REVIEW: Spin Doctors, Turn It Upside Down (Epic)
- Bob Gajarsky
The saga of the Spin Doctors, prior to Turn It Upside Down, is a story in dedication and perseverance. Their debut album, Pocket Full of Kryptonite, was released in 1991, with the first single being "Two Princes". That song didn't click with radio programmers the first time 'round and the band continued touring with other New York City area bands (such as Blues Traveller), all the time establishing a solid fan base. Loyal fans, such as those at Grateful Dead concerts, were travelling around the country to watch the Spin Doctors at the small gigs; a live release, Homebelly Groove, captured some of the energy at these concerts. Bootleg tapes of the group's shows were a big hit in the virtual world of the Internet computer system.
Fast forward to 1992, and the release of "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong" as a top 30 single. This prompted the re-release of "Two Princes" and the second time was a charm. The song crossed over to all formats, including alternative, rock, pop and adult contemporary, and became radio's number 1 single of 1993. The Steve Miller Band's magic was back and it surfaced this time as the Spin Doctors.
So, with a 6 million selling album behind them, which direction does the new Spin Doctor's release go? Well, the first single, "Cleopatra's Cat", isn't "Two Princes Part 2". In fact, it sounds more of the kind of song you might hear from the local rock band whose heart is rooted in the 60's. The five first-take songs that make the final cut isn't a knock on the band but a tribute to pre-production, Spin Doctors style.
The rest of the disc? "Big Fat Funky Booty" has a funk hook similar to "What Time Is It?" from the debut disc; "Hungry Hamed's" keeps the rock/funk style going through New York City based lyrics and "Beasts In The Woods" takes the band through a Woodstock style jam, 1990's style. The most accessible songs on the disc are probably "You Let Your Heart Go Too Fast" and "Mary Jane", which should both receive serious airplay.
It's not as accessible an album as the debut and the hooks aren't as Top 40 radio-friendly. But it should find a home at all those classic rock houses that are looking for a recent band playing rock music and perpetuating the spirit of the late 60's and early 70's. If that's your idea of a good time, then Turn It Upside Down is definitely worth your money.
