Spiritualized: Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space
If ever there was a limited edition packaging that was never meant to be heard it’s this one. Spiritualized’s “Ladies and Gentlemen We are Floating in Space” came presented in a prescription medicine box with 12 mini CD’s in blister packs. The problem would be actually listing to the album. Changing the CD 12 times (back before MP3’s become the norm) would have been a pain in the ass.
As a collectors item though it’s brilliant. You can’t listen to the CD’s without ruining the packaging. So you’d have to buy two copies.
The pack has been created to resemble drug packaging in every way. This kind of special pack would send a shiver down the spine of a cost conscious label manager today. But I guess so would commissioning one of the UK’s top design houses Farrow. If buying in bulk, to the level of drug companies, it might be cost efficient but with a limited run of around 5,000 you’re looking at a steep cost. But aside from the blister packs every other park of the pack is cheap to produce.
Here’s another show with it all spread out.
What I love about this pack is every facet has been though of. Dosage instructions replaces the album notes which are presented below. Just scroll the frame to read it all.
A 2xLP was released with shiny silver slip cases.
There was also a limited edition CD version which came in a blister pack.
Here’s a promo photo showing them packing the boxes for shipping. It again enforces the concept of the album.
The analogy that music is like a drug and makes you float in space is an obvious one.The band themselves were probably high while making the record too.
Even though this album is now 10 years old the official Spiritualized website still carries the medical theme as does a lot of their merchandise.
Don Clark:
So great. I was aware of the standard CD packaging (and I thought that was great). This is amazing. Thanks for posting Ash.
# 10 Jan 08 at 1:03 am
ryan stinson:
everytime i think of amazing cd packaging, this is the first album that pops into my head.
# 10 Jan 08 at 8:15 am
RealLifePixel.com:
“Music is a drug. Listen responsibly.” - Steve Machine
“Ladies & Gentlemen…” is my fav Spiritualized song.
“All I want in life is a little bit of love to take the pain away…”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1ohmSeQELw
# 10 Jan 08 at 10:57 am
new age music:
interesting concept
# 10 Jan 08 at 12:57 pm
The Honest Ape:
Awesome concept, great execution. I had heard the album, but was not aware of the packaging, really outstanding.
Abe
www.bigbadmedium.com
# 09 Feb 08 at 5:58 am
Ms Bickers:
Do you know what the limited edition 12 mini CD blister pack is currently valued at? I was given one 10+ years ago by BMG…I would be interested to know??
# 29 Feb 08 at 2:29 am
Ngeun:
Excellent idea! I love how artists and designers can think outside of the square and come up with something new.
# 05 Apr 08 at 11:10 pm