Forever Changes: Arthur Lee And The Book Of Love

First off, I lived through the era when Love began (1960s). As a New Yorker I rarely knew of anyone who knew anything about the group; FM played them a little, but that was it. I went through each album release with anxious anticipation- it always got better, and Forever Changes has not aged and is always fresh and unique. Four Sail was not what I expected, but still had some gems. Then there Arthur, for me as a New Yorker, seemed to disappear. I did get Vindicator, but never knew what was going on. As I read this book I was able to find out, and much was explained. I wished I could just travel back in time and tell Arthur, as so many good people tried. Sad to see the years go to waste, but also nice to see Great Britain and Europe pick him off the scrap heap pile. Book made no excuses and showed his nice points and his warts that people tried to live with. Very enjoyable and haunting. Would have liked to know a little more about the kind of money Arthur was earning at different points- this is very minor, but the book was great. Very high quality book- my hands are stronger from the very strong binding!

Soft yet substantial cover. Two page Preface,eight page Introduction,three hundred pages of text,five page index,thirteen pages of period color and b&w photographs,mostly of Lee and various band members. Each chapter has a b&w photo on the heading page,including Lee's earliest group,which are interesting to see. The author,John Einarson,has written a number of other books on musicians/groups,such as Gene Clark,THE FLYING BURRITO BROTHERS,and BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD. He has also written for a number of music publications such as MOJO,UNCUT,and GOLDMINE.This wonderful book covers the life of Arthur Lee from boyhood (in Lee's own words we learn,for example,that the combination of listening to blues on the radio,spirituals in church and the music played by the local high school band is what started him in music,and that he would set his mean dog,Sissy,on neighborhood people),through his various LOVE groups,and ends with Lee's death from leukemia,in 2006. The author interviewed many people,including family members,friends from throughout his life,band members and managers,and girlfriends,in order to have enough first hand, correct information to tell Lee's story. But what puts this book a notch above any others is the use of Arthur Lee's memoirs,that Lee told a friend,who copied it (for eventual publication) all down. Although there were gaps in the history (which were then invented and filled in by mostly,writers) Lee gave,Einarson,through in depth,extensive interviews,was able to fill in the gaps for a more complete,straightforward,honest picture of just who Arthur Lee was.Where it was fitting,the author wove edited parts (in italics) of Lee's memoirs throughout the information obtained in his research. This gives the book a real authenticity and even more depth to Lee's story. Not only is a bright light shed on Lee's life,but key members of his most famous (and best) LOVE group also are included. Band members such as Johnny Echols and Brian Maclean are looked at and their contributions and observations give added depth to the story during this period. Lee's music is looked at in detail,from his earliest groups,to the various LOVE groups until Lee's death. Particular emphasis is on Lee's mid 60's LOVE group,and the folk-rock movement in Los Angeles. Their albums for Elektra Records (including their masterpiece "Forever Changes",which can essentially be played on acoustic guitars and still sound great) during the folk-rock era (which included THE BYRDS,who influenced Lee's approach to his own series of albums) are put in proper perspective with Lee's thoughts,which give an inside view of both how things unfolded for the group,and give an inside look at the times. This album was never very popular except regionally when it was released. It was largely overlooked and ignored by most people,who didn't understand what Lee was conveying about life in L.A.,his own life,and life in general. England (where Lee's popularity never waned) was one of the few areas where the album was widely heard and discussed since its release. The album has gone on to be both Lee's masterpiece and albatross,with his subsequent work always being compared to it. This book delves into all of this in some detail.If this book does nothing else,it proves that Lee was a survivor-well known on the Sunset Strip on the 60's,drugged out in the 70's/80's,and imprisoned in the 90's,only to resurface with his musical chops and identity intact. Lee was almost always overshadowed by his bands masterpiece,"Forever Changes" (there is even a reproduction of the album cover on Lee's headstone),and this book looks not only at that album,but Lee's music in general,and how Lee,the man,was intertwined with his music. This book delves into all of these areas (again using Lee's memoirs) and more,and the depth of detail is very enlightening,and sometimes harrowing.The author's combination of information through interviews along with Lee's personal thoughts,give this book an immediate,visceral,and an almost "you are there" feel to the events throughout Lee's life. Reading information researched by the author,along with Lee's remembrances put a number of rumors and "facts" to rest. Did two band members serve jail time for robbing donut shops? Did Arthur Lee fry his brain with daily use of LSD? Was he part American Indian? Did Lee shoot himself? Did Lee collect pigeons and dye them,so he could watch all the colors fly through the sky? Did Lee take the rap for someone else shooting a weapon? Did Lee die in prison in a knife fight? Having listened to LOVE since their first (vinyl) album,and on through to his solo works,I've heard/read all these rumors over the years. Once and for all its great that someone of Einarson's intelligence,writing skill,and perseverance has shed a bright light on all these rumors (and more) and has given us this highly readable,informative,and (at times) highly entertaining book,which will be the only book needed for a deep look into the life and music of a true original-Arthur Lee.

Einarson's meticulously researched rock biographies are the Behind the Music of print. With Forever Changes, Einarson has once again captured an era through music. The music of the sixties defined my life, and while I had Love albums, I knew little about Arthur Lee or the band. Although Einarson discusses the drug use of Lee and his bandmates, the book does not bog down under repetitive details of who took what and how much. The focus is the music, which makes this account a joy to read.Einarson uses excerpts from Lee's memoirs as well as interviews with many of the people who knew and worked with Lee to craft a detailed biography. There are rich descriptions of the composition, arranging and recording process. Einarson balances the musical genius and cult status of Lee with info about his aversity to touring, a characteristic which was Lee's undoing in terms of broad recognition and fortune. Many seemingly opposing facets to Lee's personality are revealed; he could be kind and generous to family and friends, volatile in personal and business relationships, and nearly impossible to work with.

Great book...for those of us growing up listing to the west coast music...

Excellent book about Arthur Lee, his musical career , and the band Love.A lot is made of the Love 'Forever Changes' lp as being one of the best, as it is but it tends to dwarf their other albums. The first 3 albums are up with the very best of the rock era. Thus book brings back the time of the mid 60's Sunset Strip and the glorious music that was coming out of that region. None were better than 'Love'

I saw Arthur Lee's Love, where he had top billing and a skinny guy named Ozzie with his band, Black Sabbath, opened for him. Love played next and then came the James Gang, who in my opinion blew Love and Sabbath off the stage that night at the Fillmore West back then in the early 70's. Love closed with a second set. I always dug "My Little Red Book". I was teen back then. I'm a fan of the 60's that I am glad to witness many changes in our country. Reading this book was enjoyable of capturing just a snipet of what was going on back then, particulary music. If you enjoy Love's music, this will be a great compliment.

Love the album of the same name.somewhat ahead of it's time in the day.............great to here his story

I thoroughly enjoyed this biography of the life and times of Love and Arthur Lee. It is a tragedy that this band and this man's brilliance were not justly recognized, particularly following the release of Forever Changes. Had they been, who knows how much differently history would remember this legendary visionary and critically influential band.

An insite to this wonderful talented artist never got the recognition he solely deserved

An excellent account of Lee's life and times, warts and all. An extraordinary character in every sense. I never realized quite how influential he was.

Good Book. interesting having opinions by his contemporaries as well as his own story. Happy to recommend to anyone interested in the evolution of a unique musical talent.

I Bought this as a gift, the recipient was delighted, that's good enough for me. I can't speak for it's content.

A few years ago the DVD LOVE STORY was released and this book is an essential read for LOVE fans to accompany that film. Arthur's story is funny, tragic, ego-driven which resulted in perhaps 2-3 records that are timeless. This book will enlighten and annoy at the time - wasted talent drugs it's all there - Arthur Lee was never normal or free.