Compass Records is proud to re-issue Mike Farris’ 2007 classic, SALVATIONIN LIGHTS. The album was originally released just a few years after the formerlead singer of the Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies went solo, a time when Farris’overcame addiction and found himself drawn to the sanctified sounds of Southernblack gospel and Memphis soul. Immersing himself in that music, he came upwith SALVATION IN LIGHTS, an electrifying collection of classic hymns—MikeFarris style—and inspired, Gospel-soul originals. The “salvation” referenced in thealbum title referred to a moment at a relative’s funeral, a cathartic moment whereFarris decided to overcome a decade-long personal battle with alcohol. Pouringsweat and radiating newfound faith, Farris throws himself into these songs like asinner answering an alter call. It takes nerve to tackle such iconic tunes as SisterRosetta Tharpe’s “Can’t No Grave Hold My Body Down” and Sam Cooke’s “ChangeIs Gonna Come,” but Farris more than acquits himself with smoldering, drop-toyour-knees performances. From the slinky, Daniel Lanois-like “Devil Don’t Sleep”to the Dixieland horn inflections of “I’m Gonna Get There,” Farris’ self-pennedtunes have an authenticity and musical resonance that can’t be faked. Produced byFerris with Matt Martone (3 Doors Down, Skillet), SALVATION IN LIGHTS veers intoa Mardi Gras-style celebration on “Sit Down Servant” and serves up guitar-fueledswamp-rock on “Take Me (I’ll Take You There).” Whether he’s wailing to the raftersor savoring a bluesy phrase, Farris convincingly delivers the fervent message of hismusic in this album everyone needs to hear.