Living on the Edge

Description

Living on the Edge is the sole album by the American singer and songwriter Tom Karlson, released on StarSong Records in 1980. The album was produced and recorded by Brian Tankersley at Rivendell Sound Recorders in Pasadena, Texas; and at Smoketree Studios in Chatsworth, California. Mixed at Rivendell Sound Recorders. Tracks arranged by Benny Hester. All songs written by Tom Karlson.

Featuring Tom Karlson on acoustic guitar and vocals, backed by a session band consisting of Jeff Lams (of Benny Hester Band) on keyboards and Paul Mills on synthesizer; John Wickham (of The Way and Parable fame), Jerry McPherson, and Brian Tankersley on electric guitar; Gary Arthur (of The Way and Parable fame) on bass; and John Parenti (of Benny Hester Band) on drums; with Bobby Walzel sitting in on saxophone. Background vocals provided by Benny Hester, Rick Crawford, Bubba Chambers (of Hope of Glory fame), and Brian Tankersley.

LIVING ON THE EDGE – Tom Karlson – Star Song SSR-0021 – Producer: Brian Tankersley – List: 8.98

Karlson makes his point through solid songwriting, superb musicianship and a rock arrangement straightforward enough to please any rock ‘n’ roll palate. Contemporary Christian artists are making great strides in the marketplace by releasing consistently first class product. Karlson’s album should further this forward movement. Particularly note «Look For Love (The Best Love)» and the title track. [Cash Box Album Reviews / Gospel, CashBox, Vol. XLII – No. 20 / September 27, 1980]

There’s some fairly rockin’ and rollin’ stuff driving lead guitar on this overlooked Star Song release. Sort of in the Stonehill and Norman camp, maybe not quite as down to earth due to bigger production and synths, organ, piano, sax, some strings, etc., plus a couple sanitized ballads, all adding up to that ’80s Christian rock sound. The loud stuff kicks pretty solid, though, especially «Take ‘Em», «Look For Love (The Best Love)» and the boogie-rockin’ «Right Thru The Heart» – air guitar city! Tom on vocals and acoustic guitar, assisted by several musicians and backup singers, including Benny Hester, Brian Tankersley and The Way’s Gary Arthur and John Wickham. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th Edition]

Though his instrument is the acoustic guitar, Tom Karlson’s debut album is typified by electric instrumentation. Karlson’s tracks were arranged by Benny Hester, who stopped short of power chords and ‘heavy metal,’ but came up with some thunder nonetheless.

Karlson penned each of the tunes, several of which are directed at unbelievers. He also deals with issues such as spiritual selfishness, materialism and hedonism. Most of the vocals on the album have been doubled, and Karlson’s somewhat limited vocal range detracts from the potential some of these tunes have. But the band is tight and producer/engineer Brian Tankersley has done another quality job in the studio. (Best cuts: «Yesterday, Today, Forever», «Take ‘Em», «If I Love You».) [CCM (Records – What’s New), October 1980]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Take ‘Em” – 3:52
A2. “Questions” – 3:53
A3. “Look For Love (The Best Love)” – 4:07
A4. “Yesterday, Today, Forever” – 4:54

Side Two
B1. “Living On The Edge” – 3:40
B2. “Service To The Son” – 3:24
B3. “Dead End Street” – 3:55
B4. “If I Love You” – 3:18
B5. “Right Through The Heart” – 3:21

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by StarSong Records.

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