Customer Reviews

Now the Truth Can Be Told

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Steve Taylor (with and without Some Band) was a fairly big draw in the mid-1980s, when his music and music videos were standard fare on local Christian channels. I and some friends saw him on tour in 1986. His biting wit and 80s guitar/synth sound made him popular among the born-again set, whether Catholic or protestant, in the 15-25 age group. This anthology, however, only gets three stars because it would have been better as a single CD. One thing I learned as I first listened to it was that the abovementioned 80s guitar/synth sound is really dated now (think "JesusDevo"). Nevertheless, it stands as a testament to what was happening in 1980s Christian music. Darryl Mansfield, Petra, even Stryper were just as big, but not quite as clever and edgy. I recommend this double CD for two groups: first, those who bought his albums in the 80s, and would prefer an anthology on CD; and second, for all those young Christian kids who think that Christian music used to be nothing but elevator music. Standout tracks are "This Disco", "Colour Code", "Lifeboat", "Meltdown At Madame Tussauds", and the classic "I Want To Be A Clone". For Taylor, being a Christian is about redemption and responsibility, not mindlessness and WonderBread.

If you're a die-hard Steve Taylor fan from back in the day, you'll already have almost everything included in this compilation. The only previously unreleased material is a demo for a song called "Dream in Black & White" (faded after the second verse) and a medley of early demos called "Shark Sandwich". Having said that, as far as I know the two included tracks from Limelight have never been released on CD; and the remastering doesn't hurt, either. And, hey, maybe you missed out on Taylor's demented take on "Winter Wonderland" the first time around?

Whether you're a fan or someone new to Taylor's music, the extensive liner notes with song-by-song commentary from Taylor are the highlight of this set. Lyrics for all the songs and production credits for the various albums are also included. (Before this, the music of "Under the Blood" never caught my ear long enough for me to have realized how amazing the lyrics are.)

I disagree with the previous reviewer (and Taylor's own remarks): most of these songs don't sound all that dated to me. Yes, they're products of their times. But, like fine period furniture, they've held their value. (I do agree with Taylor, though, that the world could have lived without "Lifeboat"...)

If you're new to Taylor's music, this compilation plus the album Squint will catch you most of the way up. (You'll probably also want a copy of Chagall Guevara, though. The three songs included here aren't enough.) There are certainly some good songs from each of the original albums that didn't make the cut, but with 34 tracks this is a far more comprehensive collection than The Best We Could Find and.. well, difficult as I find it to imagine, 34 tracks might be enough Steve Taylor for you.

This 2-CD set covers Steve Taylor's "hits" from the start of his career up to (but not including) "Squint". It has 34 tracks, including a "medley" track of some of his older demos, which in most instances you can compare to the finished product elsewhere in the set. High production value and provocative (controversial?) lyrics pull no punches

Much of Steve's early work was pop that bordered on "New Wave", and one song on the first disc (Am I in Sync?) actually makes a David Bowie reference. This anthology presents a good timeline for Steve's solo career in the 80's, and touches on his brief time in the group Chagall Guevera (the best band you've never heard of).

From biting social commentary (Guily by Association, Sin for a Season, Lifeboat, Colour Code and countless others) to heartwarming vignettes (Hero), Steve's lyrics are as relevant today as they were 25 years ago.

When I encountered Steve Taylor's music in the 1980s, it was a breath of fresh air. This album captures the energy and creativity of a great artist and a great Christian.

If you want to know what good and excellent music was like in the 80's you should by this CD, one of the best Christian artist of all times. They don't make music like this anymore, the only one who comes close is TobyMac. This is great music that is timeless. Buy it.