Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

In the late '70s, Ian 'Ishmael' Smale fronted a Christian punk band Ishmael United and their album 'If You Can't Shout Saved (You'll Have To Face The Penalty)' was the first appearance of The Glories, a bunch of charismatic and enthusiastic Christians who differed a great deal from the unsaved Miseries! This silly story song became a concert favourite as studenty types would sing along with its child-like sentiments. A couple of years afterwards, the concept of Glories v Miseries returns with this, the first and probably the greatest of Ishmael's many children's albums. Linked with narrative and packed full of spiritual instruction for kids, the album also happens to be packed with great songs! Songs like "It's Amazin' What Praisin' Can Do" sounds like what would happen if smurfs got saved. Ish drew on his punk credentials for "I'm A Miseries" and especially the spectacularly wonderful; "Wot's The Point" which is a hilarious simultaneous translation of a 60 second punk song complete with mad guitar solo. With top session musicians of the time like Chris Eaton on piano, Neil Costello on guitar and Les Moir on bass, this is one kids album that actually stands up musically, even all these years later! I wonder if any members of Delirious? are among the child Glories singing on here? This is the perfect mixture of children's ministry and cool songs and three decades of children's worship albums from Ishmael can be traced back to this source.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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