Aspiring musician and scenester Bob Markley managed to join the group the Laughing Wind in exchange for his connections in the music industry and substantial bankroll. The original five-piece line-up consisted of Michael Lloyd (rhythm guitar, vocals), Shaun Harris (bass guitar, vocals, Danny Harris (lead guitar, vocals), John Ware (drums), and Markley (tambourine, vocals). Although Markley possessed the least musical talent, his expertise in law enabled him to assume control of the group's name and publishing, which generated a divide in the WCPAEB's creative mindset.
The band debuted with the album Volume One in 1966 on the small FiFo record label. In the early years of the group, much was made of the WCPAEB's elaborate psychedelic light shows, which became the focal point of their live performances in Los Angeles. Following the release of Volume One, the WCPAEB signed with Reprise Records, recording three albums with the company, including arguably their most accomplished work Volume 3: A Child's Guide to Good and Evil in 1968. Two additional albums, Where's My Daddy? and Markley, A Group, were distributed on independent labels before the group disbanded in 1970.
As Kind As Summer
The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band Lyrics
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And a dwarf with a pointed hat
Will lead you to a magic place
And a woman with a crystal ball
will tell you many things about yourself
And about good
And about evil
The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band's song "As Kind As Summer" is a mystical journey that takes the listener through a range of emotions and experiences. The opening lyrics suggest that the singer and the listener are in the perfect time and place, implying a sense of destiny and purpose. The line "And a dwarf with a pointed hat will lead you to a magic place" evokes a fairytale-like quality, where the listener is being guided by a mystical creature to an enchanted place.
The lyrics then introduce a woman with a crystal ball who will "tell you many things about yourself and about good and about evil." This introduces a theme of self-discovery and spiritual exploration. The crystal ball is often used as a symbol of divination and insight, implying that the listener may gain a greater understanding of themselves and the world around them.
The final word "evil" is repeated twice, with the second instance spelled backward. This adds a sense of mystery and intrigue, suggesting that there may be hidden messages or meanings within the song. Overall, "As Kind As Summer" is a poetic and evocative song that encourages listeners to embark on a spiritual journey of self-discovery and exploration.
Line by Line Meaning
We are right one at the right time
We exist at the perfect moment in time
And a dwarf with a pointed hat
An unusual guide will show the way
Will lead you to a magic place
This guide will take you to an enchanted location
And a woman with a crystal ball
A fortune teller will reveal secrets
Will tell you many things about yourself
The fortune teller will divulge insights into your true nature
And about good
You will learn about virtue
And about evil
You will also learn about wickedness
[Evil [evil backwards]]
This last line seems to play on the concept of dualism, suggesting that there are two sides to every coin, or that good and evil are two sides of the same coin.
Contributed by Aiden P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.