Spirit On Track: Every Album, Every Song

Spirit was a 1960s rock band that blended blues, folk, R&B, and jazz to create a unique sound. Despite their innovative music, they never achieved commercial success. This book revisits the band's albums, song by song, and recounts their 30-year legacy of trailblazing artistry.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 27 January 2023
Publisher: Sonicbond Publishing

Even in an age of unparalleled innovation and artistic freedom, Spirit stood head and shoulders above their 1960s-era rock and roll contemporaries. Perhaps only Love shared the same sort of expansive and adventurous artistic vision as the five guys in Spirit, whose disparate and diverse musical backgrounds led them to explore the outer regions of rock and roll as the band incorporated elements of the blues, folk, R&B, and jazz into their heady brew of psychedelia-tinted hard rock. Although they never experienced the level of commercial success that their talents and innovative music deserved, few bands since have matched Spirit in eccentricity, originality, intensity, and instrumental virtuosity. For all their creative accomplishments, Spirit's legacy is that of a half-forgotten band whose name is seldom brought up in classic rock discussions.

Spirit on track corrects this oversight, revisiting the band album by album, song by song, from their ground-breaking self-titled 1968 debut and their masterpiece, Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus, through the break-ups and reunions and solo efforts of the lean years until their resurgence in the 1990s with albums like Tent of Miracles. More than a mere album guide, this book recounts 30 years of the trailblazing artistry of Spirit.

The band Spirit, formed in the late 1960s, was a unique and pioneering force in the world of rock and roll. With their diverse musical backgrounds and a bold, adventurous approach to music, they pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in the genre.

Spirit's members came from a wide range of musical backgrounds, including blues, folk, R&B, and jazz. This diversity of influences is evident in their music, which blends these different styles seamlessly to create a unique and captivating sound.

One of the defining characteristics of Spirit's music is their use of psychedelia. They incorporated elements of hallucinogenic imagery and surrealism into their songs, creating a trippy and immersive listening experience. This psychedelic influence was a hallmark of the band's early work, and it set them apart from their contemporaries.

Despite their innovative approach to music, Spirit never achieved the level of commercial success that their talents and creative vision deserved. They were often overshadowed by more mainstream bands and were often criticized for their unconventional style. However, their loyal fan base and critical acclaim kept them going, and they continued to release new albums and tour until their final disbandment in the early 1990s.

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Spirit's music, and their legacy has been celebrated by a new generation of fans. This has led to the release of reissued albums, the compilation of greatest hits collections, and the celebration of the band's contributions to rock and roll history.

Spirit on track is a comprehensive and detailed account of the band's career, covering their albums from their debut in 1968 to their final disbandment in 1991. The book is written by music journalist and author David Edwards, who has a deep appreciation for the band and their music. Edwards provides a detailed analysis of each album, exploring the themes, lyrics, and musical influences that shaped the band's sound. He also includes interviews with the band's members, who share their memories and insights into the creative process.

One of the highlights of Spirit on track is Edwards' exploration of the band's creative process. He reveals how the members came together to form the band, how they developed their unique sound, and how they overcame the challenges of being a pioneering band in a conservative musical landscape. Edwards also discusses the band's struggles with commercial success and the challenges they faced in maintaining their creative vision.

Spirit on track is a must-read for fans of rock and roll history and for anyone who appreciates the creative and innovative spirit of music. The book provides a deep and insightful look at the band's career, and it will inspire and delight music lovers of all ages.

Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789522488