Radio Spiritualized
Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2022 5:54 pm
For this most recent 2022 tour, there was a song that was played over the PA early on around the time doors opened, that I'm desperately seeking. I tried to Shazam it in time, but missed it by a few seconds, and it's driving me crazy. If anyone going to the next round of UK tour dates can Shazam these songs and post them here, I would be eternally grateful!
In that spirit, I wanted to share this playlist that I've had for a few years (I tweak it every now and then), for any lurkers that might be new to the band, or for any die hards that have an interest and can suggest some recommendations. After reading many interviews, tagging songs played over PAs during tours, reading through this forum, and looking through archives, old tour footage, and bootlegs/set lists I've assembled this playlist that I think very accurately represents the music that influenced Jason, and a few artists that he has influenced as well. Let's talk Spiritualized influences, please recommend any other artists I can look into.
Radio Spiritualized https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7Mip3 ... 8cb6294b7f
::Edit:: My other playlist, Radio Spaceman, has been updated to a massive 120 songs and 9 hour runtime, with about 3 more hours more waiting to be added (trying to figure out the best placement). The first few dozen tracks are songs that I've seen Jason reference in his own songs, mentioned in interviews, covered, and a few from the Jason Spacemen 90 fan made comp. It then follows with tracks from DJ sets and radio sessions from Breezeblocks, XFM, and ATP. The last 40 tracks are songs he has curated on tours (songs that were played during stage set up). Playlist can be found here https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6dfnO ... c8c3904bf3 ::End::
The Students – I’m So Young
I kick this playlist off with a suite of doo-wop songs. This song has been covered many times, I think the Ronettes version is probably my favorite, but I left their contribution later in the playlist. This might be the second oldest song on the playlist so it felt fitting to start at the roots.
The Chantels – Maybe
This song has a feeling of longing and desperation that is so prevalent in Spiritualized songs.
Sam Cooke – Bring it On Home to Me
I chose this song because it’s a great bridge between the prior song and the following.
The Ronettes – When I Saw You
The first Phil Spector produced song in this playlist. Phil Spector is probably my favorite producer of all time, and his influence is heavily represented throughout Spiritualized’s catalog, especially on their album “Let it Come Down”.
The Crystals – Then He Kissed Me
Possibly my favorite Phil Spector produced song. There seems to be nods to this song on Spiritualized’s most recent single “The Mainline Song”. The Spiritualized song “Then She Kissed Me and It Felt Like a Kiss” is also a direct reference to them.
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas – Come and Get These Memories
I just really like this one.
The Harvey Averne Dozen – You’re No Good
I believe I first heard this song remixed by Terry Riley (remix closes the playlist) waiting for Spiritualized to come on stage on Valentine’s Day when they played LAGWFIS with a full orchestra and choir. This track blew my mind. So many elements in here that I can hear in Jason’s music.
The Apollas – Who Would Want Me Now?
I think this is where the playlist really starts to kick off with huge productions and over top emotional performances. Just an absolute flawless vocal performance, and somber but uplifting horns and strings to guide the track.
Dion – In Out of the Shadows
I discovered this album from a joint interview with Jason Pierce and Bobby G (from Primal Scream), where during the interview one of them gets distracted by a song off this album being played in the background. I’m really glad I looked into this record, the whole album is a beautiful Spector produced masterpiece.
Cher – Baby I Love You
This song is not on Spotify because it’s never been released digitally. I actually ended up buying the 45 off of Discogs and made my own rip to include on this playlist. It was produced by Phil Spector, and I believe it played a significant role in how Spiritualized’s “Stop Your Crying” was created. This might be my favorite song off this playlist and really ties everything together, I wish more people knew of it. You can listen to it here.
The Beach Boys – I Can Hear Music
Probably the most Phil Spector-esque Beach Boys song I can think of. I am a massive Beach Boys fan now, and I owe that to Jason because I took an interest in them after I found out about his love for the SMiLE project. This is probably my favorite vocal performance from Carl Wilson (and there are many to choose from). Some songs leave you thankful to exist, this one does it for me.
Spiritualized – You Know It’s True
I originally wasn’t going to have any Spiritualized in this playlist, but I placed it in recently because it works well with some of the songs that follow it. A doo-wop song for heroin?
The Velvet Underground – Jesus
Spiritualized’s “If I Were With Her Now” kind of reminds me of this. And we all need a little more "Jesus" in our lives, haha!
Spacemen 3 – Lord Can You Hear Me
Jason’s old band.
Mazzy Star – Blue Light
First contemporary artist in the playlist. The keys in this remind of Spiritualized’s “Shine a Light” and other tracks off of Lazer Guided Melodies.
Beach House – Many Nights
Recent album. When I first heard this song, I immediately thought of “Lazer Guided Melodies” with its caramel like guitars, and dreamy synths. Song makes you feel like you’re floating on a cloud.
Angel Olsen – All the Good Times
This song just came out, and immediately after listening to it I thought this was the most Spiritualized-like song she’s ever made. Jazzy drums, slide guitars, big band…it’s an instant classic and I really hope the rest of the album lives up to it. Absolutely heartbreaking and beautiful.
Lorraine Ellison – Stay With Me
Stay With Me ranks high up there for my favorite Spiritualized song. The arpeggios in both songs are kind of similar.
Merrilee Rush & The Turnabouts - Angel of the Morning
The next few songs were written by Chip Taylor, one of my favorite song writers ever. This is one of the best ever.
Liverpool Five – Any Way That You Want Me
Spiritualized covered this as their first single. Doesn’t matter who performs his songs, a Chip Taylor cover is always great.
The Troggs – I Want You
Spacemen 3 did a cover of this as well.
Tim Hardin – Don’t Make Promises
Sounds kind of similar to Spiritualized’s “Take Your Time”, doesn’t it?
Link Wray – Rumble
Tremolo songs up next.
The Staple Singers – This May Be the Last Time
Tremolo, and gospel. I really need to take a deeper dive into their music, love this track.
The Black Ryder – Santaria
Semi-recent band, they haven’t released much, but their album is great.
Waylon Jennings – Are You Sure Hank Done it This Way?
Sounds like “Medication”, doesn’t it?
Junior Kimbrough – I Gotta Try You Girl
Found out about Junior from a cover that Spiritualized did. This song has also been remixed by Daft Punk.
Fred Hughes – I Can’t Make It Without You
The chromatic scales on this are heavily reminiscent of Spiritualized’s “Come Together”.
Girls – Lauren Marie
I never liked the placement of this song anywhere on this playlist, but I feel the need to include a Girls song in here. His songs remind me a lot of Spiritualized.
Dennis Wilson – River Song
J Spacemen is often compared to Brian Wilson, but honestly this song seems like the foundation for Spiritualized. Ladies and Gentleman’s title track is basically a modern take on The Beach Boys’ “Forever” (also written by Dennis).
Funkadelic – Talk About Jesus
This song is not on Spotify (used to be), which is a shame. This kicks off the Jesus songs. It’s a really repetitive gospel track with cool tremolo guitar notes. Check it out if you like this playlist!
BRMC – Gospel Song
I’m not sure where I read it, but I think J Spacemen contributed some production role on this album. Song reminds me of Spacemen 3’s “Soul 1”.
Brian Jonestown Massacre – Jesus
If Jason Pierce is the angel on my shoulder, then Anton Newcombe is the devil on the other.
The Electric Prunes – Our Father, Our King
Did Spacemen 3’s “Walking with Jesus” take inspiration from this song?
I Break Horses – I Kill Your Love, Baby!
Found out about them when they opened for Nada Surf (I think) many years ago, and so glad I did. I can tell she’s a huge fan of the album Pure Phase (my favorite Spiritualized album), and they in fact made a beautifully serene cover of “All of My Tears”.
Evie Sands – I Can’t Let Go
Chip Taylor song, covered by the always great Evie Sands. Pete Kember (the other half of Spacemen 3) has covered this song.
13th Floor Elevators – Don’t Fall Down
Huge influence for Spacemen 3, they’ve covered them (including this song) a number of times. One of the great pioneers of psychedelic rock.
The Stooges – Shake Appeal
Can’t tell you how many times I’ve read that seeing this album cover was a life defining moment for Jason.
? & The Mysterians – 96 Tears
Song fucking rules. Jason incorporates the lyrics to this song on the extended live version of “All of My Thoughts”.
Mercury Rev – Holes
Not sure where to place this song honestly, but it would feel wrong not to include them as a contemporary artist.
Suicide – Dream Baby Dream
I recently saw a commercial for some fragrance or fashion line called “Daisy”. They had a Suicide song in there that sounded really cool. Spiritualized has used this song in their playlist during stage set up on their most 2022 recent tour.
The Everly Brothers – All I Have to Do is Dream
Ending the playlist on a dream.
Terry Riley - You’re Nogood
Or maybe a fever dream. This song is fucking nuts.
In that spirit, I wanted to share this playlist that I've had for a few years (I tweak it every now and then), for any lurkers that might be new to the band, or for any die hards that have an interest and can suggest some recommendations. After reading many interviews, tagging songs played over PAs during tours, reading through this forum, and looking through archives, old tour footage, and bootlegs/set lists I've assembled this playlist that I think very accurately represents the music that influenced Jason, and a few artists that he has influenced as well. Let's talk Spiritualized influences, please recommend any other artists I can look into.
Radio Spiritualized https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7Mip3 ... 8cb6294b7f
::Edit:: My other playlist, Radio Spaceman, has been updated to a massive 120 songs and 9 hour runtime, with about 3 more hours more waiting to be added (trying to figure out the best placement). The first few dozen tracks are songs that I've seen Jason reference in his own songs, mentioned in interviews, covered, and a few from the Jason Spacemen 90 fan made comp. It then follows with tracks from DJ sets and radio sessions from Breezeblocks, XFM, and ATP. The last 40 tracks are songs he has curated on tours (songs that were played during stage set up). Playlist can be found here https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6dfnO ... c8c3904bf3 ::End::
The Students – I’m So Young
I kick this playlist off with a suite of doo-wop songs. This song has been covered many times, I think the Ronettes version is probably my favorite, but I left their contribution later in the playlist. This might be the second oldest song on the playlist so it felt fitting to start at the roots.
The Chantels – Maybe
This song has a feeling of longing and desperation that is so prevalent in Spiritualized songs.
Sam Cooke – Bring it On Home to Me
I chose this song because it’s a great bridge between the prior song and the following.
The Ronettes – When I Saw You
The first Phil Spector produced song in this playlist. Phil Spector is probably my favorite producer of all time, and his influence is heavily represented throughout Spiritualized’s catalog, especially on their album “Let it Come Down”.
The Crystals – Then He Kissed Me
Possibly my favorite Phil Spector produced song. There seems to be nods to this song on Spiritualized’s most recent single “The Mainline Song”. The Spiritualized song “Then She Kissed Me and It Felt Like a Kiss” is also a direct reference to them.
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas – Come and Get These Memories
I just really like this one.
The Harvey Averne Dozen – You’re No Good
I believe I first heard this song remixed by Terry Riley (remix closes the playlist) waiting for Spiritualized to come on stage on Valentine’s Day when they played LAGWFIS with a full orchestra and choir. This track blew my mind. So many elements in here that I can hear in Jason’s music.
The Apollas – Who Would Want Me Now?
I think this is where the playlist really starts to kick off with huge productions and over top emotional performances. Just an absolute flawless vocal performance, and somber but uplifting horns and strings to guide the track.
Dion – In Out of the Shadows
I discovered this album from a joint interview with Jason Pierce and Bobby G (from Primal Scream), where during the interview one of them gets distracted by a song off this album being played in the background. I’m really glad I looked into this record, the whole album is a beautiful Spector produced masterpiece.
Cher – Baby I Love You
This song is not on Spotify because it’s never been released digitally. I actually ended up buying the 45 off of Discogs and made my own rip to include on this playlist. It was produced by Phil Spector, and I believe it played a significant role in how Spiritualized’s “Stop Your Crying” was created. This might be my favorite song off this playlist and really ties everything together, I wish more people knew of it. You can listen to it here.
The Beach Boys – I Can Hear Music
Probably the most Phil Spector-esque Beach Boys song I can think of. I am a massive Beach Boys fan now, and I owe that to Jason because I took an interest in them after I found out about his love for the SMiLE project. This is probably my favorite vocal performance from Carl Wilson (and there are many to choose from). Some songs leave you thankful to exist, this one does it for me.
Spiritualized – You Know It’s True
I originally wasn’t going to have any Spiritualized in this playlist, but I placed it in recently because it works well with some of the songs that follow it. A doo-wop song for heroin?
The Velvet Underground – Jesus
Spiritualized’s “If I Were With Her Now” kind of reminds me of this. And we all need a little more "Jesus" in our lives, haha!
Spacemen 3 – Lord Can You Hear Me
Jason’s old band.
Mazzy Star – Blue Light
First contemporary artist in the playlist. The keys in this remind of Spiritualized’s “Shine a Light” and other tracks off of Lazer Guided Melodies.
Beach House – Many Nights
Recent album. When I first heard this song, I immediately thought of “Lazer Guided Melodies” with its caramel like guitars, and dreamy synths. Song makes you feel like you’re floating on a cloud.
Angel Olsen – All the Good Times
This song just came out, and immediately after listening to it I thought this was the most Spiritualized-like song she’s ever made. Jazzy drums, slide guitars, big band…it’s an instant classic and I really hope the rest of the album lives up to it. Absolutely heartbreaking and beautiful.
Lorraine Ellison – Stay With Me
Stay With Me ranks high up there for my favorite Spiritualized song. The arpeggios in both songs are kind of similar.
Merrilee Rush & The Turnabouts - Angel of the Morning
The next few songs were written by Chip Taylor, one of my favorite song writers ever. This is one of the best ever.
Liverpool Five – Any Way That You Want Me
Spiritualized covered this as their first single. Doesn’t matter who performs his songs, a Chip Taylor cover is always great.
The Troggs – I Want You
Spacemen 3 did a cover of this as well.
Tim Hardin – Don’t Make Promises
Sounds kind of similar to Spiritualized’s “Take Your Time”, doesn’t it?
Link Wray – Rumble
Tremolo songs up next.
The Staple Singers – This May Be the Last Time
Tremolo, and gospel. I really need to take a deeper dive into their music, love this track.
The Black Ryder – Santaria
Semi-recent band, they haven’t released much, but their album is great.
Waylon Jennings – Are You Sure Hank Done it This Way?
Sounds like “Medication”, doesn’t it?
Junior Kimbrough – I Gotta Try You Girl
Found out about Junior from a cover that Spiritualized did. This song has also been remixed by Daft Punk.
Fred Hughes – I Can’t Make It Without You
The chromatic scales on this are heavily reminiscent of Spiritualized’s “Come Together”.
Girls – Lauren Marie
I never liked the placement of this song anywhere on this playlist, but I feel the need to include a Girls song in here. His songs remind me a lot of Spiritualized.
Dennis Wilson – River Song
J Spacemen is often compared to Brian Wilson, but honestly this song seems like the foundation for Spiritualized. Ladies and Gentleman’s title track is basically a modern take on The Beach Boys’ “Forever” (also written by Dennis).
Funkadelic – Talk About Jesus
This song is not on Spotify (used to be), which is a shame. This kicks off the Jesus songs. It’s a really repetitive gospel track with cool tremolo guitar notes. Check it out if you like this playlist!
BRMC – Gospel Song
I’m not sure where I read it, but I think J Spacemen contributed some production role on this album. Song reminds me of Spacemen 3’s “Soul 1”.
Brian Jonestown Massacre – Jesus
If Jason Pierce is the angel on my shoulder, then Anton Newcombe is the devil on the other.
The Electric Prunes – Our Father, Our King
Did Spacemen 3’s “Walking with Jesus” take inspiration from this song?
I Break Horses – I Kill Your Love, Baby!
Found out about them when they opened for Nada Surf (I think) many years ago, and so glad I did. I can tell she’s a huge fan of the album Pure Phase (my favorite Spiritualized album), and they in fact made a beautifully serene cover of “All of My Tears”.
Evie Sands – I Can’t Let Go
Chip Taylor song, covered by the always great Evie Sands. Pete Kember (the other half of Spacemen 3) has covered this song.
13th Floor Elevators – Don’t Fall Down
Huge influence for Spacemen 3, they’ve covered them (including this song) a number of times. One of the great pioneers of psychedelic rock.
The Stooges – Shake Appeal
Can’t tell you how many times I’ve read that seeing this album cover was a life defining moment for Jason.
? & The Mysterians – 96 Tears
Song fucking rules. Jason incorporates the lyrics to this song on the extended live version of “All of My Thoughts”.
Mercury Rev – Holes
Not sure where to place this song honestly, but it would feel wrong not to include them as a contemporary artist.
Suicide – Dream Baby Dream
I recently saw a commercial for some fragrance or fashion line called “Daisy”. They had a Suicide song in there that sounded really cool. Spiritualized has used this song in their playlist during stage set up on their most 2022 recent tour.
The Everly Brothers – All I Have to Do is Dream
Ending the playlist on a dream.
Terry Riley - You’re Nogood
Or maybe a fever dream. This song is fucking nuts.