Music : Complete Works Vol.2

Rating: - the same songs
i got into spiritualized at the ladies and gentlemen era. buying the complete works vol. 1 was def worth it as i didnt own most of the songs, and it was great. when i saw this one come out, i didnt get it, althouhg i wanted it, but i did wonder if the songs on it that said 'stop your crying' was just the same version as the others, cos the vol 1. has like 'glideas and chimes version' and '7" version' after the titles, whereas this didnt. now i own it, i can tell you that the songs are just the same songs, its like a best of the two album ladies and gentlemen and let it come downm spread over 2 discs (?...). anyway its worth it if its a fiver cos its got a bit of stuff thats not on albums, but whereas the last one (Vol 1.) had proper different versions and other interesting tracks, this has instrumentals, which are a bit of a cop out.

good for beginners, but if you have LICD and LAGWAFIS, then dont pay more than a fiver cos ull be gutted at paying for the same music twice

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Rating: - A Wall Of Amazing Sound!
If you need an album as an introduction to the magnificent Spiritualized, you can do no better than this and it's sister Volume 1. This volume charts the course of the band from the 'Pure Phase' album up to the present day, and is filled with some absolute gems from various singles B sides and Instrumentals/Live stuff as well. If you're a Spiritualized fan and have missed out on some of the awesome singles the band have released over the years then this is a great way to catch up.
All in all, along with the earlier works in Volume 1, this is a fantastic compilation of some of the most incredibly crafted music of the last 20 years! Go and Buy now!

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Rating: - A Reminder of Brilliance
Whilst the previous Complete Works (Vol.1) Disc chronicled this seminal band on the way up, the new collection highlights a fantastic composer at the peak of his powers.

Disc 1 opens with a trio of tracks from the Let it Flow single. When released in 1995 there was nothing in music that sounded so alien, fractured and beautiful and there still isn’t today. The lead off song and Don’t Go / Stay With Me form a beautiful couplet about love and loss, which then merge into the spectacular Sun-Ra fused free jazz of ‘The Individual’.

The majority of first CD contains rarities from the ‘Ladies & Gentlemen…’ period, perhaps the finest and certainly the most original and visionary album of the 1990’s. The lazy haze of ‘I Think I’m In Love’, the pure gospel beauty of ‘Cool Waves’ are particular highlights but ‘Broken Heart’ is the pinnacle of the collection. Contained here in three versions, instrumentally it is like the most melancholy moment of a Michael Nyman Soundtrack, whilst with lyrics it will send shivers down your spine.

Disc 2 concentrates on the ‘Let It Come Down’ period, perhaps Jason Pierce’s most ambitious project to date. Whilst the album was somewhat of an anti-climax the tracks here are still fine, particularly in their live forms. B-Sides from the time, ‘Rock & Roll’ and ‘Amazing Grace (Peace On Earth)’ showcase the more orchestral song-based direction that was taken.

This collection isn’t merely B-sides and outtakes for fans only. Along with Volume 1, it provides a perfect introduction to the band, and in particular to a man, who has been creating amazing music for nearly 20 years.