Sun Ra - The Definite 45s Collection 1952-1991

  by Keith How

published: 25 / 2 / 2017

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Review

Strut presents the definitive collection of singles released by the legendary Sun Ra whose amazing career spanned from 1952-1991. This collection is of great historical value as many of the originals were short run releases and one off experiments. They are all gathered together in one place now for posterity. Somebody once said, “What a long strange trip it's been.” Listening to this three CD set is a trip of staggering proportions. As a listening experience it is equally mind blowing as it is intriguing. So how do you approach a 65 track collection of singles from a musician who wasn’t really a singles artist? The tracks are arranged chronologically and from the very first cut 'I Am An Instrument', a spoken word collage that appears experimental yet is somehow cleverly woven together, you have a glimpse of the unique and massive breadth of Sun Ra’s universe as he chants, “I choose love over hate.” The birth pangs of the Arkestra’s future cosmic groove already begin to emerge on disc one ('Daddy’s Gonna Tell You'). In complete contrast 'Happy New Year to You' is a conventional jazz cut that swings beautifully, demonstrating Ra’s qualities as a band leader and not just a ”space cowboy”. Disc two opens with a classic blues 'October', a melancholic, misty composition in a classical big band shuffle. The following nineteen tracks continue to reveal more of Sun Ra’s abilities to mix his message to mankind with his musical genius. 'Song to Earthman' is a sermon rapping, almost in despair, over the human condition. Another twenty-one tracks make up the final disc of the collection. 'The Bridge' leads off finding Ra at his most impenetrable but, followed by another reworking of 'Rocket No.9' then 'Blues on Planet Mars', enables the more avant garde opening track to slip into context. Just when you think you have his measure the next release is a straight jazz classic 'Sky Blue'. There really is nothing quite like Sun Ra. The jazzy blues style of 'Journey to Saturn' appears a shambolic affair and yet Ra is in complete control. Short and sharp for release as a single this works perfectly. 'Disco 3000' is a drone groove before “drone” became a genre. It is tempting to muse that a collection of “singles” and vignettes spread over this many tracks could be considered tedious and even pointless but 'Singles' is fascinating and intriguing. Yes, some compositions may appear discordant sometimes,tuneless even unlistenable to the unconverted but there is much to delight in. 'Nuclear War' is a sensational rolling blues chant that is simply timeless. A real highlight. How do you pin Sun Ra down? His history is for others to tell. Was Ra from another planet? Listening to this collection you might be tempted to believe he was. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to give this a listen. Before you do clear your mind of all expectations and be prepared for a trip to Saturn

Track Listing:-

1 I Am An Instrument
2 I Am Strange
3 Chicago USA
4 Spaceship Lullaby
5 Daddy’s Gonna Tell You No Lie
6 A Foggy Day
7 I’m Coming Home
8 Last Call For Love
9 Soft Talk
10 Super Blonde
11 Saturn
12 Call For All Demons
13 Demon’s Lullaby
14 Supersonic-Jazz
15 Medicine For A Nightmare
16 Urnack
17 It’s Christmas Time
18 Happy New Year To You!
19 M uck M uck (Matt Matt)
20 Hot Skillet Momma
21 Bye Bye
22 Somebody’s In Love
23 Hours After
24 Great Balls Of Fire
25 October
26 Adventure In Space
27 Dreaming
28 Daddy’s Gonna Tell You No Lie
29 Round Midnight
30 Back In Your Own Back Yard
31 Saturn
32 Velvet
33 The Sun One
34 Message To Earthman
35 The Sun Man Speaks
36 Space Loneliness
37 State Street
38 The Blue Set
39 Big City Blues
40 A Blue One
41 Orbitration In Blue
42 Hell #1 (A.k.a. Out There A Minute)
43 Tell Her To Come On Home
44 I’m Making Believe
45 The Bridge
46 Rocket # 9
47 Blues On Planet Mars
48 Saturn Moon
49 Journey To Saturn
50 Enlightenment

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