I had been going to post something different today, then I came home and found out that Arthur Lee has died. Hmm.

For those who haven’t come across Arthur Lee, he fronted a band called Love, formed in 1965. Their third album, Forever Changes, is deservedly recognised as one of the key sixties records now, even if it wasn’t quite seen as that at the time. The opening track, Alone Again Or, is quite possibly one of the most sublime pieces of music ever recorded, and has been covered, amongst others by The Damned (see 1986 LP ‘Anything’) and Calexico (2003 single). He was also a huge influence on Michael Head and Shack.

Do yourself a favour or three: first of all, if you haven’t done so already, go and buy Forever Changes (my third favourite album of the sixties, after The Beatles’ Revolver and The Rolling Stones’ Beggars Banquet).

Check Lee’s official site; his myspace page. The NME meanwhile have, bless their collective cotton socks, put together a special on him. Hopefully they’ll do a special issue on him like they did for Syd Barrett a couple of weeks ago.

Now go and play at least one his records loudly and pay the man the tribute he deserves.