Search - Sun Arkestra Ra :: Nuclear War (1982)

An album that should be in everyone's collection....

Michael Stack | North Chelmsford, MA USA | 07/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"... I suspect it would open some ears!



In 1982, Sun Ra thought he had a hit on his hands. He went to Columbia Records with a bizarre nearly eight minute recording called "Nuclear War", featuring a piano trio over playing some lilting jazz over which SUn Ra intoned lyrics rife with vulgarity ("nuclear war / it's a motherf***** / don't you know / if they push that button / your a** got to go") in a time, pointed out in the liner notes, before gangsta rap made it commercially acceptable to do so. Of course, Columbia rejected it and Ra went with an indie British label. That recording, alng with its b-side (the lovely "Sometimes I'm Happy") and several other recordings, make up this release.



What's probably most amazing is how commercially viable this is, seeped largely in swing tradition. Even "Nuclear War", vulgarity aside, is really a commercial sound. The other real standout on this collection is the Ellington cover "Drop Me Off in Harlem", featuring fantastic organ playing from Sun Ra and some great collective work from the orchestra.



All in all, one of the best of the Sun Ra releases I own (about two dozen) and well worth the investment. Highly recommended."

Nuclear War...it's a mother f.....

Joseph P. Ulibas | Sacramento, CA, USA | 06/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nuclear War was originally a 12-inch single that Sun Ra thought was going to be a hit. But a track filled with foul language wasn't going to fly with mainstream America during the early 80's. Eventually the disc was pressed but only a few copies hit the streets. Years later, this single (along with a lot of rare Sun Ra music) was finally released with several other original tracks and a handful of covers.



The title track (Nuclear War) has to be the best song ever recorded about the subject matter. It's straight and to the point about the severity of a thermonuclear conflict. Duke Ellington's "Drop Me off in Harlem" and Charles Chaplin "Smile" are some of the other high lights from this disc. You'll be singing Nuclear War in no time. Just remember, whatcha gonna do without yo' a$$? Nuclear War's a mother

f.....! Don't you know?



Highly recommended, Sun Ra's the man!"