Da Capo: Orange Skies

[silentseason]

"Orange Skies"
From: Da Capo, side one, song two
-Running time: 2:49
-Recorded: September 27, 1966 RCA Studio B, Hollywood
-Written by: Bryan MacLean
-Lead vocal: Arthur Lee
-Lead guitar: Johnny Echols
-Rhythm guitar: Bryan MacLean
-Bass: Kenny Forssi
-Drums: Michael Stuart
-Flute: Tjay Cantrelli
-Was the B side to two singles: the 'Stephanie Knows Who' single which was withdrawn and 'She Comes In Colors' EK 45608 which was issued in December 1967 well over a year after both were recorded.
-Only song written by Bryan to be included on Da Capo. Also only Bryan penned song where he contributed no vocals.
-Was the first song he ever wrote, at the age of 17. He was a roadie for the Byrds and based this song off of their 'The Bells of Rhymney'.
-Quotable: Johnny states this about 'Orange Skies':

"Bryan's version of "Orange Skies" was quite different than the one you hear on "Da Capo." His, was very much a show tune, sans flute....with no jazz flavor, and no Gary Mcfarland scatting at the end. I'm making no judgments, as to which version was better....only that they were most assuredly different!"

-IMHO: The different backgrounds and all the divergent tastes of LoVE seem to mesh best on this song than on any other in the band's catalogue. It is to their credit that they were able to make this masterpiece from it's humble beginnings.
-Fun fact: Originally this song was slated to be sung by Johnny because of his ability to mimic the vocal styles of Johhny Mathis. Unfortunately because of the key that the song needed to be in it was concluded that ultimately it fit best for Arthur's abilities and Johnny never was able to be lead vocalist on any of LoVE's recordings.

-Lyrics:

Orange skies
Carnivals and cotton candy and you
and I love you too you know I do

Nightingale
Prettier than anything in the world
And I love you too
You know I do

You make me happy
Laughing, glad, and full of glee
And you don't have to try, girl
For you it comes so naturally
Right here in my arms

[Dragonfly]

One of my true favs - with the flute!