Soldier of the Cross

Track Listings

1. Battle Cry (Ram's Horn)

2. Soldier of the Cross

3. Voice from on High

4. Darkest Hour

5. Gone Home

6. Joshua Generaion

7. Waiting at the Gate

8. Seven Hillsides

9. Are You Afraid to Die?

10. Remember the Cross

11. Were You There?

12. Jacob's Vision

13. I'm Ready to Go

14. Lead Me to the Rock

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
From the first stentorian battle call of the shofar (ram's horn) to the excerpt from a famous Billy Graham speech and the standard it inspired--the Louvin Brothers' "Are You Afraid to Die"--it's obvious that Ricky Skaggs isn't just out to soothe souls, but to save them. Naturally the outspoken Christian fundamentalist delves deeply into his bluegrass roots for supernal inspiration on his first all-gospel album. He serves up fervent renditions of bluegrass-gospel favorites like Ralph Stanley's "The Darkest Hour," Bill Monroe's "Remember the Cross," and the Bill Carlisle-penned, Flatt & Scruggs-covered "Gone Home," but Skaggs also finds inspiration in contemporary gospel tunes like "The Joshua Generation," which features a soaring Crosby, Stills & Nash-style vocal finale. Yet the most amazing cut is "Seven Hillsides," a song that vividly chronicles an Appalachian preacher's overwhelming self-doubt and sense of inadequacy as he prepares to minister to his congregation's immense and tragic losses. Like much of this lovely and aggressively inspirational collection, "Seven Hillsides" speaks to the humanity and spirituality in just about all of us--hardcore Christian and closet agnostic alike. --Bob Allen --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Tracks:

Battle Cry
Soldier Of The Cross
A Voice From On High
The Darkest Hour
Gone Home
The Joshua Generation
Waiting At The Gate
Seven Hillsides
Are You Afraid To Die
Remember The Cross
Were You There
Jacob's Vision
I'm Ready To Go
Lead Me To The Rock

Amazon.com

From the first stentorian battle call of the shofar (ram's horn) to the excerpt from a famous Billy Graham speech and the standard it inspired--the Louvin Brothers' "Are You Afraid to Die"--it's obvious that Ricky Skaggs isn't just out to soothe souls, but to save them. Naturally the outspoken Christian fundamentalist delves deeply into his bluegrass roots for supernal inspiration on his first all-gospel album. He serves up fervent renditions of bluegrass-gospel favorites like Ralph Stanley's "The Darkest Hour," Bill Monroe's "Remember the Cross," and the Bill Carlisle-penned, Flatt & Scruggs-covered "Gone Home," but Skaggs also finds inspiration in contemporary gospel tunes like "The Joshua Generation," which features a soaring Crosby, Stills & Nash-style vocal finale. Yet the most amazing cut is "Seven Hillsides," a song that vividly chronicles an Appalachian preacher's overwhelming self-doubt and sense of inadequacy as he prepares to minister to his congregation's immense and tragic losses. Like much of this lovely and aggressively inspirational collection, "Seven Hillsides" speaks to the humanity and spirituality in just about all of us--hardcore Christian and closet agnostic alike. --Bob Allen

Customer Reviews:

Christian Country/Blugrass at its Finest.......2005-12-09

Interesting blend of materials, featuring old & new songs. Great pickin', as you would expect from a Ricky Skaggs project. Plaintive, hearfelt blugrass singing throughout. Liked the mixture of songs in 3/4 time, songs in minor keys and of course, the blugrass toe tappers. The Billy Graham intro does well to set up "Are You Afraid to Die" as an eternal question humanity must face.

Shreds of his Soul in Every Musical Note.......2004-05-18

Par excellent! Skaggs has left bits and traces of his eternal soul in every lyrical note recorded on this very creamy CD recording. No matter his musical offerings in the past, he has thoroughly outdone himself this time. The strains of bluegrass mixed with Gospel tunes ring the bell of the heart of the listener, appealing to man's inner void that can only be filled by God the Father. The message of the cross has its own magical mystique ("anointing") that draws men and women, boys and girls to its base for life-giving strength. Yet, it matters who died on that cross--as Paul said, Jesus Christ and Him Crucified. You set the crucifixion of the lamb of God into motion, and you won't have to worry about any resurrection. One follows the other. Jesus did an heroic work and authored a book to tell about it. He taught us that where we are weak, then we are strong. No one in his right mind would have ever concocted that a lamb would defeat a wolf! Jesus showed us that meekness and humility is the theme of life. We lose our lives--our pride, our machismo, our works and efforts to save--and we lay them at Jesus' feet. And guess what? Those things that we used to work to do (man-made morality) in order to please God and failed at miserably, turn up later to be fulfilled in real time through us as the Holy Spirit lives holiness and righteousness through us. Those habits that we could not shake fall when we come to Jesus, "all we who are weak and heavily burdened (trying to please God through works,etc.) and [he gives us] rest." Lose your life and you find it. Try to stop sinning before you get to the cross, and you can't. But, then put your faith in the Finished work of Christ, and amazingly, the sin stops because that root desire for the sin is itself gone.
This is the cross of which Ricky Skaggs sings. This cross makes you want to love everybody, even the unlovable. Whatever you do, challenge yourself to get this CD because each song will lift up Jesus, and after all, for you fellow Christians out there, isn't that what the Holy Spirit came to do. I highly recommend the song "Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?"

This is so much fun!.......2004-02-24

I bought this CD for my husband who really enjoys bluegrass, and now it is our absolute favorite. I can hardly keep myself from dancing when we turn it on! We listen to it all the time. ALL of the songs are great, which is unusual for any CD. It's a fun way to hear an important message.

Wonderful CD.......2003-04-29

I have had this CD for several weeks, and I keep "discovering" new and wonderful songs on it. Another reviewer mentioned eclectic tastes - mine run from bluegrass and southern gospel to Jazz (especially Charley Parker, Ella, and Coltrane) and classical (especially Beethoven and Shostakovich - I love string quartets). However, I got it this album first for its traditional gospel songs, primarily "Hallelujah, I'm Ready to Go" (which I was working on for my own bluegrass group, where I play the string bass and sing). When it comes to gospel, I generally prefer the older songs.

Then, last weekend I "discovered" the lead song "Soldier of the Cross", which I had previously dismissed. This is what I mean: I am really starting to enjoy the range of different kinds of music on this CD, and you will too. I also really appreciate Ricky's obvious deep Christian convictions (of which I had not previously been aware); he writes a moving dedication to Christian warriors throughout the centuries that you've got to read.

I LOVE THIS CD!.......2003-02-11

I have an eclectic taste in music --- I really do love all kinds of music... I like EVERYTHING from "Charlie Daniel's "Long Haired Country Boy" to Michael Martin Murphy's "Oh Bury Me Not On the Lone Prairie". I like everything from Gordon Lightfoot's haunting "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" to Neil Young's "Keep On Rockin in the Free World". I like all kinds of gospel music too - everything from Jars of Clay's "Tea and Sympathy" to Fernando Ortega's "Lord of Eternity". However, I must admit that Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder project "Soldier of the Cross" really gets my heart racing and my toe tapping. I very much appreciate the always great traditional songs such as "Were You There" to the less traditional "The Joshua Generation" I will admit that I have a particular weakness for a good ballad - as one who has had the responsibility of Shepherding the Flock of God I especially appreciate "Seven Hillsides" which gives insight into the lonely heart of a preacher with the unenviable task of conducting funerals for the sons and fathers who were lost to the tragedy of war.

Land of My Fathers: 100 Great Welsh Choir Favourites

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Land of My Fathers: 100 Great Welsh Choir Favourites

Manufacturer: Castle Pulse
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Favourite Welsh Choirs
Land of Song Welsh Choral Classics
Welsh Choirs: Wonderful Welsh Choirs
Bryn Terfel - We'll Keep a Welcome
Traditional Songs of Wales

ASIN: B0009SOFXG
Release Date: 2005-08-01

Tracks:

Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer (CWM Rhondda) - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
Land of My Fathers - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
Dies Irae
Men of Harlech
You'll Never Walk Alone
Cadwyn O Emyn Donau Cymreig: Joanna (Trad./Elfion Wyn)/Crugybar (Trad.
Old Folks at Home
Il Liza Jane
Faust/Soldier's Chorus - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
Vergine Degli Angeli
Ballard of Rourke's Drift - Cwt-Y-Collen Choir
My Hero
God Bless the Prince of Wales - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
German Mass/Gloria
German Mass/Sanctus
Misbles/Master of the House/On My Own/Drink with Me/Empty Chairs at
All Through the Night - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
Arwelfa
Invictus
Softly as I Leave You

Tracks:

Diolch l'R L
Hine E Hine (Maori Lullaby)
Pererin Wyf (Amazing Grace)
Tribute to the USA: America the Beautiful (Ward/Bates)/God Bless ...
Memories of Martha
I Lombardi/The Crusaders' Chorus - Treorchy Male Choir
Myfanwy - Treorchy Male Choir
Tales of Hoffman/Barcarolle
Creation's Hymn
In the Spirit!
Shall We Gather at the River
Nos a Bore
Very Best Time of Year
Soon Ah Will Be Done
Thanks Be to God
Flower That Shattered the Stone
Rhys - Treorchy Male Choir
Where Shall I Be?
Bywyd y Bugail
Lord's Prayer

Tracks:

Ave Maria
Pearl Fishers/Divine Brahma
She Was Beautiful (Cavatina) - Treorchy Male Choir
Cymru Fach
Nidaros
Jacob's Ladder - Treorchy Male Choir
Watching the Wheat
Pan Ddaw y Saint (When the Saints Go Marching In)
Misbles/Stars
Rachie
Pirates of Penzance/With Cat-Like Tread - Treorchy Male Choir
There Is a Balm in Gilead
Rise Up Shepherd and Foller
My Lord, What a Mornin'
Bryn Myrddin
Jesus Christ Superstar/Medley: Jesus Christ Superstar/Hosanna/The Last
Finnish Forest (Suomen Salossa)
Nabucco/The Glory of Israel
Ride the Chariot
Tydi a Roddaist - Treorchy Male Choir

Tracks:

Y Nefoedd
Phantom of the Opera/Think of Me
Morte Christe (When I Survey the Wondrous Cross)
By Babylon's Wave
I'm Gonna Sing
Where Could I Go But to the Lord?
Holy City - Treorchy Male Choir
Mefistofele: Ave Signor, Degli Angeli
Senzenina (Zulu Chant)
That's All I Want from You
Deep Harmony - Treorchy Male Choir
Give Me Jesus
Just a Closer Walk with Thee
My Wish for You
Jeptha/Waft Her Angels
Mose in Egitto/Prayer
Be Still My Soul (Finlandia Hymn)
God's Choir in the Sky
Floral Dance - Treorchy Male Choir
Smilin' Through

Tracks:

Calon Lan
True Love
Mor Fawr Wyt Ti (How Great Thou Art)
Aberystwyth
Comrades in Arms
Cats/Memory
They Led My Lord Away
State Fair/It's a Grand Night for Singing
When I Fall in Love
Let's Face the Music and Dance
Windmills of Your Mind
How Soon
Non Nobis Domine
Rhythm of Life
Kalinka
Sound an Alarm
Neapolitan Trilogy: It's Now or Never (Di Capua/Schroeder/Gold)/Mo ...
Turandot/Nessun Dorma
Christus Redemptor
Ann Evening's Pastorale

Album Details

Choirs Include the Morriston Orpheus Choir, the Pontadrddulais Male Voice Choir, the Caerphilly Male Voice Choir, the Cwrt-y-gollen Choir, the Treorchy Male Choir and the Lucknow Male Voice Choir.

Grossdeutschland: Von der Wachtruppe zum Panzerkorps

Average customer rating:

GD CD
Groß Deutschland music.
An excellent compilation
Grossdeutschland CD Is well worth the money

Grossdeutschland: Von der Wachtruppe zum Panzerkorps
Obermusikmeister Guido Grosch
Manufacturer: Brandenburg Historica
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Gott, Kaiser, Vaterland: Military and Patriotic Music of Imperial Germany in Archival Recordings, 1903-1915
Blitzkrieg
Stormtrooper Marches
Landser Marches
Landser Marches 2

ASIN: B000FGG4TK
Release Date: 2006-05-15

Tracks:

Praesentiermarsch mit Deutschlandhymne (Fr. Wilh.III)
Defiliermarsch AM II, 168 (Faust)
Grossdeutsche Grenadiere - Marschlied (Majewski-Schwerin)
Regimentsgruss - Marsch (Steinbeck)
Parademarsch der Kraftfahr-Kampftruppe (Schmidt)
Marsch nach Motiven aus Quadrillen AM II, 126 (Strauss)
Grand Changing of the Guard w. Drill Commands (Becker)
Soldatenlieder-Potpourri (v. Luetzow, arr.)
Oberst von Tippelskirch - Marsch (Bauerfeld)
Westerwald - Marschlied (Trad.-Neuhaeuser)
Pariser Einzugsmarsch AM II, 38 (Walch)
Lied der Infanterie (Kuntzen-Werth)
Panzerlied (Groeschel-Wiehle)
Marsch nach Motiven d. Oper Indra AM II, 155 (Flotow)
Marschlied der Panzergrenadiere (Schultze-Seeger)
Lied der Sturmartillerie (Pfeffer)
Landser und Panzer - Marschlied (Majewski-Widmayr)
Soldaten, Kameraden - Marsch (K
Alte Garde - Marschlied (Heuser-Schaumburg Lippe)
Zapfenstreich Marsch (Trad.-Wieprecht)

Product Description

This album takes the listener on a musical excursion through the history of the famous Regiment-, Division- and Panzerkorps- "Grossdeutschland", presenting military marches and soldier's songs in a compilation that chronicles this elite German military unit's evolution from the "Wachtruppe" - the army guard detachment stationed in Berlin during the Weimar Republic - to the mighty combined arms force of the late war years. Brandenburg Historica has searched the globe to assemble the priceless 78rpm records (dating from 1928 to 1943) that at we have transcribed for this compilation. Eighteen of this album's TWENTY tracks feature marches and soldiers' songs that are performed by the unit's own choruses and/or bands, while the remaining selections highlight central aspects of Grossdeutschland's unit history and wartime career. These rare source recordings have been restored for maximum fidelity while preserving their unique period ambience. Included in this collection are not only "Grossdeutschland's" official parade march and its presentation march (performed in a rarely heard "honor guard" arrangement with the German national anthem), but also a rare transcription of "Grossdeutsche Grenadiere", the regimental song of GD that features music by GD Obergefreiter Hans-Martin Majewski and lyrics by Infantry Regiment Grossdeutschland's commander in the French Campaign, Oberst Gerhard Graf von Schwerin. Also presented is a selection of the parade marches and songs of the German mechanized forces of the Second World War (including a rare vocal version of the much requested "Panzerlied"), as well as those traditional marches played during guard changing ceremonies and parades in which the "Grossdeutschland" units were regular participants. Painstakingly researched and produced, the album is accompanied by a lavishly illustrated twenty four-page booklet that presents a detailed overview of "Grossdeutschland's" career, the history of its two bands and detailed background information on the featured musical selections.

Customer Reviews:

GD CD.......2007-07-09

This CD is excellent and well worth the price, the sound quality is first class and includes rare music that you probably will not hear elsewhere.
There is also a very detailed history of the Division included with the CD, something that goes beyond the expected. Purchasers will have no regrets when buying this CD.

Groß Deutschland music........2007-07-06

As an re-enactor I like to know as much as possible about the people I re-enact. In my case Groß Deutschland 1 Co. 1e zug, in Holland. That's also the reason why I purchased this CD. German army was know to be a foot-soldiers army and marching with songs and music was common. This CD contains the music of GD's own marching band and it sounds as good as it should be. There is also a piece in wich the "wachregiment" is givven verbal orders and continues marching on the bands music. Also the "Panzerlied" "Erica" and "Westerwald is sung on this CD wich gave me the oppertunety to learn the lyrics on music, so our "troop" can also sing them when on the march. Fot what it's worth, I like the CD because the music is very recognizeble for the period of time and is very well played by the GD band.

An excellent compilation.......2006-06-26

The twenty tracks on this CD are relevant not only to GD, but to German military music in general, with many well known pieces. Sound quality is excellent, better than I had expected from this kind of archival material. The accompanying liner notes booklet is unusually comprehensive and provides both a brief history of GD and of the various musical selections. Highly recommended!

Grossdeutschland CD Is well worth the money.......2006-06-02

Vary well reserched bookle, with a lot of good details, excelent sound quality!!

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A Band That Changed My Thoughts About Christian Music
The Legacy of Truth

Rockin' Revival

Manufacturer: Retroactive Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000GF1TOK

Product Description

Servant's 1981 sophomore release on Canadian label Tunesmith Records was a huge progression in the band's sound, adding the keyboard wizardry of Matt Spransy for a richer, fuller sound. They avoided cliches and truisms in an effort to reach the un-churched. Their edgy, keyboard-infused, driving rock music was coupled with a high-energy stage performance that left the audience sweating and cheering, but also reflecting on the biting social commentary and insistence that the Kingdom of God was upon us. A very young Doug Pinnick (later of King's X fame) wrote for them the rockin' anthem 'I'm Gonna Live,' which garnered significant radio airplay, and became the band's signature song for years. It was produced by Bob Rock (pre Metallica, Skid Row, Motley Crue), and after being digitally re-mastered was released as a Limited Edition re-issue on Retroactive Records May, 2006, the first time it has ever been available on CD. Liner notes, including reflections on the band's history, are written by founding member Owen Brock. For fans of Rez, Barnabas, Jerusalem, and all fans of AOR/arena rock. Songs include: 'Look Out Babylon,' 'Rockin' Revival,' 'Isolated,' 'Heidelberg Blues,' 'Listen,' 'Jealousies,' 'Suburban Josephine,' 'Ad Man,' and 'I'm Gonna Live.'

Customer Reviews:

A Band That Changed My Thoughts About Christian Music.......2007-03-12

While I was at Bible college, I attended two concerts on consecutive nights. One was at a church, while the other was at a high school auditorium. One was worshipful by Terry Talbot. The other was Servant, complete with loud music, special effects, and great choreography. You're right: Servant was the band that played at the church.

The concert was before the release of "Rockin' Revival". The band said you could be the first on your block to have the album. Considering that my Bible college was pretty traditional, I wasn't sure at that time I wanted to be that kind of trendsetter. After a few years, though, Servant became my favorite band.

My favorite songs on the project were . . . no, let me tell you my least favorite songs on the project, because only two songs fall into that category. One was the first song on the project "Babylon", and the other was "Suburban Josephine". The former was a little too pacifist for me, and the latter hinted at a doctrinal position that I disagree with. I will say, though, that I prefer Christian musicians who feature bad doctrine than those who avoid doctrine.

The rest? Excellent. In particular, I relate to "Isolated". Unfortunately, I don't think I'm "Isolated" in relating to "Isolated." And the church hasn't changed much in the 25 years since the song came out.

One last thing I'll add. This is the first album that includes my all time favorite keyboardist in the band (Matt Spransky).

The Legacy of Truth.......2006-07-25

Let me admit the biases first: Servant was our band, by that, I mean part of our commune, managed and formed by my dad, and all the people in it close friends of mine. So I am going to be pretty supportive.

For many the music of Servant was too cutting and dangerous to listen to, for who wants to hear a call to repent, that you, the church, are not actually following Jesus Christ? Isn't contemporary Christian music supposed to just make Christians happy, and be a safe outlet to dance?

Servant was cutting edge- the first Christian band with an extensive light show, the first to use lasers, and the band that gave Petra their start. The lyrics speak to the foundational elements of our commune, the Highway Missionaries. The Jesus Movement never produced a tomb like the Westminster Confession; for us, our theology was expressed in our music. Even today, when I contemplate an ethical action, I consult the Bible, and the music I grew up with.

Look Out Babylon is amazingly prescient for our times. "Wear the oil flows the most, is where the tension lies." To hear prophetic lyrics like "Soldiers in Afghanistan; sanctions in Iraq" from 1981 is just scary. It's a call against war, to see that Babylon, representative of the evil in humanity, is actually us in the West.

Isolated speaks to how a Sunday and Wednesday church, as Keith Green also spoke of, is not what Christ had in mind. Lonely Christians, isolated Christians, these are the antithesis of Christ's message- he calls us into community. Ad Man has got a fun ring to it, speaking of the mammon of advertising that calls us to a different god- there is no god but money.

The two finest songs on this album are perhaps the finest songs Servant ever produced. Suburban Josephine was sung by Sandie Brock and written in part by my mom. One day while they were in the van, she looked over, and said, "That looks like a suburban Josephine." And the lyrics just started tumbling out. A story of a woman sung to the old shooby-doo-wah 60's sound, she desired, ever since she could remember, to serve Jesus. But one day she fell in love with someone else, that she could touch and see. Now she has soap operas for breakfast, and a 21" colour television, and needs to get her hair done right because her husband comes home soon. She has traded in the dream Christ gave her for the American dream. But you can't serve two masters. And one day, while watching the Price is Right, she saw three friends fly by, up into the sky...

I'm Going to Live is a song that I think of again and again throughout my life. It's lessons were omnipresent in my thoughts the last time I was held up at knife point, and influencing my words. Bob Hardy tells the story of two guys who came up to him and demanded some cash, or they would kill him. He told them that they could have his money (what does that matter anyway?) but they couldn't have his life, for his life belongs to the Lord, and he was going to live forever. Then the song begins.

There's no way we can lose. Our life is not forfeit, for we are already dead. To live is Christ, to die is gain. In the end, the robbers get all the cash, and a whole lot more as well.

And at the end of every concert, the audience rises to it's feet, yelling out in unison the ballad "I'm Gonna Live Forever", over and over, till the beat became part of the blood of our veins.

Shallow Water
World of Sand + 2

Nineteen Eighty Seven (2005 Re-Recording!!!)

Average customer rating:

A Great Classic made even better
4 STARS FOR THE RECORDING, 6 FOR JUST THINKING OF IT (hopefully an honest review from a huge fan...)
Simply amazing!
The 80's classic redone
Improving a classic!!!

Nineteen Eighty Seven (2005 Re-Recording!!!)
Whitecross
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000BSHCD4

Product Description

In 1987 Whitecross took the Christian Metal Scene by storm, delivering what would soon become one of the most talked about and highly collectible recordings in the Christian metal market. Scott Wenzel and Rex Carroll created a duo like few before them, breaking ground in the Christian metal scene that opened up the door for a flurry of bands. Often compared to the secular mainstream band RATT, Scotts vocals were new and fresh in Christian music, and Rexs blazing guitar work put Whitecross on the map for good. Whitecross continued through out the 80s and 90s making music and releasing some 12 recordings with drummer Mike Feighan, as well as many other musicians. Now Rex, Scott and Mike would like to take you back to a time when Metal still reigned. Whitecross Nineteen Eighty Seven is a completely new recording of the original Self-Titled Whitecross, but bigger, louder and better than ever. 1. Who Will You Follow 2. Enough Is Enough 3. He Is The Rock 4. Lookin' For A Reason 5. No Way I'm Goin' Down 6. Seein' Is Believin' 7. All I Need 8. Nagasake 9. Signs Of The End 10. Love on the Line (Previously Unreleased on CD) 11. Reanimate (New Rex Carroll Guitar Solo/Song)

Customer Reviews:

A Great Classic made even better.......2007-01-12

I am a bit skeptical about re-recordings and remixes in general, so I am usually hesitant to buy them, especially when I love the original recording as much as I loved this one way back then. This disc is amazing! It keeps all of the great parts of the original recording, but gives them a much fuller sound and includes "Love on the Line" which was previously only available on the Heavy Righteous Metal compilation. The two best songs on here are Signs of the End, and No Way I'm Going Down. The ballad "You're Mine" has been left out, but it was the weakest song on the original recording anyway. Check out the great Demos and solos on the end of this thing. The only negative on this is that it is obvious that Scott has lost a little on his vocals in the higher range, but in the end it doesn't affect the quality of the songs at all.....A great addition to your collection!!! BUY IT!!!

4 STARS FOR THE RECORDING, 6 FOR JUST THINKING OF IT (hopefully an honest review from a huge fan...).......2006-03-15

In preparation for the arrival for my copy of Whitecross' "Nineteen Eighty Seven" cd, I dusted off my copy of their 1987 self titled debut cd. The moment the opening chords for "Who Will You Follow" rang out, I found my mind flooded with memories. Whitecross was the first metal group I heard with a strong christian message. A friend of mine let me hear his copy of the four song e.p. "Love On The Line" and it stuck in my head for seemingly years. Being more a fan of music than lyrics, it was quite unusual that Scott Wenzil's voice had almost equal power as Rex Carroll's incredible guitar playing in attracting me to their songs. The opening chords to "Love On The Line" caught my ear and Scott's screaming of the lyrics "caught in the middle, your heart's been burned, your only love has walked away, the page is turned" had me hooked. This same friend and I saw Whitecross live in festivals, churches and community halls about 8 times (maybe more) between 1987 and 1993. Whitecross is the only group that I've traveled literally hundreds of miles to see in concert. Therefore my review may not be without bias.

First off, let me say that somehow, Rex's guitar sound on this new cd is almost exactly the same as the original cd. I'm not sure if it's that the riffs are that distinctive or Rex remembering his settings (maybe some combination of the two). Allowing for a possibly bigger budget and better recording gear, the guitar is louder and meatier but over all it's amazingly similar. A big thank you to Rex for "keeping it real". Thanks to Mike Feighan, something that HAS changed is the quality of the drumming. It's much better than on the original recording. A direct comparison between the 2 disks will allow you to hear that the drumming is smoother, more dynamic and has more imaginative fills on the newer cd. Another change is Scott's vocals. For about the last 10 years, Scott has been singing in a lower register. Compare his vocals on "Signs Of The End" on both disks and you'll hear just how hard it is for him to sing in the higher octaves. However, he's pretty much hitting the notes the same as he did on the original recording, the trademark raspiness is still present and his vocals have a bit more grit. A huge thanks to Scott for even trying to get back up in that vocal stratosphere.

A high percentage of the songs are played practically note for note so if you're familiar with the original recordings, there's no need for a complete song by song review. In spite of this not really being a "band" recording (Rex plays bass on many of the songs), the energy hasn't been lost and that serves this project well. Rex occasionally plays notes in place of a dive-bomb that was on the original disk but my goodness, even for a master guitar player like Rex, it's darn near impossible to play every song exactly as it was originally recorded. The vocals are slightly different in areas such harmonies and the occasional vocal doubling on the original recordings aren't duplicated on the newer cd but it's readily apparent that Scott's intent was to sing them the way they were meant to be sang. So literally, what you're getting is a re-imaging of the original cd minus the ballad "You're Mine", the welcome addition of "Love On The Line", the instrumental "Reanimate" (excellent!) and a few outtakes. The only song that doesn't quite hold up to the original is "Nagasake". The backwards vocals (which actually said "trust in the Lord") at the beginning of the original are missing which is no big deal. The first 2/3 of the solo is great but Rex's guitar playing is uncharacteristically stiff during the classical descending runs (reminiscent of the licks Steve Vai played in the movie Crossroads during the guitar duel). To my ears, the original sounded sort of like Rex just played this incredible classical oriented guitar solo "off the cuff". There's seemingly conflicting emotions of the wide eyed joy exuded by a young boy picking up the guitar for the first time and thinking "wow, I can actually play this stuff?" while simultaneously oozing with the confidence only an artist with years of wood shedding and being other worldly talented can exhibit. That sense of discovery seems to be missing from the newer version. Also, I love "You're Mine". I would have loved for them to have included an updated version of that song as well. But all in all, this new cd is very much appreciated. While the music style may or may not be outdated (I love what they do so much it's hard for me to tell), I get the feeling these guys could be at the forefront of a 1980's metal revival. It doesn't say what year this occurred but in the liner notes, Rex mentioned that he used the song "Reanimate" to enter a Rock contest in New York AND LOST!!!! To who? Eddie Van Halen? Jimi Hendrix? Besides those two, what more could you possibly want in a "rock" guitarist? Being heavier than anything in their catalog, "Reanimate" could be sign that Whitecross is moving into a new heavier direction which certainly would save Scott's voice.

While it's unusual, I don't find to be a huge surprise that they decided to rerecord the entire self titled debut cd because this is something at which they have a bit of a history. In 1988, Whitecross contributed a song on a various artist compilations called "The Axemen". That song was called "Shakedown" which was rerecorded and appears on the "Triumphant Return" cd (their best in my opinion). "No Second Chances" which appears on the cd "In The Kingdom" was rerecorded and included on the Whitecross compilation cd "One More Encore". This is a group that knows they have treasures lying in their catalog.

As a side note, the title track of the 4 song e.p. "Love On The Line" actually did appear on cd however it wasn't a Whitecross cd. They contributed the song to another various artist compilation called "Testify" (send me an email at hdetter at gmail.com and I'll burn a copy for you). Two of the remaining three songs "No Way I'm Going Down" and "Enough Is Enough" appear on the self titled debut however "I Believe" can't be found on cd anywhere. This song was a departure from the trademark Whitecross sound in that it's blues-rock oriented and Rex handled the lead vocal chores (Scott's unmistakable background harmonies are excellent).

Anyway, "enough is enough" on the Whitecross history. Here's hoping that this leads to a cd with new music.

Simply amazing!.......2006-02-16

Usallu when a band decides to "re-record" an album disaster strikes! Not with this release! It surpasses the original. The original "Pure Metal" release has been out of print for quite some time. I bought it brand new on cassette in 1987. That cassette is long gone. So instead of paying high-dollar for an original CD I decided to wait on this and it was worth the wait!

VERY true to the originals, no updated sound here. Rex's guitars shred almost nore-for note to the originals. Scott's vocals are a bit deeper now. The drums and bass sound much better with today's production technology.

Kicks off with "Who Will You Follow", contains "Eough Is ENough", "No Way I'm Going Down" and more. Only the ballad was left off, which slips my mind at the moment. Contains 2 "new" tracks. "Love On The Line" was never released on CD. "Re:Animate" is a new instrumental/solo from Rex. It is the only thing that sounds remotely "modern" but it still shreds.

You can hear good MP3 samples at the Whitecross website (google it).

Also, lots of cool pics from the 80's and new liner notes from Rex.

If you are a fan of Christian Metal, give this one a try. Old School at its best! also, Saint is still out there too!!

The 80's classic redone.......2006-02-13

In the 80's, hair metal ruled. While bands like Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, Poison, and Cinderella were rocking the world, groups like Shout, Barren Cross, Holy Soldier, and Bloodgood kept the church rocking too. There were the "posers" too; bands that had the look but not the sound. Then, in 1987, a band named Whitecross released their first recording. They were definitely not posers, but had the chops to back it all up.

Folks immediately took notice because of their unique sound. Scott Wenzel's vocals brought comparisons to bands like Ratt and AC/DC. Rex Carroll launched into it with scorching guitar riffs and fearless solos. The band went on to win a Dove Award and release 12 recordings in some incarnation or another before disbanding completely.

Now, nineteen years later, the band has reformed. Rather than release a CD of new music, they took the unorthodox route of completely rerecording their debut CD. Bringing back Mike Feighan (easily their strongest drummer and the one who played on more releases than any other in their revolving door backing band), they hit it with a more aggressive sound than before. So how does it hold up?

To me, the strongest Whitecross recordings were their later ones after Rex left and other guitarists came in to give Whitecross the gut-level rock sound it deserved. Scott took things in a new direction and really made the band something to notice even as it was on its way out. If they were going to remake a CD, it kind of seems more natural to choose perhaps some greatest hits and go from there. Still, the wealth of material on the debut album gives them a lot to work with.

One thing to say about Rex Carroll, he's consistent. He sounds exactly the same as he did 20 years ago. As a matter of fact, he sounds the same on every single record he plays on. Rather than try anything too daring, he stays with the same signature sound and solos he's always played. This time though, the rhythm guitar parts that are the backbone of the songs have some crunch to them. He plays riffs in every song like it's the last time he'll ever get to play (unfortunately sometimes cluttering the song with too much noise-especially when Scott's singing). It's probably impossible to see his fingers move in some parts. "Nagasake" is as strong now as it was then.

Scott's vocals are a little more subdued now, but I think that's to be expected. Nobody can keep singing in the stratosphere forever! What he loses in range he makes up for in passion. This is more of the vocal style he used in the later Whitecross recordings like Unveiled and Equilibrium.

The strongest songs on the CD are "Who Will You Follow", "Enough is Enough", and "All I Need". In addition to the songs from the original recording, they include "Love on the Line", which was never released on CD before. This fist-pumping version rocks (think an angry Led Zepplin) and actually sounds better than the original. There's also a new guitar instrumental by Rex called "Reanimate". If you like his instrumentals from other releases, you'll probably like this one. Some catchy hooks, but mostly just the same stuff as always from Rex. It kind of gets repetitive after a while.

All in all, this is a good release and it's nice to see the band get to revisit their debut and clean it up a little. Fans of the hair band years will love this nostalgia trip. It's definitely worth picking up just to hear an updated sound from the band. Hopefully next time they'll choose to take songs from other releases and do this again instead of working their way back through their discography. Or better yet, give us all new material!

Stryper returned last year with a new CD. Whitecross brings us this new release. Holy Soldier's even working on a new set. Just goes to show: hair bands can still rock.

Improving a classic!!!.......2005-12-13

I'll begin by noting that I don't consider myself a Whitecross fan; I do, however, enjoy great Christian hard rock and metal. Like so many other folks, I first discovered Whitecross back in 1987 when their debut release generated quite a buzz in the CCM community. They were the answer to my prayers; I was tired of listening to Christian music that tried unsuccessfully to appeal to fans of hard rock. Aside from the obvious Stryper, Saint, Messiah Prophet, and even Bloodgood, there was little on shelves back in 1987 that really sounded like the music I heard on secular rock radio stations. When I first heard "Who Will You Follow," I thought I was listening to a re-tooled and converted version of Ratt. I was stunned to learn that Whitecross was its own entity, and that they had an entire album full of tunes that could easily fit with many successful secular artists at the time. Over the next few years I found that I liked each successive Whitecross release less than the one before. I'm not sure if their debut was so good that it was impossible to top or if I was growing as a music fan. Though I never became a Whitecross fan, their debut release retained a special place in my heart. So, once I learned that Rex and Scott were planning to re-record their classic, I was both ecstatic and fearful. I was happy that their early music would get another shot at appearing on a CD, but I was worried that they would taint my memory of the original recording. I had fears the band would make the same mistake that Ozzy made when he recently had the bass and drums on his first two classic albums re-recorded. Fortunately, I was to be pleasantly surprised. In my humble opinion, I feel that Whitecross improved their debut. I'm sure that purists would argue the first release is the better of the two versions, but I don't think so. The new version of "Whitecross-1987" has all the chops and riffs of the first recording, but it is also a bit more thunderous. "Enough Is Enough" (despite its silly "enough, nuff" chorus) is solid, and the guitar work comes through much more powerfully than the original. Likewise, "Signs of the Times" offers a take on the original that is true to the 1st version but much more aggressive. Best of all, the inclusion of "Love on the Line"--an often overlooked Whitecross song--rounds out the CD with a classic sound that doesn't compromise its power for a slower tempo. The song is reminiscent of AC/DC's earth-shaking "For Those About to Rock." Even the lone new track, "Re-Animate," fits on the disc rather nicely. Though the track is an instrumental Rex Carroll piece, it sounds as if it could have easily appeared on the original debut release nearly 20 years ago. All said, "Whitecross 1987" is a worthy rendering of the original recording. In fact, I feel comfortable saying that it is better than the original. Listening to the CD makes fans realize how good Whitecross's debut was, but it also reminds us that some things just get better with age...

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Lightning Strikes Twice
X-Sinner , Daniel Band , Servant , Bride , Final Axe , Stairway , Haven , Whitecross , Emotion , and Jupiter 6
Manufacturer: Retroactive Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
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Lightning Strikes Twice...Again (Vol. 2)
Fire It Up
Collection 1984-1999

ASIN: B000GB3HEO

Product Description

In May, 2006, Retroactive Records released this sampler consisting of 21 full lenth songs to introduce fans to their label and catalog. Packaged in a regular jewel case with full artwork/inserts with liner notes, musical styles represented vary widely, but are consistently heavy. Songs include: ''Getch Ya' by X-Sinner from the May, 2006 release of Fire It Up; 'Metal Missionaries' by Final Axe from the May, 2006 release of The Axe Of the Apostles; Bondage' by Stairway from the 2005 release of No Rest, No Mercy; 'Fakin' My Face' from Emotion from the Fall, 2006 planned released of Taste Of Grapes; 'Blood Of the Lamb' by Haven from the 2005 release of Age Of Darkness; 'Walk On the Water' by Daniel Band from the May, 2006 release of Run From the Darkness; 'Reality' by Daniel Band from the May, 2006 release of Straight Ahead; 'Water Grave' by Servant from the May, 2006 release of Shallow Water; 'Heidleburg Blues' by Servant from the May, 2006 release of Rockin' Revival; 'Salt City' by Whitecross from the 2005 release of Unveiled; 'Blow It All Away' by Bride from the May, 2006 release of the expanded version of This Is It; 'Through the Speakers' by Jupiter 6, a track exclusive to this sampler that will NOT be included on their Fall, 2006 release titled Back From Mars; 'Regressor (Ingressive Mix)'' by Circle Of Dust from the 2005 release of Brainchild; 'Stayin' Alive'' by Lucid from the album Broken; 'Tunnel Vision' by The Lead from the Fall, 2006 planned release of Hardcore For Jesus; 'If You Fail' by Lust Control from the April, 2006 release of We Are Not Ashamed: Getting It Right the Second Time; 'Congruent' by SIx Feet Deep from the 2005 release of The Road Less Traveled; 'Answer' by Heaven's Rage from the release Temporary; 'Blood In My Veins' by Mainstreet from the 2005 self-titled release; 'Save Me' by Floodgate from the 2005 release titled More; and 'Blind Man Walking' by Mammuth from the 2005 release of Die To Rise In Spring

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Greatest Hits
Angelica
Manufacturer: Intense Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Latin Music | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0009FBJ2E

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This Is It (+4)

Manufacturer: Retroactive Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
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ASIN: B000BKS1J6

Product Description

Bride's new Independent release of 2003 now reissued on Retroactive Records with bonus tracks. The band has returned to hard rock and heavy metal like the good old days of Snakes In the Playground and Scarecrow Messiah. TRACK LISTING: Blow It All Away To The Sky More Than Human Drop D Head Looking For A Bullet Best I Expect To Do Evil Geniuses Revolution Barren River Blues Microphone Short Time In The Grave Universe White Elephant Blow it all Away Is this the Now Bring Me Down Burning Love

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Superb Operetta Collection

Treasures of Operetta

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00022M49G
Release Date: 2004-06-29

Tracks:

Do Re Mi Fa Sol La Si (The Scale Song)
O Queen Of My Delight
Let Me Dance And Let Me Sing
My Hero
My Heart And I
Trot Here And There
Tramp! Tramp! Tramp!
Love Unspoken
Don't Be Cross
Charming Weather
I'm Off To Chez Maxim
On My LipsEvery Kiss Is Like Wine
The Colonel Of The Crimson Hussars
At The Balalaika
A Bad Boy And A Good Girl
The Doleful Prima Donna
O Let Me Hold Your Tiny Little Hand
The Yeomen Of England
Military Life!

Tracks:

Vilia
My Song Of Love
Girls Were Made To Love And Kiss
Lightly, Lightly
The Nun's Chorus And Laura's Song
Thin, Thin Is My Dear Gwendolin'
Philomel
Waltz Of My Dreams
You Are The World To Me
Dance While You May
A Paradise For Two
Romany Life
It's Not A Sin To Kiss
Tell Me, Pretty Maiden
Why Did You Kiss My Heart Awake
Star Of My Soul
It Is Love

Customer Reviews:

Superb Operetta Collection.......2006-09-12

Surely this must be the finest collection of songs in Enlgish from operettas and early 20th century musicals available anywhere. Marilyn Hill Smith is in fine voice and is admirably partnered by baritone Peter Morrison. This two CD collection is truly a 'treasure.' It belongs in the collection of any English speaking lover of operetta.

Rosa Ponselle: The Cross Over Album (Songs 1925-1950)

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Rosa Ponselle: The Cross Over Album (Songs 1925-1950)
James Carroll Bartlett , Sir Henry Rowley Bishop , James A. Bland , Carrie Jacobs Bond , Ernest Charles , Teresa Clotilde Del Riego , Gabriel Edouard Xavier Dupont , Rosa Ponselle , Roland Farley , and Thomas Griselle
Manufacturer: Legato Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Music Review

Music Review

1. Battle Cry (Ram's Horn)
2. Soldier of the Cross
3. Voice from on High
4. Darkest Hour
5. Gone Home
6. Joshua Generaion
7. Waiting at the Gate
8. Seven Hillsides
9. Are You Afraid to Die?
10. Remember the Cross
11. Were You There?
12. Jacob's Vision
13. I'm Ready to Go
14. Lead Me to the Rock