Time Circle

Spirit | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 23, 1991)
• Original Release Date: July 16, 1991
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B0000027K9
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #108,963 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

This 2 CD set is an out of print collectible!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great compilation of a great band., March 19, 2003

By 

David Goodwin (Westchester, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Time Circle (Audio CD)

If there's anything bad to be said about this set, it's that it is slightly unnecessary. After all, this is a double-disc compilation of (count 'em) four albums, the output the original Spirit managed while on the Ode/Epic label in the 1960s. As such, this places this collection (in the Utility-o-meter) somewhere around Syd's "Wouldn't You Miss Me?" (a one disc set that comps three albums) and Captain Beefheart's "The Liberty Years."

But that complaint, of course, forgets where Time Circle comes in the Spirit timeline: 1991, before Sony Legacy pumped into overdrive and reissued the band's albums. Thus, its faults can be easily disregarded, and it still stands today as an amazing introduction to an amazing band.

So what do we have here? Several tracks (in their original stereo mixes) from their amazing and totally idiosyncratic first album, a set of remixes from their woefully-overlooked second album (Collectors, take heed: these remixes are *not* identical to the ones that showed up on the Legacy reissue), a set of original mixes from their even-more-overlooked Clear, and a heaping portion of Sardonicus. One gets all of this, including some previously-unreleased-at-the-time and STILL-unavailable-anywhere-else mixes and bonus tracks for a fantastically bargain-basement price.

The verdict? If you are a veteran Spirit fan, Time Circle might not present enough unique material to hold your interest, as the original mixes are available on CD elsewhere. Still, this is the only place to get the Model Shoppe tracks. If you're a Spirit newbie, however, seriously consider this set over the budget "I've Got a Line On You" and "Best of Spirit" comps; you'll be happy you did, as Time Circle (like the Rolling Stones' "Hot Rocks") is one of those compilations that develops a life of its own.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Summary of A Band Way Ahead of Its Time, January 31, 2001

By 

Kurt A. Kroeber (Franklin, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Time Circle (Audio CD)

Time Circle is an extremely well-focused and complete retrospect (including numerous unreleased tracks) of one of the great forgotten bands of the 60s. Spirit formed in 1967 in LA and immediately crafted an original mix of rock, jazz, and psychedelia that was far ahead of its time. The five members (Randy California, Ed Cassidy, Jay Ferguson, Mark Andes, and John Locke) brought a totally unique sound to the music scene in America and Europe. This 2 CD collection captures all of the highlights of the band in its peak period from 1968 through 1972. All of the hits are here, but as with all good CD anthologies, the collection goes much, much deeper. Also, if you want to hear where Jimmy Page "borrowed" the unforgettable opening riff to "Stairway to Heaven" give the instrumental "Taurus" a listen. Jimmy Page certainly knew how to steal from the best.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You Really Need This!, December 5, 2004

By 

Patrick W. Schubert (Santa Ana, California United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Time Circle (Audio CD)

Whether you are new to Spirit or a long time fan, Time Circle is a stellar collection that belongs in any serious music lover's library. It contains most of the material from their first four records along with some excellent outtakes, b-sides and rare tracks. Because this collection is so extensive, and the tracks so thoughtfully selected, I would go as far to say that this is the only Spirit CD you will ever need. That said, it's also probably wise to pick up a copy of their masterpiece Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus since Time Circle omits two essential tracks from this album, including the beautiful closing track "Soldier".

Spirit were truly in a class by themselves. Every member was (is) a highly talented, original and versatile musician. When Randy California drowned off the shores of Hawaii a few years back, the world lost a truly gifted songwriter and guitarist. R.I.P. Randy, and thanks for all the great music.