Kingdom in the Streets

Description

Kingdom in the Streets is an album by the American singer, songwriter, and keyboardist Ken Medema, released on Word Records in 1981. Tracks A1, A3, B2, and B4 were recorded by Brian Tankersley and Paul Mills at Rivendell Sound Recorders in Pasadena, Texas. Arranged by Fletch Wiley and sweetened at Sumet Sound Studios in Dallas, Texas; with John Mayfield engineering. Tracks A2 and B3 were recorded by Mayfield at Sumet Sound Studios. Arranged by Bill Pursell and sweetened at Abby Road Studios in London, England; with Eric Tomlinson engineering. Tracks A4 and B1 were recorded by Phil York at Autumn Sound Studios in Garland, Texas. Arranged by Pursell and sweetened at Abby Road Studios with Tomlinson engineering. The album was produced by Kurt Kaiser.

This is a theme album for sure and in some ways I am thinking it may be counted by me as my best ever. The songs overflow with a passionate longing for a world, a nation, and a church where the great gaps between rich and poor, haves and have nots, privileged and rejected can begin to disappear. The title song tells, in allegorical terms, the story of the Christ who comes to turn everything upside-down. You can tell just by the titles where I am headed in this project, «By the Waters of Luxury», «Barn Builder», «Corner Drug Store Jesus» and they go on. In these songs it has always been my dream to hold before us a people of faith and as citizens of the world our best dreams of the people we want to be. [Ken Medema]

KINGDOM IN THE STREETS – Ken Medema – Word WSB 8776 – Producer: Kurt Kaiser – List: 7.98

Medema’s role as an innovative contemporary Christian artist is broadened on this album with 10 self-penned tunes that challenge modern problems. One of the strongest messages comes in «Corner Drugstore Jesus», which questions those who seek happiness through drugs. Medema’s hard hitting lyrics are strengthened by driving rhythm tracks and tight production throughout. [CashBox, Vol. XLII – No. 46 / April 4, 1981 (Gospel Reviews section)]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Don’t Tell Me” – 4:13
A2. “Is There A Place For Dreaming?” – 5:44
A3. “Those Love Songs” – 3:13
A4. “I Saw You” – 4:18

Side Two
B1. “Kingdom In The Streets” – 6:47
B2. “Barn Builder” – 3:13
B3. “By The Waters Of Luxury” – 4:30
B4. “Corner Drugstore Jesus” – 5:48

Note: Simultaneously released on 8-track tape, cassette, and 12-inch vinyl LP by Word Records.