Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

In 1982 a plane crash robbed CCM of its most anointed talent. In five short years, Keith Green created a recorded legacy of spirit-filled songs which, although slightly dated a decade later, still inspire, challenge and convict. Like most recording artists who die early, he also left some unfinished work and live recordings. If only it had remained hidden in the vaults! A few months after his death, "I Only Want To See You There' was released and is now re-released on CD and frankly, it's an ugly mess! (If you don't believe me, listen to what used to be Bob Dylan's harmonica solo in the remixed "Pledge My Head To Heaven" -crushed under a tuneless guitar solo - horrible!) Keith's most anointed songs have been murdered in the mix and we need to form a posse to round up the culprits. This is dreadful; live versions crunch into their studio counterparts with as much finesse as a motorway collision. Some studio songs are strangely prefaced by Keith's whining stage preaching which I find truly grating. The album is painful listening and normally I love Keith's music. Green left us songs that are well crafted and spiritually razor sharp but you'd never know it listening to this!

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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