Record Reviews

RANDY CALIFORNIA & SPIRIT ~ THE EURO-AMERICAN YEARS 1979-1983 ESOTERIC 2734 (Barcode: 5013929473485) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1979 - 1983 Released: 2020 This is an archival / reissue Box Set by American guitarist / vocalist / songwriter Randy CaliforniaFind albums by this artist and his legendary group SpiritFind albums by this artist, compiled and mastered by archivist Mike SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, who is in charge of the entire series of Spirit archival releases on the EsotericFind albums on this label label. This Box Set expands the previous 4CD release of this material from 2006 released on ArcadiaFind albums on this label, and adds two additional CDs of previously unreleased live material by Spirit and Randy California BandFind albums by this artist. The Box Set includes six CDs: CD1 presents some early demos and bonus material not included on the original release of the “Euro AmericanFind albums with this title” album from 1982, the original tracks of that album and some post album tracks. CD2 presents tracks that were originally released on the German only LP “Shattered DreamsFind albums with this title” released on LineFind albums on this label Records and a plethora of additional archival tracks. CD3 presents various live appearances by Spirit from 1980 and 1981 in Europe and US. CD4 presents demo and live material by Randy California Band. CD5 presents a previously unreleased live concert recording by Spirit from 1981. CD6 presents a previously unreleased live concerts recording by Randy California Band from their British appearances at Reading and Glastonbury festivals. These recordings feature Randy California on vocals, guitars and occasional keyboards, bassists Steve LoriaFind albums by this artist and Mike SheppherdFind albums by this artist, drummers Ed CassidyFind albums by this artist, Jack WilloughbyFind albums by this artist and Preston HeymanFind albums by this artist and others. It is noteworthy to state that Spirit enjoyed a much wider popularity in Europe, mainly in UK and Germany, during most of their musical career. Overall, this is an incredible piece of American Rock history and a great tribute to one of greatest American Rock bands, which Spirit obviously were, as much as a tribute to the incredible talents of Randy California, who was both an extraordinary guitarist and a superb songwriter, often sadly underappreciated. This is an obvious labor of love and a part of a unique recording legacy document on a scale rarely attempted, which Spirit obviously deserves.

Updated: 01/03/2022Posted: 13/01/2022

CD 6 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

SPIRIT ~ FUTURE GAMES / SPIRIT OF 84 BGO 0657 (Barcode: 5017261206572) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1976 - 1984 Released: 2005 This is a reissue of two albums by the seminal American Rock group SpiritFind albums by this artist. Those are the last two of the five albums released by the MercuryFind albums on this label Records label, following the five albums the group released on OdeFind albums on this label and EpicFind albums on this label labels. The albums are separated by seven years of hiatus, which characterized most of the late years if the group´s career. In between these two albums Spirit released the "The Adventures Of Kaptain Kopter & Commander Cassidy In Potato LandFind albums with this title" album in 1981, which included material recorded in 1972 and 1973 and was partly re-recorded in 1981. "Future GamesFind albums with this title", originally released in 1977, was practically a solo album by guitarist / composer Randy CaliforniaFind albums by this artist, who wrote almost all the songs and played most of the instruments, assisted only by Ed CassidyFind albums by this artist on drums and a few unspecified guests. It emphasized California´s superb songwriting and spectacular guitar playing, often compared to that of Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, who is given a tribute by including the Bob DylanFind albums by this artist´s "All Along The Watchtower" all time classic associated with the Godly version performed by Hendrix. The album is a masterpiece of late Psychedelic Rock, presenting twenty-two short songs creating a fascinating Sci-Fi like story. California used novel (at the time) studio techniques and completely unprecedented use of multi-layered sound effects and other studio paraphernalia. It still sounds absolutely innovative today, well over four decades later. "Spirit Of 84Find albums with this title", released as "The Thirteenth DreamFind albums with this title" outside of the US, was recorded by a reunited lineup of Spirit, which included apart from California and Cassidy also original members Jay FergusonFind albums by this artist on vocals and guitar, John LockeFind albums by this artist on keyboards and Mark AndesFind albums by this artist on vocals and bass, as well as a bunch of guest musicians. The original lineup was reunited for the first time since the recording of the classic "Twelve Dreams Of Dr. SardonicusFind albums with this title" album in 1970 (hence the title). The material includes several remakes of old songs from the first four albums by the group as well as a few new songs, recorded "live in the studio". Although obviously opportunistic / nostalgia based, this is still some of the best American Rock even created, and these fine musician performing together are simply unbeatable. Overall this is Classic Rock stuff that nobody makes today, hence an absolute must to any serious Rock fan and record collector!

Updated: 12/09/2020Posted: 12/09/2020

CD 2 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend

SPIRIT ~ IT SHALL BE: THE ODE & EPIC RECORDINGS 1968-1972 ESOTERIC 2619 (Barcode: 5013929471948) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1967 - 1972 Released: 2018 This wonderful box set collects the recordings by the seminal American Classic Rock group SpiritFind albums by this artist, formed in 1967 by guitarist Randy CaliforniaFind albums by this artist which also included his stepfather drummer Ed CassidyFind albums by this artist, keyboardist John LockeFind albums by this artist, bassist Mark AndesFind albums by this artist and vocalist / percussionist Jay FergusonFind albums by this artist. This original lineup recorded the first four studio albums by the group. This 5 CDs Box Set includes the first five studio albums recorded by the group ("SpiritFind albums with this title", "The Family That Plays TogetherFind albums with this title", "ClearFind albums with this title", "Twelve Dreams Of Dr. SardonicusFind albums with this title" and "FeedbackFind albums with this title") originally released on the OdeFind albums on this label and EpicFind albums on this label labels as well as a plethora of bonus material that more than doubles the total playing time and includes the Soundtrack of the film "The Model Shop", alternate mixes, outtakes and A & B sides of singles. Some of the bonus tracks included here were initially included on the 1991 compilation "Time Circle (1968-1972)Find albums with this title", which was by far not complete. All the tracks in this Box Set were newly remastered. Spirit was a completely unique phenomenon on the American Rock scene, light years ahead of its time, amalgamating Rock, Psychedelia and early Jazz-Rock Fusion in a way no other group managed to do before or since. With a strong Jazzy undercurrent and superb writing talents of California and Ferguson, they created a body of music that remains completely innovative to this very day. Combined with their excellent instrumental abilities, the group soared into previously uncharted territory with grace and surprising (for their young age) authority. The aesthetic aura of the first four albums, which is astonishingly coherent in spite of their diversity, remains as one of Classic Rock´s all time highlights. The Jazz influence, brought into the group by Cassidy, who was twenty years older that the rest of the group´s members, was especially unique. Spirit, although pioneering Jazz-Rock Fusion, did it in a very subtle way and incorporated the Jazzy feel into the overall Rock ambience, rather than moving into mostly instrumental Jazz-Rock Fusion, which characterized most other representatives of the idiom. In retrospect the music included in this Box Set is completely timeless and lost absolutely nothing of its grace and beauty over the years. This comprehensive collection of the group´s early material is beyond reproach and the remastered sound makes listening to the music a delightful experience. It is of course an essential piece of Rock history, which earns it an honorable place in any serious music collection. An absolute must have!

Updated: 12/09/2020Posted: 05/02/2019

CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

SPIRIT ~ SON OF AMERICA (EXPANDED EDITION) ESOTERIC 2755 (Barcode: 5013929475588) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1983 - 1996 Released: 2021 This is a reissue of a 2CD compilation of previously unissued tracks by the American Rock group SpiritFind albums by this artist, assembled in 2005 by the Spirit archivist Mick SkidmoreFind albums by this artist. It includes tracks recorded between 1983 and 1996 by guitarist Randy CaliforniaFind albums by this artist, drummer Ed CassidyFind albums by this artist and keyboardist Scott MonahanFind albums by this artist, with several guests participating on selected tracks, including two founding Spirit members: keyboardist John LockeFind albums by this artist and bassist Mark AndesFind albums by this artist. The compilation includes forty-four tracks, mostly written by California. This expanded edition includes a third CD with a live concert recording from 1993 (sixteen tracks), recorded by the trio of California, Cassidy and Monahan and another live track recorded in 1989 by California and Locke. The music is overall as excellent as most of the material Spirit and later California recorded during their convoluted career, emphasizing what a brilliant songwriter and guitar player he was, as well as his high awareness of social and political issues. In retrospect he surely was one of the most significant American Rock artists of all time. Skidmore’s excellent work of archiving the vast Spirit recorded legacy and the recent cooperation between him and the EsotericFind albums on this label label finally bring back to life in an orderly fashion the entire splendor of Spirit’s recorded output in superb remastered sound quality and proper historic perspective. It emerges as one of the biggest archiving / reissuing projects ever made, which of course the music of Spirit fully deserves. Wholeheartedly recommended not only to Spirit fans but all Classic Rock enthusiasts.

Updated: 20/07/2021Posted: 20/07/2021

CD 3 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

SPIRIT ~ SON OF SPIRIT / FARTHER ALONG BGO 0644 (Barcode: 5017261206442) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1975 - 1976 Released: 2004 This is a reissue of two albums by the seminal American Rock group SpiritFind albums by this artist. Those are the second and third albums released by the MercuryFind albums on this label Records label, following the five albums the group released on OdeFind albums on this label and EpicFind albums on this label labels. "Son Of SpiritFind albums with this title" was mostly a collection of ten songs recorded during the sessions held in early 1975. These sessions, produced such an abundance of material that it did not fit on the 2LP album "Spirit of `76", which was its predecessor, and was used to create this follow up album. The music was recorded by guitarist / composer Randy CaliforniaFind albums by this artist, who wrote almost all the songs and played most of the instruments, assisted only by Ed CassidyFind albums by this artist on drums. It emphasized California´s superb songwriting and spectacular guitar playing, often compared to that of Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist. The album is a masterpiece of late Psychedelic Rock. California used novel (at the time) studio techniques and completely unprecedented use of multi-layered sound effects and other studio paraphernalia. It still sounds absolutely innovative today, well over four decades later. "Farther AlongFind albums with this title" was recorded by an almost reunited lineup of Spirit, which included apart from California and Cassidy also original members, John LockeFind albums by this artist on keyboards and Mark AndesFind albums by this artist on vocals and bass (missing only Jay FergusonFind albums by this artist from the original lineup), with Matt AndesFind albums by this artist on vocals and guitar, as well as a bunch of guest musicians. Orchestral arrangements including horn and string sections were also used on some of the songs. The material includes twelve songs, all but one new with just one remake of an old song. As usual all the songs are originals, mostly by California or co-composed by the group members. The overall sound and atmosphere are a return to the classic Spirit albums from the first period and offers some of the best American Rock even created, and these fine musicians performing together are simply unbeatable. Overall this is Classic Rock stuff that nobody makes today, hence an absolute must to any serious Rock fan and record collector!

Updated: 17/09/2020Posted: 17/09/2020

CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend

SPIRIT ~ SUNRISE & SALVATION: THE MERCURY ERA ANTHOLOGY ESOTERIC 2776 (Barcode: 5013929477681) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1974 - 1986 Released: 2021 This is an archival / reissue Box Set by the legendary American group SpiritFind albums by this artist, which collects the albums originally released on the MercuryFind albums on this label label, compiled and mastered by archivist Mike SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, who is in charge of the entire series of Spirit archival releases on the EsotericFind albums on this label label. This Box Set expands the original releases and adds a plethora of previously unreleased material by the group, including demos, outtakes and live concerts. The music was recorded by various musicians, with Randy CaliforniaFind albums by this artist and Ed CassidyFind albums by this artist being the only ones present on all the tracks. The Box Set includes eight CDs: CD1 presents nineteen tracks originally released as the 2LP album “Spirit Of ‘76Find albums with this title”. CD2 presents six remaining tracks from the “Spirit Of ‘76” album and fourteen mostly previously unreleased bonus tracks. CD3 presents ten tracks originally released as the album “Son Of SpiritFind albums with this title”, twelve tracks originally released as the album “Farther AlongFind albums with this title” and five bonus tracks, which are outtakes of the second album. CD4 presents twenty-two tracks originally released as the album “Future GamesFind albums with this title” and eleven bonus tracks from various sources. CD5 presents thirteen tracks recorded live originally released as the album “The Thirteenth DreamFind albums with this title” (in UK) or “Spirit Of ‘84Find albums with this title” (in US) and six additional previously unreleased live tracks. CD6 presents twenty-one studio tracks and eight demo recordings, all of which did not materialize on an album release. CD7 presents sixteen tracks recorded live in concert in 1975. CD8 presents twenty-three early demo versions of the material released as “Future Games” and eight tracks recorded live in concert in 1975. Overall, this is an incredible piece of American Rock history and a great tribute to one of greatest American Rock bands, which Spirit obviously were, as much as a tribute to the incredible talents of Randy California, who was both an extraordinary guitarist and a superb songwriter, often sadly underappreciated. This is an obvious labor of love and a part of a unique recording legacy document on a scale rarely attempted, which Spirit obviously deserves.

Updated: 01/03/2022Posted: 01/03/2022

CD 8 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

SPIRIT ~ TENT OF MIRACLES (EXPANDED EDITION) ESOTERIC 2717 (Barcode: 5013929471788) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1990 Released: 2020 This is a reissue of the thirteenth (and one before last) studio album by American Rock band SpiritFind albums by this artist, which at the time comprised of guitarist / vocalist / songwriter Randy CaliforniaFind albums by this artist, who wrote most of the material, drummer Ed CassidyFind albums by this artist and bassist Mike NileFind albums by this artist, who had a significant input to the band´s music writing or co-writing several of the album´s tunes. The reissue was re-constructed by Spirit archivist Mick SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, using materials created during the actual recording sessions, which resulted in eight of the songs present on the original release to be replaced by alternate mixes and unedited versions and leaving only four tracks untouched. The resulting album has a much clearer and coherent sound than the original. Additionally nine bonus tracks were added; some session outtakes, a demo and rehearsal and live recordings. An entire second CD was added with the previously unreleased live recording made in Amsterdam, captured before the album was recorded. The album proves that Spirit managed to continue and produce meaningful Rock music into the 1990s, being one of the very few bands that originated in the 1960s and had still something say in the 1990s. California´s songwriting and phenomenal guitar work stayed sharp and focused, which can be clearly heard here. They were also a great live band, touring extensively both in Europe and in the US, with concerts being attended by large crowds. The live material presented on the bonus CD plainly explains why. Overall this is another Classic Rock album by this great band, sadly to be over with the tragic death of California in 1996, just a month after the release of their final album "California BluesFind albums with this title". This is definitely a piece of American Rock history and considering that the original release is long out of print, this is a most welcome reissue!

Updated: 04/09/2020Posted: 03/09/2020

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

SPIRIT ~ THE COMPLETE POTATOLAND ESOTERIC 2687 (Barcode: 5013929478701) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1972 - 1981 Released: 2019 This is an archival / reissue Box Set by the American Rock group SpiritFind albums by this artist, collecting all the recordings associated with the so called "Potatoland" sessions scheduled for release in 1973 but eventually scrapped and released only in 1981 in a completely revamped form as "The Adventures Of Kaptain Kopter & Commander Cassidy In Potato LandFind albums with this title". The Box Set includes four CDs: CD1 presents "The Original Potato LandFind albums with this title" album recorded in 1972 / 1973 by Randy CaliforniaFind albums by this artist and Ed CassidyFind albums by this artist, which was a concept album including dialogues and sound effects, spanning over eighteen tracks, and which was not released until 2006 and then again in 2011. The political / social message of the album sound weirdly contemporary today. It also includes nine bonus tracks with alternate takes, live recordings, BBC radio recordings, an interview with California and Cassidy and finally two live recordings from 1979 recorded as a trio with bassist Larry KnightFind albums by this artist. CD2 present the 1981 release of "The Adventures Of Kaptain Kopter & Commander Cassidy In Potato Land", which was altered and re-recorded and included additional musicians, like keyboardist John LockeFind albums by this artist and horn and strings sections. It also includes seven bonus tracks with alternate versions and another interview with California. CD3 presents a live radio recording from September 13th, 1972 (sixteen tracks) and CD4 presents a live radio recording from September 6th, 1972 (eight tracks) and six bonus tracks with studio cuts, rehearsal and demos. The live radio recordings were done by the California / Cassidy / Knight trio. All the music was newly remastered and the Box set includes extensive booklet with historical background as well as the replica of the comic book insert that came with the 1981 release. Overall this Box Set is not only full of great music but also a classic example of care about music and preservation of Rock´s history, as usual with the EsotericFind albums on this label Records releases. Absolutely essential for the many Spirit fans and most welcomed by Classic Rock loves around the globe!

Updated: 14/07/2020Posted: 14/07/2020

CD 4 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend

SPIRIT ~ TWELVE DREAMS OF DR. SARDONICUS (DELUXE EDITION) ESOTERIC 2792 (Barcode: 5013929479289) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2022 This is a 2CD reissue / remaster / expanded edition of the fourth album by the iconic American Rock group SpiritFind albums by this artist, which comprised of vocalist / guitarist Randy CaliforniaFind albums by this artist, vocalist / percussionist Jay FergusonFind albums by this artist, keyboardist John LockeFind albums by this artist, vocalist / bassist Mark AndesFind albums by this artist and drummer Ed CassidyFind albums by this artist. The original album consisted of twelve tracks, mostly written by California and Ferguson. This edition adds ten bonus tracks, six of which are previously unreleased. Also added is a second / bonus CD with seventeen previously unreleased tracks recorded live at the Fillmore West in SF in May 1970. The album was curated by the Spirit archivist Mick SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, who also wrote the informative, as always, booklet accompanying the album. Skidmore was in charge of the entire Spirit reissue program on EsotericFind albums on this label records, a truly mammoth undertaking. In retrospect “Twelve Dreams” achieved a status of a cult album and obviously is one of the most important Classic Rock albums of all times. Of course all the first four Spirit albums were simply sensational, but here the group manages to reach a perfect symbiosis od many Rock styles, including Psychedelia, Art Rock and even some Jazzy / Fusiony sparks. Sadly, as it often happens with Rock groups, after a peak comes a downfall, and Spirit would never climb again to such artistic heights as those achieved here, although everything Spirit and Randy California ever recorded is worth pursuing. It is worth mentioning that Spirit were a very untypical American Rock group and musically / stylistically / intellectually found a much better reception in Europe than at home. Somehow the complex melody layers and subject matter of the lyrics resounded better in European ears, which is after all hardly surprising. Overall, this is a remarkable edition of an iconic Classic Rock album, enriched by massive bonus material and put together with great attention to detail and obvious love, and as such deserves an honorable place in any serious record collection on earth. Essential indeed!

Updated: 04/05/2022Posted: 04/05/2022

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

SPIRIT ~ TWO SIDES OF A RAINBOW: LIVE AT THE RAINBOW 1978 ESOTERIC 2704 (Barcode: 5013929480483) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1978 Released: 2019 This is an archival / reissue album by the American Rock group SpiritFind albums by this artist recorded live at London´s Rainbow Theatre. After five year absence from the UK scene Spirit returned as a lean and mean power trio with Randy CaliforniaFind albums by this artist on vocals and guitar, Larry KnightFind albums by this artist on bass and Ed CassidyFind albums by this artist on drums. The Rainbow was intended as a location to record a live album and the concert was indeed recorded, but sadly it turned out that California´s guitar track was left unrecorded. This resulted in the need of the guitar to be re-recorded and overdubbed with the live tracks, producing no less than three somewhat different versions of the album being released: "LiveFind albums with this title" in UK, "Made In GermanyFind albums with this title" in Germany and "Live SpiritFind albums with this title" in the US. Three decades later a board mix cassette was discovered, which captured the entire Rainbow show, including the six encores, and after some serious repair work the entire show and the remastered edition of "Live Spirit" were released as a 2CD album "Two Sides Of A RainbowFind albums with this title" in 2012, sadly making very little impact at the time. This reissue offers another careful remaster of the entire content and elegant packaging, as always with EsotericFind albums on this label Records, and is another attempt to bring this great music to the attention of Rock and Spirit fans. The music includes mostly original material from the fabulous Spirit songbook, most written by California and two by Jay FergusonFind albums by this artist, but also a few covers of Bob DylanFind albums by this artist and other songs associated with Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist. The Spirit songs get a much more Hard Rock oriented treatment, in contrast to the finesse and complex vocal harmonies that characterize the studio versions of these songs. The focus of this album is obviously on California´s guitar pyrotechnics, in which he clearly pays tribute to the legacy of Hendrix. By the time this music was recorded, Classic Rock was slowly disintegrating and this album is a wonderful document of the last great days of idiom, soon to be gone. Spirit was undoubtedly a manifestation of the finest aspects of American Rock, leaving a unique and completely idiosyncratic legacy, which deserves to be remembered. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 10/07/2020Posted: 10/07/2020

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend