Mark Heard - Victims Of The Age

Published Sunday 31st August 2008
Mark Heard - Victims Of The Age
Mark Heard - Victims Of The Age

STYLE: Rock
RATING Not Rated
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 27772-14441
LABEL: Home Sweet Home 2107
FORMAT: 12 inch vinyl Album
RRP: £4.99

Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

If the 'Stop The Dominoes' album from 1981 had enough profile to introduce Heard to a wider audience, then it was this album from the following year which put him on the map. Co-produced with Bill Cobb, the album's jangling guitar sound and thumping drum sound is very '80s but it still has a charm which survives a quarter of a century later. Heard's songwriting had developed an insightful charm that made the songs contained here compelling and full of observations of the human condition. I have to confess that I do like Heard when he rocks so there's plenty to enjoy here. The opening title cut has always been a particular favourite with its anthemic chorus and along with "City Life Won't Let Up" and "Faces In Cabs" forms an opening salvo of songs that chew on the challenges of urban life. "Nothing Is Bothering Me" has a fabulous bluesy feel whilst the gentler "Some Folks' World" is more reflective. Equally good is "Dancing At The Policeman's Ball", an upbeat rocker. "Everybody Loves A Holy War" places Heard in a similar position to Bruce Cockburn in being unafraid to deal with difficult subjects. Since his death, there have been plenty of artists who have chosen to record Heard's songs and this album closes with "Heart Of Hearts" which was covered by Leslie Phillips. Ultimately, 'Victims Of The Age' is one of Heard's finest albums.

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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Reader Comments

Posted by Don in state of Delaware @ 18:13 on May 26 2011

This is one of ccm's greatest classic albums; glad that I have it! Mark's greatest signature song is included "Heart of Hearts";sad that it is last song heard on side 2. CCM Artist Leslie Phillips is heard on bgv's: & she would cover the song for her first solo the next year. I love the title song, such a great song with
lyrics the same. I really like Mark's songwriting skills.
Even though he has recorded other albums prior to this 1982 masterpiece; this is the lp that caught the
ccm listener's ear. "Everybody Loves a Holy War" is another lp favorite; great title for a song! There is a
paper insert with photos and interview; nice to have
to remember Mark. It is hard to believe that he has
been gone from earth nearly 20 years! Our loss is
Heaven's gain! GOD Bless! - Don



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