Shotgun Angel (collector’s edition) by Daniel Amos
My introduction to Daniel Amos came through the Fearful Symmetry album which was released back in 1986; I probably came across it somewhere around ’88 or ’89 when I was 14 or 15 years old. It absolutely changed the way that I viewed Christian music and stamped Terry Taylor’s name on my brain. After finding and purchasing everything prior to Fearful Symmetry (and everything that came after), I easily rank Terry Taylor’s creative genius in my top 5 favorite artists of all time. The man has an incredible gift!
The Shotgun Angel re-issue is simply amazing. This is really the record that I would consider to be the hub track that all the various projects of Taylor and Co. would be birthed from at later dates. For example, listen to Meal (track 5 on the first disc); it could be released as a Swirling Eddies track at any point and stand right there with the best of them. That is another thing that struck me about the brilliance of this deluxe reissue: these songs are so good and sound so strikingly crisp and well done that they hold up amazingly well today some 30+ years later. Hearing in these songs the sounds that were to come (in other formats with other bands) is a real treat for the listener and a testament to the creativity that not only helped create the industry, but also helped to define and expand the musical scope of the “Jesus music” genre. In addition it also speaks to the talent that these guys’ posses – a talent that would continue to push musical boundaries and define the sounds as the standard which so much would be compared to over the next several decades.
To try and define the songs and the sounds here is difficult because when this came out in 1977 there was nothing else quite like it. I would definitely give this a laid back country type feel, but it also has an Americana rock ‘n roll vibe saddled right there in line with it. Once you throw in all the quirky zaniness that only comes from Daniel Amos, this is a release that stands in a category by itself. Take a healthy dose of early Eagles tunes, whip that with some beautiful harmonies a la the Grateful Dead, season that in a container with The Beatles and shake vigorously…that is what Shotgun Angel sounds like.
Lyrically this album is rich with imagery that is as broad as the sounds themselves. Topics range from a person who gives up pursuing money to pursue spiritual riches instead (“Black Gold Fever”); a truck driver who finds Christ by talking on his C.B. radio (title track “Shotgun Angel”), all the way down to the first disc’s closer about the return of Christ (“Posse In the Sky”). The lyrics run a gamut of situations with a spiritual focus on many day to day living situations. The parallels that the lyrics draw are as unique as the songs and circumstances themselves. From the longing ache in “Days and Nights”, to the comedic chorus of “Meal” or the worshipful colored “Praise Song”, Taylor has crafted a journey of lyrical life experience in his unique humor and style.
The remastering on this release is superb. This is the classic line up of Taylor (guitar, lead vocals, BGV), Jerry Chamberlain (guitar, lead vocals, BGV), Marty Dieckmeyer (bass, BGV), Mark Cook (keyboards, lead vocals, BGV) and Ed McTaggart (drums, percussion, BGV). The songs are vibrant, clear and sonically pleasing. When Daniel Amos releases a re-issue you know it will be first rate and top notch. Such is the case here as well, 2 discs with a track count of the original 13 tracks on the first disc, and a staggering 26 tracks on disc 2. This release has it all: four-track demos, pre-production demos, alternate mixes and a 24 page color booklet that has over 30 never before released photos as well.
This is a great re-issue, a classic album and an amazing band! Look for this to be available on the Daniel Amos tour this summer. It will also become available on the website as well. It doesn’t get any better than this! Check out www.danielamos.com and support the band, spin the tunes and catch a show this summer!
[2011 Born Twice Records | Purchase: DanielAmos.com]The Walter Eugenes by The Walter Eugenes
This is the first release by The Walter Eugenes – the self titled one that I originally purchased back in 1991 because I just assumed that Gene Eugene had something to do with it. I was wrong about that, but I immediately loved the music that I discovered. These guys released one other album (I think it was called Beautiful), but I have actually never even heard that one. However, I absolutely loved this release. The band was comprised of two guys: Walter Paul Robinette and Rick Eugene May. This 1991 release immediately made me think of parallels to The Cure and The Smiths. It’s got the British post punk feel, the breathy vocals, and lyrics that encompass topics from faith to love, loss, death, and even social awareness. If you can find this grab it – definitely a great release!
Shattered Pain ep by Shattered Pain
This ep came to our attention through a post on our Facebook wall (yes, we do pay attention). The three songs on their Reverbnation page are of the heavy alternative variety. There is a bit of a modern edge to the music, but not to the point that it sounds like a bland attempt to just follow trends. The grooves are heavy and catchy, the vocals range from smooth singing (male and female) to gruff growl/screams, and the solid rhythm section adds to the music instead of fading into the background. “Come To Me” is a slower ballad-ish song that adds some variety to the other two driving tracks. But as an aging rocker I am glad to say that I found something more modern that I like to listen to. Here is hoping for a full length from this group.
Circuit of Heaven by Human 2.7
Trance-influenced industrial? I am in no way an expert on either of those genres (I can’t really even claim to be a fan of trance), but I do love industrial and I like what I hear from Human 2.7. H2-7’s MySpace page says that they have been compared to Paul Oakenfold and Front 242. I can see that mixture in the music. Of course, I say they, but this is actually a solo project of Darkchilde. In a lot of ways, I would say that this release would fit in perfectly with many of the Flaming Fish releases. The lyrics are definitely Christian, but the tone is dark and electronic and not poppy or weak techno. I have been looking for some good electronic music to listen to, and this fits the bill. See the H2-7 CDBaby page.
World Media by Marc Plainguet
I was first introduced to Marc Plainguet through Facebook. I can’t remember how exactly but I’m sure we were getting into some type of political mischief via Brian Healy’s facebook page. Anyway, Marc is a super nice guy and I eventually realized that he had been involved in music some years ago. I wasn’t familiar with Marc’s music until the last couple of years, but it really is a good music and it is definitely a slice of independent music history. Marc has released around 14 or 15 records. Some have been under his name, a couple more as Gadget and he was also in a band prior to his solo output in the mid 80’s. A pioneer in the underground scene, I would describe his World Media release as a keyboard driven plunge into sound bites, sound structures, songs and a completely unique take on the world around him and the music that he creates. Listening to his music is a giant trip, its fun, engrossing, at times challenging, but it is always in a class by itself. This is the kind of music that all the hipster kids wish they could make these days!
Ransom (reissue) by Ransom
The second round of re-issues by Intense Millennium brought us the re-mastered re-issue of the classic debut by Ransom. When this album first came out in 1990, pop/glam metal ruled the airwaves and Ransom was immediately stuck in that genre in many people’s minds. Truthfully, though, Ransom was more of a straight ahead metal band with only two ballads that could be considered pop-metal. Their follow-up album (Soul Asylum) – my personal favorite of the two – would take them in a bluseier direction and further prove they were never trying to be glam. The 2011 re-issue finds the album completely re-mastered and sounding great. There are also four bonus tracks from earlier recordings. Most of these are demo quality, but it is better to have them at demo quality then to not have them at all. Overall, this album is considered a classic by many – if you are a fan of shred metal you should own this disc. The only complaint I have is the cover. It has this huge banner across the bottom right corner declaring how this is a 20th anniversary edition. It could have been designed better to flow with the original cover, but instead just looks like something slapped on at the last minute.
Heartbreak Town by The Stand
Yep, so this is where it all stated for Tony Valenziano and company. Heartbreak Town was one of those records that was a constant in my life from the time I bought it. Sometimes there are certain albums that just become a part of your life because they fit so well, they define us so well, and they allow us to understand things about ourselves that we didn’t see before. It’s like that for me anyway, and Heartbreak Town was one of those albums. It was a record full of rough and tumble tracks that I would describe as indie pop/rock… and it was fun. Valenziano’s great ability to write a catchy pop tune was matched by his ability to rough it up and give it an old school heartland feel. There are a couple of these discs floating around amazon at great prices, find one if you can.
Exorcising Ghosts by John Piccari
This is a great album that completely exceeded my expectations… and after repeated listening I’m still impressed with how well done this release is. If you read the interview with John in this issue you know that he has played with Theo Obrastoff and Dead Artist Syndrome. He definitely has the skills musically and this release shows the diversity that he brings to the table. The album varies in tempo and pace, yet holds together really well. It sounds like Piccari is relaxed and enjoying himself. The subject matter revolves around Christ, but Piccari brings a diverse range of emotion to the table. There is the longing, the need for intimacy, the desire to purge ourselves clean, questioning, learning, leaning and loving… and ultimately it is a great response and commentary to the ever evolving nature of our relationship to our Creator. This is an album full of hope, loss, questions and answers. It is a fun foray into a heavier pop rock sound that reminds me of what I love about independent music and the artists that create with a depth and an understanding. Also… I LOVE the artwork!“Strip away the layers that mean nothing to you, Hold me in the glow of your face, Teach me to forget the uselessness I’ve learned, Lead me back to your heart, Exorcizing Ghosts Exorcizing Ghosts”.
Replay by The Stand
This was the last record from The Stand. Recorded almost 10 years ago in 2002, this disc was definitely a more polished sound for the band as they had grown and progressed through the years. There is still the definitive Stand sound; this release is just fuller, richer and maybe even a bit poppier than prior records. There is an abundance of melodic background vocals and harmonizing that gives this a real vintage feel and focus. Anyone who is a fan of The Rembrandts will really enjoy this disc. Plenty of hooks, harmonizing and jangly guitar work; it’s a road trip record on a sunny day.
The Story Of Our Lives by The Violet Burning
There is so much to say about this latest offering from The Violet burning… where to begin? First let me say that this is a huge release, three discs with 34 songs in total, a full color 80 page booklet complete with the lyrics and some brilliant artwork and photographs. The packaging alone is great. I was really surprised at how nice the box was – and the concept behind the artwork is great. Because this is titled The Story of Our Lives, the box comes as a fold out that resembles a book.
To try and review briefly would be a difficult thing. Also, it would be much more fun for you, the reader, to get more of an inside view into what is going on with this album. The three parts make a triptych concept that is challenging at times, emotionally driven, diverse and exhilaratingly beautiful in idea and execution. The influences here are broad; I would say this is the ‘heaviest’ album that they have ever put out. Layered guitar work, layered vocals and tons of ambiences grace these discs in abundance. I can hear everything from early Smashing Pumpkins to Black Sabbath and then back again from Pink Floyd to The Cure on here. There is a diverse sound that is grand, and the music tells as much of the story as the lyrics. The music is the perfect vehicle here for the concept.
This is a must have for any fan of The Violet Burning. What I am planning to do is cover this much more in depth in the upcoming issue as well as on my blog. It’s too big to cover here, but check this one out and buy one now… everyone is recommending this one: from Ojo Taylor to Derri Daugherty to Brian Healy.
[2011 Independent | Purchase: thevioletburning.com]