Description
Shades of Gray, a five-track EP, is the sophomore effort by the American alternative rock band Youth Choir, released on Shadow Records in August 1985, a division of Refuge, distributed in the US by Lexicon Distribution. (“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know fully, just as I also have been fully known.” 1st Corinthians 13:12) The EP was recorded and mixed by Mike Mierau at Pakaderm Studios in Los Alamitos, California; with band members Derri Daugherty and Steve Hindalong producing. Vocal arrangements and co-production by Bill Batstone. All song co-written by Daugherty & Hindalong.
Featuring Derald Daugherty on lead vocals, guitars, and acoustic piano, Bill Batstone on keyboards and vocals, Dan Michaels on saxophone and lyricon, Tim Chandler on bass, and Steve Hindalong on drums and percussion. Additional vocals by Jerry Chamberlain of Daniel Amos fame. Emulator on “Fade Into You” provided by Rob Watson. Because the band was gearing up for a 20-city tour in support of Steve Taylor, the EP was recorded in a furious rush to be ready in time.
This EP came out in 1985 in preparation for a 20-city tour after the Broken Records deal fell through. And the band is all the better for putting this little gem out. No filler here; all the songs are winners. There is still a little too much dependence on drum machines, which veil the Youth Choir’s secret weapon, Steve Hindalong’s drumming. However, he can be heard on «15 Doors», which alone is worth the cost of admission for this recording. Brooding, melancholy, exciting – this wonderful sound transcends the time of its release. The EP was included in its entirety on the CD release of Chase the Kangaroo. [Mark Allender, AMG]
This fine five-song EP, released to coincide with Youth Choir’s opening slot on Steve Taylor‘s Limelight tour, shows the group putting its best foot forward. Even more than ‘Voices in Shadows‘, last year’s impressive debut, ‘Shades of Gray’ captures the essence of this energetic pop/wave band. Derry Daugherty’s heartfelt vocals and uniquely arresting guitar sound are driven to new heights of expression by the propulsive drum attack of Steve Hindalong.
Hindalong and Daugherty, who collaborate on the lyrics and the music, are backed by auxiliary choir members Bill Batstone on keys and guitars and DA‘s Tim Chandler on bass. The full potential of this quartet is unleashed most effectively on «15 Doors», a cut which recaptures the image of the one lying besides the road in the Good Samaritan parable. The message is driven home with punchy acumen in the memorable refrain as the song moves from a Police-like staccato guitar riff to a full-throttle rock rant.
«Tears Don’t Fall», a danceable rocker with hot sax soloing by Dan Michaels, and the haunting, ethereal «More Than Words» suggest that our response to God’s love requires more than verbal assent. «Fade Into You» enters new musical territory with its underpinning of piano and a synth/string interlude as it communicates the Apostle Paul’s vision of discipleship – “Not I, but Christ”. «All Night Long», aside from the superior playing and production, recalls much of ‘Voices in Shadows’ to the point of dropping the title into the lyric, and it gives the clearest proof of the band’s maturation.
‘Shades of Gray’, like a tasty appetizer, leaves the listener hungry for the full course. Musically sustaining and thoughtful, Youth Choir continues to assuage the new music palate while prodding the conscience. [Brian Quincy Newcomb, CCM, May 1986]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/shades-of-gray/386630380)
EP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Fade Into You” – 3:52
A2. “Fifteen Doors” – 2:54
A3. “More Than Words” – 2:27
Side Two
B1. “Tears Don’t Fall” – 3:49
B2. “All Night Long” – 4:53
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl EP by Shadow Records. All five songs on the EP were later included as bonus tracks on the CD edition of The Choir’s album Chase the Kangaroo. The EP was also included as bonus tracks on M8 Distribution’s CD re-issue of Voices in Shadows, released in 2000.
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