Writing about love songs isn't much different than writing about music itself. Most songs are love songs. Love (and its primordial motivating drive, sex) has been the main inspiration for great art since the dawn of civilization. According to Freud, sex is the reason for accomplishment in general. That said, the worst music is usually about love. "Drivel" hardly does justice to the unmitigated tripe thrust upon us daily in the the name of love. In the face of that onslaught, I present my choices for the best "records of love" of all-time.

The 60's Love Album

The 70's Love Album

The 80's Love Album

Rock 'n' Roll Love Songs

The crux of the matter is, how to balance the demands of good art - technique, honesty, immediacy - with the squishy emblandishments of seduction? Rock 'n' roll, in particular, affords little quarter to the soft-hearted soul - or soft-headed musician. Many of rock's greatest artists scarcely wrote a love conventional song - Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, and Bruce Springsteen come to mind - and Creedence Clearwater Revival's John Fogerty never wrote a love song of any sort ("Sweet Hitch Hiker" was just lewd...).

My Top 10 (spotlighted on page one and page two) strike the balance of art and emotion beautifully; they are great records as well as majestic statements of love and romance. Of course, love isn't always pretty. See page three for five "love stinks" selections. And, if you still need more, browse page four to get a "lotta love."

Still, books have been written and wars have been waged over love, so we hardly expect these meager offerings to settle the issue. I simply hope they make your Valentine's Day a better one - no matter when you read this - and I welcome your input. Drop me a line...

Randy Anthony

Let's Get It On...

Valentine's day Links

	Googling has become a national pastime bordering on obsession. What better place, then, to search for more love songs than Google?
	Sexy, exciting, and debased, Pulp Fiction is the perfect place to pick up e-cards with a difference.
	Forbidden Fruit offers a tantalizing assortment of toys, ointments, and paraphernalia for the bedroom.
	Chocolate can be used as a sex substitute or a sexual aid! Fat Turkey delivers all sorts of romantic sweets to your door - plain brown wrapper optional.
	Sometimes romance needs a little, er, pick-me-up. Use Jane's Guide to find the best in online erotica.
	Learn about "Valentine's Day, It's Origins, and Modern Day Traditions" at Squidoo.
	101ValentinesDay.com has 101 ways to express your passion de amor - more, actually - including cards, poems, recipes, and jokes.
	Cards, wallpapers, even a little history - Valentine's Day Greetings has a world of love waiting just for you.
	Loving You is an entire site dedicated to love, romance, and seduction. Think of it as Valentine's Day basic training.
	A zillion romantic cards for every romantic occasion at RomanticECards.com. You can even send love notes in Spanish and Chinese - talk about the universal language!