They never reached the absolute top back then, at best top 20 on Billboard, but had the fantasy, creativity and skill to create a few all time classics. Their mix of psych, prog and melodic hard rock inspired many, the most famous exemple being Led Zeppelin where Jimmy Page borrowed a lot from Spirit guitarist Randy California. Here the group was managed and produced by legend Lou Adler and the album had US release on Adlers own Ode Records. Their two previous LP:s were more on the psych side and the next would be towards rock opera, but this third album is something different. At the time for recording they were under a lot of pressure after releasing two albums the year before, excessive touring and already at work with the soundtrack for Jacques Demy's film "Model Shop". The members didn't feel they had time for preparation and songwriting and the album was rushed. So this has a big part instrumental work, is jazzier and contains more free form, some apparently improvised and made by ear in the studio. There are a few really good songs, but also lots of great instrumental pieces with stunning guitar, just how I like it. Sometimes UK CBS releases of US recordings comes through as more blunt than the originals, but not this pressing. It's big and bold, with heavy base and thick guitar sound high in the mix. Very enjoyable. Original US on Ode (Z12 44016). Earliest UK with thick vinyl, label as shown here and SBPG matrix, laminated "West Brothers" cover with rec. no. above logo on back and front and large rectangle lower back.
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