Description
Stereotype Be is the solo debut album by the American singer and songwriter Kevin Max of dc Talk fame, released on ForeFront Records in August 2001, distributed by Chordant Distribution Group. The album was recorded by J.R. McNeely and Ken Latchney at Ocean Way Recording in Nashville and at The Bennett House and Sound Kitchen in Franklin, Tennessee; and as well at Royaltone Studios and Channel-Land Studio in Los Angeles, California; with Adrian Belew and Kevin Max producing. Mixed by McNeely at Ocean Way Recording and Royaltone Studios in Los Angeles. The album was mastered by the legendary mastering engineer Ted Jensen, who was literally working on Stereotype Be back to back against the latest Madonna album at the time.
Featuring Adrian Belew on guitars as well as a rhythm section consisting of Tony Levin and Matt Chamberlin on bass and drums respectively. “On And On” features Larry Norman on backing vocals and mouth harp.
The release of this project from Kevin Max is the second of a trio of solo albums expected from the members of dc talk due out before the end of the year. I have been waiting for a solo project from this guy since he recorded the song «Lonely Moon» on the Mark Heard tribute album a number of years ago. dc talk is good at what they do, but I always wondered if these guys could cut it on their own The answer from Mr. Max is a resounding “YES!” Kevin wrote or co-wrote all of the songs on the album and there is not a dud amongst them. The album was produced by Kevin and Adrian Belew and is first rate all around. The players on the album include Matt Chamberlain, William Owsley, Tony Levin and the aforementioned Adrian Belew. Excellent top notch players all around and there is even some talk of some uncredited support by a certain guitar player who has helped out Iona occasionally (you’ll have to figure it out on your own though).
Musically, the album reminds me of latter day Beatles with some King Crimson thrown in for good measure. Add a touch of The Monkees and what you have is one first class album. Because this is being released in the CBA marketplace, however, it will probably be overlooked by the Grammys. If this album doesn’t win this kid Male Vocalist of the Year at the 2002 Dove Awards, however, then the GMA needs to fold up and go home. Each of the guys from dc talk is being given a slot to strut their stuff on the current dc talk tour. I would rather see this album played in a smaller venue, though, where you can really appreciate the intricacies of the music. There are two spoken pieces on the disc which make me wish that the EP which Kevin did a number of years ago with Jimmy A. would be released on CD. I have been assured, by the way, that the back masking on the second spoken piece is a joke of Kevin’s and not record company censorship. If you are a fan of good thoughtful and intelligent music then run, don’t walk to get Stereotype Be. It will be quite a while before this one comes out of my CD player. [Chris MacIntosh aka Grandfather Rock, The Phantom Tollbooth, 8/24/2001]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/stereotype-be/725840256)
CD tracklist:
01. Return Of The Singer – 3:50
02. Existence – 4:14
03. Be – 3:48
04. Angel With No Wings – 4:23
05. Shaping Space – 4:01
06. Dead End Moon – 5:32
07. Union Of The Soul – 1:16
08. The Secret Circle – 3:56
09. I Don’t Belong – 3:33
10. Blind – 5:19
11. On And On – 4:20
12. Her Game – 4:08
13. Deconstructing Venus – 5:12
14.1 I Went Over The Edge Of The World – 7:35
14.2 Untitled – 4:28
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by ForeFront Records. Track 14 contains a hidden track at about 3:08. Later re-issued on 12-inch vinyl double LP.
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