Description
Alternative Worship: Prayers, Petitions and Praise is a multi-artist project released on Alarma Records in 1994, a division of Frontline Music Group. It’s written and recorded by Terry Scott Taylor, Michael Knott, and Gene Eugene of Adam Again, three of Christian Alternative Music’s Patriarchs.
This production team was also central in the recording of Brow Beat: Unplugged Alternative (Alarma Records 1993) and the follow-up album entitled Browbeats presents: Wither Wing (KMG Records 1998).
Those familiar with Mike Knott’s work would know not to expect another vanilla-flavored worship album from this project. A virtual all-star team came together to make this album, featuring Gene Eugene of Adam Again and Terry Taylor of Daniel Amos. The album does not fail to deliver, either – simple honesty, lyrics that are insightful instead of clichéd, and a humble attitude make this album stand out from worship albums mass-manufactured by labels like Maranatha and Integrity and even from similar contemporary attempts at making worship more honest and less cliched and boring. Musically, the album is impeccable (except for the forgettable «Lamb of God», written and sung by background player R. Hammond). Gene Eugene’s elegant piano playing graces most of the songs and gives the album a sparkle that elevates the songs even further beyond the ordinary. The album’s most penetrating moment is during «Call on You», a moody piece on which Knott sings of his troubles and hopes. This song is also representative in the sense that Knott is unflinching about his “misused avenues” and “strength I can’t influence right,” without trying to present the entire gospel in one song. [Christopher Anderson, AMG]
PROMO, LP/CD Re-issue, Retroactive Records 2024
A brilliant release that leans heavily on how weary we can find ourselves, but hope still shines through in the midst of our deepest darkness. All but one song is penned by Michael Knott (LSU, Aunt Betty’s, Lifesavers, etc). It starts off strong with the first 3 tracks, driven by guitars, drums, bass, and piano. «On My Feet Again» is sung by Terry Scott Taylor of Daniel Amos with a nod to Spandau Ballet’s «True» with the way the “high high high high” chorus part is executed. One of the many highlights is «Window», performed by Gene Eugene (R.I.P.) from Adam Again. Although written by Knott, it can easily mingle with some of the high points on Homeboys, Dig, or Perfecta, musically and lyrically. Gene Eugene is soulful with not just vocals but in his piano playing as well. «River of Love» is pure, unadulterated brilliance – sung by Knott – and carries a sense of frustration (“sick of empty banks, tanks, and pockets”) mixed with worshipful longing (“pour me a bucket from your river of love”). Again, Eugene’s piano playing is sublime and Knott has rarely sounded so convincingly vulnerable as he does here. This release feels like a necessary companion to the Brow Beat releases (Alarma Records as well) featuring much of the same cast. Alternative Worship is one of those releases worthy of repeated spins, because the music moves you deeply and it always seems to find a way to feed the soul. That is a rare find. If you are a fan of the music of Michael Knott, Terry Scott Taylor, or Gene Eugene this is essential. Mastered for Vinyl by Rob Colwell (Sixpence, Mad At the World, Deliverance), and comes with a 12×12 lyrics insert. Vinyl limited to just 200 copies.
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/alternative-worship-prayers-petitions-and-praise/390293339)
CD tracklist:
01. On My Feet Again – 3:57
02. Window – 3:19
03. River Of Love – 3:54
04. Simple Man – 3:24
05. Everything For Stormie – 3:27
06. Shine – 2:56
07. Call On You – 2:02
08. Never Forsaken – 2:56
09. Lamb Of God – 1:52
10. Holy Holy Holy – 2:10
11. Within – 3:15
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Alarma Records. Remastered by Rob Colwell and re-issued on Limited Edition 12-inch vinyl LP by Retroactive Records/Limited Run Vinyl in 2024, pressed on New Red Vinyl (Limited to 200 copies). Also re-issued on CD (housed in a 6-panel wallet with lyrics, limited to just 300 copies).
Alternative Worship: Prayers, Petitions and Praise, Remastered and pressed on New Red Vinyl, Retroactive Records, 2024
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