Mountain in the Sky

Description

The self-titled debut album by the American rock band Vision was independently released by the band in 1984. The album was re-issued on CD by Born Twice Records in 2010, re-titled Mountain in the Sky to avoid confusion with the band’s second release which was also self-titled. Featuring two former members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Billy Powell and Leon Wilkeson on piano and bass respectively.

Originally recorded in 1984 and independently released as their first self-titled, this classic Christian rock album has finally been officially released on CD. The album was renamed ‘Mountain in the Sky’, presumably to avoid confusion with the band’s second album, which was also self titled and originally released on Heartland Records. (That album has also been released on Born Twice Records) Vision’s big claim to fame was that it included two members of Lynyrd Skynyrd that survived the plane crash the effectively ended the original run of Lynyrd Skynyrd. However, Vision is fronted by guitarist and vocalist Rocco Marshall , who is also the band’s main songwriter.

‘Mountain in the Sky’ was said to be recorded on a shoe-string budget. According to the liner notes, the band recorded this album at Pat Travers’ studio. I would imagine that Traver’s would have had much to admire about this album as this is guitar heavy rock and roll. With two Skynyrd members in the fold, Vision are often labeled a Southern rock band. While those influences are most certainly present on this album, ‘Mountain in the Sky’ is actually a straight forward hard rock album with some progressive influences. The opening track here is jaw dropping. The seven minute long track is a lush, progressive rock song featuring outstanding piano work that interplays with some Charlie Daniel’s inspired fiddle playing. The vocals on this song, and throughout the album are velvety smooth and lend themselves well to the style. Frankly, this song alone is worth the price of admission. However, there are eight other tracks to feast upon as well. «Coming Soon» is a catchy, straight forward, guitar heavy, rocker that would not have been out of place on a Pat Travers or Rick Derringer record. The song has some surprises as well, as it includes a Jethro Tull inspired flute solo. «Old Man» is a hooky rock and roll track that has striking similarities to Triumph’s «Hold On». «Standing in the Light» is a rock and roll worship song. The song, like the opening track, is slightly progressive and dynamic.

While the album was recorded in 1984, the sound here is clearly culled from the classic 1970’s. Comparisons to Kansas, Triumph, Pat Travers, Rick Derringer and A.D. wouldn’t be far off. The recording itself also has a more 70’s feel, which is a good thing. Many 80’s albums were so slickly produced that they stripped the rock and roll right out of the band. That’s is not the case here. ‘Mountains in the Sky’ has a raw rock and roll sound, yet it still sound quite good. Having never heard the original vinyl record, I can’t compare this digitally remastered version, but I would assume that the CD retains that raw feel while making the overall sound more clear.

‘Mountain in the Sky’ is a gem of a record and it’s about time that it has been made readily available for the public. The 2010 Born Twice Records reissue contains updated artwork, rare live photos, and liner notes by guitarist Rocco Marshall and HM Magazine editor Doug Van Pelt. The album is completely remastered and contains testimonies from both Billy Powell and Leon Wilkenson. Both Powell and Wilkenson have since passed into eternity. Leon Russell Wilkeson (April 2, 1952) passed away from liver disease on 27 July 2001. William Norris “Billy” Powell (June 3, 1952) passed away on January 28, 2009 of apparent heart attack. As such, this long overdue reissue makes for a nice tribute to two talented musicians, as well as a very under appreciated band. [nolifetilmetal.com]

Girder Music Promo, 2021

Billy Powell (Lynyrd Skynyrd) played with Vision after the band signed with Heartland Records for a sophomore self-titled release in 1985. Five tracks from the debut would be completely re-recorded from the ground up, with significant differences in arrangement and production now that they were with a major label. Five other newly penned songs were also recorded, one of which was the anthemic «Standing On the Rock» which Heaven’s Metal Magazine editor Doug Van Pelt would go on to claim was, “one of the absolute best Christian rock songs of the era.” Powell’s keyboards, which made Skynyrd’s sound one of the most distinctive in rock and roll history, help Vision’s sound resonate with power and authority. Marshall’s crystal-clear rock voice (a la Steve Perry or Dennis DeYoung) brings clarity to a powerful message that continues to inspire and move people today. Vision put together all the necessities of a truly great rock band, combining elements of art rock with solid guitar-driven stadium rock. Marshall and company created a unique sound all their own that still sounds good 25+ years after it was first recorded! With prime riff-rockers from start to finish, this album is rock perfection. Steve Holland (Molly Hatchett) is quoted as saying, “Vision – I don’t need no stinking Vision. I’m blind as a bat as it is….but this old bat has great hearing! And that’s all you need to know with these guys! Wow!” Beyond the tragedy, the history, the raging guitars and the killer songs, ultimately, VISION is about an indomitable will; about survival of spirit; unbowed, uniquely American and stubbornly resolute. After MANY years of reissuing Christian rock and metal classics, this long out-of-print album has consistently been one of Retroactive Record’s most requested reissues. All three Vision albums have been remastered for CD, with exclusive and insightful liner notes and 100% rock! The Mountain In the Sky album was an independent release on Dunamiz Records (1984). Impossible to find until now – remastered for vinyl, a 12×12 color insert, and heavy-weight vinyl – fans should prepare to lose control! This one has strong progressive overtones! For fans of Kansas, Styx, Mylon LeFevre and Lynyrd Skynyrd!

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Mountain In The Sky” – 7:03
A2. “Coming Soon” – 4:40
A3. “Old Man” – 3:23
A4. “Dynamos” – 4:11

Side Two
B1. “Standing In The Light” – 5:25
B2. “Dedicated” – 3:23
B3. “Fight The Good Fight” – 3:55
B4. “Soldiers Song” – 3:31
B5. “Lord Is My Joy” – 4:43

Note: The Born Twice Records CD re-issue features two bonus tracks; testimonies by Billy Powell (2:51) and Leon Wilkeson (2:50). Remastered for vinyl and re-issued on 12-inch vinyl LP (heavy-weight vinyl) in 2021 by Girder Music (through Limited Run Vinyl).

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