Arthur Lee R.I.P.

Rhino released a greatest hits in 2003 that is was a good representation of what the band was about.The sound is a little bass shy but you would not be disapointed with the Sundazed offerings. Try to find a copy of "Vindicator" Lee's first solo album and the only one worth owning. It sounds alot like Hendrix and Trower thrown into a blender.Good stuff and it holds up well.
Oh what a dish
she smelt just like a fish
I fell for her
hook line and sinker.
from "Vindicator"

Earlier I wrote, 'Don't forget "False Start" either'. Would it be too disrespectful of Arthur's memory so soon after his passing if I amended that? Well, permission to forget granted -- after having spent the past few days spinning primarily Love, I concluded the reason I haven't played this particular album in years is because I really don't care for it. His previous Blue Thumb effort, the double-LP "Out Here" -- which I admit I hadn't listened to in too long as well -- has close to one album's worth of very solid songs on it, and condensed would be about as good as "Four Sail", the last of the Elektra albums.

Speaking of which, I guess now I've got to acknowledge that the condition of a couple of my original Elektras could be better -- especially "Forever Changes" -- so maybe I'll check out some of the Sundazed reissues after all. I also see that Rhino/WEA has a 2-CD box set collection (that includes "FC" in its entirety) entitled "Love Story". That could be an outstanding purchase for any of the curious unacquainted who may be lurking and dig mid-60's psych and pop-rock (that means you, fans of period Beatles, Stones, Byrds, Beach Boys, Doors, Airplane, etc.!).

The Sundazed LP's are excellent. I put my original pressing of Revisited up against the Sundazed 180 pressing and it was neck and neck. Of course I adusted the VTA but the Sundazed has more bass(and less scratches) and as with all the Sundazed offerings they are done with tubes. There worth owning the first three for sure. I wish they would do "Violater" Arthur's first solo album. I see it on Ebay sometimes and it is very good, more consistant than the later Love recordings. I have a Test Pressing given to me by Arthur thats sounds great. He never got the reconizition he earned or the royalties he deserved either for that matter.

Don't forget "False Start" (Blue Thumb) either, but for me the first three on Elektra are definitely the DID's of the bunch. "Revisited" was also a nice single-disk retrospective on that label, but can't contain enough material to make it more than an overview introduction for the unitiated. I haven't heard the Sundazed reissues, which I believe are remixed.

out here(blue thumb), and four sail(elecktra)too....jeez they were all worth owning.

Da Capo holds the destinction of being the first 33 1/3 Album to have just one song on a side. That song was Revelation on side two.

I've read a few articles online now, and feel compelled to just say this: "Forever Changes" ain't the only good record Love made -- "Love" and "Da Capo" are essential too IMO.

Forever Changes was Love and Arthur Lee's masterpiece.
If you have even a passing interest in 60s pop/rock you must get this album. It was one of the truely great and unique albums of it's time.
RIP Arthur Lee, you were an under appreciated genius.
J.

Forever Changes consistantly appears in lists of the greatest albums made.

Sad news about Arthur Lee.

I'm devastated. I saw Arthur live twice in the last few years and he was fan-freakin-tastic both times, and looked from a distance healthy as a horse. I'd heard he was hospitalized, and knew there was a benefit for him in NYC a month or two ago, but this feels like a blow to the solar plexus. I've been a Love fan from the first time I heard "She Comes In Colors" on FM radio as an adolescent in the mid-70's. Thanks for relaying the news, and also the taste of what you experienced in the Canyon back in the day.

Sad news. I have the Forever Changes concert on DVD.

If you are a member of dime they have a bunch of LOVE shows to download..

Oh! That's a shame. I obviously come out of the same era as Q. Well, as van Dyke Parks (another L. Cyn. dweller) has said, "What goes up Laurel Canyon, must e-vent-u-al-ly come down..." Adios Arthur -- see ya soon I suppose ;--)