No.482 Spirit - Twelve Dreams Of Dr. Sardonicus (1970)

Posted about 5 years ago

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Spirit
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Twelve Dreams Of Dr. Sardonicus

No:482 SPIRIT - TWELVE DREAMS OF DR. SARDONICUS (1970)I guess the reason why I love this album is that it's a psycheldelic jazz influenced collection, that's structured and disciplined like a traditional Rock record. Their earlier work was fine, if a little too un-hinged and exploratory for some tastes.According to legend, singer Jay Ferguson and Guitarist Randy California were at each other's throats throughout recording. California wanted the experimentation, Ferguson the mainstream conscience. I think Neil Young engineer David Briggs favoured the latter and yet still managed to maintain the definitive Spirit sound, and keep the record from imploding due to the differences between personnel.Unbelievably imaginative for its time, the experimentation with Moogs and studio effects never gets in the way of some classy songs, and for me this remains Spirits' best recording.

Comments (11)

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Jammy Jeff says ~kcj5vKkVY55.mp3~

Permalink posted 04/05/2007
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ivylander says Jeepers, Spirit sure is getting a heaping helping of MOG-love lately. And about time, too.

Permalink posted 04/05/2007
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Augusts1 says Not heard of these guys. I am liking the more upbeat Animal Zoo. Are these guys American or European?(They sound American to me but I could be wrong). Actually, I gave Nature's Way another listen & realizing it sounds like a cross between The Moody Blues & XTC(although XTC came about long after).Very interesting, thanks.

Permalink posted 04/05/2007
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deadmandeadman says Again with the great song! Have another hit.................. of Fresh Air.

Permalink posted 04/05/2007
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Alacrity says Stunning album! 'Tis funny, was only listening to this, Yesterday!! After "Nature's Way", "Mr. Skin" is my fave track!!

Permalink posted 04/05/2007
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doombilly says I first heard the This Mortal Coil version of this tune. I was singing it to myself once at work and a coworker started up a conversation about Spirit. Great stuff.

Permalink posted 04/06/2007
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scotfree says This has always stayed in the top 50 or so of all time for me. We're all living "Nature's Way" right now...what a prophetic anthem!

Permalink posted 04/06/2007
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Jammy Jeff says Ivylander - You're right, Spirit needs lots of Mog love. August - They're American, and at the time were very experimental. The songs I've uploaded are actually two of the more mainstream songs they performed. Deadmandeadman - Thanks ! Alacrity - I almost uploaded Mr Skin instead, as like you it's my second fave song from the album Doombilly - I've never heard This Mortal Coil's version. I'll have to seek it out. Scotfree - Actually, I just played the song again and you're right, it's extremely prophetic. Good spot!

Permalink posted 04/08/2007
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NeilNathan says life has just begun is my fave cut off this fantastic psychedelic masterpiece the record finds a way to make some very serious points while still maintaning a great sense of humor making me think and making me laugh at the same time is an amazing accomplishment

Permalink posted 04/09/2007
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Lady Miss Ian says OMG! That's who Spirit is. I've had Natures Way on a mixtape someone gave me years ago and love that song. This dovetails into the psychedelic mood I've been in ever since my DJ friend played the entire disc of the live version of S.F. Sorrow by the Pretty Things on her radio show last Friday. I've got to go plunder my sweetie's and friends vinyl to see who's got this. Groovy man.

Permalink posted 04/10/2007
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doombilly says Do, JJ it is on Blood the third (and I guess final) TMC album.

Permalink posted 04/10/2007