Phil Keaggy and Randy Stonehill Mystery Highway (Independent) Released June 2009 Reviewed by John J. Thompson

Style: Classic rock/Brit pop. Compare to Beatles, Badfinger, Kinks, Cream

Top tracks: "Irresistible Future," "Dreamspeak," "Picture Postcard Perfect Day"

In a nutshell: Mystery Highway, the first full-length collaborative studio project from veteran artists (and long-time friends) Phil Keaggy and Randy Stonehill sounds like a project that could have been recorded at any point since 1970. It's a blissfully non-contemporary blast of soulfully fun and mature rock 'n' roll. Covers of Mark Heard's "Love Is Not the Only Thing" and the title track of Keaggy's 1988 album Sunday's Child provide a loving wink to the past as well. 

The legends trade off lead vocals and spend much of the running time in perfect harmony. Excellent production brings the tunes to life while comedic interludes provide a peek into what sounds like hilarious recording sessions.

Copyright © 2009 Christian Music Today. Click for reprint information.