STYLE: Jesus Music RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 31201-17486 LABEL: Birdwing BIRD119 FORMAT: 12 inch vinyl Album RRP: £4.99
Reviewed by Mike Rimmer
With brother John Michael Talbot, Terry had been a part of the mainstream American band Mason Profitt but after encountering Jesus in the early '70s, they embarked on solo careers. This 1979 album is split between a live side and a set of studio recordings. It shows Talbot's skill as a live performer using comedy as well as music and whether backed by a band or armed with an acoustic guitar he cleverly communicates his message. Whether he's sharing a simple song like "Lamplighter" or doing a comedy routine which imagines what would happen if Billy Graham appeared on Star Trek on "Angels" Talbot's skill shines through. There's the highly amusing story song "Bibleland" which owes a lot stylistically to Loudon Wainwright. The second half of the album sees Talbot in the studio cooking up some West Coast '70s sounds, high on melody and harmony. "Pleasin' You Pleases Me" and "Hollywood Lies" are the most dynamic tracks here and listening to this 30 years on makes me realise that few artists take this approach in the 21st century. Talbot's work was a mixture of encouragement to the Church and songs that powerfully challenged the culture of the day, all wrapped up in skilful songwriting. (8 squares)
Mike Rimmer
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