Description
…The Angels Come is the sole album by the British-American pop/rock band ‘Ark, released on Spirit Records in 1979, distributed by Sparrow Records. The album was produced and recorded by band member Al Perkins at the Soundcastle in Hollywood, California. Featuring the two British singers and songwriters Dave Kelly and Derek Jeffery on rhythm guitars and vocals, Al Perkins on lead guitar, and a rhythm section consisting of David MacKay on bass and James Kehn on drums and percussion. All songs co-written by Dave Kelly and Derek Jeffery.
…the Angels Come was named one of Campus Life‘s Top Records of 1979, included on a list featuring six albums released during the last year (published in the November 1979 issue of the magazine). – Recapturing the 60’s is in musical vogue right now for many of the “new wave” groups. Ark isn’t exactly “new wave,” but they aren’t old hat either. Their music is a close blend of early 60’s sounds from a number of influences: the Byrds, Everly Brothers, Dave Clark Five and the rest of the British Invasion. However, the songs aren’t just 60’s ripoffs. Instead, they’re a fond look back at a time that produced some very good-natured, infectious music. Outfitted with a new message (not to mention a whole new audience grown up), the easy pop style proves quite durable and as much fun as ever.”
The band irresistibly blended British pop and rock with ’60s sounds. Despite Campus Crusade Magazine including The Angels Come among their Top Records of the Year, Christian and mainstream radio completely ignored the album. Their label, Spirit Records (which also released Benny Hester’s self-titled, sophomore album), went bankrupt a few months after the album’s release and ‘Ark became a footnote in Christian music history. Band member Dave Kelly later released a solo album entitled Crowning of a Simple Man on the Pilgrim America label (backed by Bob Dylan’s live band ca 1980).
The album track “Hold Me Tonight” was as well featured on Sparrow Spotlight Sampler, a multi-artist compilation released by Sparrow Records in 1978.
Flash-backs to 1965 Beatles plus a touch of the spirit of ‘70s punky pop led at least one magazine to declare this the first Christian new wave LP. Yeah I can buy that sort of. «Birthsong» for example has a smackerel of a homogenized Knack and «Don’t Look Now» has that spunky ska organ routine that typified the genre. Perhaps more aptly called a retrospective pop LP – and a fun one at that, kind of like Phil Keaggy and Sunday’s Child. Several ballads, sometimes with a flash of Everly Brothers. And of course the obligatory CCM picks. Al Perkins produced. [Ken Scott, The Archivist]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Hold Me Tonight” – 2:25
A2. “Birthsong” – 2:35
A3. “For All You Know” – 3:25
A4. “A Place For Love” – 2:56
A5. “Hungry World” – 3:03
Side Two
B1. “Don’t Look Now” – 4:02
B2. “All To Pieces” – 2:28
B3. “Standing At The Door” – 2:23
B4. “Arms Of The Lord” – 3:25
B5. “Why?” – 2:40
Note: Simultaneously released on 8-track tape, cassette, and 12-inch vinyl LP by Spirit Records. Available at Bandcamp: https://arktherockband.bandcamp.com/album/ark-the-angels-come
… the Angels Come Album Sampler
The November/December 2013 issue of Christian Musician magazine featured a cover story on Dave Kelly.
The January/February 2013 issue of Christian Musician magazine featured a cover story on Al Perkins.
Truetone Lounge, October 2015. Al Perkins sits down with Truetone’s Zac Childs (also the “Ask Zac” columnist for Vintage Guitar Magazine) for a casual and informative chat with Al about his life, career, and tools of his craft.
CREDITS. Produced by Al Perkins. Recorded at the Soundcastle in Hollywood, CA. Engineered by Al Perkins. Mastered by Harold Linstrot at ABC Records. Greg Nelson: Orchestra Arranger and Conductor. Photography by Gary Heery. Design by Stan Evenson and Lynn Robb. All songs co-written by Dave Kelly and Derek Jeffery except track A2 co-written by Paul Bolland and Dave Kelly. Grateful Appreciation to: Ray Nenow, Greg Nelson, Rick Donaldson, Bob Rissi, Tom Ridgway, Buddy King. Guitars by Rickenbacker. Amplifiers by Risson.
Musicians: Dave Kelly (Vocals, Rhythm Guitar), Derek Jeffery (Vocals, Rhythm Guitar), Al Perkins (Lead Guitar), David MacKay (Bass), James Kehn (Vocals, Drums, Percussion). Guest Performances: Greg Nelson (Piano on track B4), Jay Larremore (Organ on track B1). Special thanks to the Edinburgh Symphony.
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