Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus
Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus is the fourth album by the American psychedelic rock group Spirit. It was produced by David Briggs, who is best known for his work with Neil Young. The original LP was released in 1970 by Epic. It peaked at #63 on the Billboard 200 in February 1971—the band's lowest charting album to that point—and spent 14 weeks on the chart. However, with strong catalog sales it also became the band's only album to be certified Gold in the U.S., achieving that status in 1976.[2]
"Nature's Way" became one of Spirit's signature songs, but was not a big hit at the time, peaking at #111 on the Billboard pop charts in 1971. In 1973, the B-side of "Nature's Way", "Mr. Skin", also charted, peaking at #92.
The album was re-issued on CD in 1996 by Sony in remastered form, with bonus tracks.
Reception
Nick Tosches in Rolling Stone felt that despite some shortcomings the record was a "blockbuster".[3] Appreciation of the album has grown among both old and new fans.[4]
Track listing
All songs written by Randy California except noted:
| 1. |
"Prelude – Nothin' to Hide" | |
3:41 |
| 2. |
"Nature's Way" | |
2:30 |
| 3. |
"Animal Zoo" | Ferguson |
3:20 |
| 4. |
"Love Has Found a Way" | California, Locke |
2:42 |
| 5. |
"Why Can't I Be Free?" | |
1:03 |
| 6. |
"Mr. Skin" | Ferguson |
3:50 |
| 7. |
"Space Child" | Locke |
3:26 |
| 8. |
"When I Touch You" | Ferguson |
5:35 |
| 9. |
"Street Worm" | Ferguson |
3:40 |
| 10. |
"Life Has Just Begun" | |
3:22 |
| 11. |
"Morning Will Come" | |
2:58 |
| 12. |
"Soldier" | |
2:43 |
Total length: |
38:58 |
- Bonus tracks on the 1996 reissue
| 13. |
"Rougher Road" †¹" | |
|
| 14. |
"Animal Zoo (Mono Single Version) †" | Ferguson |
|
| 15. |
"Morning Will Come (Alternate Mono Mix) †¹" | |
|
| 16. |
"Red Light Roll On (Additional Single Mix) †" | |
|
- † - Tracks specific to the 1996 reissue
- ¹ - Previously unreleased material
Personnel
Spirit
Production
- David Briggs - Producer
- Vic Anesini - Mastering
- Adam Block - Project Director
- David Blumberg - Horn Arrangements (on tracks "Mr. Skin" and "Morning Will Come")
- Ira Cohen - Photography
- Jeff Smith - Package Design
- Bob Irwin - Compilation Producer
Charts
Album
| Year |
Chart |
Position |
|---|
| 1971 |
Billboard 200 |
63 |
|
See also
References
External links
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[1]