Description
Before the Lord is the debut album by the American folk duo Shiloh (Dennis McIntosh and Mike Kelley), originally released on Adriel Records in February 1974 and subsequently released by Sonburst Records (SBR 101). The album was produced and engineered by Paul Weaver at Accurate Sound Studios in Redwood City, California; with band member Dennis McIntosh co-producing. All songs written by Denes McIntosh or Mike Kelley.
Shiloh is the duo of Mike Kelley and Dennis MacIntosh. Before The Lord has a refreshingly simple unencumbered format that avoids the clutter of numerous musicians. Most of the time the only folks backing the duo’s acoustic guitars are Rich Martin (bass and additional guitar) and Rosemary Kelley (vocal harmony), allowing the harmonies and acoustic guitar work to take prominence. Sneaking in occasionally are piano, percussion, harmonica, and violin. The typical Shiloh song is a country-flavored acoustic finger-picked tune with a somewhat sad quality and quiet yet urgent pleading vocals. «Touch Me» and «Song To God» reflect their somber trademark ballads style, but the guys sound just as much at home on laidback rural strollers («Hallelujah», «Jesus Is Coming Again»), as well as the more upbeat «Jesus Never Fails» and «He Treats Me Good». Mostly an acoustic emphasis, although some electric guitar turns up in spots. The original Adriel press has a tan border around the cover photo, while the 1976 Sonburst issue (SBR 101) has a black border and different graphics. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th Edition]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “This Man Jesus” – 4:00
A2. “New Life” – 2:53
A3. “I Know You Lord” – 5:11
A4. “Jesus Never Fails” – 3:03
A5. “Touch Me” – 4:28
Side Two
B1. “Halleluiah” – 2:55
B2. “A New Day” – 5:13
B3. “He Treats Me Good” – 2:18
B4. “Song To God” – 5:30
B5. “Jesus Is Coming Again” – 4:10
Note: Available at Bandcamp: https://denesmcintosh-theoldcoyote.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-lord
