Gotta love those generic covers you often see on private press records. Just like Willa Norman, Life’s Story by Ted Michael and the Words Of Life comes in one of those instantly recognizable generic covers. Of course, what’s continued in the grooves is of the utmost importance. And thankfully — unlike that Willa Norman record — this is not your run-of-the-mill homemade recording. It’s been tagged as everything from “Xian” to “psych folk” and “SSW”. It’s definitely got a Christian angle to it. Below the photo of The Words Of Life on the back cover is the qute, “Jesus said, ‘The words that I speak, they are the spirit and they are LIFE’.” The members of Words Of Life are Eric Robinson, Tommy Ritterbach, Marisa McGhehee, Rory Cahill, and Stan McGehee Jr.. There are what one might describe as “loner” or “downer” tunes present here, and there’s a small Neil Young & Crazy Horse vibe when the band opens up and jams. Otherwise it’s pretty standard pop/rock with acoustic/electric guitars, bass, drums, piano and synth. The record was made in Roanoke, Texas. Perhaps that where Michael lived. I have no way of knowing for sure. Not a lot out there on the Internet regarding this one.
The special thanks on the back cover read:
“My brother, Stan, for continuing with me through my ups and downs, and for his work and ideas contributing to this endeavor. Marisa, for her help in arranging background vocals. Eric, for his hours of untiring work and photography in this production. Rory, for his musical contribution to this album. Tommy, for his faithful partnership in Love and Friends. Rex, for his assistance and effort in the production of this album. Carolyn Tobin Bailey, for her help with lyrics in “Love For You And Me.”
Any more information regarding this record would be most appreciated.
Ted Michael with the Words Of Life
Life’s Story
(Love & Friends, 1980)
MediaFire DL Link
01. Life’s Story [MP3]
02. Live Eternal Life
03. I Don’t Want A Lie
04. Love For You And Me
05. Paradise
06. He Wants To Give
07. Sunshine Day
08. You Will Be Free
09. All You Have To Do
