Here Come The Waves

Love - “You Set The Scene” : This may be my favorite song on an album that I consider to be perfect. The fact that artists from Robert Plant to Yo La Tengo now sing it’s praises is a truly wonderful thing, because it was a completely overlooked gem for so many years. As such it’s creator, Arthur Lee is a beguiling piece of that problem. Despite inspiring Syd Barrett and The Stones to write several of the great songs of 67’, being directly responsible for getting The Doors signed to Elektra records and most importantly recording one of the best rock albums of the 60’s, Lee is only recently getting the recognition he deserves. Sadly this is due in no small part to Arthur himself. Aside from Lee’s well addressed personal issues, he was a extremely contrary individual. He famously hated being filmed or photographed. Ditto for interviews. And touring. From what little evidence is left, one would never know that Love was one of the hottest bands in L.A. at the time. He pretty much did everything in his power to ensure that no one outside of the west coast would ever hear his songs. Which is a shame. Taking a deeper look at the world around him, and questioning his place in it, these songs age well. This one in particular, starts and finishes in two very different places. From a uptempo edgy folk-rocker it shifts (transcends?) into a soaring, majestic climax. Lyrically and musically it never fails to stop me dead in my tracks. I hope it does so for you as well.

Love - Arthur Lee was a strange and talented paradox. A black man singing like a white Brit singing like a southern black, his band Love was one of rocks first multi racial groups. Equal parts Byrds folk-psych, Stones styled rock, and L.A. flower punk, they produced 3 great 60’s albums culminating with 1967’s Forever Changes. Lee was a creative enigma, often compared to Syd Barrett or Brian Wilson. Like both of them he was fueled by a certain madness that never quite allowed him to make good on his 60’s promise. That aside, Forever Changes stands right along The Velvet Underground and Nico, Revolver, or Beggars Banquet as one of the decades seminal and thoroughly original original rock and roll albums.

Love - “A House Is Not A Motel” : A great rocker from 1967’s Forever Changes. A very cool fuzz guitar propels this song along L.A.’s streets of gold.