Ultimate Rock

Description

Ultimate Rock is a multi-artist compilation released on StarSong Records in 1989, distributed by Sparrow/Star Song Distribution. It was followed up by Ultimate Rock 2 released the following year.

All some people need for a song is a good riff. Well here’s a bunch of them. ‘Ultimate Rock’ is a compilation of twelve American bands and solo artists riffing their way through some solid rock gospel. Some of it is pretty heavy, other cuts are lighter, if that’s the phrase for Steve Taylor’s Spector-like wall of sound on «Jim Morrison’s Grave». Mylon and Broken Heart’s track «Remember The Future» stands out for its production and arrangement. Margaret Becker is the only female included, whose song «Start The Fire» blisters its way through its encouraging lyrics with nice rhythm and classy lead guitar work. Mark Farner, one time leader of Grand Funk Railroad, motors on his self-penned tune «Just Another Injustice» which has a sneaky saxophone hidden in the riff. And he’s thought about his lyrics, too. If he had just a bit more treble in his voice it would be top-ho! Note here, the levels on the tracks are not always the same which is a slight problem because this album needs to be played loud. Also, I wondered why there’s not more quality lead guitar playing here. But that’s nit-picking. All some people need is a good riff, and I’m one of them. [Paul Poulton, Cross Rhythms, May 1990]

Ultimate – rock / metal / dance / rap

Remember the time you were watching late night TV and the K-Tel like offer came on – you know, “wouldn’t it be great to have this fabulous collection of (fill in the blank – hits, slow dance songs, classic rock) in your own home? They’re great for parties” – and you thought, “Yeah, I can have all this fabulous (remember, it’s late) music in my own home for one low price. It’d be great for parties.” Well, evidently Dan Hickling (one of the great unsung heros behind the scenes of Christian rock) has had insomnia of late, and the result are these collections of Christian music so you can have all this fabulous (fill in the blank – rock, dance, metal and rap) music in your own home. It’ll be great for parties.

Actually, inspite of some problem with the word “ultimate,” and some occasional arguments with the choices in some of the categories – Petra actually has a song on three of these collections, thank God Bob Hartman doesn’t rap; and who decided the fossilized ones and Mylon & Brokenfoot should be on a dance album?! – this turns out to be a good investment, especially if you’re a relative newcomer to Christian music, or are interested in hearing a good sampling of what’s happening in metal or rap or. . . , but don’t want to buy albums by a half dozen artists without first a look see.

The ‘Ultimate Rock’ and ‘Ultimate Metal’ collections fare best, but we’ve been intentional about both of these forms for some time. ‘Rock’ works the way Christian radio ought to, in fact, in leu of the absence of any substantial Christian rock programming keep the tape near your car stereo and be grateful no stupid dj keeps interrupting the jams. I was especially grateful to see Dave Perkins and Undercover included here, and generally the selections are perfect. It’s great that StarSong didn’t feel a need to deliver a collection from their own label, but went after strong songs, no matter who owned them. Maybe here Geoff Moore and Steve Taylor’s «Jim Morrison’s Grave» will get the exposure they deserve.

‘Metal’ features a previously unreleased track from Messiah Prophet, and here as with Neon Cross, Scarlet Red, Vengeance and Rage of Angels, the choices present these relative newcomers in there best possible selections. Someone did their homework. Consistent from start to finish, perhaps because we all know what “metal” is, but we have more trouble defining “rock,” it’s the best package of the four.

‘Rap’ and ‘Dance’ would have been all but impossible even two years ago, and thus without a broad range of material to choose from are spotty and less than focused. With ‘Rap’ it’s more an issue of quality, and thanks to P.I.D, E.T.W. and J.C. and the Boyz’ recent endeavors things here sound a lot better. It’s also nice to see Stephen Wiley’s 1985 and ’86 efforts given exposure, that was early for Christian music. On the other hand, who ever picked the tracks for ‘Dance’, probably doesn’t. While the remix of Steve Taylor’s «This Disco» works, as do tunes by Adam Again, Bebe and Cece Winans, (surprisingly) Bryan Duncan, and Tim Miner, the rest require a good remixing or elimination.

Now, shouldn’t we save the word “ultimate” for something a little classier than this? [Brian Q. Newcomb, Harvest Rock Syndicate, No. 4, 1989 (Volume 4)]

CD tracklist:

01. Dave Perkins – Revolution (from the album The Innocence, What? Records 1987)
02. Idle Cure – Frontline (from the album Tough Love, Frontline 1988)
03. White Heart – Power Tools (from the album Freedom, Sparrow 1989)
04. Eddie DeGarmo – Heaven’s 911 (from the album Feels Good to Be Forgiven, ForeFront 1988)
05. Geoff Moore & The Distance – Hey Jimmie (from the album Foundations, Sparrow 1989)
06. Mylon & Broken Heart – Remember The Future (from the album Big World, StarSong 1989)
07. Undercover – I’m Just A Man (from the album Branded, Blue Collar 1986)
08. Petra – Stand In The Gap (from the album On Fire!, StarSong 1988)
09. Mastedon – This Is The Day (from the album It’s A Jungle Out There, Regency 1989)
10. Margaret Becker – Start The Fire (from the album The Reckoning, Sparrow 1988)
11. Mark Farner – Just Another Injustice (from the album Just Another Injustice, Frontline 1988)
12. Steve Taylor – Jim Morrison’s Grave (from the album I Predict 1990, Myrrh 1987)

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by StarSong Records.