Spirit - Son of America

From the archives of Randy California/Spirit comes this 2 CD re-mastered set. Disc 1 features 25 previously unreleased songs and instrumentals recorded between 1983 and his final recording session in late 1996, while disc 2 features more Spirit treasures with unreleased material and alternative takes from the California Blues and Cosmic Smile albums. Evangeline. 2005. Album Description

My Spirit has been revived

I have been skeptical in purchasing anything from Spirit ever since "12 Dreams" blew me away back in the 70's. I figured anything from here would be down hill. This CD is so well remastered that it sounds like it was recorded recently. You're always so hesitant about spending big bucks on deceased artists "archives" because usually the quality is so bad. This CD is like RC is still alive & well. The emphasis is on RC's song writing ability. Much of the first CD is very soft & "Natures Way" type of music. CD 2 is more lively & reminded me of how much I like cow bells & don't hear them anymore. This is Spirit's Sgt. Pepper. Highly recommended. October 18, 2008

Still positive, adventurous, and profound....a bounty of Spirit vibe

How ironic that so much of the musical genius of Randy California (RC) is revealed to us after his untimely death in Jan. 1997.
Evidenced here (and in several other posthumous releases) RC recorded a substantial number of original, alternative versions, and experimental music dispite little to no Corporate support.
Certain tracks discovered in these "vaults" by long time friend and compiler Mick Skidmore boast over 17 versions and 20+ mixes! RC's desire for artistic excellence is revelatory and wether you are a completist, archivist, collector, fan or just someone keen on making a discovery that augments your cd collection and raises your personal awareness to the etherial...look no further.

Skidmore has done a magnificent job of culling the best from these vaults. Liner notes with track by track commentary add insight into each song's genesis, as well as interesting bits highlighting the historical timeline of RC's artistic vision.

All the music in this 2cd 44 track set are from various studios, most are taken from the 1993-95 era. The sound quality is exceptional on ALL. It's as if they were pulled from existing albums, the production clarity and fidelity top knotch. Skidmore takes some liberties with the more self-contained (ie fully fleshed, completed) songs by sequencing them between snippets of diverse instrumental passages. Also, all versions (and mixes) here were not previously released though several do appear (in different evolving form) on the other albums' 'Cosmic Smile', 'Sea Dream', and 'California Blues'.
Several tracks here were slated by Randy for a 'Kaptain Kopter 2' which was never released, as well as 'One by One', a never released solo album for the most part included here (complete).

Spacy instrumental jam passages allow the music to flow throughout, segueing all the "proper" songs in thematic content. Sometimes spiritual, or mystical, uncontensiously socio-political... and always personal (in some fashion), this 2cd set is the best (imo) of RC's posthumous collections.

CD#1....25 tracks, 1983-96, TT= 79:41
CD#2....19 tracks, mostly 1993-95, TT= 79:42

Past present and future 'Spirit' call from these grooves on 'Son of America'. Though classic Spirit no longer exists', the music here comes very close. A Primary contribulor is Ed Cassidy (of course), as well as several with John Locke and Mark Andes (and his son Matt). Scott Monahan features big also. Two dozen or so tracks could fit most comfortably on any of Spirit's classic "first 4", and dispite the absense of any with Jay Ferguson the overall music presented here stands just fine on its own. Recommended! May 8, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...