Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

This is what the CD was invented for. Take two good long players, put both onto one compact disc and use the skip button when required (not often, it should be said) and the result is one rocking CD brim full of biting rock and with some thought provoking lyrics. The two albums sit together comfortably enough. 1986's 'Gut Level Music' was a passionate declaration of the love of God and 1987's 'Against The Grain' delivered more of the same with the same line up of Mike Stand (vocals and guitar), Ric Alba (bass and vocals) and Jeff Crandall (drums and vocals). Having three singers took the Altar Boys onto a different musical level than some of their punk contemporaries. They played passionate - that word again - music with strong melodies and good old-fashioned hooks. "You Are Loved" has a tune that you will hum all day and words that might just change your life.

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