Sun Ra: Space Is The Place (Verve By Request Series 180g) Vinyl LP

Excellent introduction into the vast world of Sun Ra. Space Is The Place was originally recorded in 1972 and features a varied collection of songs, typical of most Sun Ra releases. There's the swinging "Images" and the Egyptian exotica of "Discipline," which are juxtaposed with the more space age cuts like "Sea of Sounds" and the playful "Rocket Number Nine." The expansive title track seems to encompass all of these styles with layers of harmonies, African percussion, manic synthesizer lines, and the madness of the entire ensemble jelling together. Five tracks in all. Deluxe transparent blue Jackpot Records pressing, housed in gatefold sleeve, recommended. 180g black vinyl pressing Verve By Request edition pressed at Third Man Pressing in Detroit housed in gatefold sleeve w/ liner notes original release year: 1973 music label: Blue Thumb Records 2023 reviewed by Cool Hand 11/2017