“You Don’t Understand” is a shimmering gem of Byrds-y jangle and moody Spector-esque tension, propelled by the tight musicianship of pioneering all-female band Ace of Cups. Songwriter Denise Kaufman had been part of the Berkeley Free Speech Movement, where revered music critic Ralph J. Gleason caught her blowing fiery blues harp at a campus protest. Kaufman went on to join the Merry Pranksters (as ‘Mary Microgram’) and perform at the Acid Tests. When she joined Ace of Cups, Gleason asked to hear new material and Kaufman made him a six-song demo. Fifty years later, as the band were recording their debut album in 2016, the tape was found in the archives of Fantasy Records, and “You Don’t Understand” was given new life. It’s the first single from the Extended Play EP, out July 22, and will get its long-overdue premiere in Rolling Stone in late-June, where the band will be profiled.
lyrics
I bring you love, my friend
Sunshine for your growing
And if that makes you sad
I wonder where you’re going
When all I wish for you
A gift of wonder
I bring the warmest wind
You think I bring you thunder
Oh no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no
You don’t understand
Oh no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no
You don’t understand
I bring you love to end
All your sad confusion
You could have the sun, my friend
But it’s the dark you’re choosing
Before the butterfly
Can leave his skin behind him
First God must hear him sigh
And then the sun can find him
Oh no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no
You don’t understand
Oh no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no
You don’t understand
When all I wish for you
A gift of wonder
I bring the warmest wind
You think I bring you thunder
Oh no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no
You don’t understand
Oh no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no
You don’t understand
Oh no, no, no, no, no, no, no
You don’t understand
Ace Of Cups, the beloved all-women rock group from the late ‘60s Haight-Ashbury psychedelic scene, will release their self-
titled, debut studio album on November 9th via High Moon Records. Featuring contributions from Bob Weir (Grateful Dead), Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady (Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna), Taj Mahal, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and more....more
supported by 4 fans who also own “You Don't Understand”
Entire album is excellent. As is the rest of the catalog. Go back to 1970...take the Dead and Floyd and roll them up. Yet completely different.
Just plain old GOOD MUSIC. Ed Fransko
supported by 4 fans who also own “You Don't Understand”
I haven't cried during the first listen of a pop song in a long time, possibly ever. But Marsh just did it to me. This is deeply moving music. burbnluvr
Tom Heyman documents life in San Francisco circa 2023, refusing to succumb to easy characterization & instead capturing the city’s nuance. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 22, 2023
Jody Stephens of Big Star and Luther Russell of the Freewheelers team for a radiant LP packed full of slide guitar and pop smarts. Bandcamp New & Notable Sep 11, 2019
supported by 4 fans who also own “You Don't Understand”
This album can transport you to a fun place with Leon Bridges singing and Khruangbin supporting him with their fantastic music. I love everything about this vinyl and am so glad I got the lunar press! Thank you all so much! Michelle May