Vol II, Issue 12-Spirit in the sky (15 July 2017)

For the love of rock

Vol II, Issue 12 – Spirit in the sky (15 July 2017)

 

 

Name of songSpirit in the sky

Singer- Normal Greenbaum

Album- Spirit in the sky

Writers– Norman Greenbaum

Release year– 1969

Peak chart positions (1969-1970)

# 4 – US Billboard Hot 100

# 1 – Australia

# 1 – Canada

# 1 – Germany

# 1 – Ireland

# 1 – UK

# 2 – Belgium

# 2 – Norway

# 1 – Netherlands

# 1 – Austria

# 1 – Switzerland

# 22 – Billboard rank for the year 1970

# 85 – VH1’s 100 Greatest One Hit Wonders

# 333 – 500 Greatest Songs of All Times-Rolling Stones Magazine

 Similar artists– The Raspberries, Elvin Bishop, Three Dog Night, Mungo Jerry

Spirit in the sky

Reviewers- Bikash Shrestha/Nirab Kayastha

One Hit Wonders do make wonders. It did in 1970 when Norman Greenbaum made top of the charts worldwide with his single – “Spirit in the sky”. Norman Greenbaum did have low charting singles besides this one, but this was the one which made him famous all over the world. American Singer and songwriter Greenbaum had been a member of a psychedelic jug band Dr. West’s Medicine Show and Junk Band. After splitting up, he went solo and created this amazing number and the rest is history.

 

“Spirit in the sky” was released as a single from the album of the same name in 1969. The album was most successful one of Greenbaum and the song had amazing chart records worldwide. The song did have a clear theme of Christianity into it, but interestingly, Norman Greenbaum was a Jew.

“Spirit in the sky” is a psychedelic rock song with gospel base. The song was conceived after he had seen Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner sing a gospel song. Although he had no idea about gospel music, he wrote a gospel song after being inspired from them. Later, he confessed that the real inspiration for the song was the Western movies. It is rumored that the song was written within 15 minutes. The song starts with an amazing guitar riff, which is almost impossible for anyone to produce, then the subtle bass comes into play, and then thunderous clapping and the drums follow. Once Greenbaum starts the vocals, you are taken into a spiritual journey into the sky. Meanwhile, you can’t get over the heavenly riffs, clapping, drums and the bass. Credit for the unearthly guitar sound goes to Greenbaum and lead guitarist Russel DaShiell. The lyrics are really supernatural and really catchy. It would be almost perfect song to be played after any one dies! The song is a short one, with the riff going on and on till the end. The lead guitar fading at the end is also equally memorable.

No doubt, a protoype one hit wonder, “Spirit in the sky” does take any rock enthusiast into the blissful journey of psychedelic rock with soft influence of gospel music. Greenbaum has successfully lifted all the rockers spirit into the sky, literally!!

Happy listening!!

Resources– Wikipedia.org, Allmusic.com

Spirit in the sky

When I die and they lay me to rest

Gonna go to the place that’s the best

When I lay me down to die

Goin’ up to the spirit in the sky

Goin’ up to the spirit in the sky

That’s where I’m gonna go when I die

When I die and they lay me to rest

Gonna go to the place that’s the best

Prepare yourself you know it’s a must

Gotta have a friend in Jesus So you know that when you die

He’s gonna recommend you

To the spirit in the sky Gonna recommend you

To the spirit in the sky

That’s where you’re gonna go when you die

When you die and they lay you to rest

You’re gonna go to the place that’s the best

Never been a sinner I never sinned

I got a friend in Jesus So you know that when I die

He’s gonna set me up with

The spirit in the sky

Oh set me up with the spirit in the sky

That’s where I’m gonna go when I die

When I die and they lay me to rest

I’m gonna go to the place that’s the best

Go to the place that’s the best

 

Lyrics link-http://www.lyrics.com/lyric/26691265

Youtube video link- https://youtu.be/_LkPxmXeu_A

 

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