Spirit\Light\Speed

Ian Astbury

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 20, 2000)
• Original Release Date: June 20, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Beggars Banquet Us
• ASIN: B00000K29Y
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #128,308 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Recorded during the hiatus between the Cult's 1995 breakup and the band's re-formation in 1999, Spirit\Light\Speed is based on some sound thinking. The Cult's two previous albums, Ceremony and Cult, showed signs of serious disintegration in the Ian Astbury/Billy Duffy partnership. Astbury, declaring the death of rock, came up with a peculiar and somewhat prophetic marriage of rock and electronica that sat in the can for a couple of years before its eventual release. Cult fans and Goths (there's considerable overlap) will, at the very least, be interested in hearing what Astbury sounds like without his partner in crime. The answer: not much different, but he does stretch a bit musically. What with the use of "She Sells Sanctuary" in a car commercial, two best-of collections, and the inclusion of a song on the Gone in 60 Seconds soundtrack, the Cult seem poised for a new rise to prominence, and perhaps Astbury solo will earn a little extra acclaim, too. --Genevieve Williams

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Zen master., February 19, 2001

By	Stefanie (Silver Spring, Maryland USA) - See all my reviews

If I could give this 10 stars I would. Being a die-hard Cult fan for 16 years, I was not sure what to expect from this attempt at going solo, however I was greatly surprised. I really thought something would have been lost without Billy, but instead Ian's incredible talent for making you feel through his music still holds intact and is even stronger. It really exhibits some Zen, gives a serene feeling through his electronica influences, and songs like Wild Like a Horse pulls at the heart and soul. His beautiful voice has not changed except for the added wisdom of the years. I can can listen to this over and over again. A must for Ian Astbury fans.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ian Astbury it says, not The Cult, December 16, 2000

By	"nachtnoir" (The Abyss) - See all my reviews

The name on the spine of this disc says "Ian Astbury", not The Cult. So why is it that most of the complaints I hear about this CD is that it doesn't sound like Sonic Temple, or Love. The reason for a member of a band to record a solo project is to do something different. That is exactly what Ian has done here. The CD has a great range of songs on it. Even a remix of a Cult song. Even if you hear a slight nod here or there to his other band every once in a while, this is a stand alone solo project. And as solo projects go, this one is excellent. Several songs just jump out at you and make you sing it all day. Tunes like "Tonight", and "High Time Amplifier" just follow you. I myself am a hugh Cult fan, so I doubt that I could find anything to complain about, Ian's voice is just that good, but whether you like his voice that much or not, you'll love the music on this disc.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Do I hear comback of the year or what?, June 27, 2000

By	John P. Altgelt (taylor, mi United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I picked this CD up anticipating a good appetizer for the forthcoming new Cult album, to my suprise this album is a classic. I buy and listen to a lot of rock and this album is probably the best new rock album of 2000. The only reason it does not get 5 stars is the lack of guitar (or is it a lack of Billy?), nevertheless if you like The Cult you must purchase this CD, the songs are very good and Ian's voice sounds as good, if not better, than it did 15 years ago. The stand out numbers are "Back on Earth" "High Time Amplifier" and "Tyger". There are only seven new songs in which Ian sings, "The witch" is a Cult remake, and "Shambala" is a cool little instrumental. I was very impressed with this album and I can not wait to hear The Cults new one, go pickup "Gone in 60 seconds" with "Painted on my heart" and your Cult fix will be somewhat soothed until later this year, ROCK ON!