Model Shop

Spirit | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 8, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sundazed Music Inc.
• ASIN: B0006UEVRM
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #177,090 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

SPIRIT —THE GROUNDBREAKING L.A. COMBO EQUALLY swayed by moody jazz and Hendrix-style rock’n’ roll—was born to record movie soundtracks. Unfortunately, they cut only one, for the seldom-seen 1969 Jacques Demy film Model Shop, but what a triumph it is: a magical blend of John Locke’s eerie keyboards, the soaring guitar of Randy California and Jay Ferguson’s impassioned vocals and percussion, backed by the rock-steady bass and drums of Mark Andes and Ed Cassidy. It’s mindboggling that something as dazzling as the Model Shop soundtrack—recorded by the classic Spirit lineup— has been languishing unreleased in the vaults for over 35 years! The stuff of longplaying-legends and vinyl-myths, this full-length album was recorded in late 1968, but the completed master was shelved before release. Rescued from obscurity at last by Sundazed, this much rumored film-score gem is now center-stage where it can take a much deserved bow.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Model Shop or Eventide?, March 13, 2005

By 

Michael L. Knapp (Placerville, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Model Shop (Audio CD)

While it would be nice to say we have a previously unreleased album by the original Spirit, it wouldn't be exactly true. For the most part this is another version of the vinyl album Sundazed released a couple of years ago called "Eventide" combined with the version of Fog from their companion Sundazed album "Now Or Anywhere". Five of the songs were also released on the retrospective CD "Time Circle". Aren't You Glad doesn't really add anything to the originaly released version. Not to say this isn't a very good CD. The fact that they could write such great music for such a godawful movie is a tribute to their talent. These songs really showcase the talents of John Locke, both as a performer & a songwriter, like none of Spirit's other albums. This CD is worth having, just be aware that almost all of this material has been available before.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Jazzy Improvisational Smokey Night Club Spirit, March 4, 2005

By 

zaytox "one disturbed boy" (Buffalo, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Model Shop (Audio CD)

I heard about this recording, the fact that it was a film soundtrack, and the fact that it was recorded in 1968, and the first thing I thought of was The Family That Plays Together-- everything but I Got A Line On You. And that's what it is like, but more jazz inflected. It's still got the trademark California guitar that soars at times but this album doesn't outright rock as much as it simmers; it does a slow boil. It's more of a smokey fire than a roaring blaze. Real fans of Spirit's first three recordings (this music relates not much at all to Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus)should be able to appreciate this. Spirit was not a one dimensional rock band. They were subtle; they were sublime. They were a perfect vehicle for a film score. If you were of that time, and if you know what it was like at the end of 12 hours of sunshine and watching the emergence of the new dawn, you get a sense of the space this recording inhabits. It's a terrific and totally unexpected find.

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spirited Brilliance, February 22, 2005

By 

Cosmo Topper - See all my reviews

This review is from: Model Shop (Audio CD)

Sometimes one only needs to go as far as a lost piece of music to hear clear ly why Spirit is one of the most underrated bands in rock history.
If I may respectfully disagree thoroughly with music man's review
I'd like to address a few points made in his um un-spirited experience.

Prior to the 1980s
most movie music was mixed in mono
so what you're hearing is the way the music was recorded and mixed in it's original form
Without the enhanced digital cheeze
In Other Words
You're hearing the way the movie and the music sounded when and if you were one of the 50 people that went to the theater to see it.

I loved the movie btw
but then again I'd like anything that has amazing shots of Laurel Canyon and Sunset Strip circa
late 60's
Let alone actual footage of Spirit playing music together

but I digress

2nd of All
What you're getting on this record is mood
music for a rainy afternoon for daze
Spooky foggy jazzy psychedelic, funky
what style of music couldn't this band play well?

If you are a true Spirit fan you will have to buy this.
If you're a fan of unique film music this is for you as well.

Randy California Rock In Peace

Keep Spinning
Cosmo Topper