Spirit: Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus

[Martin Eden]

In my opinion Spirit is perhaps the most underrated classic rock band. Their 1970 masterpiece Twelve Dreams is among my favorite albums of all time -- fusing rock, jazz, and other influences in an eclectic mix of songs that somehow work together as a quasi-concept psychedelic anthem which stands the test of time more than half a century later.

My old LP last saw duty more than a decade ago, and since I finally bought the CD last year I find myself listening to it all too often. Or maybe not enough. There are too many standout numbers to recommend just one, but I'm leaving the sample below (2nd track) as an introduction. You might have heard "Nature's Way" before, but if you haven't listened to the entire album you just might be in for a real treat -- or a lifelong addiction.

[rampartc]

1. underrated? how about randy california as a guitar god?

my favorite spirit tune ......

[Martin Eden]

2. Not underrated among aficionados

But many who listen to classic rock stations are not familiar with Spirit and Randy's work, possibly having heard "I Got a Line On You" and not much else.

[Martin Eden]

3. Thanks for the live rendition of Watchtower with several guitar greats

I hadn't heard that one before.

But I've known and loved Fresh Garbage since I acquired the Best of Spirit LP forty years ago. I bought the Twelve Dreams CD in a 5 CD set, and Fresh Garbage is the first song on my Spirit playlist.

[luckone]

4. ++Fave from i think that same album Mr Skin- Written by Jay Ferguson from the group about

member Ed Cassidy (Drums- bald head)

[Martin Eden]

5. One of many greats on Twelve Dreams

I'm rather fond of Randy's guitar work on Street Worm: