SUN RA - The Definitive Singles Volume 2: The Definitive 45s Collection 1962-1991 (Repress) - 3LP - Gatefold Vinyl

3LP - Black Vinyl Repress.

Following 2016’s definitive collection of singles released by Sun Ra from across his illustrious career, Strut present the second volume of the vinyl edition on 3LP format which focus on Ra’s later 1962-1991 period. Released sporadically during the three decades and primarily on the Saturn label, the 45s offer one-off missives from Ra’s prolific cosmic journey, tracing the development of his forward-thinking “Space-Bop” and his unique take on jazz and blues traditions which remains unlike anything else from the period.

As with the first volume vinyl editions, the collection is hugely varied, ranging from Ra’s spoken word recitations and some of his R&B recordings to alternative versions of Arkestra staples like Love In Outer Space, Enlightenment and Rocket No. 9. The singles are also unpredictable vehicles for Ra’s music, combining different tracks from different sessions and occasionally making available music which was recorded many years beforehand. As Francis Gooding describes them, “they are answers to questions that albums won’t answer, and questions that can’t be asked or answered elsewhere.” As with Ra’s LPs, most 45s were only pressed in small runs and have since become extremely rare and sought after. On the volume 2 vinyl editions, it features tracks that have only ever been seen via a small handful of copies including Love In Outer Space b/w Mayan Temple and The Blue One b/w Orbitration In Blue; some were planned and pencilled but allegedly never made it to vinyl and some appeared as limited one-off magazine singles including Ra’s very last single release, the reflective I Am The Instrument.

Sleeve note writers Chris Trent and Paul Griffiths brilliantly illustrate the role of the single within Ra’s career and break down each release with detailed track by track notes. Working with Sun Ra LLC and Sun Ra archivist Michael D. Anderson, Strut has also assembled the best possible master sources for each track. Singles Vol. 2 features fully remastered tracks, rare photos, original 45 artwork, Chris Trent sleeve notes and detailed track by track and session notes by Paul Griffiths.

Tracklist:

A1. Sun Ra & His Arkestra – Space Loneliness  
A2. Sun Ra & His Arkestra – State Street  
A3. Sun Ra & His Arkestra – The Blue Set  
A4. Sun Ra & His Arkestra – Big City Blues 

B1. Sun Ra & His Arkestra Featuring Pat Patrick – A Blue One  
B2. Sun Ra & His Arkestra Featuring Pat Patrick – Orbitration In Blue  
B3. Sun Ra & His Arkestra – Out There A Minute  
B4. Little Mack With Sun Ra & His Arkestra – Tell Her To Come On Home  
B5. Little Mack With Sun Ra & His Arkestra – I’m Making Believe 

C1. Sun Ra & His Outer Space Arkestra – The Bridge  
C2. Sun Ra & His Outer Space Arkestra – Rocket # 9  
C3. Sun Ra & His Astro-Solar-Infinity Arkestra – Blues On Planet Mars  
C4. Sun Ra & His Astro-Solar-Infinity Arkestra – Saturn Moon  
C5. Sun Ra & His Astro-Intergalactic Infinity Arkestra – Journey To Saturn  
C6. Sun Ra & His Astro-Intergalactic Infinity Arkestra – Enlightenment 

D1. Sun Ra & His Astro-Intergalactic Infinity Arkestra – I’m Gonna Unmask The Batman   
D2. Sun Ra & His Astro-Intergalactic Infinity Arkestra – The Perfect Man  
D3. Sun Ra & His Arkestra – Love In Outer Space  
D4. Sun Ra & His Arkestra – Mayan Temple  
D5. Sun Ra Quartet – Sky Blues 

E1. Sun Ra Quartet– Disco 3000  
E2. Sun Ra – Rough House Blues  
E3. Sun Ra – Cosmo-Extensions  
E4. Sun Ra & His Outer Space Arkestra – Quest  
E5. Sun Ra & His Outer Space Arkestra – Outer Space Plateau  
E6. Sun Ra Arkestra – Sometimes I’m Happy 

F1. Sun Ra Arkestra – Nuclear War  
F2. Sun Ra Arkestra – On Jupiter / Cosmo Drama  
F3. Sun Ra Arkestra – Cosmo Drama  
F4. Sun Ra – I Am The Instrument