:08 4 – For The Love Of God – 5:31 5 – Reckless Faith – 4:43 6 – Crash The Party – 3:42 7 – We Are All The Same – 3:56 8 – Shakedown – 4:07 9 – Forever Yours – 4:01
Credits Joey Cigainero – Programming Rick Cua – Songwriter, Bass, Vocals Bill Deaton – Engineer, Mixed Nick Distefano – Songwriter Dino Elefante – Songwriter John Elefante – Songwriter Michael English – Background Vocals Rob Frazier – Songwriter, Background Vocals Bob Halligan, Jr. – Songwriter, Background Vocals Vicki Hampton – Background Vocals Chris Harris – Songwriter, Background Vocals Mark Heimermann – Songwriter, Background Vocals Ron Hemby – Duet Vocals (For the Love of God) Tom Hemby – Producer, Songwriter, Arrangements, Programming, Guitar Terry Hemmings – Executive Producer Wayne Kirkpatrick – Songwriter Mary Lee Kortes – Songwriter Carl Marsh – Fairlight Donna McElroy – Background Vocals Mike Mead – Drums, Percussion Jeff Moseley – Executive Producer Denny Purcell – Mastered Chris Rodriguez – Background Vocals Ron Sorbo – Percussion Keith Thomas – Songwriter, Synthesizers
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Reunion Records Copyright (c) – Reunion Records Manufactured By – A&M Records Distributed By – A&M Records Recorded At – Gold Mine Studio Recorded At – 16th Avenue Sound Recorded By – Down Stage Recorded At – Digital Recorders Recorded At – Reflections Recorded At – OmniSound Studios
This was the final studio album from Daniel Band. While I prefer Straight Ahead this album probably comes 2nd for me. It is a quite heavy rock/metal album with a variety of sub styles through the album. I was actually a little surprised at the varying styles but it works. Now the one complaint about this album from everyone was the poor production quality. Luckily it was re-released in 2012 with new mastering and a bonus track. This upload is that version. In 1990 Toni Rossi put out a blues album “Love In The City”. In October 2011, the band was awarded the GMA (Gospel Music Association of Canada) Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing their influence on Christian rock. Anyway, if you like your metal with a strong commercial feel this is your kind of album.
Tracklist 1 – Black Or White – 3:02 2 – Sins Of The Heart – 3:22 3 – Hold On – 3:19 4 – Long Time – 5:11 5 – Party In Heaven – 2:58 6 – We Need Love – 3:50 7 – Greedy Little Hands – 3:50 8 – Things Are Changin’ – 4:03 9 – Running Out Of Time – 4:14 2012 Bonus Track 10 – One – 4:23
Credits Cover, Illustration – Mellissa McCarthy Drums – Matt DelDuca Layout – Jeff Spencer Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar – Tony Rossi Lead Vocals – Tony Rossi (tracks: B4) Lead Vocals, Bass Guitar, Harmony Vocals – Dan McCabe Mastered By – George Graves Producer – Daniel Band Producer, Engineer – Mark Wright Rhythm Guitar, Keyboards – Bill Findlay
