Ska Lagos Jew Sun Ra

If not particularly versed in Jazz, Lanquidity.
If particularly versed in Jazz, Jazz in Silhouette.

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Al Pacino = God

Ska Lagos Jew Sun Ra

The Heliocentric Worlds of Sun Ra, Volume Two
1966



Tracks

1. The Sun Myth
2. A House of Beauty
3. Cosmic Chaos

An astonishing album from start to beginning. Albeit, it lacks the sheer forceful genius of the first volume. the second Heliocentric worlds is not one to be missed. Especially, in terms of percussion experimentation. There's really scaresly any albums I've ever heard with the same multitude of layering in terms of percussive genius as this album. Even by Sun Ra standards, it's ambitious. This album is a monument to progressive improvisation. Obviously, at this point Sun Ra's been doing this for years, and has his. This is a monument to progression through jams, and truly a Sun Ra masterpiece.

9.5/10

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Al Pacino = God

Badlittlekitten

Just started digging into Sun Ra's intimidating discography. Of the three Lps I've got I'm really digging Futuristic Sounds Of and Cosmic Tones For Mental Therapy. Space Is The Place I'm liking a little less. I was wondering where to go next so I'm glad this thread turned up. Looks like i'll be getting The Heliocentric Worlds next.

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My Top 100 LPs
My Top 52 Indie Tracks Of The 21st Century (incomplete)

Ska Lagos Jew Sun Ra

Ones that got high scores:

Angels and Demons at Play
Interstellar Spaceways
Heliocentric vol 1. and 2
When Angels Speak of Love
Jazz in Silhouette

Those are a few that really stand out. At least, of what I've reviewed thusfar.

__________________
Al Pacino = God

Ska Lagos Jew Sun Ra

Strange Strings
1967



Tracks

1. Worlds Aproaching
2. Strange Strings
3. Strange Strings

The fourth in line of complete Ra masterpieces, and definitely not the last. Strange Strings is something of myth. Since, it's created from a band with no string players, entirely of string instruments. But through Sun Ra's discipline, and the technical genius of his Arkestra comes a complex, beautiful amazing arrangement. This album is truly a peak for Avant-Garde, and albeit lacks the sheer gorgeousness of the somewhat structurally similar 'Magic City' it's still an abstract work of genius. As expected, not quite as tight, but that's to it's advantage, as it gives a spacey disorienting feel. One of which makes 20 minute stretches seem like they're way too short. Hypnotic album, and a true work of art. Highly recommended.

10/10

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Al Pacino = God

Ska Lagos Jew Sun Ra

Monorails and Satellites
1968



Tracks

1. Space Towers
2. Cogination
3. Skylight
4. The Alter Destiny
5. Easy Street
6. Blue Differentials
7. Moonrails and Satellites
8. The Galaxy Sun

Alright, after what is possibly Sun Ra's 4 greatest albums we slow down a bit with 'Moonrails and Satellites' which isn't a bad album at all. In fact, it's a nice bit less overwhelming as the ones before it. The trade off? Less unique. This is straight piano Jazz ala Theolonius Monk. Is it bad? Naw, Sun Ra is a competent pianist. Yet, it doesn't pass to the realms of exceptional. Good for a listen if you like piano jazz.

7/10

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Al Pacino = God

Ska Lagos Jew Sun Ra

Continuation
1969



Tracks

1. Biosphere Blues
2. Earth Primitive Earth
3. Jupiter Festival
4. Intergalactic research
5. Life is Splendid(bonus)
6. Continuation to
7. New Planet
8. Pink Elephants on Parade


Utterly astounding album. This is serious another classic I've never had the chance to hear. Coming off what was a mildly good piano jazz album we dive head first back into the strange. Not that we don't get ingenious piano work. Somewhat Title track 'Continuation to' is a frantic attack of rapid chord strikes.

In fact, I don't know if this is a sampler, or not, but is quite possibly the perfect example of everything Ra. You have the experimental jazz opening track which will appeal more to the Jazz at heart. You have a track after that which epitomizes the avant-classical lineage. You have a little comedy(First Sun Ra Album which showcases his much overlooked sense of humor) 'Pink Elephants on Parade'. Some good old fashioned technicality 'Continuation to'. Even some humor 'Pink Elephants On Parade'.

Furthermore with the astounding bonus track 'Life is Splendid' which showcases the Arkestra live you have all of the above. A song that is moody, sarcastic, humorous, jazzy, creative, and brilliant. Even if it's a bonus track, by far the best track on the album.

10/10

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Al Pacino = God

Ska Lagos Jew Sun Ra

Atlantis
1969



Tracks

1. Mu
2. Lemuria
3. Yucatan
4. Bimini
5. Atlantis

Definitely one of the better, and well known Ra albums. Two distinct shifts.

A) The quality of the electronics is boosted. You can tell that he's using fresher more expensive, crisper studio technology.

B) This is a significant commercial release not a self release. The sound is clear, and generally well polished.

With that said, it's an overrated Ra album(Allmusic gave it 5 stars...), and albeit it's a good Ra album compositionally, it's quite held back. For that reason, I think it'd be worthwhile for an entry level experience. I mean, after all, Atlantis is a fantastic composition, and it's interesting to hear some radio turning experiments in Lemuria. Still, I'd put this firmly in the 'better than average' category for Ra albums, and very worthwhile to the Ra enthusiast.

8/10

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Al Pacino = God

Ska Lagos Jew Sun Ra

Out There A Minute
1970



Tracks

1. Love in Outer Space
2. Somewhere in Space
3. Dark Clouds With Silver
4. Jazz and Romantic Sound
5. When Angels Speak Of Love
6. Cosmo Enticements
7. Song Of The Tree and Elements
8. Other Worlds
9. Journey Outward
10. Lights Of A Satellite
11. Starships and Solar Boats
12. Out There A Minute
13. Next Stop Mars

Pretty much nothing more than a random sampler of NY era songs. The non-regular will be blown away. But for somebody acquainted with Ra, same old, same old. Good if you want a sample to introduce to somebody who is curious what Ra sounds like. (Plus this thing has a LOT of material on it. Long songs in abundance).

6.5/10(extra .5 for having 'Cosmo Enticement' which I haven't heard on a previous album.)

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Al Pacino = God

Ska Lagos Jew Sun Ra

The Invisible Shield
1974



Tracks

1. Island in the Sun
2. The Invisible Shield
3. Janus
4. Velvet
5. Joy

A return after a few days absence, and I start on a pretty damn good album. This album may not be for everyone. Even by Ra standards it's very cold and dissonant. In fact, the entire thing keeps a consistent tone(which is fairly rare for Ra), and it's very pleasing. It doesn't reach the virtuoso heights of 'The Magic City', nor does it have the extravagance of albums like 'Heliocentric Worlds', or the Elegance of 'When Angels Speak of Love'. Very much in vein of 'Angels and Demons at Play' which is another Ra classic.

However, regardless, I can't say anything this shockingly focused, trademarked, distinct, and brilliant isn't worth a high score. Especially for the title track, and Janus both of which are astounding, and showcase how truly multigenre complex avant-garde music ought to be played(Velvet and Joy are good but I think they're special edition tack-ons). A must for any Ra fan.

9/10

__________________
Al Pacino = God