Rick Elias' first two albums appeared without much fanfare, just as the hairspray-drenched '80s were coming to a close. Nonetheless, listeners seeking more than pompadour and circumstance were drawn to his autobiographical songs of faith, his ragged rasp of a voice, and his fresh combination of poetic lyrics and soulfully played guitar rock. When these first notes of Elias' "Confession of Love" shook speakers into splinters to begin his band's self-titled debut, it was a joyous cry heard by only a smattering of fortunate bystanders. A year later--in 1991--follow-up Ten Stories overflowed with memorable gut-checks, like "I Wouldn't Need You (Like I Do)" and "When You Lose Someone You Love," unflinchingly honest tales. On the heels of Elias' recent Blink, these two ground-breaking musical vehicles are being road tested again. Here's your chance to take a break from speeding down the generic mainstream highway. Instead, let Elias take you on a richly rewarding detour through the unique back roads of his world.