Kind of a minor league version of
the Doors,
Clear Light were a West Coast phenomenon, and although they didn't last too long, were an interesting group. A very good slice of Los Angeles psychedelia,
Clear Light were a six-piece band that combined folk, rock, psychedelia, and even a touch of classical to their sound. The end result, though, is a little ponderous and pretentious, but strangely listenable. The big hit off this album (produced by
Paul Rothchild and engineered by
Bruce Botnick) was "Mr. Blue," a psychedelic folk song written by
Tom Paxton. It's over six-minutes long and a bit overbaked, but it does have an odd appeal. The finer moments are guitarist
Bob Seal's psychedelic folk-rock songs, namely "With All in Mind" and "They Who Have Nothing." Singer
Cliff DeYoung went on to have a successful acting career, bass player
Doug Lubahn played on the early
Doors albums,
Dallas Taylor went on to drum for
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and
John Sebastian, and keyboardist
Ralph Schuckett became one of the more popular West Coast session players and arrangers. A lot of talent in a short-lived ensemble. Dated but charming West Coast psychedelia.