Customer Reviews

Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus

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The Twelve Dreams of Dr.Sardonicus represents the zenith of the "original" group Spirit and unfortunately the last album by the Randy California, Jay Ferguson, Mark Andes, John Locke and Ed Cassidy quintet. While other albums would follow with a dizzying combination of players leaving and returning, the failure of this album to be recognized commercially and to some extent critically (initially), led to a disappointment that ultimately dissolved a partnership that had produced four solid albums.

Abandoning producer Lou Adler's mellower, low key style for a punchier horn and guitar driven sound, while still maintaining a vocal-forward, unique rock - jazz eclectic sound that today belies it's early seventies roots, Sardonicus is today recognized as a classic.

Randy California's guitar, at times ethereal (Why Can't I Be Free?, Love Has Found A Way), or flat- out searing (Nothing To Hide, Morning Will Come), is rightly brought to the forefront. While classic Spirit touches are evident throughout the album - overdubbed leads, psychadelic flourishes, sweet, harmonic choruses and as always an eye to the enviromental folly of modern man (Nature's Way, Animal Zoo) this album is distinguished from their previous efforts in several ways.

No strangers to elaborate musical arrangements, particularly string accompaniments to accent and provide dramatic contrast ( see the Clear album ), the band uses flat-out barrel-house horn arrangements to punctuate the two songs worth the price of the album---Mr.Skin and Morning Will Come. From a band whose stock and trade is at times subtle harmonics and jazz inflections, these two house-rocking numbers are rock classics, guaranteed to get 'em up on their feet.

The album is also intended to be taken, listened to, as a whole. Each song literally bleeds into the next, with the overall impression of a quixotic, yet ultimately dour vision of what's to come - a vision which after some thirty-odd years has sadly been born out.

This work, while not getting it's just due at the time of it's release, has over the ensuing years garnered the critical acclaim that eventually comes to most unique, solidly crafted works which for a host of reasons were overlooked upon their initial release. The bonus tracks included with this reissue are just that - a bonus to an essential in any music enthusiast's library - a starting off point to explore all things "Spirit"ual.

Spirit's albums prior to Dr. Sardonicus were on the rock cutting edge: progressive and creative yet with some very jazzy instrumentation that lent a more mature feel to their songs. Their talents and song writing had such breadth that their previous albums were somewhat disjointed. Everything came together with Dr. Sardonicus. It was the best of an era that embraced good musicianship, electronic wizardry, and no fear for pushing the envelope.

Dr. Sardonicus is a lush musical feast for the ear and the head. This album would probably be better known today if the original band had continued after its release. Alas, they did not. This is an album that is probably rightfully considered a "cult classic." You should consider giving it a listen and helping to elevate it into the mainstream status that it deserves. On the other hand, maybe you shouldn't. Maybe you're not ready for it.

IN THIS ALBUM SPIRIT SHOW A MATURE PROGRESIVE STYLE. A GREAT EVOLUTION OF THEIR SOUND AND THE COMPOSITIONS ARE REAL GOOD. THE EFFECTS IN THIS RECORDING COMPLEMENT THE SPIRIT BRAND. A GOOD BUY FOR ANY FOLLLOWER OF THIS GREAT GROUP... ONE OF THE BEST OF ALL TIMES. CHECK IT OUT!!!.

I have had this for over thirty years, but it was only recently that I realised how well it has stood the test of time. A lot of Spirit albums are patchy, but this one is chock full of genuinely interesting songs, dynamic arrangements, and great playing. Listen to it on a good system - the sonic detail and the atmospherics are outstanding, even by contemporary standards. An American masterpiece.

Where do I start? As an avid music lover of all things from the bluegrass of Tony Rice, ingrained genius of The Band, Stevie Wonder, Claude Debussey I was dialed in close to all of this incredible creative time of the ages musical statement, just blown away with this a true masterpiece of everything coming together in a most magical way. This album never loses focus, or drops the energy level throughout. Just an absolute joy to your ears. I've recommended this to many of my friends. Amazing! For the very fact of the impossibility of following this work in any hope of owning up to it's raw genius, I would have to say we are all very fortunate to have been on this earth to experience and be so entertained by this very surprising work. God bless these players and all that made it happen!! This is an under-stated classic. I know, I played on one.

spirit at their peak were probably as good as any other band at its peak, the beatles, roling stones and who have you included.

if they have not achieved teh fame that they should have, a large part of the blame can be assigned to the fact that they prefered to perform a radio concert instead of playing in some unknown farm in the middle of nowhere. it just so happened that the middle-of-nowhere was some place called woodstock. who knows how big spirit would have been if they had played there. that is sheer conjecture.

however, one thing that needs no conjecture is the quality of their music. every single song in their first 4 albums is a masterpiiece and this album is the best of the best. listen to them now and thank me later. listen to this band if you like a strong melody based on great riffs and the odd jazz touch. think of them as america on a trip. only a million times better.