ALBUMS: Best of Spirit (1973)
MVC Rating: 4.0/$$$
Sometimes you make assumptions earlier in life that affect your entire opinion of a band.
Sure, I know Spirit’s great, guitar ripping big hit: ‘I Got a Line On You.’ You can’t help yourself from jumping up and saying yes as Spirit slams down that song down in one breath.
My assumption really had nothing to do with that. It had to do with filing this song and group under the ‘1-hit-wonder file.
But, no, there’s some good to great music to be had here: ‘Prelude –Nothing to Hide.’ ‘Uncle Jack,’ ‘Mechanical World,’ ‘Mr. Skin,’ and ‘Dark Eyed Woman.’
Spirit could play a little bit and throw some jazz in to mostly good effect. The musicians were tight and Randy California could play on a guitar that screamed like you were holding its neck too tight.
If there’s a weak spot, it’s the lyrics. Who said ‘shut up and play your guitar?’ Zappa? It applies to several songs here.