Spirit Of '76

... if you were there and had this album in the mid-70's you know what I mean. Spirit with their various line-ups always seemed to be on the edge of something really special. Yet I often felt that they came up short in making a total connection in one aspect or another. "Spirit of '76" is an excellent example of this. This album is both sparse and lush at the same time making it a true paradox. Many of the songs have a dreamlike feel to them, very soothing and laid back with mesmerizing drumming provided by Ed Cassidy to quicken the pulse. There are select spots where Cassidy and California pick up the pace but this integrated work of sonic art relies heavily on the hypnotic effect created by moving from one tranquil tune to the next. This is especially true on disc two. Disc one is more uptempo. It rocks out at times but never loses touch with the laid back groove. Disc two is more surreal."Spirit of '76" pays homage to Jimi Hendrix at various points by featuring steamy guitar solos distorted and controlled to perfection to suit the piece much like Hendrix would do on the more mellow tracks that he released. "Hey Joe" is an obvious example where both Hendrix (Are You Experienced) and California (Spirit of '76) hit their marks. California takes Hendrix's bouncier version and creates a stoned somber mood that gradually becomes more manic as the solo kicks in and weaves magically to completion. "Hey Joe" is certainly a gem on "Spirit of '76" but the album generally lacks the edgier rock out tracks that Hendrix always made sure were packaged in ample portions on his releases. California and Cassidy missed out on a golden opportunity to include a few more manic rockers like "Veruska" and make "Spirit of '76" a more robust album. What they did include, however, is worthy of note and accomplishes their vision of the times. For this I give them high marks.Based on some of the reviews posted here, anyone looking to sample Spirit for the first time or for those looking to add something from Randy California to their gallery of guitar gunslingers are going to end up being perplexed, perhaps even disappointed. "Spirit of '76" is a subtle offering that is meant to be digested as an integrated whole rather than a collection of independent tracks. The original vinyl allowed you to take this offering in four parts which worked well but I find that the two discs on the CD version are an even better division. Just like any album that you might already own, "Spirit of '76" is not something that is always suitable for the moment. It isn't a party album but rather is more of a personal escape experience for when you are looking to break loose from the confinement of your current circumstances.

Amazingly, I never owned this Spirit album in any other format. How did I not purchase this in its initial vinyl iteration? I honestly believe I would have really dug it, even way back when.Even though I have no history with this recording, I have wondered about it for years (decades, maybe). So, it has existed more in spirit than in reality. (No, I am not trying to be cute.)For such a full and thoroughly satisfying offering, I find that I cannot generate volumes of words to convey my sheer joy and enjoyment with the music, musicianship, thoughts, and emotions contained and conveyed on these two CDs.For any Spirit fan to not already own this collection of songs is baffling. And yet, that is the situation with me. So, if you are a fan and do not already own this iteration, then I encourage you to purchase "Spirit of 76/Spirit" immediately. If you are curious about Spirit, especially mid-period Spirit, then this a very good place to start. In fact, I unreservedly recommend jumping in head-first. If you are unfamiliar with Spirit and/or Randy California, then I advise caution. This may not be the place to start. The Spirit saga is long in both directions from this point in their recorded history. There is a wealth of music prior to this recording, plus the distance to the end of their story is still to be determined. Three of the five principals are deceased, but product still keeps appearing. Some pundits have posited that dying is the best career move in popular music. Personally, I do not subscribe to that exceedingly callous observation. I say, live, laugh, love, then play on.The bottom line here is not about money. I declare in this case, it is about Art, with a capital "A". In the main, I recommend this artefact of a by-gone age. My wish for you is that you can submerge your 21st Century sensibilities in this last-quarter 20th Century festival of sound and fury, which may, or may not, signify nothing. Just turn off your mind and float downstream. It is not dying. But, it can be nearly as ecstatic.

A wonderful re-release given the "deluxe" treatment. Remaster sounds great. This collection used to be harder to acquire. I have been a big Spirit fan for decades. When this first came out in 75 I had it on vinyl and honestly didn't know what to think of it given 2/5 of the original band were on hand and while it has a part of that sound it is definitely a different feel. This seems more intimate. A brilliant move to pair America the Beautiful with The Times They Are A Changin'. Music has an almost child-like innocence about it on many songs. There's some rockers but for most part this is a laid back affair, introspective and listening start to finish is rewarding - like Sardonicus was. In fact, if you took the golden four Spirit albums and added this one to that group Spirit of 76 and Sardonicus have more in common than Sardonicus and the other 3 from the first ensemble. If you enjoy THE TWELVE DREAMS OF DR SARDONICUS you will enjoy this for sure. This is a very special collection in my opinion. I've mellowed over the years and appreciate this one as much as any of the original Spirit releases.

For some reason I lost track of this band when I should not have! Love this! The bonus tracks are amazing!

I thought that Spirit had broken up when I found this record when it was released. What a pleasant surprise! Now I find that it is available in cd. Another pleasant surprise. The recording has passed the test of time. It is still relevant after all this time. Not a bad cd mix. On another note I am looking for a live Spirit album released on Potato Records sometime in the mid- 70s, Randy, Cass, and a bass player (can't remember name) who did the vocals. If anybody knows about it and where to find it, let me know on this forum.I just got this CD. I don't know what I was thinking. It does not sound the same. It is too long. Maybe making 1 single disc instead of a double would eliminate the weaker tracks. Maybe that would help.

Great music very inventive the best post original members of Spirit been listening to this album for over 40 years it is still as fresh as ever Standout tracks Victim of Society,Veruska, Hey Joe,Walking the Dog.Tampa Jam pt 1 .2and 3 A truly great American Masterpiece.

Excellent CD

As Randy says the Byrds and Jimi in one song.

Worth it just for the cover versions alone! Acid/pot head music and there's nowt wrong with that

My personal all time fav band & one of there best albums since the late 60's