Laughing Stock

[silentseason]

For Michael or Johnny

I have always found Laughing Stock to be the quirkiest of all the Love catalogue of songs, almost three songs in one: the dirge/chanting beginning, abrupt change into a straight on rocker, then slow dissolution of the instruments into disharmony.

A couple of questions:
1) Was the song worked up over a gradual amount of time, or was it created almost instantly in the studio during the Jan '68 recording sessions? Who (if anyone) had the impetus to its beginnings?

2) Regarding the chanting at the beginning, was there any relevance or hidden meaning to it or was it simply goofing around? And was "Fred" anyone of significance?

Want to send a thank you to Michael for taking his time to answer all the questions. Thrilled to be able to have a forum with you and Johnny to discuss the music.

[BallroomDays67]

Great song! It's ironic that it's the B-side of the last single by any of the original members (besides Arthur), while it makes reference to the A-side of the first single (and first track on the debut album). Arthur sings "I just got out my little red..." Talk about full circle!

[silentseason]

Bump for Michael.

[jim4371]

There are a bunch of sites that say Jim Morrison is on background vocals - close, but it's someone else. Anyone know who?

[jamestkirk]

There are a bunch of sites that say Jim Morrison is on background vocals - close, but it's someone else. Anyone know who?

Do you know and is this a TEST, Chris?!!

[hourformagic]

There are a bunch of sites that say Jim Morrison is on background vocals - close, but it's someone else. Anyone know who?

I'd like to know that, too.

Anybody?

[jim4371]

Here's a clip of the channel with "Jim":
http://www.zshare.net/audio/8995545689574442/