Kaiser Mansfield – Trimmed and Burnin’ – 1990

Without a doubt this is the best Christian blues album of all time. We all knew Mansfield’s blues abilities but I for one was impressed with Kaiser’s abilities. Kaiser’s voice is absolutely perfect for blues. Most of the album is cover tunes from Rev. Gary Davis, Blind Willie Johnson, Rev. Gary Davis, and James B. Vaughan. Kaiser however did write 6 tracks for the album and they fit in perfectly. If one knew nothing about the blues you would have a difficult if not impossible pick out the Kaiser written tunes. The album is an acoustic effort only featuring Guitar, Dobro, Harp, and Standing Bass. This album should be required listening for any Christian rock fan.

Tracklist
1 – Great Change Since I’ve Been Born – 3:12
2 – Keep Your Lamp Trimmed And Burnin’ – 2:53
3 – Shaky Ground – 4:22
4 – Nobody’s Fault But Mine – 3:08
5 – Go Tell Pharaoh – 1:53
6 – You Got To Move – 2:18
7 – In The Light Of The Morningstar – 2:45
8 – Celestial Shore – 4:50
9 – Jesus Is Comin’ Soon – 3:20
10 – God Don’t Never Change – 2:35
11 – What You Did – 5:11
12 – I Belong To The Band – 3:10
13 – You Got To Die – 4:41
14 – Cornerstone – 1:33
15 – We Shall See The King – 3:58

Credits
Design [Cover Design] – Cornerstone Graphics, Janet Cameron
Dobro, Guitar – Rob Glickman
Engineer – Ed Bialach, Roger Heiss, Roy Montroy
Mixed By – Roger Heiss
Photography By – Mike Tabor, Terry Wheeler
Vocals, Guitar, Dobro, Dulcimer, Blues Harp [Very Little Harp] – Glenn Kaiser
Vocals, Handclaps [Clapped, Stomped], Blues Harp [Blew Serious Harp] – Darrell Mansfield

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Grrr Records
Copyright (c) – Grrr Records
Manufactured By – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Pressed By – Disctronics USA – 112929
Published By – Grrr Music
Published By – EMI Robbins Catalog Inc.
Published By – Chandos Music Inc.
Published By – Tradition Music

Idle Cure – 2nd Avenue – 1990

The 3rd studio album from Idle Cure continued their arena rock sound that was so successful for them. Producer Bill Baumgart returns with Mark, Pete, and Steve for another successful album. I was doing a but of research on this album and I found some spirited conversations discussing whether not not this was their best album. Like I say they didn’t always agree but I think generally Idle Cure fans do consider this their best album. Now keeping in mind I did not hear any of their music until just the last few years I think their debut was the best. If I had to pick a favourite track for this album there’s no doubt for me that it’s “Talk It Out”.

Tracklist
1 – Pray – 4:38
2 – It’s No Fun Anymore – 4:01
3 – Human Solution – 4:58
4 – Picture Of Love – 3:49
5 – Contend For The Faith – 4:07
6 – Talk It Out – 4:28
7 – Don’t Turn Away – 4:04
8 – If You Mean It – 3:30
9 – Dead Or Alive – 3:58
10 – Ordinary Man – 4:07

Credits
Art Direction – Ed McTaggart
Drums – Clark Edmond
Engineer, Mixed By – Dave Jahnsen
Guitar, Vocals – Mark Ambrose
Keyboards, Vocals – Pete Lomakin
Layout – Joe Potter
Lead Vocals – Steve Shannon
Photography By – Scott Lockwood
Producer [Production Assistant] – Beth Wisner
Producer, Engineer – Bill Baumgart

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Frontline Records
Copyright (c) – Frontline Records
Recorded At – The Mixing Lab
Mixed At – The Mixing Lab
Recorded At – Jedi Masters
Mixed At – Jedi Masters

Present History – Present History – 1990

This is actually a bit of a mystifying project. Present History is Darlene Zschech and Peter Beveridge. It is on an independent label which I am guessing was Peters personal label as this was the only release it ever had. It was recorded and released in Australia in 1990. It was released on LP and CD but it’s the CD that is so interesting. There is an original release with 10 tracks. Then there is a release with 2 bonus tracks. Then there is a release with the bonus tracks and 3 hidden tracks (this is that version). It was also released in Germany, Japan, Spain, and Europe. Peter had a CCM career before this album and Darlene had a CCM career after this album. The bonus and hidden tracks consist of remixes and or extended versions. Kind of surprising as we were pretty well done with the fascination of extended versions by 1990. Anyway it’s a solid pop album and I quite like it. Love the Roll Over Beethoven track. Contributing artists were David Evans and Randall Waller (Avion).

Tracklist
1 – Always – 3:30
2 – Freedom – 3:19
3 – City Streets – 4:20
4 – Roll Over Beethoven – 3:28
5 – Open Your Eyes – 4:53
6 – Only Ones – 4:02
7 – Don’t Wanna Say Goodbye /Luke’s Song) – 5:01
8 – Dreams – 5:12
9 – Counterfeit City – 3:55
10 – No Doubt – 3:44
Bonus Tracks
11 – Freedom (Extended Mix) – 5:18
12 – Always (The Soul – History Mix) – 6:14
Hidden Tracks
13 – Always (Club – History Mix) – 5:03
14 – Always (Extended Mix) – 5:23
15 – Roll Over Beethoven (Extended Mix) – 5:30

Credits
Engineer – Guy Gray
Lead Vocals – Darlene Zschech
Producer – Peter Beveridge
Backing vocals – David Evans, Randall Waller

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Nightlight Music Pty Ltd.
Copyright (c) – Nightlight Music Pty Ltd.
Recorded At – EMI Studios 301
Recorded At – Rhinoceros Studios
Recorded At – Rich Studios
Recorded At – Nightlight Studios
Mixed At – Arco Studios
Mastered At – EMI Studios 301
Glass Mastered At – Disctronics USA – 113252

Bloodgood – Live Volume 1 – Alive In America – 1990

Michael Bloodgood and the rest of the Bloodgood gang hit us with this excellent Live album recorded at Lincoln Auditorium In their hometown of Seattle, Washington. This album was also available in a video format and apparently it was quite the show. This is Volume 1 of a 2 part series of this concert. Michael really shines in the live environment and I think his vocals are actually better live then studio. The album is very well mixed which is usually pretty tricky on live albums but the engineer really pulled it off on this one. If you want your favorite Bloodood tunes turned up to 12 this is the album for you.

Tracklist
1 – Out Of The Darkness – 3:54
2 – Do Or Die – 2:23
3 – It’s Alright – 4:01
4 – Hey You! – 4:15
5 – Alone In Suicide – 4:06
6 – She’s Gone – 4:12
7 – Heaven On Earth – 3:43
8 – Shakin’ It – 2:49
9 – Soldier Of Peace – 3:35
10 – America – 3:50
11 – Never Be The Same – 3:45
12 – Medley – 5:50
Demon On The Run
Killing The Beast
Battle Of The Flesh
Black Snake

Credits
Art Direction – Ed McTaggart
Backing Vocals – Angel Kinssies, Dan Grant, David Schueller, Ed Robinson, Eric Beaver, Joyce Carlsen, Kara Murphy, Marilyn Bloodgood, Michael Bloodgood, Paul Jackson, Roger Cleven, Teri Tamas
Bass Guitar – Michael Bloodgood
Drums – Kevin Whisler
Engineer – Tom Hall
Executive Producer – Steve White
Lead Guitar – Paul Jackson
Lead Vocals – Les Carlsen
Mixed By – Tom Hall
Photography By – Karen Moskowitz
Producer – Les Carlsen, Michael Bloodgood
Written-By – David Zaffiro (tracks: A5 to B2, B6.1 to B6.3), James W. Taylor (tracks: B6.3), Kevin Whisler (tracks: A3), Les Carlsen (tracks: A2, A3, A4, A6, B1, B2, B4, B5), Michael Bloodgood (tracks: A1 to A4, B3 to B5, B6.4), Paul Jackson (19) (tracks: A3,B6.1)

Recon – Behind Enemy Lines – 1990

Recon was a late 80’s Metal band out of California. I don’t know or understand different genres within the Metal scene but I am told they are a Power Metal band. This was their only studio album but they did also have a live at Cornerstone album released by Millenium Eight Records in 2001. Several members of this band ended up in Deliverance shortly after this album was released. The band was well received and garnered praise for the quality of their lyrics.

Tracklist
1 – In The Beginning – 1:33
2 – Lost Soldier – 4:53
3 – Ancient Of Days – 5:36
4 – Choose This Day – 5:42
5 – Dreams – 5:12
6 – Take Us Away – 3:44
7 – Holy Is The Lord – 6:03
8 – Alive – 4:09
9 – Eternal Desteny – 5:43
10 – Behind Enemy Lines – 4:17

Credits
Bass – Mike Grato
Design Concept – George Ochoa
Executive Producer – Bill Bafford
Guitar – Eddie Starline, George Ochoa
Layout, Design – Scott Waters
Lead Vocals – Vett Roberts
Producer, Arranged By – George Ochoa

The Mirrors – I Am Not Afraid – 1990

Yes this is The Mirrors from Malcolm And The Mirrors, kind of. Mike Minardi and Richard Cimino from the original Mirrors are joined by Scott Stewart, Terry McNabb, Bill Walden (Undercover), and Rob Watson (DA). This a pretty good line up for a CCM band and it doesn’t disappoint. This actually appears to be a relatively unknown release but it was on Asaph Records which was a very know label. The album itself has a strong mid 80’s New Wave feel and quite frankly I wish i had heard it earlier because it is a fantastic album. I suspect they were a little late with the sound so that may be part of the reason it is a lesser known release.

Tracklist
1 – I Am Not Afraid – 4:05
2 – What Do You Say – 3:27
3 – Longing To See You – 5:51
4 – 4,000 Monday – 5:22
5 – I Will Believe In You – 4:05
6 – Psalm 40 – 4:32
7 – Day Of Understanding – 4:13
8 – Hello My Friend – 3:26
9 – I Will Stand – 3:49
10 – Run Away – 4:53

Credits
Arranged By – The Mirrors
Art Direction – Antonio Lozano
Backing Vocals – Bob Thomason (tracks: 1, 4, 5), Rob Watson (tracks: 5 to 7), Stephanie Watring (tracks: 7, 9)
Bass – Scott Stewart
Drums – Terry McNabb
Engineer [Assistant] – Josh Jaquette
Engineer, Mixed By [Drum Mixing] – Brian Davis
Executive-Producer – Chuck Smith, Lewis McVay
Keyboards – Rob Watson (tracks: 1, 3 to 10)
Lead Guitar – Mike Minardi
Mixed By [Drum Mixing], Mixed By, Mastered By – Doug Doyle
Percussion – Danny Ybarra (tracks: 3, 9, 10)
Producer, Engineer, Mixed By [Drum Mixing], Mixed By, Mastered By, Arranged By – Rob Watson
Rhythm Guitar – Richard Cimino
Vocals, Keyboards – Bill Walden

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Calvary Chapel Publishing
Copyright (c) – Calvary Chapel Publishing

Trytan – Sylentiger – 1990

Trytan were often referred to as the Christian Rush. This was their second album and it had a very similar sound to their first album. While the vocals are very “Rush” like the music actually stands alone. It showcases the excellent guitar work of Lary Dean as well as the outstanding drumming of Scotty Blackman very well. It was the final studio album from the band that split about the same time this album came out. The album was re-released in 2002 by Millenium Eight Records with a bonus track which is an interview with the band. That track is included with this playlist. Point of trivia is that Trytan was apparently an acronym for “To Reach Youth Through the Almighty Nazarene”.

Tracklist
1 – Take Cover – 5:51
2 – Deadly Masquerade – 4:43
3 – Beyond The Night – 6:46
4 – Star Bound – 5:23
5 – Make Your Move – 5:27
6 – Sylentiger – 4:32
7 – Here To Stay – 6:48
8 – Playing With Fire – 6:40
9 – Life Goes On – 4:32
10 – Waking The Giant – 4:03
11 – By My Spirit – 3:32
12 – Bonus Track: Interview – 18:18

Credits
Bass, Keyboards – Steve Robinson
Drums – Jim Dobbs
Engineer – Jerry Mikulich, Joe Bader
Executive-Producer – Doug Mann
Guitar, Vocals – Lary Dean
Illustration, Design – Jeff Spencer, Sudden Images
Music By – Lary Dean (tracks: 1 to 10), Leslie Phillips (tracks: 11), Steve Robinson (tracks: 2, 3, 9, 10)
Other [Hair, Make-Up] – Rohnda Dean
Photography By – Lenny Tyler
Producer – Jerry Mikulich, Joe Bader, Trytan
Words By – Lary Dean (tracks: 1 to 10), Leslie Phillips (tracks: 11)

Bob Hanson – ‘Nuff Said – 1990

This is the second of three albums from this Canadian Artist. This album was released on micro label Lorotz but was distributed by Word so it got some good exposure. This is a great Rock album that shows some real talent. It was produced by Roy Salmond of well known Salmond & Mulder who also offered up some keyboards for the album. Bob has also dabbled in the film industry as an extra in a few movies and a bit part in “Toe Tags”. You may not have heard this album in 1990 but you should hear it now if you like good old Rock & Roll.

Tracklist
1 – Cross At The Light – 4:05
2 – There Was A Time – 4:28
3 – You Need To Know – 4:06
4 – When It All Comes Down – 4:31
5 – Child On The Run – 4:29
6 – Seek And You Will Find – 4:25
7 – Open Arms Of Love – 4:40
8 – ‘Nuff Said – 2:36
9 – Signs Of The Times – 4:21
10 – Great Love – 5:19
11 – Fire Of Love – 3:43
12 – The Light He Shines – 5:45

Credits
Arranged By [Arrangements By] – Bob Hanson, Roy Salmond
Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Bob Hanson, Hope Sterling, Joani Bye, Peter Wisstoff
Bass – Miles Hill (tracks: 1 to 5, 7 to 10)
Booking [Booking And Concert Information] – Hill Top Management
Drums – Michael Root
Engineer – Dale Penner, Roy Salmond
Guitar – Dane DeViller, Tim McKenzie
Keyboards, Programmed By – Roy Salmond
Mixed By – Dave Slagter (tracks: 3 to 6, 11 and 12), Patrick Glover* (tracks: 1, 2, 7 to 10)
Percussion – Daryl Bennett
Photography By – Ron Nickel
Producer – Roy Salmond (tracks: 1 to 4, 6 to 12)
Written-By [All Songs By], Words By, Music By – Bob Hanson

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Harvest Music
Copyright (c) – Harvest Music
Distributed By – Word Communications Ltd.
Distributed By – Spectra Distribution
Pressed By – American Helix – E30215
Recorded At – White Water Studio, Richmond
Recorded At – Blue Wave Studio, Vancouver
Engineered At – White Water Studio, Richmond
Engineered At – Blue Wave Studio, Vancouver
Published By – Fields Are White Music
Published By – Hansong Music

Stryper – Against The Law – 1990

Stryper’s 1990 release was probably my favourite. This is in no small part because of the more commercial sound of the album as I’ve never been a huge Metal fan. This album was very well produced but I bet the Metal fans of Stryper thought it was over produced. The JPM count on this album is much much lower than usual from them. I really think this album could have been a commercial success if it had just come out a few years earlier. Unfortunately at this point in history Rock & Roll was headed to it’s dreaded grunge sound. The album actually has several songs centered on women and I bet there’s an interesting story in Michael Sweet’s life at the time. To me one of the stand out tracks is “Lady” which is an excellent rock ballad that could have easily played on radio just a few years earlier. The strange cut on the album is a cover of Earth Wind & Fire’s Shining Star which actually is pretty good. They did close out the album with a Metal song for their base fans, “Rock the Hell Out of You”

Tracklist
1 – Against The Law – 3:49
2 – Two Time Woman – 3:40
3 – Rock The People – 3:34
4 – Two Bodies (One Mind One Soul) – 5:17
5 – Not That Kind Of Guy – 3:59
6 – Shining Star – 4:22
7 – Ordinary Man – 3:51
8 – Lady – 4:53
9 – Caught In The Middle – 3:48
10 – All For One – 4:31
11 – Rock The Hell Out Of You – 3:35

Credits
A&R [A&R Administration] – Jacqui Randle
A&R [A&R Direction] – John Guarnieri
Art Direction – Patrick Pending
Art Direction, Design – Rudy Tuesday
Backing Vocals [Additional Background Vocals] – Jeff Scott Soto
Bass – Randy Jackson (tracks: B1)
Bass, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Tim Gaines
Drums – Robert Sweet
Engineer [Assistant Engineer (Devonshire)] – Mike Bosley
Engineer [Assistant Engineer (Music Grinder)] – Lawrence Ethan
Engineer [Assistant Engineer (The Record Plant)] – Buzz Morrows
Guitar, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Oz Fox
Keyboards – John Purdell
Keyboards [Additional Keyboards/Tour Keyboards] – Brent Jeffers
Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Guitar, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Michael Sweet
Mixed By, Recorded By – Eddie DeLena
Other [Clothing] – Fleur Thiemeyer
Other [Makeup] – Kyle Tucy Sweet
Photography By [Band Photography] – Neil Zlozower
Photography By [Special Photo Printing] – David Perry
Photography By [Still-Life Photography] – Ed Colver
Producer, Percussion – Tom Werman
Typography [Typesetting] – Jeannine Pinkerton

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Enigma Records
Copyright (c) – Enigma Records
Mixed At – Record Plant, Los Angeles
Recorded At – Music Grinder Studios
Recorded At – Devonshire Studios

Lex Rex – The Devil’s Nightmare – 1990

This is a rather mysterious release from Lex Rex. While researching this album I found a variety of stories behind this album. Some said it was a copy of a demo and some say it was recorded but not released and someone found a cassette. Yet another story is that Pantrax Records released it in 1990 on CD from a cassette copy. Also apparently there are another 3 tracks out there somewhere. I have no idea what version of these stories is the truth. Here’s what I do know. It’s a great album with some more great Rock & Roll. To me the album sounds like it was recorded before their “Beat The Heat” but who knows. It has a more raw sound and I can hear some early Van Halen vibes. If you liked “Beat The Heat” you’ll love this one.

Tracklist:
1 – The Physician
2 – Gotta Friend
3 – Love King
4 – Run Horse Run
5 – Bad Blood
6 – Ya Gotta Move
7 – Heart Soul and Mind
8 – Black Day
9 – Another Son