Our Generation - "Love" - Dawning Of The Day (1971)

"There aren't many Jesus Rock rarities left to blow scene veterans away, but this might just be one of them. With band originals all [the way] through, Our Generation have an unusual sound for Christians, as they reach back into a genuinely '60s-sounding teen-psych style, with youthful enthusiasm rather than reflective '70s maturity. Driven forward by an outstanding bass player and west-coast-y male-female vocals, the sound is reminiscent of the better '67-68 Boss-Town Airplane wannabes; Ill Wind in particular. Strong fuzz riffs, soaring leads and swirling organ combine to put you right at some local freak club in 1968, at least until you notice the religious lyrics. The LP opens with two killer fuzz-psych tracks you won't believe, and maintains an impressive quality through dreamy west-coast psych, Seeds fuzz-garage and Yankee Dollar folk-rock, with terrific songwriting and an irresistible, upbeat commitment. A weird spoken bit with a faux-British accent and sound effects bring in the right Ultimate Spinach feel. Make no mistake: if this had come out on Mainstream, it'd be rated as one of the best on the label." ~Patrick Lundborg, 'The Acid Archives' (2nd Ed., 2010)
MUSICIANS:
- John Ootsdyk: lead vocals, rhythm guitar
- Dwight Craver: lead guitar
- Larry Hoey: organ
- Donna Oostdyk (née Gervin), Sharon Spear: backing vocals
- Lowell Weeks: bass
- Al Wolcott: drums
LYRICS (by Larry Wm. Hoey):
Well, I wandered when I should've known
That love could keep me on my throne
A rose is bloomin' at my feet
But a mystery lies with smilin' teeth
Love, can I find?
Love, can it change my mind?
Love, can I find?
Love, can it change my mind?
So tortured in my mind so fared
I emptied scars all burned and pale
Sat around my suture knife
For mystery's show of his love life
Love, can I find?
Love, can it change my mind?
Love, can I find?
Love, can it change my mind?
Now, I have been and I have gone
Seen every place just under the sun
At least I know it, I'm so sure
That love my friend is the only cure
Love, can I find?
Love, can it change my mind?
Love, can I find?
Love, can it change my mind?
Love, can I find?
Love, can it change my mind?