Description
Here I Rest My Case is the sophomore and final album by the British rock group The Advocates, released on Dovetail in 1975. The album was recorded by Nic Kinsey at Livingston Studios in New Barnet, England; with John Pantry producing.
The December 1975 issue of the British gospel magazine Buzz announced that Lincoln’s full time music group and Dovetail recording artists The Advocates were calling it a day as they felt the Lord was “directing them into other avenues of Christian ministry.” (Their feelings were correct as The Advocates’ Stuart Bell went on to become a major figure in the UK church as a preacher and author.)
Band member Keith Howard later released a solo album entitled Looking for You, featuring most of his old band.
The group bid adieu to the horns for this fine follow-up platter of melodic British rock, pop and melancholy ballads. Here I Rest My Case seems more cutting-edge than their debut, even though it’s not quite as rowdy overall. Still a couple heavyweight rockers in here: «Criticism» and «The Problem Of Me» both have impressive psych qualities courtesy of the organ and fuzz guitar interaction. «(Nobody Gives Me) Life Like You» has some nice jingle-jangle electric guitar, while «The Leper» recalls the ballads of The Beatles’ Rubber Soul era. Also an a cappella rendition of the hymn «Man Of Sorrows». Saturated with groovy dated pop organ throughout. Somewhat of a concept album, presenting the claims and evidences of the Christian faith through song. Produced by John Pantry. See also Keith Howard & Friends, Live At Spree Album and the EP section. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]
The Advocates are one of Britain’s longest running and most successful Jesus bands. The reasons for their success can be summed up by Ken Oakes of Sweet Spirit (Toronto) who has worked with them. “We really appreciated their ministry,” says Ken. “They were sincere and together. They appeared to be the group that was respected the most.”
“Here I Rest My Case” is their second album. The liner notes say that the concept behind this record is the evidence that they as advocates present to support the claims of Jesus Christ. Some of that evidence is the change that God works in our lives.
The Advocates are a pop group and sound verrry British. Many of the guitar and organ lines here are reminiscent of so many of the best groups from the Beatlemania era of the mid 1960’s. Occassionally the music sounds dated, but for some it may bring back pleasant memories. They use a lot of vocal harmonies which at times gets a little samey. But its all easy, gentle listening. The best cuts are «The Leper» and the title tune. (Dovetail Records, London Bus, Box 16500, Portland OR 97216) [Harmony, Vol 1. No. 4 (1975)]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “(Nobody Gives Me) Life Like You”
A2. “Criticism”
A3. “Rolph’s Song”
A4. “The Leper”
A5. “How Can I Be Sure”
A6. “You Are My Music”
Side Two
B1. “Say One For Me”
B2. “The Problem Of Me”
B3. “Sunshine”
B4. “Man Of Sorrows”
B5. “(Why Not) Meet With Jesus”
B6. “Here I Rest My Case”
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