Farther Along was the third album that Spirit released through Mercury Records, and their eighth album overall. Though Jay Ferguson was missing from the lineup, it is generally considered to be their first "reunion" album.
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.
Personnel Spirit Mark Andes – bass, vocals Randy California – bass, guitar, vocals Ed Cassidy – percussion, drums John Locke – keyboards Matt Andes – guitar, vocals
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 Chart (1976) Peakposition
References