Description
It’s a Dying World is the fourth studio album by the American singer and songwriter Steve Camp, released in the UK on Myrrh Records in 1983, a division of Word. (Released in the US as well in late 1984.) The album was recorded by Paul Cobbold at Chapel Lane Studios in Hereford, England; with Steve Camp producing. Mixed in the US by Hank Neuberger and Camp at the Chicago Recording Company. Arranged by Camp and the session band. All songs written by Steve Camp except “Holding On To You” and “You Know What’s Right” co-written with Rob Frazier, as well as “You Comfort Me” written by Dana Key of DeGarmo & Key Band.
On this album, Steve Camp is backed by Britain’s Barratt Band – Norman Barratt on electric guitar, Dave Morris on piano and keyboards, Larry Tomaso on bass, and Russell Caldwell on drums. (Bassist Larry Tomaso – who, alongside guitarist Norman Barratt, had been a part of The Alwyn Wall Band during their 1978 US tour – had replaced the original Barratt Band bassist Tim Hatwell before the recording of It’s a Dying World.)
It’s a Dying World is Steve Camp’s English album, cut virtually live with the Barratt Band while overseas. The result is rawer, simpler, and more direct than anything we’ve ever heard from Camp’s pen, especially on the songs «Holding On To You», «I Don’t Live by Chance», and «Can You Sleep Tonight». It’s a Dying World was actually recorded before last year’s Fire and Ice. «Light Your Candle» is the only cut on both LPs, and the British version is slightly stronger with more emphatic vocal and instrumental arrangements.
The rougher approach doesn’t always mesh with Camp’s vocal strengths, although «You Know What’s Right» is the tightest rock ‘n’ roll thing he’s ever done. The best cuts are two of Camp’s trademark ballads: Dana Key‘s lovely «You Comfort Me» and his own «Man Does Not Live». Both are compelling, lyrically and emotionally, without being frantic. [CCM, April 1985]
Steve Camp’s seventh album was released in 1984 although it had been recorded prior to his previous release ‘Fire And Ice‘. Mentored by Larry Norman, you can hear it in Camp’s vocals and see it on the album cover where he’s dressed in a very Larry leather jacket. Camp’s modus operandi has always been to create spiritually strong music with a clear message and this album is full of strong songs. Recorded at Britain’s Chapel Lane studio and with lashings of high octane guitar from our very own Norman Barratt this offers a combination of guitar-driven rock and ’80s keyboards which work fine although it’s all a bit close to the sound that Larry made his. So, rocking songs like «Can You Sleep Tonight» and «Holding On to You» sound exactly like things that might come off a Larry album in that period. That’s not to say there isn’t plenty to enjoy here! «Don’t Wanna be Friends» is a jerky synth-driven pop rock and the album’s title track is a dramatic portrayal of the disintegration of society. Ultimately, these are challenging songs and catchy rock. [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms, November 2010]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Holding On To You” – 3:43
A2. “Don’t Wanna Be Friends” – 3:18
A3. “It’s A Dying World” – 3:49
A4. “You Comfort Me” – 3:20
A5. “You Know What’s Right” – 3:19
Side Two
B1. “Light Your Candle” – 3:19
B2. “I Don’t Live By Chance” – 3:25
B3. “Tongue Is A Fire” – 5:04
B4. “Can You Sleep Tonight” – 3:53
B5. “Man Does Not Live” – 3:27
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Myrrh Records.
Photos from the It’s a Dying World sessions at Chapel Lane Studios in England, as featured on the album’s lyric sheet. Barratt Band was enlisted as the session band: Norman Barratt (Electric Guitar), Dave Morris (Keyboards), Larry Tomaso (Bass), and Russell Caldwell (Drums).
CREDITS. Produced by Steve Camp. Arranged by Steve Camp and The Barratt Band. Recorded at Chapel Lane Studios, Hereford, England. Engineered by Paul Cobbold. Mixed by Hank Neuberger (Mix-down Engineer) and Steve Camp at the Chicago Recording Company, Studio D. Cover and Sleeve Design and Concept by Camille Brown. Production [Art Direction] by Dlorah L. Abdi. Special Airbrush Effects by Roy Harwood. Photography: [Cover Background And Sleeve Photos] Stephen G.S. Morgan, [Cover People Photos] Phillip Radcliffe. Executive-Producer: Steven C. Wyer.
Musicians: Steve Camp (Acoustic Guitar), Norman Barratt (Electric Guitar), Dave Morris (Keyboards, Piano), Larry Tomaso (Bass), Russell Caldwell (Drums). Backing Vocals: Diane Thiel, Joan Anderson, Steve Camp.
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