Jan Willem Vink interviews the Jesus rock veteran.

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".