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

The Pilgrims – Telling Youth… The Truth – 2004

I have decided I’m going to quit crediting people with being the first recorded Christian artist. Every time I think I’ve found an old album I find an older one. This release is interesting in that besides a couple of singles these guys didn’t have an album in the 60’s. Their album didn’t come out until 2004. That said they were out there playing Christian music to the youth as early as 1961 and this album is a compilation of recording form 1962 to 1967. They formed the band as teens and hit the road playing anywhere that would have them They were declared the loudest Christian band of the time. I can only assume they were one of a very very few doing this style and genre of music. They of course were ostracized by organized religion but when asked about this said they didn’t care, they were there for the youth. I can not imagine how a teenage Christian in 1964 would have reacted upon hearing their music but I can only imagine it was the same relief I hear when I listened to my first Resurrection band album. Luckily the tapes were saved over the years and now we can appreciate what these pioneers did, and yes I’ll dare say it, before anyone else.

Tracklist
1 – Hey You! – 2:54
2 – Thank You Lord – 3:24
3 – Heaven’s The Place For Me (Version 2) – 3:19
4 – There’s Someone In Your Life – 3:07
5 – I Didn’t Care – 2:34
6 – Think It Over (Version 2) – 2:16
7 – Wait And See – 2:35
8 – Do You Believe In God? – 2:24
9 – Heard It All Before – 4:41
10 – Any Time Of The Day – 2:09
11 – Who’s Your Lord? – 1:56
12 – I Know I’m Going To Heaven – 2:36
13 – He Wants You – 2:31
14 – I Don’t Need You – 2:03
15 – What Are You Doing With Your Life? – 2:34
16 – Think Of God’s Love – 2:30
17 – I Praise The Lord – 2:59
18 – Don’t You Think It’s Time – 3:42
19 – Heaven’s The Place For Me (Version 1) – 2:39
20 – I Found A Special Friend – 2:40
21 – Think It Over (Version 1) – 2:24

Credits
Bass, Vocals – John Hubbard
Coordinator [CD Coordinator] – Ed Nadorozny
Drums, Vocals – Ian Wilkie
Layout [Graphic Layout] – Bon Henderson
Lead Guitar, Bass – Don Sanders
Restoration [Sound Restoration] – Alec Palao, John Dahlin
Rhythm Guitar, Vocals – Derrick Phillips
Vocals – Chris King
Vocals, Lead Guitar, Harmonica – Tony Goodman