Tag: Carson Cole

I will admit very limited knowledge of Carson Cole either before or after the release of this legitimate Americana rocker record on Frontline Records back in 1987. I remember that he was from Canada and that Mike MacLane of Frontline was a huge John Mellencamp fan and kept telling me about Carson long before the album came out. Painted with the same striped as Mellencamp, Springsteen, Mark Farner, Robert Vauhgan and even 38 Special, Carson Cole and RU4 delivered a driving and rocking American heartland project. The title track has a killer rock groove and Cole’s slightly rough edged vocals combining to create a decent Christian rock radio hit. Themes on the album are common Christian fair for the time but without the common vernacular that caused mainstream listeners to miss the point. But there are also theme of guilt, depression, infidelity, forgiveness and the all too common apocalyptic elements. A personal favorite is Kingdom Come, and fun rocker with Dylanesque vocals and an E Street vibe complete with sax solo.

Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/

Tracklist
1 – Mainstreet – 3:45
2 – Donna – 3:57
3 – Cheating – 3:28
4 – Hailstones – 3:00
5 – Fight – 2:48
6 – Kingdom Come – 4:25
7 – Bradley – 4:34
8 – Hollywood And God – 3:19
9 – Serenity – 4:05
10 – Emmanuel – 4:10

Credits
Keyboards – Carson Cole, John Garau, Doug Doyle
Guitars – Cole Carson, Mike Stand
Lead Guitars – Greg Flesch, Doug Doyle, Mike Stand, Carson Cole
Bass – Tim Chandler
Drums – Martin Zinger
Sax – Alan Palmer
Background Vocals – Walter S. Harrah, Bobbi White, Maxayne Moriguchi
Producer – Carson Cole, Doug Doyle, Terry Taylor

Carson Cole was only 15 when he released this album. Not many people get an album deal at 15 but Cole had something New Born Records (Tunesmith under another name) were looking for. I think the album is fantastic for someone his age and it shows real maturity. Now I think the album is a little scattered with different styles and sounds, but it really is a pretty good album. I am begging someone in current country music to cover the tune “Slow Down” which is even more relevant today as it was in 1980.In my research of Carson Cole I found a mention in one of his Bio’s that lists a 1982 or 1984 album “The Disguise” on Frontline Records. Frontline did not release any albums until 1986 so I am a little confused at this release which I can’t find anywhere. If you want to learn more about Carson read my review of his next album “Mainstreet” when I release it.

Tracklist
1 – Take It Or Leave It – 4:30
2 – The Answers – 5:30
3 – Cure For The World – 5:50
4 – Slow Down – 2:11
5 – Thank You – 3:50
6 – Let Your Yes Be Yes – 4:00
7 – Refine Me – 3:45
8 – I’ve Been Mistaken – 3:10
9 – Strengthen Me – 6:22
10 – I’ve Heard Them Say – 2:55

Credits
Arranged By, Producer, Songwriter, Guitar, Drums – Carson Cole
Backing Vocals – Faye Webber, Neil Hanson (2)
Bass – Terry Collison
Co-producer, Keyboards – Dwayne Harder
Concept By [Album Concept] – Curtis Baron
Cover – Kathy Malanovich
Engineer – Don Soucy, Gerry Golla
Guitar – Doug Scarrow, Tom Chunick
Orchestra – Saskatoon Street Symphony

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Studio West Canada Ltd.
Mixed At – Damon Sound Studios
Copyright (c) – Innovative Music Publishing