I've always liked this album. I bought it in 1971 when it came out and thought that it was a sophisticated well written album with a few clunkers. Time hasn't changed that assessment.  Yes, there is whimsy and, yes, there  is garbage but, all in all, it sounds terrific. The songs appear to be  about nothing but....take a second look at some of the pointed lyrics  written about his former band mates.