Words by: Meaghan MacDonald

Veteran musician Al Staehely has released his solo album Post Spirit 1974-1978 Vol. 1. This release comes after the album’s single, “Wide Eyed and Innocent” premiered back in August. The record features exclusive tracks straight from Staehely’s time in Los Angeles during the 70s. Full of jazz-like horns and smooth guitar riffs, the album manages to capture the feel of that era of music, transporting you back in time.

Staehely spoke about the release saying, “The ’70s L.A. music scene was a special time. Today, in 2021, many try to recreate the ’70s analog experience in their songwriting and recordings. I was lucky to have been writing and making music during that time. These never before released recordings from my ‘Vault’ are the real thing- written and recorded in L.A. during that era in some of the best studios, with some of the best musicians working at that time. Enjoy!”

Once the lead vocalist for the band Spirit, Staehely has released solo projects as well as an album with his brother, under the band The Staehely Brothers. Also a prominent songwriter, Staehely has had his songs recorded by the likes of Keith Moon and Bobby Gentry. As if a successful music career wasn’t enough, he also practices as an entertainment lawyer, handling issues related to things like publishing and recording. 

The album opens “Wide Eyed and Innocent”, a horn-filled, nostalgic track reminiscing on the innocence of a new relationship. Released in August as a single, it was accompanied by a video that featured a look back on Staehely’s music career. “Wide Eyed and Innocent” fades into the next track, “Feel The Heat,” nicely. With horns reminiscent of “Wide Eyed,” “Feel The Heat” is a romantic, upbeat song that boasts descriptive lyrics of a New York summer day and ends with an epic saxophone solo.

Chipping Away is the record’s third song, which opens with the soft strumming of guitar and eventually bleeds into a soul-infused track. Staehely’s smooth voice contrasts the guitar-heavy chorus, as he sings the lines “We’ve got to quit chipping away at our love.” “Chipping Away” is followed by “Live Like A River,”  a flute-filled anthem about Staehely’s desire to live like a river, something that is always flowing with nothing in its way.

The album’s fifth track, “Stand In Love,” begins with an upbeat guitar rift and features a catchy chorus, and features Staehely reminiscing on his failed relationship, asking the question if they’ll remain in each other’s lives. The next song, “Safecracker,” begins with a heavy-rock influence that eventually bleeds into a disco-infused chorus–complete with back-up singers. The lyrics are filled with witty innuendos about how Staehely’s lover has stolen his heart, much like a person who breaks into safes. On this track, Staehely’s vocals really shine through.

“Too Long Alone” takes a different turn. In it, Staehely worries about how his love interest has spent too much time alone. Beginning as a Neil Young-esque song, the song’s chorus is dotted with soul inspired guitars making it a unique, standout sound. Continuing with the theme of love, “Without Love” is a country-inspired, slow song. Like the title suggests, Staehely reflects on how a life without love is meaningless. Staehely’s vocals are laid over the distinct sound of a saxophone, lending a warm feeling to the track.

From a slowed down ballad, “Without Love” transitions to “Coasting.” The two songs are so distinctly different that the transition is head-spinning. “Coasting” is a light-hearted track about when love is so easy it feels like you’re just coasting. Staehely manages to capture that exact feeling through the song.

“Put Your Life in My Hands” is a heartbreakingly beautiful song about trusting the one you love with your heart. It begins slow but transitions to a faster pace, making it an exciting listen. Staehely’s lyricism continues to shine through on the track “Tenderhooks.” Opening with a smooth guitar riff, the lyrics paint a vivid picture, describing a promiscuous woman. The second to last track, “Lady Was a Racehorse,” tells the story of a woman who tries to keep up with men. It begins with an ominous sound and is littered with the distinct sound of bongos. The chorus comes on suddenly, becoming something akin to a Steely Dan song.

Closing out the record is the fast paced “All Is Forgiven.” The track is laced with the theme of finality, as Staehely forgives his lover and asks to move on to something better. 

In its entirety, Post Spirit 1974-1978 Vol. 1 is a 1970s time capsule that is sure to bring you back in time. Staehely wears his heart on his sleeve throughout the project. The deep-cutting lyricism is blended with a variety of genres, creating a smooth and easy listen as diverse as the artist himself. Whether a classic rock aficionado or a newbie to the genre, this album will find its way into your rotation.

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