Arthur Lee’s band Love is primarily known for their orchestral, psychedelic 1967 classic Forever Changes, one of the most revered albums of the era. They are also notable as one of the first mixed-race bands, as both Lee and childhood friend and band co-founder Johnny Echols were African-American.
Before that undeniable masterpiece, they had dabbled in a variety of styles. Most of their work had a garage-rock feel, best heard on songs like the charged Burt Bacharach cover “My Little Red Book” and their only modest hit, “7 and 7 Is.” Elsewhere they showed themselves capable of a broader range. Hints of what was to come can be seen in tracks like the surging, insistent “Softly to Me,” the haunting, contemplative “Signed D.C.,” and the trippy “She Comes in Colors.” The side-long improvisation “Revelation” showed their musical chops could be extended over a longer piece.
Forever Changes, however, is a listening experience unlike any other. With their third album, Love took their previous primitive garage-rock sound and softened it, made it more subtle and organic with elaborate string and horn orchestration. “Alone Again Or,” for example—perhaps the album’s most iconic moment—features delicate guitar picking, swelling and shimmering strings, and mariachi trumpet. “A House is Not a Motel” adds driving rhythm guitar strumming and a climax of chaotic psychedelic guitar wailing. The album may feel a bit dated, but it’s hard not to find yourself swept up in its surging melodies and heartfelt passion.
Sadly, after Forever Changes, all other band members quit or were forced out, and Lee continued on with a new backing band in a more conventional blues-rock vein.
This playlist starts strong, with a generous selection from Forever Changes, before dipping back to sample from their first two albums. Enjoy.
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