Search - John Brown's Body :: Spirits All Around Us

A giddy celebration of love, life, and forward thinking -

chris | watkins glen, new york | 03/26/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"i can't quite figure out why this cd is getting the poorest reviews of all of JBB's albums. they are all equal in their mind-blowing capacities. yes, "AMONG THEM" was a ground-breaking roots -dub masterpiece with such classics as the title track, 'music is my only friend' and 'singers and players'. and "THIS DAY" is funky beyond funky.
but "SPIRITS ALL AROUND US" sees the band reaching a new plateau in their creativity and unity in the common goal of spreading forward moving vibes and love for all. positivity oozes from the tracks. it sounds like they took a sunny summer day and filtered their tracks over it durning the fianl master.
there are those who say Kevin Kinsella's songs on this album are weak and shy behind Elliot Martin's contributions. I beg to differ - some of his strongest work is on this album: (forward always/feel/eyes of the maker and of course, the super-moving garden tree.)
and yes, Elliot blows us all away with "33rpm" and the barn-burning "original man" (speaking of original man - the bass line is so driving and hip-thrusting-funky that any hip hop musician would be drooling to have written it his/herself.)
all of this mixed together - the elated music - the beautiful, positive words and obvious love the band has for their music - each other - their fans - their life and Jah - makes this one of the most heartfelt offerings to come out of any record label in many years. be warned - if you buy it, your life will be changed!this time is a precious time!!"

Soon to be at/near the top of your List!

Music Phan PA | USA | 01/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There are very few albums in my collection of 600+ very diverse musicians, in which I love every song on their album. 'Spirits' is easily sitting among these now, with 14 delicious tracks. Thick, juicy Bass lines combined with solid drumming, creative lyrics and glowing horns fill every inch of the soundscape. If you have any doubts check out their website (www.johnbrownsbody.com) for free live tracks.



DO NOT pass by this album without atleast checking out:

33 rpm (good luck getting this one out of your head)

Original Man (can't get enough of the Bass and Horns!)

Eyes of the Maker

Traveling Man.



This is music that just makes you feel good the instant it hits your ears!"

Absolutely Original.

Gordo | Chicago | 02/08/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought Pressure Points some months ago when my buddy got back from Camp Bisco where JBB had a set. He knew I'd really like them because of my love for reggae. Needless to say, I was hooked immediately and extremely interested in who John Brown's Body was and where their music has been, slipping by me somehow. After seeing them live and buying All Time at the show, my respect for them grew even more because at that point I owned only their first and latest albums, both being great and yet extremely different. Within a few weeks I needed another album and for whatever reason I chose Spirits All Around Us. THIS CD BLOWS ME AWAY.



Just as an overall scope of it, there is so much diversity and originality. It's roots reggae, it's hip-hop, it's jazz, it's pop-rock, it's ska, and it's all really really good music. Deep bass lines accented by weaving horn fills and vocal melodies that keep you on your toes wanting more and questioning, "How'd they put this all together?" No doubt this is one of my favorite studio albums I've ever owned and I constantly play it for friends who are floored and happy to hear something fresh and feel-good.



Highlights for me are:

1.Feel

2.33rpm

4.Traveling Man

5.ORIGINAL MAN

7.2 Bulls

8.GARDEN TREE

12.AMBROSIA



So happy I found about JBB, buy this album."