Search - Spooky Tooth :: Spooky Two (Dig)

New life breathed into a timeless classic

Dennis Hawley | Asheville, NC | 06/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In 1969, the British/American band Spooky Tooth released what would become one of the classic rock albums of all time. Featuring vocalist Mike Harrison, keyboardist/vocalist (and American) Gary Wright, guitarist Luther Grosvenor, the late Greg Ridley on bass and Mike Kellie on drums, this second release solidified their reputation as one of the truly unique and innovative groups on the scene. Simply put, there is not one weak moment on this album, and it stands the test of time. While the group took a near-fatal dive with their ill-fated third release, the nearly unlistenable electronic mess titled `Ceremony', `Spooky Two' hit the bulls-eye. With their ominous organ sound, wailing guitar, solid rhythm section and the dual vocal attack of Harrison and Wright, this album remains my single favorite rock album of all time. If I were stuck on the proverbial desert island with ten CDs, this would be number one on the list!



While this album has long been available as a domestic release, the newly released, remastered version just put out on the superb Repertoire label (import) occasions this review. Never have the songs sounded better; with enhanced separation and more depth, such songs as `Waitin' For the Wind', `Feeling Bad', `Evil Woman' and `That Was Only Yesterday' sound fresh and potent. As an added treat, this release features four additional tracks (three merely mono radio versions of album cuts), with one (Oh! Pretty Woman) previously only available on a bootleg titled `First Tooth' (and it was a poor sounding live version at that). In addition, Repertoire has replicated the original album design, making it a gatefold CD. There is a fascinating six-page booklet included, with commentary by Mike Harrison, containing lots of interesting trivia (Steve Winwood played piano on `I've Got Enough Heartaches', for example).



With so many well-hyped contemporary rock albums amounting to little more than third-rate dreck, it is a real treat to be able to hear music of this caliber sounding better than ever. If you were a fan of this album, this is a must-have replacement for the mediocre-sounding domestic release. If you are unfamiliar with this band, there is no better way to become acquainted than by grabbing this superlative Repertoire release. You will not be disappointed!"

"For complete blues freaks only...."-Circus Magazine

J. Fiet | Las Vegas, NV United States | 02/26/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One day I was reading through the album reviews in the latest copy of Circus Magazine and I read this review about this band I had never heard of called Spooky Tooth. The reviewer declared that this album was for total blues freaks only and only someone totally into that genre would be truly able to appreciate it. Since I considered myself to be in that category I went down to the local 5 & 10 cent store and special ordered it the very next day.To this day I think this album is unequalled in the hard rock blues category.Lead guitarist Luther Grosvenor lays it down in a hard an unrelenting drive on "Evil Woman" while in other songs the vocals are almost like gospel.I've never heard an album that I felt from the mind,soul,gut and groin the way this one does.Luther Grosvenor went on to play with Mott the Hoople under the handle Ariel Bender and later with Widowmaker but never achieved the greatness he had with Spooky Tooth. Quite a shame."

They've improved on perfection.

E. Joy | Texas, USA | 01/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In a previous review of this recording, I called it one of the masterpieces of rock. While that is still how I feel, this new edition has improved the sound, as well as adding a previously unreleased recording of "Oh Pretty Woman" that is fantastic. I didn't think that it could be done but this is an improved edition of the great "Spooky Two"."