A biography of the band Spirit of the West

Spirit of the West are a Canadian rock band who, after beginning in the early 1980s as folk musicians, went on to become one of their nation's most successful alternative rock acts. Blending a range of influences from Celtic folk music to Britpop, the band biography of Spirit of the West is an interesting one.

Folk days

Spirit of the West's origins lie in the Canadian city of Vancouver where in 1983, a folk-based trio called Eavesdropper formed. This line-up consisted of John Mann, Geoffrey Kelly and J. Knutson. After soon changing the name of the band to Spirit of the West, they released a self-titled album independently in 1984. A record deal with Stony Plain Records soon followed with the label based in Edmonton, Alberta, specialising in roots and folk music. The band released an album entitled 'Tripping up the Stairs' with Stony Plain in 1986, and Knutson left the line-up soon afterwards. He was replaced by Hugh McMillan. Linda McRae also joined the band at this point. McMillan arrived in time to enjoy the band's first major success which occurred with the release of 1988's 'Labour Day' album which included the single 'Political'. The success of the single meant that major labels were now interested in the band.

Mutation into indie rockers

The 'wild west' folk theme of the band's music changed following their major label debut album 'Save This House' which included their most famous song 'Home For A Rest'. After touring the United Kingdom with West Midlands indie rockers The Wonderstuff, Spirit of the West recruited the drummer Vince Ditrich, and their music took on a more hard rock feel. The band released their most successful album in 1993. Entitled 'Faithlift', it spawned the band's biggest hit single called 'And if Venice is Sinking'. The album 'Two Headed' was released in 1995 with the single 'Tell Me What I Think' making something of an impact in terms of airplay.

Other points

Linda McRae left the band in 1996 to pursue a solo career. The band released the album 'Weights & Measures' in 1997. However, the album was not heavily promoted by the band's label, Warner Bros, and they dropped the band soon afterwards. Spirit of the West returned in 1004 with the album 'Star Trails', and in 2008, a 25th anniversary CD boxed set was released. Entitled 'Spirituality 1983-2008: The Consummate Compendium', it includes 32 re-mastered tracks spanning the band's career, and it is a useful place to start for those new to the band.