Description
Kamikaze Christian is the sophomore album by the American singer/songwriter Rob Cassels, and his first credited The Rob Cassels Band, released on Morada Records in 1983. The album was recorded and mixed by David Floyd at Sandcastle Recording Studios in Greenville, South Carolina; with Rick Sandidge producing. All songs written by Rob Cassels, except “God Is Standing By” written by J. Taylor.
‘Kamikaze Christian’ marks the first record by the Rob Cassels Band (Cassels released a solo LP in 1980). It’s full of southern boogie music as well as a few good r&b tunes thrown in for good measure.
There are several surprises on this album. First of all, Steve Morse, former guitarist for the Dregs and considered by many to be one of the best guitarists in the world, makes a guest appearance. His guitar work adds a dynamic musical dimension to the record. The second big surprise is Cassels’ humor. Consider a lyric from «Rebel Yell»: “Trust in your riches/ Your gonna lose your britches/ In the next life.”
Side one of this album is southern boogie from start to finish. «You Think I’m Crazy» opens the album; its energy and groove instantly bring to mind The Dregs with vocals. The side also includes «Rebel Yell». Finishing up side one is the title cut, a warning to those who take the semi-antiomian view that you can sin with your friends as long as you lead them to Christ.
Side two is full of r&b tunes heavily flavored with a gospel feel. The best songs on this side are «God Is Standing By» with a great sax solo and «You Don’t Know», a bluesy gospel song. The only real ballad in the album is the tribute to the children, «The Heritage of the Lord».
‘Kamikaze Christian’ has a good energy level and should delight most rock music fans. [Devlin Donaldson, CCM, July 1984]
> Apple Music (Anthology: https://music.apple.com/us/album/rob-cassels-band-classics-anthology/353833161)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “You Think I’m Crazy” – 3:47
A2. “So Safe In You” – 3:19
A3. “I Am So Happy” – 3:29
A4. “Rebel Yell” – 2:52
A5. “Kamikaze Christian” – 3:50
Side Two
B1. “Hermit Man” – 3:44
B2. “Heritage Of The Lord” – 3:33
B3. “God Is Standing By” – 4:52
B4. “You Don’t Know” – 3:16
B5. “He’s Everywhere” – 3:14
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Morada Records. The album track “You Think I’m Crazy” was released as a 7-inch vinyl single by Morada Records in 1984 (MZS 156). Remastered and re-issued on CD by Girder Records in 2023 as a part of the 3-CD set Storming the Cassels Gate (limited to 500 copies). Available at Bandcamp: https://robcassels.bandcamp.com/album/kamikaze-christian
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