Always been one of my favorite Bands, their first album for me was always the best. Unfortunately for them their records never approached the level of energy, sound and incredible playing of their live concerts. I was lucky enough to see them Live in Toronto, unforgettable experience.
Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment, John! The first LP is so good, and so varied in sound! 'Garbage' really kicks it off, but then they almost out "Who" The Who with their British mod-sounding 'Uncle Jack.' However, I was hooked when I heard Randy's first explosive feedback solo in 'Mechanical World.' When the left channel bursts in with his guitar, it absolutely blew my head off! I also love 'Gramophone Man' and of course, 'Elijah.'
That said, if I had to choose just one of the four to keep (that would be a hard choice!), it may well be 'The Family That Plays Together.'
Wow, thanks for an amazing deep dive on a band I never knew existed! I started off with the first few tracks of Spirit and am now listening to Twelve Dreams. Looking forward to exploring all of these albums. Another sad tale of a band that should’ve been huge but didn’t see the fates align in their favor.
Thank you, Mark! I appreciate you reading and taking the time to spin the albums. I suspect a song or two may sound familiar ('Nature's Way,' 'Mr Skin,' or even 'I Got A Line On You'). I would love to hear your thoughts after you have digested them all!
As a high-schooler in Atlanta I'd always assumed Spirit *had* made it big. They had a huge following in ATL back then, their shows were always packed to the gills, and radio gave them well-deserved massive airplay. Twelve Dreams was my favorite, but have to speak up for Clear, as it came in a strong 2nd fave LP for me. Happy to run across your post championing the band. May they never be forgotten!
Thank you for reading and sharing, A E! I really appreciate it!
It's interesting to hear that Spirit was big in Atlanta. I know they played at the ATL Pop Festival in 1970. I wonder if that had anything to do with their popularity there. I also know that '12 Dreams' was fairly popular on college radio.
Oh, I, too, definitely enjoy 'Clear,' but for me, it does sound uneven compared to the other three LPs. Have you heard the 'Model Shop' soundtrack? Some of its tracks were used to finish 'Clear' ("Ice" and "Clear" were pulled and retitled). Also, if you haven't heard them, Sundazed released two fantastic albums of unreleased tracks and early recordings from 1967-1970 ('Eventide' & 'Now or Anywhere'). These two LPs and 'Model Shop' are wonderful additions to the official four classic Spirit records.
And I agree, may Spirit never be forgotten! Hopefully somebody who doesn't know the band may come across my post and will be inspired to dig deeper and discover their musical brilliance.
I don't remember the band Spirit although I was a fan of Hendrix. How interesting that he and Randy met so young, and both so talented. What a shame Spirit never received the acclaim they deserved. You've inspired me to check out more of their music. I'm also in awe of your writing and the depth and detail (as well as heart) you put into this essay, and all you write.
Thank you, as always, Deborah! I worked on this piece for a while (both in thought and many scribbled pages of notes). It felt good to post and share it. I also really appreciate that you are always willing to dive in! 😊
I can't recommend Spirit highly enough. I will say that you may recognize their songs "Nature's Way," "Fresh Garbage," or "I Got A Line On You," as these songs are their most played on the radio.
If you begin with just one song by Spirit, as today is Earth Day, I recommend playing "Nature's Way!" 🌍😊
We saw Spirit live at The Wetlands in NYC. I got turned on to the band in 1969 by a college friend from Southern California. The combo of Randy’s amazing guitar work and Ed’s jazz based drumming drove the sound. They were the first rock band to have a true environmental message. Ed seemed particularly angry the band never achieved the success they deserved. Randy died a hero. After rescuing his son he died saving the life of his sons friend. RIP Randy.
Thanks, Zak! I bet that was a great show! I agree with Randy and Ed being the driving force of the sound, but I have to add John Locke to the conversation. Being classically trained, he brought a lot to the compositions. The three together were perfect collaborators. If you haven't heard the unreleased 'Model Shop' soundtrack, I highly recommend it. That is almost entirely Locke, and you can hear so much of the foundation of Spirit's sound in those instrumentals. Adding Randy's warm guitar tone and expert control of feedback, with Ed's jazz drumming and Locke's piano and keyboards absolutely elevated Spirit to places no other band at the time was even close to being at.
Yeah, Lockes classical training was really evident. We saw them twice. Second time Ed thought the drummer for the opening act screwed up his drums and had a fit. Temperamental artist! Also Randy’s stepfather
Yep, I mentioned that Ed was Randy's stepfather in my post. Thus, the title of their 1968 second LP, 'The Family That Plays Together' (also a play on the "The Family that Prays Together" slogan).
Thanks so much for making people aware of Spirit. I'm from SoCal so I grew up with them and saw them as much as I could. They were one of my fave bands. When I saw Heart long ago, I was thrilled to see Mark Andes in the band.
Growing up, I was always intrigued by the sixties (my aunt and uncle had both hitchhiked to Haight-Ashbury, and every time they visited, I was fascinated by them, their look, and the music playing in our house). When I was sixteen, I took a deep dive into collecting psychedelic music (I was already obsessed with music, but it was mainly '70s hard rock). In that, I discovered Spirit's albums, and they always stood out as some of my favorites then and today.
Hi Barbara! Thank you so much for reading and for taking the time to comment. I really appreciate it. I am also very jealous that you saw Spirit. I was born in 1969 and discovered the band when I was in high school, which was sixteen years after the release of 'Twelve Dreams.' Nevertheless, I was blown away by the records then and absolutely adore them to this day. If anything, my love for the band has just grown stronger.
What years did you see the band? I would love to hear more about your time seeing them and any memories you can share. I knew Mark Andes joined Heart (after his band Firefall broke up, I think). Thank you again!
Thank you so much, Michael, for uncovering this new-to-me gem. The excellent quality of your writing enhances the equally excellent quality of the music and elevates it to new heights.
Thank you so much, Andres. I have been slowly working on this piece for a while now (both in my thoughts and notes), and it felt good to finally post and share it. If it inspires just one person to check out Spirit, then job done!
Nothing to add. This is awesome. I have heard a few tracks but I still have a huge amount to explore here.
Always been one of my favorite Bands, their first album for me was always the best. Unfortunately for them their records never approached the level of energy, sound and incredible playing of their live concerts. I was lucky enough to see them Live in Toronto, unforgettable experience.
Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment, John! The first LP is so good, and so varied in sound! 'Garbage' really kicks it off, but then they almost out "Who" The Who with their British mod-sounding 'Uncle Jack.' However, I was hooked when I heard Randy's first explosive feedback solo in 'Mechanical World.' When the left channel bursts in with his guitar, it absolutely blew my head off! I also love 'Gramophone Man' and of course, 'Elijah.'
That said, if I had to choose just one of the four to keep (that would be a hard choice!), it may well be 'The Family That Plays Together.'
By the way, what year did you see them?
Wow, thanks for an amazing deep dive on a band I never knew existed! I started off with the first few tracks of Spirit and am now listening to Twelve Dreams. Looking forward to exploring all of these albums. Another sad tale of a band that should’ve been huge but didn’t see the fates align in their favor.
Thank you, Mark! I appreciate you reading and taking the time to spin the albums. I suspect a song or two may sound familiar ('Nature's Way,' 'Mr Skin,' or even 'I Got A Line On You'). I would love to hear your thoughts after you have digested them all!
Thank you as well for restacking! 🙏
As a high-schooler in Atlanta I'd always assumed Spirit *had* made it big. They had a huge following in ATL back then, their shows were always packed to the gills, and radio gave them well-deserved massive airplay. Twelve Dreams was my favorite, but have to speak up for Clear, as it came in a strong 2nd fave LP for me. Happy to run across your post championing the band. May they never be forgotten!
Thank you for reading and sharing, A E! I really appreciate it!
It's interesting to hear that Spirit was big in Atlanta. I know they played at the ATL Pop Festival in 1970. I wonder if that had anything to do with their popularity there. I also know that '12 Dreams' was fairly popular on college radio.
Oh, I, too, definitely enjoy 'Clear,' but for me, it does sound uneven compared to the other three LPs. Have you heard the 'Model Shop' soundtrack? Some of its tracks were used to finish 'Clear' ("Ice" and "Clear" were pulled and retitled). Also, if you haven't heard them, Sundazed released two fantastic albums of unreleased tracks and early recordings from 1967-1970 ('Eventide' & 'Now or Anywhere'). These two LPs and 'Model Shop' are wonderful additions to the official four classic Spirit records.
And I agree, may Spirit never be forgotten! Hopefully somebody who doesn't know the band may come across my post and will be inspired to dig deeper and discover their musical brilliance.
I don't remember the band Spirit although I was a fan of Hendrix. How interesting that he and Randy met so young, and both so talented. What a shame Spirit never received the acclaim they deserved. You've inspired me to check out more of their music. I'm also in awe of your writing and the depth and detail (as well as heart) you put into this essay, and all you write.
Thank you, as always, Deborah! I worked on this piece for a while (both in thought and many scribbled pages of notes). It felt good to post and share it. I also really appreciate that you are always willing to dive in! 😊
I can't recommend Spirit highly enough. I will say that you may recognize their songs "Nature's Way," "Fresh Garbage," or "I Got A Line On You," as these songs are their most played on the radio.
If you begin with just one song by Spirit, as today is Earth Day, I recommend playing "Nature's Way!" 🌍😊
We saw Spirit live at The Wetlands in NYC. I got turned on to the band in 1969 by a college friend from Southern California. The combo of Randy’s amazing guitar work and Ed’s jazz based drumming drove the sound. They were the first rock band to have a true environmental message. Ed seemed particularly angry the band never achieved the success they deserved. Randy died a hero. After rescuing his son he died saving the life of his sons friend. RIP Randy.
Thanks, Zak! I bet that was a great show! I agree with Randy and Ed being the driving force of the sound, but I have to add John Locke to the conversation. Being classically trained, he brought a lot to the compositions. The three together were perfect collaborators. If you haven't heard the unreleased 'Model Shop' soundtrack, I highly recommend it. That is almost entirely Locke, and you can hear so much of the foundation of Spirit's sound in those instrumentals. Adding Randy's warm guitar tone and expert control of feedback, with Ed's jazz drumming and Locke's piano and keyboards absolutely elevated Spirit to places no other band at the time was even close to being at.
Yeah, Lockes classical training was really evident. We saw them twice. Second time Ed thought the drummer for the opening act screwed up his drums and had a fit. Temperamental artist! Also Randy’s stepfather
Yep, I mentioned that Ed was Randy's stepfather in my post. Thus, the title of their 1968 second LP, 'The Family That Plays Together' (also a play on the "The Family that Prays Together" slogan).
Thanks so much for making people aware of Spirit. I'm from SoCal so I grew up with them and saw them as much as I could. They were one of my fave bands. When I saw Heart long ago, I was thrilled to see Mark Andes in the band.
I saw them in 70 - 71. I had a friend who briefly dated their drummer. The last time I saw them was at the Hollywood Palladium in 71.
How did you learn of them?
Growing up, I was always intrigued by the sixties (my aunt and uncle had both hitchhiked to Haight-Ashbury, and every time they visited, I was fascinated by them, their look, and the music playing in our house). When I was sixteen, I took a deep dive into collecting psychedelic music (I was already obsessed with music, but it was mainly '70s hard rock). In that, I discovered Spirit's albums, and they always stood out as some of my favorites then and today.
Hi Barbara! Thank you so much for reading and for taking the time to comment. I really appreciate it. I am also very jealous that you saw Spirit. I was born in 1969 and discovered the band when I was in high school, which was sixteen years after the release of 'Twelve Dreams.' Nevertheless, I was blown away by the records then and absolutely adore them to this day. If anything, my love for the band has just grown stronger.
What years did you see the band? I would love to hear more about your time seeing them and any memories you can share. I knew Mark Andes joined Heart (after his band Firefall broke up, I think). Thank you again!
This is something I never expected to see on Substack. Great piece.
Thanks, Daniel! I'm glad to see there are more Spirit fans here! I appreciate you reading, taking the time to comment, and for the restack!
Thank you so much, Michael, for uncovering this new-to-me gem. The excellent quality of your writing enhances the equally excellent quality of the music and elevates it to new heights.
Thank you so much, Andres. I have been slowly working on this piece for a while now (both in my thoughts and notes), and it felt good to finally post and share it. If it inspires just one person to check out Spirit, then job done!
Cheers again for reading and commenting!
Liked your piece! We saw spirit play twice at wetlands in NYC
Thanks, Wendy! I'm jealous you saw them! What year was it?
Brilliant! Thank you for the deep dive.
Thank you, Chris! I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment!
Thank you for your thank you! Have a brilliant day
I love their album covers too.
Agreed! The Hockney'esque photo collage on the cover of the first album is iconic! It's so simple, yet so effective!