Farther Along (Spirit album)

Farther Along was the third album that Spirit released through Mercury Records. Though Jay Ferguson was missing from the lineup, it is generally considered to be their first "reunion" album.

Farther Along
Studio album by
Spirit
ReleasedJune 1976[1]
GenreRock, psychedelic rock
Length31:05
LabelMercury
ProducerAl Schmitt, Randy California
Spirit chronology
Son of Spirit
(1975)		 Farther Along
(1976)		 Future Games
(1977)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic[2]
Classic Rock[3]

Out of the four albums that Spirit recorded for Mercury in the mid-70s, this one is the least influenced by Randy California's time in Hawaii. However, it isn't too dissimilar from the previous two albums in that regard, though the song structures are very tight throughout. Consequently, it also bears more than a passing resemblance to Clear at times, probably because of John Locke's presence in the group. It is particularly cherished by fans of that album. The album also includes a notable version of Nature's Way, which is arranged for a chamber orchestra.

Though most of the album was issued on the Mercury Years compilation, much of the material included overdubs which were not part of the original recordings. The 2004 CD reissue of this album (as a two-fer with Son of Spirit) contains the original mixes.

Track listing

All songs written by Randy California except noted.

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Farther Along"Andes, California, Cassidy3:21
2."Atomic Boogie"Andes, Andes, California, Cassidy, Locke2:40
3."World Eat World Dog"California, Cassidy, Locke2:45
4."Stoney Night" 2:31
5."Pineapple"Locke2:12
6."Colossus" 2:57
7."Mega Star"California, Locke3:27
8."Phoebe"Andes2:10
9."Don't Lock Up Your Door"Andes, California, Cassidy3:10
10."Once With You"California, Locke1:33
11."Diamond Spirit"Andes, California2:25
12."Nature's Way" 2:04

Personnel

Spirit

Additional musicians
  • Ian Underwood - synthesizer
  • Ernie Watts - saxophone
  • Robert Lee - keyboards, vocals
  • Michael Temple - mandolin
  • Steve Larrence - percussion
  • David Blumberg - horn
  • Nick DeCaro - horn

Production
  • Al Schmitt - producer
  • Bob Hughes - engineer
  • Jay Kauffman - engineer
  • Marc Piscitelli - engineer
  • Allen Sides - engineer

Charts

Album

Year Chart Position
1976 Billboard 200[4] 179

References
  1. William Ruhlmann. "Spirit Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved May 8, 2011.
  2. Viglione, Joe. "Spirit Farther Along review". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 2011-12-11.
  3. Fielder, Hugh (February 2005). "Spirit 'Son of Spirit'/'Farther Along'". Classic Rock. 76. London, UK: Future Publishing Ltd. p. 105.
  4. "Farther Along Billboard Albums". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 2011-12-12.
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