From the self-titled debut album through "Four Sail", Love proved to be among the most creative and fascinating groups of the 60's. They combined so many of the musical stylings that other seminal bands of the decade did (Beatles, Stones, Doors, Kaleidoscope), but never got the initial acclaim or success of most of the others enjoyed. Since then, the band has reaped untold critical praise from fans and writers. Their blend of rock with acoustic songs, chamber arrangements, Bacharach/David stylings, latin-tinged melodies and instruments, psychedelia was beyond the overwhelming majority of bands before, then or since. Arthur Lee was the principal songwriter and vocalist. His vocals ranged from beauty to ferocity (Listen to My Song, 7 and 7 is). His eccentricities are a large part of what made Love stand out but also a big reason they never became as big as they could/should have. The masterwork is "Forever Changes", released the year I was born. It's 11 songs run together like an amazing suite, with many of the finest songs ever written by Lee and guitarist Bryan Maclean. The mix of wonder, daily observations and great dread were as relevant and timely as any other group of that year.