And Nothing Hurt

The song writing and composition are spot on, but I couldn't help but feel that Jason Pierce was lyrically just going through the usual motions of love, drugs, hope and despair. It certainly sounds like an epic undertaking, but it just doesn't feel like one. I'm by no means an original fan ( I got into Spiritualized in 1998) but I've been listening to them long enough and own every album.I agree with one reviewer comparing the sound of this album to Ladies and Gentlemen, but only from a composition standpoint, because it lacks the immediacy and raw emotion (not to mention production value) of that masterpiece, but I get it - it's a couple decades later and we all get older and duller etc.Speaking of production value I was disappointed in the sound quality of this album. While the multiple instrument and vocal track levels are all balanced very well against each other (nothing is too far forward or back in the mix) the entire recording itself lacks vibrancy and dynamism. It's kind of dull and flat from a reproduction standpoint, as if despite all the instruments and multi-tracking they just recorded everything with cheap gear. I don't like that and the star I took off is mostly for that.Also, some people mistakenly think he did the entire album in his bedroom on his laptop. This is false. Just read the production notes - there are no less than TWENTY musicians playing on this album and NINETEEN people doing recording, mixing, production, mastering and various engineering etc so don't try and tell me that they were all in his bedroom - that's some bedroom! I am at a loss to explain the lackluster EQ.We are told that this may or may not be his last album, but I hope that he records just one more before he turns 60, and that he pull out all the stops on all the things that has made him great over the decades, and that the production kicks butt. A total magnum opus (or opioid) to rule all the others before it.

Either way, “And Nothing Hurt” is absolutely superb!To answer the question posed in the title; some drums, horns, and choral work aside, Spiritualized’s eighth proper album is essentially the result of Jason Pierce’s obsessive solo craftsmanship and endurance on a laptop in his London flat for some six years. Almost 30 years into the Spiritualized moniker, he has released a golden nugget here that just about matches his 1997 masterpiece “Ladies and Gentlemen … We Are Floating in Space.”As he’s done before, Pierce adeptly incorporates elements of blues, gospel, jazz, classical, electronic, and garage rock into his music, but the prevailing tone remains the blissed-out cinematic space rock he is best known for. Even though produced on a laptop, you’ll hear an array of horns, strings, synthesizers, guitars, drums, effects, and choral vocals that all sound equally rich and alive. With the exception of two raucous freak-out numbers, the overall sound is lush and delicate without ever becoming mere sonic wallpaper. Pierce’s lyrics are contemplative yet mostly hopeful, and his gravelly voice shines through more prominently than ever before. He may have toiled on this one for six years, but was it ever worth it!The album opens with a trio of gentle wistful songs meant to be the featured singles from the album. The folksy “Here it Comes (The Road) Let’s Go” positively shines with its joyous choral arrangements. Midway through the album, “On the Sunshine” wraps you up in its gritty swirling haze and wigs out with some stunning saxophone wails in its second half. “The Morning After” (the record’s other rocker), with its ever-surging cacophony of sounds and effects, is so well-arranged that its nearly eight minutes fly by in a flash. The majestic yet fragile “Damaged” features some unexpected yet beautiful slide guitar wizardry. The album closes with a worthy pair of dreamy concoctions. The gospel choir on “Sail on Through” is particularly enchanting.Jason Pierce himself has described “And Nothing Hurt” as a “quietly optimistic” record. That’s true, but this is so much more than that; it easily merits 4.5 stars and is one of the best albums of 2018!Update (almost a year later): Indeed the best rock album of 2018! And what an incredible live show too!

This album has launched spiritualized into a much bigger light of stardom I have in the past 15 years tried to force my friends into giving spiritual eyes to real listen and now every single one of them have finally had had the religious experience I nearly all my friends I bought this album. So that tells me this album is the most diverse verse in the sense that almost every different Taste of listeners enjoy this so definitely a good launch an album for new spiritualize listeners and then recede back into the past

I expected something original and more engaging than what is simply a typical example of each generation thinking they have something new to say when they usually don't

Every song is a good one. I am a new fan.

I purchased this copy to keep sealed.

Epic.

In my top three Spiritualized albums, it's as good as a chemotherapy comedown.

I'm 45 and its rare that I get really excited about an album release these days but that doesn't count when it comes to Spiritualized.... first listen is like putting on your most comfortable clothing, second listen is like having a drink after a long hard day... it's easy to slip into this album and just relax and lose yourself... it builds in energy like the earlier work but has a fresh edge so its not just a lazy repeat of a favourite recipe... and the best thing is that I know that this is a gift that will continue to give for a very long time... maybe I'm lucky and the timing on the record has just fallen into a comfortable pace with my heartbeat , either way I'm grateful that Jason is still making music that touches the soul

I've been a fan of spiritualized for about twenty years now. I love the new album it's great to have new music from Jason after such a long time. My only regret is I can't play it loud enough to keep me satisfied.

I totally concur with the review by Mr DJ Marsh. This is beautiful and atmospheric stuff and for me one of the best albums released in 2018. It is ‘big’ music with walls of sound from guitars, choirs & brass, but it never loses its ability to be both uplifting and relaxing in equal measures. Jason’s voice sounds world weary but reassuring. Easily as good as anything Spiritualized has released before.Powerful and enveloping stuff to chill out to.

I loved the Spacemen's music, and the first few of Jason's. However, I haven't bought a Spiritualized album since 1997's Ladies and Gentlemen, because having listened to the albums following that, I didn't feel like I would ever feel strongly enough about them want to pick one of them out and listen to it. But finally, 21 years later, with this album Jason brings back what I loved about his earlier work. It's not innovative, in fact I'd say it was retro - in that it's bringing back what I liked about his earlier music. And that's why I love it.

After the curates eggs of the last couple of albums it's wonderful to hear Jason really fulfilling the potential of what Spiritualized can be. It's taken me some time to accept there is never going to be another Pure Phase and it's probably best for JP's health that there isn't. This album is almost the mirror of Pure Phase, it's light and airy, realistic and hopeful but with equally great tunes. I want Lets Dance to go on for ever.