15 AUGUST 1966
Love's started recording their second album 'Da Capo' in September 1966, and preceded it with their second single, '7 and 7 Is', which peaked at #33 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming their highest-selling single.
'Da Capo' was released about eight months after their self-titled debut album. While that first record could probably be described as 'garage folk', their second was much more sophisticated, having taken on an extra two group members to add the flute, saxophone and keyboards to their sound. This was more of a baroque/psychedelic album, a sound they would perfect on their masterpiece 'Forever Changes' in 1967.
'7 and 7 Is' was a frantic drum-driven 'proto-punk' rocker but, as with their first album, some of the better material did not make it to single status. Some of the other songs from the album's A-side, such as '¡Que Vida!', would have been right at home on 'Forever Changes'. This track is a great example of singer-songwriter Arthur Lee's exceptional talent for delicate but solid melodies, intricate arrangements, and fascinating lyrics.
'7 and 7 Is' was a frantic drum-driven 'proto-punk' rocker but, as with their first album, some of the better material did not make it to single status. Some of the other songs from the album's A-side, such as '¡Que Vida!', would have been right at home on 'Forever Changes'. This track is a great example of singer-songwriter Arthur Lee's exceptional talent for delicate but solid melodies, intricate arrangements, and fascinating lyrics.
The 'Da Capo' album only reached #80 on the charts, probably not helped by having a B-side comprised of one 19-minute jam. Even 'Forever Changes' - which was later ranked at #40 on Rolling Stone magazine's 'Best 500 Albums of All Time' list - only reached #154. Songs such as ¡Que Vida! demonstrate that the band deserved much more commercial success than they were granted.
