Search - Myron LeFevre :: The Definitive Collection

Collection Falls Far Short

John E. Doerner | Eureka, CA | 09/23/2008

(1 out of 5 stars)

"It's often enjoyable to see how a record company will package a greatest hits package by an artist. This time, Word Records compiled ten songs from pioneering gospel rock artist Mylon Lefevre and Broken Heart only from their mid 1980's Myrrh Records period. It would be ok to have such a collection as an introduction to Mylon's music, but Myrrh Records released an almost identical greatest hits collection a few years ago.

This collection has mostly the same song order as the previous greatest hits cd, only two fewer songs. This collection does at least feature one more song- the popular 1983 ballad 'More', otherwise there is nothing fresh in this package. It comes across as another half hearted attempt to capitalize on a short period of an artist's popularity. This seems to happen far too often in popular Christian music.

There are plenty of ways to celebrate Mylon Lefevre's long and groundbreaking career. There are no collection which include his 1971 gospel album, which includes the original version of 'Gospel Ship'. Only the remake is included here. A good definitive collection would hopefully include his first real Christian album 1981's 'Brand New Start' or the great 1982 live album, which was represented on the previous collection. Also, there is His short lived 1986 mainstream gospel release 'Look Up', not to mention the stronger musical statements of his later Star Song Record releases from 1988 to 1991. His later solo work is also omitted, but that is less of an issue.

Unfortunately this cd covers none of this. Until there is a complete package released there is not really a definitive collection and the listener is probably better off buying the original Greatest Hits cd for their enjoyment.

Mylon will always be remembered for his soulful Georgia styled rock and expressive ballads along with a desire to share the love of God that turned his life around after his destructive rock and roll lifestyle in the 1970's while touring with the likes of Eric Clapton and Alvin Lee, among many others. Many new listeners might not know that when he became established in Christian music in the early 1980's, his band was the official test group for Peavey Electronics. At the time His live performances were considered far ahead of what was offered in Christian music at the time and helped raise the bar for the industry to make it what it has become today.

Such a career should be remembered in a better way than just rehashing a few mid-career commercial hits."

Not Original Version of Gospel Ship

---- J. M. Donabie | Scarborough, Ontario Canada | 06/13/2008

(1 out of 5 stars)

"You would think that "Word" records; which is a Christian label would tell you that "Gospel Ship"; which was recorded for Columbia, is NOT the original version. In fact the original version of Mylon's Gospel Ship is very hard to find.



Definitely not a "Definitive Collection.""