The Merchants Of Venus
Wish Across The Land
(Warner Music, 1994)

 
 
Produced by Charles Norman

Known Formats
CD – catalog # 4509-97873-2, lyrics included - yes

The Band
Rune Annaniassen – bass and disappearing acts
Charles Norman – guitars, back-up vocals, synth and rhythm machines, the odd bass thump
Aslak Nygren – vocals and tambourine

Additional Musicians
Joachim Nielsen – lead guitar (track 6)
Dizzy Reed – piano, organ, drinks
Sid Riggs – drums and percussion
Espen Stenhammer – drums (tracks 5 and 9)

Songs
1. Postcards From Heaven (4:56)
2. Coming For Christine (3:17)
3. One Man (4:37)
4. The Arms Of Morpheus (3:52)
5. Morning Glory (4:26)
6. She Knows It (4:52)
7. Still Recall (5:34)
8. What Am I Looking For (4:51)
9. First Kiss Of Love (4:54)
10. I Want It All (4:35)
11. The Long Road (6:13)
12. [silence] (1:37)
13. [silence] (0:15)
14. [silence] (0:16)
15. [silence] (0:15)
16. [silence] (0:14)
17. [silence] (0:15)
18. [silence] (0:16)
19. [silence] (0:14)
20. [silence] (0:15)
21. [silence] (0:16)
22. [untitled] (1:05)

Total Time – 57:04
 

Comments:  Not to be confused with the American band, Merchants Of Venus, this album features Larry Norman's brother, Charles Norman.  The bass player died shortly before the album was released, so it remained a European-only release.  The cover art would be quite offensive to most conservative Christians.  I would certainly not own anything more provocative than this.  Remembering the stink that Atomic Opera's Penguin Dust cover art created in some circles, I will refrain from posting this album's cover art on my site since it is unquestionably more offensive.  The lyrical content is basically secular with a few spiritual implications and soul-searching questions here and there, but not anywhere near as objectionable as the cover art (in my opinion).  Larry Norman re-released the album in a limited pressing on his Solid Rock label as Hi-Fi Demonstration Record by Wondergroove.  The reissue has 2 new tracks, and left off tracks 2 and 7 from this original release.