Spirit - Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus

Spirit was formed with the intention to combine jazz, rock, classical, and folk with a mystical orientation. Led by the family duo of Hendrix-inspired guitarist Randy California and his uncle, jazz drummer Ed Cassidy (whose shaved head--some 20 years ahead of its time--was the band's visual focus), Spirit had a few idiosyncratic hits such as "I Got A Line On You." The band didn't reach its prime until Twelve Dreams, after which they promptly broke up. A loosely constructed sci-fi concept album, it contains the band's biggest hit, the ecological "Nature's Way" (complete with booming kettle drums), the surreal rock of "Animal Zoo," and the orchestral psychedelia of "Life Has Just Begun." Bristling with ideas, energy, and California's meaty guitar, Twelve Dreams exemplifies the best of the late '60s experimentalism. --Steven Mirkin Amazon.com

 12 dreams of dr. sardonicus
A great "theme" album. The instrumentation, vocals/harmonies are unbelievable for that era. It is a little tinny in places, as the remastering will expose. I would recommend this album to anyone with a little 60's and 70's hippie/psychadelic music interest. April 4, 2008

 Spirit Never Dies!
I spent a fair amount of time in my early teens, listening to the 12 Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus by Spirit. It was fun, upbeat music that didn't sound like anything else. So, I was delighted to see that Amazon had the CD (re-mastered) for only $10. What amazed me was how fresh it still sounds! 37 years have not been unkind to this recording! From the lovely finger-picked acoustic intro to Nothing to Hide to the acoustic guitar, cowbell and tympani accompanied Natures Way (has that instrumental combo ever been used since?) to the sweet, multi-layered Life Has Just Begun, this is a creative smorgasbord of clever, catchy and lilting music that seems fresh and new almost 40 years after it was created. There are some quirky moments, like in Animal Zoo and Mr. Skin, that may turn some people off, but all in all, this is a deightful CD that highlights crisp songwriting, great musicianship and a fun-loving and interesting approach to arrangement that stand the test of time very well. December 2, 2007

 A CLASSIC
THIS IS A VASTLY UNDERAPPRECIATED RECORD,THAT STILL SOUNDS FRESH AND INNOVATIVE DECADES AFTER IT WAS RELEASED. BUY IT, ENJOY, AND LET THE GROOVE INSINUATE ITSELF INTO YOUR MIND. August 15, 2007

 old time favorite
Of course this cd is one of my favorites from way back. Having to replace my old lp's and glad I found it. August 3, 2007

 It's "Nature's Way" for all of us to buy the CD!
As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" I am often asked to review and give thoughts on various 60's and 70's rock and roll albums.

Spirit unfortunately is a secret that has been too well kept. Sure a few have heard the amazing "I Got A Line On You" and "Nature's Way" from this release but there was so much more.

Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus is the best introduction to their actual studio recordings if you have decided to procure something along with a "Best Of."

Randy California's guitar will stand-out not only for his intricacies but the ability to tastefully perform rock, psychedelic, jazz and all in between. Take note of how well versed he was.

The consistency and even flow of the record will be obvious when you first hear "Nothin' To Hide." Spirit enters the Grateful Dead realm with the pretty "Why Can't I Be Free" and throws some psychedelic sounds our way with "Space Child."

The remastered version sounds very powerful. You can check out the strong fidelity when listening through the cool Amazon sample feature.

Pay homage to Randy California and make this a proud entry in the CD collection.

Be well always,
Craig Fenton
Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"

June 2, 2007

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