The Lewallen Brothers' "It Must Be Love" can be found on two labels, the local Splitsound release, and the Los Angeles-based RPR Records. The Splitsound release peaked at No. 8 on the July 8, 1967, KTKT-AM charts, surrounded by great company—Janis Ian's "Society's Child" right above and "Hip Hug Her" by Booker T and the MG's right below! Known for their impeccable Everly Brothers-style harmonies, this well-structured song, just over two minutes, written by Keith Lewallen in 1966, is one of the Brothers' harder-edged efforts, featuring both piano and organ and a searing lead solo that repeats during the last verse. Like The Tongues of Truth "Let's Talk About Girls," this tune was recorded at DJ Emperor Hudson's LA studio with Dan Gates producing. The Lewallen Brothers were one of Tucson's more popular groups and played shows with the likes of The Yardbirds, Paul Revere and The Raiders, The Turtles and many others.
Lee Joseph grew up in Tucson. He's a DJ (Luxuriamusic.com), marketer of cool shit (Reverberations Media) and founder/CEO of internationally respected Dionysus Records, an indie that has long specialized in releasing super-rare music, and more. He came of age in the first wave of Tucson punk rock and is an expert on Tucson music. He now lives in California. Vintage Vinyl is a recurring addition to the Tucson Weekly.