Rating: *** (3 stars)
Title: The Dawn of Correction
Company: Decca
Catalog: DL 4712
Year: 1965
Grade (cover/record): NM/NM
Comments: was still sealed; opened and played once to tape it; still in shrink wrap; mono pressing
Available: 1
Price: $40.00
By the mid-'60s John Madara and Dave White had carved out reputations as capable writers, having enjoyed a string of successes with the likes of Danny and the
Juniors White was actually a member of the group), Lesley Gore, etc. With that background, it was only natural they'd jump at a marketing opportunity as promising as that opened up by Barry McGuire's fluke hit "Dawn of Destruction". With McGuire's topical song generating a wave of
criticism for it's depressing, reality-based lyric, it was only a matter of time till someone came up with an answer record. Among those taking a stab at it were Madara and White.
Released by Decca, "The Dawn of Correction" b/w "For You Babe" (Decca catalog number 31844) served as a suitably upbeat response to McGuire's gloomy world assessment, including a somewhat labored justification of nuclear weapons - the threat of nuclear annihilation was actually a good thing in that mutually assured destruction would keep both super powers from pushing the nuclear button (why do I feel like Barry
Goldwater?). More than willing to capitalize on the single's unexpected
success, Decca rushed the pair (along with Ray Gilmore) into the studio to record a supporting album. Produced Madara and White, the cleverly titled
"The Dawn of Correction" was surprisingly good. With a cover that made the trio look like seriously constipated
beatnicks, the album found the trio working in the same folk-rock genre that typified their debut single. Turning in an appealing mix of originals and popular covers (Beatles, Donovan, Dylan), highlights included the leadoff "It Ain't Fair", the sound alike "Better Days Are Yet To Come" and "Have Courage, Be Careful" (the latter a curiosity in that you couldn't tell whether the lyrics were pro or anti-war in nature. Snarling vocals (Gilmore?) combined with some great garage guitar (courtesy of sessions pros like Vinnie Bell and Al
Gorgoni) gave the LP a real kick. Sure, it's a time piece, but it's pretty darned cool ...
"Dawn of Correction" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) It Ain't Fair (John Madara - Dave White - Ray Gilmore) - 2:58
2.) Colours (Donovan) - 2:07
3.) Have Courage, Be Careful (John Madara - Dave White - Ray Gilmore) - 2:06
4.) Love Minus Zero, No Limit (Bob Dylan) - 2:23
5.) Like a Babe (John Madara - Dave White) - 2:27
6.) You've Got To Hide Your Love Away (John Lennon - Paul McCartney) - 2:43
(side 2)
1.) The Dawn of Correction (John Madara - Dave White - Ray Gilmore) - 3:27
2.) Down In the Boondicks (Joe South) - 2:31
3.) Better Days Are Yet To Come (John Madara - Dave White - Ray Gilmore) - 3:00
4.) There But Fortune (Phil Ochs) - 2:49
5.) For You Babe (John Madara - Dave White - Ray Gilmore)2:40
6.) It Ain't Me Babe (Bob Dylan) - 1:59
They continued to release singles through early 1967, at which time they called it quits.