The enigma that is Otis G. Johnson first came to our attention on the excellent Personal Space compilation. His songs, built around a rhythm-equipped Hammond organ, possess a certain outsider quality that is hard to come by these days. The dirge like qualities of Johnson’s songs belie his gospel intentions. Their minor chord voicing and occasional bum notes make Everything – God Is Love 78 a testament to the singer’s own despair. But there is hopefulness buried within the grooves, deliverance lies just beyond the reaches of Johnson’s homespun melodies. This is music that will take you somewhere else entirely.
- black vinyl pressing
- original release year: 1978
- music label: Numero Group 2013