Description
Songs of the Heart is the twelfth studio album by the American alternative rock band Daniel Amos, released on Brainstorm Artists International in late 1995, distributed by Diamante Music Group. The album was recorded by band member Terry Taylor and Gene Eugene of Adam Again fame at The Green Room in Huntington Beach, California; with Taylor and the band producing for Stunt Productions. Mixed by Eugene at The Green Room and as well at The Mixing Lab in Garden Grove, California.
Songs of the Heart marked the twentieth anniversary of Daniel Amos. The album’s concept is a musical journey down legendary Route 66 with the fictional couple Bud & Irma Akendorf. This concept was partially conceived after discovering a vinyl LP hanging on the wall of their rehearsal hall featuring an elderly couple pictured in Oak Creek Canyon. The LP, entitled “Songs of the Heart”, was an album by a singing gospel duo by the name of Bob and Elsa Beckendorf released in the early 1960s. Daniel Amos, inspired by the old album cover, decided to explore the lives of a fictional couple, named Bud and Irma Ackendorf. The CD cover of Daniel Amos’ Songs of the Heart actually is an exact replica of the original LP sleeve by the Beckendorfs, only with the artist name replaced. In an interesting turn of events, it turned out that the Beckendorfs were from Sedona, Arizona – which happened to be the real life home of Terry Taylor’s paternal grandparents, Daniel Amos’ frontman and principal songwriter.
Songs of the Heart is ostensibly a “concept album,” the story of Bud and Irma Akendorf (the elderly couple pictured on the front cover). The back cover liner notes purport to tell Bud and Irma’s story, as they reminisce about how they met, while on their first vacation after Bud’s retirement. The songs outline the various adventures the Akendorfs have on their vacation with liner note exposition neatly tying the tracks together.
But, however tongue-in-cheek the storyline may be, the songs are no joke. An inspired version of the pop classic «Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You» leads off the disc; it is, of course, about Bud and Irma’s courtship. Naturally, quirkier fare follows, such as «Uneasy Lies the Head of the Confidence Man» and «Donna Nietzsche and her Super-Race of Kick-Boxing über Parrots». When you look beyond the nonsensical nature of such titles and into the lyrics, you realize Terry Taylor is just revisiting one of his favorite themes-the “flim flam” aspects of modern religion. As Bud and Irma look back to simpler days, «When Everyone Wore Hats», Bud senses that he’s being called home to heaven. «My Hand to God», the uncharacteristically sentimental closer, finds Bud promising to wait for his beloved “beyond the dark gate.” Though Taylor has lost a bit of his vocal range, Songs of the Heart never lacks in lyrical imagination or musical execution. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, November 1995]
‘Songs Of The Heart’ can best be described as another concept album purporting to be the story of Bud and Irma Akendorf and various encounters/discussions which take place. Recorded in 1995, lyrically and musically this is more akin to the ‘Alarma Chronicles’ than other ’90s recordings with plenty of quirky Jerry Chamberlain guitar and those brilliant vocal harmonies lo keep every fan happy. There’s also the opportunity to spend plenty of time pondering what Taylor is getting at! Oblique, searching, interesting, challenging and creative. Daniel Amos continues to deliver the most enigmatic music in Christendom and in Terry Taylor they possess one of the finest songwriters. The blink-and-you-miss-it «Turn This Off» and the wonderful «Sins Of The Fathers» are fine examples of an on form DA. If Terry Taylor was ever asked to write a Bond theme it would sound like «Loveland». Finally, only Taylor could pen a song with the title «Donna Nietche And Her Super Race Of Kick Boxing Uber Parrots». Surely the wackiest title ever for a song by a Christian artist, unless you know better! [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms, 1996]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/songs-of-the-heart/597105183)
CD tracklist:
01. Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You – 4:57
02. The Glory Road – 3:21
03. Get Into The Bus, Aloha – 2:32
04. Evangeline – 3:28
05. Uneasy Lies The Head Of The Confidence Man – 4:39
06. The Organ Bar – 3:56
07. Donna Nietche And Her Super Race Of Kick Boxing Über Parrots – 1:15
08. Our Night To Howl, Time To Go Dancing – 2:35
09. Sins Of The Fathers – 3:50
10. Turn This Off – 1:04
11. Loveland – 4:12
12. When Everyone Wore Hats – 5:27
13. My Hand To God – 3:50
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Brainstorm. Songs of the Heart was later re-envisioned in the form of a 3-CD book set, entitled When Everyone Wore Hats. “Hats” included the entire original release plus the entire album rerecorded as an acoustic coffeehouse band, three bonus tracks, an interview about the album, new photos, liner notes and a short story by Terry Taylor.
A 1995 advertisement for new album releases on the Brainstorm label, including Perfecta by Adam Again, Songs of the Heart by Daniel Amos, and Huntington Beach by Lifesavers.
Lost Dogs – “Glory Road”, Live
Bud and Irma Ackendorf are pictured in the front cover close to their home in beautiful Oak Creek Canyon tucked away in the tall pines of northern Arizona. Surrounding the picturesque western village of Sedona these soaring red sentinels of ageless sandstone guarding the quiet waters of Oak Creek are a constant reminder of the mighty, creative hand of God. In such settings, these “Songs of the Heart” seem to rise unbidden. Daniel Amos tells the story of Bud and Irma – their memories, joys, sorrows, pains, sufferings, dreams and unrealized expectations… and above all, their enduring faith and love. Here in this musical “film”, we may find parallels to our own lives and discover our personal song of the heart. It is to this hope, and the memory of Bud and Irma we dedicate this recording. [Album liner notes printed on the back of the CD]
Album tracklist:
01. «Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You» … We look back to the time when Bud first fell in love with Irma
02. «The Glory Road» … Bud, now retired, takes Irma on vacation
03. «Get Into The Bus, Aloha» … The Akendorf’s witness a strange occurence at a rest stop
04. «Evangeline» … The Akendorf’s get a surprise when they visit a Faith Healer out of curiosity
05. «Uneasy Liews The Head Of The Confidence Man» … Bud and Irma discuss faith and flim-flam
06. «The Organ Bar» … Meanwhile, in L.A., we encounter a mysterious stranger
07. «Donna Nietche And Her Super-Race Of Kick-Boxing Über-Parrots» … The mysterious stranger offers us a questionable proposition
08. «Our Night To Howl, Time To Go Dancing» … Bud gets frisky
09. «Sins Of The Fathers» … Back home, Bud has coffee at his favorite diner and is tempted to offer some words of wisdom
10. «Turn This Off» … Bud complains about today’s music and the state of the world
11. «Loveland» … Relieved to be back home, the Akendorf’s find a better view of the world from their love seat
12. «When Everyone Wore Hats» … The Akendorf’s reminisce
13. «My Hand To God» … The mysterious stranger reappears as Bud says his last goodbye to Irma
CREDITS. Produced by Terry Taylor and Daniel Amos for Stunt Productions. Executive Producers: Ojo Taylor and Gene Eugene. Engineered by Terry Taylor and Gene Eugene. Rcorded at The Green Room, Huntington Beach, CA. Additional recording at Desert Moon, Anaheim, CA. Mixed by Eugene at The Green Room and at The Mixing Lab, Garden Grove, California. Cover Photo by George Jordan. Art Direction and Layout by Ed McTaggart at The Color Edge, Costa Mesa, CA, and Tom Gulotta at Patton Brothers, San Diego, CA. Lyrics by Terry Taylor. Music by Daniel Amos except “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” by Gaudio/Crewe. This album is dedicated to the memory of Bud and Irma Akendorf. On this, the twentieth anniversary of Daniel Amos, we would like to thank God, our family, friends, and fans for their support and love. Lord willing, we’ll do another twenty. Love you.
Musicians: Daniel Amos is – Terry Taylor (Vocals, Guitar), Greg Flesch (Organ, Accordion, Guitar), Jerry Chamberlain (Guitar), Tim Chandler (Bass, Guitar, Trombone), Ed McTaggart (Drums, Percussion). Guest Musician: Gene Eugene (Keyboards).
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