Under the Sun

Description

Under the Sun is a double disc album by the American singer and songwriter Chris Taylor of Love Coma fame, independently released on Eternal Gypsy Music in 2004. The album was recorded at Cactus Country Studios in December 2003 and January 2004, mostly live and unrehearsed, with Chris Taylor producing. Mixed by Chris Taylor and Tony Franckowiak.

This album was recorded live and unrehearsed by a scattered group of musical friends and acquaintances near the end of 2003. I was dipping my toes into blues music and gospel music but still firmly rooted in rock and roll… I had one group of musicians learning a song in one room while the other group was recording a song they never played before. It was a grand madness. – Chris Taylor

A few years ago, Chris Taylor was voted “artist most likely to.” but never managed to match the potential with the record sales either as a solo artist or as a member of the obscure but influential Love Coma. This is a shame because quite frankly, he is brilliant! Are the ears of American Christian music fans painted on? Because how have they missed this talent. Oh well, let me stop griping and instead enthuse about ‘Under The Sun’, a double CD’s worth of Taylor’s recent music recorded in an old fashioned garage fashion, set up the instruments, gather the musicians and rock out in organic fashion. In places this rocks and elsewhere there are elements of Americana that kick in for the quieter songs. I guess the lack of a Nashville deal has meant that he’s been able to continue making interesting music. It’s about 30 songs and a couple of hours long so let me pick a few highlights! There’s the bouncy rock of «God’s Telephone Number» (admit it, it’s a great song title!) which sounds like it could have been plucked from one of his cool kids’ albums. Then at the other extreme there’s the slow mellow acoustic «Sick & Tired Of Sick & Tired» where he vents a few frustrations without getting maudlin. The first CD closes with the re-working of «Amazing Grace» to the tune of «House Of The Rising Sun» (ala Blind Boys Of Alabama) and also features psalm like songs like «Radiate» and «You Are The Song». Ultimately as a lyricist and singer, Chris Taylor stands out from the crowd and he’s waiting for you to discover just how incredible he is! [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms, December 2004]

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2CD tracklist:

Disc One

1-01. Under The Sun
1-02. You Are The Song
1-03. Dear Soul
1-04. Help Me Hold On Lord
1-05. Radiate
1-06. Everlasting Arms
1-07. Lost?
1-08. Water Of The Word
1-09. Joy On The Inside (Let Heaven Roll)
1-10. Now That You’re Gone…
1-11. Christmas Morning
1-12. Cast Your Sweet Light On Me
1-13. Just Like A Melody
1-14. Whatever Your Cross
1-15. Amazing Grace

Disc Two

2-01. Under The Sun
2-02. Sick & Tired Of Sick & Tired
2-03. Hymn Of Jubilation
2-04. Psalm 104 / Isaiah’s Song
2-05. Faith Comes First
2-06. Seek Me, Find Me
2-07. All The Days
2-08. God’s Telephone Number
2-09. Ordinary Day
2-10. One Man’s Prayer
2-11. The Things We Say
2-12. 300 Nights Away
2-13. Spirit And Truth
2-14. Dear Soul (Acoustic Band)
2-15. I Will Be Still
2-16. Hymn Of Jubilation (Solo)

Note: Available at Bandcamp: https://christaylor.bandcamp.com/album/under-the-sun-studio-sessions-2004