Azusa Street Band – Yield

Azusa Street Band
Yield
1985 Morada Records (MZS-332)
Pontiac, Michigan, USA

Steve Hall – Lead vocals, lead and rhythm guitars
Dave Yarnall – Roland JX3P, Yamaha DX7, acoustic piano, CP35; lead vocals on “Shoulder” and “First Hello”
Randy Meador – Rhythm and lead guitars, backing vocals
Bill Curton – Electric bass, backing vocals
Mark Orr – Drums, percussion

Side 1:

1. Something So Simple
2. It’s Up to You
3. Satan’s Pushover
4. Shoulder to Cry On
5. Head Above the Water

Side 2:

1. Selling Out
2. First Hello Last Goodbye
3. Who’s Fooling You
4. Second Chance
5. Why be Normal

This is a rare release on a label that was known for heavier releases by bands like Saint and Messiah Prophet, as well as several lighter releases. This release is compared to Messiah Prophet and 911 on one site. Maybe 911 – but this is not really heavy metal at all. It is rock that goes into hard rock category at times. Add a bit harder edge on several songs to make this have a few head-bangers would make this tape more my style, but still not bad at all. In the mid-80s, there was a huge audience for this kind of rock, so it’s not like the band was missing out on anything by going for a less heavy approach.