Every '60s singer-songwriter of note expanded their instrumental approach as time went on, and
Lightfoot was no exception. For his third album, he worked with
John Simon (who would handle
the Band and
Big Brother), and occasionally used low-key orchestration. Though a tad more erratic than his earlier efforts, his songwriting remained remarkably consistent. His characteristically bright, uplifting outlook became more diverse as well, allowing for the chilling "Black Day in July" (written in response to the 1967 Detroit riots), the odd "Pussywillows, Cat-Tails" (an unusual and successful detour into baroque orchestral pop), and the ambiguous sobriety of "Does Your Mother Know." The whole album is included on
The United Artists Collection. ~ Richie Unterberger