Reviewed by Tony Cummings

When Cross Rhythms originally reviewed this CD re-issue of a classic piece of Jesus music from 1970 our reviewer clearly didn't get it. It's taken us years but we've finally got around to writing, we believe, a more balanced review. This obscure Sacramento-based four-piece offered full on psychedelic rock. Add to their strong melodies haunting vocals, lashings of fuzz guitar, plenty of flute interjections and some funky wah-wah playing and you have an album that though clearly a period piece deserves all the praise it gets from today's band of fanatical pop/psyche collectors. "The Prophet" deals with Revelation themes aided by fuzz guitar and Hammond organ; "Times Past" has some surreal passages vaguely reminiscent of "In-a-gada-da-vida"; while "Hope To Save" brings in piano and acoustic guitar for a lilting ballad. There is still time for the apocalyptic "Judgment Day" featuring varied guitar effects and some eerie vocal sounds. Apparently the original vinyl on the Elco label will set you back hundreds of pounds, that's if you can find it. All in all, 'Help' is truly an historic piece of groundbreaking Jesus music.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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