Jimmie Spheeris-Isle of View..a brilliant talent gone too soon, his music lives

JIMMIE SPHEERIS
The Isle Of View




listen and read on...


Jimmie was a unique and inspiring talent. One who
should have been as well known as any, deserving the praise and rewards of his craft.

Taken from family, friends and those of us who love his music--Jimmie was heading home late one night. He had just finished his latest (and hopefully) breakthrough album sessions. Motorcyling down the road (in what can only be assumed was a feeling of anticipation and joy after completing a very successful taping of his next long player)...a drunk driver crashed into him, and we sadly lost a great talent. -LK

So if you have never heard Jimmie fine and inspiring music, listen and share your thoughts..or if you you already know Jimmie and wish to add some words of your love for Jimmie's music..share on...

I AM THE MERCURY BY JIMMIE SPHEERIS »

Jimmie Spheeris - Long Way Down »

Jimmie Spheeris - Come Back »



Listening to Jimmie Spheeris...
Listening to Jimmie Spheeris »

 

Jimmie Spheeris Tribute Pt.3 - YouTube

 

Some rare live Jimmie Spheeris..sounds very nice.

 

I had never heard of Jimmie Spheeris, but I took a chance on 'Isle of View' quite simply because I thought the album cover looked fantastic. I was overjoyed when the music on the album was equally fantastic! One of my all-time favourite LPs.

 

Mentioned in indie rock circles when the band Midlake cited his as an influence. I only have heard Isle of View, but it's a very nice record. Sort of a less commercial variant on Cat Stevens.

 

I've loved Isle Of View since it's release. One of those strange situations were I loved something by an artist but never delved further into their work. It was only in recent years that I picked up The Original Tap Dancing Kid.

 

I only know him through the song of his The Association do on Stop Your Motor. Will check this out!

 

It probably stands side by side for me with Eric Andersen's Blue River not for sound but feel.

 

Good comparison Often cited as such due to the era as singer/songwriters. Eric and Jimmie are two of my faves and Isle of View stands beside Blue River quite nicely! There is a similar sonic and "feel" they both have

 

Many years back, someone on this forum recommended this album to me, which I bought on CD, after I mentioned how much I always enjoyed an equally unknown singer/songwriter Stu Nunnery. Jimmie was a nice find that I clearly would have never have heard of, if not for the recommendation!

 

Thanks. Don't know Stu. but will soon! One for you (if you don't know)...

 

I had a beat up copy of Isle Of View that I really liked the music. Last fall I found a mint original release for $1 and really heard how great the LP is for the first time

 

Thanks for the recommendation, of which I have never heard before. Pretty catchy, reminds me of somebody else, but I can't put a finger on it yet?

 

Brother of Director Penelope Spheeris

 

I discovered Jimmie back in the 70s with "Ports of the Heart." It has consistently been one of my favorite albums. Finally found reasonably nice copies of his first three albums recently. Found "Isle of View" for $1.45. Took three cleanings, but it sounds great now.

 

If you like him watch the markdowns. I found Isle of View in EX condition a couple weeks ago for $2.99

 

I took a chance on it too. Isle of View is a wonderful album. It was suggested by my local record shop manager. Dang!!! What a surprise of complete awesomeness. Such a great album and now I am on a search for a NM copy.

 

Pretty much wore out the grooves on my copy of Isle of View. A fantastic LP to have in the background while making love! Have his next two LPs as well, and some later CDs.

 

I had a roommate who was a big Jimmie Spheeris fan. After hearing his albums in steady rotation I became a fan too. He deserves more recognition. It's a shame he died so young.

 

I've bought a couple of dollar bin copies of his albums to give to neighbors just getting into records. Trying to introduce him to a new generation.

 

I have found very good condition records of his first two albums and must say I really enjoy his music. Now I will buy all of his albums. I am hooked and will be letting others know about this great lost artist.

 

Seems like it's been hard to get Spheeris' music in the CD era. The first album on CD now goes for about $40 on Amazon. I found a decent vinyl copy at a record convention for $2 last month, though. Guess that's not unusual.

Does anyone know what's what with rights to his music? Is it just because he's relatively obscure? I'd read somewhere that his sister/family were an obstacle to the usual catalog output but don't know if that's true. Some of the "Dragon Is Dancing" tracks I bought from iTunes seemed to disappear from my computer all on their own?!?

Saw him several times; great showman with a crack band. Albums were quite good, but the later ones suffer a bit from outdated production ... and the MP3s I bought sounded kinda meh.

Would make a great box set, just enough recorded for that. Some of this stuff is timeless and he deserved better.