Song of the Day: Spiritualized - Soul On Fire

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s featured selection, chosen by Midday Show host Cheryl Waters, is Soul On Fire by Spiritualized from the forthcoming album Songs In A&E on Fontana International/Spaceman Records.

Songs in A&E marks the sixth studio record for Spiritualized and finds Jason Pierce, the band’s only original member, still holding onto the minimalist aesthetic he established with Spaceman 3 over 30 years ago. Pierce decided to leave much of his famed studio tinkering on the sidelines this time around, forcing the songwriting to do all the talking. Through all 18 tracks, including 6 half-minute gospel harmonies, it’s clear that there is nothing to hide. At times troubling and tremulous but always piquant and spellbinding, you’ll find that 18 tracks isn’t enough.

Songs in A&E takes its title from Pierce’s lengthy stay in the Accident and Emergency ward while battling a near-fatal bout of pneumonia. It’s easy to listen to the album’s themes and connect the two, but much of the recording was finished when the illness occurred. Regardless, the man is back to business, not only releasing the first Spiritualized record in 5 years but also contributing to the soundtrack of Harmony Korine’s (Kids, Gummo) movie Mister Lonely, the story of a Michael Jackson look-alike lost in Paris. Songs in A&E will be released May 27 in the US, although you can buy a live session from iTunes now! A deluxe edition of the album on vinyl arrives June 17. While you wait, enjoy this performance of Soul On Fire from last weekend’s Coachella festivities: