Jan Willem Vink interviews the Jesus rock veteran.
Continued from page 5
Larry Norman: An
annotated discography
An annotated Larry Norman discography by Gord Wilson and
Tony Cummings
UPON THIS ROCK (Capitol, 1969)
It was 24 years
ago that Larry Norman
answered a generation's spiritual with this weird and wonderful mix of
psychedelic folk and blues. Nicknamed "the Sgt. Pepper of
Christianity", this counterculture classic launched gospel rock, and
simultaneously spawned the youth group favourites, "I Wish We'd All
Been Ready" and "Sweet Song of Salvation." Later released on Impact
(1970) and Kingsway (England).
STREET LEVEL (One Way, 1969)
Gutsy, radical cuts
"Poem (First Day In Church)" and "Right Here In America" challenged
the church and flung the gauntlet to the status quo. Powerfully
captures a moment when a kid with a guitar could change the world.
Side two features "She's A Dancer", "Six O'Clock News" and other cuts
from Norman's rock opera, 'Lion's Breath'.
STREET LEVEL (Version Two) (One Way, 1969)
Vintage Norman. Side one is the same, but side two features 'Jesus
Music' favourites "Baby Out Of Wedlock" and "No More LSD For Me".
BOOTLEG (One Way, 1969)
This double album
captures the excitement of the late '60s Jesus Movement, when
Christians came out of the closet and took to the streets. Little
heard Norman numbers with a live interview and monologue, "Let The
Lions Come" and "Jesus In The Movies". Re-released on cassette with
two extra tracks (Phydeaux, 1989).
ONLY VISITING THIS PLANET (MGM/Verve, 1972)
Profound social commentary and deadpan humour spice this all-time
classic. Beatle's producer George Martin arranged this studio release
proving that the Devil doesn't have all the good music. First volume
of The Trilogy'. Original MGM bi-fold cover. Re-released on Gospel
Media and Word.
SO LONG AGO THE GARDEN (MGM/Verve, 1973)
John
Linn's heavy signature guitar propels Larry's love songs along with
the apocalyptic "Nightmare" and "Be Careful What You Sign". Second
volume of The Trilogy'. Re-released with "PeacePollutionRevolution"
and "Up In Canada" (Phydeaux, 1980).
IN ANOTHER LAND (Solid Rock, 1976)
Where the
previous albums dealt with the present and the past, this third volume
of The Trilogy' focuses on the future. Lush production lends a rock
opera feel to this concept album brimming with Norman classics.
Re-released on extended, 18-track cassette (Phydeaux, 1989).
STREAMS OF WHITE LIGHT INTO DARKENED CORNERS (AB,
1977)
Norman wheels through hits by Eric Clapton, Leon
Russell, Jackson Browne and other celebs who got on the 70's spiritual
bandwagon. This lampoon of pop radio features Randy Stonehill as a
mile-a-minute, jabbering disc jockey. Not licensed for radio airplay.
Re-released on extended
cassette (Phydeaux, 1989).
THE ISRAEL TAPES (Phydeaux, 1980)
Norman
reunited with his former band, People, at UCLA in a live benefit for
the Israeli Fund. Includes People's hit "I Love You".
ROLL AWAY THE STONE (Phydeaux, 1980)
Very rough,
unedited, live concert album dredged from the Phydeaux vaults. Rare
jewel or real junk, depending on your perspective. This version of
"Soul On Fire" is about Eldridge Cleaver. For hard core collectors and
Normaniacs.
BARKING AT THE ANTS (Phydeaux, 1981)
This EP
introduces 'British invasion' artists Lyrix, Alwyn Wall and Sheila
Walsh. Norman sings Bob Dylan's "Just Like A Woman".
SOMETHING NEW UNDER THE SUN (Solid Rock, 1981)
Like Springsteen's 'Nebraska', this rough mix captures something
more polished performances don't. Humour, confidence, and blues
featuring Jon Linn's great guitar leads. Highlights: "Watch What
You're Doing" and the autobiographical "Let The Tape Keep Rolling".
Extended cassette re-release (Phydeaux, 1989)
THE TUNE (Phydeaux, 1981)
Larry sings
spirituals and the long, studio version of "The Tune".
I first heard Larry in the early 70's. In particular the track from In Another Land "I am Your servant" touched me as I had been a Christian since 8 years old and it seemed that I could go no where for Jesus but then in the early 70's came a revolution and some years later I was called into ministry as a pastor and did this for some 35 years. Many times I remember being in tears as I listened to "Servant".
Totally relate with you Roy. Tears of brokeness would flow many a time when listening to this song. It was part of Gods way of prepaing us for ministry to this lost and empty world. Greg from Brisbane
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