Tag: 1993

Electrik – Love Buzz Harmony: The Retroarchives – 2004

Electrik started in the late 80’s in Los Angeles. They actually did things a little different than others in that they actually didn’t care about their JPM and instead sang about regular topics with a Christian overview. Unfortunately this obviously winning formula just didn’t work for the CCM industry as obviously the bands JPM would be way too low for them. They released their first 3 track EP in 1989 and it was well received. They continued to play in California and as I said were well liked even appearing at Cornerstone in 1991. In 1993 they self released a 7 track album and again it was very well received but not by the CCM industry. Instead the bands popularity remained “underground” and centered in the Los Angeles area. Luckily in 2004 Retroactive records released the album we have here today. It included the 7 track album, their 3 track demo EP and 2 newly recorded tracks. Obviously I never heard this album before today and that’s a real pity because I love these guys. They are an excellent hard rock band but the real stand out to me is the quality of the writing in these songs. These guys did what I was begging the industry to do in the mid 80’s. That was write songs for youth to help them understand the issues that effect them everyday with a Christian overview. If you want to hear what I mean simply listen to the track “Good Thing”. It is an excellent track with an excellent message to teen boys. Anyway this is the album the industry needed but never wanted. Thank goodness Retroactive Records made it available for us.

Tracklist
1 – Krush My Groove (Make A Wish) – 4:51
2 – Good Thing – 4:05
3 – She Loves – 4:53
4 – Never Too Much – 4:03
5 – Show Me Your Soul – 3:55
6 – Blindman’s Holiday – 3:54
7 – Nu Style – 3:03
8 – Under A Rainbow – 4:50
9 – Have U Ever? – 5:04
10 – Shine Candy Shine – 3:48
11 – Daisy – 4:40
12 – Count It Joy – 4:44

Credits
Bass Guitar, Vocals – Eddie Krystal
Drums, Vocals – Michael Kei
Guest, Bass Guitar – Tracie Ferrie
Guitar, Vocals – Jett Stevens
Lead Vocals – Benjamin Leigh
Performer – Electrik
Written-By – Electrik

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – BGK Records
Copyright © – BGK Records
Manufactured By – Retroactive Records

Vigilantes Of Love – Jugular – 1993

Vigilantes of Love was formed in the late 80’s by Bill Mallonee featuring other members from the local Athens, Georgia area. The band actually started as a side project of Bill’s band Cone Ponies. Their name was inspired by the New Order song “Love Vigilantes” which is one of my favourite songs. This is their first album and they actually first self released it in 1990. In 1992 Mark Heard’s label Fingerprint Records picked up the album and they also did a re-release in 1993. The album is a folk acoustic heavy album but is very good for that style. It’s not a style that was prevalent in the Christian market so I’m sure many found it to a refreshing sound at the time. I also give the band credit for packing 15 tracks on the album. I have noticed that most if not all of their albums had well over the usual 10 tracks. Kudos to them for giving their fans great value for their money. As I said I think it a pretty good album and I enjoyed listening to it. My one comment is that the name is horrible. I understand the band was trying to achieve some secular success but the name is horrible for a Christian album. I’m quite surprised that Mark Heard did not rename the album when he took it into his label. Oh well it’s all history now.

Tracklist
1 – Weak One Now – 3:23
2 – Songs On The Radio – 4:02
3 – Something To Hold On To – 4:12
4 – As Big As Christ – 4:43
5 – Love Cocoon – 3:46
6 – In The Morning – 6:32
7 – Thorn In Your Flesh – 2:13
8 – Take No Prisoners – 4:16
9 – Watching The Moonlight – 3:52
10 – Flames Of Hell – 4:29
11 – America – 5:57
12 – Drunk On The Tears – 5:31
13 – Losin’ It – 4:43
14 – Words Of Love Spoken – 3:59
15 – Who Knows When The Sunrise Will Be – 4:50

Credits
Accordion – Mark Hall
Backing Vocals – Oglethorpe County Tree Frog Chorus
Drums – Slap Happy
Engineer – Cam Mullally
Executive-Producer – Chuck Long, Dan Russell
Guitar, Vocals, Drums – Bill “Malice” Mallonee
Harmonica – Jonny “Dog-Mess” Evans
Mandolin, Bass, Backing Vocals – Billy Holmes
Producer – Peter Buck, V.O.L.
Producer, Engineer – Mark Heard

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Fingerprint Records
Recorded At – Saturn Recording Studio
Recorded At – Maxwell Sound Recording Studio
Mixed At – Fingerprint Recorders
Remastered At – Fingerprint Recorders
Copyright © – CyBrenJoJosh
Pressed By – Disctronics USA – 118807

Mike Lee – Studio ‘A’ The Acoustic Session – 1993

In 1993 Mike Lee put out this acoustic album. I want to straight up say that I think Mike is a fantastic vocalist unfortunately this album just doesn’t seem to work. The album was self produced so maybe this is the stumbling block. It doesn’t sound like Mike had the skill set to release an acoustic album all on his own. Acoustic albums are harder to put together than most artists think. That said Mike’s vocals are good but the guitar playing suffers a little bit. Strangely this album was initially released using the name Mike Lee on cassette. When a CD veriso0n was released later the same year he called himself Michael D.R.I.V.E. I’m not really too sure why this was done but Michael D.R.I.V.E. is a great stage name.

Tracklist
1 – True Love – 3:42
2 – Time For Love – 4:14
3 – Don’t Say Goodnight – 4:21
4 – Goodbye – 4:07
5 – Johnny Lost – 4:03
6 – Too Late For Never – 3:55

Out Of Darkness – The Celebration Club Session – 1972/1993

In the early 90’s Out Of Darkness was enjoying a resurgence of people listening to their album from 1970. Somehow Plankton records got together with the band and released a 4 track recording of the band live in 1972. It was recorded live at the Celebration Club in Gillingham, England. The quality is actually really good as long as you remember this is a live recording in 1972. This album was a godsend to fans of the band as it gave them 6 more tracks to enjoy.

Tracklist
1 – Walk On The Water – 4:56
2 – Love To Love – 8:12
3 – Worldpool – 10:40
4 – Cocaine – 5:28
5 – Valley (I’m Gonna Follow) – 5:32
6 – Child Of The Universe – 13:18

Credits
Artwork – Keith Oliver
Band [Out Of Darkness], Bass – Bruce Duncan (tracks: 2, 3, 6)
Band [Out Of Darkness], Bass, Percussion, Piano – Carl Grant
Band [Out Of Darkness], Drums, Percussion – Tim Anderson
Band [Out Of Darkness], Guitar, Vocals, Written-By [All Songs Written By] – Wray Powell
Design – Keith Dixon (2), Tim Anderson
Engineer – Peter Cornelious
Photography By [Cover] – Chris Nicol
Post Production [Post Recording Production] – Nigel Palmer

Dig Hay Zoose – MagentaMantaLoveTree – 1993

This is the second album from Dig Hay Zoose. They were criticized for their first album with the complaint being that it was a Red Hot Chili Peppers clone. I haven’t heard it yet so I can’t comment on that allegation. This album was better received but quite frankly I find the whole thing a little hokey. Actually it’s a lot hokey. The album has a bunch of under 1 minute tracks that are done to try to sound hip and cool. The whole album just screams “Look at us, we’re just like a secular band” Quite frankly they just tried too hard and it just doesn’t come off as entertaining to me. The album has some very well written tracks that might have been interesting but weren’t done “In the style of”. The best music evolves it’s own sound and bands are the same. When you decide how you’re going to sound before the fact it just doesn’t work for me.

Tracklist
1 – Beginning – 0:16
2 – Dancing In Concert With The Infinite – 4:42
3 – Whoompfinashun # 7 – 0:11
4 – Slatherage – 7:31
5 – Brave Strong Song – 0:08
6 – Lift – 4:58
7 – Magenta Manta Love Tree – 8:34
8 – No One Told You? – 0:10
9 – Secret – 4:40
10 – Detention 3:00 A.M. – 0:25
11 – Penalty Box – 0:32
12 – Circle Of Pain – 4:41
13 – Doubt – 5:55
14 – Diggin’ Away – 3:05
15 – Vanillanator – 0:09
16 – H8 Machine – 3:27
17 – Untitled – 0:20
18 – Black-Eyed Pea – 5:45
19 – 99¢ Smile – 0:18
20 – B.D.O.C. – 2:34
21 – Regret – 5:41
22 – Twenty-second Track – 0:49

Credits
Bass, Noises [Human Temple Block, Rca Dog-head, Sticks, Big Ol’ Drum], Backing Vocals – Bil Brown
Compiled By [Assembled By] – “Quick Draw” Doug Doyle*
Drums, Shaker, Bongos, Noises [Trashcans, Sticks, Metal Objects & Anything Else Available], Backing Vocals [Sweet ‘n Funky] – Jimmi Florez
Engineer [Additional Added Further] – Drew “No, Just Time It Out Bro” Aldridge*
Engineer [Additional Added] – “Smilin'” Bob Moon*
Engineer [Additional] – Mark “The Man” Rodriguez*
Engineer [Engineered By] – “The Well Respected” Gene Eugene*
Engineer [Pre-production Recording Engineer] – Gary “Sounds Good…” Shockey*
Executive-Producer – Gene “The Booty” Eugene, Ojo “Monkey Boots” Taylor
Guitar, Backing Vocals [Disco], Handclaps – Dave A*
Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Noises [Bottle, Crazy Drum, Sticks] – Phil*
Mastered By – Big Bass Brian
Mixed By – “Geener: Master Of Keys”*
Producer [Produced By] – DigHayZoose*, Gene Eugene

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Brainstorm Artists International
Copyright © – Brainstorm Artists International
Manufactured By – Word, Inc.
Recorded At – The Green Room
Recorded At – McCrummy Music Studio
Recorded At – New Start Studio
Mixed At – Mixing Lab A
Mixed At – The Green Room
Mastered At – Bernie Grundman Mastering
Made By – U.S. Optical Disc

Geoff Moore & The Distance – Evolution – 1993

Geoff and the band had songwriting down to an art by the time they released this their 5th studio album. This is a great Pop Rock album and they really did nail this sound. The only downside to the album is that it’s a little ballad heavy but that’s what made it a very successful album. Six out of the ten tracks singled on the CCM charts with “Live To Tell”, “If You Could See What I See”, and “Heart To God, Hand To Man” making it into the top 10. The album was also nominated for the Best Rock Gospel Album Grammy but lost out to dc Talk, Free at Last which was a far poorer album but whatever. I think the album is best remembered for it’s opening evolution themed track which is a great little pop tune that actually made it to #20 on the CCM charts.

Tracklist
1 – Evolution…Redefined – 4:27
2 – I Can See Clearly Now – 3:52
3 – Life Together – 4:25
4 – Live To Tell – 4:34
5 – If You Could See What I See – 4:18
6 – Godgottaholdonme – 4:24
7 – That’s When I’ll Know I’m Home – 4:24
8 – Heart To God, Hand To Man – 5:22
9 – Why Should The Devil (Have All The Good Music) – 4:26
10 – When All Is Said And Done – 2:56

Credits
Backing Vocals – Chris Hogue, Joe Hogue, Lisa Glasgow, Mark Heimermann, Micah Wilshire, Michael Black, Pam Mark Hall, Raymond Weaver
Bass – Gary Mullett
Choir – Barry Blaze, Becky Naish, Cindy Morgan, Danny O’Lannerghty, Geof Barkley, Kim Chandler, Pam Mark Hall, Rebecca Smallbone, Renay Presley, Scot Kifer
Coordinator [Producer’s Assistant] – Chris Hogue, Paul Salveson
Coordinator [Production] – Bridgett Evans O’Lannerghty
Design [Art Design] – Anderson Thomas Design, Inc.
Drums, Programmed By – Greg Herrington
Engineer – Paul Salveson
Engineer [Additional] – Greg Parker, Keith Compton
Engineer [Second] – Dave Dillbeck, Greg Parker, Patrick Kelly, Todd Robbins
Executive-Producer – Dan R. Brock, Eddie DeGarmo
Guitar – Roscoe Meek
Keyboards, Vocals – Geof Barkley
Lead Vocals – Geoff Moore
Mastered By – Glenn Meadows
Mixed By – John Jaszcz
Musician – Dan Huff, George Cocchini, Jackie Street, Jerry McPherson, Jimmy A., Joe Hogue, Micah Wilshire, Phil Naish
Photography By – Russ Harrington
Producer – Joe Hogue, Phil Naish
Recorded By, Mixed By – Ronnie Brookshire
Voice [Teacher] – Mark Lowry

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – The ForeFront Communications Group, Inc.
Copyright © – The ForeFront Communications Group, Inc.
Distributed By – Star Song Communications
Distributed By – Christian Marketing International
Produced For – Naishing Teeth Productions
Published By – Starstruck Music
Published By – Little Dude Music
Published By – Dovan Music
Published By – Careers-BMG Music Publishing
Published By – Sparrow Song
Published By – Peach Hill Songs
Published By – Pam Mark Hall
Published By – Glenwood Music Corp.
Published By – Strawbed Music
Published By – Birdwing Music
Published By – BMG Songs, Inc.
Recorded At – Studio At Mole End
Recorded At – The Bennett House
Recorded At – Quad Studios
Recorded At – Sound Revolutions
Recorded At – Recording Arts
Mixed At – Studio At Mole End
Mixed At – 16th Avenue Sound
Mastered At – Masterfonics
Glass Mastered At – Nimbus

Code Of Ethics – Code Of Ethics – 1993

This was the second studio album from Code of Ethics. For this album the lineup was Barry Blaze, Rick Brainer, Scot Kifer. Strangely Barry takes credit for every instrument on the album. I get the vibe he was difficult to work with but I don’t know that for sure. Anyway this is a very techno pop oriented album and is more in the style of an 80’s New Order. I actually really like this album but I absolutely love 80’s New Wave. Of course the problem is that they put this album out in 1993. But apparently it did very very well on Christian Radio even reportedly having a #1 hit with “Something Real” which has a bit of a Depeche Mode feel to me. It also probably helped that Ed DeGarmo was one of the Executive Producers. Anyway there is some real talent here and they were quite successful so my criticisms should probable be ignored.

Tracklist
1 – Eden – 0:23
2 – Freedom – 4:20
3 – True Love – 4:38
4 – Something Real – 4:30
5 – Without Reason – 3:36
6 – World Machine – 3:37
7 – Waiting – 4:19
8 – Satellite Babies – 4:35
9 – Follow On – 4:24
10 – Pain – 4:07
11 – Chasing The Dragon – 4:23
12 – Sands Of Time – 5:48

Credits
Artwork – The Riordon Design Group Inc.
Booking – Vision Artist
Engineer [Assistant] – Darrin Smith, David Hall
Executive-Producer – Dan R. Brock, Eddie DeGarmo
Management, Booking – Artist Aid Management
Mastered By – Ken Love
Mixed By [Mix Engineer] – John Hiler, John Jaszcz
Performer [Code Of Ethics] – Barry Blaze, Rick Brainer, Scot Kifer
Photography By – Norma Jean Roy
Producer – Barry Blaze
Recorded By [Recording Engineer] – Ed Simmonton, Eugene Baker, Jeff Alford, Max Hsu, Steve Bisher
Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Drum Programming, Programmed By [Synth Programming], Percussion [Live] – Barry Blaze

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – The ForeFront Communications Group, Inc.
Copyright © – The ForeFront Communications Group, Inc.
Distributed By – Star Song Communications
Distributed By – Christian Marketing International
Published By – Starstruck Music
Published By – Up In The Mix Music
Recorded At – 16th Avenue Sound
Recorded At – Horizon Studios, Jacksonville, FL
Recorded At – The Sonic Temple
Recorded At – M.A.R.S., Jacksonville, FL
Recorded At – Quad Studios
Mixed At – Ardent Studios
Mixed At – 16th Avenue Sound
Mastered At – Mastermix
Glass Mastered at – Nimbus

Andy Piercy & David Clifton – Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow – 1993

In 1993 Andy got together with David Clifton and recorded a “worship album” and it is without a doubt my favourite worship album of all time. Now you may be wondering who David Clifton is as did I but I can bet you’ve probably heard him. He is a prolific studio guitarist who has appeared on a ton of album and done a ton of tours. He actually started out his recording career in a band called Sensible Jerseys who had a couple of really good singles you’ve probably never heard but you should. As for this album the songs are all very worship oriented BUT the arrangements are not. The arrangements are very contemporary and it really works. Now you know I love Andy’s music and this album may have my favourite track by him. “Precious In Your Eyes” has a fantastic sound and I can sense a touch of Elvis Costello but let’s give Andy and David all the credit. It is a fantastic track. This album was first released on Cassette in 1993 with a CD release in 1994. It has been re-released a few times since with a few tracks added here and there but this is the original.

Tracklist
1 – Praise God – 4:09
2 – God Is Our Refuge – 3:58
3 – Oh How I Love Your Law – 3:58
4 – Come Let Us Sing – 3:01
5 – I Need A New Heart – 2:04
6 – Thank You – 2:25
7 – Father In Heaven – 3:25
8 – Holy Holy – 4:34
9 – Precious In Your Eyes – 5:01
10 – Name High Over All – 3:00

Credits
Andy Piercy: vocals, acoustic guitar, percussion
David Clifton: vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, mandolin and mandola
Dudley Phillips: bass guitar
Terl Bryant: drums and percussion
Martin Neal: drums and percussion
Steve Creese: drums
Pete Sainsbury: keyboards
Holly Coward, Jess Rudolf, Ellen Holly & Laura Piercy, Benj, Barny, Kirsty & Josh Lee: backing vocals
Produced by Andy Piercy & David Clifton

REZ – Reach Of Love – 1993

I’ll be honest that I had long lost interest in CCM by 1993 so I had never heard this album before processing it for upload to YouTube. I read some reviews and most of them sort of had a ho hum attitude towards the album. I on the other hand quite enjoyed the album. I hear a few tracks that have some of that old early 80’s feel but yes most of them were highly mixed tracks that they were doing in this era. Strangely the entire album music wise was apparently written by Bass player Roy Montroy. That definitely gives the album a different feel but there’s nothing wrong with this album. On their next album their would be quite a turn but this album is a solid piece of work.

Tracklist
1 – Heart’s Desire – 3:50
2 – If Your Love Grows Cold – 3:22
3 – Numbers – 2:31
4 – Sunrise – 4:02
5 – Dead To The World – 4:23
6 – Reach Of Love – 6:04
7 – Land Of Stolen Breath – 4:07
8 – Mannequin’s Dream – 1:30
9 – Empty Hearts – 3:17
10 – Thought I’d Never Love Again – 4:09
11 – White Lies – 3:58
12 – On My Dyin’ Bed – 4:55
13 – Heart’s Desire (Reprise) – 1:03

Credits
Bass, Keyboards – Roy Montroy
Drums – John Herrin
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Stu Heiss
Engineer – Ed Bialach, Roy Montroy
Engineer, Mixed By – Roger Heiss
Mastered By – Steve hall
Producer – REZ
Producer, Mixed By – Tom Cameron
Vocals, Backing Vocals – Wendi Kaiser
Vocals, Backing Vocals, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Slide Guitar, Harmonica – Glenn Kaiser

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Tone Zone Recording
Mixed At – Tone Zone Recording
Mastered At – Future Disc

Shack of Peasants – Gospel Blues Volume 2 – 1993

This is the follow up to Classic Blues Volume 1. Strangely it had a different name in that it was called “Gospel Blues Volume 2” vs “Classic Blues Volume 1”. I am guessing that these songs are more Gospel oriented. The album features the vocals of Crystal Lewis, Darrell Mansfield, Philip Bardowell, and Lanny Cordola. The highlight of the album is a version of “John The Revelator” by Crystal Lewis and Darrell Mansfield. This is a must listen if you are a blues fan and it may be one of the best CCM blues albums ever released.

Tracklist
1 – Don’t Wanna Go Down There – 2:17
2 – Samson and Delilah – 2:29
3 – Swing Low, Sweet Chariot / Swing Down, Chariot – 3:30
4 – Ring Them Bells – 3:11
5 – I’m Going To That City – 3:47
6 – A Shack In Negev – 2:14
7 – Hymns Of The Meek – 3:34
8 – John The Revelator – 2:29
9 – One More River To Cross – 2:30
10 – There’ll Be No Grumbler There – 2:12
11 – Won’t Be Long ‘Til Paradise – 4:14

Credits
Philip Bardowell – Vocals
Michael Sean Black – Executive Producer
Lanny Cordola – Producer, Arranger, Songwriter, Guitars, Bass, Dobro, Banjo, Mandolin, Jaw Harp, Vocals
Chris Farmer – Vocals
Gary Thomas Griffin – Producer, Engineer, Songwriter, Bass Harmonica, Melodica, Accordion, Hi Hat, Tambourine, Vocals
D.D. Howard – Vocals
Carol Huston – Vocals
Taso Kotsos – Tambourine, Snare Drum, Shakers
Crystal Lewis – Vocals
Chris Lizotte – Vocals
Darrell Mansfield – Harmonica, Vocals
Fletcher Quigley – Vocals
Brian Ray – Executive Producer