Spirit Of The West - Open Heart Symphony (1996)
Artist: Spirit Of The West
Title: Open Heart Symphony
Year Of Release: 1996
Label: True North Records
Genre: Symphonic Rock, Folk Rock, Celtic Roots-Rock
Quality: Mp3 320 / Flac (tracks)
Total Time: 44:12
Total Size: 121/304 Mb
WebSite: Album Preview
Tracklist:Title: Open Heart Symphony
Year Of Release: 1996
Label: True North Records
Genre: Symphonic Rock, Folk Rock, Celtic Roots-Rock
Quality: Mp3 320 / Flac (tracks)
Total Time: 44:12
Total Size: 121/304 Mb
WebSite: Album Preview
01. Williamson's Garage 3:45
02. Daisy's Dead 3:50
03. Frankfurt I'm Sorry 3:37
04. Christmas Eve 3:58
05. Ressurection 4:28
06. The Killers Daughter 3:03
07. Bare Branches 3:51
08. Strange Fellows 4:25
09. Kiss and Tell 3:37
10. Milk Tea and Oranges 3:51
11. Let The Ass Bray 5:47
The surprising follow-up to the dark, hard-sounding Two Headed finds Spirit of the West working with a full symphony, and somewhat returning to their Celtic roots. In a number of ways, this combination works very well. Recorded live (with the exception of "Christmas Eve" and "Let the Ass Bray"), in Vancouver, British Columbia, Spirit of the West perform new material and incorporate the symphony as part of the band, rather than attempting to add an orchestra to older, popular songs (although such was performed and captured on the video release). The songs themselves are wonderful, with the incredible "Williamsons Garage" kicking off the set, a song with one of the most memorable melodies that Spirit of the West have ever recorded. In fact, for the most part, the songs have very instantly appealing tunes, and the symphony assists in making the tunes that more melodic. However pleasant the melodies may be, the moody and diverse lyrics are still present, covering topics such as death ("Resurrection" and the beautiful "Daisy's Dead"), eating disorders ("Bare Branches"), and even a "tribute" to Radiohead ("Let the Ass Bray"). Overall a very appealing, thought-provoking album, and perhaps the closest Spirit of the West has come to perfecting their sound on disc. A great combination of Celtic roots-rock with pop music, with a dash of alternative sounds, all with an orchestra.