Search - Norman Greenbaum :: Spirit in the Sky: Best of

Sadly, only a few tracks pass the test of time

09/07/1999

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I sought out this CD hoping that SPIRIT IN THE SKY was not just a fluke and that Norman Greenbaum would have some equally inspiring things to say about other subjects. SPIRIT IN THE SKY is the one song that makes Jesus out to be the coolest dude on the planet and accessible to every rebel of every generation. The song is so perfect I want it sung at my funeral to express the joy I want people to feel about my life and my eventual passing to walk with my Lord in a better place. Sadly, the majority of the other songs are amatuerish even if they are fun. They don't hold up well. I* highly recommend you save your money and buy the Rhino 70's CD HAVE A NICE DAY Volume 2 which has SPIRIT IN THE SKY plus a bunch of other top hit songs from the same few months of 1970, a few of which are also inspirational in nature like EVERYTHING IS BEAUTIFUL by Ray Stevens and UNITED WE STAND by The Brotherhood of Man. That CD will show you that Hippie Ideals were still going strong in early 1970 despite the shocking end of the Summer of Love that was brought about by the Manson Family Murders."

Hippie fun, but I think you had to be there?.

Vincent M. Mastronardi | Michigan | 08/21/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Let me just clarify something for everybody. Norman Greenbuam is indeed just a one hit wonder. While some of the songs on this collection might have a memorable through back sound to those good old rebel days of the late sixties early seventies. It is indeed a different time space you'll find on this disc and unlike something with a hard edge like Zeppelin; this stuff just doesn't age very well.The only track that is everyone is going to really love is the fun "Spirit In the Sky". The beginnings of Christian rock? Hardly with a very catchy guitar sound and very universal understood lyrics. It's just a masterpiece of the early seventies with a little bit of revolt yet a load of enlightenment. Norman hits it very dead on with this combo of hard rock with female soul singers. I have no idea if this killer track was just an accident or something that is pure magic and genius combined. After that you have some rough follow ups like "Canned Ham" and the early yodel rock of "Weird" are just to quirky to enjoy as is the madness of the too dumb for words story song "The Eggplant that Eat Chicago". Surprisingly, some of these peaceful follow ups charted but not very high. You think a song called "The Day They Sold Beer In Church" would be interesting but it's a moral tale with a country twang. The real shocking part is that it was recorded in 1977 but sounds like one of his late sixties songs. I guess you just can't change your style no matter what. "Marcy" is good psychedelic rock tune that is very soft. Cool keyboard quality. You also get great pop potential in the smooth rock blues of "California Earthquake". After a few listens, its lyrics are catchy. "Back Home Again" is another winner with a nostalgic feel of music. Its lyrics seem his most personal with him even telling of his instant fame and going back to his loved ones. This might be a good trip for those who just love light sixties/seventies rock, but those looking for another "Spirit In the Sky", dream on. The songs are interesting and have a very slow hippie feel to them and don't have half the energy or originality of that big hit. There are a few nice songs on here, but nothing essential at all. Unless you're into this kind of music or would like to give it a try, you might be best off just looking for a compilation with the hit."

Days of Yesteryear!

Always & Forever | United States | 10/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Some see Norman Greenbaum as just a 1960's drop out who had one big hit and then disappeared. I remember Norm as a person who played his guitar and sang in a coffee house in Hollywood, CA. He wrote music and lyrics that reflected not only the happenings of the 60's but also songs that showed just who he was and what he was about to be. In listening to this CD, I remember how good days were then and just how much people really cared for each other. His music makes me happy and I think that anyone who missed living and growing up in the 60's would love this CD. It has a great way of lifting you up. Spirit In The Sky was magical and still is. Wierd tells Norm's story during those days and his later songs like Back Home Again tell of his life later on. He is a genius with words and has a great power to make listeners want to hear the next cut, just because. I am only sorry there are not more of Norman's songs to enjoy. I hope you will give this CD a chance and I promise you, you will be glad you did! Canned Ham, Marcy, Skyline...amazing stuff."