The band signed to Philips Records in 1967 and released its first single, "Anyway That You Want Me", in the early part of that year. Their first album, H. P. Lovecraft, followed in late 1967 and included what is arguably the band's best-known song, "The White Ship". The band then relocated to San Francisco, California, where they became a frequent attraction at various San Francisco Bay Area venues, including The Fillmore and the Winterland Ballroom. In 1968, a second album, H. P. Lovecraft II, appeared, but the group disbanded in early 1969.
Edwards, and fellow original member Michael Tegza, subsequently formed a new line-up of the band with the shortened name of Lovecraft, although Edwards left this new group before the first album was recorded. This second incarnation of the band released the album "Valley of the Moon" in 1970 and, after a further name change to Love Craft, they released the album "We Love You Whoever You Are" in 1975. The album sold poorly and, as a result, the band were dropped by their label and disbanded shortly thereafter.
Founder George Edwards had been a folk troubadour in Chicago, California and Florida, whose repertoire included covers of The Beatles’ “Norwegian Wood” and Bob Dylan’s “Quit Your Low Down Ways”, as well as early songs by Fred Neil and Terry Callier, with both of whom he played in clubs. Vocalist/keyboard player Dave Michaels, who had previously played in jazz groups with David Sanborn, boasted a classical training and a four-octave range.
After covering Chip Taylor’s “Any Way That You Want Me” with members of Chicago band The Rovin’ Kind , Edwards and Michaels became the creative force behind the group. After getting clearance for use of the writer’s name from his executors, they recruited Tony Cavallari (lead guitar), Mike Tegza (drums) and Jerry McGeorge (bass), and a debut album for Philips, H. P. Lovecraft, soon followed.
Featuring a nine-piece orchestra, it juxtaposed covers such as Dino Valente’s hippie anthem “Get Together” and the early Randy Newman ballad “I’ve Been Wrong Before”, with band-written songs including the jazzy “That’s How Much I Love You (More Or Less)” and vaudeville psychedelia in “The Time Machine”. A musical tribute to their novelist namesake, based on his short story “The White Ship”, was drenched in hallucinatory harmonies, droning feedback, baroque harpsichord passages and the chiming of a genuine 1811 ship’s bell.
The band’s sound was distinguished by the dual lead vocals of Edwards and Michaels—influenced by Fred Neil’s earlier work with Vince Martin—the intricate organ and harpsichord work of Michaels, and the propulsive drumming of Tegza. Several of their songs attempted to communicate the eerie atmosphere of the writings of their namesake. Their power and imagination as a live group can be heard on Live at the Fillmore: May 11, 1968, recorded after McGeorge had been replaced by Jeffrey Boyan, and issued in the 1990s.
A second studio album, H. P. Lovecraft II, followed. Although recorded with the band in some disarray, it successfully developed their musical approach and stands as an exemplar of acid rock of the period. Many of the psychedelic effects were apparently created by engineer Chris Huston, previously of Merseybeat band The Undertakers. The album included another song based on a Lovecraft short story, “At the Mountains of Madness,” as well as a contribution from voice artist Ken Nordine on the track “Nothing’s Boy”, and songs by Terry Callier and others.
In late 1968, Michaels decided to leave the band to return to university, and H. P. Lovecraft effectively collapsed. A spin-off group, Lovecraft, reformed in the 1970s with Edwards and Tegza from the original line-up, but Edwards very soon left. The group released two more poorly-regarded albums, but had little connection to the first incarnation of the band.
Edwards has subsequently played in folk clubs as Ethan Kenning, occasionally reuniting with Michaels who also performs as David Miotke.
Note 1) Howard Phillips Lovecraft, (August 20, 1890 – March 15, 1937) was an American author of horror, fantasy and science fiction, especially the subgenre known as weird fiction. His guiding literary principle was what he termed "cosmicism" or "cosmic horror", the idea that life is incomprehensible to human minds and that the universe is fundamentally alien. Those who genuinely reason, like his protagonists, gamble with sanity. As early as the 1940s, Lovecraft had developed a cult following for his Cthulhu Mythos, a series of loosely interconnected fiction featuring a pantheon of humanity-nullifying entities, as well as the Necronomicon, a fictional grimoire of magical rites and forbidden lore. His works were deeply pessimistic and cynical, challenging the values of the Enlightenment, Romanticism and Christian humanism. Lovecraft's protagonists usually achieve the antithesis of traditional gnosis and mysticism by momentarily glimpsing the horror of ultimate reality and the abyss.
Note 2) there are several artists with the name Lovecraft.
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Time Machine
H.P. Lovecraft Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It only costs a dime, it's clean
Step inside, sit down and let it happen
Yes sir
Don't be outside looking in
You might not get the chance again
It's really keen
23-skidoo
You're on the one and only homemade time machine
Flashing lights excite ascension
Whirl, twirl, swirl
Fifth dimension
If you take a trip tonight
Focus in on the flashing lights
We're sure you'll enjoy this new sensation
A vodeo deo do
Take a step right through the door
When it's done you'll ask for more
In just a flash you'll know where you have been
It's really keen
You're in a dream
You're on the one and only home made time machine
You're on the one and only home made time machine
You're on the one and only home made time machine
The lyrics of H.P. Lovecraft's song "Time Machine" describe the experience of riding a homemade time machine. The song begins by inviting the listener to "ride upon the time machine" which is described as clean and affordable, only costing a dime. The lyrics suggest that stepping inside and allowing the experience to happen will be worthwhile. The phrase "don't be outside looking in" implies that this opportunity might not come again, so the listener is encouraged to seize the chance. Once strapped in, the experience is described as "keen" and unique, as it is the "one and only homemade time machine."
The lyrics then shift to emphasize the sensation of the journey through time. The flashing lights are highlighted as they excite and create a sense of ascension. The words "whirl, twirl, swirl" signify the movement and disorienting nature of the travel, perhaps implying the shift between dimensions. The song suggests that if the listener takes the trip and focuses on the flashing lights, they will enjoy this new experience. The phrase "A vodeo deo do" seems to evoke a sense of excitement and anticipation.
The final lines of the song emphasize the dream-like nature of the journey. The lyrics mention taking a step through the door and experiencing a flash of realization about where they have been. The experience is described as being in a dream, highlighting the fantastical and surreal nature of the homemade time machine.
Overall, the lyrics of "Time Machine" evoke a sense of excitement, curiosity, and wonder about the possibilities of time travel and the unique experience offered by the homemade invention.
Line by Line Meaning
Ride upon the time machine
Experience the journey through time on the time machine
It only costs a dime, it's clean
The time machine is affordable and in good condition
Step inside, sit down and let it happen
Enter the time machine, take a seat, and allow the experience to unfold
Yes sir
Affirmative response to the previous instruction
Don't be outside looking in
Don't miss out on this opportunity
You might not get the chance again
This might be your only opportunity to use the time machine
You'll feel fine as soon as you're strapped in
Once you are securely fastened, you will feel comfortable
It's really keen
The time machine is truly impressive
23-skidoo
An expression used to indicate excitement or enthusiasm
You're on the one and only homemade time machine
You are currently aboard the unique and self-made time machine
Flashing lights excite ascension
The flashing lights generate a sense of excitement and elevation
Whirl, twirl, swirl
The movement of the time machine is swirling and spinning
Fifth dimension
Refers to the new dimension experienced during the time travel
If you take a trip tonight
If you choose to embark on a journey tonight
Focus in on the flashing lights
Direct your attention to the blinking lights
We're sure you'll enjoy this new sensation
We are confident that you will appreciate this fresh experience
A vodeo deo do
A playful phrase without specific meaning, emphasizing the pleasure of the trip
Take a step right through the door
Move forward and enter the next phase of the time travel
When it's done you'll ask for more
Once the journey is complete, you will desire another trip
In just a flash you'll know where you have been
In an instant, you will become aware of the places you have visited
You're in a dream
You are experiencing a sensation similar to being in a dream
You're on the one and only homemade time machine
You are still aboard the unique and self-made time machine
You're on the one and only homemade time machine
You are still aboard the unique and self-made time machine
You're on the one and only homemade time machine
You are still aboard the unique and self-made time machine
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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