from the Album Zionic Bonds
(Pilgrim America, 1981)
Andy McCarroll did record two folk/rock albums in the UK in the mid-1970′s. The sound is quite a bit more subdued than on this Clash influenced release. But both of those early releases are worthy to be tracked down. McCarroll’s distinctive vocals though are present.
It should be mentioned here that McCarroll’s vocals can be an acquired taste for some, but resonated with its nasally passion at first listen for me. I remember walking through a small Christian Bookstore in Orange County, CA as a Junior in High School. This little store had a really cool guy working there that would 'sneak' in some underground or controversial albums. One day I had dropped by and he ran to meet me outside when he saw me coming. In his hand was the brightest record LP cover ever. I saw it from a distance! He just said 'trust me!' I drove home as quickly as possible and for the next several hours I listened to Zionic Bonds over and over again. then I turned the record over to listen to Side B! I could not escape just how 'new' and current it sounded. At the time there was Resurrection Band, Daniel Amos had released Horrendous Disc and that was about it. This was before Undercover, The Lifesavers and The Altar Boys broke through.
The album kicks off with a whining guitar fading in before the drums, bass and guitar assault is launched. The bass and drums drive the song Sin with a ferocitythat was unheard of at the time. McCarroll’s vocals – an acquired taste admittedly – were unique, heavily accented and raw. The lyrics matched perfectly.
The results of rebellion causin’ societal ills
It pounds and beats to death like a pneumatic drill
You take it very lightly and excuse it at will
Don’t realize it’s cancer, don’t realize…
Sin Kills
After McCarroll points the finger at societies acceptance of sin he turns the accusing finger back on himself.
It affects my body and corrupts my brain
It effects like poison running through my veins
It penetrates all, all it touches it stains
It’s like living your, living you life…in a sewage drain
I wanna hate it (hate it) with all of me!
This is a pure Clash like rhythm attack that is utterly relentless. It would also easily rank among the finest rock songs in CCM history.
Lyrically straight forward, musically aggressive, topically current. I recall an interview with Bono of U2 in which he referenced the music of Andy McCarroll. He also mentioned that Moral Support was unique in that the band contained both Protestants and Catholics, which was pretty much unheard of at the time. The band did score a hit in Ireland but unfortunately they were short-lived and this was the only release.
But what a release it was!" (Source: CCM's Greatest Albums)
Here is the original album version of the song:
No comments:
Post a Comment