KEN TAMPLIN: Stand Up and Shout
What’s in a Fan?
While I wouldn’t consider myself a die-hard, own-everything-he’s-ever-released Tamplin fan, I sure do have a bunch of his music in my library (33 items to be precise spanning LP/CD/Cassette from Shout/Tamplin/Magdallan … reissues included). To say the rock/metal of Ken Tamplin has been part of my life and musical journey over the past 3 decades wouldn’t be untrue.
Furthermore, I have tremendous respect for the man, his music and his walk – his lyrics have always helped me through dark times. And his commitment to professionalism in songwriting, singing/playing and sound production, his ability to surround himself with the best talent in the trade, has always both amazed and encouraged me.
What’s in a Compilation?
Similarly, while I wouldn’t consider myself a die-hard fan of compilation releases, I sure do have a bunch of these in my library (no count here) as well. In considering compilation releases there really are two types: the infamous “box set” of the artist’s entire catalog of releases and the more carefully culled “best of” song collections.
The former, if offered in remastered or never previously available formats with meaningful books or booklets/commentary/write-ups/packaging can be quite enjoyable, especially for the die-hard fan. (Queen’s vinyl box set with artbook/commentary on every release is one of the best truly comprehensive “box sets” I’ve encountered).
Importantly, the latter can also be quite enjoyable if presented in a new format with new commentary and previously unreleased or re-recorded material. Regardless of compilation type, beautiful packaging, artwork and design layout is requisite.
What’s in this Compilation?
Girder Music has already reissued/remastered over the past few years all the Shout releases, Magdallan’s Big Bang (vinyl) and most of the original material Tamplin solo releases (except for We the People), so the natural question by fans might be, “Why a compilation?” Consider two reasons – compacted listening experience and more importantly, a tribute to the artist.
As to the former, some fans (of any given artist) want everything the artist releases while other fans are content with a more limited palette, the most representative material. As to the latter, what isn’t to enjoy or appreciate about a celebration of a gifted artist with such a massive catalog of releases, especially when the quality of music is the caliber of Ken Tamplin’s legacy.
Worthy Tribute
For starters, Stand Up and Shout is lavishly packaged. A thick cardstock slipcase encases the glossy 8-panel digi-wallet which houses the four discs – the sleek, compact design both eco-friendly and ergonomic (pictured below).
The 16-page booklet is, in my opinion, one of the selling points of this compilation. Not only are the memorabilia photos and layout design cool, the nearly 4,000 word “A Rock Legend’s Journey” written by John DeLaurentis is a wonderfully written chronicle of the Ken Tamplin life and musical journey. The final few pages contain the listing of all the included tracks with credits. It would have been nice to hear more explanation of the reworked and previously unreleased tracks, as well as pictures of all the album covers, but space and cost always factor into these releases.
Ken Tamplin is credited with the curation of these 69 songs. This is always a difficult process, and as listeners and fans we are almost never privy to the rationale behind what is included/what is excluded in this type of compilation. Different songs mean different things to artists and fans alike, so who is to judge – one reason I rarely attempt to review a compilation, even when it includes tons of new material.
Incidentally, on that note, the other great selling point here are the 6 reworked songs and the 22 previously unreleased tracks – the unreleased tracks a mix of Tamplin originals and cover songs.
Disc One: Shout
First, Shout!
Few will deny the alliance of Chuck King and Ken Tamplin was a great event in the late ‘80’s, especially for fans of melodic metal. Those first two albums were very good to great. The mix of songs included here might surprise as the emphasis is on the first release It Won’t Be Long, 7 out of the 9 original tracks here included.
In Your Face!
Often hailed as the most impactful of the three Shout releases with the huge hooks, infectious melodies and astonishingly outrageous guitar shredding, In Your Face is represented by only three tracks – perhaps because most fans own this one – but the new version (almost one minute shorter than the original) of the iconic opener “Borderline” makes a strong statement. While not credited as a 2024 remix, I would assume this is the case as the other “new versions” on this compilation are credited as such.
At the Top of Your Lungs…
Fortunately, the shred-fest title track (extended version – 30 seconds longer) “In Your Face” from the At the Top of Their Lungs compilation is included here, along with the other two “previously unreleased” (up to that point) tracks from that 1992 release. “When Secrets Cry Out” and “Little Liar (Luci)” are worthy inclusions for sure as many fans may not have ever heard these if they never owned or heard the 1992 compilation.
Then … Shout Back!
Finally, the comeback 1999 Shout Back – a very solid collection of songs – is here represented by just three tracks. Once again, the new version of “In the Brave Days of Old” breathes life into what was already a fantastic groove-riddled rocker. I hear more bass presence and drum punch in this version but darn if they aren’t close (roughly, same duration). What an amazing song!
Presumably, all the songs (except for the new version tracks) on this disc (as well as the entire compilation) are lifted from the Girder remasters as the bass presence in the mix is more prominent and the master volume lifted. [A greater explanation in the liner notes regarding song selection, new versions, unreleased tracks, etc. would have made this a more complete compilation.]
Disc Two: Tamplin Earlier
While the sheen “Media Mania” from Soul Survivor is tacked onto the end of Disc One, this disc features the early, and best known, Tamplin solo releases – An Axe to Grind (1990), Soul Survivor (1991) and the masterful self-titled Tamplin (1993). The latter was arguably the best album of Tamplin’s solo career, and the 6 songs here represented are also arguably the best songs from that release. [Incidentally, I am not thrilled about the sequencing on this compilation – probably related as to how best fit the selected songs on four CDs.]
Soul
Regardless, three songs from Soul Survivor lead off the setlist. And while the songs selected are representative of the best that album had to offer (the heavily vocally layered “I’m Gonna Live Forever” brilliant), Soul Survivor was the somewhat less impressive (still solid) follow-up to the 1990’s brilliant An Axe to Grind which introduced the Christian metal scene to guitar extraordinaire Scott Van Zen. Therefore, it is great to have most of the hits from that Tamplin “solo” debut album on Stand Up & Shout.
Axe
Impactfully, with the likes of Lanny Cordola, Mark St. John and Scott Van Zen (guitars), Joey Galleta and Ken Mary (drums) and Chuck King (bass) Axe was one impressive slab of melodic metal bliss. “Livin’ For My Lord” was probably the most accessible and completely sold-out to the Christian faith song on the record, but the follow-up shredders “Straight Between the Eyes” and “Not Alone” were absolute killer rockers with tons of conviction and guitar pomp. And then “Goin’ Home” – a bluesier song which mirrored the soloistic virtues of the In Your Face title track – showcased a ton of guitar swagger. Furthermore, ballads were not to be excluded as “Never Give Up” (the tribute to Tamplin’s wife) and “I Hear Cryin’” graced the setlist and in doing so provided great balance and diversity.
Tamplin
Subsequently, the tracks from Tamplin are well-selected. While it could be argued that all the songs from that iconic release could have been included, I can’t argue with the included “hits.” For those not familiar, this release was a “diamond in the rough” when it was released in 1993. As the rock/metal world was moving in a decisively less melodic and more angsty direction at the time, songs like “Dancing on the Volcano” and “Slave Trade” played out like a “last stand” for melodic metal in the decade. “In the Lap of Legends” was the perfect tribute to rock icons old, while “Don’t Let the Sky Fall on Me” represented the quintessential melodic rock radio friendly song which would have ruled the airwaves a mere 4 years earlier.
Dove
Consequently, it should come as no surprise that this album won the Dove Metal Album of the Year. At the time I rated this a 9.5/10 and can honestly stand by that rating to this day. Shedding the sometimes-syrupier tricks of the late 80’s/early ‘90’s melodic metal trade, Tamplin still, to this day, sounds like a great gritty, rock record with plenty of groove, melodic catchiness and it was well mixed to boot. Bold statement from an artist who wasn’t afraid to testify not only to his faith but his commitment to melodic rock/metal during an era when it was clearly not popular to do either.
Wake Remake
Perplexingly, in sequential time confusion, the last two tracks here are from 2003’s Wake the Nations, the latter track, “God in Heaven” the third of the “remake” tracks in this collection. This bluesy slow cooker was once again showcasing not only Tamplin’s faith, but his unabashed commitment to the music of his youth.
Disc Three: Tamplin Later
Here the sequence gets even crazier because things open with three more quality tracks from Wake the Nations (2003) before moving back in time to three tracks from 1992’s Big Bang release. From a sonic perspective I think Wake the Nations is one of the best “sounding” recordings ever from this artist. Such a balanced recording with the perfect blend of song diversity and balanced sound mix.
Big Bang Revisited
Equally audacious, Magdallan’s debut release was special, one of the best sounding and most innovative melodic rock/metal albums from that era. This new version of “Big Bang” has a bigger, more contemporary mix as does this new interestingly nuanced version of “Radio Bikini.” These two songs are worth the price of the disc, but “House of Dreams” from the original release, another wonderful example of great songwriting, is also included and serves as a nice comparison. If you thought the original album sounded great, you should hear the difference here when it is A/B’d to these new versions.
Diversity
Subsequently, back in chronological sequence, three songs are included from the oft neglected In the Witness Box, followed by three tracks from We the People (1996) and the title track (new version) from the more eclectic, sensual and somewhat jazz influenced Where Love Is (1998). These albums are vastly different in style, showcasing the wide arsenal Tamplin has deployed in the music creation process over the years.
Hallelujah Box
In the Witness Box was unfortunately in a difficult position following up that amazing self-titled release, but with Joey Tofalla replacing Van Zen on lead guitars along with Lanny Cordola making a return to the Tamplin roster, these songs still featured amazing melodies and guitar leads and solos. The virtuosic guitar noodling on the soulful “Sing Hallelujah” remains one of my favorite moments from this album, along with “Alma Rose” which was sadly not included on this compilation. Still, “Feed Me,” reminiscent of “Media Mania,” along with the quirky “Strange Fascination” are worthy of inclusion here.
Funky Jazz Gospel Pop
Contrastingly, the Gospel-influenced, much more pop-oriented We the People was a sharp change in pace and style for Tamplin, but it was still a quality record. The three songs included here are a nice representation, “Save Me” an absolutely beautiful, pew-swaying plea for salvation. “Daughters of Time” similarly channels Queen with piano lead and string/horn/sax accompaniment like you might hear soundtrack to a musical. “When Angels Cry” delivers more of the “heavily orchestrated” bombast but with a bit more pace and groove.
I suppose it just makes sense to tack the sole representative song from Where Love Is right on the tail of those three songs. This is the 6th (and final) of the “new exclusive” versions in the collection. Again, here would have been another nice place to have some insight into the genesis in this new version, along with commentary from Tamplin about the 22 tracks which follow…
Eclectica Released
The last five tracks on Disc Three feature previously unreleased original songs … and what a diverse group of songs have we here? “Caught in the Wonder of You” has a Spanish/flamenco sensuality that isn’t exactly what you would expect from a melodic rocker, but it works. Think of a toned-down version of “Midnight ‘n Peru” (Soul Survivor), blue water and white sand…
The passion continues with “Still a Mystery” which serves as gentle interlude to the light, upbeat groovy rocker “Why Can’t You Understand Me” a plea for acceptance. Things then flow into Deep Purple/Led Zeppelin territory with a heavy rock cry to “Believe.” Man, this song could have ruled the airwaves in 1977 – Tamplin doing a great Coverdale tribute.
“When You’re Gone” comes full circle to a plea for forgiveness and reconciliation featuring acoustic guitar and the purity of Tamplin’s words and voice.
Disc Four: Unreleased/Covers
Eclectica Released (continued)
The opening four tracks once again feature original material. “Stormbringer” leads off with more Zeppelin-like grooves on guitar and drums as Tamplin once again channels Coverdale vocally, but this is not the Deep Purple version of song of the same name. More ‘70’s inspired music with “And it Pours” which is a catchy straight rocker with slick guitar solo. “Show Me the Way Out” moves into heavier 80’s/90’s rhythm with a disco beat. Think Red Hot Chili Peppers on “Someone I’ve Got to Be,” laid-back ‘90’s chill rock. Yep, no matter the era, Tamplin pulls it off with both creativity and credibility.
Pop Cover Mania
Therefore, not surprisingly, the next 13 tracks consist of Tamplin cover songs spanning the period from 1971 to 2021! Not only do these songs showcase Tamplin’s immense diverse musical influences but this little collection of songs pays tribute to his influence and respect for the great music and artists of the recent past decades.
“The Living Years” by Mike (Rutherford) and the Mechanics (1988) was one of the most iconic and endearing pop songs from the late ‘80’s and this rendition mirrors the original with power and passion.
Similarly, Mr. Mister’s “Kyrie” – another pop giant from the era – is beautifully rendered with a bit more musical punch and is followed in tandem by the other big hit from 1985’s Welcome to the Real World, “Broken Wings.” It is readily apparent these cover songs display Tamplin’s amazing voice.
In total transition, Jonathan Helser’s moving “No Longer Slaves” (2015) features a faster pace with more musical pomp than the original, but Tamplin’s voice perfectly elicits the same tearful emotional response of gratitude for redemption and freedom.
Moving back in time to 1984, Tamplin once again shows his love for great melodic rock performing Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is.” At this point you might be asking, “Is there any artist/band this guy couldn’t front?”
Nope. When you can perfectly sing country music’s Restless Heart “I’ll Still Be Loving You” followed by Seal’s “Crazy” (1991) and then Bread’s “Everything I Own,” (1972) there is just about nothing off limits.
And if that is not enough diversity for you, take the new wave oriental cinematic “Stranger” (2021) from Igor Krutoy/Dimash and listen as Tamplin creates his own interpretation of this gem. If you don’t think he can still sing those incredibly high notes with clarity, think again. Amazing.
Moving back to the pop icons of the early ‘90’s, Duran Duran’s balladic “Ordinary World” gets the royal treatment with lush mix and Tamplin’s uncanny voice which so effortlessly adapts to the style at hand. And it wouldn’t be a pop legend tribute of covers without a song from the iconic U2. 1991’s “Mysterious Ways” is perhaps not the U2 song one might imagine earning an appearance here, but at this point you should not be surprised that Tamplin can channel Bono as well. Wow.
Subsequently, and in finale, Tamplin dives down deep into the waters of the early ‘70’s (1971) with two more hits with completely opposite styles. The soulful, flamenco driven rendition of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine” stands in contrast to the Bee Gee’s “How Deep Is Your Love” yet the way these two songs have been rendered musically seamlessly ties everything together.
While I realize we are a rock/metal webzine, I can’t help but applaud this brief, yet incredibly representative, journey down melodic pop rock lane. Tamplin perfectly channels all the greats in a respectful and creative manner – one which also stands up and shouts the glory of his gifts and talents as a singer/musician/songwriter.
All Shouted Out
In all, Stand Up and Shout is a monumental collection/compilation of Ken Tamplin’s life works. No fan of the man will want to pass this up. While most compilations exclude any new content, there is a ton of previously unreleased – and new renditions – to make this unique. Add a tremendously complete and well-written synopsis of Tamplin’s journey by John DeLaurentis along with economical yet sleek packaging and you’ve got what I would rate as an excellent compilation and tribute to one of the most prolific, diverse, talented, creative and consistently great rock artists of the past 30 years.
Disc One (75:17)
1. Never Stop (4:03)
2. Winners or Losers (3:47)
3. It Won’t Be Long (4:23)
4. Find a Way (4:55)
5. Shout (4:25)
6. Showdown (4:06)
7. Timeless Love (4:39)
8. Borderline* (3:43)
9. When The Love Is Gone (4:16)
10. Give Me an Answer (3:53)
11. In Your Face (Extended Version) (5:46)
12. In The Brave Days of Old* (5:17)
13. Dreams For Sale (4:12)
14. More Than Kisses (3:40)
15. When Secrets Cry Out Loud (5:00)
16. Little Liar (Luci) * (4:17)
17. Media Mania (4:45)
Disc Two (77:33)
1. I’m Gonna Live Forever (3:34)
2. Stay By My Side (3:26)
3. Come and Save Me (4:02)
4. Livin’ For My Lord (4:55)
5. Straight Between the Eyes (4:17)
6. Goin’ Home (5:26)
7. Never Give Up (5:15)
8. Not Alone (3:51)
9. I Hear Cryin’ (4:50)
10. Holdin’ On/The Chase (3:39)
11. Dancing on a Volcano (4:19)
12. Slave Trade (4:14)
13. Testify (5:27)
14. Don’t Let the Sky Fall on Me (6:22)
15. In the Lap of Legends (4:24)
16. The Story of Love (4:43)
17. God in Heaven* (4:42)
Disc Three (73:37)
1. Wake the Nations (3:56)
2. Sing (5:17)
3. Falling Houses (5:08)
4. Big Bang* (3:50)
5. Radio Bikini* (3:38)
6. House of Dreams (4:27)
7. Feed Me (3:50)
8. Sing Hallelujah (4:26)
9. Strange Fascination (3:32)
10. Save Me (4:46)
11. Daughters of Time (6:11)
12. When Angels Cry (4:04)
13. Where Love Is* (3:30)
14. Caught in the Wonder of You** (4:24)
15. Still a Mystery** (2:47)
16. Why Can’t You Understand Me** (3:25)
17. Believe** (3:46)
18. When You’re Gone** (2:34)
Disc Four (70:26)
1. Stormbringer** (4:10)
2. And it Pours** (3:37)
3. Show Me the Way Out** (3:38)
4. Somone I’ve Got to Be** (4:08)
5. The Living Years** (5:05)
6. Kyrie** (4:05)
7. Broken Wings** (3:53)
8. No Longer Slaves** (5:16)
9. I Want to Know What Love Is** (4:43)
10. I’ll Still Be Loving You** (4:05)
11. Crazy** (4:23)
12. Everything I Own** (3:06)
13. Stranger** (4:47)
14. Ordinary World** (4:17)
15. Mysterious Ways** (3:01)
16. Ain’t No Sunshine** (4:06)
17. How Deep Is Your Love** (3:57)
*New Version
**Previously Unreleased
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