#180 Love, 'Forever Changes' (1967)

Previously #40

Another drastic drop. To be honest, I felt this album was ranked too high last time and this feels more right. I had never heard of Love before I did the last countdown. Firstly, upon my second listen today, I strongly recommend listening to this one in headphones. On my second listen I’m hearing so many things that I hadn’t earlier today. The album was released during the Summer Of Love. Ironically, despite its release date and the name of the band, bandleader, Arthur Lee didn’t subscribe to the idea of Flower Power at all. Lee was convinced he was about to die and these were his parting words.

Produced by Bruce Botnick, most famous for his work with The Doors, the album is subtle, not too bombastic, very psychedelic and has some great songs. Throughout the record I heard so many sounds, vocally and on the guitar, that reminded me of The Smiths. I went back and read my review from last time and this is what I said “At some points it reminds me a bit of The Smiths. I wonder if they were influenced by this band/album?” Pretty amazing to have had the same thought 6.5 years apart. Lee was a difficult character who refused to tour. Following the completion of this record, the band’s other songwriter, Bryan Maclean, left and the rest of the band was fired. Totally not groovy, man!

#rs500albums