Once the Circle Slide tour was complete there were some pretty serious changes for The Choir. First and foremost the band either finished their contract with Myrrh or it expired. I’ve read the story both ways. The band also split up with Steve Hindalong going on to the production side of the industry. Dan Michaels produced a solo project and Derri Daugherty went on to form Lost Dogs. The band came back together in 1992 to record this album at Daugherty’s brand new Neverland Studio in Cerritos, California. The band released it as an independent release and apparently only 6300 copies were made between CD and Cassette. The album has a 90’s Rock sound and was well received by critics but I have heard it wasn’t as well received by fans. I think it would have been better received if fans had been able to buy it a little easier but that’s just one man’s opinion.
Tracklist 1 – Gripped – 4:25 2 – Amazing – 3:49 3 – Kissers And Killers3:00 4 – Weather Girl – 6:00 5 – Yellow Skies – 3:54 6 – Grace – 3:13 7 – Let The Sky Fall – 3:32 8 – Love Your Mind – 5:12
Credits Art Direction, Photography By – Leiza Schmidt Bass Guitar – Tim Chandler Drums, Percussion, Vocals – Steve Hindalong Guitar, Lead Vocals – Derri Daugherty Layout [Art Layout], Design [Assistance] – Gene Ray George Mixed By – Jr. McNeely Producer – Derri Daugherty, Steve Hindalong Recorded By, Mixed By – David Hackbarth, Derri Daugherty Saxophone, Lyricon – Dan Michaels
Companies, etc. Recorded At – Neverland Studios Mixed At – Neverland Studios Mixed At – Pakaderm Studios Mastered At – Digital Brothers Published By – Never Say Never Songs Glass Mastered At – Nimbus, Virginia
This appears to be the only album for this German metal band Chryztyne. There isn’t much info out there on the band but we do know that vocalist Frank Schepp was previously in the band Saint Attack. The album isn’t overtly Christian but instead leans towards Christian experiences but to be sure they were a Christian band on a Christian label. As for the album it’s a rather typical metal album for the period and I would rank it slightly above average. It’s relatively well produced but the mix feels a little off to me. The album was only released in Germany, Brazil, and Russia so there’s a good chance you’ve never heard this one. Apparently there was a music video for “Born In The Fire” but I couldn’t find a copy of it anywhere. So if you’re a Christian metal head here’s one you probably haven’t heard and for that reason alone you should give it a listen.
Tracklist 1 – For Me – 4:08 2 – Tell Me Why – 3:50 3 – Danger – 3:45 4 – Remember You – 4:16 5 – Mama Doesn’t Know – 5:00 6 – Stay With Me – 3:55 7 – All That You’ve Got – 4:29 8 – All Day All Night – 3:56 9 – Never – 3:03 10 – Born In The Fire – 3:34 11 – In The Darkness Of The Night – 3:19
Credits Backing Vocals – Chrissi Rokitte, Isabel Wüst, Sascha Lien Bass [All Bass Tracks Played By] – Marcus Lafferton Design Concept [Cover Concept] – Andi Reusch, Chryztyne Drum Programming [Percussion Programming] – Achim Köhler, Tommy Claus Drums – Lars Nippa Guitar – Mathias Loris Keyboards, Backing Vocals – Thomas Kessel Layout [Lay-Art (Except] – Jörg Steinmetz Performer [Bass Player] – Hans-Martin Kaufmann Photography By [Cover Photo], Layout – Atelier Braun Photography By [Inlay Photos] – Andreas Dalferth, Brigitte Gonzalez Vocals, Backing Vocals – Frank Schepp
This is Johnny’s second album and again as near as I can tell it was only released in the UK. This one is another great 80’s pop rock album which again was a little late but it stands on its own anyway. I really wish ICC records had negotiated a U.S. distribution deal as this album would have sold well in the U.S. market. Johnny returned home to Canada in 2000 and is still releasing albums with funding through GoFundMe.
Tracklist 1 – The Face Of Love – 4:46 2 – Generation Of Greed – 3:40 3 – Now The Tears I Cry – 6:06 4 – There You Are – 5:14 5 – I Need A Vision – 2:59 6 – Where Would I Be – 3:45 7 – Not Afraid Of The Darkness – 4:42 8 – For The Hurting – 5:01 9 – Half A Truth – 5:36 10 – So Breaks The Hardest Heart – 6:41 11 – The 4 Seasons – Spring – 2:59
Credits Backing Vocals – Annie McCaig, Frank W. Dursthoff, Gary Houston, Johnny Markin, Paul Burton, Paul Field, Suzanne Zielke Bass – Gary Houston Drums – Frank W. Dursthoff Electric Organ – Steve Thompson Engineer, Mixed By – Paul Burton Guitar – Johnny Markin Keyboards – Johnny Markin Piano – Paul Field, Steve Thompson Producer – Johnny Markin, Paul Field Programmed By [Additional] – Johnny Markin Tambourine – Johnny Markin
Companies, etc. Engineered At – ICC Studios Mixed At – ICC Studios
This was D&K’s second last album and it really seems to have just been ignored. I really couldn’t find many reviews for it. As a result of this I sat down and listened to the album over again and I decided I love it. But that’s probably where the problem lies. I loved D&K thorough the 80’s but this album was in 1993. I now realize that D&K really hadn’t changed their sound much over the years. While this isn’t a problem for me it probably caused an issue getting new listeners in 1993. That said “Talk To Me” still made it to #6 on the charts and there were 2 tracks to make it into the 30’s on the charts. These would be the final charting singles for D&K. So my suggestion is if you enjoyed that D&K 80’s sound you will like this album but of you are more a fan of late 80’s early 90’s rock this album may not be for you. That said give it a listen anyway, it may surprise you.
Tracklist 1 – Voices – 0:40 2 – God Good/Devil Bad – 4:31 3 – Selective Amnesia – 3:12 4 – Never Look Back – 4:06 5 – Heat.It.Up. – 3:17 6 – It’s My Business – 4:28 7 – Dare 2B Different – 4:54 8 – Talk To Me – 4:29 9 – Armed And Dangerous – 4:27 10 – I Use The J Word – 3:56 11 – Soldiers Of The Cross – 4:24 12 – Divine Embrace – 3:34 13 – Fight Back – 5:37
Credits Art Direction – Connie Harrington Backing Vocals – Jim Jamison Bass, Backing Vocals – Tommy Cathey Design – The Riordon Design Group Inc. Drums, Percussion – Greg Morrow Engineer [2nd] – Jeff Powell, Jeffrey Reed, Skid Mills Executive-Producer – Ken Pennell Mastered By – Ken Love Photography By – Mark Tucker Producer, Engineer – John Hampton Producer, Lead Vocals, Guitar – Dana Key Producer, Organ [B3], Piano [Wurlitzer], Synthesizer, Vocals – Eddie DeGarmo
I think it’s safe to say that Randy was addicted to the recording studio. While recording with MATW he went into the studio in 1991 to do a solo album and then in 1993 to do this album with a version of the band he called simply Rose. For some of his fans this is their favourite album. I must admit that while not necessarily my style of music this album is very well done. Lyrically there are several tracks that are some of the best writing of the era in my opinion. As I said this album isn’t my style but I find myself liking it more and more every time I listen to it. This is one of those cases where the quality of the music outweighs my preferences for a different style.
Tracklist 1 – R.I.P. – 0:53 2 – Fallen – 3:08 3 – When I Let You In – 3:11 4 – Seeds Of Sorrow – 3:16 5 – My Lies – 3:41 6 – Hooked – 4:13 7 – Healing – 3:31 8 – D.O.P. – 4:11 9 – Demons – 2:58 10 – Never Enough – 3:30 11 – On My Knees – 5:14
Credits A&R – Matthew Duffy Art Direction – Brian Godawa Bass – Mike Link Drums – Don Richart Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar – Ben Jacobs, Steve Kumada Mixed By – Randy Rose Photography By – Patrick House Producer – Randy Rose Vocals – Randy Rose
This album is often called the 3 album from Halo but it is not. Scott Springer is indeed joined by Halo drummer Mike Graham but the rest of the band is absent. Furthermore I don’t feel it has the same sound as Halo. It is much more AOR oriented. As with the Halo albums this one is produed by the Elefante brothers and as usual the production is top notch and as is common on their albums they pitched in on instruments and song writing. Personally I preferred the Halo albums but this album stands strong on it’s own. This album will go down as one of the poorest album covers of 1993 as it almost insinuates this is a swing album or something The cover was done by David Bach (Guardian) and I’ve seen his other work and it all seemed good, but I feel he missed on this one.
Tracklist 1 – Anytime – 3:55 2 – Hello Forever – 4:31 3 – Behold The Lamb – 4:40 4 – Psycho Babble – 4:05 5 – The Victory – 4:29 6 – His Name Is Jesus – 4:56 7 – Stand Up – 4:14 8 – On My Knees – 4:17 9 – Promises – 4:39 10 – Wounded Soldier – 4:10
Credits Art Direction, Design – David Bach Backing Vocals – Dave Amato, Dino Elefante, Doug Beiden, John Elefante, Sarah Tennison, Scott Springer Bass – E.L. McNeely, Jack Mack, John Pierce Drums – David Raven, Mike Graham Engineer – Dino Elefante, Doug Beiden, J.R. McNeely, John Elefante Guitar – Dino Elefante, E.L. McNeely, Glenn Pearce Keyboards – John Andrew Schreiner, John Elefante Mastered By – Chris Bellman Mixed By – Neil Kernon Photography By – Ben Pearson Producer – Dino Elefante, John Elefante Written-By – Dino Elefante, Doug Beiden, John Elefante, Mike Graham, Scott Springer
This is Ken’s 3rd album and wow is this a great album. This is a straight up in your face Rock & Roll album. Unfortunately I missed this one back when it came out but it easily would have been playing at top volume with the windows down in my Dodge Charger in 1993. I can honestly say that this is probably in my top 100 CCM albums. That said I haven’t listened to it repeatedly for more than a week so maybe it will wane but I doubt it. What really surprises me me about the album is that the band were essentially all studio musicians. While I truly believe studio musicians are often the best musicians around and album of them can sound a little loose and unrehearsed at time. Not this album it sounds like the band has been together for years. Anyway I’ve gone on long enough, just listen to the album.
Tracklist 1 – Dancing On A Volcano – 4:19 2 – Slave Trade – 4:15 3 – Testify – 5:28 4 – Mystery Train – 4:25 5 – Don’t Let The Sky Fall On Me – 6:23 6 – In The Lap Of Legends – 4:25 7 – When The Clock Runs Down – 5:22 8 – Get Out Of My Sun – 4:32 9 – All The King’s Horses – 5:31 10 – Movers And Shakers – 4:51 11 – Suspicious Eyes – 4:20
Credits Bass – Robert Kent Drums – David Raven Harmonica – Tony Murga Lead Guitar – Scott Van Zen Mastered By – John Matousek Organ – Roger Mielke Percussion – Scott Breadman Producer, Engineer, Mixed By, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Rhythm Guitar – Ken Tamplin
Companies, etc. Distributed By – Benson Music Group, Inc. Distributed By – R.G. Mitchell Family Books, Inc. Recorded At – Micronote Studios Recorded At – The Village Recorded At – A&M Studios Recorded At – Pacific Coast Recording Mixed At – Pacific Coast Recording Mastered At – Masterworks, Los Angeles
Martyr were a metal thrash band out of Van Nuys, California. They had released three demos in the 80’s but subsequently released all their material on this CD released in 1993. This is slightly confusing as they changed their name in 1988 to Betrayal and released 4 albums using that name. The members of the band over time is somewhat confusing but if I read correctly these 3 demos were all with the credited members. This album was released on a somewhat obscure Christian label in Germany called Pleitegeier Records who seemed to specialize in Heavy Metal artists. Anyway onto the album it’s a thrash metal album, I was a little surprised at the quality of the music because they did not have a record deal in the late 80’s but quite frankly they are better than many acts who did. Chances are you missed this one in the 80’s so if your a thrasher it definitely deserves a listen now.
Tracklist 1 – War Circus – 8:53 2 – Flesh Scenes – 2:27 3 – Get Drunk – 5:07 4 – H.M. Wickenstraut – 5:29 5 – Fall On Your Face – 3:58 6 – In The Family – 6:49 7 – Golgotha – 4:14 8 – Abdomination – 2:42 9 – If You Like This – 5:04 10 – Plead The Blood – 5:56 11 – Imminent Warfare – 2:43 12 – Impiously Deranged – 3:08 13 – True Love – 1:40 14 – K.K.K. – 2:21 15 – Bad P.R. – 1:12 16 – False Prophets – 1:38 17 – K.D.A. – 2:02 18 – No Goats – 1″11
Credits Bass – David L. Prado Jr. Drums, Percussion – Jeff Edwards Lead Guitar – Eric Clausen Rhythm Guitar – Noah Vollmer Vocals – Tyger Falmo
Companies, etc. Distributed By – Tisch & Christo Underground Recordings Distributed By – Pleitegeier Records
Though this album wasn’t released until 1993 it was recorded in 1986 shortly after the release of their album “Shelter”. I’m a little mystified as to why it took so long to release but perhaps it was just originally for airing on radio. But really that’s just a guess as I don’t know the history of these BBC radio concerts. I also found it odd the release was in 93 after the band had already slipped from the public eye. That said they had dedicated fans who must have been thrilled to see this album released. The album has live versions of 5 tracks from their first album, 2 tracks from Shelter, and most excitingly 4 previously unreleased tracks. Lone Justice were an excellent live band and I’m sure most of their dedicated fans hold this album as one of their favorites.
Tracklist 1 – Wait – 4:37 2 – Sweet, Sweet Baby – 5:24 3 – I Ain’t Got No Home In This World – 2:32 4 – The Gift – 4:19 5 – Wheels – 6:28 6 – Shelter – 5:07 7 – Belfry – 6:04 8 – I Found Love – 4:19 9 – Heaven – 6:28 10 – Inspiration – 3:52 11 – Sweet Jane – 9:03
Credits Bass, Vocals – Gregg Sutton Compiled By, Coordinator – Jo Bourhill Drums – Rudy Richman Guitar – Shane Fontaine Keyboards – Bruce Brody Liner Notes – Alan Gardiner Producer – Pete Dauncey Sleeve – Coles McConnell Design Vocals, Guitar – Maria McKee
Companies, etc. Record Company – BBC Enterprises Ltd. Phonographic Copyright (p) – BBC Copyright (c) – Windsong International Published By – Warner/Chappell Published By – MCA Published By – BMG Published By – Tro Essex Music Ltd. Published By – Copyright Control Published By – Screen Gems-EMI Recorded At – The Town And Country Club, London Glass Mastered At – Mayking Records
This is the tenth studio album by Daniel Amos and the first one in awhile where they used their full name vs just DA. It also marked the return of longtime guitarist Jerry Chamberlain. This was their second album on the Brainstorm Artists International label which was owned by Gene Eugene and Ojo Taylor. Eugene was also invlved in the engineering of the album. The album was dedicated to Mark Heard though I don’t really feel that any of the songs were written with his passing in mind. The sound of this album was a bit of a step back for the band and a pleasant surprise for their longtime fans. I was reading a review of the album today that called the sound “neo-psychedelia” which made me kind of laugh. By the way if you want a good laugh look up the definition of neo-psychedelia on Wikipedia, it’s hilarious. Anyway here’s a Daniel Amos album with them doing Daniel Amos music with a Daniel Amos sound. Now it’s time for my pet peeve of this album. It is obvious that this album was recorded and engineered for vinyl. Most the songs run together and overlap. While this is fine on vinyl (though I dislike it) it does not work on a CD and I can’t find anywhere that this album was released on vinyl, just cassette and CD. The result is a CD that is choppy and just a nightmare to listen to. I have recreated the tracks here as they are on the CD. I believe this is where the band shows their age and while they were always willing to do do something new and different with their music they unfortunately did not have a good grasp on the changing technology of the industry.
Tracklist 1 – Banquet At The World’s End – 3:47 2 – Traps, Ensnares – 3:49 3 – Hole In The World – 5:33 4 – (What’s Come) Over Me – 3:48 5 – Buffalo Hills – 4:24 6 – Guilty – 4:35 7 – Motorcycle – 3:33 8 – Wonderful – 2:17 9 – So Long – 0:57 10 – My Frontier – 3:48 11 – Grace Is The Smell Of Rain – 4:01 12 – Noelle – 2:44 13 – Wise Acres – 2:15 14 – So Long Again – 2:54
Credits Arranged By – Daniel Amos Art Direction, Design – Ed McTaggart Backing Vocals [Arranged & Performed By] – Jerry Chamberlain, Sharon McCall, Terry Taylor Bass Guitar – Tim Chandler Design Concept [Cover] – Bruce Heavin, Jerry Chamberlain, Terry Taylor Drums, Percussion – Ed McTaggart, Steve Hindalong (tracks: 2) Engineer [Addtional] – Bob Moon, Chris Colbert, Dave Hackbarth Engineer [Engineered By] – G. Eugene Illustration – Bruce Heavin Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar – Greg Flesch Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Sitar [Electric], Lap Steel Guitar, Percussion – Jerry Chamberlain Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Harmonica – Terry Taylor Mastered By – Doug Doyle Piano – G. Eugene* (tracks: On “…now For The Cliffhanger…”) Producer [Produced By] – Daniel Amos, Jerry Chamberlain, Terry Taylor Synthesizer [Melotron], Organ [Hammond], Piano – Rob Watson Trumpet – Buckeye Jazzbo (tracks: 2)
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Brainstorm Artists International Copyright (c) – Brainstorm Artists International Manufactured By – Word, Inc. Distributed By – Word, Inc. Produced For – Stunt Productions Recorded At – The Golden Recording Room Recorded At – Neverland Recorded At – McCrum’s Recorded At – Wax Lips Mixed At – The Golden Recording Room Mastered At – Digital Brothers Published By – Twitchen Vibes Music Published By – Brainstorm Artists International Published By – Young And Ambitious Music Manufactured By – JVC
