Description

Forgiven… is the sophomore and final album by the American rock band Ron Salsbury & The J.C. Power Outlet, released on Myrrh Records in May 1974, a division of Word. The album was recorded by Dan Holmes at Audiotek Recording Studios in Minneapolis, Minnesota; with Darrell Rodman producing and arranging. All songs written by Ron Salsbury. The iconic apple-with-the-bandaid cover photo was at once memorable and an ingenious illustration of the album’s title.

The band features Ron Salsbury, John Pantano, Dave Edwards, and Bruce Neal.

Band members John Pantano and Ron Salsbury would later form a duo simple entitled Pantano-Salsbury. They would record a west coast/soft-rock album entitled Hit the Switch, released on Larry Norman‘s label Solid Rock Records in 1978. David Edwards, another member of the band, would as well join forces with Norman, but no recording surfaced from that collaboration. Instead, Edwards would release three solo albums on Myrrh Records during the first half of the 1980s. (Edwards’ self-titled solo debut album is considered to be the first US-produced new wave album released by a major CCM label in the Christian music market in the US.)

Away back when my knowledge of Christian rock albums numbered about ten, I stumbled upon this item, intrigued by the cover of an apple with a band-aid on it. I recognized the song «I Choose To Follow You» from the Jubilation! sampler; years later I still think it’s one of my favorite ballads – musically immaculate and lyrically convicting. What I wasn’t prepared for was dropping the needle on side one and realizing I’d just discovered my first Christian hard rock album. Years later I learned it’s actually their second release and it follows a similar pattern to the debut, alternating the harder-edged songs with quieter material. Bigger budget this time gives a fuller sound. «Peace And Power» opens the set with one of their loudest moments on record, including some blazing lead guitar. Other songs in the heavyweight category include «Too Bad» and «Give Him Your Love», the latter I recall having irritated my college roommate with its changing time signatures (is that 5/4 I hear?). «My Friend» gets funky with the clavinet, while mellotron brings a beautiful warm glow and depth to the ballads. My only quibble would be the horns and soulful female bgvs that detract from a couple of tracks. Lyrically tackles issues of commitment, falling away, even astrology on «My Sign» (“my sign is a blood stained cross”). This one will always be special to me. See also Pantano/Salsbury and Jesus People. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Peace And Power” – 3:15
A2. “Oh My Jesus” – 2:41
A3. “Too Bad” – 2:50
A4. “My Friend” – 2:40
A5. “I Choose To Follow You” – 5:15

Side Two
B1. “Give Him Your Love” – 2:14
B2. “Goodbye” – 4:04
B3. “My Sign” – 3:27
B4. “Don’t Let Jesus Pass You By” – 3:19
B5. “Open Your Spiritual Eyes” – 3:29

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Myrrh Records.

The September/October 1975 issue (vol.1, no. 3) of Harmony Magazine featured a cover story on Ron Salsbury & the J.C. Power Outlet.