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"The Family That Plays Together", the second of four albums released by the original Spirit lineup, was marketed by Ode Records in 1968. Unlike its predecessor, Spirit, their self-titled and surreal debut, "The Family That Plays Together" evinces more greatly the band's ability for playing beyond the genre of psychedelic rock than within it. Tracks "It Shall Be" and "Silky Sam" demonstrate the ease with which the ensemble can incorporate jazz into their idiosyncratic form of rock, while "Jewish" and "Aren't You Glad" evidenced the band's competence in exploiting, to their advantage, both world music and jam rock respectively. "Poor Richard," "Jewish," and "All the Same" feature glorious double track lead breaks from guitarist California. The inspiration behind entitling The Family was derived from the stepson-stepfather relationship guitarist Randy California and percussionist Ed Cassidy shared.
Released in 1968, Spirit's second album, "The Family That Plays Together," stands as a testament to the band's innovative fusion of psychedelic rock, jazz, and blues. This groundbreaking record solidified Spirit's unique sound and cemented their place as one of the most experimental and forward-thinking bands of the era.
Musical Style and Influences
"The Family That Plays Together" showcases Spirit's diverse musical influences, seamlessly blending elements of psychedelic rock, jazz improvisation, and blues-inspired guitar riffs. The album's eclectic sound is further enhanced by the band's incorporation of classical and world music elements, creating a truly unique listening experience.
The album's opening track, "I Got a Line on You," is a prime example of Spirit's signature sound, featuring a driving rhythm section, intricate guitar work, and soaring vocals. Other standout tracks include the psychedelic-infused "Drunkard"
The Band
Spirit's lineup at the time of the album's release consisted of:
Jay Ferguson: Lead vocals, keyboards, percussion
Randy California: Lead guitar, vocals
John Locke: Keyboards
Mark Andes: Bass, vocals
Ed Cassidy - drums, percussion
Learn about Ed Cassidy's work with Spirit and Randy California
Each member brought their own unique musical talents to the table, contributing to the album's rich and diverse sound.
Legacy
"The Family That Plays Together" was a critical and commercial success, reaching number 22 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album's popularity helped to solidify Spirit's reputation as one of the leading psychedelic rock bands of the late 1960s.
Today, "The Family That Plays Together" is considered a classic of the psychedelic rock genre, and its influence can be heard in the work of countless artists. The album's innovative sound and eclectic mix of genres continue to inspire and captivate listeners decades after its initial release.
Music Genre: Acid Jazz, Psych Prog Rock |
Album Production Information: The album: "SPIRIT - Family That Plays Together" was produced by: Lou Adler LOU ADLER The Visionary Producer Who Shaped Music and Film. Lou Adler, a name synonymous with innovation and success in both the music and film industries, has left an enduring mark on popular culture. His multifaceted career as a record producer, film producer, and entrepreneur has solidified his status as a legendary figure. Monterey Pop Festival: A Turning Point in Music History Adler played a pivotal role in organizing the Monterey International Pop Festival in 1967. This groundbreaking event, held in California, marked a turning point in music history. It showcased emerging talents like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and The Who, exposing them to a wider audience and launching them into superstardom. Adler's vision for the festival, which emphasized artistic expression and cultural diversity, helped establish it as a model for future music events. The Rocky Horror Picture Show: A Cult Classic In the realm of film, Adler's executive production of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" solidified his reputation as a tastemaker with an eye for the unconventional. The film, with its unique blend of music, campy humor, and subversive themes, became a cult classic, inspiring devoted fan communities and midnight screenings that continue to this day. Adler's willingness to embrace the film's eccentricity contributed to its enduring appeal. A Hitmaker in the Recording Studio As a record producer, Adler's track record is nothing short of remarkable. He produced numerous hit records for a diverse range of artists, including The Mamas & the Papas, Carole King, The Grass Roots, and Jan & Dean. His work on Carole King's landmark album "Tapestry," which won four Grammy Awards, is considered a masterpiece of pop music production. Adler's ability to nurture artists' creativity and craft commercially successful records solidified his position as a sought-after producer in the industry. Adler's eclectic taste extended to producing records for the innovative rock band Spirit, known for their psychedelic and jazz-influenced sound. He produced their critically acclaimed album "Clear," which featured the hit single "Nature's Way." Adler's production helped to capture the band's unique sound and contribute to their growing popularity. He also produced several albums for the comedy duo Cheech & Chong, including their self-titled debut and "Wedding Album." Adler's production skills translated seamlessly to the comedy genre, helping to capture the duo's irreverent humor and create records that resonated with a wide audience. Beyond the Music: An Entrepreneurial Spirit Adler's entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond producing records and films. He co-founded Dunhill Records and later Ode Records, both of which played significant roles in the music industry. He also co-owned the Roxy Theatre, a renowned music venue in West Hollywood, where countless legendary acts graced the stage.
Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Eric Wienbang, Armin Stiener Album cover design: Tom Wilkes Album cover photography: Guy Webster |
Record Label & Catalognr: EPIC KE 31461 / AL 31461 , ODE Records Z12 44014 |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1968 Made in USA |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: SPIRIT - Family That Plays Together |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "SPIRIT - Family That Plays Together" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "SPIRIT - Family That Plays Together" is:
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )
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Yellow Color EPIC KE 31461 Record Label Details: Printed in U.S.A.
Released in 1968, Spirit's second album, "The Family That Plays Together," stands as a testament to the band's innovative fusion of psychedelic rock, jazz, and blues. This groundbreaking record solidified Spirit's unique sound and cemented their place as one of the most experimental and forward-thinking bands
The Family That Plays Together 12" Vinyl LPThe 1972 SPIRIT - Feedback with Gatefold album civer is an original USA pressing of a 12" LP vinyl album released by the band Spirit. This album is known for its unique gatefold cover design and features a collection of songs that showcase the band's diverse musical style.
Feedback 12" Vinyl LPEmerging in the music scene of 1968, Spirit's eponymous debut album captured the zeitgeist of the psychedelic era with its groundbreaking musical exploration and controversial themes. Produced by the legendary Lou Adler and recorded at the renowned Sunset Sound Recorders in Hollywood
SPIRIT - S/T Self-Titled Ode Records 12" Vinyl LPReleased in 1970 amidst a backdrop of growing environmental awareness and social unrest, Spirit's fourth album, "Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus," emerged as a visionary work that blended psychedelic rock with ecological themes and sonic experimentation.
Twelve Dreams of Dr Sardonicus 12" Vinyl LP