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

__________________
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

__________________
Al Pacino = God