After their first album came out, Clear Light decided they
had enough of Paul Rothchild's dictatorial approach and realized Bob
Seal was right all along. They fired Rothchild and found another
producer that was more into what they wanted. They cut their second
album in the spring of 1968 and it came out that summer. The music
was like the first album but with even more experimental cuts that
pushed the envelope of rock music. A new song written by Bob, Cliff
and Doug, "Everything Matters" was a huge hit and put the band on
the top of the charts.
They were able to capitalize on their new-found popularity
by purchasing newer equipment and upgrading their stage show.
Despite some of the band member's reservations, they could not avoid
doing their signature Cliff fest, Mr. Blue. Lee Housekeeper took on
a more permanent role as the cop and became an official member of
the band. This also saw the triumphant return of Robbie Robeson,
just in time for the third album. Though it didn't sell as well as
the second, the third album was some of their best work.
By the time of the fifth album, Clear Light had the
distinction of being together with their original lineup longer than
any other west coast band. However, after two more albums and six
top ten hits, they called it a day.
Thirty years later, the rumors came true and Clear Light
regrouped for a new album and tour with all the original members,
just like another pop trio was doing. However, Clear Light's music
was not reggae incorrectly classified as rock and roll!