Eagle Rock Entertainment has re-released 6 Ted Nugent CD's from his back catalog and Nuge's 1995 Spirit of the Wild CD is one of those re-releases. The Motor City Madman steps it back up a notch with this kick ass CD featuring long time Nugent singer, Derek St. Holmes stepping back up to the mic.
Spirit of the Wild features 12 tracks of "Uncle" Ted guitar-o-rama and finds him in top form. With song titles like, "I Shoot Back", "Primitive Man" and "Tooth, Fang & Claw, Nugent was out to make a statement with this powerful & rocking disc. Flanked with the aforementioned Derek St. Holmes on vocals, Nugent's band for Spirit of the Wild features legendary drummer, Denny Carmassi (Heart, Montrose), bassist Michael Lutz and percussionist Larry Fretangelo. The band is super tight and that translates to a great sounding record.
Nugent and Co. are on fire with some mean Hard Rocking tunes like CD opener, "Thighraceous", "Lovejacker" and "Kiss My Ass". Spirit of the Wild also features the "Uncle Ted" classic and concert favorite, "Fred Bear". All and all, Spirit of the Wild is a great sounding and pretty high octane record that showcases some great riffing from Mr. Nugent. That doesn't mean that there aren't a few "CD filler" tracks on here, because there are. Fillers like "Heart & Soul", "Hot or Cold" and the title track "Spirit of the Wild" are more of a bit of a stab at some radio airplay than a good Nugent song, but that's what has always made Nugent, Nugent. Sometimes tongue & cheek, always Ted Nugent. You know the man stands by whatever he does and you just have to love that I about him.
Spirit of the Wild is a pretty solid re-release and to be honest I missed this CD the first time around. It's a nicely produced record and the musical performances here are strong. If you love The Nuge, this CD will be a nice addition to your collection.
Track Listing
1. Thighraceous
2. Wrong Side Of Town
3. I Shoot Back
4. Tooth, Fang & Claw
5. Lovejacker
6. Fred Bear
7. Primitive Man
8. Hot or Cold
9. Kiss My Ass
10. Heart & Soul
11. Spirit Of The Wild
12. Just Do It Like This