Perhaps the most emotional record in Spiritualized's career. After 2003's Amazing Grace Jason Pierce nearly died from double pneumonia. It seems that the near death experience gave him new perspective on his music. The songs that make up Songs In A&E are more sparse in their arrangements than the blown out gospel choruses of Amazing Grace and Let It Come Down. Though he still plays with that element, his gravely voice leads the proceedings with ease. The arrangements are sparse, mainly acoustic guitar, some drums, perhaps a few horns and electric bass. His lyrics ruminate on life and death, love and loss. There are a few outright rocking moments on the record and they seem to make sense when they come. Some may even say this is Spiritualized's finest outing yet.

• white vinyl pressing
• music label: Sanctuary Records 2008 / BMG 2014

reviewed by Jet Jaguar 05/2015