When I crossed paths with the mercurial bandleader, his star was barely flickering. Two decades after his death, he’s revered as an avatar of psychedelic rock—and a cautionary tale of self-sabotage.
Nice write-up, Seth, and a somewhat decent memory to have of Arthur. He had his demons, for sure. I have often said that if Arthur trimmed the fat from 'Out Here' and edited it to a single LP, it would be revered today as 'Da Capo' (side one, at least) and 'FC.' There are some brilliant songs. I know Dan Epstein would say a similar thing about a post-'FC' LP, but he would swap 'Out Here' for 'Four Sail.'
Appreciate that Michael! It's been sweet to read the trickle of remembrances here (and on other platforms) about what those later performances (and those indelible songs) meant to so many of us....
Nice piece, Seth. Arthur was indeed a puzzle that I don't think anyone was ever able to fully solve. Those Baby Lemonade dudes are dear friends of mine, and I've heard so many jaw-dropping Arthur stories from them; but as much time as they spent with him over the years, I don't think they could ever predict which way his moods would swing, or how he might react to a certain situation. He sure left us with some incredible songs, though.
Oh FASCINATING! Oh man, I can only imagine. Not to go all “woo,” but it really calls to mind the shaman/trickster archetype. Sounds like it fit him to a T….
Nice write-up, Seth, and a somewhat decent memory to have of Arthur. He had his demons, for sure. I have often said that if Arthur trimmed the fat from 'Out Here' and edited it to a single LP, it would be revered today as 'Da Capo' (side one, at least) and 'FC.' There are some brilliant songs. I know Dan Epstein would say a similar thing about a post-'FC' LP, but he would swap 'Out Here' for 'Four Sail.'
Appreciate that Michael! It's been sweet to read the trickle of remembrances here (and on other platforms) about what those later performances (and those indelible songs) meant to so many of us....
Nice piece, Seth. Arthur was indeed a puzzle that I don't think anyone was ever able to fully solve. Those Baby Lemonade dudes are dear friends of mine, and I've heard so many jaw-dropping Arthur stories from them; but as much time as they spent with him over the years, I don't think they could ever predict which way his moods would swing, or how he might react to a certain situation. He sure left us with some incredible songs, though.
Oh FASCINATING! Oh man, I can only imagine. Not to go all “woo,” but it really calls to mind the shaman/trickster archetype. Sounds like it fit him to a T….