As I am driving across town to a job, I slide the CD for “Forever Changes” by Love into the player. For those of us who fancied ourselves musicians at one point or another, Love is the band to enjoy and contemplate. “Forever Changes” is referred to as one of the greatest rock albums of all time. The complexity and beauty was devastating to us.
Arthur Lee, who died last year, released the album just before the summer of love was about to kick into high gear in '67. The lyrics have oft been misunderstood as a drug influenced trip through Los Angeles, while the music was of sweeping proportions. In reality, Lee was becoming reclusive at a time when his fame was growing, but even in his seclusion, he found his home, which sat on a hillside overlooking the city, invaded by those wanting to be in on the new hippie scene. The album is a love song to his adopted city, with thoughts about his withdrawal from it as well as the evening news. He was pondering the fate of the individual in the ever changing, growing city. Musically, the album takes you through a tour of all of the cultures in Los Angeles. He paints a vivid portrait of the town.
Could I write such a love song to my adopted town? My car is being splattered by mud being thrown up from the street, as I drive further east. I see newly built communities that will not be completed till later in the year, and at every street corner, there is another homeless person asking for a helping hand. Lee saw the blight and desperation of his own community, but still he loved it. After finishing the job, I drive back through downtown to see the new construction. I think about the evolution of the neighborhoods for the betterment of those living there, so I do feel that I can love it. If I do not love it, I cannot contribute to its growth. I will not be able to make this a vibrant place to live.
At home, I read through an article detailing the new urbanist dream of making the home a sanctuary away from the city beyond it walls. The idea that all of our focus, our lives, our dramas will play out inside four walls is disheartening to me. Why should our dream be to retreat from our neighbors? Lee eventually found his way back to his neighbors after his dark night of the soul. I place my daughter in the stroller for a walk. I stop by the elderly couple one street up to say hello. I talk to the woman who walks her dog around the same hour as I take my stroll about the ways our community is discussing to make our homes safer. I contemplate with the man reworking his garden on the best spot for a sun loving plant, when he has so much shade. I check in on the single woman who has left her garage open all day (we have had thefts from open garages).
Alright, so a psychedelic album is not where you would expect a contemplation on real estate. However, maybe you could give it a listen yourself to see how you may consider your relationship with the community around you.
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