What makes Tripping Up the Stairs by Spirit of the West notable?

This album marked a significant moment for Spirit of the West as it led to increased recognition in Canada, particularly through its single, 'And If Venice Is Sinking,' which became emblematic of the band's style. Their blend of folk influences with rock elements resonated well, contributing to the Canadian music landscape and influencing later folk rock artists. Tripping Up the Stairs is Spirit of the West's third album, released in 1986 during their rise in the Canadian folk rock scene. Following their critically acclaimed album, 'The Path,' this release solidified their reputation for blending traditional sounds with contemporary themes. The band's unique approach to songwriting helped them carve a niche within the genre, attracting a dedicated following.

How many songs are on Tripping Up the Stairs?

Tripping Up the Stairs has 10 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

Tripping Up the Stairs

Spirit of the West · 1986

39 min · 10 tracks · folk rock

Folk rock melodies intertwine with vibrant Canadian storytelling, creating an atmosphere both reflective and celebratory.

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Top tracks — play these first

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An Honest Gamble [Jig - Tripping Up the Stairs] — Opening with lively jigs, this track showcases the band's ability to combine traditional instrumentation with modern storytelling, setting the tone for the entire album.
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Peacetime — This song reflects on themes of peace and conflict, demonstrating the band's lyrical depth while maintaining an infectious melody that captures listener attention.
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'Til the Cows Come Home — With its catchy chorus and upbeat tempo, this track highlights Spirit of the West's knack for crafting sing-along moments that celebrate everyday life and community.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album blends folk elements with storytelling but lacks standout tracks that elevate it significantly.

What we noticed

Vocals are often layered, with harmonies creating a rich texture, particularly in tracks like 'Homelands' and 'When Rivers Rise'.
The running time is just over 40 minutes, allowing for a concise exploration of themes without overstaying its welcome.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

When Rivers Rise

The narrative shifts from personal reflection to a communal call for resilience against challenges faced by communities in times of hardship.

This transition emphasizes collective strength rather than individual struggle, illustrating a key thematic shift in the band's songwriting approach.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 An Honest Gamble [Jig - Tripping Up the Stairs] 4:35
2 Our Station 3:37
3 Peacetime 4:12
4 Room Without a View [Stella] 3:59
5 The Crawl 4:05
6 Homelands [Jigs - the Kesh, the Blackthorn Stick] 4:01
7 The Mists of Crofton 3:02
8 'Til the Cows Come Home 2:59
9 When Rivers Rise 3:38
10 Be Right [Reel - Pigeon on the Gate] 5:27

What to play next

Listen next

Labour Day

1988

Go back to

Spirit of the West

1984

Full Spirit of the West discography Artists like Spirit of the West

folk rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata