Our Songs by Teach-In: A Europop Time Capsule from 1975
Alright, buckle up, because we’re diving into Our Songs, the 1975 album by Teach-In that screams (or maybe hums?) “Europop before it was cool.” Released in Germany under Telefunken Records, this record is like a glittery disco ball spinning in your grandma’s attic—nostalgic but kinda magical. It’s got all the fixings of ‘70s pop: catchy hooks, questionable fashion choices, and enough synthesizers to make Kraftwerk jealous.
Let’s break it down. First off, credits where they’re due: Getty belts out lead vocals with the kind of confidence only achievable after three cups of coffee and zero sleep. Chris de Wolde strums his guitar like he’s trying to impress someone at a bonfire, while John Gaasbeek does… well, everything else on keys, bass, harpsichord—you name it. The arrangements are tight thanks to Dick Bakker and pals, though I can’t help picturing them huddled over sheet music arguing about whether trumpets should go here or there. Spoiler alert: Ard Weeink’s trumpet totally saves the day.
Now, onto the tracks. There are some bangers here, sure, but two songs stuck in my brain like gum under a school desk: “Ding-A-Dong” and “The Circus Show.”
“Ding-A-Dong,” huh? What even IS that title? Sounds like something you’d hear in a cartoon about mischievous woodland creatures. But man, don’t let the goofy name fool you—this track SLAPS. It’s upbeat, quirky, and somehow makes me want to both dance and question my life choices simultaneously. Getty’s voice soars over layers of synths and percussion courtesy of Ruud Nijhuis, who must’ve had arms of steel after laying down those drum fills. This song feels like pure chaos wrapped in a shiny bow, and honestly, isn’t that what Europop is all about?
Then there’s “The Circus Show,” which might as well be called “Circus Vibes: The Song.” From the opening notes, you’re transported straight to a big top tent filled with clowns, acrobats, and probably a sad elephant somewhere in the corner. Koos Versteeg lays down some groovy accordion lines that give the whole thing an almost polka-like vibe, but trust me, it works. By the time the chorus kicks in, you’ll find yourself wondering why more pop songs aren’t inspired by carnivals. Is it deep? No. Is it fun? Absolutely.
But here’s the kicker—I listened to this album expecting typical ‘70s cheese, and yeah, there’s plenty of that. Yet, beneath the surface lies something unexpectedly charming. Maybe it’s the sheer enthusiasm dripping from every note, or maybe it’s just nostalgia for simpler times when people wore bell-bottoms without irony. Either way, Our Songs reminds us that sometimes, music doesn’t need to change the world—it just needs to make you smile.
Final thought: If aliens ever invade Earth and ask us to explain human culture through one album, I’m handing them Our Songs. And if they don’t get it, well, at least we’ll have Ding-A-Dong playing during the apocalypse.
