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Ripped By: ChrisGoesRock
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Japan 24-Bit Remaster

About The First Album 1971 on "Neon Label":

I find it amazing how many groups there were on the cusp of something as big as the development of an entire genre of music. Progressive rock was just starting to kick it into high gear in 1971 and bands like Spring were working on important recordings like this self-titled set.

At first, I was not sure what the picture of the dead soldier meant but after listening to the albums lyrics, it makes more sense. The album certainly has a theme. “The Prisoner,” “Fool’s Gold,” “Shipwrecked Soldier,” “Golden Fleece,” and “Grail” certainly have an explorer war like premise.

The tone created by this talented group on this outstanding effort needs a much harder look than ever before. Perhaps the reasons why you have not heard too much of this band is that giving credit were credit was due has been part of the problem…not an all together unusual circumstance in a business full of unfairness and corruption. Part of this entire process of recollection for us all interested in learning more about some of the pioneers of prog-rock is discovering important contributors such as Spring.

Lead vocalist Pat Moran’s style is reminiscent of the dreamy and smooth vocal engagements of the legendary Jon Anderson of Yes. I use Anderson as a benchmark for vocalist in this genre for obvious reasons. His influence can be heard everywhere in rock music from past to present. Spring’s music is tasteful with compositions featuring elegant keyboards and guitars and equally powerfully intoxicating measures of the same when needed to emphasize the lyrics and give listeners chunks of instrumental passages that have become typical for this type of music.

Spring, from Leicestershire (same area of England that brought us bands like Family and Pesky Gee/Black Widow) was one of many British prog rock bands that was not very well known, but their one and only album is a wonderful example of early progressive rock. And if you're a Mellotron fan, then you gotta own this album, since the band is credited with three guys playing Mellotron (vocalist Pat Moran, guitarist Ray Martinez, and keyboardist Kips Brown).
Another musician of note in this band was drummer Pick Withers (who was then known as Picque Withers). This guy would later be a member of Dire Straits, but Spring's music is way different from the pub rock/roots/country sound of that band. In fact Spring's music is more like the Moody Blues, but somewhat more edgy, and more down to earth lyrics.

Vocalist Pat Moran does tend to have a peculiar voice and his voice does need to getting used to, but the album itself is full of goodies like "The Prisoner (Eight by Ten)", "Grail", the acoustic singalong "Boats", "Shipwrecked Soldier" and the Mellotron epic "Golden Fleece". "Song to Absent Friends (The Island)" is the odd piece here, as it's basically a piano-oriented ballad that sounds something like Elton John would do (Gus Dudgeon, who produced Elton John's albums also produced the Spring album). But then the song segues in to "Gazing" which goes back to the Mellotron-heavy prog rock the band is best known for.

There's a couple of weaker songs on here, but nothing I would consider rejects. And if you're wondering if all three guys are playing the Mellotron all at once, you bet they are, all this album was recorded live in the studio with the only overdubbing being the acoustic guitar. For the first few listens, you might not even like this album, but if you listen to it enough times, you're bound to enjoy this quite a lot.

The CD reissue also includes three bonus cuts ("Fool's Gold", "Hendre Mews" and "A Word Full of Whispers") that were from sessions of a never-completed second album from 1972. Although many people think these are weak songs, I don't think so, they're excellent, although Mellotron is completely lacking (replaced by Hammond organ), and is worthy. The original LP was released on RCA/Neon and comes in a triple gatefold cover (similar to Yes' Going For the One, although the artwork is nothing like that Yes album).

The music of Spring isn't the most complex on the face of the planet, but if you're a fan of such early British prog acts as Beggars Opera, Cressida, Gracious, Fantasy, or even the Moody Blues, for that matter, you're certain to enjoy their music.


About their 2nd Unreleased 1972 Album (Japanese Only Release):

Previously Unreleased Recordings for the 2nd Album in 1972 Limited Edition Packaged in Miniature LP Sleeve. Well, i can´t find any info on this, their second unreleased album for 1972. I have now listened two times on the album and it is a five star album (believe me) !!. see for yourself. Would be glad if you liked it as much like i do. Please give me your word on this album in "comment" section.

01. Jack & Jim
02. Hendre Mews
03. Painted Ship
04. High Horse
05. Fernley Avenue
06. Helping The Helpless
07. A Word Full of Whispers
08. Losers
09. Get My Share
10. Hendre Mews (Diff. Mix)
11. A Word Full of Whispers (Diff. Mix)
12. Fool´s Gold (Bonus)