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Spirit — When I Touch You
Album: Twelve Dreams Of Dr. Sardonicus
Avg rating:
6.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 879









Released: 1970
Length: 5:23
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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Often in my dreams
I see the strangest things
I see the mountains rise
I see them touch the sky's
When I'm near to you
I feel the same way too
I feel the mountains rise
I feel them touch the sky's
I, I won't see you any more
I, I won't see you any
I will not see you any
more....More....MORE

And when I touch you
I feel the same way too
I feel the mountains rise
I feel them touch the sky's
Your love holds all these keys
Why can 't I be free
From thoughts of bitter rage
White lions in their cage
I, I won't see you any more
I, I won't see you any
I will not see you any
more....More....MORE

When I touch you
When I touch you
Ahaa....Ahaa....
Mmmmm....Mmmmm....
Mmmmm....Mmmmm
Comments (161)add comment
This was from my high school years. I have always loved this album. Still fresh-sounding.
Posted 4 weeks ago by kmartin    [ Reply ]
Freshman in high school.  54 years ago,  Eye-che-wa-wa!  Glad I was there and glad I'm still here.  Gonna pull the vinyl copy out & play the whole thing!
Thanks RP for everything, John
Posted 9 months ago by jsd52756    [ Reply ]
Hhhmmmm... very Who-ish -- The Real Me
Posted 9 months ago by TallCreative1    [ Reply ]
 joelbb wrote:

One doesn't hear "Dr. Sardonicus" much these days.  It's a terrific album.  But it has much better cuts than this one.



i LOVE dr. sardonicus, but i disagree - i just love this song.
Posted 10 months ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
What a really great album from a really magnificent group! My brother and I had a very memorable camping trip near Lizard Head Pass, near Telluride, the summer of '85, and we listened to it, rapt, while on some powerful blotter...  FUN!
Posted 2 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
One doesn't hear "Dr. Sardonicus" much these days.  It's a terrific album.  But it has much better cuts than this one.
Posted 2 years ago by joelbb    [ Reply ]
 jkamm14 wrote:


My melt is facing


My felt has become stiff and unyielding.
Posted 2 years ago by wonderunit    [ Reply ]
 maxmox wrote:

My mace is felting



My melt is facing
Posted 3 years ago by jkamm14    [ Reply ]
After all these years this is still one of my favourite albums.
Posted 3 years ago by Madness1954    [ Reply ]
I hope some Audioslave after this, or Soundgarden.
Posted 3 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Great "Sleeper" album - it took 6 years to go Gold
Posted 3 years ago by jmsmy    [ Reply ]
Spirit should have been more successful and should be better known. Jimi Hendrix loved how Randy California played. This whole album is a masterpiece IMHO
Posted 3 years ago by Funkyfreddy    [ Reply ]
 Kokoloco53 wrote:

Absolutely, and yes Bill, I checked the playlist off the Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonius and you've never played my absolute favorite green song off this album, Nature's Way. Must be a personal reason because the song is like an anthem to many of us, though the hidden meaning in the song could have deeper sorrow than I understand.


Completely agree about "Nature's Way". Bizarre that "When I Touch You" is played instead, kind of pedestrian.
Posted 3 years ago by tinypriest    [ Reply ]
I loved this album back in the day.  When I told my older super cool cousin about it, he said "you know that's really pop crap, right?"  I was devastated.  Doesn't sound too pop to my ears.  Pretty great stuff for it's time and for now!
Posted 4 years ago by khardog145    [ Reply ]
Favorite track from Sardonicus.  Still blows me away. 
Posted 4 years ago by mgtom    [ Reply ]
More_Cowbell wrote:

My face is melting


 maxmox wrote:

My mace is felting
 

My felt is macing
Posted 4 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 dannyboy57 wrote:
I freakin' luuuuuuvvvv this song! Big fat guitar riffs - yay!!
It brings me back to 2nd period English when Pat Strong asked whether I smoked weed...It was only customary for Yuri, Kenny and I to smoke doobies on the hill behind the high school just before classes (hee, heee, heeee!!){#Mrgreen}
 Dang we could have gone to the same HIGH  school. Except there were 20 or so. Sometimes we made it to the hill but usually we were in the bleachers.
Folks seeing what others had that day tasting a bit of this and taking some of that.

Posted 4 years ago by DanFHiggins    [ Reply ]
GOOD choice..
Posted 5 years ago by hillb997    [ Reply ]
Wow, wonder if Chris Cornell listened to this as a kid.
Posted 5 years ago by MrStatenIsle    [ Reply ]
got high with Larry in the company van listening to this on a dingey 8-track, I had just graduated high school, had no plans, no sense of direction at all, the freakin' Air Force enlistment guy kept callin' my parent's house trying to get me signed up man, shit... Spirit was awesome! left that dirty job and wound up doing something with my life, with my creative drive, a little pot, some righteous music, the whole world opened up for me in strong yet subtle ways, this song is still so powerful to me
Posted 7 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
 dannyboy57 wrote:
I freakin' luuuuuuvvvv this song! Big fat guitar riffs - yay!!
It brings me back to 2nd period English when Pat Strong asked whether I smoked weed...It was only customary for Yuri, Kenny and I to smoke doobies on the hill behind the high school just before classes (hee, heee, heeee!!){#Mrgreen}
 
And the teacher nev-er noticed! 

Reminds me of freshman Social Studies—too many kids in one class, bright ones mixed in with mouth-breathers. At one point, Mr. Benedetti, our potbellied and solidly mediocre teacher, called on David Bruns in the front row. Unfortunately Bruns was on some powerful trip that kept him slack-jawed, cross-eyed, deaf and dumb. We all just watched him—slowly rocking and forth in his chair, barely conscious, unable to say anything.

Someone in the back said something like "Burrnnnt!" and yes, David sure was stoned out of his mind. I'm hoping your highs weren't as intense, dannyboy57.
Posted 13 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
High school memories—-yikes getting older! Hope to hear "Natures Way"
Posted 13 years ago by rpbrown45    [ Reply ]
 Kokoloco53 wrote:
Absolutely, and yes Bill, I checked the playlist off the Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonius and you've never played my absolute favorite green song off this album, Nature's Way. Must be a personal reason because the song is like an anthem to many of us, though the hidden meaning in the song could have deeper sorrow than I understand.
 
...no, surely we've heard nature's way here on radio paradise - maybe it only entered rotation since the big oil spill last year, though, after your comment?..

Posted 13 years ago by mandolin    [ Reply ]
OUCH! Headphones off.
Posted 13 years ago by diannemck56    [ Reply ]
Great album, check out the album, "Clear" it is equally as awesome, I think it was the one previous to 12 Dreams.......
Posted 13 years ago by Stranglersfan    [ Reply ]
...check off another thought-this-was-soundgarden...
Posted 13 years ago by mandolin    [ Reply ]
God, just a great great album.

Way ahead of it's time. 
Posted 13 years ago by Propayne    [ Reply ]
 DaveInVA wrote:
This LP has some of my favorite Spirit tunes on it - great stuff! {#Music}
I tried to upload some more songs off it but they got insta-sorried.{#Tongue-out}
 
No offense meant, but I appreciate the insta-sorries for this style of music.  Definitely not my flava.

Posted 13 years ago by noladq    [ Reply ]
 Decoy wrote:
this is not my cup of tea...
 
Right there with you, buddy.

Posted 13 years ago by GuiltyFeat    [ Reply ]
Still a moving and powerful song. Love it!
Posted 13 years ago by jadewahoo    [ Reply ]
 wade44 wrote:
This album was released 5 years before I was born, so I had never heard it before. I thought it was Chris Cornell! Sounds like it was recorded more recently than 1970.
 

Funny. And I knew it was Spirit but swore Chris walked into the song and started screaming too!


Posted 13 years ago by ladyj    [ Reply ]
Intriguing stereo-mixing,very 70'ish ! {#Smile}
Posted 14 years ago by HazzeSwede    [ Reply ]
this is not my cup of tea...
Posted 14 years ago by Decoy    [ Reply ]
 lattalo wrote:
Flash back, I still own this album, yes album.  Excellent Album!
Bill could you play Natures Way sometime?

 
Capital idea. I commend you.

Posted 14 years ago by madaxeman    [ Reply ]
 michaelc wrote:
lots of good stuff on this album,
 this tune is not one I would have put in that list
 
that's what's fun about RP - they play the song after the song on the album that you'd expect to hear.

Posted 14 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
This album was released 5 years before I was born, so I had never heard it before. I thought it was Chris Cornell! Sounds like it was recorded more recently than 1970.
Posted 14 years ago by wade44    [ Reply ]
Me no like.
Posted 14 years ago by sailorgirl    [ Reply ]
lots of good stuff on this album,
 this tune is not one I would have put in that list
Posted 14 years ago by michaelc    [ Reply ]
 jules44 wrote:
 A lot of old school today Bill....not particularly my fav. {#Snooty}
 
Funny, I was just thinking this could have been recorded today. Maybe minus the organ.

Posted 14 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
This LP has some of my favorite Spirit tunes on it - great stuff! {#Music}
I tried to upload some more songs off it but they got insta-sorried.{#Tongue-out}
Posted 14 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
LP should have been titled: "The 12 Screams of Dr. Be Done With Us"

{#Snooty}

Posted 14 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
 A lot of old school today Bill....not particularly my fav. {#Snooty}
Posted 14 years ago by jules44    [ Reply ]
back when they still had the "epic" category

makes me want to break out some Uriah Heep 
Posted 14 years ago by blotto    [ Reply ]
pleaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaase make it stop.....
Posted 14 years ago by sunybuny    [ Reply ]
One of my all-time favorite albums.
Posted 14 years ago by Propayne    [ Reply ]
The sort of thing that could only have been done in 1970.
Posted 14 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
 njoebott wrote:
No doubt these guys were a direct influence on Soundgarden.  It is amazing how similar they sound...someone needs to update the Music Style and Influences section in the wikipedia entry for Soundgarden.
 
Couldn't agree more.  Definitely not a bad band to be influenced by!
Posted 14 years ago by snowcat    [ Reply ]
 Hannio wrote:


Yeah.  Never look in the mirror while on acid, believe me.
 
Was that a mirror?  {#Eek}  ...oh, man...

Posted 14 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
I freakin' luuuuuuvvvv this song! Big fat guitar riffs - yay!!
It brings me back to 2nd period English when Pat Strong asked whether I smoked weed...It was only customary for Yuri, Kenny and I to smoke doobies on the hill behind the high school just before classes (hee, heee, heeee!!){#Mrgreen}
Posted 14 years ago by dannyboy57    [ Reply ]
I also will add My vote for Natures Way!
Posted 14 years ago by Daveyj64    [ Reply ]
James Brown could scream on key. Paul McCartney too.

Doesn't bother me so much in Spirit's case.  

Posted 14 years ago by Propayne    [ Reply ]
 newwavegurly wrote:
I just can't get past the screaming going out of tune during portions of this song.
It sounds like Chris Cornell heard the way this guy yells during a song, and learned how to do it on key to improve upon it for Soundgarden. 
 
yes, this exactly!
Posted 14 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
 More_Cowbell wrote:
My face is melting
 

Yeah.  Never look in the mirror while on acid, believe me.
Posted 14 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
perfect, thanks Bill.
Posted 14 years ago by Propayne    [ Reply ]
Absolutely, and yes Bill, I checked the playlist off the Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonius and you've never played my absolute favorite green song off this album, Nature's Way. Must be a personal reason because the song is like an anthem to many of us, though the hidden meaning in the song could have deeper sorrow than I understand.
Posted 14 years ago by Kokoloco53    [ Reply ]
Touch, tone, technique.... R.I.P. Randy.
Posted 14 years ago by Propayne    [ Reply ]
Flash back, I still own this album, yes album.  Excellent Album!
Bill could you play Natures Way sometime?

Posted 14 years ago by lattalo    [ Reply ]
still love it...
Posted 15 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]

Posted 15 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
No doubt these guys were a direct influence on Soundgarden.  It is amazing how similar they sound...someone needs to update the Music Style and Influences section in the wikipedia entry for Soundgarden.
Posted 15 years ago by njoebott    [ Reply ]
 miamizsun wrote:
great song.
 
Well I have to say...this is rather deep.....
even though the cover is Supercreep.

Posted 15 years ago by j7    [ Reply ]
great song.
Posted 15 years ago by miamizsun    [ Reply ]
39 years old...? I can't believe! Amaaazing! What an incredibly touching song! Wooow!
Bill's always good for a BIG-BIG surprise indeed!
Sanguru
Posted 15 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
Wow!  How have I managed to miss out on these guys for so long?  Good stuff.
Posted 15 years ago by Stave    [ Reply ]
 atw58 wrote:
Sounds fresh even 39 years later.
 
I was thinking it sounds like Chris Cornell singing! {#Lol}
Posted 15 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
ah...i love it.
Posted 15 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
Sounds fresh even 39 years later.
Posted 15 years ago by atw58    [ Reply ]
What a great intro, love the way the bass falls into the mix, then that drum break....  Great band from the day!
Posted 15 years ago by sharkartist    [ Reply ]
 tgapen wrote:
Seriously, one the most under-rated bands of the '70s. "12 Dreams" was one of their best but all their records were great and way ahead of their time, as evidenced here. This still holds up 30 years later.
 

Far coat, bro!
Posted 15 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
I just can't get past the screaming going out of tune during portions of this song.
It sounds like Chris Cornell heard the way this guy yells during a song, and learned how to do it on key to improve upon it for Soundgarden. 
Posted 15 years ago by newwavegurly    [ Reply ]
I get a Soundgarden vibe, especially Chris Cornell. So soundgarden ripped off Spirit! I learn something everyday....{#Stupid}

Posted 15 years ago by shawshank    [ Reply ]
 lmic wrote:
I'm thinkin, Townshend.
 
Well now Imic, you're still in the loop! Power to the snow rabbits!

Posted 15 years ago by maxmox    [ Reply ]
I'm thinkin, Townshend.
Posted 15 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
 More_Cowbell wrote:
My face is melting
 
My mace is felting

Posted 15 years ago by maxmox    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of Spinal Tap.
Posted 15 years ago by Papernapkin    [ Reply ]
Seriously, one the most under-rated bands of the '70s. "12 Dreams" was one of their best but all their records were great and way ahead of their time, as evidenced here. This still holds up 30 years later.
Posted 15 years ago by tgapen    [ Reply ]
Yeah!

(I'm really surprised by the low ratings here.)
Posted 15 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
 Mugro wrote:
Is this Spinal Tap?
 
They're better than this. . . in fact, I heard they refused to cover this cut. . .

Posted 15 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
Is this Spinal Tap?
Posted 15 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
 Pyro wrote:
Didn't particularly like it back then and still don't like it.  Seems really mediocre to this "trained" ear.  Maybe without the vocals.  (I love the Hammond B3!)
 
Mediocre is being generous.
Posted 15 years ago by alux    [ Reply ]
Didn't particularly like it back then and still don't like it.  Seems really mediocre to this "trained" ear.  Maybe without the vocals.  (I love the Hammond B3!)

Posted 15 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
My face is melting
Posted 15 years ago by More_Cowbell    [ Reply ]
 Robert_V_West wrote:


I always felt "Nature's Way" was the only song worth listening to on this album decades back but this one is not too bad and seem less commercial today.
 
I had to remove that track from my conciousness after a bad trip, where what I had imbibed was screaming at me that "It's nature's way of telling you...something's wrong." I wasn't particularly keen to get that message delivered in that format at the time, thanks.   

Posted 15 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
That was a right fine scream in the middle there...
Posted 15 years ago by stewliscious    [ Reply ]
Great guitarist, technically and spiritually
About the same time, I saw them in San Diego.  Randy played hig guitar through a synth that was either custom or home-made, and came out into the audience for several songs.  Probably wouldn't have been so impressive if I hadn't already been a fan, but it has always been great seeing them.  As I recall the last time (ca. 1985) they had Ed's son playing drums instead of him.

  kberry595 wrote:
When I saw Spirit at NIU/Dekalb in '79, Randy came into the crowd right in front of me, got down on his knees still playing.  Me sitting on the tile floor - our knees were touching.... One of those memorable moments.  Then it was Dr. Sardonicus on 8-track in a smoky car on a road trip to the Smokies.{#Cool}
 


Posted 15 years ago by girolamous    [ Reply ]
 RobRyan wrote:
I've said it before, and I may very well say it again. This is one of a very small number of albums I can put on and listen to from start to finish. This is one of the weakest songs on the album (in my humble opinion, of course) and it still rates a "Most Excellent." If Bill ever takes a notion to play an occasional album in its entirety, I'd wholeheartedly endorse this as a choice.
 
agree that this is one of the lesser tunes on the album, but nevertheless very creative at the time, from the cover art to the music, and yes, kind of like Folgers, good to the last drop!! 

Posted 15 years ago by ydjb    [ Reply ]
Powerful, deep, emotive. Spirit never lets you down.
Posted 15 years ago by jadewahoo    [ Reply ]
A terrific under appreciated group. For those uninitiated who enjoyed the song, The Family That Plays Together is just as fine an album as 12 Dreams.
Posted 15 years ago by atw58    [ Reply ]
 nigelr wrote:

RC played in Jimi's band Jimmy James and the Blue Flames, circa 1966, according to Charles Schaar Murray's wonderful book 'Crosstown Traffic'.
 
Jimi's the one who gave him his new surname, to distinguish him from the other Randy in the band.


Posted 16 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
 anniebear wrote:
Atrocious
 

Huh??????????????
Posted 16 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
Awesome! Great LP! Great band!
Posted 16 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
When I saw Spirit at NIU/Dekalb in '79, Randy came into the crowd right in front of me, got down on his knees still playing.  Me sitting on the tile floor - our knees were touching.... One of those memorable moments.  Then it was Dr. Sardonicus on 8-track in a smoky car on a road trip to the Smokies.{#Cool}
Posted 16 years ago by kberry595    [ Reply ]
I've said it before, and I may very well say it again. This is one of a very small number of albums I can put on and listen to from start to finish. This is one of the weakest songs on the album (in my humble opinion, of course) and it still rates a "Most Excellent." If Bill ever takes a notion to play an occasional album in its entirety, I'd wholeheartedly endorse this as a choice.
Posted 16 years ago by RobRyan    [ Reply ]


I always felt "Nature's Way" was the only song worth listening to on this album decades back but this one is not too bad and seem less commercial today.
Posted 16 years ago by Robert_V_West    [ Reply ]
Dreck, should have stayed where it came from.
Posted 16 years ago by iTuner    [ Reply ]
one of my first cds, and one that holds a special place in my heart. love it!!
Posted 16 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
smdeeg wrote:
The story is correct, but the year was 1997. Not that that it makes it any less tragic.
And while we're at it, I believe his son survived the drowning.
Posted 16 years ago by allenrudd    [ Reply ]
Love this Spirit stuff. What a great band from the day.
Posted 16 years ago by sharkartist    [ Reply ]
This seems like an example of what happens when musicians with sub-standard intelligence take acid.
Posted 16 years ago by AphidA    [ Reply ]
publiceric wrote:
Am I the only listener here strongly reminded of Spinal Tap?!?
definitely a source of inspiration for tap much older than tap
Posted 16 years ago by gutboy    [ Reply ]
Nice. I was just listening to Twelve Dreams on the train in to work today. A lot of it is dated, but therre is still some great music on there.
Posted 16 years ago by lingchih    [ Reply ]
good sound!
Posted 16 years ago by monemose    [ Reply ]
Rockabobbie wrote:
If Sound Garden were born too early to know of KISS... the vocal reminds me of Cornell.
spot on! i was thinking chris cornell too. never heard this in my life. i love it.
Posted 16 years ago by daveesh    [ Reply ]
Atrocious
Posted 16 years ago by anniebear    [ Reply ]
Thanks, Bill.
Posted 16 years ago by n4ku    [ Reply ]
This is a most excellent CD. This tune is my favorite. Yes, Randy learned a bit at Hendrix's knee.
Posted 16 years ago by RedGuitar    [ Reply ]
rumplestiltskin wrote:
It sounds like they channeled a bit of Hendrix there, towards the end. Was it "A Merman I Should Turn to Be"?
RC played in Jimi's band Jimmy James and the Blue Flames, circa 1966, according to Charles Schaar Murray's wonderful book 'Crosstown Traffic'.
Posted 16 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
Thanks for playing this Bill, I listened to this so much in college!!!!!
Posted 16 years ago by lattalo    [ Reply ]
Wow Bill..... Flashback time
Posted 16 years ago by wally42    [ Reply ]
So great to hear something from The Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus again! Wow. Thanks RP.
Posted 16 years ago by smehan55    [ Reply ]
Pretty Damn Cool.
Posted 16 years ago by TheFriendlyCat    [ Reply ]
Wow. A great album that has mostly been forgotten.
Posted 16 years ago by steeler    [ Reply ]
It sounds like they channeled a bit of Hendrix there, towards the end. Was it "A Merman I Should Turn to Be"?
Posted 16 years ago by rumplestiltskin    [ Reply ]
wow, very cool stuff, never heard before now.
Posted 16 years ago by babyjuice    [ Reply ]
kh808 wrote:
... We lost Randy and his son from drowing on the island on Kaui I belive the year was 1978.
The story is correct, but the year was 1997. Not that that it makes it any less tragic.
Posted 16 years ago by smdeeg    [ Reply ]
Trippin!
Posted 16 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
What the hell?
Posted 16 years ago by asocash    [ Reply ]
jhyoungjr wrote:
kh808 wrote:
Spirit is a group that slips by most peoples radar I have been into them since 1972... one of my alltime fav groups We lost Randy and his son from drowing on the island on Kaui I belive the year was 1978. HIS MUSIC LIVES ON!!! Glad to meet another fan. It's my understanding that Randy California (given the name by Jimi Hendrix himself!) lost his life saving his son who lives still. In any case, one of the premiere bands of the early seventies.....everyone should take a second listen to them....and everyone should take a look at the most gorgeous Mark Andes (Spirit, JoJo Gun, Firefall and Heart).
According to (click here)(www.randycaliforniaandspirit.com/biography.html), he died in 1997
Posted 17 years ago by fugglesworth    [ Reply ]
If Sound Garden were born too early to know of KISS... the vocal reminds me of Cornell. The riffs and progressions are WAY COOL. BIG DUMB RAWK--in the very best sense of the phrase.
Posted 17 years ago by Rockabobbie    [ Reply ]
merkin_muffley wrote:
This is fantastic. Heard of the name before but never heard their music. Bet they were brilliant live......
Saw them twice live. Once opening for Cream. They were definitely ahead of their time. A lot of their music was rock/jazz, way before Steely Dan. Randy California was amazing (rip).
Posted 17 years ago by brander    [ Reply ]