Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space (Deluxe Version)

Having first found underground success with Spacemen 3, Jason Pierce went on to form Spiritualized. With album number three, 1997’s Ladies and Gentlemen…, the band worked past basic sonic drones and expanded the attack to include New Orleans pianist Dr. John and the London Community Gospel Choir. Rarely has rock been as effectively orchestrated. “Come Together,” the R&B shades of “I Think I’m In Love,” the open-sky wonder of “Stay With Me” and the space-swamp-blues of the 17-minute “Cop Shoot Cop” create a wall of sound that’s ten times denser than Phil Spector, using all the advantages of the modern studio to achieve the overwhelming sound. Nowhere is that more evident than the 2009 expanded edition, which features 35 bonus tracks, including multiple approaches to the original album’s tracks, including demos, alternate mixes and isolated song parts. The bonus material allows the listener an inside glance at how the album was assembled and the trials and errors that led to the final creation. Only the Flaming Lips give your stereo equipment a tougher workout.