Jewel Releases 1999 Live Version Of Hit Single ‘Down So Long’
The 25th Anniversary Edition of ‘Spirit’ will arrive on November 17.
Jewel has released “Down So Long (Live At Colegio Oficial de Medicos de Madrid, Spain – February 11th 1999)” from the highly anticipated 25th Anniversary Edition of her multi-platinum, sophomore album Spirit, out November 17 via Craft Recordings.
The deluxe album, which will arrive on two-CD and digital platforms, also features the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter’s Top 10 US hit “Hands,” and fan favorite “Jupiter (Swallow the Moon),” plus 23 bonus tracks, including eight previously unreleased demos and outtakes, rare live performances from the era, alternate takes, remixes, and much more.
Additionally, the original 13-track album will be reissued as a two-LP set, marking Spirit’s first availability on vinyl since 1998. In addition to the black pressing, the two-LP set will also be available on blue swirl vinyl exclusively via Jewel’s store.
In the mid-late 90s, singer-songwriter Jewel captured the hearts and souls of a generation with her engaging vocals, folk-pop melodies, and introspective lyrics. Raised in Homer, AK, the mononymous artist (born Jewel Kilcher) moved to San Diego to pursue her musical dreams.
Living out of her van as she struggled to make ends meet, Jewel built a loyal following in local coffee shops and clubs and soon attracted the attention of industry tastemakers, including legendary songsmiths like Bob Dylan (who brought the young artist on tour as a supporting act) and Neil Young, as well as execs at Atlantic Records, who released her debut, Pieces of You, in 1995.
Over the next two years, the album—which featured such era-defining hits as “Who Will Save Your Soul,” “Foolish Games,” and “You Were Meant For Me”—gained momentum, eventually selling over 12 million copies and becoming one of the highest-selling debuts of all time.
Jewel began recording her eagerly anticipated follow-up in 1998 (a year which found the artist performing the National Anthem at Super Bowl XXXII and publishing a New York Times bestselling book of poetry, among other accomplishments).
Expectations were high as the artist entered the studio with producer Patrick Leonard (known best for his extensive credits with Madonna, as well as projects with Carly Simon, Pink Floyd and Bryan Ferry, among many others). Jewel certainly did not disappoint, as she served up an inviting collection of reflective, vivid songs that were far beyond her 24 years. That album would turn into the celebrated Spirit.
