Description
September First is the sophomore album by the American rock band September, independently released on their own label Sugar Records in 1981. The album was recorded at KBK / Earth City Sound Studios in St. Louis, Missouri; with Wayne Boosahda producing (with production assistance from Dan Peek on tracks B1 and B4). Strings arranged and directed by Fletch Wiley. Featuring a cover of “Hallelujah”, a song written by Bob Wilson and originally recorded on Seawind’s 1977-album, Window of a Child. James Hollihan, guitarist and Russ Taff sideman, is featured on half of the tracks.
Pardon me, but Hallelujah! ‘September First’ (Sugar SRJ-8111) is one of the few “custom” albums to merit plenty of stars; that is, if we had a star-rating system. But we don’t, so they won’t, but they should. Wayne Boosahda has produced one of those two-feet thick albums he’s capable of, bringing on a wall of sound to enhance the excellent lyrical and musical compositions of Russ Kirkland.
‘September First’ is a bit misleading as a title: there was another September album recorded (also on the Sugar label) in 1978. It was much gentler and less elaborate than the new one, but it did show potential in Russ, Dalette and Doug Kirkland. Also in September are Jim Bullard, Doug Flagg and Scott Payne.
«Prelude/Jester», at least the prelude part, is the initial introduction on the album of Dalette’s Sheena Easton-type vocal delivery. Her vocals are impressive throughout the LP. In «Relate It to Me», a new wave commentary on the church trying to draw in rather than reach out, all stops are pulled out for a great rock number as Russ pounds out the vocal lead.
The chilling «Sorry» is an obviously inspired and trenchant composition, delivered very effectively here. The use of a “crowd chorus” instead of just the band or back-up singers brought the point home even more chillingly.
«I Owe You Everything» borrows some riffs from Mangione and Omartian to create a light, breezy theme which lends itself to re-listens. Even «Hallelujah», the Seawind song, is handled well. All in all, one fine album. [Paul Baker, CCM, May 1982]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/september-first-remastered-2025/1845095932)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Prelude/Jester” – 6:07
A2. “Relate It To Me” – 3:23
A3. “Why Did I Wait” – 5:17
A4. “Can’t Be Right” – 4:17
Side Two
B1. “I Owe You Everything” – 3:23
B2. “Sorry” – 4:36
B3. “Empty Love” – 3:52
B4. “Island Song” – 3:29
B5. “Hallelujah” – 3:17
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Sugar Records. Available at: http://www.september-music.com/
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