Feb 9, 1968-Oct 10, 1969
Spirit's third album CLEAR SPIRIT follows the approach of the group's previous two albums, with a mix of hook-filled rockers ("Dark Eyed Woman"), moody and symphonic compositions ("Cold Wind"), socio-political rock songs ("1984"), and jazzy ballads ("Give a Life, Take a Life"). There are also instrumentals by keyboardist John Locke (including the gorgeous "Ice") and the revved-up blues of Jay Ferguson's "Ground Hog." Though it lacks a hit single to match that of the band's previous album "(I Got a Line on You"), CLEAR SPIRIT is nonetheless a further step forward for this ambitious band.
Although this album may not be seen as the definitive Spirit statement, it has several moments of brilliance that prove what a revolutionary band they were. Coming off of the success of The Family That Plays Together and "I Got a Line on You," the group entered the studio with Lou Adler once again in the producer's chair. Unfortunately, the group appeared to be beginning to fragment, and it shows on this uneven but ultimately fine album. "Dark Eyed Woman" opens the album with promise, and it is indeed one of Spirit's hardest-rocking studio performances. Randy California's inspired guitar solo is one of the finest performances of the period. The riff and general feel of the track (right down to the siren sound effects) were borrowed by Traffic on "Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory." The record tends to go downhill from there (primarily due to some uninspired songwriting), but is not without its high points, like "Cold Wind" and the awesome closer "New Dope in Town."