Dory Previn - Mythical Kings And Iguanas (1971)

Dory Previn – Mythical Kings And Iguanas is the second studio album by American singer, poet, and songwriter Dory Previn, released in 1971 on Mediarts Records (later reissued by United Artists Records).

This album cemented Dory's status as one of the most powerful, insightful, and uncompromising voices in the singer-songwriter movement of the early 1970s. The minimalist, dark-toned cover features a curved photo strip with portraits of the singer herself, emphasizing the introspective and deeply personal nature of the album.

Before embarking on a solo career, Dory Previn was a successful and acclaimed Hollywood lyricist, writing lyrics for films (she was nominated for an Oscar three times). Her life changed dramatically after a severe mental crisis caused by her husband, the renowned conductor and composer André Previn, leaving her for the young actress Mia Farrow. Music became Dori's primary form of therapy.

Mythical Kings and Iguanas is a conceptual, raw, and deeply intellectual exploration of human fears, loneliness, religious doubt, and female identity. Unlike many folk artists of the era who celebrated the pastoral ideals of hippies, Previn delves into the dark corners of the human psyche.