Let It Come Down (Spiritualized album) explained
Let It Come Down is the fourth studio album by the rock band Spiritualized, released in 2001. It was recorded and produced at Abbey Road and AIR Studios. It took Jason Pierce, Spiritualized's lead singer, guitarist and sole constant member, four years to write, perform, produce and release. The album utilises 115 session musicians, including orchestra and London Community Gospel Choir. The wall of sound technique (most notably used by 1960s record producer Phil Spector) is evident on this album, especially on such tracks as "Do It All Over Again", "Stop Your Crying", "The Straight and the Narrow" and "Out of Sight".
Music
The album's sound is described as art rock,[1] symphonic rock, space rock, and gospel.[2]
Album cover
The album was released in two different sleeves – one in a standard jewel case, the other in a much bulkier one-piece box, with the cover image (the wife of the artist) debossed in the case material.
Track listing
All songs written by J Spaceman.
Reception
Q listed Let It Come Down as one of the best 50 albums of 2001.[3] Paste ranked the album number 18 on its list of best albums of 2001.[4]
Commercial performance
Let It Come Down is the band's most successful album on the UK Albums Chart, where it peaked at number three. As of 2005 it has sold 55,000 copies in United States,[5] and as of 2003 it has shipped 250,000 units across Europe.[6]
Personnel
Spiritualized
- Spaceman – Fender Thinline, Fender Jaguar, Epiphone Olympic, Vox Starstreamer XII, Martin acoustic, banjo, Vox Continental, Farfisa Compact, piano, harmonica, vocals
- Thighpaulsandra – Hammond C3, Vox Continental, Farfisa Compact, VK7, Kurzweil K2000, Minimoog, Fender Rhodes, piano
- Doggen Foster – Gibson Les Paul Gold Top, Gibson Les Paul Custom, Fender Telecaster, Vox Bulldog, Martin acoustic, harmonica
- John Coxon – Fender Telecaster, Fender Jaguar, Gibson Firebird, Vox Continental, Farfisa Compact, piano, Juno 106, Martin acoustic
- Martin Schellard – Fender Jazz Bass, Fender Musicmaster, Fender Bass VI, Burns Bass, Fender Telecaster, banjo, piano
- Tom Edwards – vibraphone, marimba, timpani, tubular bells, percussion
- Kevin Bales – Gretsch drum kit
- Raymond Dickaty – soprano and baritone saxophone
Additional musicians
- Pete Whyman – saxophones, clarinet
- Mimi Parker – vocals
- Chris Clark – piano
- David O'Carroll – tuba
- Ben Edwards – trumpet
- Nick Smart – trumpet
- James Adams – trombone
- Tamar Osborn – saxophone, clarinet
- David Temple – saxophone, clarinet
- First Violins: Edmund Coxon (leader), Cathy Thompson, Jackie Shave, Everton Nelson, Patrick Kiernan, Steve Morris, Ian Humphries, Christina Emanuel, Laura Malhuish
- Second Violins: Jonathan Rees, Dai Emanuel, Sonia Slaney, Perry Montague-Mason, Miffy Hirsch, Jeremy Morris, Ann Morfee
- Viola: Roger Chase, Philip Dukes, Bruce White, Kate Musker
- Cello: David Daniels, Tony Pleeth, Cathy Giles, Jonathan Tunnell
- Double Bass: Mary Scully, Diane Clarke
- Cor Anglais: Jane Marshall
- Bassoon: Gavin McNaughton, Celia Birkenshaw
- French Horn: Hugh Seenan, Richard Bissel, Nigel Black, Paul Gardham, Dave Lee, Martin Owen, Richard Ashton, Michaela Betts
- Trumpet: Andy Crowley, Ian Balmain, Bob Farley, Paul Archibald, Paul Beniston
- Trombone: Graham Lee, Colin Sheen, Peter Davies, Mike Hext, Roger Brenner
- Bass Trombone: David Stewart, Roger Argente, Andy Waddicor
- Flute/Alto flute and Bass flute: Dave Health, Andy Findon
- Contra-bass flute: Andy Findon
- Oboe: Chris Cowie, Margaret Tindal
- Clarinet: Anthony Pike, Richard Addison
- Bass Clarinet: David Fuest
- Harp: Helen Tunstall
Additional vocals
- Nigel Short – counter tenor
- Emer McParland – alto
- Sarah Eyden – soprano
- Simon Grant – bass
- Andrew Busher – tenor
- Michael Dore – bass
- Heather Cairncross – alto
- Andrew Gray – tenor
- Jacqueline Barron – soprano
- Rachel Weston – alto
- Gerard O'Beirne – tenor
- London Community Gospel Choir: Wendi Rose, Wayne Hernandez, Jenny Graham, Donovan Keith Lawrence, Vernetta Meade, Jenny La Touche, Aaron Paul Sokell, Travis Jae Cole, Vimbai Shire, Samantha Smith, Irene Forrester, Carmen Smart, Michelle John-Douglas, Jasette Barratt
- Choir Director: Daniel Thomas
Notes and References
- Web site: Barker. Emily. 21 October 2013. The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time: 500-401. 8 September 2022. NME.
- Web site: 19 November 2001. Spiritualized: Let It Come Down. 7 June 2024. Pitchfork.
- News: The Best 50 Albums of 2001. Q. December 2001. 60–65.
- News: The Best Albums of 2001. Paste. 21 April 2021.
- Web site: Spiritualized Summons Up Rare Tracks. Billboard. 13 February 2003. 5 December 2018.
- Web site: U.K.'s Spiritualised Still Innovating. Billboard. Adam. Howorth. 13 September 2003. 5 December 2018.
