“Mercy Thoughts” is a collection of live/outtake/demo recordings by both of Mike Stand as a solo artist, and of the Altar Boys. The following is a detailed statement by Mike Stand taken from the liner notes on the original CD release: In sorting through my personal library of live material, I was intrigued. I’ve never really taken the time to stop and look back; I have always tried to keep moving forward. Yet, as I began compiling these songs, I took a long objective look back (as objective as I could). At first, I was really embarrassed, to say the least, by the simplicity, innocence, and lack of depth in my early material. Then I began to think, ”Why should I be so embarrassed?” In spite of its obvious weakness, it had something a lot of music doesn’t have, heart. I like to think that same heart, though a bit battle weary and scarred, is still prevalent in my material today. My songs reflect a man who hasn’t arrived yet. He hasn’t even sighted land. Then again, who of us has arrived? (None of us, at least, that are still alive). We keep journeying on, reaching ahead, and trying to live with the past. God gives us mercy and grace, or we would never make it. This project represents eight of the more important and growing years of my life - both musically and personally. Special thanks to Jeff, Ric, and Steve, the greatest guys you could ever be in a band with; and to so many of you who supported us along the way. This project is dedicated to all of you who stood by both me and the band for so many years! Thank you again, from the bottom of mine and the band's heart. Blessings and remember: You are Loved! Mike Stand Titles Include: Listen to Your Heart Breakdown (Demo) Take In the Son (Altar Boys Live) Come Along and See (Altar Boys Live) Now You're Mine (Demo) You're Lost (Demo) Well, O.K. (Altar Boys Live) Where's It Gonna Lead You? (Altar Boys Live) When You're a Rebel (Altar Boys Live) Gut Level Music (Basic Recording Track - Altar Boys) You Are Loved (Live Acoustic) Fallen World (Live Acoustic) Do I Stand Alone?(Demo) It's Me (Demo) Life In the Streets (Demo) World Burning (Demo) Altar Boys Go Skating (Demo - Altar Boys) Throw Your Torches Down (Demo - Altar Boys) Altar Boys Go Skating - (Demo: Acoustic Version) Stand and Fall (Demo) I Can Hear (Demo)