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Songs in A&E is the sixth full length studio album from Spiritualized, coming five years after their last effort, 2003's Amazing Grace. The lengthy break (and the name of the album) was the result of front man Jason Pierce having a major health scare in 2005 – almost dying due to acute respiratory failure.
But in a classic “glass half full" turnaround, Pierce appears to have gained renewed creative vigour since being in A&E. And for the most part, the results are excellent.
This is a collection of songs that is far more focused than previous Spiritualized efforts, less likely to go off on indulgent tangents. Lead single ‘Soul on Fire’ is classic brit pop - resplendent with a soaring chorus, orchestral backing and wailing guitars. ‘I Gotta Fire’ is dirty blues rock of the highest order. While ‘Baby I’m Just A Fool’ is a slow burning 7-minute epic, that moves from a country music like ditty to a full on orchestral jam... nice.
There is only a slight nod to an indulgent past with the six 'Harmony' tracks, which are ethereal pieces dotted throughout the album – although even they work in a positive way, providing the glue that joins all the other tracks together.
One last word on this album, beware the slightly weird 'Death Take Your Fiddle’, the backing beat is a man breathing into a respirator... dark man, dark.
Essential Tracks
I Gotta Fire
Soul on Fire
Baby I’m Just a Fool
Full Track Listing
1. Harmony 1 (0:24)
2. Sweet Talk (4:05)
3. Death Take Your Fiddle (3:14)
4. I Gotta Fire (2:28)
5. Soul on Fire (4:08)
6. Harmony 2 (0:43)
7. Sitting on Fire (4:38)
8. Yeah Yeah (2:28)
9. You Lie You Cheat (3:04)
10. Harmony 3 (0:18)
11. Baby I'm Just a Fool (7:07)
12. Don't Hold Me Close (3:08)
13. Harmony 4 (1:33)
14. The Waves Crash In (4:08)
15. Harmony 5 (1:04)
16. Borrowed Your Gun (3:48)
17. Harmony 6 (0:51)
18. Goodnight Goodnight (4:38)
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