Joshua - God Spoke...And Said 'Lead My People' (KILLER X-IAN PSYCHEDELIC ROCK US 1973)

"JOSHUA - GOD SPOKE...AND SAID, 'LEAD MY PEOPLE'" (KILLER X-IAN PSYCHEDELIC ROCK US 1973)

Joshua was "Tony Sena", "Quincy Rogers" and "Shelby Rogers" from Southwest.
They released their sole album "God Spoke...And Said 'Lead My People'" in 1973 on the "Impact Records" (Impact Records R3328, 1973).


From the back cover:
Joshua - Tony Sena, Quincy Rogers and Shelby Rogers - came to us not too long ago to talk to us about making a record.
They took their guitars out to play and as they did they told us why they were together.
They had all been working in street ministries in the Southwest and about a year ago had been led to combine their musical talents and form a group.
So the three of them went out into the desert for several months to pray and write songs.
When they decided they were ready, they came out of the desert and found their way to us.


Consequently, as you hold this record in your hand and decide whether or not to take it home, you must remember two things. The first is that it is one of the two or three best Jesus Rock albums ever produced. Some of the most powerful lyrics and music to come out of the Jesus movement are to be found on this album.
The second is the name that they bear. It is no coincidence that they are called "Joshua" and that God has led them out of the desert to you.

"God Spoke...And Said 'Lead My People'" is one of the most impressive LPs of the 70s Christian Rock era.
It's got a superb balance between acoustic rhythm guitar and searing meaty electric lead in a way that is not cliched or hackneyed in any way.
The songs are also really singable and the rhythm section are good and upfront, while the softer tracks are beautiful.
The guitar work is incredible, it just screams in from nowhere and just lifts the whole album. A mixture of guitar driven hard rock with borderline Psychedelic overtones.
"Their tunes cook along with fast-strumming rhythm guitars; then suddenly they'll blast in with an abrasive electric lead.
Side one hits us with "The Word", "Revelation", "New Life" and "Keep Your Light Shining", all top-notch rockers empowered with sizzling riffs.

Side two continues the assault with "I Was Lonely" and the blistering "Free Me".
"Caterpillar" begins with a quiet acoustic mood before shifting into a fairly rocking mid-section.
Interspersed with some fine acoustic ballads like "The Secret", "If He Came To Your House" and a cover of Larry Norman's "I Wish We'd All Been Ready".
Good natural vocal harmonies of the rural hippie variety, often with a rough "Crosby, Stills and Nash" quality.

If you like it raw and shaggy and loud, you'll want Joshua.
Co-released on the Key label in the UK where it sells for ungodly amounts.
The UK version also has a much more attractive color sleeve featuring a person with their arms outstretched". (Ken Scott - Archivist)

There are two U.S. pressings in existence; the original is black, the second has a red label.
Also issued on "Key Records" (Key KL-014) in the UK, in New Zealand and in Canada.