1979 The Archers – Stand Up

Stand Up! was The Archers fifth studio album and fourth Light Records release. It was co-produced by Elvis Presley’s TCB Band keyboardist Larry Muhoberac and studio engineer John Guess.

Stand Up! was the first album in which former female vocalist Nancye Short-Tsapralis did not participate. Although Tsapralis sang background vocals on the prior Fresh Surrender project (un-credited), Janice Archer’s voice was used on female leads. Recording began in late 1978 and continued through early 1979. It is distinctive for a number of notable guest artist appearances, including Billy Preston, who played the Hammond B-3 on the group’s cover of his spiritual, “God Loves You”, which also featured Sandra Crouch and Nichol Larson on back-up vocals.

Steely Dan alumnus Ernie Watts was also featured on tenor sax for the up-tempo song “Only His Love”. Once again, the group was accompanied by a virtual “who’s who” of LA studio players, with David Hungate returning on bass along with Reinie Press and Dean Parks on guitar. Also featured were Archers’ tour band players, Phil Kristianson (keyboards) and Tony Sena (guitar).

The album produced a number of hits, most notably Steve Archer’s title tune and Tim Archer’s “Pickin’ Up The Pieces”. Also receiving solid airplay were “Fools Paradise”, Janice Archer’s cover of Kelly Willard’s smash “Blame It On The One I Love”.